Financial Aid FAQs

Q. Where do I get a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign my FAFSA? 
A.  Request a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov

Q. When should I complete my FAFSA?  
A.  As soon after January 1 as possible

Q. Who qualifies for Federal Financial Aid?
A. Kuyper College is approved to participate in Title IV federal student aid programs. Funding is determined by the information given on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are several eligibility requirements a student must meet to be considered for federal funding:

* Demonstrate financial need according to federal methodology.
* Have a high school diploma, a GED, or have passed a test approved by the Department of Education.
* Be enrolled in a degree-seeking or eligible certificate program.
* Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
* Make satisfactory academic progress as determined by the institution.
* Sign a statement of educational purpose and a certification statement on refunds and/or defaults.

Q. I have dual U.S. and Canadian Citizenship. Which forms do I complete?
A.  Complete the U.S. forms

Q. My parents wait until April to prepare their taxes. How do I complete my FAFSA?
A.  You have two choices. You can estimate what you think your parent's income will be and then make changes to the FAFSA later (if necessary) or you can wait until April to file but by doing that you will be less eligible for aid.

Q.  Is it worth the bother to apply for outside scholarships? 
A.   Most definitely! Kuyper College students have received scholarships through Sallie Mae, Burger King, Target, Athena, Grand Rapids Foundation, Vance Havner, U.S.A. Funds etc...

Q.  One of my parents recently became unemployed. Will that be taken into consideration?  
A.   Yes it is. You should complete the Supplemental Information Form. The federal government allows us to make adjustments to your income in the case of unemployment.
 
Q.  We pay private school tuition, is there any way to report that? 
A.   Yes. Complete the Supplemental Information Form. The federal government allows us to take private school tuition payments into consideration as long as you provide a receipt from the school.
 
Q.  What about major medical bills? 
A.   We can make adjustments for them. Complete the Supplemental Information Form.

Q.  I've been receiving all sorts of mail from companies offering to help me find financial aid or complete my FAFSA for a fee. Are these companies worth it? 
A.   Absolutely not! Never pay anyone to help you find outside scholarships or help with your FAFSA. Kuyper College's Financial Aid Office is more than willing to assist you.