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Cover Story: Graduating Next Month and Used Federal Student Loans? Don’t Be A Turkey, Complete Exit Counseling Today.

By: Eric Johnson

December graduates, listen up. You are almost at the finish line. Congratulations! Did you receive federal student loans during your educational studies? If yes, then you must complete exit counseling on www.studentaid.gov.

Exit counseling is not just a federal mandate, it’s a crucial step that all federal student loan borrowers must take. Whether you’re graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment status, this session is designed to ensure you fully understand your student loan obligations. It’s not just a formality; it’s a vital part of your financial journey. The session will also equip you with the knowledge you need to start repaying your loans after the six-month grace period.

During the exit counseling session, loan borrowers will learn about their repayment options and what repayment looks like after their grace period. Depending on your current financial situation, some repayment options are better than others at the outset of loan repayment.

Students can conveniently complete exit counseling on www.studentaid.gov. The Financial Aid Office typically receives an electronic notification within 24 hours after a loan borrower completes exit counseling. In the interim, a financial aid counselor will place an exit counseling hold on the student’s account. This hard hold prevents the student from accessing vital college records like their academic transcript. In addition, the Registrar’s Office will not distribute regalia or mail a student’s diploma until the loan borrower completes exit counseling.

When completing exit counseling, ensure you input the most accurate contact information for yourself. Loan servicers use the loan borrowers’ contact information in the exit counseling session to contact a loan borrower promptly. As foreign as this may sound, it’s crucial to establish a positive relationship with your loan servicer earlier on, as they are your main point of contact during repayment.

Students who receive the following types of federal student loans during their current academic studies must complete exit counseling:

  • Subsidized Loans
  • Unsubsidized Loans
  • Graduate PLUS Loans

Parent PLUS Loan borrowers do not need to complete this mandatory requirement. It’s still essential for those borrowers to contact their loan servicer, as repayment will also kick in on those loans after the student’s six-month grace period.

Exit counseling can range from 20 to 30 minutes, but it can sometimes take longer than that, depending on the content you absorb. A beneficial aspect of this counseling session is reviewing the federal student loan balances and interest for all your loans. Daunting as it may seem, it’s essential to review your loan balances to see which loans you may want to pay off early to reduce your overall level of indebtedness.

Another key component of the exit counseling session is learning about the consequences of default. Defaulting on your federal student loan obligations can have devastating financial implications for a student. Defaulting on federal student loan obligations can significantly harm a borrower’s credit score. Defaults can linger on a person’s credit report for up to seven years. Other consequences to your credit score include impairing your ability to obtain credit for other larger transactions, such as a car note or a mortgage.

Defaulting on your federal student loan obligations can also result in capitalizing your federal student loan. Capitalization causes the accrued interest to tack on to the principal balance, which can further bloat your repayment costs in the future. You may also face collection agency costs.

In extreme cases, the federal government can conduct wage garnishment for defaulted student loan borrowers. Other tools in the federal government’s collection arsenal include seizing a taxpayer’s refund, withholding federal benefits such as Social Security, and even seizing assets.

Indirect costs of federal student loan default include ineligibility for federal student aid, limited repayment options when rehabilitating the defaulted loan, and difficulty financing future educational endeavors.

Interests available to federal student loan borrowers facing financial hardship include deferment and forbearance. Again, federal student loan borrowers must contact their loan servicers to discuss these issues on time before becoming delinquent to their federal student loan obligations.

Interested in loan consolidation? Exit counseling provides information about consolidating your federal student loans to reduce your payments into one simple monthly installment payment. Consolidation may not always be necessary, so talk to a financial advisor to see if that option is worthwhile given your financial situation.

An interactive component of exit counseling focuses on financial planning tips. General financial tips included in the exit counseling session include budgeting, default prevention, and methods to build and maintain a healthy credit score. Although this material is not a full-fledged financial planning session, it’s an essential tool offered to borrowers with hesitations about their financial future.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or have questions about completing exit counseling, remember that you’re not alone. The Financial Aid Office at your institution is here to help during reasonable operating hours. As per the Department of Education regulatory guidance, they must be available to answer any questions you may have after completing exit counseling. This support is designed to ensure you fully understand the material presented to you, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

This holiday season don’t be a turkey. Instead, be a savvy graduate who completes their mandatory exit counseling session. Whether you choose to do it with the guidance of a seasoned financial aid pro or in the comfort of your bed at 3:00 a.m., the important thing is that you get it done. So, take a bite of that Thanksgiving meal knowing you’ve checked one more task off your list before next month’s graduation.

