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What is a FAFSA?
It is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is FREE and easy to do. Read through it completely. You can complete it online or on paper.
When should I file a FAFSA?
During your senior year in high school after January 1. We recommend you file by March 1st at the latest to be eligible for the most financial aid. You will need your 2007 taxes to complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA.
What is Freed-Hardeman's Title IV School Code?
003492
Do I have to do a FAFSA each year?
Yes. A FAFSA must be completed each year to be eligible for financial aid from year to year.
What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA?
You will need: your Social Security Number, Driver's License, Income Tax Return, bank statements, and investment records.
What is an "EFC"?
It is the Expected Family Contribution. It is the results from the FAFSA, that is determined by the Department of Education. It is used as a qualifier for need-based aid, such as Pell Grants and Institutional aid.
Who is eligible to receive federal financial aid?
You must: be a U.S. Citizen; have a valid social security number; comply with Selective Service registration; have a high school diploma, a GED, or pass a ATB test; be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate eligible program.
Can I use FAFSA on the Web to estimate my EFC?
Yes. You can use FAFSA on the Web to calculate your EFC. The estimated EFC will print on the confirmation page when you have completed the application.
Do I have to file the federal income tax returns before completing the FAFSA?
It will be easier to answer the questions on the FAFSA if the tax returns are completed. If you have not completed your tax return, you may use estimates on your tax information to complete the FAFSA.
How do I know if it will be worthwhile for me to complete the FAFSA?
If your EFC is less than the cost of attendance (COA), you may benefit from completing the FAFSA.
If I am considering transferring to Freed-Hardeman, what should I do?
You should complete the Admissions process and have all official transcripts from all schools sent to FHU. You should also add FHU (003492) to your list of colleges on your FAFSA. We will then send you an award letter/package once you are accepted by Admissions.
What does it mean if I am selected for "verification"?
The Department of Education selects 30% of FAFSA applications for a process called verification. The school you are attending has to verify the income information listed on your FAFSA. You will need to complete the verification worksheet, ABC worksheet, and send copies of parent and student tax returns signed with W2s. This process could change your EFC.
Can I fax my verification documents?
Yes. These documents can be faxed to (731)989-6775.
What is the income criteria for getting need-based aid?
It varies depending on the family size, how many are in college, income, assets, and other factors.
How do I apply for Institutional scholarships?
Apply by completing the FAFSA by March 1st.
When will I receive my financial aid award letter?
You will receive an award package once the FAFSA is completed and all required documents have been submitted to the Office of Financial Aid. We try to get award letters out by the end of March.
Do I need to come to the Office of Financial Aid to discuss my financial aid or complete paperwork?
No. All paperwork can be completed online. You may contact us at anytime by phone (800-630-3481) or by e-mail (finaid@fhu.edu).
How do I find outside scholarships?
Check with your high school counselor, with local organizations in your community, and our website. Click here to view several scholarship links and services.
Do I notify the Office of Financial Aid if I am offered an outside scholarship?
Yes, send this information to our office. We need this information to make sure that you are not over awarded.
When is the deadline that my paperwork for my financial aid (loans, scholarships, & grants) must be completed?
All paperwork must be completed by July 1st.
When does my bill (account) need to be paid?
August 4 for the Fall semester and January 5 for the Spring semester.
Where do I go if I have questions concerning my billing statement?
The Business Office. You may contact them at 866-927-6008.
What is the General Fee and Technology Fee?
General Fee - is made up of several different extra costs that are not charged under any other category. These include the student newspaper, student yearbook, student government, student special events and concerts, intramurals, admission to intercollegiate ballgames, student fitness center, and other student related services. This charge is for all undergraduate students even if a student does not wish to participate in these activities.
Technology Fee - Technology is a significant part of FHU programs. Students benefit from varied technologies including electronic library services and resources, access to numerous computer labs, e-mail accounts, state-of-the-art campus network, multimedia instructional equipment, administrative software and hardware supporting all academic programs, online access to student's account and student's grades, and others.
What is the matriculation fee?
It is a one-time matriculation charge of $76 for all new full-time students to cover record set-up and orientation costs.
Why is the awarded amount on my award letter more than the total costs?
The government allows the student to receive extra money in the form of financial aid (grants, scholarships, and loans) in order to cover expenses such as gas money, computers, and other supplies the student might need to attend college. The extra money does not have to be used.
What circumstances could cause my financial aid award to be adjusted?
Failing to enroll in classes, withdrawing from the University, dropping below full-time hours, or taking less than 15 hours each semester.
What are the requirements to keep my academic scholarship?
Maintain your required GPA based on your 4-year award amount. Click here to see your required GPA. The GPA will be checked at the end of every spring semester.
If I lose my academic scholarship, can I get it back?
Yes. Your GPA will be checked at the end of every spring semester. If you have brought your GPA back up to the required level, you will receive your scholarship back.
Can I use any lender I want for my Stafford and Parent PLUS Loans?
Yes, you can use any lender. We have complied a list of Preferred lenders for Stafford, Parent PLUS Loans, and Alternative loans. If you choose a lender other than one of the preferred lenders, please let us know the lender and the lender code.
How many hours per semester must I take to be able to get financial aid (loans, grants, & scholarships)?
You must take at least 6 hours per semester to be able to receive grants and loans. You must be full-time
(12 hours) to receive institutional scholarships.
What happens to the excess amount from loans on my account?
The excess can be sent back on the loans, it can be left on the account to rollover from semester to semester, or it can be used for extra expenses the student might incur.
Can I get a refund if I am awarded more aid than I need to pay my charges?
Yes. You will need to contact the Business Office and complete a refund request.
Am I guaranteed a job if I have been awarded work study?
It is the responsibility of the student to secure a job. The work study award is not a guarantee of employment.
How do I get a job on campus?
You can start by checking with the Student Employment Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid. Check with departments on campus about openings. Click here for more information.
If I have a work study award and work on campus, how do I get paid? Does my pay go straight onto my bill?
If you work on campus, you will get paid once a month via check. Your earnings will not go on your account as long as your account is paid in full.