The Financial Aid Office had an informational tabling event in Bracken Library Tuesday to raise awareness of the March 10 Free Application for Federal Student Aid deadline.
Here, Dave Mathews, assistant director of scholarships and financial aid, answers some frequently asked questions about applying for financial aid.
Q: Is the FAFSA the only application I need to fill out?
A: Yes. The FAFSA is the major application for financial aid. It should be completed around the same time every year. Filling out the FAFSA makes students eligible for federal, state and Ball State University financial aid. Separate loan applications will be available later in the spring.
Q: Can I file my FAFSA online?
A: Yes. The FAFSA is primarily done online. Go to fafsa.ed.gov/.
Q: How can I establish myself as an independent student?
A: Questions asked while filling out the FAFSA will determine a student's status as dependent or independent. Students often benefit more with independent status because they have less money than when parental income is considered.
Q: When will I find out how much financial aid I've been awarded?
A: Incoming freshmen will receive notification by early April. Returning students will be notified by mid-June.
Q: My taxes aren't complete yet. Should I wait to file my FAFSA?
A: Don't wait. Make an educated guess at your tax numbers to meet the March 10 deadline. You can make corrections to the application later.
Q: Can I get financial aid for summer courses?
A: Yes. Generally, financial aid for summer classes come from the Stafford Loan, a federal loan program. Applications will be available after Spring Break.
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