FAFSA-Angel or Devil?
If you are a returning student or, a new freshman the one thing you both have in common is the FAFSA. For the returning student you have done this once and know what to expect. For the first timer it can seem very daunting. I want to assure you it is not, it is time consuming, but not difficult. The trick is, as to anything in life, is being prepared. Before you log on to fafsa.ed.gov and complete the online application, make sure you have some or all of these forms with you. Most important your completed tax returns and W2s. Have your bank statements and investment records. You may want your SS card and drivers license. Just having these with you will get you through a lot of the first pages quickly. Secondly to remember, take your time this is not a race. Read the question several times, be certain what it is being asked of you. Lastly make sure both parent and student has their PIN with them to sign the electronic signature page. If this is not done we cannot process any aid for you. Finally let me just end by saying before starting (and perhaps during) is to just BREATHE.
Receiving Aid? FAFSA Required!
As detailed in various communications sent to both new and returning students, the completion of the FAFSA is a condition for receipt of any state or institutional funds. For any student who has received an award letter for the upcoming 2009-2010 academic year, this fact can be evidenced on your letter by the inclusion of the FAFSA as a required document. This condition does not apply to our international scholarship recipients, as they are not eligible to complete the FAFSA.
If you have questions or concerns regarding this requirement, please contact your financial aid counselor:
Ben Breier at bbreier@lynn.edu if you are an evening or graduate student
John Chambers at jchambers@lynn.edu if you are an athlete or musician
Karen Reed at kreed@lynn.edu if you are a returning student with last name A-L
Evy Lucena at elucena@lynn.edu if you are a returning student with last name M-Z
Travis Williams at twilliams@lynn.edu if you are a new student
A Plus for the PLUS
We wanted to put this reminder out there as there seems to be a pervailing belief that PLUS repayment is required to begin 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. This rule is outdated and no longer stands true!
Good news for parents choosing to finance any portion of their children’s tuition with a PLUS-PLUS borrowers whose funds were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, have the option of delaying repayment until six months after the student leaves school or becomes enrolled less than half-time (less than 6 credits per semester for day program students).
So just as with student loans, payment may be deferred on a PLUS while the student is in school. Note that as the borrower of the PLUS, you must make this request for deferrment with your lender, as most lenders will not volunteer such information.
Financial Aid Appeals
Hello Lynn students and parents! You may recall President Ross’ letter that was sent in April where he underscored Lynn’s commitment to addressing the unfortunate financial downfalls thrust upon many of your families as a result of America’s challenging economy through the submittal of documentation intended to justify a reevaluation of income reported on your FAFSA.
Foremost, I would like to express my deepest regret for those of you who have experienced job termination or significant loss of investment.
I also wanted to take a moment to thank all of you- students and parents- who have taken the time to submit an appeal for additional financial aid in tow of the staggering financial downfalls you- and our entire nation- are facing. Collecting and submitting the myriad of documentation required for our financial aid staff to support a professional judgment regarding your FAFSA can be daunting, indeed.
For those of you who have documentation yet to submit, know that we will continue the appeal process as soon as your documentation is received. If you have already submitted all of your appeal documentation, again, I thank you, and please know that we are working diligently to bring resolution to your appeal.
The Secret of Financial Aid
OK, so there is not any real “secret” process to your financial aid. Though I do want to say that as much as I appreciate the length of time it all takes up, it is the most important part of the process.
As long as the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is done then all that remains to do is the paperwork. Yep! There is always paperwork. However, it is very important to complete everything, and on a timely manner. Our financial office needs to complete what is called “certification” required by the Federal Government or Lynn University to be able to award your money. As in anything in life, it all comes down to “getting it done” meaning the faster you complete what is needed, the faster and more efficient we can work for you…
Thanks all, Trevor