Communication Degrees Online

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Have a high school diploma or GED
Be enrolled and accepted into a degree granting or eligible certificate program
Be a U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be in good academic standing
Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward your degree
Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal grant
Register with Selective Service, if required

The Financial Aid Office (FAO) retrieves the processed Student Aid Reports from an electronic mailbox and imports the data into our software system. You will be notified when the FAO receives your electronic Student Aid Report (ISIR). You need to complete the STCC Financial Aid Application and sign the Certification Page. You may also need to provide our office with additional information.

The Department of Education requires all applicants to meet certain eligibility requirements and if there are any conflicts, the Financial Aid Office is required to resolve them. In addition, the Department of Education randomly selects a percentage of applicants to complete a process called ‘Verification’. If you are selected for verification you must provide the Financial Aid Office with copies of the documents used to complete the FAFSA. In addition to resolving the conflicts identified by the Department. of Education., the Financial Aid Office will review the ISIR for inconsistent or missing information. Please provide the information requested immediately; failure to complete this process in a timely manner will delay the awarding process.

When you receive your copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) you may find that you made an error in completing the application. If you need to make corrections please contact the Financial Aid Office. If you make corrections at the same time the STCC Financial Aid Office is processing your application, it will cause unnecessary delays.

You may apply for financial aid, (student loans, Michigan Tuition Grant, etc.), by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] form. Our federal school code is 002318. Make SAU your first college choice on the FAFSA if you are considering attending SAU. You must complete separate loan request forms for any and all Federal Stafford Loans desired.* This is above and beyond the FAFSA form you are required to submit. Apply in a timely manner and follow up on any aid/loan if you do not receive a response within four to six weeks. Federal guidelines are strict, and if all information is not submitted within certain time limits, you may be ineligible for certain types of aid.

*A Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be completed for all first Federal Stafford Loans taken at Spring Arbor University.

Federal School Code — 002318
Financial Aid resources
Entrance counseling
Master Promissory Note
Alternative Loan Options
Exit Counseling
FAFSA on the Web
Grad Plus Master Promissory Note
Federal Aid
Federal Stafford Loan
Eligibility: Subsidized is based on need, unsubsidized is based on non-need.
Submit FAFSA and Loan Request Form from SAU to financial aid office annually.
Federal GRAD PLUS Loan
Eligibility: graduate student
Cost of education minus other financial aid; unlimited maximum
Submit FAFSA and loan request form from SAU to financial aid office annually.
Preferred Lender Information

Spring Arbor University is committed to ensuring that our students have access to student loans from lenders who:
Offer competitive rates and benefits
Provide proven quality customer service to the student and to SAU
Work with a business model using Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation for the guarantee of loans.

The lenders currently on our list have been selected based on the criteria listed above. In the case of a lender not previously on the list, the lender has demonstrated competitive benefits for our students and works with the Great Lakes business model.

A comparison of the lender benefits and rates will be available as you proceed through the lender selection process.

Students are welcome to select lenders not shown on the list and have the right to do so under federal rules. If you select a lender not on our list, you will need to provide to SAU the information necessary to process a loan with the lender. To determine what information is needed, please contact the Financial Aid office at financialaid@arbor.edu or 800.968.0011.
State Aid
Michigan Tuition Grant [MTG]
Eligibility based on: Michigan resident, attending private college in Mich.; financial need; student receiving MTG not eligible to receive MCS
$2,100 maximum
Submit FAFSA annually.
Tuition Tax Credits
Tuition Tax Credits
Can apply if tuition costs were paid for by student/parent loans or cash out of pocket.
Is better than a deduction.
Is subtracted directly from your federal income tax on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
A deduction is subtracted from your income before you calculate your tax. It is much less than a dollar-for-dollar savings.
Hope Tax Credits
The student is considered dependent for tax filing purposes.
The student must have enrolled at least half-time in a degree-certification program.
Maximum credit is $1,500 per year for eligible tax payers.
Maximum two years of eligibility to apply for tax credit.
There is an income maximum for eligibility in this program. Please check with your tax accountant for further information.
Lifetime Learning Tax Credits
Student is independent for tax filing purposes.
Maximum the student can claim for tuition and fees is $10,000 per year.
The tax credit would be for 20% of the qualified tuition and fees.
Claiming the Tax Credit

