Q. What is Quinnipiac's Federal School Code?
001402
Q. Does Quinnipiac require the CSS Profile Form or any additional applications?
YES. For all *NEW* freshmen and transfer students (includes accelerated nursing students), and all *RETURNING* students who began their enrollment after July 1, 2011, we will require a completed CSS Profile Form in order to be considered for institutional need-based grant aid. Our CSS Profile Code is: 3712.
Q. What are the early decision deadlines for admission and financial aid?
Students who apply early decision must have their admission applications filed by Oct. 15 and check the box indicating that they want to be considered for our early decision admissions process. Students who are interested in receiving financial aid should also have their CSS Profile form completed no later than Dec. 1.
Q. How do I apply for merit scholarships at Quinnipiac?
There are no special applications to complete. The Admissions Office will review your credentials and determine your eligibility for merit aid at the time they are reviewing you for admission. In order to be considered a candidate for a merit scholarship at Quinnipiac, incoming freshmen must have a minimum combined score for the critical reading and math sections of the SAT of 1100 or higher (the writing section of the SAT is not considered for scholarship purposes) OR an ACT score of 25 or higher. In order to be given consideration for merit-based scholarships, students MUST ALSO rank in the top 25% of their high school class or better. Scholarship recipients are notified on a rolling basis beginning in late January.
Q. I am an incoming freshman and the financial aid package I received at Quinnipiac is a bit less than I received at another school. How come?
It is common for students to receive differing packages at different schools. Each institution has its own unique set of awarding criteria that may treat students differently, especially when it comes to awarding institutional funds.
Q. I received a merit scholarship at another school. Will Quinnipiac "match it?"
Most institutions do not get into the practice of matching another school's financial aid award. Every college has its own unique selection criteria for scholarships and some are more stringent than others when it comes to merit-based aid. In order to be considered a candidate for a merit scholarship at Quinnipiac, incoming freshmen must have a minimum 1100 or higher on their SATs AND rank in the top 25% of their class or higher.
Q. If I don't receive a merit scholarship at Quinnipiac my freshmen year, can I receive one next year if I do well academically?
Merit scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen and are renewable only. There are no merit scholarships available for upperclassmen who did not receive one as an incoming student.
Q. Will Quinnipiac meet 100% of my need?
The financial aid office has a limited amount of resources to distribute as equitably as possible to all of our financial aid applicants. We meet a percentage of a student's need with grants and scholarships and add loans and work-study to cap off the package. Most families supplement their EFC and unmet need through a variety of resources such as PLUS loans, alternative loans or payment plans.
Q. I know another family that makes exactly what we do and they are getting more financial aid than we are. How come?
No two students or families are exactly alike, and therefore, no two financial aid packages are exactly the same. Families often overlook some of the mitigating factors that impact a student's financial aid package such as merit, grade level, need, family size, number attending college, special circumstances, meeting deadlines, etc., all of which will factor into a student's award.
Q. Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Financial aid is not automatic and must be reapplied for each year. You can file anytime after Jan. 1, and our deadline to submit the FAFSA is March 1 (freshmen) and April 1 (returning students). The CSS Profile Form is required for all new students and returning students who began their enrollment after July 1, 2011. All other returning students need only complete the FAFSA.
Q. If I have already started a semester, may I still apply for financial aid?
Yes. You may apply for financial aid once a semester has started. Keep in mind that all paperwork must be complete, your FAFSA results received by the university, and your Federal Stafford Loan certified prior to the last date of enrollment for the academic period.
Q. What do I do if I borrowed a Stafford Loan at another school?
You must notify your lender of your return to school in order to initiate a loan deferment. The deferment process will halt your loan repayment obligation while you are enrolled at least half-time. You may be required to complete deferment paperwork and submit that paperwork to the Office of the Registrar at Quinnipiac for processing. Student loans are not transferable from one school to another.
Q. How do I determine what additional amount of funds I can borrow in a PLUS loan or private loan?
You may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance (COA) minus aid received. If your cost of attendance equals the amount of aid on your financial aid award letter, then you cannot borrow an additional PLUS or private loan. If your COA is larger than the amount of aid on your financial aid award letter, then you can borrow the difference.
Q. Do I have to accept the full amount of the loan offered on my financial award letter?
No. You may accept part of the loan offered. Indicate the amount you wish to borrow on your financial award letter and replace it with the desired amount and check the ACCEPT line.
Q. May I borrow additional funds for the cost of a computer?
Yes. Students who need additional funds for the purchase of a computer may request their cost of attendance to be increased to allow for additional borrowing. Quinnipiac does not offer grant aid for these purchases; however, students and parents may borrow a loan to cover this cost. It is important to note that the proceeds from the loan will not be available until late September for incoming freshmen, so you will need to make payment arrangements well in advance. Once the loan arrives and creates a "credit-balance" on your account, a refund will be issued.
Q. May I borrow additional funds to cover my off-campus housing costs?
Yes. Students who need additional funds for off-campus housing can receive financial aid to cover these costs. However, it is important to note that landlords often require a security deposit, first-month's rent, etc. well before the start of the semester so students will need to make the appropriate arrangements prior to the receipt of their financial aid to secure their off-campus housing.
