What Do Financial Aid Administrators Do?
The financial aid office on campus should be your first stop when you are considering how to pay for a college education. Your college's financial aid administrator can provide information about:
- The types of financial aid available to you at that school;
- The financial aid application deadlines;
How to accurately complete the FAFSA and any other forms;
How much aid you are qualified to receive, and when you can expect to receive it;
Ways to avoid or minimize borrowing;
How to request an appeal of financial aid decisions;
- ..and much more.
What you should expect from your financial aid office
You can and should expect your financial aid office to do everything they can to help you - our primary goal is to help students achieve their educational potential by providing appropriate financial resources. Our members are required to exemplify the highest level of ethical behavior in helping students and families find the best ways to pay for college. NASFAA member institutions agree to abide by our Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct.
There are special procedures to help students in special circumstances that you and your financial aid office can use when you apply for aid.
If you believe your financial aid package does not adequately reflect your circumstances, you have the right to appeal the decision by requesting your school's financial aid officer to take a closer look at your personal situation. Your financial aid office has the authority to make professional judgments and adjustments to your eligibility, within certain guidelines. If you have had a hardship or special circumstances such as military deployment, unexpected medical bills, unemployment, an abusive family situation, or reduction in income, ask your financial aid office how to start the appeal process. Follow those steps and submit a letter or the school's required form, explaining your situation. Submit other documents you may have to support your claim, such as a copy of your unemployment papers, a police report, invoices for bills, etc.
Financial aid administrators are required to abide by the rules and regulations of the programs they administer. Please read all information given to you, abide by the guidelines, and ask questions if you don't understand something.
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