Step-by-Step  

  

At some schools, applying for financial aid can be even more frightening than seeing the cost of tuition - but not at College of Saint Mary. Our admissions and financial aid staff will give you personal attention every step of the way, from applying for aid to understanding your financial aid award. 

  

To help you successfully complete the process, we've provided a simple step-by-step checklist. If you have special family circumstances or other questions about the process, please e-mail the Financial Aid Office at finaid@csm.edu or call (800) 926-5534 x 2362 or (402) 399-2362. 

  

·         STEP 1 

File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - it's the key to unlocking all the financial aid opportunities at the federal, state and university levels. To receive full consideration for all available assistance, submit your FAFSA between January 1 and March 15 of your senior year and include our federal school code: 002540. You should complete this form even if you don't think you'll qualify for any financial aid. For more information, or to apply online, visit the FAFSA web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  To complete the FAFSA, you will need a PIN, which serves as your electronic signature. Your parent will also need a PIN if you are required to submit parent information on your FAFSA. You and your parent may apply for PIN's at www.pin.ed.gov.  

  

·         STEP 2 

Research and apply for private scholarships and grants from sources for which you may be eligible. Information is available in your high school guidance office and various online resources are listed on the CSM website: http://www.csm.edu/Future_Students/Financial_Aid/Outside_Scholarships/.  

  

·         STEP 3 

Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) that will be sent to you within two to four weeks of submitting your FAFSA to verify all information. The Student Aid Report uses the information from the FAFSA to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the amount of resources that you and your family should be able to contribute toward your education. If you included College of Saint Mary's school code on your FAFSA, we will also receive a copy of your SAR to help us determine your financial aid package. You may receive an estimate of your Expected Family Contribution by using the FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov.    

  

·         STEP 4 

Review, sign and return your Financial Aid Award Letter, prepared and sent by our Financial Aid Office. The letter will indicate all programs for which you are eligible, including scholarships, grants, loans and work-study opportunities. Our enrollment staff will contact you within a few days after receipt of your financial aid award letter to discuss the award letter and to answer any questions you may have on the eligibility criteria or budgeting questions you may have. 

  

·         STEP 5 

Complete your Semester Financial Arrangements (SFA) each semester. Students must submit all required financial aid documents (such as a signed award letter, tax forms and other verification documents, Master Promissory Notes, and Entrance Counseling) prior to completing their SFA. During this process, students make payment arrangements for a balance due; or set up bookstore voucher or refund options with a credit balance. Students can complete their SFA online at www.csm.edu/sfa or in the Express Center located in Walsh Hall Room 176. 

  

If you have questions about the financial aid process or your award letter, e-mail the Financial Aid Office at finaid@csm.edu.