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8 tips for getting money for college

Posted on January 23, 2012
Money-for-college

Getting financial assistance to pay for college tuition, books and living expenses isn’t as hard as you think.  Use this checklist to help keep your college-bound student on track.

Tip #1: Have your student find out the student aid deadline for each college he or she is applying to. Look for this student aid priority date in the college catalog, admissions application, or on the college's website.

Tip #2: Both you and your student should obtain a PIN (personal identification number) from the U.S. Department of Education so you can complete and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. Request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. If you don't have a PIN, you can still fill out the FAFSA online. Then print, sign, and submit it to the U.S. Department of Education by mail.

Tip #3: File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 of the year in which your student will enter college. Be sure to file the FAFSA before the school's student aid priority date. You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Tip #4: You can expect to receive the Student Aid Report (SAR) in about 3 to 5 days if you filed the FAFSA electronically and provided a valid email address. It takes 7 to 10 days by traditional mail. If you filed a paper FAFSA by mail, it will take longer to receive the SAR.

Tip #5: Have your student check the SAR for errors and make corrections online. If your student received a paper SAR, corrections can be made on the SAR and mailed to the address on the form.

Tip #6: Some schools require students and their families to complete one or more supplemental aid applications. Send these supplemental forms to the school by the deadlines given.

Tip #7: Many state grant programs require additional information, such as copies of your (and your student's) latest tax return. Provide requested information promptly.

Tip #8: Have your student work closely with the Financial Aid Office at each college to make sure the schools receive all your student's necessary aid forms before each deadline.

Bonus Tip:  There’s still time to apply for a 2013 Union Plus Scholarship worth $500-$4,000.  These are scholarships, not grants, and never have to be repaid.  Application deadline is January 31, 2012.

APPLY NOW ONLINE

And for mobile alerts on key education-related deadline and info throughout the year, simply text STUDENT to 22555.

 

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