Determining Eligibility
Students are considered for financial aid on an individual basis, based on his or her unique circumstances. Three factors are used to establish a financial aid package:
- the cost of the institution, including tuition and fees, room and board, transportation, books, and supplies
- the contribution the family is able to make, based on income, family size, state of legal residence, assets, and the age of
- the parents
- the need, calculated by subtracting the contribution from the cost.
The FAFSA
To begin the process for determining eligibility, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. All dependent and self-supporting students, as well as families of dependent students, should complete the FAFSA – it is the gateway to many financial assistance opportunities. It should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 of the calendar year in which the student is applying to college, but no later than March 1.
The information is analyzed and a report sent to the University on the estimated contribution expected from the family or the self-supporting student.
Awards are offered when applications are complete and the student has been accepted for enrollment into a degree program.
A FAFSA must be submitted for each academic year in which financial assistance is required. So, currently enrolled students must file a FAFSA for each year they wish to continue receiving financial aid.
To complete the FAFSA, follow this process.