SPC Financial Aid Timeline

Here’s what you need to know about the financial aid process during your senior year!

Senior Year – Fall

• Find the cost of attendance for each of your prospective colleges.
• Research scholarships, loans, and grants available through prospective colleges.

Senior Year – Winter

• Make sure your parents have filed their tax returns as quickly as possible, in order to speed up the FAFSA process.
• Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) either online or by mail.
• Make sure all FAFSA and related financial aid forms have been completed by February 15 for maximum access to awards granted.
• If your FAFSA is selected for Verification, the school will not be able to finalize your financial aid until you provide copies of the tax returns.

Senior Year - Spring

• Once you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education, review it closely, and make any revisions necessary. The SAR is the response that you will receive when your FAFSA is processed.
• Compare financial aid packages from colleges to which you have been accepted.
• Accept all financial aid packages – you can decline any of them later depending on where you enroll.

Tips for Success!

• In addition to the cost of attending classes, ask about any additional fees (housing, meal plans, student activities, living expenses, and books). Is it less expensive to live in or outside the dorms? What are the costs for commuters? What is rent like in the area?
• Before you start the aid process, make sure you gather your/your parents’ financial information.
• Don’t forget your Social Security number on all your applications! If you’re unsure of the number, ask your parents.