Complete your federal tax returns early. You and your parents should complete federal tax returns as early as possible after January 1. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be completed with estimated tax information, although it is recommended to use actual tax data if possible for more accurate reporting. If the FAFSA is completed with estimated information, the Student Aid Report (SAR) must be corrected later using actual tax information.
File a FAFSA. The FAFSA must be received at the processor after January 1 but before March 10 each year to receive priority consideration for many types of financial aid.
Respond to correspondence. Check your Ball State e-mail account frequently for correspondence from our office. Please respond promptly to all requests for additional information. Do not ignore requests for additional information. Your financial aid processing cannot be completed until the necessary paperwork is provided. Also, be sure to include your name and Ball State ID number on all paper correspondence submitted to our office.
Search for additional aid. You are advised to search for private scholarships, many of which are based on merit and not on financial need. See our scholarships page, which contains information about Ball State scholarships, as well as provides links to several large and comprehensive scholarship-search Web sites. (Note: A number of scholarships have early deadlines, so start early.)
Complete your loan application. Most financial aid packages contain a Federal Stafford Loan. If you decide to take out a loan, you will need to fill out a Stafford Loan request form, which will be included in your original award letter.
Carefully read materials provided by our office and respond quickly to any requested action. If you don't understand the information or what is required of you, please contact us.
Copies, copies, copies! Keep copies of all documents submitted to us and the federal government. Also, please note the dates you submitted them. By doing this, you can reference these documents if necessary.
Understand your responsibilities. Be sure to understand your responsibilities, as well as implications of all forms that you sign. To make sure that you receive the most aid possible, be organized and take an active role in the financial aid process.
Keep your addresses current. Make sure your home and local addresses are current with Ball State. If they are not correct, you run the risk of not receiving communication from us. This can slow down or halt the processing of your financial aid. You can quickly make changes to your address online.
Consult with our financial aid advisors. Financial aid advisors are available to help you when you need assistance. Advisors will answer your individual questions about financial aid at Ball State. Come see them at our office in Lucina Hall, room 245, or e-mail an advisor at finaid@bsu.edu.
Come prepared. Please come prepared to our office with any necessary documentation that you have. You may also want to bring a list of questions, so you don’t forget anything.
Cooperation is key. The financial aid process is a cooperative effort with you, your parents, and our staff. We want students to succeed in getting needed financial assistance. Help us help you!