I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I fill out the FAFSA?
Yes! Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving any kind of financial assistance, including student loans.
Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?
Yes, you'll need to fill out the FAFSA every year. However, subsequent years will contain pre-populated information from the previous year. Keep in mind that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college or your family's income situation has changed.
Is it legal for a 17 year old student to sign a promissory note for a student loan?
Normally, a minor cannot be held liable for a contract that they sign. However, in 1992 the Higher Education Act was amended to permit eligible students, defined per Title IV regulations, to sign the promissory note for their own Federal student loans. As such, student loans represent one of the few exceptions to the so called "defense of infancy." The specific citation is section 484A(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1091a(b)(2)).
How do I fill out the FAFSA if my parents are divorced?
If your parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA. The custodial parent for federal student aid purposes is the parent with whom you lived with the most during the 12 past months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the past twelve months should fill out the FAFSA. This is probably the parent who claimed you as a dependent on their tax return. If you have not received any support from either parent during the past 12 months, use the most recent calendar year for which you received some support from a parent.
Do I need to have 12 units in order to receive financial aid?
No. Minimum enrollment status varies according to each aid program. For most programs, 6 units is the minimum required enrollment. The Financial Aid Office automatically packages student's aid on the assumption of full time enrollment (12+ units). Students who enroll in less than 12 units must notify the Financial Aid Office right away, as proportional adjustments will be made to the financial aid package.
What happens to my financial aid if I have to drop below 12 units?
The answer will depend on your particular situation with respect to the type of aid you receive and your overall academic record. The best advice is for you to discuss your situation with the Financial Aid Office.
I lost my academic scholarship because of a low GPA. How can I get it back?
If after an academic year you did not have a cumulative GPA of 3.0, you will lose your academic scholarship. However, you can get it back after the next year after you have an eligible cumulative GPA.
When do I get my refund check?
All funds are set to disburse the Friday of the first week of classes. As long as all monies come in, they are transferred over to the Business Office where they will process the check. This whole procedure will take 2-3 weeks. All checks are sent to the student's mailbox.
How come I haven't received my refund check yet?
In order to process the refund check, all monies need to be in and transferred to your account. If you haven't received your check yet, it is very possible you have not completed the student loan process of completing the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. You will want to check with the Financial Aid Office to see which monies haven't come in.
My parents do not claim me on their tax return, can I complete the FAFSA with just my information?
It is irrelevant whether or not your parents claimed you on their income tax returns. The FAFSA will determine if you are a dependent or independent student and whether or not you need to provide your parent's income tax information.
How come my scholarship has been reduced?
It is very possible you have already reached your maximum eligibility for scholarships. Remember to keep the institutional policy in mind:
- Students living on campus may receive up to 100% of their tuition charges for any term from WJU Institutional Aid.
- Commuter students may receive up to 50% of their tuition charges for any term from WJU Institutional Aid.
- The total of all WJU Institutional Aid awards combined with Cal Grant (excluding the subsistence portion of Cal Grant B) cannot exceed 100% of a student's tuition charges by state law.
