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  1. What are some of the basic requirements to receive aid?
    To receive assistance from most financial aid programs you must:
    • Have a social security number
    • Have a high school diploma or GED
    • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
    • Be pursuing a college degree or teacher certification
    • Enroll for at least 6 hours per term as an undergraduate or 5 hours as a graduate student
    •  Register for selective service, if appropriate
    • Not be in default on student loans or owe a grant refund
    • Complete your academic courses at a satisfactory rate.
  2. When should I apply?
    We recommend that you submit your application as soon after January 1st of each year as possible, but no later than March 31st to receive consideration for all programs or assistance. The funding in some programs is limited, so apply early. If you are a Louisiana resident, we recommend that you submit your FASFA by March 31st if at all possible, but no later than July 1st, if you wish to be considered for the TOPS Monetary Assistance Program. If you submit your application before March 31, we normally will notify you of your eligibility for most types of financial aid beginning in May for new students and in June for continuing students. With your award notification, you will receive instructions about additional steps required to actually receive your award(s).
  3. What documents do I need when I complete the application?
    When completing the application for the Fall 2007-2008 school year, you should have these documents on hand:
    • Your 2006 tax return
    • Your parents’ 2006 tax return (if appropriate)
    • Your spouse’s tax return (if appropriate)
    • W-2 forms, banks, statements, etc.  Save these materials, you may have to prove that the information you reported is correct.
  4. What happens if I cannot locate my Federal Tax Return?
    Things such as this happens, you may request a transcript of your tax return. This is called a request for Form 4505 or transcript. This is an acceptable form of tax documentation if we ever request a copy of your federal tax return.Simply call 1-800-TAX-FORM (829-3676) or visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov. This form normally takes approximately two weeks for delivery.
  5. Are there other ways to apply for Financial Aid?
    Now there are several ways you can apply for financial aid. The Department of Education has worked most diligently in making applying for financial aid much easier.  Of course there is the standard manual process of applying by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA). This application can be obtained from any college or university, as well as high schools throughout the United States.

    The other alternative for faster processing, less chances for errors and on line assistance is FAFSA on the Web. FASFA on the web is another free way developed by the department of Education to automate the process of applying for financial aid. FAFSA on the Web allows students to complete the application as well as assist immediately if there are any possible errors that could possibly reject the application.  The online form is designed with clear instructions on completing the form as well as extremely user friendly pop-up menus and explanations. To complete your FAFSA on the Web, simply log on to www.fafsa.ed.gov Follow the easy to understand instructions and you are well on your way. With this electronic process, you will receive a PIN number that allows you to electronically apply every year including electronically signing the application. The electronic application greatly reduces the processing time as compared to the manual FAFSA application.

    Please remember, financial aid is an annual process. You must apply every year to be eligible to receive Federal, State, and/or institutional funds.In extreme cases, you may visit the office of Student Financial Aid and will work with you to complete your application electronically through EDExpress.

    However, please remember this can only be done in extreme or extenuating circumstances and on a case by case basis.
  6. Can I pay my bill with earnings from a campus job?
    If you work for Southern University as a Federal Work Study or regular student wage employee, you will receive you’re earning in a paycheck once a month. You can use this money for your personal expenses or save it for your Southern University bill. It will not be directly credited to your account is not used as part of the funds to financially clear you at the beginning of the term.
  7. What if I'm not eligible for need-based financial aid?
    You may opt to pay your term bill in installments, depending on your registration date. The office of the Bursar provides information about possible installment options for payment.In addition, if you apply for financial aid and are not eligible for need-based programs, you will normally be offered an unsubsidized student loan, which you must pay back after you graduate, drop below half-time status, or completely withdraw from the university. Parents of dependent students may wish to borrow Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan) for their son/daughter. Ask the Office of Student Financial Aid for information about this program.You also may wish to work on campus in a regular student employment job. Come to the student employment area of our office for help finding a campus job.
  8. What basic steps should I remember?
    The basic steps that you should remember are:
    • Complete your tax returns early (preferably by March 31).
    • Send your financial aid application by March 31 (preferred filing date). If you miss that date, mail it early as possible.
    • List Southern University code 002025 as your first choice school.
    • Indicate your housing code in Section 6, Item 87.
    • Refer to the instructions in the application booklet when you have questions.
    • Save copies of your tax forms and worksheets. Also, keep your financial aid correspondence and materials in one place so you will have a record of what has occurred.
    • Keep your address with Southern University Registrar’s Office up to date so you will receive your mail and refund checks (as appropriate) in a timely manner.
    • Be prepared to make other financial arrangements to pay your university bill if you applied for financial aid after March 31st.
  9. How do I apply?
    If you submitted a 2006-2007 financial aid application before February 1, 2006, the U.S. Department of Education will send you a renewal application for 2007-2008 with some items already completed based on your previous application. If you did not apply for 2006-2007 at all or in time to receive a renewal application, then you must submit a 2007-2008 financial aid application.