Business Office Land: Proactive Steps to Take If You Still Owe for the Fall Semester

By: Zoe Lockwood

Step 1: Review Your Account

  • Log in to Campus Web and navigate to the Finances.
    • Review the balance on account using the following:
      • Locate the My Account Balances link to show what the total balance on your account is.

      • To show more details of your charges, fees, and scholarships, click on view account details & history.

                                                                                                OR

  • Locate the Statement of Account link to show the full history of your account (separated by semester).

  • If on a payment plan, ensure payments are up to date in the Finances tab under the Payment Plan Portal.

🚫 Step 2: Check for Holds

  • Go to your student portal to check if any holds are placed.
  • Contact the Business Office to see when and how holds will be removed.

📞 Step 3: Contact the Business Office (if needed)

  • Call or email the Business Office for questions about charges.
  • Ask for a breakdown of your charges if unclear.
  • If on a payment plan, check you are up to date on payments.
  • If unable to pay in full, inquire about:
    • Payment plans
    • Emergency aid or grants
    • Late fee waivers (if applicable)

💳 Step 4: Make a Payment

  • Make a payment online, by mail, or in person.
    • If you plan to make a payment online, please use the following:
      • If on a payment plan, locate the semester payment plan available and select the green make a payment button

      • Then, fill in the payment information for the payment due date you plan to pay for.

Note: when filling in the amount to pay, do not use any punctuation. Additionally, you can make payments via credit card or e-check (whichever you prefer).

    • If making a payment in full, locate the My Account Balances link.
      • Then, click on Make a Payment US Currency OR Make a Payment International Currency:

📥 Step 5: Confirm Resolution

  • Ensure your balance is cleared or plan is active and up to date.
  • Keep receipts or confirmation emails.
  • Monitor your student account on Campus Web and GBC email for updates.

Up & Down Financial Aid: Start Planning Now for the Spring 2026 Semester

By: Mark McGuire

As the fall semester winds down, now is the perfect time to get all your financial aid plans in order for spring. Whether you’re a first-year student or heading into your final semester, reviewing your financial aid and out-of-pocket expenses early can help you avoid last-minute stress, delayed refunds, or student account holds. Follow these steps to make sure you’re set up for a smooth start to the spring 2026 semester.

Step 1: Check Your FAFSA Status

If you haven’t already completed your 2025–2026 FAFSA, do that as soon as possible—you may be eligible for federal financial aid for both the fall 2025 semester and the upcoming spring 2026 semester.

  • Verify that you completed the 2025-2026 FAFSA, not the 2026-2027 FAFSA (though you’ll need that one for the following academic year!)
  • Verify that your FAFSA was processed and not rejected
    • You should have received a confirmation email. If you didn’t receive one, login again to make sure it was submitted successfully.
  • Make sure GBC’s school code (001429) was listed so we receive your FAFSA.
  • If you were selected for verification, please submit all requested documents through the Financial Aid Portal to avoid delays.

Step 2: Review Your Fall 2025 Account Balance

Login to Campus Web and navigate to the Finances Tab to check your current balance.

  • Make sure all fall charges (including tuition, fees, housing, and meal plan) are paid in full or will be paid by the final fall payment due date (November 15th)—unpaid balances will prevent your access to spring registration or the droppage of previously registered spring courses
  • If you see unexpected charges or would like an explanation for your account balance, contact the Business Office ([email protected]) to clear things up.

Step 3: Confirm Your Spring Enrollment

Your tuition charges and financial aid eligibility are both based on your enrollment status.

  • If you plan to take fewer or more credits than you did in the fall semester, your tuition charges and financial aid will likely be different – check with the Financial Aid Office to see how this affects you.
  • Full-time status (12+ credits) is required for most financial aid awards – if you registered for less than 12 credits, contact the Financial Aid Office to see how this impacts your award eligibility.

Tip: Finalize your spring schedule before the late registration deadline (December 12th) to ensure it aligns with your financial aid requirements and degree progress.

Step 4: Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Awards

Log into the financial aid portal and confirm:

  • Your loan(s) (if desired) and athletic scholarship(s) are accepted for spring.
  • You’ve completed all loan requirements (Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note).
  • If any of your awards are missing or incorrect, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Step 5: Set Up or Adjust Your Payment Plan

If you owe a remaining balance after all financial aid is applied, you can pay your balance in full (due January 15th) or set up a 4-month payment plan.

