File the 2014-15 FAFSA by March 10

The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for the majority of financial aid programs including the Direct (Student) Loan and Direct (Parent) PLUS Loan.

File the FAFSA by March 10 to maximize your eligibility. March 10 is the state of Indiana’s deadline for state-funded programs such as the 21st Century Scholar Award and the Frank O’Bannon Indiana Higher Education Award.

Make appropriate corrections to your FAFSA by May 15.

Filing the FAFSA is FREE!

File online at www.fafsa.gov today

Complete all requirements ASAP! A minimum of 30% of students are selected for

verification by the government; these students will be required to turn in additional documentation.

All unsatisfied requirements must be met in order for USI to review, process, and disburse (pay) awards.

Processing takes several weeks during peak periods of the year such as July and August so don’t wait to turn in your documents.

If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, we highly recommend using for these reasons:

1. It is the easiest way to provide your tax data.

2. It’s the best way to ensure that your FAFSA has accurate tax information.

3. You will be less likely to be required to provide a copy of your or your parent’s tax return transcripts.

Don’t forget to sign and submit your FAFSA when your finished transferring your tax info!

Use the IRS DataRetrieval Tool

Be ahead of the line

Complete your paperwork today

Accept/Decline/Reduce your Direct Loanon myUSI on or after July 1.

First time Direct Loan borrowers must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.

Students must be enrolled at least ½ time and be in good standing with USI’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to be eligible.

Plus Loan request forms are available in paper form or online at www.usi.edu/finaid. If interested, your parent may apply for the Direct PLUS Loan after July 1, 2014.

No Yes

Should you borrow?

Only borrow what is necessary to pay for your educational costs. Loans must be repaid and interest adds up.

Borrow federal loans first. These loans are funded by the federal government and are generally less expensive than private loans.

Look at loans as an investment into your future. Some students are only eligible for loans.

Repayment begins 6 months after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment.

Don’t default! There are serious consequences for defaulting on a student loan.

Student Loans

Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Notes,Exit Counseling and Parent PLUS Loan Applications

Complete them all online at studentloans.gov

Oh the Places You’ll Go

1. Select Self Service

2. Select Financial Aid

@ my.USI.edu

View Awards Check Eligibility

Report Outside ScholarshipsAccept Loans Decline Loans

Check Unsatisfied Requirements Track Submitted Paperwork

Monitor BorrowingView Account Summary

Don’t Drop the Ball!

Meet with a Financial Assistance Counselor Prior to Dropping a Course Did you know that you must successfully complete

67% of all credit hours attempted to continue to receive Federal and State financial aid?

Did you know that you must successfully complete 27 credit hours per academic year to continue to receive the Departmental Scholarship?

It is your responsibility to know the requirements for each of your awards (grants, loans, scholarships, work study, fee waivers, etc.).

www.usi.edu/finaid/literacy.asp