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 letter with their admission acceptance 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 by completing the Scholarship Reporting Form found on the Financial Aid "Forms" page. 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)

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: The FAFSA and CSS Profile must be submitted electronically by the deadline date. Consult the Financial Aid section for the exact deadlines.

Q: I don't have my 2008 W2 and my 2008 federal tax return has not been completed, how do I complete the required information?

A: Estimate. If nothing has changed from 2007, use your 2007 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: 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.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 13:00