Q:

What do I need to do to get Financial Aid?

A:

You need to fulfill the following requirements:

• Have a high school diploma, GED or have passed a similar independent test approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Be enrolled at least half-time as a regular student in an accredited institution for FFEL loans.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be enrolled with the Selective Service (males only).

Then,

1. Apply to schools you want to attend,
2. Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form and any other forms the schools may need,
3. Evaluate school aid offers once you’ve been accepted,
4. Choose a school,
5. Submit the Student Aid Report (SAR) to the school you choose to attend if you haven’t already done so,
6. Apply for loans recommended by the school,
7. If you need more money, apply for loans to cover the difference.

Q:

What forms or papers do I need to sign to get a loan?

A:

You need to sign the following forms provided by your Financial Aid Office:

1. A Statement of Education Purpose.
2. A Certification Statement on Refunds and Default.
3. An Anti-Drug Abuse Act Certification.
4. A Statement of Updated Information.
5. A Statement of Registration Status.

Q:

How do I know if I’m an “independent student?”

A:

You are considered an “independent student” if you are any of the following:

1. At least 24 years of age by December 31 of the school year,
2. A graduate or professional student,
3. A married student,
4. A veteran of the United States Armed Forces,
5. An orphan or ward of the court.

Q:

When should I begin the financial aid process?

A:

The ideal time to begin the financial aid process is the last week in December prior to the first year of college. Take this time to concentrate on completing the forms.

The FAFSA Form should be submitted as soon as possible after January 1. If you are applying for early admission, check with your college to find out when to submit these forms.

Remember, while there is no limit to the number of student loans available from lenders, students who respond earliest after the appropriate date have the best chance of getting the financial aid they need from the school.

Q:

What is the FAFSA Form?

A:

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form is used to determine how much your family can afford to pay toward your college based on household income and other factors, including how much you will need to meet the cost of attending college. A new FAFSA Form must be completed each year that you wish to be considered for financial aid.

The new paper FAFSA Form is usually available in November or in January for the online form prior to the new school year. You can also obtain one at your school’s financial aid office or the public library.

Q:

Where can I get a FAFSA Form?

A:

FAFSA Forms can be obtained at your high school guidance office, the college’s financial aid office, the public library, and online.

When completing the FAFSA Form, be sure to read the directions carefully. Answer every question that pertains to you. If the answer is zero, write in zero. If the form asks you to use black ink, use black ink. Be as accurate as possible when completing the forms. You may be asked to submit records for verification.

Q:

My credit rating’s not so good. Will this hurt my child’s chances of getting a student loan?

A:

Federal student loans do not require any credit checks. However, if your son or daughter has defaulted on a student loan, they may not be able to obtain a federal student loan. A federal PLUS Loan (a loan for parents) does require a credit check and may be denied if the parent has a negative credit history.

If you are concerned about your eligibility, Citibank offers PLUS Pre-Screening to give you an idea of what you can expect. You can obtain this kit from your child’s school’s Financial Aid Office. For more information, call Customer Service at 1-800-946-4019.

Q:

My daughter wants to apply to a school that may be more expensive than our family can afford. What can I do?

A:

Consider the school’s financial aid package before giving up your education goals. There is more than $35 billion in financial aid available to students every year.

Q:

Our family makes over $50,000 a year. Does this mean we are not eligible for financial aid?

A:

Not necessarily. There are a number of factors in addition to your household income that help determine if you are eligible for financial aid. Also note there are loans for which families of all incomes qualify. Learn more about Financial Aid Options available to you.

Q:

Is there a way I can increase my chances for more financial aid?

A:

Yes. For aid such as scholarships, grants, Federal Perkins Loans, and Federal Work Study, you should apply as early as possible. The financial aid pool at most colleges is pre-determined for these programs and it is possible that they could run out of funds.

Q:

Will the information on my FAFSA Form be kept confidential?

A:

Yes. All the information is strictly confidential. The only way it can be released to anyone else is with your authorization.

Q:

If I am awarded financial aid, when will I get the money?

A:

Methods of distributing financial aid vary from campus to campus. Most financial aid will not be given directly to you. The majority of aid gets credited directly to your student account at the start of an academic term.

Q:

I plan to go to school part time. Can I get financial aid?

A:

Almost all types of financial aid funds are available to students who attend school at least half-time (i.e. carrying at least six credit hours per semester).

Q:

What should I do if my family’s financial situation changes after I file my FAFSA?

A:

Do not file another FAFSA Form. Wait until you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) and then contact your college’s Financial Aid Office.

Q:

Do I have to make payments on my student loan while I’m in school?

A:

In most cases, you can postpone payments while you are in school at least half-time.

Q:

What happens if I don’t repay my FFEL student loan?

A:

If you do not repay your loan according to the terms disclosed on your promissory note, you may eventually be in default on the loan.

• This default will affect your credit rating and may limit your ability to borrow for a car, home, or other purposes.
• You may be required to pay the entire amount of the loan, including interest, immediately.
• Your wages may be withheld to pay your debt after the loan is claimed by the Guaranty Agency or the federal Department of Education.
• You will be unable to get additional federal or state financial aid, including student loans.
• Your federal and state tax refunds may be withheld.

Q:

If I don’t finish college or if I am unsatisfied with my education, do I need to repay my loan?

A:

Yes. If you are enrolled and attend class you are liable for the loan. Check with your school regarding loan cancellation policies.