FAQ
How do I purchase my books?
If your Financial Aid is greater than your bill you will receive a refund check. In most cases be prepared to pay for your books and supplies out of your own pocket.
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After the Financial Aid Office has received all the necessary documents including the FAFSA, Marian Supplemental Form and possible verification documents, it will take approximately two to three weeks to receive your financial aid award letter.
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When will my aid be applied to my tuition?
Aid cannot be applied to your tuition until you are enrolled at least half time (6 credits undergraduate/4 credits graduate education/3 credits for Ph.D./5 credits Teacher Education Certification) and all requested documentation has been completed.
For the traditional daytime undergraduate student, financial aid will be applied on the first day of classes each semester. All Adult Accelerated students and graduate students will have their aid applied when they are officially half time. This usually occurs at the start of the second class each semester.
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No, you are not required to have your taxes completed before you complete the FAFSA. You may use estimated income information to complete the FAFSA. You should be able to get this information from your W-2 forms.
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Yes, some families mistakenly think they do not qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. There are a few sources of aid such as Unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of need. Remember, the FAFSA form is free.
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Students who are able to answer “Yes” to any question in Step Three of the 2008–2009 FAFSA are considered independent for the 2008–2009 academic year. These students do not provide parent information on the FAFSA.
If you cannot answer “Yes” to any question in Step Three, but believe you have special circumstances that should be considered regarding your status as an independent student, you should contact our office to determine if an exception can be made to your dependency status. You will need to provide documentation to support your claim of independent status. A parent’s choice to not help their student is not a reason to be an independent student.
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If your parents are divorced or separated, answer the questions about the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. You do not need to provide financial information of the parent that you do not live with. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided more financial support during the past 12 months or during the most recent year that you actually received support from a parent.) If this parent is remarried as of today, answer the questions on the rest of this form about that parent and the person whom your parent married (your stepparent).
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The government randomly selects 30 percent of all aid applicants for verification. If you have been selected you will be required to submit copies of your federal tax forms and complete an additional document issued by the Financial Aid office. Your file will then be reviewed to verify that all information is accurate.
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If your circumstances change you should inform the Financial Aid office in writing. If you (or your parents) experienced a reduction of income in 2008 (due to loss of employment, retirement, etc.), please provide a detailed explanation of why your income has decreased and what your expected income will be for 2008, and include any non-taxable income. Indicate how you arrived at the estimated amounts, using dates and figures. Submit appropriate documentation, such as copies of your most recent pay stubs.
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Your eligibility for financial aid is based on the results of filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA data will provide an EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) or your family’s financial ability to contribute toward your education. That figure is used to determine your need, and the types of federal, state and institutional financial aid you may qualify for. Your Financial Aid Award is based on federal and state regulations as well as institutional policies and procedures. To help us determine your need, we will consider your costs to include your tuition, fees, housing, books, personal expenses and any other educationally related expenses. Financial aid is meant to supplement your family’s costs, and is not intended to fund your entire cost of education. Once we determine your need, we will send you a Financial Aid Award letter telling you of all federal, state and institutional grants, loans, scholarships and student employment for which you qualify. Some types of financial aid are limited, and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. It is important to apply early each year to assure maximum consideration.
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In most cases your financial aid is not affected, although we are required to review your financial aid package to make sure that your total financial aid does not exceed the cost of your education. There is a possibility that outside scholarships could affect your financial aid and usually it would be your loan that would be reduced or replaced if an adjustment is needed. If you receive an outside scholarship you should inform our office. It is most helpful if you are able to provide a copy of the letter notifying you of the scholarship and the amount you will receive. We encourage you to apply for scholarships. Scholarships are a great way to help you finance your educational expenses as well as possibly reduce your need for loan assistance.
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Yes, the Financial Aid office can help guide you through the on-campus student employment process. A job board is located outside of the Financial Aid office for your viewing. Jobs are also listed on the Financial Aid Web site under the Student Employment link.
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A Subsidized Stafford Loan is a need-based loan that has the interest paid by the federal government while the student is in school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a non-need-based loan. Interest builds on the loan while the student is in school as well as the repayment period. The borrower is eligible and encouraged to make interest payments while in school.
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What happens if I get more financial aid than my tuition costs?
Because we are looking at more costs than just your tuition, some students are awarded financial aid that exceeds just the tuition. If this is your case, then you will receive a refund (a check made payable to you) from the Business Office. Daytime students will need to pick this check up from the Business Office located on the first floor of the Administration Building. Graduate, MAAP, and Alternative Teacher students will receive their refund checks in the mail.
When determining financial aid, we first look at what it will cost you to attend Marian. This includes tuition, books, room, meals, personal expenses and transportation costs. It may also include child care costs if you have young children. Once we have determined what your costs will be, we then award financial aid to meet as much of your need as possible. Need is Total Costs less your government determined Family Contribution.
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Some students, who have been discharged from the military, receive educational benefits. You should be in contact with your recruiter or appropriate military personnel to determine what your benefits might be. Any questions regarding veteran’s benefits should be directed to the Registrar’s Office at (920) 923-7618. You are required to notify the Financial Aid office of any benefits that you will be receiving. The Financial Aid Supplemental Form asks if you are receiving any outside resources. You must enter the type of benefit and the total amount you will be receiving.
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There is no financial aid for Winterim. You may be eligible for summer assistance if you haven’t used your entire academic year eligibility of Stafford loans or the Pell grant. If you increase a grade level (from freshman to sophomore or sophomore to junior) after the spring semester you may be eligible for additional loan assistance.
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Yes, you do need to complete both the FAFSA and Marian Supplemental form every year. It is best to submit your application as soon as possible and preferably before the priority deadline of March 1. Applications can be submitted after Dec. 31 of every year.
A renewal FAFSA may be sent to you via Postal Service or thru email. If you have not received a renewal FAFSA by the end of January it is suggested that you complete a non-renewal and submit by the March 1 deadline.
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