  • Enroll early in a payment plan so you have ample time to budget accordingly.
  • Avoid late payment fees by setting reminders or reading emails you receive from the Business Office.

Tip: If enrolled in an annual plan, check to see if your monthly payments have adjusted – annual plans were set up based on your anticipated spring enrollment, which may differ from your actual spring enrollment.

Step 6: Check Your Refund or Credit Balance

If your financial aid exceeds your charges, you may be eligible to receive a refund.

  • Monitor your email to see when your refund check is ready for pickup – spring refund checks are typically available in mid to late February.
  • Remember: refunds can only be used for education-related expenses (books, transportation, supplies—not shopping sprees!).
  • If you would rather keep your credit balance on your account for future charges, please complete the Federal Aid Authorization Form.
    • If you opt to complete the form, please know that you can request any amount of these funds to be refunded to you at any time.

Step 7: Apply for External Scholarships

Spring is a great time to look for mid-year external scholarships.

  • Browse the “Additional Scholarships” section of our scholarship website to search for and apply for external scholarships.
  • Scholarships and grants do not require repayment, so the more the merrier!

Step 8: Plan Ahead for Summer and Next Year

Once your spring aid is squared away, think ahead.

  • If you’re planning to take summer courses, confirm your summer financial aid eligibility with the Financial Aid Office.
  • Keep your GPA and completion rate on track—academic progress affects future aid.
  • Complete your 2026-2027 FAFSA to determine your federal financial aid eligibility for next year
    • You may want to adjust your spring 2026 and summer 2026 schedules depending on your financial aid awards for next year.

Q & A: A College CFO & the Endowment She Manages

By: Eric Johnson

Managing a college’s endowment is an immense challenge that requires collaboration with the individuals who manage and steward the funds.

Sue Mannering, the College’s Chief Financial Officer, is keenly focused on the endowment when assembling the institution’s budget on an annual basis. In a recent conversation with the Financial Aid Office, Sue notes the endowment’s vital role in supporting student experiences. Endowment spending supports other key areas at peer institutions, including financial aid funding, faculty and staff salaries, and facilities maintenance activities. A recent report in the Wall Street Journal noted how many institutions are enjoying a banner year with their endowment returns. In fact, the article notes that the median endowment return for colleges and universities this year was 10.9%, as of early data compiled from Cambridge Associates. These returns have a direct impact on the operations at colleges and universities, allowing for increased investment in student experiences, faculty and staff, and facilities. 

Sue has a wealth of experience managing the College’s endowment and budget due to her long-time dedication and experience at the College through her work in the business and finance offices. This knowledge is not frowned upon lightly, as many schools desire a seasoned pro in their CFO suite. Sue notes that the College’s endowment was a meager few million dollars when she began her employment with the institution in 1995. Thirty years later, the College’s endowment is eclipsing the $200 million mark.

The Financial Aid Office recently spoke with Sue about the endowment’s role at the College, how it supports students within a financial aid context, and other fascinating tidbits of knowledge regarding the endowment process. An edited version of the conversation follows. 

Financial Aid Office: What role does an endowment serve at an institution of higher education?

Sue Mannering: As a private non-profit college, our endowment ensures long-term financial sustainability. Although it primarily supports scholarships and operational expenses, the College must abide by the donor’s intent when spending the funding. The principal of the endowment is preserved in perpetuity, while only the investment income—such as interest earned—is used to advance the mission of the College. This structure allows us to honor donor commitments while providing ongoing support for students and institutional priorities.

How long have you been directly involved with the College’s endowment?

My involvement with the College’s endowment spans over 20 years. My role started with smaller tasks like reconciling statements. I am now fully engaged in managing the relationship with the investment managers and working with the Board of Trustees committee that reviews and establishes guidelines and policies for the investment managers.

How does the College’s endowment support scholarships?

The endowment plays a critical role in supporting scholarships for our students. It includes externally donated named endowed scholarships and internal contributions made by the College to expand scholarship funding. With strong investment management, we can grow the endowment over time and use the interest earned to support students financially, ensuring long-term sustainability and access to education.

Why do colleges and universities desire a large endowment?

