2008 Woodie Awards
Financial aid warns of deadlines
By Erica Tuggle
Issue date: 1/31/08 Section: News
Both incoming and returning students should apply for financial aid now, according to financial aid officials.
April 1 is the priority deadline for the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Tonia Martin, a financial aid counselor and manager of guest services, said.
Federal and state aid can run out before that though, Martin, said.
Returning students and transfer students with university scholarships not awarded as incoming freshmen must reapply for those scholarships by March 1 in order for the scholarship money to be available next year.
Martin said she has already received over 900 FAFSA applications.
According to Martin, the largest problem she deals with this time of year is that entering freshmen apply early, but in their second year don't remember to apply early again.
It happens most often with work study, she said.
Rexann Bumpus, director of financial aid, encourages students to apply for summer financial aid now as well, before the July 1 deadline. The form for summer aid is online and in the financial aid office.
"Apply [for financial aid] now...now for summer, fall, everyone," Bumpus said.
"Check Mocs Net frequently," she said. "Things can change daily in financial aid."
Bumpus said she also tells students and parents to keep all information they use to fill out the FAFSA, such as tax information, in case the department of education asks for a verification of the FAFSA information.
If this happens and a student can not prove the information on the FAFSA is accurate, their aid can be delayed and the student can be charged late fees.
Tia Tappin, a senior from Memphis, said she received financial aid all four years she attended the university.
Tappin said she always makes appointments with a counselor from the financial aid department when she needs help.
She said she has had no problems with financial aid.
"As long as I do what I have to do paperwork-wise, it is easier for the counselor," Tappin said.
Tappin said financial aid helps because classes are expensive and aid helps her cover everything so that she can make it to graduation.
April 1 is the priority deadline for the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, Tonia Martin, a financial aid counselor and manager of guest services, said.
Federal and state aid can run out before that though, Martin, said.
Returning students and transfer students with university scholarships not awarded as incoming freshmen must reapply for those scholarships by March 1 in order for the scholarship money to be available next year.
Martin said she has already received over 900 FAFSA applications.
According to Martin, the largest problem she deals with this time of year is that entering freshmen apply early, but in their second year don't remember to apply early again.
It happens most often with work study, she said.
Rexann Bumpus, director of financial aid, encourages students to apply for summer financial aid now as well, before the July 1 deadline. The form for summer aid is online and in the financial aid office.
"Apply [for financial aid] now...now for summer, fall, everyone," Bumpus said.
"Check Mocs Net frequently," she said. "Things can change daily in financial aid."
Bumpus said she also tells students and parents to keep all information they use to fill out the FAFSA, such as tax information, in case the department of education asks for a verification of the FAFSA information.
If this happens and a student can not prove the information on the FAFSA is accurate, their aid can be delayed and the student can be charged late fees.
Tia Tappin, a senior from Memphis, said she received financial aid all four years she attended the university.
Tappin said she always makes appointments with a counselor from the financial aid department when she needs help.
She said she has had no problems with financial aid.
"As long as I do what I have to do paperwork-wise, it is easier for the counselor," Tappin said.
Tappin said financial aid helps because classes are expensive and aid helps her cover everything so that she can make it to graduation.
