Financial Aid Questions You Need to Ask

(Campus Visits, College Fairs, College Reps that Visit Your School, Financial Aid Officers)

1.  How do I apply for financial aid? Which application forms are required to apply for financial aid? Does the college require the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE or its own forms in addition the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

2.  What are the deadlines for applying for financial aid?

3.  How does the financial aid application process differ for early admission students?

4.      Will I be automatically considered for scholarships at the college?  If so, is there a deadline for automatic consideration?

Some schools offer automatic merit scholarships based on test scores and grades, while other schools will ask students to submit a separate scholarship application.

5.      If I get a work-study job, how many hours will I be required to work per week? Are part-time jobs available to students who don't qualify for a work-study job?

6.      If I win a scholarship (from an outside organization), do you reduce my financial aid package? If so, does the scholarship replace loans or grants?

7.      When and how (postal mail, email, college portal, etc.) will I receive my financial aid award letter?

8.       If the financial aid is insufficient or my circumstances have changed, how do I appeal for more financial aid?

Don't forget to ask about special circumstances that are specific to your situation, such as divorce/separation or financial aid for study abroad.

9.      Where can I find information about other sources of financial aid, such as state grant programs and scholarships?

10.  Do you offer a tuition payment plan that lets me pay the college bills in monthly installments over the academic year? If so, what fees do you charge for this service?

                 https://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/the-15-financial-aid-questions-you-need-to-ask