Welcome to the Financial Aid Next Steps page! Below you will find a list of recommendations and steps to begin taking as you prepare to attend Huntington University. As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at finaid@huntington.edu.
When: Before you file the FAFSA for the first time.
Where: studentaid.gov
Why: You and one of your parents need an FSA ID to login to your FAFSA each year.
How: Go to the above website. You will need a unique login ID, password, and email address for you and for your parent. You cannot use the same email address for both parent and student.
Bonus: WRITE IT DOWN. Put it in your phone. You will need this login and password every year during college and after you graduate.
When: For the 2024/2025 academic year we are unsure of when FAFSA will officially open, but we expect it to open in December 2023. We will send out updates via email when the FAFSA is open for submitting information.
Where: studentaid.gov
Why: FAFSA may qualify you for state aid, federal aid, and institutional need based aid.
How: Go to the website above, login using your student FSA ID. Follow the instructions to submit the FAFSA!
When: Whenever you have questions on your financial aid, on your FAFSA, or your family has had a financial change from divorce, loss of a job, loss of income, or high medical bills.
Where: Call your financial aid office to talk through your questions or concerns. If you are considering multiple schools, call all of the financial aid offices. Each office may have different advice or help they can offer. Contact information for HU is finaid@huntington.edu or 260-359-4326.
Why: Sometimes financial aid administrators can help you and your family, but you will not know if that is possible unless you reach out to them first.
When: Starting in early winter/late fall of your senior year of high school through early spring (generally November through April).
Where: Check with your local community foundation and local employers. You can Google to find the name of your county’s community foundation.
Why: Community Foundations and local resources are the number one provider of outside scholarships to students.
When: After applying to a university, usually in the fall of your senior year in high school and for the remainder of your time in college.
Where: Check any email or physical addresses you may have given to FAFSA or to universities.
Why: Many different offices on campus need your attention. Visit day events, housing signup, and financial aid requests for information are just a few reasons you may receive mail.
When: Generally, we recommend having one conversation in April through August after you have narrowed your selection to just a few schools.
Where: Call the university you are planning to attend and ask to schedule a meeting with their financial aid office. Community colleges and some public schools may not offer face-to-face conversations, but should be able to schedule a phone conversation.
Why: Each school is different. It is important to understand the specific requirements your university will have to accept loans and requirements for payment arrangements.
When: After you have decided which institution you plan to attend. Generally during the May-August before your enrollment in a university.
Where: Talk with your school. They will direct you to the appropriate online locations to schedule payments, setup a payment plan, apply for loans, or accept financial aid.
Why: It is important to have payment arrangements made before the payment deadline so that your enrollment remains intact and financial stressors are not an issue on move in day and freshman orientation.
