IMPORTANT INFORMATION To be eligible for federal and state financial aid programs, a student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each academic year. The student must be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen. A financial aid package may be reviewed and revised at any time when outside aid is received or when revised financial data affects need. Financial aid packages are based on full-time enrollment. Students must check with the Financial Aid Office if they drop below 12 semester hours for fall or spring. The expected family contribution consists of parent contribution and student contribution. The difference between family contribution and the total college cost is the student financial need for the year, which is divided equally between the fall and spring terms.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov for the academic year in which you plan to attend. You will need the following items: • Your Federal Income Tax Return for the previous calendar year prior to the semester in which you would like to attend. (e.g., for attendance in the 2022-23 academic year, you will need your 2020 income tax return). • Your FSA ID and password • Westminster College’s School Code (003392). In order to receive a Financial Aid package, the FAFSA form must be completed each year. The deadline for completing the FAFSA is May 1. Step 2: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. You will receive this information 7-10 days after the FAFSA is submitted from the Department of Education via email. If there are any errors on your SAR, log back into your FAFSA to make the necessary corrections. Step 3: You will receive your financial aid award letter from Westminster. The letter lists Westminster College merit awards as well as any federal and state financial aid for which you qualify. You must sign and return the letter before your aid is processed. If you wish to decline all or a portion of any award(s), indicate the adjustment on the letter, sign and return to the Financial Aid Office. Alternatively, returning students as well as first year students who have paid their reservation deposit, may sign electronically following these instructions: • • • •
Go to https://my.westminster.edu. Log in using your my.westminster login name and password. Select the FINANCES tab. Click on the link listed beneath FINANCIAL AID. 3
