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Topics:

• Don’t worry -- you’re connected!

• What is financial aid, anyway?

• Pick me! Private alternative loan lenders

Don’t worry — you’re connected!

Welcome to Bronco Country, and welcome to Aid Connection – your PERSONAL guide to what’s happening in Student Financial Aid.

The business end of a college degree can be a bit overwhelming at times. All those rules and requirements, paperwork and deadlines… We know the entire process can make you feel disconnected sometimes. Hopefully, Aid Connection can alleviate some of those woes by giving you a regular spot to get plugged in!

We have some big plans for Aid Connection. In addition to sharing timely updates and focused information with you, we will introduce you to members of our stellar staff, provide you with fascinating aid facts and, in general, de-mystify the financial aid process.

We hope you enjoy your Aid Connection. Let us know what you think! You can reach Student Financial Aid Communications directly at 269-387-4103, or by email at finaid-info@wmich.edu.

What is financial aid, anyway?

Good question. Financial aid might mean something a little different to most anyone. What it means to you depends on your individual needs.

Here at Financial Aid, our goal is to help the diverse and talented students on campus find the financial resources and funding they need to complete their education. For some students, that might mean a student loan. For others, it includes a parent loan, or work-study. And for others, it can mean state and federal grants, and scholarships. By working closely together, we can help you make the most of the resources available to you.

The entire process begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Every student should complete the FAFSA. This form will help us determine what your needs are, and what programs you might qualify for.

Hold on… it’s about to get deep in acronyms!

In addition to filing the FAFSA, you also need to get a PIN from www.pin.ed.gov. This electronic identifier will allow you to check the status of your FAFSA, and you will use it to sign other documentation online. Once your FAFSA has been processed, you will receive your SAR, Student Aid Report. We use the SAR to determine your award eligibility. It shows us your EFC, Expected Family Contribution, against your estimated COA, Cost of Attendance, and your unmet need.

Unmet need… those are the magic words! If you have unmet need, that is where Financial Aid can help make a difference. You may qualify for certain grants – money you don’t have to pay back. You may need a PLUS loan – money your parents pay back. You may take out student loans – money you will have to pay back.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how much or how little you need. We want to take the guess-work out of funding your education. Everyone should have the choice to attend college, and it’s our job to help make that happen.

You can find out more by dropping in to chat with someone at Bronco Express, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. No appointment is needed. Or, call us at 269-387-6000.

Pick me! Pick me!

Your introduction to our Recommended Alternative Loan Lenders

Choosing a college is a really big deal. It’s one of those few, monumental decisions you will make in life. Making the right choice makes all the difference. So it follows that choosing how to FUND that education is also a monumental decision. That’s why we have tried to simplify things when it comes to choosing an alternative, private loan lender. We have selected three Recommended Lenders for you to consider. These lenders promise WMU students better rates, no fees and exemplary customer service.

We have worked with CitiBank, Nelnet and Sallie Mae to secure the most competitive rates and perks for our students. Of course, you are free to explore lenders who are not on the recommended lender list. We will certify a private loan from any lender you choose. We do not receive any incentives, financial or otherwise, from the lending institutions for their placement on our Recommended Lender List.

Before choosing a lender, you should review the private alternative lender chart to determine which loan best meets your needs. If you have questions regarding financial aid, you can contact Bronco Express at 269-387-6000. For more information about a particular alternative loan, please contact the lender directly.