    We use information about your family situation (income and assets, number of members in the household, and other items) in a process called need analysis. Based on the information you provide, a family contribution is calculated. Your family contribution, along with your cost of attendance, determines your maximum eligibility for financial aid.
  10. What happens if I apply after March 31st?
    After March 31st you still should complete and submit the application, but you may not be considered for all aid programs. Nevertheless, Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loan funds are as available to eligible students throughout the academic year.

    In addition to receiving consideration for all programs, March 31st filing also ensures that your aid will be credited on your fall term bill. If you make a late decision to attend and apply after March 31st you may need to make other financial arrangements from your own funds and then be reimbursed later if your aid covers all charges.
  11. What should I remember about the application?
    Errors in your application can delay its processing. If that occurs, your award may not be finalized in time to pay your semester bill.

    Here are some suggestions to help you avoid the most common errors made on the application:
    • Read the instructions first and complete all applicable sections, including appropriate worksheets. Make sure all required signatures are on the application. As a reference, keep copies of the application and the documents you used in completing your application, such as your federal tax return. (You may be asked to provide copies of these documents.)
    • Use zero when you have nothing to declare and a numeric value is needed; do not leave items blank unless you are instructed to do so.
    • The application will ask how many people in your household are attending college at least half-time. Carefully read these instructions.
    • If your parents are divorced, separated, or widowed, you should thoughtfully and carefully read the instructions to determine whose income information you need to supply.
    • The application asks what type of U.S. income tax form was filed. Please accurately indicate whether the income figures you are providing are from a 1040EZ, 1040A, or 1040 form. If you did not complete a tax return, indicate so and report your earnings as earnings, not adjusted gross income.
    • If a tax return was filed, complete the questions about your adjusted gross income and taxes paid. Report taxes paid. Do not report taxes withheld, follow the common line numbers on the tax return to obtain the accurate figure for taxes paid.If two people earned the reported adjusted gross income, also indicate the separate earnings for each person. For example, report each parents income if you are a dependent student;
    • Prepare your taxes early. If you cannot file your taxes, estimate your income rather than delay completing the application. To estimate taxable income (that will be reported on a tax return), use worksheet #2. Be prepared to verify all information.
    • Be sure to report your housing for 2007-2008 in section 6, Item 87. You will be assumed living with your parents if you do not complete this item: consequently, your cost of attendance will be lower than other students.
    • If you have not filed your parents taxes, however you have all of the W-2’s or earning statements, you are still able to complete the application by stating will file. Please remember the earlier you apply, the less hassle and red tape you will encounter for registration.
  12. What happens after I mail my application?
    When the United States Department of Education (USDE) receives your application, it will determine your estimated family contribution. USDE will mail you a Student aid Report (SAR) and provide your data to SU. Keep all parts of your SAR with your financial aid records. You may need your SAR later if you transfer to another university, or occasionally, we may request that you provide it to us.

    We will begin processing your financial aid application once the following occur:
    • Your FASFA data from USDE is loaded in our computer system.
    • You are admitted to or enroll at SU as a degree-seeking student or you have provided information verifying that you are pursuing teacher certification.
    • You are admitted to or enroll at SU as a degree-seeking student or you have provided information verifying that you are pursuing teacher certification.
    • Your information from any prior college or university you have attended, indicating whether or not you received financial aid (transfer student only); your requested documents are received if you are selected for review/verification.

      After all these events occur and we complete review of your application, we will send you an award letter.
  13. How do I pay my bill with financial aid and receive funds for other expenses?
    After your eligibility is determined and an award of financial aid is made, well credit your grant, loan, waiver, and scholarship award(s) by semester, as payment for tuition, fees, and housing. If this credit covers your entire bill, you will be financially cleared for that term.

    Your first billing will be sent in early July for fall term, and in mid-November for spring term, before the beginning of the term. (If you live with you family or in an off-campus apartment, the University will not charge you for housing.)

