Financial Aid

Q: Should I wait to find out if I am admitted before applying for financial aid?

A: Definitely not. Increasingly, families wait for the admission decision prior to applying for financial aid. Students who apply for financial aid after the deadline are placed on a financial aid wait list for scholarship assistance. It is very rare for students who are placed on the wait list to receive financial assistance from the College.

Q: When will I be notified about my financial aid package?

A: Providing all information requested has been received, an applicant should expect to receive a financial aid award with their admission's packet.

Q: If my student receives a scholarship, how will that affect the award?

A: Many students receive outside sources of funding to support their college expenses. It is important to notify Financial Aid Services if any funding of this type is received. Federal regulations require we take outside awards into consideration as a student's eligibility is determined. When a student receives an outside scholarship the award will change in this order:
1. Student's contribution from summer earnings will be reduced to the federal level
2. Loan levels will be eliminated or reduced
3. Student employment will be eliminated or reduced
4. Parent's contribution will be reduced to the federal level, if applicable
5. Very last to be reduced is/are the grant(s)
2005-2006 Private Scholarship Reporting Form

Q: February 1st is your deadline for applying for financial aid. Does that mean that the electronic file of FAFSA and Profile must be in your office by that date?

A: No. You must complete and submit the FAFSA and Profile by the deadline date.

Q: I don't have my 2005 W2 and my 2005 federal tax return has not been completed, how do I complete the required information?

A: Estimate. If nothing has changed from 2004, use your 2004 taxes to complete the forms. If you had a salary increase, give us the new figure.

Q: I will not be able to submit the required documents by the deadline. Will I still be eligible for financial aid?

A: Notify the office immediately of any extenuating circumstances that prevent you from meeting the deadline. You may be given an extension however, your request for an extension must be justified. Just getting back from vacation does not justify an extension. Extra time can be given for a medical emergency, a natural disaster, a death in the family, etc.
Remember - without an approved extension, you will incur a penalty for late submission.

Q: I am divorced and the non-custodial parent feels that he/she does not have to support the student after age 18.

A: In the case of a divorce or separation, our policy is that both parents, regardless of any special arrangements that are made, are responsible for funding the cost of education. The non-custodial parent is required to complete the Non-Custodial Parent Statement on the College Board web site.

Q: The non-custodial parent has not given us support (money or otherwise) since we were divorced ten years ago, we have had no contact with him/her nor do we know where he/she currently lives. What are my options since you require the Non-Custodial Parent St

A: We will need third party documentation. We need a letter from someone who has intimate knowledge of the family situation and someone who has known the family for many years - preferably since the divorce. It could be your divorce lawyer, a counselor, social worker, or a pastor. The person needs to be able to address the issue that the other parent has not been in the picture.
* A guidance counselor who only knows that the non-custodial parent has not attended any activities at school is not acceptable.

Q: When is my payment due?

A: The fall term payment of tuition, fees, room and board is due August 1 and the payment for the spring term is due December 1. Financial aid grants and loans are divided in half and applied to each bill to determine the balance due. Students use job earnings to cover personal expenses.

Q: What banks and lending institutions are available to the students?

A: As of July 1, 2006 the ATM machine will be the property of Citizen's Bank. Bank representatives will on campus during Freshmen Orientation.