Guidance on OSU Newark Financial Aid Process?

Hey folks, I recently received my acceptance letter form OSU Newark (yay!) and the whole financial aid process seems rather intimidating. Has anyone here been through it? Can you share what it's like applying for financial aid at OSU Newark? Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Congratulations on your acceptance to OSU Newark! The financial aid process there is fairly straightforward, much like it is at other universities.

First, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if you haven't already done so. This form will assess your family's financial situation to determine your eligibility for federal student aid. The FAFSA is usually available on October 1 and it's a good idea to submit it as soon as possible, as some forms of aid are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. OSU Newark’s school code is 003090, which you will need when you fill out the FAFSA.

Once the FAFSA is received and processed by OSU Newark, the financial aid office will prepare an aid package for you based on your demonstrated financial need. This package may include not only federal aid but also state and institutional aid, as well as work-study opportunities. Keep in mind that need-based aid depends on your Student Aid Index (SAI), as determined by the FAFSA.

Once your financial aid package is prepared, you'll receive an award letter detailing what you've been offered. This information will be sent to your OSU email address, so make sure to check it regularly. It's possible that this letter will include instructions on how to accept, decline, or adjust the aid being offered to you.

One important thing to remember: even if you're receiving financial aid, you may still have out-of-pocket expenses that you'll need to plan to cover. It's a good idea to create a budget and carefully consider your resources before committing.

Hope this helps lay out the process for you, and best of luck as you start your journey at OSU Newark!