2013-2014 Award Guide and Next Steps
Now that you have received your Financial Aid Award Letter for the 2013-2014 school year, there may be additional steps required to finalize your aid. This guide will walk you through these requirements and recommendations step-by-step.
Tax Verification
IRS Data Retrieval Tool
Who: Required for all eligible students who have been selected for Tax Verification (indicated on award letter). Recommended to all other students.
What: The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents may transfer the data directly into their FAFSA.
Where: Available on the FAFSA.gov website. For complete instructions, view our Tax Verification page.
When: Complete this ASAP. Please note that it may take up to two weeks for your IRS information to be available for electronic IRS tax return filers, and up to eight weeks for paper filers.
Dependent or Independent Verification Worksheet
Who: Required for all students who have been selected for Tax Verification (indicated on award letter).
What: A paper form that must be printed, completed and signed by the student (and parents of dependent students).
* 2013-2014 Dependent Verification Worksheet
* 2013-2014 Independent Verification Worksheet
For complete instructions, view our Tax Verification page.
When: Complete this ASAP.
Direct Stafford Loans
Master Promissory Note (MPN)
Who: Required for all students who wish to accept their Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
What: An online form that allows Colby-Sawyer to originate and disburse your Stafford Loans. Please note that loans will only disburse for enrolled students. Completing an MPN does not commit you to attending Colby-Sawyer.
Where: Available on the www.studentloans.gov website. For complete instructions, view our Applying for Loans page.
When: By July 1.
Entrance Counseling
Who: Required for all students who wish to accept their Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
What: An online form and informational session that explains the Direct Loan process to students.
Where: Available on the www.studentloans.gov website. For complete instructions, view our Applying for Loans page.
When: By July 1.
Direct Loan Decline form
Who: Available for any student who wishes to decline their Direct Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.
What: A brief online form that indicates you wish to decline all or part of your Stafford Loan eligibility.
Where: Stafford Loan Decline form
Miscellaneous Forms
Enrollment Deposit
Who: Required for all students who wish to attend Colby-Sawyer.
What: A $500 deposit that secures your spot in the incoming fall class. Please note that this money is not applied to your bill.
Where: More information is available on the Enrollment Deposit page.
When: Due by May 1st.
Outside Scholarship Form
Who: Required for all students who receive scholarships from outside sources.
What: A brief online form that indicates you wish to decline all or part of your Stafford Loan eligibility.
Where: Outside Scholarship form
When: As soon as you have received notification of all scholarships. Typically mid-summer.
Special Consideration Form
Who: Available for any student who has endured a financial hardship in the past year.
What: A form that allows families to update the Financial Aid Office of any major financial changes. In some cases, we are able to adjust awards based on this change in financial need.
Where: Special Consideration form
When: This form is available throughout the year, although the earlier we receive it the better.
Additional information
Questions? Call (603) 526-3717, or email cscfinaid@colby-sawyer.edu
