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Financial Aid Resolutions
Jordan Grant, director of SPU’s Student Financial Services office and an expert in financing your student’s education, offers five financial aid-related resolutions you may want to consider as we begin 2010.
Resolution #1: File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Even if your student doesn’t feel he or she will qualify, it’s important to file the FAFSA form. SFS wants to make sure they can provide all available resources to students.
In fact, all students will at least have the opportunity to seek a student loan and/or work study.
- File at www.fafsa.gov as soon as possible after January 1, 2010.
- Incoming students’ deadline: February 1, 2010.
- Returning students’ deadline: June 1, 2010.
NOTE: You can estimate your income; you don’t need to have completed your 2009 tax return. Don’t let your tax filing status stop you from meeting the FAFSA filing deadline.
Resolution #2: Encourage your student to research scholarship opportunities.
Early winter through spring is the season for investigating and applying for scholarships.
- Check out SFS’s outside scholarships site.
- Review theWashBoard.org, a clearinghouse for scholarships that matches Washington state students and students attending Washington state schools to applicable awards.
Resolution #3: Support your student if he or she wants to work.
If your student would like to work, support him or her in working during Christmas Break and after.
- Students may work up to 40 hours a week during breaks at work-study jobs.
- Studies show that working less than 20 hours per week while in school does not adversely affect a student's class work.
- Money earned can help meet extra costs and provide your student with valuable work experience.
Have your student visit the Student Employment website to search for jobs if he or she is not working or would like to seek a new job.
Resolution #4: Investigate SFS payment plans.
- Interested in being on a payment plan? Read about payment options.
- Submit your application and payment for Spring Quarter by February 26, 2010.
Resolution #5: Establish access to your student’s account.
- If necessary, make sure your student has provided you access to his or her student account.
- Also, check that you’re set up as an authorized payer through our online payment service.
We’re Here to Help
SFS wants your student to achieve an SPU degree. If you or your family has experienced financial difficulties that may affect your student’s enrollment, do not hesitate to contact Student Financial Services.