Financial Aid Process

1. File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at  www.fafsa.ed.gov . You will file the FAFSA each year after January 1st based on your completed income tax returns. You will need to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to sign the FAFSA by going to www.pin.ed.gov . 
2. Review your FAFSA results – the Student Aid Report (SAR) – within 2 to 4 weeks after filing. Check the SAR for accuracy and make any necessary changes. The SAR will contain the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). We use this figure to determine your financial need. 
3. Complete an Entrance Counseling session, as required by the Department of Education, at  www.studentloans.gov . Entrance Counseling ensures that you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a student borrower to repay your loans. 
4. Complete and sign your Federal Direct Master Promissory Note electronically at  www.studentloans.gov . The promissory note contains the terms and conditions of the loan. 
5. Receive an award packet outlining your financial aid eligibility. Remember, you may choose to keep the loan(s) – fully or in part – or decline it. Be aware that your financial aid can change throughout the year as a result of verification, or a change in number of credits – fulltime – halftime, or below halftime. 
6. Veterans are encouraged to visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website,  www.gibill.va.gov to apply for benefits.