You have to fill out the FAFSA to get federal loans with low interest rates. Plus, you may be eligible for grants. The form is online. I believe it's due by March 1st.
How long ago did you fill it out? It takes them a little while to process it (at least for me). If there are any problems with the application, they should e-mail/snail mail you more information. Otherwise, they'll send out your Student Aid Report letting you know what your expected contribution is and what sort of financial aid you are eligible for. If you receive aid, they'll pay it directly to your institution and you will be refunded any extra money.
But like I said, it usually takes them a little while to let you know what kind of aid you're eligible for. I'm not sure how long is average though, because I always have to fill out extra forms verifying information because I've moved a lot since I've been in college (or rather, my family has).
Did you fill out the 08-09 FAFSA? If not, a) the results might be different (maybe) and b) you're going to need to to get aid for the actual school year. But, you should do this after Jan 1 (either with estimated numbers or wait until your taxes are done).
I financed my degree entirely through federal loans that I was eligible for after doing the FAFSA - both subsidized and unsubsidized. The FAFSA won't tell you that directly (only your estimated contribution) - federal loan info will come from the school.
Can you fill out the 08-09 one yet? I looked on the FAFSA site, and it looks like you can't. And I'm applying for spring, meaning I'll enter in early january, only one or two days after the 08-08 FAFSA becomes available. That's why it seems odd to me... well, we'll see what the school says.
ah. I assumed you were starting in the fall. I apologize if I missed that somewhere. Filling out the 07-08 was then the right way to go.
So you don't know if you're in yet? You might want to call the financial aid office at the school and ask what's typical for students in your situation.
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But like I said, it usually takes them a little while to let you know what kind of aid you're eligible for. I'm not sure how long is average though, because I always have to fill out extra forms verifying information because I've moved a lot since I've been in college (or rather, my family has).
Reply
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I financed my degree entirely through federal loans that I was eligible for after doing the FAFSA - both subsidized and unsubsidized. The FAFSA won't tell you that directly (only your estimated contribution) - federal loan info will come from the school.
Reply
Reply
So you don't know if you're in yet? You might want to call the financial aid office at the school and ask what's typical for students in your situation.
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