Nursing Student Handbook 2012-2013

68 NSU Student Handbook 2012–2013 The Office of Student Financial Assistance The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) is dedicated to helping students make smart financial choices while in college. There are four types of financial aid available to assist in meeting the cost of attending college: grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans. Grants and scholarships are considered “gift” aid and generally do not have to be repaid. However, if a student drops or withdraws from any classes for which financial aid has been received, the student may have to return any “unearned” funds. Loans are considered “self-help” aid and always have to be repaid. Student employment requires the student to work in exchange for a pay check. Please remember that students interested in federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet general eligibility criteria. For detailed information on the financial aid process and sources of aid, visit the financial aid Web site at www.nova.edu/financialaid. Financial Aid Checklist R 1. Complete the FAFSA and NSU State Aid Application. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov annually. It becomes available each January 1. The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of being considered for maximum available funds. To apply for Florida grants and scholarships, undergraduate students should also complete the NSU State Aid Application available at www.nova.edu/ nancialaid/forms/index.html. R 2. Plan for Housing and Meal Expenses. Your budget includes a housing and meal component. Please ensure that your budget covers these expenses if you intend to live on campus. R 3. Check Your Financial Aid Account Frequently. Regularly check your nancial aid status via SharkLink to ensure that you have no outstanding requirements. The link to My Financial Aid is located in the center of your SharkLink Student tab. Now is a good time to con rm your admissions status. You will have to be fully admitted in order for your nancial aid funds to disburse. R 4. Submit Additional Documents and Complete a Master Promissory Note. Some students may be required to submit additional documents prior to being awarded. You will be notified of outstanding requirements via NSU (SharkLink) email. Your requirements (outstanding and completed) can also be viewed in WebSTAR (access via SharkLink). If you are interested in receiving Federal Direct Loans, you will be required to complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN). R 5. Accept, Reduce, or Decline Your Loan and Federal Work-Study Award(s). Your nancial aid award notice will provide you with detailed instructions on how to accept, reduce, or decline your nancial aid award. Your award will not be disbursed until this step has been completed. R 6. Don’t Forget to Continually Apply for and Identify Scholarships. Schedule time regularly to search for scholarships. The best place to start is the scholarship Web page at www.nova.edu/ nancialaid/scholarships/.