Getting Started

9 STEPS TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

2011-2012

You MUST reapply for financial aid each year. Awards are not automatically renewed

Step 1. TAXES – You and your parents need to file 2010 Federal Income tax returns. If it is not possible to file your taxes earlier, use ESTIMATED income on your FAFSA.

Step 2. PIN – You must apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov before you can complete your FAFSA. You and your Parent, if a dependent student, will need to apply for a PIN to electronically sign your FAFSA.

Step 3. FAFSA - Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. The school code for Bethune-Cookman University is 001467. For assistance, go to http://www.finaid.ucsb.edu/FAFSASimplification/index.html and click on FAFSA TUTORIAL.

Step 4. VERIFICATION – Review information sent to you from the Financial Aid Office. If you have been selected for Verification, you (and your Parent, if dependent student) will need to submit copies of your 2010 Federal Tax return(s) and a 2011-2012 Verification Worksheet which can be obtained from (http://www.cookman.edu/financial_aid/gettingstarted/faDocs.html).

Step 5. FRAG – (FLORIDA RESIDENTS ONLY) In order to qualify for Florida State funds you must complete the Florida Resident Access Grant Application at http://www.cookman.edu/documents/finaid_docs/FRAG3.pdf.

Step 6. FERPA - Complete your Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act form. FERPA protects your privacy of student aid records by requiring prior written consent before disclosing personal information to a third party. This form can be accessed at http://www.cookman.edu/documents/finaid_docs/FERPA.pdf.

Step 7. MPN/ENTRANCE COUNSELING– Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Interview for your Direct Federal Stafford loans. MPN/Entrance Interviews only have to be completed once. . (Returning students will need to complete a NEW Direct MPN, even if one was completed before.)

• MPN and Entrance Counseling are available at: www.studentloans.gov

Step 8. PLUS LOAN – After you have been awarded financial aid, have your Parent apply for a DIRECT PLUS loan to assist with your college expenses. Even if your Parent’s DIRECT PLUS loan is denied; you will still qualify for an Additional Unsubsidized Stafford loan for $4000 (if you are a freshman or a sophomore) and $5,000 (if you are a junior or a senior).

• Completed Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Parents Plus Loans at www.studentloans.gov.

Step 9. APPLY FOR PRIVATE ALTERNATIVE STUDENT LOAN - Private loans help bridge the remaining amount of funds needed for your education. A separate application is required directly with the lender. Below are a few lenders you and your Parent may want to consider.

*** Please note students need to complete a Private loan “Self Certification” form before a private loan can be certified. The form is available at http://www.cookman.edu/documents/finaid_docs/PriLoanAppSelfCertification2010_11.pdf.
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