The University will send the student IRS Form 1098-T, which reports tuition and related expenses paid by the student. The person claiming the tax credit fills out the IRS Form 8863 and submits with federal tax return.
Call 800.829.3676 to order IRS form and worksheet.
Call 800.829.1040 for the IRS Help Line.
Additional Financial Aid Web Resources
Financial Aid Information Page
U.S. Department of Education/ Funding Your Education
Help in completing the FAFSA
The Student Guide
Federal School Codes
Guide to Careers, Schools, Aid & Loans
Great Lakes Higher Education Corp. [student loan co.]
Identify and locate education loan holders
Electronic Signature for FAFSA and Loans
Michigan Scholarship Search
Scholarship Scams
Best Scholarship Search Engine on the Web
Michigan Financial Aid Information

You have two choices in applying for admission: you can do this with pen and paper by downloading a paper version of our application, or you can apply entirely online. To fill out an online application, you’ll have to first set up a log-in account on the MySAU portal. This will give you access to our online application and allow you to save your application online and come back to finish it later.

After you have submitted the application, the next step is mailing the $30 application fee (money order or check). If you applied online, that fee is waived. See how easy this is?

Now, contact your high school guidance counselor and have them send us your high school transcripts. It’s also time to unveil those ACT or SAT scores. Ask your high school guidance counselor to send them to us and we’ll take care of the rest.

Have your transcript and your ACT or SAT scores mailed to:

Spring Arbor University
Office of Admissions
106 E. Main St.
Spring Arbor, MI 49283-9799
Financial Aid

Now that you’ve mailed the application, it’s time to fill out the FAFSA (stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You must have this form completed before you can be eligible for any financial aid. Check out our great financial aid packages and discover why attending Spring Arbor University is the high-quality choice that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Dig in…
Register

Once you have received an acceptance letter and financial aid package, an admissions representative will help you take the next step to register for classes. You’ll make a $200 housing deposit (or a $50 commuter deposit) and sign up for one of our registration days on main campus. Registration days are for you and your parents. You will meet with a faculty member who will help you create a class schedule, as well get some important orientation activities done while you are on campus that day. Parents meet with campus personnel about financial aid, paying for college, cross cultural options and student development.

SAU community: Want to get a feel for the SAU student experience? We believe in offering an authentic college experience that couples fun and learning, while still compelling students to think beyond graduation to grasp their unique role as critical participants in the contemporary world. Dig in…

Course credits: Have some academic credits you’d like to apply that you earned from taking an AP, CLEP or DSST test? Find out which credits SAU accepts. Dig in…

Christian perspective: Spring Arbor University offers an authentic college experience in a close-knit community of learners where Christ is our perspective in whatever we do. At SAU, it’s okay to push the limits of who you thought you were to discover the person you were always meant to be. SAU provides the tools and atmosphere to grow in the Lord. Dig in…

Financial Aid Priority Filing Date is March 15
The Office of Financial Aid would like to remind all students that the Financial Aid Priority date is March 15, 2009. If you plan on receiving any type of financial assistance, please make sure that your Free Application for Federal Student Aid is submitted prior to March 15. More…
………………………………………………………………………………………… A message from SNHU Financial Aid regarding Student Loans

Wherever you are going in life, an education from Southern New Hampshire University is a smart investment for your future.

It’s an affordable investment, too. We offer several types of financial aid to help you meet the cost of a university education. Most of our degree-seeking students receive some form of financial assistance.

Financial aid at SNHU includes three basic types of aid
Grants and Scholarships
Educational Loans
Student Employment

The type of aid you’re eligible for depends on the program you choose to pursue. But no matter what kind of aid you are pursuing, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SNHU’s FAFSA code is 002580.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed in order to apply for financial aid available for attendance at Slippery Rock University in addition to institutional scholarships that are based in part on financial need. Students are able to complete the FAFSA beginning January 1 of the year preceding the next academic year. It is recommended that the application be completed before May 1. The federal school code for Slippery Rock University is 003327; this code is required on the FAFSA. When completing the FAFSA, students interested in being considered for student employment and/or federal student loans must indicate interest in these aid programs when answering the work and loan-related questions.

