1. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first and most important step in the financial aid process.

You use it to apply for federal student financial aid, such as grants (Pell grant, SEOG, etc.), loans and work-study.  In addition the state of Georgia and Brewton-Parker College use this information to award state and institutional aid.

You can fill out and submit your application through FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  Electronic filing is the fastest, easiest and most accurate way to apply for financial aid.  The information you enter in FAFSA on the Web will be checked on the spot, and the Department of Education will call to your attention any errors or missing information.  This reduces the chance that you will need to correct your information later.  Preventing errors means BPC will receive your application results sooner. 

If you have a U.S. Department of Education PIN (personal Identification Number), you can sign FAFSA on the Web electronically.  To request a PIN, visit www.pin.ed.gov.  Your parents can also request and use their own PINs to sign your FAFSA online.  We encourage you to apply for a PIN prior to submitting your FAFSA, but if you don't the Department of Education will automatically send you one when the FAFSA is processed.

Filling out your tax return first will make completing the FAFSA easier.  However, you do not need to submit your tax return to the IRS before you submit your FAFSA.  But, once you (and your parents if you are a dependent student) file your tax return, you must correct any income or tax information that changes since you filed your FAFSA.  Inaccurate information on your FAFSA may delay your receipt of federal student aid.  Also, you will be required to return federal aid you improperly received based upon incorrect information.

The Department of Education will send you a report called a Student Aid Report, or SAR, through the mail or the Internet.  The SAR lists the information you reported on your FAFSA, and will tell you your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The EFC is the result of the information provided on the FAFSA.  It measures your family's financial strength.  It is used to determine your eligibility for federal student aid.

The FAFSA must be completed each new academic year.  An academic year consists of fall semester, spring semester and the following summer semester.  The dates are from July 1st to June 30th.

2. FEDERAL DIRECT STAFFORD LOANS

Student loans are available for both students and parents/guardians. Student loans must be paid back with interest. A Federal PIN is required to apply for student loans.

For more information on student loans, interest rates, repayment and more, visit www.studentloans.gov.

First-Time Student Borrowers:

You must complete your Entrance Counseling (EC) and your Master Promissory Note (MPN) at www.studentloans.gov. You will need your Federal PIN to complete these tasks.

Returning Student Borrowers:

Your Entrance Counseling (EC) and Master Promissory Note (MPN) are valid for six years unless you have completed Exit Counseling. If you have completed Exit Counseling, you will need to complete another EC and MPN at www.studentloans.gov.

Parent Borrowers:

Parent borrowers or legal guardians can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan by using their Federal PIN. You will need to complete the PLUS Loan process at www.studentloans.gov. If you are turned down for a PLUS loan, you can either endorse a PLUS loan with a co-signer(s) if you wish, or your student can receive up to $4,000 in additional unsubsidized loans.

If you have more than one student in college you wish to receive PLUS loan for, you must complete the PLUS Loan process for each student.

Exit Counseling:

A student must perform Exit Counseling upon graduation, transfer to another college or university, or upon separation from Brewton-Parker College at www.nslds.ed.gov. You will need your Federal PIN to complete this task.