Navigating financial aid at Kennesaw State?

I'm considering applying to Kennesaw State. However, I'm a bit confused about their financial aid process. Does anybody have any experiences or tips that could help me understand it better?

Applying for financial aid can sometimes feel like a maze, but don't worry, I can try to clarify the process for you at Kennesaw State.

First things first, you will want to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the universal form that all colleges, Kennesaw State included, use to determine your eligibility for federal and state aid. The FAFSA application opens on October 1 each year and you should aim to complete it as soon as possible after this date, as some aids are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Once you submit your FAFSA, you'll receive your Student Aid Report. This document contains your Student Aid Index (SAI), which indicates your need level. Kennesaw State uses the SAI to calculate your financial aid eligibility.

After being admitted to Kennesaw State, your financial aid package will typically be made up of a mix of grants, loans, and possibly work-study. Grants are the best kind of aid because they are essentially free money that you don't have to pay back. Loans, on the other hand, need to be repaid after graduation or once you stop being a full-time student. Work-study is a program where you can work on or off campus to earn money to help pay for school.

Another important point to remember is that even though you fill out the FAFSA once, you'll need to renew it every year. This is to account for any changes that might affect your SAI, like changes in family income or size.

One last tip specifically for out-of-state students: Kennesaw State is part of Academic Common Market, a program that can grant out-of-state students in-state tuition if they are pursuing a degree not offered in their home state. So, if you're out of state, this is something to look into.

Hope this helps! And remember, you can always reach out to the Office of Student Financial Aid at Kennesaw State if you have any other questions. They are very accessible and happy to help with all questions related to paying for college.