Note: Award letters are generated for students after they have been admitted and applied for financial aid (filed the FAFSA). For detailed help with applying for aid, please review the Apply for Aid site.
About 30-40% of students are required to submit additional documents to the financial aid office before we can finalize their aid. Students can view what documents and tasks must be completed in Banner and should complete all requirements promptly. Students should continue to monitor their Banner account to ensure the documents they submitted have been accepted and nothing else is needed. It is not uncommon for additional documents to be requested.
Using your award letter, estimate your out-of-pocket costs using the following tools:
Below are three examples of a new, first-time, full-time freshmen student's fall financial aid package and bill at varying income levels. As illustrated, as family income rises, federal and state grants are reduced.
| ► Fall Semester Bill Example: Low Income |
► Fall Semester Bill Example: Middle Income |
► Fall Semester Bill Example: Upper-Middle Income |
If you will owe a balance each semester, develop a plan as to how it will be paid. Below are some options to cover the remaining amount due. Additionally, develop a plan to purchase textbooks.
Students expecting a refund from their financial aid can request a book deferment to purchase their textbooks in the college bookstore. Students who owe a balance will need to purchase their textbooks out-of-pocket or apply for additional loans. Students should budget about $500 per semester for a full-time course load (12+ credits). Textbook Deferment requests can be accessed in the Student, Student Accounts, or Financial Aid sections in self-service Banner.
Students expecting a refund are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit. Review the fall and spring disbursement schedules to understand the timing of when aid is disbursed and when refunds are generated. As a general rule, any aid that is received is first applied to the student's charges. Once all charges are paid in full, the student is eligible for a refund (as applicable).
If a balance is still owed to the college after your financial aid, create a plan to cover the remaining balance due. Options include:
| ALERT: Students that have a balance of $1500 or more will not be able to register for the upcoming semester(s). Late fees will be applied each month if the bill is not paid in full. Each late fee is $30 and the maximum per semester is $90 in late fees. |
Students must meet certain minimum standards to maintain eligibility for financial aid, including federal loans. Students who are struggling academically should consult with the financial aid office to review their options, in addition to seeking free tutoring and help on campus.