In addition, students interested in receiving assistance from either the Federal Stafford Loan or PLUS program must submit the appropriate loan promissory note at least six to eight weeks in advance of their first date of attendance at SRU.

Financial Aid Programs

Financial aid at Slippery Rock University includes grant, scholarship, loan, and employment programs. A detailed list of scholarship opportunities for students is found in the “University Scholarships” section of this catalog and also on the SRU Financial Aid Office webpage.

Federal Pell Grant - Pell Grants are federal funds available to undergraduates with exceptional financial need; the amount of the grant is based on a student’s enrollment, cost and financial need. Eligibility is determined based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) – FSEOG funds are grant funds available to undergraduate students with a high degree of financial need. Students may be eligible for this grant if they already qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) - These grant funds are available to full-time undergraduate students who are Pell Grant eligible, U.S. citizens, and in the first or second year of their degree program. Recipients must have also completed a rigorous high school program of study as outlined on the U.S. Department of Education website for students.

National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants - SMART funds are awarded to full-time undergraduate students who are Pell Grant eligible, US citizens, enrolled in an eligible major for their third or fourth academic year, and who maintain a cumulative QPA of at least a 3.0.

Pennsylvania State Grant - The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides grant assistance to eligible Pennsylvania residents. PHEAA Grant funds are awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of financial need.

Other State Grants - Several states allow their students to use state grant funds to attend colleges outside of their home states. Out-of-state students should contact their state grant agency in their home state for more information on eligibility guidelines.

Student Employment - Part-time student employment at SRU is available through a variety of funding sources. Students employed on campus receive a paycheck on a bi-weekly basis and are paid at least minimum wage. FWS job opportunities are located throughout the campus. Available FWS positions are publicized through the Office of Career Services.
Federal Work Study (FWS) is based on financial need and may be available to eligible students.
Community Service Work Study is available to a limited number of FWS-eligible students. Several areas on campus offer Community Service positions including the SGA Child Care Center, the Institute for Community Service and Learning, the Macoskey Center, the Aebersold Recreation Center and the Women’s Center. Additional information is available from the SRU Financial Aid Office.
State Student Employment is available to students who do not demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA and is funded by institutional funds.

Federal Perkins Loan - This is a low interest (5%) loan that is offered by SRU through the use of federal funds. Typically, this loan is awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need; these do not require repayment of principal or interest while the student remains enrolled at least halftime.

Federal Stafford Loan - This is a long-term, low interest loan that students may elect to use to assist them with their educational expenses. The amount of loan and type of loan available is dependent upon the individual student’s costs, resources, year in school, and financial need.

A student may either qualify for a Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Subsidized loans are offered to students who demonstrate financial need; these do not require repayment of principal or interest while the student remains enrolled at least halftime. In contrast, unsubsidized loans require either the repayment of interest only (on a quarterly basis) or the capitalization of interest during periods of enrollment. The student officially enters repayment of an Unsubsidized or Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan following a grace period after graduation or cessation of at least half-time enrollment. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information regarding repayment of Federal Stafford Loans.

Federal PLUS Loans – The PLUS Loan is available to parents of dependent students and to graduate students. Borrowers may access funds up to the cost of education minus any other financial aid.

SRU Scholarships - Institutional scholarships are awarded based upon a variety of achievements and talents. Detailed information about institutional scholarships can be found on the SRU Financial Aid Office webpage.

Private Sources of Funding - The SRU Financial Aid Office encourages students to seek out assistance from private organizations and agencies. Links to private scholarship database searches can be found on the SRU Financial Aid Office webpage.

You apply for federal and state aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The website to apply is www.fafsa.ed.gov or an application is available in the Financial Aid Office. Our Title IV school code is 003326. You file the FAFSA once per academic year. The forms are available for the upcoming academic year after January 1 st.

Your eligibility is determined by a need analysis performed by the Department of Education and PHEAA (for state grant purposes).

