Things You Should Know When Applying for Financial Aid

How early should I apply for Financial Aid?

When should I apply for Financial Aid; the earlier the better award monies are determined on the 1^st come, 1^st serve bases. Students who wait and apply after deadlines are less likely to qualify for any additional grant monies that could be potentially awarded. Students and families should know that if the prospective student is under the age of 25 they will be required to provide parental financial information in order to apply for aid. This information is required whether or not the student still resides in the home. However, there are mitigating circumstances that would allow for a student to have this information excluded from the FAFSA. In addition, grandparents who have 529’s and E.S.A.’s for their grandchildren should not have those monies calculated on the students FAFSA; unless the parents are the primary account holders.  These are factors not many institutions will share with the prospective student. Keep in mind when applying for Federal Student Aid the students must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen; males would need to register for Selective Service between the ages of 18-25. If they apply after the age of 25 they would have to show cause to Selective Service as to why they had not applied in a timely fashion. Also, the student must show they are qualified to obtain a college or career school education. For more information contact my office at 267-428-1202 or visit website www.aspirefinancialaid.com . Follow me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/aspirefinancialaid and sign up to receive news and tips with respect to Financial Aid.

written by Celina Canada-Johnson

President of Aspire Financial Aid