2011-2012
Compendium

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

The following programs are supported by the Federal Government and are
available at almost any accredited college or university.  THEY ARE ADMIN-
ISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID at the college, and you should
apply directly to that office.  Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
Programs is based on financial need (except for Direct Unsubsidized
Stafford and Direct PLUS loans).

NOTE:  As of the date of this printing, these programs have been updated.
       However, we anticipate changes for the upcoming academic year.

    There is Federal Financial Aid available - but you need to apply
    to be eligible.  Begin by completing the Free Application for
    Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online at fafsa.gov or
    by contacting your school counselor.

There are three types of Federal Student Aid.

   GRANTS are financial aid that students don't have to repay.
   LOANS are borrowed money that students must repay with interest.
   WORK-STUDY lets students work and earn money to help pay for school.

Undergraduates may receive all three types of financial aid.  Not all
schools participate in the Federal Student Aid Programs or take part in
all the programs.  To find out which programs (if any) are available,
contact the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend.

APPLICATION PROCESS

You cannot receive Federal Student Aid unless all your information is
complete and accurate.  Get free help from your high school counselor,
the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or the U.S.
Department of Education at studentaid.ed.gov or 1-800-433-3243.  
Free help is available any time during the application process. You
should never pay for help.

The fastest way to complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is
online at fafsa.gov.  A paper FAFSA is available from
the Federal Student Aid Information Center (800-433-3243) or from your
local library, high school, college or career school.

Whether you apply online or by paper, your data will be sent electronically
to the schools you listed on your FAFSA.

Get a Federal Student Aid PIN (Personal Identification Number).  A PIN lets
you apply, "sign" your online Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA), make corrections to your application information, etc.  Keep it
safe.  Go to pin.ed.gov to get one.  Safeguard and
remember your PIN!

Collect the documents needed to apply, including income tax returns, W-2
forms and other records of income.  A full list of what you need is at
fafsa.gov.  If your tax return in not completed at the time
you apply,
estimate the tax information, apply and correct the information later.

Within a few days, the U.S. Department of Education will send you your 
Student Aid Report (SAR) - the result of your FAFSA.  Review your SAR care-
fully to make sure it is correct and complete.  Your complete, correct SAR
will contain your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) - the number used to
determine your federal student aid eligibility.  If additional information
is requested, be sure to respond by any deadlines or you might not receive
federal aid.

Contact the financial aid administrator at the school you
are interested in attending.  They will
review your SAR and prepare a letter outlining the amount of
aid (from all sources) that their school will offer you.

If you are eligible for federal student financial aid, each school will
send you an award letter.  The award letter tells you the types of financial
aid they will offer and how much you will receive.  This combination of aid
is your financial aid package.