Applying for Financial Aid is a process that will take a little bit of time and coordination of data and information.
Follow this Handy Guide for How to Apply for Financial Aid.
STEP 1: OBTAIN YOUR PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (PIN)
Before completing your FAFSA application online you will need to obtain your Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply for a PIN at the Department of Education's PIN site: www.pin.ed.gov
The PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various US Department of Education systems. This is similar to a PIN you would get from your bank that enables you to access your account. Because your PIN serves as your electronic signature, you should not give it to anyone. This PIN is good for all years attending school. Your parents (if applicable) should apply for a separate PIN.
STEP 2: COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID)
Log on to: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Click on: Start a New FAFSA (new students) or Login (returning students) -- Enter your information
Click on: Start 2013-14 FAFSA -- Create Password
Our Federal School Code is: 003777
You can file your FAFSA as early as January 1 of the academic year in which you plan to enroll. You need to file your FAFSA and provide all required documentation as quickly as possible to receive a financial aid package reflecting your maximum eligibility of federal, state and institutional funds.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that the longer you wait to file your FAFSA, the more protracted the process will be for you in terms of accessing aid in a timely manner. Also, some types of grants may no longer be available. File as early as possible.
STEP 3: UPDATE TAX INFORMATION ON FAFSA
Log on to: www.fafsa.ed.gov
Click on: Make correction link -- Enter your information -- Enter Password
Click on: Financial Information tab at the top of page
Select: None of the above
Click on: Link to IRS
Click on: Okay to leave FAFSA -- Enter and verify information as it appears on the tax return
Click on: Submit
Select: Transfer to FAFSA
Click on: Transfer now
Click on: Save
Click on: Sign and Submit
STEP 4: COMPLETE ENTRANCE COUNSELING
Log on to: www.studentloans.gov
Click on: Sign In (green box) -- Enter your information and PIN
Click on: Complete Entrance Counseling
Select I am an Undergraduate Student
Select Washington State
Select Heritage University
Read all instructions carefully
Before receiving a student loan, borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling. This quick and easy interactive counseling session provides useful tips and tools to help you develop a budget for managing your educational expenses and helps you to understand your loan responsibilities. This online session will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
STEP 5: COMPLETE A MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE
Log on to: www.studentloans.gov
Click on: Sign In (green box) -- Enter your information and PIN
Click on: Complete Master Promissory Note
Click on: Subsidized/Unsubsidized -- Follow instructions given
All students new to Heritage University must complete and electronically sign a new Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the Department of Education.