Four common myths about financial aid
Many students mistakenly think they don’t qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. We don’t want you to fall into that trap! Here are four common reasons people don’t apply for – and the reasons they’re wrong!
I’m not going to bother filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because …
1) “… my parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.”
Reality: There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income—from the size of your family to the age of your older parent—are taken into account. Your eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by your parents’ income alone. And remember: when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’re also automatically applying for funds from the state. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out.
2) “… only students with good grades get financial aid.”
Reality: While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most of the federal student aid programs do not take a student’s grades into consideration. Provided a student maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study, federal student aid will help a student with an average academic record complete his or her education.
3) “… I’m too old to get financial aid.”
Reality: Funds from federal student aid programs are awarded on the basis of financial need, not on the basis of age. Adult students can get financial aid, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.
4) “… the form is too hard to fill out.”
Reality: The FAFSA is easier than ever, especially if you fill it out online at www.fafsa.gov. There are detailed instructions for every question, and the form walks you through step by step, asking only the questions that apply to you. If you need help, you can access real-time, private online chat with a customer service representative or from the FSA toll-free number: 1-800-4-FED-AID. And remember, the FAFSA and all these sources of advice are FREE.
Still feeling a bit overwhelmed? Take a deep breath. We’re here to help!
For help filing the FAFSA, there’s several helpful workshops coming soon to each of Moraine Park’s campuses.
For new and continuing students, Financial Aid experts will be available to assist you in filing the FAFSA on these dates:
Tuesday, March 1 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m
Thursday, March 3 – 2 to 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 9 – 9 to 11 a.m.
Friday, March 11 – 9 to 11 a.m.
All events in Fond du Lac held in 0-106. All events in West Bend held in Student Services. All Beaver Dam events will be held in K-312, except March 10 (J-110.5)
From there, a special Operation FAFSA event will also be held. This is an exclusive filing event for new and continuing Veteran and Military students. That event will run March 14 to 18 in Fond du Lac.
For more info and help, please visit morainepark.edu/financial-aid.
