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)

Step 2:  File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Step 3:  Complete Direct Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling

Step 4:  Complete a Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note

Step 5:  Reminders

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 at Heritage University.  Your parents (if applicable) should apply for a separate PIN.

STEP 2:  COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA (FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID)

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:  COMPLETE ENTRANCE COUNSELING

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 4:  COMPLETE A MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE

All students new to Heritage University must complete and electronically sign a new Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the Department of Education.

STEP 5:  REMINDERS

STUDENT AID REPORT

Carefully review the Student Aid Report, or SAR that you receive from the US Department of Education.  The SAR may include important information about the status of your application including mission information and/or a missing signature that must be completed.

SELECTED FOR VERIFICATION

Verification is a process required by the Federal Government and Heritage University to verify the accuracy of data submitted on the FAFSA for a percentage of financial aid applicants.  If selected for verification you will be notified by letter from Heritage University.  The letter will contain a verification worksheet and instructions on how to submit your IRS Tax Return Transcript amongst other required documents.  A financial aid package will not be created until the verification process is complete.

AWARD LETTER

Students are awarded a financial aid package on a rolling basis at Heritage University.  Therefore, the sooner you file your FAFSA and submit other required documents the sooner you will receive your financial aid award letter.

Keep the financial aid award letter (and any revised award letters) for your own records.  You should also keep a copy of all documents that you submit to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.  Be certain that you understand the conditions of the awards.  Advise the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships immediately if you receive a financial award from any other source.  A change in resources may affect your financial aid package.

Continuing students must submit all documents requested BEFORE any awards will be made.  Students will be contacted by letter if comments are needed.