Money Matters Presented By The Financial Aid Office And The Student Accounts Office

Our goals for this morning are: -To raise your awareness of options to pay for college -To help you begin to develop a plan to finance your college expenses -To let you know what to do if you have questions or concerns -To discuss the importance of good personal money management and alert you to potential financial pitfalls

Our Agenda 1.Introduction 2.Financial Aid 3.Financial Aid Questions 4.The Bill Process 5.Refunds 6.Billing and Refund Questions 7.Other Helpful Tips 8.Questions??

Important Web Sites Financial Aid Office Student Accounts Office

Financial Aid –To Do Complete the FAFSA. Apply for other scholarships –Go to and select Scholarshipswww.OSWEGO.edu/financial Going into education? –Consider Applying for a TEACH Grant -Go to and select TEACHwww.OSWEGO.edu/financial Carefully follow all instructions you receive on your Award Letter and other correspondence

Federal Direct Loans Student needs to accept the loan on MyOswego Student will be sent information about completing Master Promissory Note (MPN). Student must complete Loan Entrance Counseling, even if you did it at your previous school.

Other Borrowing Options Parent Loan –Terms In the parent’s name 7.8% interest Deferment Options Home Equity Loans Other private loans

Student Employment Campus Job opportunities Federal Work Study Residence Life and Housing Other Campus Employment Auxiliary Services We strongly encourage students to work on campus. Go to and select Employmentwww.OSWEGO.edu/financial

Special Circumstances Lost your job? Parent lost their job? Income has been reduced? Unusual medical expenses? If any of these are affecting you, we may be able to help. Go to and select Download Formswww.oswego.edu/financial

Financial Aid Questions ???

The Bill –When will you receive a bill? –What is the due date? –What are your options? E-Bills –Guest Access and FERPA Acceptable forms of payment –Visa, Master Card, AMEX, Discover, Check, Cash Time Payment SemesterTime paymentDue Date FallAugust - December15 th of each Month SpringJanuary - May15 th of each Month

What’s Included on a Bill? Tuition & Fees Room & Board Other Charges –Accident & Sickness Insurance –Book Store (Flex Plans) –Parking Registration –Orientation Charges –Dorm Damage –Health Club Membership –Key Replacements –Additional Meal plans (Plus Plans)

Refunds What is a refund? –A payment to a student or a parent Who receives refunds? –When Financial Aid exceeds charges –When changes during the semester When do you receive refunds? –Loan refunding begins on the 1 st day of classes –All other refunding begins about 6 weeks into the semester How do I get my refund? –Sign up with Higher One and make a refund choice Check “MyOswego” account for refunds

Oswego Debit Cards Eliminate fees Always swipe and sign Use Pin # only at the ATM Balance your checking account Call Higher One if charged a fee and inquire –Remove the first time Keeping your account active Accounts are inactivated if not used in 6-9 months Check account before each semester

Billing Questions ???

Use Multiple options to pay the bill You can use a combination of tools to pay the bill : -Student Financial Aid -Time Payment -Home Equity -Parent (PLUS) Loan -Savings -Summer earnings -Graduation gifts -Grand parents and other family members

Dropping Courses/Withdrawing Dropping Classes  Dropping means: - Dropping below F/T, 12crs - Remaining 3crs, 6crs, 9crs  What Does this mean for you? - Lowers Financial Aid - Causes possible bills Withdrawing  Withdrawing means: - Cancelling all classes  Why would I Withdraw from School? - Transferring - Medical, family, military, personal  What should I do if I decide to Withdraw from School? - Talk with our Student Advisement office - Officially Withdraw - Keep track of your attendance

Overseas Study Opportunities  Financial Aid can be used to study for a semester or year in other countries  We strongly encourage students to consider this option  How do I get started? - Make an appt with an advisor in Fin. Aid. - Bring invoice, cost sheets, acceptance letter, financial aid arrangement forms

A Word About … Maintaining good grades Credit Card Usage and Debt Student Debt Protect your Identity Creating and using a personal budget

Be Prepared/Be Aware Respond to all s/correspondence Monitor your “My Oswego” account. Visit our offices, we’re here to help you. Check out our websites for important information and ideas

QUESTIONS ???