Changes to the way financial aid is handled have occurred and those who work in the Financial Aid office are wanting the students to know about what is in store. 

Initial enrollment dates for FAFSA has changed, as well as the information that is retrieved to fill out financial aid forms. Now, students can begin filling out financial aid forms for FAFSA in October, instead of waiting for January. Director of Financial Aid, Laura Coponiti, mentions that this can be beneficial to the students at USAO, because there is no longer the need to wait until January to fill out new forms. “They can be filled out by the first day of class,” she explained. 

Due to the new enrollment date, students will pull their information for the last year’s tax return. This means that students will use the same tax information that you have already used on your last FAFSA application.

If there has been major financial changes since your last tax return, you are able to fill out your application, but then go to the financial aid office to seek assistance. “We can help with adjusting the amount of assistance that is given,” Coponiti said.

Information regarding changes to applications, scholarships, and other financial aid options are always posted on the Financial Aid Facebook page and bulletin board. There are many resources there for financial assistance, as well as several Financial Aid Specialists to assist USAO students.