How to Apply for Aid
We have tried to make the process as simple and trouble-free as possible.
Step 1: Complete a FAFSA
In the January before the semester you wish to enroll,
complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA). You can complete the paper form or complete
it online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.
You can obtain FASFA forms in local libraries, high school
guidance offices, or at any college after December 1st for
the coming academic year. Newbury College's Title
IV School Code is 007484.
CAUTION: Be sure to fill out the FAFSA for the correct
year you will be attending school. If you submit the form
for the incorrect year, your form will be returned to
you and you will not receive aid. The year is clearly
marked on the top of the FAFSA form. For fall 2006, the
form will read 2006-2007 academic year.
Step 2
Three to six weeks after you submit the completed FAFSA,
you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This
will include the information you submitted as well as your
Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an
important number that Newbury uses to determine
your financial need.
Once Newbury College receives a complete and error-free
copy of the Student Aid Report, the Office of Financial
Assistance will use the information to prepare your financial
aid package and mail it to you.
It is very important to complete the FAFSA early in
the year to avoid delays. January is the preferred month
if you are attending college in September.
Step 3
Once you receive the award letter from the Office of Financial Assistance,
you must decide whether or not to accept the different loans,
grants and scholarships being offered to you. After you
make your determinations and return your signed award letter
to the Office of Financial Assistance, your aid will be
assigned to your bill.
Step 4
If there is a balance remaining, you (the student) must
pay it to Newbury before attending class.
Every year ALL STUDENTS must complete a NEW FAFSA.
Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid
Completing the FAFSA thoroughly and accurately is important. The
slightest error may cause months of delay in receiving your financial aid award
letter from Newbury College.
The most common mistakes to avoid are:
- Forgetting to sign the application. Be sure both
student and parent(s) sign the FAFSA application.
- Parents using the W-2 form to report income.
Do not use this form! For income reporting take the Adjusted
Gross Income directly from the last 1040 federal
tax return, not from the W-2.
- Parents using the W-2 form to report taxes paid.
Parents often use the taxes withheld on their W-2
form instead of their actual tax liability. They should
list the actual taxes paid shown on their last 1040 federal
tax return.
- Not reporting all required sources of untaxed income. Be sure to
include Social Security, child support, Aid to Dependent Children (ADC),
etc.
- Divorced parents including their ex-spouses'
income. The custodial parent should list his/her income
and that of the current spouse.
- Not following instructions.
