Financial Aid Notification
FINANCIAL AID NOTIFICATION
Receiving your financial aid notification is an exciting milestone. We want to make sure you know exactly what happens next. This section walks you through the timeline for processing your aid, what additional information may be needed along the way, and the steps to complete once your notification arrives. We are here to help you navigate every stage of the process with confidence.
Processing Timeline
Financial aid can feel like a complicated process, but it follows a clear sequence — and knowing where you are in that sequence makes everything more manageable. From the moment you submit your FAFSA to the point where funds are applied to your account, there are several steps along the way. The earlier you complete each step, the smoother the process will be.
Accepting and Declining Financial Aid
Your financial aid notification is not an all-or-nothing decision. Once you have received it, you have the opportunity to review each component carefully and decide what funding you actually need. Accepting some aid and declining other portions is completely normal, and it is your choice to make. Just know that both accepting and declining require you to take action, so don’t let the deadline sneak up on you.
Enrollment Changes
Your enrollment status each term plays a direct role in the financial aid available to you. If your plans change, whether you are adding or dropping courses, changing from full-time to part-time, or anything in between, it is important to let the Financial Aid office know as soon as possible. Staying ahead of enrollment changes helps protect your aid and avoid unexpected adjustments to your account.
Reporting Additional Aid
If you receive funding from any source not already listed on your financial aid notification, such as a private scholarship, employer benefit, or outside grant, you are required to report it to the Financial Aid office. This helps ensure your overall aid package stays accurate and keeps you in good standing. It is a simple step, and we are happy to walk you through it if you have questions.
Required Consumer Information
Your Financial Aid Notification includes, per federal requirements:
- A breakdown of estimated individual Cost of Attendance components, noting which are direct vs. indirect costs
- Clear identification of each type of aid offered (grant/scholarship, loan, or work program)
- Your estimated net price
- Standard terminology and definitions
- Renewal requirements for each aid type, next steps, and Financial Aid Office contact information