The endowment’s size reflects the donors’ respect for the College, its mission, and purpose. The larger the endowment, the more support we can give students in scholarships, fund student-related activities, make improvements around campus, and improve academic programs.

What is the current size of the College’s endowment, and how has it grown since you’ve been a staff member at GBC?

The endowment is just over $201 million, which is impressive considering our size. When I started in 1995, it was approximately a few million dollars. It grew to about $16 million in 2004 and about $85 million in 2014. Most of the growth was through taking surpluses and investing them for the future.

How does the College’s endowment support the student experience?

The College’s endowment supports the student experience by providing scholarships, of course, but it also supports funding some of the upgrades you see around campus. Recent upgrades visible to students include the Franta Residence Hall, enhanced athletic offices, the expanded fitness center, spacious event center space, and the stylish dining hall.

Do major gifts to the College increase the endowment’s size?

Major gifts are essential to the growth and impact of the College’s endowment. As the saying goes,the more money you have, the more money you make.A larger endowment generates greater investment earnings, directly increasing our capacity to support scholarships, enhance academic programs, and invest in the College community. Every contribution—large or small—helps build a stronger financial foundation for the future.

What do you enjoy the most about the endowment process as the College’s CFO?

The College is in a strong financial position and has a large endowment relative to our size, providing significant advantages. Years of disciplined savings, combined with interest and dividends over the years, have positioned us to be able to invest in the student experience. It’s our way of giving back to the GBC Community. Historically, we maintained a conservative approach to spending and continue to do so, but our focus has become more student experience driven. Seeing our students utilize the spaces and resources made possible through thoughtful financial stewardship is rewarding.

Thank you, Sue.

Other Voices: Tips & Tricks on Transferring to GBC

By: Brittany Hobbs

Thinking about transferring to Goldey-Beacom College? We’re thrilled you’re considering joining our community! Whether coming from a two-year or four-year institution, we aim to make your transfer process as smooth and straightforward as possible.

Admissions Requirements

Getting started is easy! Just complete our free online application at www.gbc.edu.

You’ll also need to submit:

  • Your final official high school transcripts with proof of graduation, and
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.

These documents help our admissions and academic teams ensure you get the most out of your previous coursework and educational experience.

Transfer Credit Evaluation

GBC is very transfer-friendly! You can transfer up to 90 credits towards a bachelor’s degree and 30 credits towards an associate’s degree. We accept credits from:

  • Courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions. Courses must be credit-bearing (100-level or higher) and completed with a C- or better grade.
  •  Advanced Placement (AP)
  • American Institute of Banking (AIB)
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Community College of the Air Force
  • Center for Financial Training (CFT)
  • Coursework evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)
  • Delaware Career and Technical Education (CTE)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • Joint Service Transcript (JST)
  • United States Coast Guard Institute

Our Academic Affairs team reviews, evaluates, and approves each transcript. Remember to submit all final, official transcripts before enrollment to confirm transfer credits and finalize your financial aid.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

GBC awards merit-based and endowed scholarships to qualifying transfer students. These awards are determined based on your final high school GPA or college GPA, whichever is higher.

Don’t forget to fill out the FAFSA each year to determine your eligibility for financial aid.  You can list up to 10 schools — include Goldey-Beacom College (School Code: 001429) so we get your info.

We’re Here to Help

Our Admissions and Financial Aid Offices are here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about transferring credits, scholarship opportunities, or completing the FAFSA, we’re just a call or email away.

We look forward to welcoming you to the GBC family!

Reduced Paychecks Are Coming for Defaulted Student Borrowers

By Eric Johnson

Defaulted on your federal student loan obligations? Your next paycheck could feel a tad lighter. One of the tools in the collection arsenal for the federal government is the imposition of wage garnishment for defaulted loan borrowers. This tool is formally known as the administrative wage garnishment. Unlike other seizures that require a court order, the Department of Education can conduct this operation without the permission of a court.

Unlike other loans, federal student loans do not require judicial proceedings. Typically, private loans require a lender to contest their case and secure a win in court. The Department of Education can garnish wages without a court’s approval, although there are guidelines the Department of Education must follow before seizing a defaulted loan person’s paycheck.

Default on federal student loans occurs after 270 days of nonpayment. That’s equivalent to nine months of nonpayment. After exiting the delinquency stage and entering the default stage, the federal government will mail a notice of intent to garnish, within thirty days before garnishment commences. The notice will include details of the debt owed, the expected garnishment amount per paycheck, and your rights.

