 What is goal of financial aid?  How do I apply?  How is financial need determined?  What aid is available?  What is the role of the financial aid office?

 To assist students in paying for college.  To provide opportunity and access to higher education.  To help “bridge” the gap between what the family can pay and the cost of education. 3

 Personal Identification Number  If you have one from Undergraduate School, you use that one  Electronic signature for FAFSA on the Web  PIN delivered immediately  Can also be used for:  Renewal on the Web  Corrections on the Web  National Student Loan Database  Signing promissory notes for student loans (Perkins, Stafford, PLUS) 4

 Apply  Renewal  Access PIN Web site  Check status of application  View SAR information  Make corrections  Download Worksheet

 Complete and send FAFSA on the internet directly to federal processor  Automatically edits data as you enter it and detects errors before submission  Skip logic: asks only what you must answer  English or Spanish versions  Electronic Signature  notification of results  Detailed online help screens  Real-time online chat for immediate answers  Instant access to EFC estimate  Parents with more than one child in college only need to enter parental information once. 6

 Missing Signatures/PIN  Wrong Social Security Number  Divorced/remarried information  Untaxed income  U.S. income taxes paid  Household size  Number in postsecondary education  Real estate and investment net worth  Not using real name  NOT APPLYING AT ALL

 The EFC is an index of need that will be used to determine the type of federal student aid for which you qualify. Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Income Assets Family size Number in College Age of the student Adjustments to EFC may be made due to Verification and/or Special Circumstances that limit ability to pay

Results are sent electronically to UW-Milwaukee. Students will receive the results of their FAFSA by e- mail (or regular mail) - Student Aid Report (SAR). Students may be required to verify the information submitted on the FAFSA (submit tax forms). Contact UWM with any Special Circumstances. After the student is admitted to a college, a financial aid package will be prepared. Must enroll for a minimum of 4 credits each semester.

 We award on the assumption of full-time attendance  8 or more graduate credits  Students can still receive aid at as low as half-time (4 Graduate credits), but they need to update us about their planned credit level  Aid will not disburse if credit level does not match  This protects students from over-awarding and under-awarding

 Please contact the Financial Aid Department if you are contemplating withdrawal of one course or all courses  Sometimes there is a negative impact on Financial Aid and students want to weigh their options  Examples

 Required of all first time borrowers of Direct/Stafford Loan Program  Both completed online at  Sign in with your 4-digit PIN  Complete both Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note

Tuition and Fees Room and Board Books and Supplies Transportation Personal Expenses Loan Fees Dependent Care Study Abroad Disability Related Expenses Computer

 Annual Loan Limits for Students  Graduate students are eligible for a combined total of $20,500 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans.  Graduate students may borrow up to $138,500.  Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized  Subsidized: must demonstrate “need”; interest paid by Federal government while student in college  Unsubsidized: need is not a consideration; interest paid by student while in college (interest payment can be deferred)

 Scholarships  Fellowships  Assistantships All three may affect your Financial Aid Award and must be reported to the Financial Aid Office  Grad PLUS Loan Must Apply for separately Based on Credit Interest 7.9% Similar to Unsubsidized loan Can Consolidate with other Stafford loans

 Divorce/Separation  Loss of income or benefits  One-time income  Death or Disability of student  Medical/Dental expenses not covered by insurance  Elementary or secondary school tuition (Note: Professional Judgment is at the sole discretion of each institution.)