What financial aid questions should I have?

Question
 
 

Financial Aid FAQ

When are tuition and fees due?
If my student loan is delayed, can I defer payment of my tuition and fees while I am waiting for my loan to arrive?
What are the deferment procedures while awaiting a federal student loan?
Can I request a payment plan to meet my tuition obligations?
What happens if I don't pay my tuition and fees on time?
If I withdraw, do I get a refund of tuition? What happens to my Direct Loans?
How do I apply for a scholarship from ASL?
How much can I get in financial aid? Can I get a COA increase?
What sources of financial aid are available?
How do I apply for a student loan?
What are the steps in processing a Direct Loan application, and how long does it take to receive the funds?
What is the process for applying loan funds to my ASL account?
When can I get a check from ASL for my living expenses?
How does my academic performance at ASL affect my student loans?
How do I get a deferment on my undergraduate loans?
Is Entrance and Exit Counseling required?
Do you offer any scholarships to veterans?

When are tuition and fees due?

Tuition and fees for each semester are due no later than the first day of classes.

If my student loan is delayed, can I defer payment of my tuition and fees while I am waiting for my loan to arrive?

You may be eligible to defer payment of tuition charges based upon the amount of federally guaranteed student loans approved through the Financial Aid Office. In addition, you may be eligible to defer tuition pending the disbursement of private loan funds.

What are the deferment procedures while awaiting a federal student loan?

You will be granted a deferment of the current semester's tuition if you:

  • have applied for a federal student loan for the semester that tuition is being charged
  • have submitted all the necessary documentation for qualifying for the loan and have been cleared by the Financial Aid Office for disbursement of funds
  • have filed a Request for Deferment of Payment with the Business Office by the due date for tuition payment
  • will receive federal loans in an amount at least equal to the outstanding tuition and fees balance or have paid the difference between the amount of net loans being received and tuition and fee charges outstanding

Can I request a payment plan to meet my tuition obligations?

You may request a payment plan for all or part of your tuition and fees. However, payment plans are approved only in extraordinary circumstances, and your deferment is subject to the following conditions:

  • You must submit a request for a payment plan to the Business Office by the first day of classes for the applicable semester.
  • Approval will be considered based on information provided in your request. If you have defaulted on a previous payment plan, that will be grounds for denying your request. It is your responsibility to make sure the Business Office receives the payment plan.
  • If any payment scheduled under an approved plan is late, you will be in "past due" status. "Past due" status requires immediate full payment of the account balance or you will be withdrawn from all course work.

What happens if I don't pay my tuition and fees on time?

If you fail to pay or make arrangements to pay tuition and fees, you will be subject to the following actions:

  • Registration will not be processed.
  • Transcript requests will not be processed.
  • Grade reports will be withheld.
  • Registered students may be removed from current class enrollment.
  • Certification of graduated students to bar authorities will be withheld.
  • Diplomas will be withheld.

If I withdraw, do I get a refund of tuition and what happens to my Direct Loans?

Students who voluntarily withdraw from ASL are responsible for paying all assessed tuition and fees due for that semester. Like Direct Loans, the amount of tuition owed will be assessed based upon the percentage of time the student spent in academic attendance. If a student has completed 60 percent or more of the semester, he or she will be responsible for 100 percent of the tuition for that semester. For additional information about the withdrawal process, click here.

How do I apply for a scholarship from ASL?

ASL offers a variety of scholarships. To find out if you are eligible and to apply for scholarships, click here.

How much can I get in financial aid?

Students may be eligible for aid up to the cost of attendance, or COA, minus estimated family contribution, or EFC.

Can I get a COA Increase?

The government allows a COA increase in special circumstances. To see if your circumstance qualifies, click here.

What sources of financial aid are available?

  • Scholarships and grants
  • Private educational loans
  • Federal Direct Loan Program
  • Private payment
  • Federal Work Study
  • ASL Emergency Short Term Advance - As a non-profit institution, ASL is not an authorized lender. As a matter of policy and given the availability of other forms of financial aid, it does not issue instructional loans of any kind. However, in some circumstances, a student may obtain an emergency advance of funds. Apply for these advances in the Financial Aid Office. They are subject to availability of funds. The Business Office normally disburses the funds by check within five to 10 business days of receiving a complete and approved request.

How do I apply for a student loan?

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, application online. ASL's Title IV federal code number for the FAFSA is G35593. Returning second- and third-year students need only file a condensed Renewal FAFSA.

What are the steps in processing a Direct Loan application, and how long does it take to receive the funds?

For information about the Direct Loan process, click here. The Department of Education typically disburses loans to ASL at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters.

What is the process for applying loan funds to my ASL account?

Students will receive notification from the Business Office within 48 hours after the funds have been applied to their accounts. Credit balances remaining from excess of loan funds over tuition, fees, and other charges will be issued to the student in the form of an overpayment check. Overpayments will not be processed unless the account is paid in full. Under limited circumstances, loan proceeds also may be applied to unpaid charges incurred in prior years.

When can I get a check from ASL for my living expenses?

  • ASL has received the funds.
  • The Financial Aid Office has confirmed your continuing eligibility.
  • The Business Office has applied the loan funds to your account and determined that there is an excess available for distribution.
  • You have registered for classes.
  • The Business Office has prepared and the ASL Dean and Treasurer have signed a check.

The Business Office will put a note in student mailboxes when an overpayment check is available. If you have met all financial aid deadlines, you ordinarily can expect a check by the end of the first week of classes. Please plan your finances accordingly.

How does my academic performance at ASL affect my student loans?

Federal regulations governing the student loan program stipulate that in order to continue to be eligible for Title IV financial aid (including subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans), you must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree. To see if you satisfy the academic requirements, click here.

How do I get a deferment on my undergraduate loans?

Enrolled students in good standing are generally eligible for deferment of payments on undergraduate student loans. Most lenders have a specific form on their website that you must complete to obtain a deferment. Direct Loan deferment forms are available here. Please submit your completed form to the Financial Aid Office.

Is Entrance and Exit Counseling required?

Yes. Before receiving a student loan, borrowers must complete an entrance counseling session here. Prior to graduating or leaving school, Direct Loan borrowers must complete exit counseling here.

 Do you offer any scholarships to veterans?

 Yes.  ASL proudly supports our veterans as a yellow ribbon participating school.  Call our Financial Aid Office for more details and specifics.