After You Apply for FSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is used to determine your eligibility for all financial aid programs. Once processed by the Department of Education, the application will produce an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) with your EFC. Be sure to check your SAR for accuracy.
The amount of financial aid for which you are eligible is based on how much you need for educational costs. The following formula is used to calculate your need:
Cost of Attendance
- Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
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= Financial Need
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance is an estimate of the average student expenses incurred during an academic year. This includes the cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies and a moderate allowance for living and personal expenses. JIU determines the Cost of Attendance for its students in accordance with FSA regulations.
- Tuition and Fees - The cost of tuition and fees will vary based on your degree program and registration status.
- Books and Supplies - The allowance for books and supplies is $170 per course. This is the average amount you will spend on book and supply purchases for each course in your degree program, including supplies/expenses related to computing. Undergraduate students who are eligible for a Pell Grant can receive a Book Voucher from JIU to purchase books and supplies.
- Living Expenses - Living expenses are calculated based on the number of months during an academic year that a student is attending courses. Living expenses are estimated at $796 per month, an amount that includes money for housing, food and personal expenses.
If you feel you have other educational costs that need to be covered, contact your Financial Aid Advisor at 800.811.5663, option 3.
Click here to see some Cost of Attendance examples.
Master Promissory Note: Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Before you can accept a Federal Direct Stafford Loan, you also must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will complete your MPN on the Federal Direct Loan Program website. The MPN is a legal document affirming that you understand you are borrowing money and that you must repay the amount borrowed plus any interest that may accrue. The MPN also collects your references and allows you to electronically sign the document using your federal PIN. Normally, only one MPN will be required for the duration of your studies at JIU as it is valid for up to 10 years.
Master Promissory Note: Graduate Federal PLUS or Parent PLUS Loans
A student enrolled in a graduate level program of study may need to apply for a Federal Graduate PLUS loan. The graduate level student will need to apply for the PLUS loan and, if accepted, complete a PLUS MPN. If a parent of a dependent student wishes to apply for and accept a Parent PLUS Loan, the parent will need to complete a PLUS MPN. The Federal PLUS MPN is a legal document affirming that the borrower understands he/she must repay the amount borrowed plus any interest that may accrue. The note also collects the borrower’s references and allows you to electronically sign the document using your federal PIN. The Federal PLUS MPN needs to be renewed every year as a new credit check is required at the time of application.
An overaward is an amount that exceeds your financial need. If an overaward is discovered prior to the disbursement of the Federal Direct Loan, the loan may be adjusted to eliminate the overaward. If the loan has not been disbursed, JIU may reduce or cancel the loan to eliminate the overaward.
If you believe that your financial situation or federal financial aid awards require special review, please contact your Financial Aid Advisor at 800.811.5663, option 3 or email financialaid@international.edu. We will review your situation and determine whether any action can be taken, and, if appropriate, what documentation of your situation might be necessary for a Professional Judgment review.
Enrollment and Course Registration
While you may apply for federal aid after you have applied for admission to JIU, you will need to be formally enrolled before you are eligible to receive FSA funds.
Once you have received notice of your admission, you will need to contact your Student Support Counselor to map out your plan for earning your degree. Next, you will register in the courses for your first term and order your books. Note: If you are an undergraduate and are Pell eligible you can request a book voucher from your financial aid advisor.
To remain eligible for Federal Student Aid, you must enroll in consecutive terms for at least half-time status. Click here to learn more about term structures in our Student Handbook.
Program Withdrawal and Course Drop
Students may drop any course(s) during the first four weeks of the term and be eligible to receive a 100% refund of tuition paid for that course; however, if the course(s) being dropped are in the second four weeks of the term, or your status falls below half-time at any point during the term, you may become ineligible for financial aid, including aid that has already been disbursed. See Section Five of the Student Handbook for more information.