It is also important to note that financial aid is not credited to a student's account until the add/drop period of the semester has elapsed. After a student's registration status is confirmed, the financial aid and bursar's offices will work together to issue refund checks for these expenses once all University expenses are paid.
It is also important to note that financial aid is not credited to a student's account until the add/drop period of the semester has elapsed. After a student's registration status is confirmed, the financial aid and bursar's offices will work together to issue refund checks for these expenses once all University expenses are paid.
Q. How much should I borrow on my PLUS or Alternative Loans to cover my balance and how far in advance can I apply for a PLUS or Alternative Loan?
Because your lender will divide the amount borrowed into two equal disbursements, one for the fall and one for the spring, it is important to borrow enough to cover the entire year and not a single semester. When you receive your bill for the fall semester, simply take the amount due and double it to allow for both fall and spring charges. This is the "net amount" you will need to cover your charges. Depending on the loan you borrow, you may need to add a bit more in order to allow for up-front fees your lender may deduct from your loan proceeds. Every loan is different, so you should contact your lender to discuss these fees.
How far in advance can I apply for a PLUS or Alternative Loan?
Most loans can be applied for well in advance of the start of the semester. It is important to note that each lender has its own set of eligibility criteria that may include an expiration date as it relates to their credit check. Most credit checks are good for as little as 90 days and as long as 180 days, so you will need to time your application to coincide with your lender's credit expiration criteria. Because most educational loans are approved and processed quickly, borrowers can begin the process a few weeks before their bill is due, with the exception of the CT FELP loan which normally takes 4-6 weeks for processing.
How far in advance can I apply for a PLUS or Alternative Loan?
Most loans can be applied for well in advance of the start of the semester. It is important to note that each lender has its own set of eligibility criteria that may include an expiration date as it relates to their credit check. Most credit checks are good for as little as 90 days and as long as 180 days, so you will need to time your application to coincide with your lender's credit expiration criteria. Because most educational loans are approved and processed quickly, borrowers can begin the process a few weeks before their bill is due, with the exception of the CT FELP loan which normally takes 4-6 weeks for processing.
Q. I would like to take 19 credits this semester. Can I receive additional financial aid for these costs?
Students taking between 12 and 16 credits are charged a flat, full-time fee for the semester. Students are charged a per-credit rate for anything over 16 credits. Our financial aid policy does not allow institutional grants to be awarded for charges above and beyond those of a full-time student. However, if a student brings these extra charges to our attention, we can increase the cost of attendance and consider the applicant for additional parent or student loans to assist in paying for these additional charges.
Q. The names of my grants changed but the dollar amount remained the same. Why?
Sometimes the grant funds you received last year are no longer available. Our office will award grant dollars from another program to meet the grant percentage for which you are eligible.
Additional Questions...Study abroad funding? Change in financial situation? Contact information?
Q. If I bring an outside scholarship to Quinnipiac, how would that affect my financial aid award?
Quinnipiac will apply outside scholarships toward a student's unmet need first, reduce work-study and loans second and reduce grant aid as a last resort, if necessary, in order to make the scholarship fit. In most cases, small outside scholarships will not impact a student's financial aid award, however, larger amounts may impact the amount of aid offered.
Q. There's been a change in our financial situation. How do we let you know?
Sometimes, a family's financial aid situation will change drastically as a result of a job loss, divorce, death, etc. We do recognize these special circumstances and have a process for a family to document these circumstances, when appropriate, for additional financial aid consideration. We encourage you to contact our office if such a situation arises so we can direct you toward the proper paperwork.
Q. May I keep my financial aid if I am accepted into the study abroad program for a semester?
Yes. You need to meet with a counselor to discuss this process. Your educational costs and financial aid package will be re-evaluated for the abroad semester. Generally, your aid will remain the same.
Q. I have questions about my financial aid and don't know who to contact.
Don't ever be afraid to call, e-mail, write or simply drop in to see us in the Office of Financial Aid. We're here to help!
Quinnipiac will apply outside scholarships toward a student's unmet need first, reduce work-study and loans second and reduce grant aid as a last resort, if necessary, in order to make the scholarship fit. In most cases, small outside scholarships will not impact a student's financial aid award, however, larger amounts may impact the amount of aid offered.
Q. There's been a change in our financial situation. How do we let you know?
Sometimes, a family's financial aid situation will change drastically as a result of a job loss, divorce, death, etc. We do recognize these special circumstances and have a process for a family to document these circumstances, when appropriate, for additional financial aid consideration. We encourage you to contact our office if such a situation arises so we can direct you toward the proper paperwork.
Q. May I keep my financial aid if I am accepted into the study abroad program for a semester?
Yes. You need to meet with a counselor to discuss this process. Your educational costs and financial aid package will be re-evaluated for the abroad semester. Generally, your aid will remain the same.
Q. I have questions about my financial aid and don't know who to contact.
Don't ever be afraid to call, e-mail, write or simply drop in to see us in the Office of Financial Aid. We're here to help!