GETTING STARTED: THE APPLICATION PROCESS

The primary purpose of the AIB Financial Aid Office is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. AIB strives to consider each student on an individual basis in order to award the maximum amount of aid. An accurate picture of the family’s financial background is necessary in order to determine the financial aid award. To get started, please be sure the following is completed. Apply for admission to AIB and be accepted (new & re-entry students). Complete the AIB Institutional Financial Aid Application. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Renewal FAFSA.  This may be completed online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of "financial need." It is expected that the student and his/her parents, if dependent, will contribute as much as possible to the cost of attending college. If the cost of the college is greater than what the family is able to pay, then "financial need" exists. AIB’s Financial Aid Office will attempt to fill as much of that need as possible through a combination of grants, loans, scholarships, college work study, etc. It is important to meet financial aid deadlines in order to take advantage of all available programs.

TIPS ON FILLING OUT THE 2008/2009 FAFSA

APPLY EARLY. We suggest you complete the FAFSA or the Renewal FAFSA as soon as possible to be sure you meet the deadlines for 2008/2009. The priority deadline for AIB's Institutional Aid is April 1, 2008. The Iowa Tuition Grant deadline is July 1, 2008. Institutional funds will be awarded to late applicants if funds are still available. You must reapply for financial aid every academic year. Estimate your income if necessary. If your or your parents' (if dependent) 2007 federal tax returns are not complete in time to meet the deadlines, estimate the income on the FAFSA to the best of your ability and submit the form prior to the deadline. Don't leave questions blank. If your answer to a question is zero, write "-0-." When completing the FAFSA, make sure AIB's name and code #003963 have both been filled in. § If filing the FAFSA on the web, be sure to register for a PIN for both student and parent, if dependent, at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN will be used to e-sign the FAFSA on the web. Keep copies of your (and your parents') Federal Income Tax Forms just in case you are requested to send us a copy to verify your income information. Keep your address current with our office.