Failure to resolve this issue can result in the federal government sending a garnishment order to your employer. Under federal law, employers must obey the garnishment instructions. The Department of Education has permission to garnish up to 15% of a person’s disposable pay. Disposable pay is pay remaining after mandatory deductions like taxes and Social Security. To protect low-income earners, the federal government cannot garnish wages if it leaves the person with less than thirty times the federal minimum wage per week. This amount is approximately $218.

Garnishment will continue on a defaulted student loan until the loan borrower repays the loan in full or reaches a satisfactory outcome with the loan servicer to remove the default status. Private loan servicers can also garnish wages, up to 25% in some jurisdictions. However, as stated above, private loan servicers must first take the defaulted person to court and secure a court win before garnishment can occur.

If you’re worried about facing this unfortunate outcome, there’s still time to act. One reassuring step is consolidating your federal student loans into one payment. This can provide relief by reducing the burden of remembering to make multiple loan repayments during a month. It may also make your repayment terms more manageable under the income-driven repayment plan option.

Contact your federal student loan servicer as soon as possible to discuss rehabilitation options. Rehabilitating a loan requires time and patience and may not result in the immediate restoration of a positive loan status. It puts you on the right path and may be a more manageable solution than the others in this article.

Loan borrowers facing garnishment can also dispute the garnishment by requesting a hearing within 30 days of receiving notice of intent to garnish. During the hearing, respondents must provide information about their extreme financial hardships, detail any incorrect debt amounts listed on the notice, and explain involuntary unemployment over the last 12 months that made repayment difficult.

Ignoring the garnishment notice will only lead to more pain. Taking quick and immediate action can help mitigate the adverse effects of the situation. Remember, an employer cannot legally fire you due to wage garnishment. Also, it’s crucial to visit www.studentaid.gov to review and update any contact information that is out-of-date or incorrect. Maintaining accurate contact information with the loan servicer is your responsibility and can prevent loan repayment miscommunication.

Reducing Student Loan Payments Is Possible. Be Cautious of Your Options.

By: Eric Johnson

Depending on your current financial situation, it may be reasonable to ponder your options to reduce your monthly student loan repayments. Your course of action heavily depends on your student loan type. Here’s what you need to know:

Federal Student Loan Options

  • Income-Driven Repayment (IDR)

An income-driven repayment plan calculates your monthly payment based on your discretionary income and family size. The monthly payment can be as low as $0 depending on your situation. A significant caveat is that your loan repayment will grow as your discretionary income grows.

Borrowers who need a lower monthly payment and a longer repayment duration may want to use this loan repayment option. Some of the income-driven repayment plans the federal government offers include the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan, Income-Based Repayment (IBR) Plan, and the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) Plan. Borrowers can inquire about these repayment plans on www.studentaid.gov.

  • Consolidation

Consolidation is a helpful tool to consider if the income-driven repayment plans do not fit your financial situation. Borrowers with multiple loans can simplify their numerous payments into one each month. Although this option does stretch your repayment duration out even further than a standard repayment plan, it can result in more interest paid over the life of the loan. Consolidated loans do not always have a lower interest rate than your previous interest rates on separate loans, so reviewing the differences is essential to determine if it’s a worthwhile decision to pursue.

  • Deferment and Forbearance

Borrowers experiencing short-term financial hardship can research their options for deferment and forbearance. Deferment usually happens when a student enrolls in school. Interest usually accrues for certain loans during deferment. Forbearance may offer a reprieve from loan payments. Interest always continues to accrue under forbearance, so while payments are not necessary, the additional interest accrued may make future payments even more challenging.

Private Student Loans

  • Talk to your loan servicer.

Unlike federal student loans, private student loans do not offer the same generous terms as federal student loans. Because of a lack of protection, borrowers may need to directly speak with the loan servicer about options for reducing the monthly payment. Some private lenders offer short-term relief, such as forbearance or graduated repayment plans. Unlike their federal student loan counterparts, private student loans do not have a federal mandate to supply these opportunities.

  • Refinancing

Borrowers with a decent credit score and stable income may consider refinancing their federal and private student loans with a private loan servicer. A lower interest rate on a refinanced loan product can significantly lower monthly payments. However, the duration of the loan period can increase the number of payments made overall, which can increase the loan’s overall cost. A huge warning for anyone undertaking this option: once you refinance federal student loans into a private loan, you lose all the advantages and protections of federal student loans.

