(Note: After registration, the Access Course button will display, which can be used to access the course learning system. While the learning system is always available, your course will populate in your account shortly before the class start date.)

This four-week interactive online course will focus on the fundamentals of financial aid including applying, financial aid concepts, categories and types of financial aid, the Title IV aid programs, other federal sources of student assistance, and comparing financial aid offers. This course is the perfect learning tool for new financial aid professionals, and individuals who assist students through the financial aid cycle such as admissions or enrollment representatives, and high school counselors. Live instruction, discussion topic collaboration, and assessments throughout the course will reinforce key concepts. Upon passing the course, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Course Outline

• Lesson 1: Overview of Financial Aid Programs; Completing the FAFSA; Special Circumstances
• Lesson 2: Need-Based and Non-Need-Based Aid; Academic Year; Enrollment Status
• Lesson 3: Title IV Grant Programs; Direct Loan Program; Federal Work-Study Program
• Lesson 4: Non-Title IV Financial Aid Programs; Comparing Financial Aid Offers; Professional Judgment

Course Structure

This course utilizes multiple teaching and learning methods to ensure participants develop a true understanding of the topic.

As a participant of this course, you will be asked to:

• Attend live instruction;
• Complete reading assignments;
• Review educational video lessons;
• Complete learning assessments;
• Engage in online discussions;
• Collaborate with other financial administrators.

While there is flexibility built into our online courses to accommodate busy work and life schedules and the time commitment is variable, you can expect to spend an average of six to eight hours a week on a course. Our courses have weekly due dates for assessments included in the course syllabus, which becomes available on the first day of the course. All assessments must be submitted by the course end date. The live instruction classes last approximately 75 minutes and participation is strongly encouraged due to the collaborative nature of the courses. If unable to attend the live instruction, each class is recorded for on-demand viewing by the course attendee.

Live Instruction Schedule

Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Recertification Points

If you are a certified FAA, this course is eligible for eight Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Recertification Points (RPs). After successfully completing and passing the course, the points will automatically be added to your Dashboard.

Course Instructors

Technical Requirements

Your online course will be fully browser-based. We strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser for the live instruction meetings. The audio portion of online courses will be delivered directly through your computer’s speakers or attached headphones. We recommend you test your computer's ability to stream audio prior to joining the first live session. We encourage you to have a microphone set up so you can participate in our live instruction sessions, although it is not required.

Accommodations

If you require any special accommodations for this course, please contact us at [email protected]. Accommodations must be requested at least two weeks prior to the start of the course.

Cancellation

By submitting your registration, you agree to the following cancellation schedule:

• $25 cancellation fee before July 4, 2024
• $50 cancellation fee July 4, 2024 - July 8, 2024

If you do not cancel by 6:00 am ET, July 9, 2024, you will be responsible for the full amount of the registration fee. Medical emergencies will be rescheduled to another available course with a doctor's note.

Requests to cancel must be sent to [email protected].

Additional Questions

For additional questions, please review the helpful guide of Online Course Frequently Asked Questions.