FAQs
What are some important deadlines to be aware of?
- December 1:
- The FAFSA form will be available online in December for the 2024-25 academic year. Going forward, the FAFSA will open in October for the following academic year.
- For maximum scholarship consideration, new students should be admitted to Milligan and file the FAFSA by December 1 for the following year’s admission. You can still apply after this date but may not receive maximum aid.
- The Wednesday before the first day of class, all financial aid processes should be complete. You must pay your bill or enroll in the tuition payment plan.
When will I hear from the financial aid office?
The Student Financial Services Office begins to process financial aid awards in early December for new incoming students and February for returning students. Please review, accept, and submit your financial aid offer as quickly as possible.
My family's financial circumstances have changed, and I need more money. What should I do?
Talk to a financial aid counselor about Professional Judgment. Milligan University uses every resource and opportunity to assist students financially. Though the financial aid offer cannot be “negotiated,” special situations (such as death of a parent, loss of a job, severe illness, natural disaster, etc.) can be taken into consideration.
Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Any student wishing to receive federal, state, and/or need-based Milligan aid must file the FAFSA each year. No additional financial aid application for Milligan is required.
How many semesters can I receive financial aid?
You may receive federal financial aid for up to 150% of the normal time frame it takes to complete a degree program. Milligan scholarships are renewable for 4 years; students must write a letter of appeal to be considered for institutional aid beyond their 4th year.
Am I eligible to file as an independent student without my parents’ information?
According to the federal government, a student is generally considered independent if he/she is at least one of the following:
- 24 years old
- A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- An orphan or ward of the court
- A student with legal dependents other than a spouse
- A married student
- A graduate student
If a student does not meet at least one of these criteria, he or she must be considered a dependent student, even if the student is not living with his or her parents.
How do outside scholarships affect my aid?
Outside scholarships will be counted as a resource as required by federal law. There are exceptions, but outside scholarships do not usually affect the amount of institutional aid you receive.
What is verification?
The federal government requires some students to verify the information reported on their FAFSA. Colleges are responsible for performing this verification and must do so before federal funds can be disbursed.
What is a Direct subsidized vs. unsubsidized loan?
Federal Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. Your total award may include subsidized and/or unsubsidized loans for the same enrollment period.
A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged any interest before you begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods.
An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized; that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.
Federal Loan annual limits are based on enrollment status.
After I enroll, when is my payment due for the semester?
Bills are due the Wednesday before classes begin. If you miss this deadline, a $250 re-enrollment fee applies.
All financial issues will have to be addressed satisfactorily before a student will be able to re-register for classes. It will be the student’s responsibility to ensure their financial aid and student account balance have been addressed by the Wednesday before the first day of class. Students will not be able to eat in the cafeteria or grill using their meal plans after course schedules are canceled. Meals can be purchased with cash from Pioneer College Caterers during this time.
Staff
Milligan University is a member of NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators). The Milligan University Student Financial Services Office and staff have adopted the NASFAA Code of Ethics and NASFAA Code of Conduct to insure good business practices in all day to day activities of the Student Financial Services Office. Copies of the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct are available for review in the Student Financial Services Office.
