Helpful Hints
In order to prevent delays in processing, the Financial Aid Office offers the following suggestions:
- Apply early.
- Print your name and Social Security number on al documents submitted.
- Respond promptly to all requests for additional information.
- Update the Registrar’s Office on any changes in your address or phone number.
- Carefully read all correspondence from Financial Aid.
- Make sure all documents submitted are complete, accurate, and contain required signatures.
- Set up a financial aid file and keep copies of all documents. Each time you write to your lender or school, make a copy of the letter for your file.
- Make sure you understand the financial aid process and pay special attention to all documents concerning your loan.
- Do not estimate. Use financial information from your completed federal income tax return.
- Read instructions and follow directions carefully. Completing your FAFSA application inaccurately will delay your financial aid.
- Mail tax forms and other documents to Financial Aid as soon as you have completed the FAFSA application.
- Use the internet. Some examples of financial aid sites are:
www.ed.gov/prog_info/SFA/StudentGuide
www.fastweb.com
www.salliemae.com
- PLUS loans require completion of a PLUS Loan Request Form.
- Stafford loan applications for returning Faulkner student borrowers will be sent to the previous lender unless the student requests a change.
- Awards to transfer students are made with academic information available to the university at the time of award.
- University awards require full-time enrollment (12 semester hours).
- Stafford/PLUS loans are disbursed with a minimum enrollment of 6 hours.
- Alabama State Grant Program is available for Alabama residents enrolled for half-time or greater enrollment.
- Merit-based aid administered by the university is supported by contributions from industry, business, foundations, alumni, and other friends of the university. Eligibility is based upon a student’s academic record, leadership characteristics, or special talents (or a combination of these factors). While many of these scholarships are renewable, recipients must remain academically eligible and annually reapply for financial aid by the application priority deadline. NOTE: Depending on a family’s financial circumstances, student’s receiving merit-based aid may also receive need-based aid.
- The amount of need-based aid for which a student qualifies is calculated by subtracting the expected family’s contribution (EFC) for education- as determined by the information submitted on the FAFSA- from the students Cost of Attendance. Once financial need is determined, applicants who filed their forms by the priority deadline are considered for all programs of aid for which they may be eligible. Financial aid awards are made based upon program eligibility and need, with every effort being made to assist the neediest students first. Pell Grant eligibility is the foundation upon which need-based assistance is awarded. Outside sources of aid, such as grants and scholarships, are first used to help meet the student’s outstanding needs prior to the awarding of Faulkner Assistance. The amount of need-based aid that a student receives is based upon available funding. However, because of limited funds, we have not been able to meet the total demonstrated need of all students.
- Applicants selected for Verification must submit all required documentation and all corrections must be completed BEFORE the disbursement of any award is allowed.
- Terms and conditions for Institutional loans are available at our web site.
- Questions pertaining to your “bill” should be directed to the Business Office.