Financial Aid Resolution
Happy New Year everyone! I hope it is off to a good start and that it will bring good things for all of you! With the year I had in 2008, I can honestly say that I am READY for things to change. I certainly hope 2009 has better things in store for me and my family. The new year will also hopefully bring better things for our nation. We will soon be inaugurating our new President, and no matter which side you voted for, I think we all hope that the finality of the outcome will help to at least somewhat quiet the instability being felt in the economy.
No one knows where things are headed, and I doubt there are many households where the economic pinch is not being felt. But it’s times like these when we all tend to take a good look at the things that need to take priority in our lives. For us, education is an important commitment. While my daughter is still quite a few years away from college, I still make contributing to her college fund a priority in our budget. For many of you reading this, college is already upon you. Perhaps you planned well ahead and are in pretty good shape, or perhaps you got a late start or couldn’t set anything at all aside in advance. Whatever the case, we understand your situation and are committed to helping you make college affordable.
Whether you have stuck with your New Year’s Resolution or cast it aside already, here is a new resolution to add to your list. Get started on financial aid matters early. The first step is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Saint Leo requires this form to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional (Saint Leo-funded) aid. You can fill out your form online by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be certain to enter the Saint Leo institution code, which is 001526. You can do this as soon as you’ve filed your taxes, or you can do it now with estimated figures. If you estimate, you may need to go back and file a correction online once you have completed your tax return. Remember that the earlier you fill out your FAFSA, the more likely you will be to be able to receive the maximum amount of funds for which you qualify. This is because some of the sources of aid are quickly depleted, so those who file later may run the risk of finding those funds no longer available, even if they meet the eligibility requirements.
One of the best ways to get answers to questions about attending Saint Leo and about financial aid is to join us for our LEOLive online chats. Each chat from now until the end of the academic year will feature a dedicated room staffed with a financial aid representative. To see our schedule and register for one or more upcoming sessions, visit www.saintleo.edu/chat. It’s a great way to get helpful answers to your questions. You’ll also be able to speak to current SLU students and admission counselors. Additional representatives from Residence Life and Student Involvement will participate in sessions later in the term. I hope you will plan to join us for one or more of these sessions.
For more helpful information, visit our Student Financial Services website at www.saintleo.edu/finaid.
And of course, don't hesitate to call us here at the Office of Admission for help. You can reach us at 800-334-5532 or send us an email.
Since you're already online and reading this, why not head on over to the FAFSA website and take a look around!