Financial Aid Information
We use the term post-secondary education for institutions like universities, trade schools, and community colleges.
The FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student aid and it opens on October 1st. Most aid will be provided to students who complete and submit it by March 1st, but you are still able to apply afterwards, although the financial aid will be limited. CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE FAFSA.
1.FAFSA Checklist
Use this checklist ahead of creating your FSA ID and/or completing the FAFSA. It will guide you to be ready of the personal information you will need. Checklist for 2022 Graduates
FAFSAchecklist.pdfThe FSA ID is your username that connects your SSN with personal information to log in and sign the FAFSA. Click here for a video tutorial.
creating-using-fsaid.pdf3.Financial Aid Video
The following video, although made by Baker College, it is a general overview of how the financial aid works. Click here for a chart with the different sources you can tap to afford college (some scholarships in this file may not be applicable for Michigan students).
4.Common FAFSA Mistakes
The sooner you complete the FAFSA, the more time you will have to correct any mistakes. Take your time and carefully read all the questions. (Click here )
Common_Mistakes_Flyer_2020-2021.pdfYou will need to provide your parents information in the FAFSA, unless you are considered independent. Most student are dependent. Click here for a video explanation.
Am I Dependent or Independent_.pdfAlthough this video is meant as a general overview of the application, it will give examples of different circumstances.
7.Verification (only ~30% of students)
Verification is the process your school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. If you're selected for verification, your school will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported. Don't assume you're being accused of doing anything wrong.
This article will help you to make a decision based on the money you receive from a college. Click here for a video explanation.
Other financial aid topics
FAFSA gives you access to:
Grants: Free Money, usually called Pell Grant
Work Study: Money given to the school to employ you, YOU HAVE TO EARN IT!
Loans: These are provided by the federal government. Click here for more information.
Subsidized: Interest starts accruing after graduation
Unsubsidized: Interest starts accruing after it is dispersed
Parent Plus: additional loans your parents can help you take.
If you are not able to provide your parents' financial information, you might need more information about a Dependency Override. This will allow you to receive aid; however, every school has their own requirements and documentations requests.
If you are changing your name or last name, this article explains step by step what you have to do. Unfortunately, until you change your information with the Social Security Office and get a new birth certificate, you will have to use your assigned name at birth to receive federal financial aid.
College Cost Calculator: Scroll down on this site and select the college you would like to attend. These calculators will allow you to estimate how much you will have to pay at each institution.
Verification is the process your school uses to confirm that the data reported on your FAFSA form is accurate. If you're selected for verification, your school will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported. Don't assume you're being accused of doing anything wrong.
Click these links for:
Student loans repayment Information
Video explanation of loans repayment plans
Glossary of Financial Aid terminology
Comparing Financial Offers website or PDF File
It is a Michigan grant program that provides tuition assistance to students who qualify at eligible colleges, such as Northwestern Michigan College. By applying to the FAFSA and selecting the college you would like to attend as the first choice, you automatically apply for it. Click here for a video explanation.
TIPFactSheet_636653_7.pdfIt waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans attending public community colleges or universities within Michigan. Tuition can be waived for dually-enrolled students as long as both institutions are public colleges/universities in Michigan. Download the application bellow.
Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver.pdfStill Need Help?
Michigan Student Aid
Do you have questions about paying for college in Michigan? Contact the MI Student Aid Customer Care Center Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at 1-888-447-2687.
Join them for a Virtual College Financial Aid Night!
Students and families looking for help paying for college are encouraged to attend a Virtual College Financial Aid Night provided by the MI Student Aid team. Click here for an informational video.
Federal Student Aid
The following website has additional resources in case you still have questions.