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I'm confused about something - is the $20k all loans or is some of it grants? Because loans aren't really "aid" if you have to pay them back with interest...
Good question - it's mostly unsubsidized loans (about $17,500) and then a $2,500 departmental grant. I know the loans aren't free money, but I'm still counting on that eligibility to help me get through the program!
One more thing to consider - make sure you're on top of your program's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. Even if your financial situation stays exactly the same, failing to meet SAP standards can result in loss of aid eligibility. For most grad programs this means maintaining a minimum GPA (usually 3.0) and completing a certain percentage of attempted credits. Your academic performance matters for continued aid eligibility!
wait does anyone know if you have to fill out fasfa again for summer classes? my advisor never mentioned it but now im worried i should have done another application for summer term
For summer classes, you typically use the same FAFSA you submitted for the academic year. So if you're taking Summer 2025 classes, you'd use the 2024-2025 FAFSA you already completed. However, many schools require a separate summer aid application form through their financial aid office. This isn't another FAFSA, but rather a school form indicating you want some of your annual aid allocated to summer courses. Check your school's financial aid website for a "Summer Aid Application" or call them directly to ask about the process.
Update: I called the financial aid office this morning and they confirmed they received our FAFSA data but said they're processing returning students in late March/early April. The woman I spoke with was really helpful and suggested I should check my son's portal next week as they're uploading aid packages in batches. She also mentioned his CSS Profile was still needed (which I completed yesterday after the earlier comment reminded me!). Thanks everyone for the advice - I feel much better knowing where we stand in the process.
anyone know if colleges accept aid appeals this late? my fafsa also got delayed and now the package i got isn't enough but idk if its too late to appeal
Based on what you've shared, this does sound like normal processing delays rather than something wrong with your FAFSA. The 2023-2024 FAFSA rollout has been particularly challenging with significant delays. In my experience working with families this year: - Some schools are taking 4-6 weeks to process corrected FAFSAs - Many schools are extending their financial aid deadlines in recognition of these delays - Financial aid offices are extremely overwhelmed with the backlog I still recommend calling, but approach the conversation with understanding that the staff are likely doing their best under difficult circumstances. Ask if they've extended deadlines due to FAFSA delays, and if they have a process for holding your daughter's place until the corrected FAFSA arrives.
Mei-Ling Chen
btw dont feel bad, my nephew had the opposite problem - his app showed INCOMPLETE but the school said they got everything they needed! the whole system is a mess this year
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DeShawn Washington
UPDATE: I called both universities and they confirmed they received the complete FAFSA applications for both boys! The financial aid officer I spoke with said they're getting lots of calls from parents with the same issue. She mentioned that the Department of Education is aware of the email notification system problems and they're working on it. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Jamal Brown
•Excellent! I'm glad you got confirmation directly from the schools. That's always the most reliable verification method. This will be good for your peace of mind, and you've now done your due diligence to ensure your sons will receive their full financial aid consideration.
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Aiden O'Connor
•Smart move calling them directly! Never trust the online system to be accurate.
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