Hey, guys! I'm interested in applying to Ithaca College next year. I know it's not a cheap school, and financial aid will be a pretty big deal for me. What sort of documents, info, etc. do I need to prepare for applying to financial aid there? Any advice on the process?
Hello! Financial aid is a crucial part of college applications, especially when you're considering private colleges like Ithaca College. You are correct in thinking ahead about the financial aid process.
When applying for financial aid at Ithaca College, you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the standard form used by most colleges and universities. The FAFSA requires several pieces of financial information about both your income and your parents' income, such as your family's tax returns or W-2 forms, records of untaxed income, and records of all assets. Make sure that you have this information handy when filling out the form. The FAFSA opens on October 1st and it's best to complete it as early as possible because some aid is first-come, first-serve.
In addition to submitting the FAFSA, you're also required to complete the CSS Profile, which is administered by the College Board and is used by many private colleges to award their own financial aid funds. The CSS Profile asks for more in-depth information about your family's financial situation than the FAFSA does, so be prepared to provide more detailed financial documents. It may also ask about your family's medical and dental expenses, and the income and assets of any noncustodial parents (if your parents are separated or divorced). The form becomes available on October 1st each year, so be ready to fill that out.
Remember to review every document thoroughly before you submit it to catch any inaccuracies that might lower your aid award. Ithaca College does not have a set deadline for financial aid applications, but the priority deadline is March 1st. If you submit the FAFSA and CSS Profile after this date, you may not receive your financial aid package until after you've heard back about your admission.
Lastly, don't be afraid to reach out to the financial aid office at Ithaca if you have any questions. They are there to help you through this process!
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