Follow these steps:

1. Complete/submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Review/correct your Student Aid Report (SAR)
3. Southeast will determine your aid eligibility
4. Review/complete/return your financial aid paperwork

STEP 1: Completing the FAFSA

Southeast’s Priority Financial Aid Deadline: MARCH 1

HINT: Strive to complete your federal tax return by Valentine’s Day so you are prepared to submit the FAFSA on time. Filing late could cost you thousands of dollars in need-based grant, loan and work-study assistance.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine your eligibility for all federal aid programs, most state aid programs and many Southeast programs.  (Some state and Southeast programs may require additional applications, essays, interviews, etc.)

The FAFSA can be completed as early as January 1 for the following fall semester and is good for one academic year.  The fastest way to complete your application is through the web at FAFSA on the Web.  You will find it useful to have the following documentation readily available when completing your FAFSA:

• Driver’s license and Social Security card;
• W-2’s and other records of money earned;
• Completed Federal Income Tax Returns- while the federal government allows estimates of this information, we strongly encourage you to use completed tax returns to ensure a more accurate financial aid package and prevent unnecessary delays;
• Records of untaxed income (i.e. TANF, Social Security, child support, veterans benefits, etc); and 
• Current financial statements including checking, savings, business, farm and investments.

STEP 2: Review/Correct Your Student Aid Report

Upon submission of the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR), either by mail or e-mail.  You will receive the Student Aid Report via e-mail if you provide an e-mail address on the FAFSA. IMPORTANT: Keep this e-mail address throughout your college search and into your first year of college.

Review all information for accuracy.  If needed, corrections should be made electronically.  However, if this is not possible, please contact Student Financial Services at (573) 651-2253.

STEP 3: Determining Your Eligibility

The U.S. Department of Education uses the information supplied on the FAFSA to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

The results of your FAFSA are sent to the institutions listed and to your state of permanent residence.  This will allow the institutions and the state to determine your initial eligibility for financial aid.  For some programs, such as the Federal Pell Grant, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is used as the sole determinant for initial eligibility.  For most, however, your financial need is the determining factor. 

The Financial Need Calculation:

  COA (Cost of Attendance)
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
________________________________

     Financial Need

Your Southeast “Cost of Attendance” includes an average cost for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, personal expenses and transportation.

STEP 4: Review/complete/return your financial aid paperwork

Once your financial aid eligibility is determined, you will receive an award letter.   Southeast begins sending award letters in late-March (to coincide with the release of state aid award notification).  Although Southeast sends as accurate an award as possible, your aid eligibility may change if you enroll less than full time or if you receive other aid.  It is imperative that you notify Student Financial Services of any additional aid (scholarships, grants, tuition reimbursements, etc.) you will be receiving as soon as possible.

Your aid will be processed and prepared for payment once you sign and return the award letter (and other required documents, such as loan applications).

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