Office of Financial Aid - Application Process

Eligible students can receive financial aid through federal programs, as well as from various departmental, independent and private resources. Follow the steps below to complete the financial aid process at Samford University for the 2009-2010 academic year (classes beginning Fall 2009 through Summer 2010) or the 2008-2009 academic year (classes beginning Summer 2008 through Summer 2009).

APPLY and be accepted for admission in a degree-seeking program at Samford University.

Visit the Office of Admission online for information regarding the admission process or call (800) 888-7218. A Counselor is waiting to assist you.

COMPLETE the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Filing your FAFSA is free of charge and requires 30-45 minutes to complete online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Y ou may print a paper FAFSA if you prefer. To complete the FAFSA, you will need to have your 2008 federal tax return(s) available and your PIN, which enables you to electronically sign your FAFSA; you and your parent, if dependent, will both need a PIN. Apply for your PIN at www.PIN.ed.gov.

Samford has a priority date each year of March 1st. Students who meet the priority date each year will be given consideration over late filers for limited federal and institutional funds. The priority date is not a deadline for filing the FAFSA, as the FAFSA may be filed one time throughout the year, as needed. In order to receive federal funds each year, the appropriate FAFSA must be filed for that year.

To make sure your FAFSA reaches Samford University, make sure you list our school code (001036) on your FAFSA. In addition, you will want to verify you have answered each question accurately, resolving any discrepancies as they occur. Be sure to use the correct name and number listed on your social security card, as well as your correct birth date and INS#, if applicable. This will help prevent a delay in processing your FAFSA.

To complete your FAFSA, make sure you have signed it with your PIN, submit it by clicking the submit button, and keep your confirmation number. If you have questions or issues while filing your FAFSA online, please call (800) 433-3243 (they will ask for your confirmation number). After your FAFSA is filed, an electronic version will be sent to Samford, if you listed us as one of your school choices. Allow 5-7 days for processing. You may check online through the Samford Portal to see if we have received your FAFSA, as well as any requested items we need to complete your financial aid award package.

RECEIVE and review the electronic Student Aid Report (SAR).

Make corrections to your FAFSA, if necessary, using your PIN at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

COMPLETE the verification process.

The U.S. Department of Education chooses 30% of all FAFSA applicants for verification of FAFSA information. If you are chosen for the verification process, you will be required to complete the applicable 2009-2010 Verification Worksheet and send it along with your 2008 federal tax forms and W-2's to the Office of Financial Aid. We cannot proceed with your financial aid award package until this process is complete.

RECEIVE an award letter via your Samford email account and Banner Self-Service.

Once your FAFSA and all requirements are complete, you will receive an electronic award letter via your Samford email account. In addition, your financial aid award and instructions will be available through Banner Self-service by logging in to the Samford Portal. Your FAFSA information helps to determine your financial aid award package each year.

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SAMFORD UNIVERSITY 800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35229

TELEPHONE (800) 888-7245 or (205) 726-2905 FAX (205) 726-2738

HOURS Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-4:30 pm CST SCHOOL CODE 001036

EMAIL ofa@samford.edu WEB www.samford.edu/admin/finaid