Applying for Financial Aid
How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?
Applying for financial assistance is easy when you follow these simple steps:
Step One: Complete the most current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and ensure that Aquinas College (school code 003477) is listed as your first college choice. You may complete a traditional paper application (available from any high school guidance office or college financial aid office) or an online application at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Step Two: You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) through the mail or by electronic confirmation depending on the manner in which you submitted your FAFSA. Each college you listed will receive an electronic version of your SAR.
Step Three: The Office of Financial Aid will determine if further documents are needed in order to complete your file. Once your file is complete and you have been admitted to Aquinas College, an award notification will be mailed to you. Your award notification will indicate all the types of financial assistance for which you are eligible. You may accept or decline any portion of your aid package by specifying the type of aid and amount(s) you wish to accept or decline and then returning a signed copy to the Office of Financial Aid.
Step Four: Students accepting Stafford, PLUS or Alternative loans are required to complete a Master Promissory Note. The Stafford loan program also requires that first time borrowers at Aquinas College complete Entrance Counseling. Please select the links below to complete these requirements. Once completed your information is sent electronically to the Financial Aid Office.
Complete Your Stafford/Plus/Alternative Loan Application »
Complete Your Stafford Loan Entrance Interview »
The Verification Process
Due to federal regulations you may be asked to provide documentation to the Office of Financial Aid in order to verify the accuracy of information contained within your SAR. You may be randomly selected by the U.S. Department of Education or by the institution. The purpose of the verification process is to ensure students receive all aid for which eligibility is established. Required documentation must be received in a timely manner to prevent the loss of financial aid eligibility.
Did you know?
Once your file is complete and you have been admitted to Aquinas College, an award notification will be mailed to you. Your award notification will indicate all the types of financial assistance for which you are eligible.
Related Links
Complete Your Stafford/Plus/Alternative Loan Application »
Complete Your Stafford Loan Entrance Interview »
Student Aid on the Web website »