In order to get your financial aid award package all of the following criteria must be met.
New Students Should:
- File the FAFSA as soon as possible once it is available. The 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available in December 2023.
- Have been accepted into a degree or eligible certificate program, and
- Meet the eligibility criteria.
New students accepted through Early Action 1 and 2 who complete a FAFSA will receive an award letter in March.
New students accepted through Regular Decision who complete a FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline will receive an award letter in March.
Returning Students Should:
- File the FAFSA as soon as possible once available. The 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available in December 2023.
- Be enrolled in courses for the upcoming semester,
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria,
- Complete the verification process, if selected, and
- Meet the eligibility criteria.
Returning students registered for the upcoming semester who complete the FAFSA before the March 1 priority deadline, will receive an award letter via their university email once the Board of Trustees votes on tuition, which is generally in June or July (provided ALL requirements above are met).
Students applying after March 1 who meet all the above requirements, receive aid as funds become available.
Additional Information
Once you have your award letter, use the Online Cost Planner to create an estimated financial plan for your family.
Outside Resources
If you are receiving outside assistance, such as private scholarships, please notify the Solution Center in writing using the additional resources form (pdf) and provide copies of the appropriate letters. Remember to make a copy for your records.
Accepting Your Awards
The Financial Aid Award Letter lists the types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible to receive for the academic year. All financial aid awards are considered accepted unless declined by you. If you wish to decline or reduce the amount of the federal loans and/or student employment awards offered, sign in to your SiS Self Service and go to the Accept/Decline awards link. Keep in mind that some declined aid may not be reinstated.
Federal Student Loans
The Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan programs require first-time borrowers to complete an online Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Adjustments To Your Aid
IMPORTANT: Your enrollment, residency, grade level and housing status have a direct impact in the calculation of your financial aid award package. Any changes may result in an adjustment to your awards. Other reasons your aid may be adjusted include; additional outside aid, verification and special circumstances. It is important you notify our office as soon as possible of any changes.