Whether it’s an income-driven repayment plan, consolidation, deferment and forbearance, talking to a loan servicer, or refinancing, you can reduce your monthly loan payments. Careful research is necessary to prevent selecting an inadequate option that hinders your future financial self. Talking to a financial planner is also a sensible course of action.

Think of the Types of Financial Aid as a Pie this Thanksgiving

By: Eric Johnson

Just as a Thanksgiving feast is incomplete without the decorative pies adorning the side table, your understanding of financial aid is incomplete without the analogy of a pie. Those delicious baked goods offer a reprieve after the yumminess of meat and side dishes that melt right in your mouth. Similarly, you can think about the types of financial aid as a pie at your Thanksgiving dinner.

The crust of the financial aid pie comprises two elements. The first element is self-help aid, and the second is gift aid. Self-help aid requires a student to act to receive the financial aid award. Git aid is no different from a holiday or birthday gift. There are no strings attached to the gift. Award recipients freely accept gifts with no expectation of repayment.

There are different types of financial aid programs in the financial aid pie. On the self-help aid side of the pie, there are loans and work-study programs. Loans require a student to repay the interest with principal after completing their educational studies. Work-study programs require students to earn wages through on- or off-campus jobs. Loans and work-study programs fall under self-help aid because there’s an expectation that students will perform an act in exchange for financial assistance to finance their academic studies.

There are scholarships and grants on the gift aid side of the pie, offering a variety of opportunities. Scholarships can come from institutional sources, private donors, charitable organizations, and state entities. Undergraduate students typically receive a scholarship at the time of their admission to the college or university they applied to. Grants can come from various sources but are more commonly associated with federal and state governments. Grants can sometimes apply to other costs of attendance outside of tuition, such as room and board.

Whether it’s the self-help or gift aid side of the pie, most students have the power to combine these financial aid sources. This flexibility allows them to create a durable financial aid package to finance their academic studies. Grasping the various types of financial aid can make constructing your financial aid pie much easier next year.

Sources Of Financial Aid Are Like the Dishes at a Thanksgiving Dinner

By: Eric Johnson

A Thanksgiving meal comprises many exquisite dishes, such as turkey, green bean casserole, corn, pies, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and more. When you think about the sources of financial aid, it’s easy to picture them adorning a table at Thanksgiving dinner.

The five primary sources of financial aid are the federal government, state governments, colleges and universities, private sources, and employers. Each source is vital in building financial aid packages for students nationwide. Without these funding sources, students would not be able to afford a post-secondary education, which would have deleterious impacts on the country’s ability to build human capital.

Unsurprisingly, the federal government is the largest source of financial aid. This aid often goes to students who display financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is a crucial tool in this process. It’s an application that students must fill out to be considered for federal student aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. Students can apply for this funding source annually for the academic years they will enroll in. Students must meet specific eligibility requirements before a financial aid administrator can award the student federal aid.

The federal government offers a diverse range of student aid programs, each designed to assist students in financing their college education. On the gift aid side, there are grants like the Pell Grant program and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). On the self-aid side, there are work-study opportunities and student loans. Other minor programs include the Parent PLUS Loan program and the TEACH Grant. This variety ensures that students have multiple avenues to explore for financial aid.

Residency requirements usually apply to state grants and scholarships. Depending on the structure of the state’s awarding philosophy, aid can be need-based or merit-based. Need-based aid is awarded based on the student’s financial need, as determined by the FAFSA form. Merit-based aid, on the other hand, is awarded based on the student’s academic, athletic, or artistic achievements. Some states have strict deadlines when applicants submit all forms for consideration.

Timely submission of the FAFSA is crucial to avoid any delays in the awarding of state grants or scholarships. Many states rely on the FAFSA information to produce finalized aid offers. Deadlines vary by state, and other restrictions may apply, so it’s important to reach out to your local state education agency to learn more about the possibilities that exist for you. Remember, meeting these deadlines can significantly impact your financial aid package.

Colleges and universities are another significant source of financial aid funding for students across all divisions. Similar to state agencies, institutions of higher education may award gift aid in the form of need-based grants or scholarships, or exclusively by merit-based aid awarding. Some colleges offer self-help aid, such as institutional loans or work-study programs unassociated with the federal government. Again, completed FAFSA may be necessary before a college can award a financial aid offer. Deadlines and application procedures vary by institution, so consult your college’s Financial Aid Office to inquire about institutional aid possibilities.

