Understanding The Financial Aid Process Make the Right College Choice for You

We will try to answer: What is financial aid? What is financial aid? 3 sources of Financial Aid 3 sources of Financial Aid Federal Financial Aid Federal Financial Aid Florida Financial Aid / Bright Futures Basics Florida Financial Aid / Bright Futures Basics How do I apply? (FAFSA) How do I apply? (FAFSA) Financial aid award letter basics Financial aid award letter basics Comparing award letters Comparing award letters Filling your “gap” Filling your “gap” Next steps Next steps

What is a Scholarship? Performance based What is Financial Aid? Need Based Sources of Financial Federal Financial Aid State (Florida) Financial Aid Institutional Financial Aid

Federal Financial Aid Grants Award Amounts (Grants) Federal Pell Grant: $400 - $5,550 Federal Pell Grant: $400 - $5,550 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant: $4,000 Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant: $4,000 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): $100 - $4,000 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): $100 - $4,000

Federal Work-study A job: Admissions office, Library, for a Professor, the Gym, Stringing Tennis Rackets A job: Admissions office, Library, for a Professor, the Gym, Stringing Tennis Rackets May include a process for getting assignments May include a process for getting assignments You will be paid by check for your work You will be paid by check for your work Flexibility for vacations, summer, and tests. Flexibility for vacations, summer, and tests. This money won’t be available at the start of the semester to help pay your tuition bill. TIP

Federal Student Loans Federal Perkins Loan up to $5,500 Federal Perkins Loan up to $5,500 Federal Stafford Loan Federal Stafford Loan Subsidized$3,500 - $8,500 Subsidized$3,500 - $8,500 Unsubsidized $5,500 - $20,000 Unsubsidized $5,500 - $20,000 Federal Parent PLUS Loan Federal Parent PLUS Loan Repayment usually begins 6-9 months after graduation Repayment usually begins 6-9 months after graduation Before July 1, 2010, Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans were also made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL SM ) Program. As a result of the SAFRA Act, which was part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, no further loans will be made under the FFEL Program beginning July 1, All new Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program SM. Before July 1, 2010, Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans were also made by private lenders under the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL SM ) Program. As a result of the SAFRA Act, which was part of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, no further loans will be made under the FFEL Program beginning July 1, All new Stafford, PLUS, and Consolidation Loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program SM.

Federal Student Loans Ask yourself: Ask yourself: How much do I really need to borrow? How much do I really need to borrow? What are the terms of the loans? What are the terms of the loans? Will I pay the interest while I am in school or is it covered by the government? Will I pay the interest while I am in school or is it covered by the government? What are my potential monthly payments once I graduate? What are my potential monthly payments once I graduate?

Florida Financial Aid Need to apply online at Need to apply online at Failure to apply may result in the loss of financial aid consideration as well as Florida Bright Futures Failure to apply may result in the loss of financial aid consideration as well as Florida Bright Futures The Student Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is for all state-funded student financial aid programs, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. The Student Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is for all state-funded student financial aid programs, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. It is your responsibility to provide your correct name, address, and social security number and update information. If you do not have or you do not wish to use your social security number, please leave the "social security number" field blank. The system will generate a Pseudo number for you. It is your responsibility to provide your correct name, address, and social security number and update information. If you do not have or you do not wish to use your social security number, please leave the "social security number" field blank. The system will generate a Pseudo number for you. It is your responsibility to retrieve your User ID and PIN number and to update your demographic information and Update your Name, Address and Institution if it changes. It is your responsibility to retrieve your User ID and PIN number and to update your demographic information and Update your Name, Address and Institution if it changes. Failure to keep your contact information up-to-date and monitor your application certifications can result in a delay in the processing of your application or prevent you from receiving a scholarship. Failure to keep your contact information up-to-date and monitor your application certifications can result in a delay in the processing of your application or prevent you from receiving a scholarship. All correspondence will be sent via ; no correspondence will be sent hardcopy. All communication will also be available using your assigned User ID and PIN to login to your Financial Aid Recipient History. All correspondence will be sent via ; no correspondence will be sent hardcopy. All communication will also be available using your assigned User ID and PIN to login to your Financial Aid Recipient History.Financial Aid Recipient HistoryFinancial Aid Recipient History

Programs Offered by the State of Florida Below is a list of State of Florida Grant and Scholarship Programs administered by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Access to Better Learning and Education Grant Program Cost of Attendance and Adult Norm-Referenced Disability Testing Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant and The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant First Generation Matching Grant Program Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program Florida Fund for Minority Teachers Program Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program Florida Resident Access Grant Program Florida Student Assistance Grant Program Florida Work Experience Program José Martí Scholarship Challenge Grant Fund Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Program Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program Rosewood Family Scholarship Program Scholarships for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans and Service members

