Guide to Financial Aid How do I apply for financial aid? You must fill out a free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can fill out a paper FAFSA or complete it online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our FAFSA code is: 002638.
Are there any key dates or deadlines for Financial Aid that I need to meet?
Common Mistakes Students Make on the FAFSA
YES! • October 1: new applicants submit the FAFSA. The FAFSA for the 2023 school year is open to new students. (NOTE: You will be utilizing 2021 tax information.) Students applying for the 2023–24 academic year will use the 2023–24 FAFSA form.
• You spelled your name wrong. Don’t abbreviate or use a nickname.
• March 1: returning spring students for the upcoming year.
• You wrote down your income wrong. Be careful when transcribing numbers.
• April 15: returning New Jersey residents for the upcoming year.
• You didn’t fill out the FASFA. You can’t receive aid if you don’t apply for it.
• Stafford and NJ Class Loans only: FAFSA and loan applications must be received and certified by the Student Financial Aid Office before the end of the term.
What are the types of Financial Aid? • Grants and scholarships: most often do not have to be paid back but the student may need to meet requirements to continue to be eligible each year (maintain a certain GPA, continue to play a sport, etc.) • Loans: this is borrowed money and must be paid back with certain conditions. • Work Study: this is a job, students are paid for hours they work.
What happens after you apply for Financial Aid? You will receive a Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) electronically to the email address indicated on your application within 2 weeks. This should be reviewed for accuracy.
What will the University receive? We get a copy too. It’s called an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). We check it for accuracy and send you a letter to let you know if you need to make corrections and if we need additional information. This is called “verification.”
How many credits must I take to be eligible for financial aid? • 6 credits per semester • Institutional and state funding requires 12 credits per term (full time enrollment)s and federal aid requires at least 1/2 time enrollment or 6 credits per term. • 12 credits per semester to be eligible for TAG. The student must be a NJ resident and enrolled full-time.
In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year? Yes! In order to receive consideration for as many programs as possible you should file the FAFSA by March 1 each year.
If my parents are separated or divorced, whose income is reported on the FAFSA? The parent you live with or who has custody of you should complete the FAFSA. If your parent has remarried, the stepparent’s income is also required to be reported. However, child and household support from the non-custodial parent is required on the FAFSA. Continued on reverse