Financial Aid at John Carroll University?

Is anyone familiar with the financial aid process at John Carroll University? I've been accepted but I'm a little stressed about figuring out how to cover tuition. Any tips would be incredibly helpful!

Congratulations on your acceptance at John Carroll University! Keep in mind that the financial aid process can seem a bit taxing, but it's an important part of accessing higher education affordably.

First and foremost, if you haven't already, you should fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). That'll provide information about your family's financial situation which universities, including John Carroll, use to determine your need-based aid. Remember, the FAFSA application opens October 1st every year.

The university's financial aid office should then send you a financial aid award offer. The offer may include a blend of federal aid (grants, loans, and work-study), state aid, as well as institutional aid from John Carroll University itself. In 2020 for instance, 99% of John Carroll students received financial aid, with an average financial aid package of $27,000. Make sure to carefully read through the award letter to see what's a grant (which doesn't need to be paid back) vs. a loan (which does).

Additionally, John Carroll University also offers merit-based scholarships for qualified students. For example, if you have high grades or a high ACT/SAT score (if you chose to submit them), you may be eligible for the Presidential, Provost, or Dean's scholarships.

Another potential source of funding could be outside scholarships. These are offered by a host of organizations, foundations, and companies. Check with your school counselor or use scholarship databases online to search for relevant scholarships.

Lastly, you can always appeal your financial aid offer if you think it falls short. You can write a letter to the financial aid office with reasons why you believe you should receive more aid.

Remember that there are resources available to you, don't hesitate to reach out to the financial aid office at John Carroll if you have further questions or need more clarity. They are generally very helpful! Good luck with your financial aid process!