Finance Your Education

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Complete all required forms - neatly!
• Be consistent when completing all forms.
• Answer all of the questions completely.
• Do not leave questions blank.
• Apply early! (Adhere to all published deadlines).
• Keep copies of all forms.

Your eligibility for financial aid will be determined by your school once all the application information has been received and reviewed. You will then be sent an award notice/package informing you of the financial aid you are eligible to receive.

Nearly all federal, state, and some university aid is awarded according to a student's need.

A student's need is calculated by completing a need analysis form, such as the FAFSA. This form is used to determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), based on such things as income, assets, and dependents, among other things. The EFC is the amount the student and/or family is expected to contribute to the cost of education.

Then, your financial aid administrator calculates the Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes, among other things, tuition, books, and living expenses. The administrator then subtracts the EFC from the COA. This represents your financial need.

The institution will then offer financial aid to help you meet that financial need. That aid may be in the form of grants, scholarships, Federal work study, and/or loans.