How to apply for Financial Aid

If you have a child that will be entering college in the Fall of 2008 you should apply for financial aid as early as possible.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tax forms
• Online access or paper FAFSA

1. Get together all of your tax forms, W2's, social security numbers and all financial information.
2. Apply at www.fafsa.ed.gov for a free application. I recommend printing the worksheet from the website this makes it easier to plug in the numbers online. You an sign electronically your free FAFSA form by getting a pin online at www.pin.ed.gov.
3. Complete the online application using the online steps provided; apply early! The earlier the better! If your son or daughter has been accepted already into a school then check that schools financial aid website for scholarships, student loans and other financial information.

Tips & Warnings

• Applying for financial aid can be a time consuming task but taking 30 minutes to an hour may benefit your family in the long run.
• If your son or daughter is planning on taking out student loans check your schools financial aid website for preferred lenders.
• Check with the University Bursar office about payment deadlines even if your child is receiving financial aid some schools require 25% down prior to disbursement or classes will be automatically dropped.