1. FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
2015 – 2016

2. Understanding the College and Financial Aid Application Process
Be patient, thorough, and organized as you go through the college admission and financial aid application process
The steps are fairly similar, regardless of college
It will be toward the end of your senior year when you will finally know what your out-of-pocket costs will be to attend a particular college(s).

3. Senior Year College Process
Apply for admission and merit-based scholarships
for all colleges you like
File the FAFSA by March 10
Apply for private, outside scholarships
Financial Aid Notification Letters come from colleges, likely between March 15-April 15
Compare your aid offers
Make final college decision by May 1
Return all required forms to your chosen college

4. Sources of Aid Types of Aid
Colleges
State of Indiana
Federal government
Schools, churches, clubs, businesses, foundations, parents’ employers, etc.
Types of Aid
Scholarships - “gift aid” based on student’s merit
Grants - “gift aid” based on financial need
Student Loans - student repays after graduation
Work-study - campus job

5. Financial Aid “Package”
Ultimately, you may have a financial aid “package” that is comprised of many different types of financial aid from several sources.
Tonight we’ll discuss how to apply for all types of aid from all sources.

6. Applying for Admission is the key!
Student must be accepted for admission by the college(s) before any formal offer of scholarship or financial aid is made.

7. APPLY FOR MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS FROM COLLEGES
These may be based on academics, talents, athletics, or affiliations.
Follow the steps and deadlines dictated by each college.
Colleges decide criteria and amounts.

8. APPLY FOR PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS
Good info from Guidance Office about these!
Private scholarships can be funded by community groups, churches, foundations, parents’ employers, businesses, etc.
Don’t pay a person or service to do this for you!
Good Online Scholarship search resources:

9. WHAT IS THE FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) collects demographic and financial information about the student and family.
It is the ONLY way to apply for federal and state of Indiana financial aid and is the primary application used by most colleges to distribute their own need-based funds.
Some colleges may ask you for a supplemental financial aid application, in addition to the FAFSA. Example of one such form is the “CSS Profile.”

10.
Beware of They will charge a fee! Official FAFSA is free.
File the FAFSA -- NOT (it is for current year)
Filing by March 10 is a MUST for Indiana residents
You can direct your FAFSA to multiple colleges at once by listing their code.

11. Why file the FAFSA even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid?
The FAFSA must be filed in order to use federal student or parent loans, which typically have more favorable terms than private educational loans.
Some families place a value on requiring the student to partner with them in funding college. Student can do this by using student loans.
If you have more than one child in college at the same time, you may qualify for more aid.

12. Why file the FAFSA?
It is dangerous to make assumptions that you make too much money. Myths abound about the FAFSA and aid.
It may allow college to re-evaluate eligibility in the event of unforeseen changes in family circumstances. College can more quickly assist you if things change mid-year.

14. AFTER FAFSA HAS BEEN SUBMITTED:
BEFORE YOU BEGIN:
Parent and student PINs may be created at PIN site prior to starting the FAFSA - recommended
AFTER FAFSA HAS BEEN SUBMITTED:
You can log back in to make corrections, etc. SAR may be printed after FAFSA has been processed.

15. PINs for FAFSA Student AND one parent must each create a PINat
PIN serves as a “signature” for the online FAFSA; may submit without, but FAFSA will not be fully processed until “signed” with PINs.
PIN will be needed to change/correct FAFSA; both PINs (student + parent) must be applied each time FAFSA is updated.

16. FAFSA ID (new in Spring 2015)
In late spring 2015, users who access FAFSA with their PINs will be prompted to create a FAFSA ID
FAFSA ID will replace the PIN
Purpose is to enhance security of personal information and identity

17. “Help” link opens a list of topics to help answer most FAQs
“Help” link opens a list of topics to help answer most FAQs. “Help” boxes also found throughout the FAFSA. We will cover major issues tonight!

18. GET ORGANIZED BEFORE YOU START!
Make a “FAFSA folder” before you begin
Record Student and Parent PINs, passwords
Later add copies of submission confirmation page, etc., and note corrections you may later make to your original FAFSA

19. FAFSA can be done in stages
Student can begin FAFSA and enter all demographic information; parents can complete their pages at another time
Each page is saved when completed
FAFSA can be reopened and continue to be completed prior to submission.
You MUST know PIN and Passwords to reopen and continue to work on a saved FAFSA!!
FAFSA can be corrected after submission

20. Begin here for initial FAFSA
File the
FAFSA
Begin here for initial FAFSA
Access your FAFSA here after first time, whether submitted or just saved. Must know PIN.