Private sources, such as foundations, businesses, churches, and charitable and civic organizations, play a minor but meaningful role in financial aid awarding. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation are well-known private sources of financial aid. Researching these opportunities takes more time, and some colleges post external funding sources on their scholarship webpage. Deadlines and procedures vary for private sources, and some entities may ask for more intrusive information than other sources outlined above. Begin researching private sources early in the college search process. Even if you fail to secure an external scholarship at the start of the academic year, keep your eyes open to new opportunities that arise. Some scholarships pop up during the academic year at unconventional moments.

Do you work for a company that offers employee education benefits? If yes, you may have another avenue for financial aid assistance. Some employers have scholarships or gift aid available for their employees. Inquire with your Human Resources department about this possibility. Many, though, have educational benefits that can substantially reduce your tuition costs. Tax regulations limit the total amount of employer assistance on a calendar year basis, so chat with your Human Resources Office before using these benefits. Other limitations include taxability for educational benefits at the graduate level. Undergraduate educational benefits are tax-free under current Internal Revenue Code laws and regulations.

Did You Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA?

By: Eric Johnson

The 2026–27 FAFSA form is here! The 2026–27 FAFSA form is available at www.studentaid.gov. Do you plan to use federal student aid? If so, the Financial Aid Office recommends you complete your 2026-27 FAFSA at your earliest convenience to ensure ample processing time. You can disregard this request if you do not plan to submit a FAFSA.

What You Need to Complete the 2026-27 FAFSA Form:

  • Your Social Security Number (SSN)
  • Your driver’s license (optional)
  • Your 2024 tax records
  • If you are a dependent student, you will need to provide your parents’ 2024 tax records as well
  • Records of untaxed income
  • Forms of your assets (money)
  • Goldey-Beacom’s Federal School Code (001429)

You can complete the FAFSA at www.studentaid.gov. The FAFSA form is located on the “Apply for Aid” tab.

Questions or concerns? Do not hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office for FAFSA assistance! As a friendly reminder, you can always create an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to complete your FAFSA in person on a kiosk desktop computer or virtually through Zoom.

Use the FA-DDX Tool in the FAFSA Form to Save Time and Reduce Frustrations

By: Eric Johnson

The FAFSA Simplification Act changed the FAFSA process, ultimately reducing the number of questions and improving the overall user experience. Once a tedious form that inquired about demographic and financial aid information for an applicant and their family, the revamped form reduces the amount of manual input, especially financial information.

The FA-DDX, or FUTURE Act Direct Data Exchange, is a tool that brings a sense of relief to the financial aid process. It securely transfers federal tax information from the IRS directly into the FAFSA form, eliminating the need for manual entry and the potential for user error. By streamlining the application process and connecting directly with the IRS, the FA-DDX seamlessly imports federal tax information into the FAFSA form, reducing the verification a college or university needs to perform when packaging financial aid.

Using the FA-DX is a process that requires responsibility and engagement from all students and their contributors (i.e., parents or spouses). They must consent for the Department of Education to receive this information from the IRS directly. After providing consent, the FA-DDX imports the tax data into the FAFSA form, a process that can be as quick as a few seconds for some users. Refusing consent can jeopardize a student’s federal student aid eligibility, underscoring the importance of this step. Consent is only suitable for the current year, so students and their contributors must reaffirm their yearly consent when submitting a new FAFSA form.

Since the FA-DDX inception, users have reported a much smoother experience with the FAFSA form. Accuracy is also increasing on submitted FAFSA forms, which reduces the need for manual verification of financial data. Verification can significantly reduce the Financial Aid Office’s efficiency and productivity. For many years, the Department of Education and the IRS squabbled over a direct connection between the two departments. The FAFSA Simplification Act eliminated those objections by creating a secure transfer line between the two departments.

Some applications may encounter issues with using the FA-DDX tool. For instance, couples that file a separate tax return from their spouse are ineligible for the FA-DDX tool. Amended tax returns also pose challenges with the FA-DDX. Users can still manually input financial data into the FAFSA form. Manual input of financial data may increase the scrutiny of the applicant’s FAFSA. Chatting with an experienced financial aid administrator can alleviate your concerns if you encounter difficulties with the FA-DDX tool.

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