Financial Aid 101: The Financial Aid Process

FINANCIAL AID
www.du.edu/financialaid

Financial Aid 101: The Financial Aid Process

One of the first steps in understanding how to finance your education is learning how the overall process works. Here is a broad overview of what you can expect over the next several months:

When:	What:
Now (by February 15th)!	Apply for financial aid.
February (by March 1st)	Submit your IDOC packet to College Board.
Early March	We'll process your financial aid application and notify you of any additional documentation we may need.
Late March	You'll receive your financial aid award package in the mail which will list all of the aid you are eligible to receive for the 2013-14 academic year.
April	Review and compare your financial aid award offers from all schools.
May	Take the next steps outlined in your award package, which include accepting your awards and completing requirements for student loans.
June	If needed, determine the ways you will manage the costs not met by your financial aid package.
July	Consider additional financing options such as a DU payment plan or a Parent PLUS loan.
August	Move into your residence hall and attend Discoveries Orientation!
September	The fall quarter portion of your financial aid will automatically pay toward your DU student bill.
October - May	Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 and complete at least 80% of all your classes to ensure you stay eligible for all of your financial aid!

Throughout the year, you should also be looking for additional scholarship opportunities that may supplement your financial aid package. To find the right opportunities for you, utilize our scholarship search page!

We'll be addressing each aspect of the financial aid process in much more detail throughout the rest of the Financial Aid 101 series. In the meantime, however, feel free to review our more comprehensive financial aid timeline.

Up next week: Understanding the IDOC process!