21. “Student“ or “Parent” info is needed on each screen.
Watch carefully if
“Student“ or “Parent” info is needed on each screen.
STUDENT is the applicant, not the parent

22. Help and Hints - lists question numbers and offers detailed explanation.
The system automatically saves the application at the end of each step.
Most questions have detailed help as you go along.
FAFSA will be saved after each click of “next”

23. Must correct obvious errors before going to next page

24. Dependency Status
The FAFSA narrowly defines the situations that make a student “independent” according to the FAFSA
“My parents don’t plan to pay for my college” does NOT make the student independent
“What if my parents don’t claim me on their taxes?” - NO -- still not independent for the FAFSA.

25. Dependency Status
Include parent information on the FAFSA, unless you can officially answer “yes” to one of the questions defining your Dependency Status

26. PARENT INFORMATION Who is considered a parent?
“Parent” refers to a biological or adoptive parent. Grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians, older siblings, and uncles or aunts are not considered parents for the FAFSA unless they legally adopted you.
In case of divorce or separation give information about the parent you live with the most. If your divorced or widowed parent has remarried, your FAFSA household is your custodial parent + stepparent and all who live there and receive support.

27. Household for FAFSA Figure out home base How many in college?
Filling out the FAFSA is NOT connected to who pays the bill in the end
It is OK to get aid based upon one parent’s income, even if a different parent will pay the bill
Child support being received or paid has a place to be reported on the FAFSA
Does NOT matter who claims child as dependent on taxes
Count all dependent siblings as long as they will enroll for at least ½ time (6 credits per semester) in the UPCOMING school year
Parents are NOT supposed to be counted. This should be discussed with college if parent is full-time and family is incurring expense.

28. HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
HOUSEHOLD SIZE: When answering “How many people are in your parents’ household?” -- count all siblings who are under 24 years if they live with your parents (or they are away at college) and get at least ½ of their support from your parents. “Support” includes all costs of living in the world. Free shelter is automatically ½ of support. Also include other people if they live in your parents’ home and meet these criteria.

29. Income/Financial Section of FAFSA
Best to complete 2014 taxes as soon as documents available.
Best to file taxes electronically.
Best to complete FAFSA after taxes are filed.
However, OK TO ESTIMATE tax information to meet the March 10 deadline.

30. IRS Data Retrieval for Tax info
Indicate if taxes are “already completed” or “Will file”
IRS Data Retrieval for Tax info
Allows transfer of IRS data into FAFSA. Available for electronic filers after about 3 weeks; mail-in filers must wait approx weeks.
May use to initially provide tax info , OR….
Update later as a “correction” if estimated tax info used when filing FAFSA initially
May be used for BOTH student AND parent tax information
Try to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool if conditions allow. Otherwise, put tax info in manually and correct later using IRS Data Retrieval.

33. If a match is found, it displays the actual tax numbers.
First screen in IRS Data Retrieval Tool will ask you to fill in filing status and address (must be exactly as shown on tax return.
If a match is found, it displays the actual tax numbers.
Note: The IRS pages are the same for the student and parent. If the parent and/or student are eligible to use the IRS DRT, they will follow the same process outlined in this slide.

34. Note: If the parent and/or student are eligible to use the IRS DRT, they will follow the same process outlined in this slide. This page is dynamic and the information that displays is variable, depending on whether parent data or student data is displayed. The data is also dynamic; the type of tax form that is filed will determine what type of tax information is displayed.
1) Check here
2) Then here

35. Successful IRS D/R will show messages on FAFSA
Do NOT change any information that says “Transferred from the IRS”
Note: This student’s parents are Auto Zero eligible and are from a state that allows the parents to skip questions. The final question on this page “Do you want to skip the remaining questions about your and your parents' (father’s) income and assets?” is displayed to the parents. In this case, the parents indicated that they do not want to skip the remaining financial questions. If they did choose to skip the remaining questions, the student/parents would be taken to the Sign & Submit page.

36. If Required to Report Assets
If asked to report assets – carefully read instructions about what to report and what is NOT to be included
NOT included: Home in which you live, cars, life insurance, amount accumulated in retirement plans (for example 401K, etc.)
Detailed instructions re: assets are found online while filing FAFSA and on page 2 of paper FAFSA

37. Business Value/Assets
Note that family-owned businesses with fewer than 100 employees is EXCLUDED (see definition on page 2 of paper FAFSA or via online instructions)

38. FARM
Note that a family farm that family lives on and operates is EXCLUDED as an asset (see definition on page 2 of paper FAFSA or via online instructions)

39. How much aid did I receive?
Aid notification does not come from the FAFSA processor.
Each college listed on your FAFSA will notify you about your financial aid in the spring, as long as you have been admitted
Aid types and amounts can be different from each college

41. Student and one parent will “sign” with PIN.
“Disagree” will be the default. Must
change to “Agree” to continue.

42. FAFSA is not officially submitted until you see Confirmation page
Short-cut to second child’s FAFSA
Initial EFC index displays here. Colleges will use to calculate aid.
The confirmation page includes links to transfer parental data into a new FAFSA for another student.
In addition, some states allow users to transfer FAFSA information into their state’s aid application. The link is included on the confirmation page. The states that allow this transfer are:
New York
New Jersey
Pennsylvania
Vermont
California
Iowa
Mississippi
Minnesota
Indiana

43. VERIFICATION OF FAFSA
Some FAFSAs are selected for review in a process called “verification” by the FAFSA processor or the college.
College must confirm accuracy of FAFSA information before disbursing aid. Must follow college’s instructions to comply.
Using IRS Data Retrieval assists you in complying with requests for verification of your FAFSA.
Offer of aid is an estimate until verification process is completed.

44. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
There is no way to explain special things on the FAFSA. Unusual circumstances must be discussed with a financial aid officer at the college(s) the student is considering.
Examples include:
Recent job loss
Death of parent in prior or current year
Recent divorce or separation of parents
Large medical bills
Private school tuition for younger siblings

45. Direct Costs vs. Cost of Attendance
These are costs that are billed by the university.
May include tuition, student fees, room, and meal plan.
Understand each colleges direct costs and how they may be paid.
This is a figure used to calculate financial aid eligibility. Includes direct costs plus allowances for other educational expenses such as books, personal expenses, transportation.
Maximum aid that student can receive.

46. What is EFC?
EFC is an index number used by the federal and Indiana governments and colleges to calculate financial aid eligibility.
EFC is NOT a dollar amount that you owe. It is NOT the amount of money the government thinks you have.
It is an index used to calculate and ration aid.
“Cost of Attendance” – EFC = NEED

47. Cost ($) - EFC = “Need”

48. Federal Pell Grant
Needy students may be offered a Federal Pell Grant – gift aid which is not repaid.
Amount is often same at different colleges, and prorated for part-time enrollment.
Eligibility is directly connected with EFC index.

49. State of Indiana Grants
FAFSA will load into State’s system – Division of Student Financial Aid for the Indiana Commission on Higher Education.
FAFSA must be received by March 10 ! No exceptions!
21st Century Scholars is one of the state’s aid programs; also Frank O’Bannon Higher Education (public colleges) and Freedom of Choice Award (private colleges).
Amounts vary by college and diploma type. Amounts are related to EFC.

50. State of Indiana Grants, cont.
Create an eStudent Account to view your state aid record
FAFSA errors (“edits”) must be corrected by May 15 or eligibility is forfeited

51. Create an “eStudent” account to view your status for state grants

52. Federal Direct Stafford Loan
Annual eligibility, up to maximum of $5,500 will be listed on colleges’ aid offers
All FAFSA filers are eligible for this loan
Loan in student’s name
Student repays loan after college

53. Subsidized vs. Unsubsidized Loan Amounts
Subsidized portions do not accrue interest during college. Maximum subsidized is $3,500 for first-year college student.
Unsubsidized portions accrue interest during college. Current fixed rate is 4.66%.
Sub vs. Unsub amounts may vary by college

54. Other Aid You May be Offered
Some colleges may offer a “grant” which does not have to be repaid.
Federal Work-study – a job on campus where students earn wages. Understand how many hours per week are expected and how the student secures the job.
Federal Perkins Loan – a loan in student’s name with repayment after college. Funds are limited and college determines who is offered the funds.

55. How will you pay your balance?
Understand how much you will owe the college after all financial aid has been subtracted
Understand the ways you may elect to pay that balance: by the semester, monthly installments, Federal Parent PLUS Loan, additional private loan for student?

56. Federal PLUS Loan
One way that parents may pay the part not covered by aid offered to the student.
A credit-worthy loan for parents. Payments are approx. $60 for each $5,000 borrowed.
Follow set-up instructions from your college
If parent is denied PLUS due to adverse credit, student may be eligible for additional Unsubsidized Loan.

57.
Go to studentloans.gov for more information about both federal student/parent loans.

58. Private Educational Loans
There are dozens of private educational lenders.
Most offer loan in the student’s name with repayment after college. Interest will accrue during college.
Most require an adult, credit-worthy co-signer, although it usually does NOT have to be a parent.

59. Senior Year Checklist Apply for admission and merit-based scholarships
for all colleges you like
File the FAFSA before March 10
Apply for private, outside scholarships
Financial Aid Notification Letters come from colleges, likely between March 15-April 15
Compare your aid offers
Make final college decision by May 1
Return all required forms to your chosen college

60. College Goal Sunday
Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist with questions while you file the FAFSA.
Sunday, February 22 at IVY Tech at 2:00 p.m.

61. Education is Important!
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” ~~ Benjamin Franklin
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.” ~~ Benjamin Franklin
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ~~ Benjamin Franklin
“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” ~~ Nelson Mandela
“Education is the golden key to unlock the door of freedom.” – George Washington Carver
“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ~~ Mahatma Gandhi