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Welcome
December 2007
As the Director of Financial Aid, I am continuously working to improve service to students. While we face significant challenges, we have made significant progress and look forward to providing students with exceptional service. Information about the types of aid available, the application process, and eligibility requirements are enclosed in this packet.
Students who had a valid 2007-2008 Student Aid Report (SAR) by 1 November 2007 will be mailed a 2007-2008 FAFSA On The Web Worksheet or PIN by the U. S. Department of Education in December 2007. If you receive this, you may use it to apply for aid in 2008-2009. Freshmen and other students who did not receive a FAFSA On The Web Worksheet or PIN must complete the enclosed 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete FAFSA should be returned to the Valdosta State University Office of Financial Aid (OFA) for electronic processing along with signed copies of the 2007 Federal Income Tax Returns and W-2’s used in completing your application.
By completing the application process described in this packet you will be considered for federal, state, and institutional aid. This aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal ACG, Federal SMART Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Work-Study, William D. Ford Federal Direct & FFELP Loan Programs, Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan, LEAP, and HOPE Scholarship.
We caution you to borrow conservatively! The OFA will determine your maximum eligibility for a loan. However, you are not obligated to borrow that amount. We urge students to borrow only what is needed. The amount a student borrows during his or her college career will have an effect on repayment amounts and credit ratings. Students should be aware of the responsibilities that borrowing money entails. Parents should also carefully assess their ability to assume additional debt before applying for the Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan.
Valdosta State University operates on the Semester System. Although final dates have not been set at this time, fees for Fall Semester early registration will be due in early August and the last day to pay for regular, on campus registration will be in mid August. It is imperative that you apply early for Fall Semester 2008 in order to have your financial aid application process completed by the fee payment deadline. Even if tax returns are not filed until April, completing the application process soon thereafter should allow time for your aid to be processed by the beginning of Fall Semester. If you apply early and have problems; contact a Financial Aid representative right away so that you will have plenty of time to resolve any issues. If you wait until July and have problems, there may not be enough time for us to resolve all of the issues before the payment deadline.
Students who apply for aid, and have been admitted to a degree program at Valdosta State University will receive one of the following at their permanent address: a) a 2008-2009 Award Letter or b) a request for additional information.
The best source of information is the Office of Financial Aid at the institution you plan to attend. Valdosta State University has a staff of counselors available Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 5:30pm and Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm to answer your student aid questions. You are welcome to visit the office in the University Center, Room 4121, or telephone (229) 333-5935 or 1-800-618-1878 (option #2) and ask our Customer Service Representative for assistance.
Sincerely,
Douglas R. Tanner
Director of Financial Aid
This information was prepared in advance of the 2008-2009 academic year, and contains material related to Federal Title IV Student Aid Programs. While VSU believes that the information contained herein is accurate and factual, this publication is intended as a guide only and has not been reviewed by the U.S. Department of Education.