How to Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1: Obtain a PIN

The first step is to obtain a Personal Identification Number or PIN. You will use this PIN code each year to access your Federal Student Aid records online and apply for financial aid.

Apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN

Important: Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so you should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to record and keep your PIN in a safe place.

Step 2: Fill out the FAFSA

In order to determine your eligibility you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is determined by your financial situation. Almost every student is eligible for some form of financial aid regardless of income or circumstances, provided the following requirements are met:

• You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen.
• You must have a valid Social Security Number.
• You must have a high school diploma or GED.
• You must be registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male aged 18-25 and a U.S. citizen).
• You must have completed a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes.
• You must not owe refunds on any federal student grants.
• You must not be in default on any student loans.
• You must have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period in which federal aid was being received.

You may find it helpful to gather the following documents before you begin the online application process:

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s license or State ID (if any)
• Your most recent W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
• Your (and your spouse’s if you are married) most recent Federal Income Tax Return (or your Foreign Tax Return)
• Most recent untaxed income records that include: veterans benefits records, child support received and worker’s compensation
• Current bank statements
• Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
• Alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid

NOTE: The Ohio University Federal ID Code is 003100.

Important: All students should check with Ohio University’s financial aid office to determine their exact FAFSA deadlines and requirements.

Step 3: Your Student Aid Report

A Student Aid Report (SAR) is a document you will receive after your FAFSA is processed. It will list all of your provided answers, which you should review for correctness. Make any necessary corrections.

The SAR will contain your Expected Family Contribution, which is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid during one school year. Your school will receive an electronic copy of the SAR and use this information to decide how much financial aid you are eligible to receive. If you are selected for the verification process, please wait for instructions from the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships regarding required documents to submit.

Step 4: Determine Your Options

You will receive notice of how much assistance in federal loans you are eligible for. It is at this point in the process where you can choose how much money you would like to accept and/or explore other funding options.

Important: Students need to complete a Master Promissory Note (eMPN) during the first year of enrollment. (In subsequent terms, students need only sign a form confirming acceptance of funds during all subsequent terms. http://www.studentloans.gov)

All first-time Federal Direct Student Loan borrowers also need to complete Entrance Counseling. http://www.studentloans.gov

Both the eMPN and Entrance Counseling can be completed online.

Keep track of all deadlines and required paperwork. If you have any questions contact your financial aid advisor.