Bright Futures Lottery funded Scholarships Lottery funded Scholarships 3 separate scholarships only 1 can be earned 3 separate scholarships only 1 can be earned Florida Academic Scholarship Florida Academic Scholarship Requires a 3.5 wt GPA / 1270 SAT or 28 ACT Requires a 3.5 wt GPA / 1270 SAT or 28 ACT 75 Community service hours required 75 Community service hours required Higher GPA and Test Scores Higher GPA and Test Scores Pays $ per credit hour / Pays $ per credit hour / $3,780 per year Florida Medallion Scholarship Florida Medallion Scholarship Requires a 3.0 wt GPA / 970 SAT or 20 ACT Requires a 3.0 wt GPA / 970 SAT or 20 ACT No community service requirement. No community service requirement. State university admissions requirements State university admissions requirements Pays $95.00 per credit hour / $2,850 per year Pays $95.00 per credit hour / $2,850 per year $59.00 per credit hour at community colleges / $1770 per year $59.00 per credit hour at community colleges / $1770 per year Gold seal Vocational Gold seal Vocational Requires a 3.0 wt GPA / 880 SAT or 18 ACT or CPT passing score Requires a 3.0 wt GPA / 880 SAT or 18 ACT or CPT passing score Requires a 3.5 unwt GPA in a series of vocational program courses Requires a 3.5 unwt GPA in a series of vocational program courses Pays the same rates as the FAS Pays the same rates as the FAS

Florida Bright Futures Application is active after December 1. Application is active after December 1. If you do not apply, you will not be evaluated. If you do not apply, you will not be evaluated. In order to be eligible for the 7 th semester evaluation you must apply by the end of the 1 st semester. In order to be eligible for the 7 th semester evaluation you must apply by the end of the 1 st semester. In order to be eligible by 8 th semester evaluation you must apply before the last day of school. In order to be eligible by 8 th semester evaluation you must apply before the last day of school. Once you receive the award, it can not be taken away - even if your grades drop. Once you receive the award, it can not be taken away - even if your grades drop. If awarded and your grades or test scores improve to the next higher award level, you will be moved up to the higher award level. If awarded and your grades or test scores improve to the next higher award level, you will be moved up to the higher award level.

Applying for Financial Aid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Apply at: Apply at: NOT this is a pay site NOT this is a pay site

Documents Needed to complete your FAFSA You and your parents Social Security Number. Be sure it is correct! You and your parents Social Security Number. Be sure it is correct! Your driver's license (if any) Your driver's license (if any) Your 2010 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned Your 2010 W-2 Forms and other records of money earned Your (and your spouse´s, if you are married) 2010 Federal Income Tax Return. IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ Your (and your spouse´s, if you are married) 2010 Federal Income Tax Return. IRS 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ Your Parents´ 2010 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student) Your Parents´ 2010 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student) Your current bank statements Your current bank statements Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen) Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Which FAFSA form do I file? Each college sets its own deadline regarding financial aid, but it is in your best interest to file the FAFSA (and any other required forms) as early as possible. Colleges have a finite amount of money budgeted for financial aid. Students who file later risk receiving less aid as colleges approach their budget limits. Each college sets its own deadline regarding financial aid, but it is in your best interest to file the FAFSA (and any other required forms) as early as possible. Colleges have a finite amount of money budgeted for financial aid. Students who file later risk receiving less aid as colleges approach their budget limits. Attending College Use FAFSA Form Use IRS Income Tax From Beginning Summer 2011 Then Fall – 2011 FAFSA 2011 – 2012 FAFSA Beginning Fall – 2012 FAFSA 2010

Need help? Use “Live Help” icon or call FED-AID. Don’t forget to print confirmation page.

Cost of Attendance (COA) COA includes: COA includes: Tuition and fees (varies depending on credit hours taken) Tuition and fees (varies depending on credit hours taken) Books and supplies (varies by cost of books) Books and supplies (varies by cost of books) Room and board (varies by type of room and meal plan desired) Room and board (varies by type of room and meal plan desired) Transportation (fly, or drive) Transportation (fly, or drive) Personal expenses (clothing, entertainment, food) Personal expenses (clothing, entertainment, food) COA may be referred to as “direct costs,” “student budget,” or “student expenses.” TIP

Expected Family Contribution EFC Calculated from your FAFSA Calculated from your FAFSA Determines your financial aid eligibility Determines your financial aid eligibility Used in awarding institutional funds. Used in awarding institutional funds.

