Financial Aid Tricks and Treats
It is the end of October, and I am excited to begin celebrating with harvest parties, treats wrapped in orange cellophane, and my favorite part of the season — tricks on unsuspecting friends.
But today I am here to deliver to you the best sort of tricks; tricks that help you to succeed as you prepare for an exciting future and begin navigating your next steps in your education journey!
Below are my top tips and next steps for students who are just seriously beginning to consider the college search process and are not sure what to expect from financial aid or how to begin the journey.
I promise that nothing spooky lies ahead, and that you and I can make it through this maze together!
Let’s go!
1. CREATE AN FSA ID
When: Before you file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for the first time.
Where: StudentAid.gov
Why: You and one of your parents need an FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID to log in to your FAFSA each year.
How: Go to StudentAid.gov. You will need a unique login ID, password, and email address for you and for your parent. You cannot use the same email address for both parent and student.
Bonus Treat: WRITE IT DOWN. Put it in your phone. You will need this login and password every year during college and after you graduate.
2. FILE YOUR FAFSA
When: As early as October 1 of your senior year in high school, but no later than April 15. You will file again every year you plan to be in college.
Where: StudentAid.gov
Why: The FAFSA may qualify you for state aid, federal aid, and institutional need-based aid.
How: Go to the website above, log in using your student FSA ID, and use two-year-old tax data (example: for the 2023-2024 academic year, use 2021 taxes). Make sure you and your parent use your FSA ID to sign the FAFSA before submitting.
3. COMMUNICATE
When: Whenever you have questions on your financial aid or FAFSA or when your family has had a financial change from divorce, loss of a job, loss of income, or high medical bills.
Where: Call your financial aid office to talk through your questions or concerns. If you are considering multiple schools, call all the financial aid offices. Each office may have different advice or help they can offer. Contact information for Huntington University is finaid@huntington.edu or (260) 359-4326.
Why: Sometimes financial aid administrators can help you and your family, but you will not know if that is possible unless you reach out to them first.
4. LOOK FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
When: Starting in early winter/late fall of your senior year of high school through early spring (generally November-April).
Where: Check with your local community foundation and local employers. You can Google search to find the name of your county’s community foundation.
Why: Community foundations and local resources are the #1 provider of outside scholarships for students.
5. OPEN AND READ CORRESPONDENCE
When: After applying to a university, usually in the fall of your senior year in high school and for the rest of your time in college.
Where: Check any email or physical addresses you may have listed in the FAFSA or given to universities.
Why: Many offices on campus need your attention. Visit day events, housing signup, and financial aid requests for information are just a few reasons you may receive mail.
6. MEET WITH FINANCIAL AID
When: We recommend having one conversation between April and August after you have narrowed your choice to just a few schools.
Where: Call the university you are planning to attend and ask to schedule a meeting with their financial aid office. Community colleges and some public schools may not offer face-to-face conversations but should be able to schedule a phone conversation.
Why: Each school is different. It is important to understand the specific requirements your university will have to accept loans and requirements for payment arrangements.
7. FINALIZE YOUR PAYMENT STRATEGY
When: After you have decided which institution you plan to attend, between May and August before your enrollment in a university.
Where: Talk with your school. They will direct you to the appropriate online locations to schedule payments, set up a payment plan, apply for loans, or accept financial aid.
Why: It is important to have payment arrangements made before the payment deadline so that your enrollment still is intact and financial stressors are not an issue on move-in day and during first-year student orientation.