What types of aid am I eligible for with the DCP program?

The aid that you are considered for include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, and Federal Stafford Loan programs. In addition, Pennsylvania residents are considered for the PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) State Grant. PHEAA has a deadline of May 1 st for the FAFSA to be considered for the state grant.

The financial aid office will package you once you have been admitted to the program. Your loans and grants are affected by your enrollment status according to “full-time”, “at least half-time” and “less than half-time” enrollment status. The financial aid office is available to answer any questions you may have regarding your eligibility status.

What is the definition for “full-time”, “at least half-time” and “less than half-time” enrollment?

“Full-time” status is an equivalent of 12 credits or more in an academic semester. “at least half-time” status is 6 to 11 credits in an academic semester and “less than half-time” is less than 6 credits in an academic semester. There are certain aid programs that you are not eligible for unless you are in a minimum of 6 credits per academic semester. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.

When will I hear from the Financial Aid Office?

Our office will be in contact with you usually 4 to 6 weeks after the filing date of the FAFSA. This is usually in the form of an award package or a request for further documents.

What scholarships are available for students in the DCP program?

The following are websites for private scholarship opportunities for you to access:
www.SRNexpress.com
www.finaid.org
www.monster.com
www.soroptimist.org-The Women’s Opportunity Awards Program
www.antshe.org – Kazimour Scholarship (for non-traditional students)

Financial Aid can make college accessible and is an integral part of your college admission process. Apply by March 15 to meet the April 1 priority deadline. Read more.

Call us at 978-542-6112 for an appointment if you:
have specific questions or wish to discuss any special circumstances
need help with your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Important Information About Financial Aid [PDF 356KB] details the process and is recommened reading. If you’d like a print copy, please email Financial Aid.
Office Hours and Location

Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Hours Effective Dec 1, 2008

Monday – Thursday, 8:30am – 6:00pm
Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm

First Floor, Administration Building
352 Lafayette Street
Salem, MA 01970
Phone: 978-542-6112
Fax: 978-542-6876
Email: finaid@salemstate.edu
Appointments

Appointments can be made with your financial aid administrator by email or phone.
Resources
Title IV Code: 002188
Estimated Cost of Attendance
Refund Information

For most families, financial assistance provided by St. Bonaventure University and other sources is necessary to make a St. Bonaventure University education a reality.

More than 90 percent of the students in this year’s first-time freshman class receive financial aid, and the average freshman aid package was $21,777. This included aid from scholarships, grants, work/study employment and loans.

St. Bonaventure University seeks to make a private Catholic university education available to as many students as possible. We offer financial assistance based on academic performance (regardless of need), as well as other funding that is based upon need. To be considered, a student must first apply for admission. We encourage each student to apply for need-based aid by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the February 1 priority deadline. There is no University-specific form or supplement to complete.

Applicants receive academic scholarship notification within two weeks of being admitted to the University. Complete financial aid awards are mailed beginning in March for the earliest FAFSA filers.

1. Complete and submit the LCU Financial Aid Application to Financial Assistance as soon as possible.

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1st as possible of your senior year. The priority deadline is June 1st. Applications will be processed after that date only if funds are still available. Be sure to include LCU’s Title IV Code (003586).

3. Soon after you have completed the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR. If everything is correct, you may keep the SAR for your records. If there are any errors on the SAR, make corrections at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

4. In addition to the SAR, you may receive a letter from Financial Assistance. This letter will notify you of any additional documents we need. (For example, we may request a copy of your tax returns.) Please return all requested documents to us. If you need copies of your tax returns, you may call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and request a letter 8050C.

5. Once all required documents have been received, a financial aid offer will be sent to you, listing all scholarships and federal/state aid (grants, loans, and work study) for which you qualify. Upon receiving the financial assistance award letter, review the information.

6. Enclosed with the financial assistance award letter will be instructions on applying for loans.

7. Please note that this offer is only valid for the current school year. A renewal application must be filled out for subsequent years.

8. Questions? Please call the Financial Assistance Office at (806) 720-7176, 1-800-933-7601, or e-mail us at FinancialAssist@lcu.edu.