How it works College Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Expected Family Contribution (EFC)= Financial Need - Financial Aid Award = Unmet Need (Gap)

Frequent FAFSA Errors Social Security Numbers Social Security Numbers Divorced/remarried parental information Divorced/remarried parental information Income earned by parents/stepparents Income earned by parents/stepparents Untaxed income Untaxed income U.S. income taxes paid U.S. income taxes paid Household size Household size Number of household members in college Number of household members in college Real estate and investment net worth Real estate and investment net worth

Forms and Documents that may be requested by the college for the verification process If you are selected for verification your college may ask for: Parent tax returns Parent tax returns Student tax returns Student tax returns Divorced or separated parent information Divorced or separated parent information Other information to verify: Other information to verify: Income Income Assets Assets Family size Family size Special circumstances Special circumstances

Professional Judgment Special Circumstances Loss of employment Loss of employment Loss of untaxed income or benefits Loss of untaxed income or benefits Extraordinary medical expenses Extraordinary medical expenses Separation, divorce, or death Separation, divorce, or death Dependent care expenses Dependent care expenses Expenses related to a disability Expenses related to a disability For Professional Judgment, you must provide your financial aid office with documentation to prove your situation. For Professional Judgment, you must provide your financial aid office with documentation to prove your situation.

Comparing Award Letters

32,640 8, ,940 32,300 2,000 3,000 National Conference of Puerto Rican Women 1,900 32,300 14,640

12, ,800 2,000 1,500 16,000 19,500 32,300

Questioning Your Award Sadly Financial Aid Offices do not always work to your best interest. Sadly Financial Aid Offices do not always work to your best interest. Your award should be the most optimal aid package based on your eligibility. Your award should be the most optimal aid package based on your eligibility. Know what kinds of financial aid you may be eligible for. Know what kinds of financial aid you may be eligible for. Compare financial aid award letters of other institutions and politely negotiate changes if you feel warranted. Compare financial aid award letters of other institutions and politely negotiate changes if you feel warranted. If your financial situation has changed, your award may be adjusted through professional judgment. To question your award, provide your financial aid office with documentation If your financial situation has changed, your award may be adjusted through professional judgment. To question your award, provide your financial aid office with documentation

Cost of attendance = $19,595 EFC = $2,978 Gap to fill = $6,945 John does need to consider that he won’t receive the work-study money until he earns it. Cost of attendance $19,595 Total aid - $12,650 Gap = $6,945

Gift aid total = $3,600 Work-study money = $4,200. John will need to work to earn this money. Student loans total = $4,850

Filling Your Gap

Your Gap Cost of attendance - EFC -Total financial aid award (includes gift aid and loans) = Your gap

Working Summer job Summer job Part-time employment during school Part-time employment during school Check with your school’s career center Check with your school’s career center

Scholarships Explore additional scholarship options Explore additional scholarship options Scholarship searches Scholarship searches collegeboard.com collegeboard.com fastweb.com fastweb.com petersons.com petersons.com

Other Options Payment plan: Check with your school’s financial aid office on the availability of a payment plan Semester/Yearly Payment plan: Check with your school’s financial aid office on the availability of a payment plan Semester/Yearly Home equity loans: A loan borrowed against the equity your parents have built in their house Home equity loans: A loan borrowed against the equity your parents have built in their house Retirement Accounts: A loan borrowed against your parent’s retirement account Retirement Accounts: A loan borrowed against your parent’s retirement account

Private Loans Not part of the federal student loan program Not part of the federal student loan program Higher interest rates Higher interest rates Less flexible repayment options Less flexible repayment options Borrow only what you need—the more you borrow, the more you’ll pay in interest. TIP

Next Steps

Make the Right College Choice Use what you learned today Use what you learned today Look at the entire package Look at the entire package Choose your school Choose your school Determine which parts of the award letter to accept Determine which parts of the award letter to accept Accept your award letter Accept your award letter Complete your “Loan” Master Promissory Note Complete your “Loan” Master Promissory Note Respond to your other award letter(s) Respond to your other award letter(s) If needed, secure funding to fill your gap If needed, secure funding to fill your gap

Think About Next Year Complete the FAFSA every year Complete the FAFSA every year You’ll receive another award letter You’ll receive another award letter Review the numbers again Review the numbers again Don’t borrow more than you need Don’t borrow more than you need

Questions? Thanks and Good Luck!!!