    When your total aid is greater than your charges, you will receive excess funds or a refund for personal expenses. We begin mailing refund checks to most student’s local address 10 days prior to the first week of classes.If you are a first-time loan recipient at SU, you must attend an entrance loan counseling session before you receive a refund. Check our bulletin board for the days and times for the sessions

    Also, federal regulations require that new (first-time, first-year) student loan recipients wait 30 days after the start of enrollment to access funds from that program; consequently, these students will not receive refunds until after the first month of classes.
  14. What financial aid programs are available?
    Your FAFSA results allow SU to determine your eligibility for most need-based federal and SU programs, as well as the TOPS Programs for Louisiana residents.
    • Federal Grants: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Important points about grants include:
      • Eligibility is based on high financial need.
      • Amounts vary based on financial need.
      • Grants need not be repaid.
    • Work Study: Federal College Work Study. Important points about work study include:
      • Eligibility is based on financial need.
      • Student can only work when not in class.
      • Work usually is limited to 20 hours a week. Job referrals are made through the student employment area of our office.
    • SU Scholarships: University Academic Scholarships, SU Foundation Scholarships, individual academic college awards. Important points about scholarships include:
      • Eligibility is based on academic merit and, sometimes, financial need.
      • Separate selection processes exist for different types of scholarships; contact the appropriate school, or area within the University making the scholarship decision for the stated deadlines and criteria; or pickup our SU Scholarship Brochure located in out Office of Student Financial Aid for additional information.Our office can help you determine which SU scholarships are available to you. We can also refer you to information about outside scholarships available through civic foundations and nonprofit organizations.
      • Louisiana Grants/Scholarships: Residents can request information about programs designated for veterans, minorities, and teachers, as well as how to use Louisiana scholarships search service. Please contact our office of Student Financial Aid for any assistance.
      • Subsidized Loans: Federal Stafford Loans.  Important points include: Amounts vary based on need other, financial aid, and cost of attendance. Interest does not accrue while you are enrolled at least half-time. They must be repaid beginning six months after you graduate or cease minimum enrollment. Interest rates are low; repayment terms vary

        Unsubsidized Loans: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans Important points about unsubsidized loans:
        • Amounts vary based on attendance and other financial aid, not on financial need
        • Interest is charged while you are in school but payment of interest can be deferred until after you graduate.
        • They must be repaid beginning six month after you graduate or cease minimum enrollment.
        • Interest rates are low; repayment terms vary

          Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
        • Amounts vary based on attendance and other financial aid, not on financial need and is credit based.
        • Interest is charged while you are in school, but payment of interest can be deferred until after you graduate.
        • Depending on the lending agency, repayment can begin immediately or beginning six months after you graduate or cease minimum enrollment.
        • Interest rates are low; repayment terms vary.
        • If credit is not approved, students may borrow under the Federal Unsubsidized Loan Program
        • Our office will assist you in determining the best, most practical program and lending agency in applying for loans

          Alternative Loans
        • Amounts vary based on attendance and other financial aid, not on financial need and is credit based
        • Interest is charged while you are in school, but payment of interest can be deferred until after you graduate
        • Depending  on the lending agency, repayment can begin immediately or beginning six months after you graduate or cease minimum enrollment
        • Interest rates are low; repayment terms vary
        • Only offered to students as a last option for funding
        • Again, our office will assist you in determining the best, most practical program and lending agency in applying for loans.
  15. What are SU’s costs?
    In determining the amount of financial aid you may need, we estimate your personal expenses and project your Southern University charges.The information below shows general costs for an undergraduate Southern University student in state and out of state for the 2007-2008 academic year.

    Costs will change each year, so estimate that overall costs may rise before.
    Note: Fees and expenses are subject to change without prior notice. These costs are: (per semester)
    In-state tuition and fees:  $1,833.00
    Room and Board: $3,915.00 - $4,348.00 (depending on the dormitory)

    Out-of-state tuition and fees:  $4,729.00
    Room and Board: $3,915.00 - $4,348.00 (depending on the dormitory)

    The room and board amount is determined by the cost charged to undergraduate students using the full meal plan. Students living off campus received the same allowance. Students who live with parents and commute to campus have lower living expenses.Graduate students incur slightly higher tuition and fees and receive larger allowances for books and suppliers, housing and food, and personal expenses.
  16. Are financial aid counselors available to talk with me?
    Our financial aid counselors rotate between front/service desk, phone counseling, and one-on-one advising. When you call or visit the office, one of our counselors will be more than happy to assist you. You may also come in during advising hours to personally speak with a counselor.
  17. What if parents are divorced or separated?
    Divorced or separated parents frequent questions