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Frequently Asked Questions for Aid

What Is the Correct website for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

https://studentaid.gov/

 

What Is an FSA ID? Where Do I Register for One?

All students (and parents of dependent students) must create an FSA ID to file the FAFSA. The FSA ID is comprised of a username and password and is used to log in to certain Federal Student Aid websites. Create the FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch and file the FAFSA at studentaid.gov . The FSA ID is also used as an electronic signature.  

 

What is Kean University's FAFSA Federal School Code?

002622


How Long Will It Take Before Kean University's Office of Financial Aid Receives a Report of My Submitted FAFSA?

If you have completed the FAFSA  (with Kean University listed as a recipient), we will generally receive notification within two to three weeks. Only students offered admission to Kean will receive an award notification (see next question) and/or request for additional information.


After I Submit My FAFSA, What Types of Feedback Will I Receive? 

Generally, you will receive:

  • Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal government. The SAR will provide a summary of your FAFSA and list any problems with the application. The SAR will inform the student if additional information must be provided to the school. It will also notify you of your estimated eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Stafford Loans

  • Notification from the State of New Jersey regarding your estimated eligibility for the NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) and/or if any additional information must be provided to the state

  • Kean University Financial Aid Award notification via your Kean email and KeanWise accounts

  • The Office of Financial Aid may require you to submit specific documents in order to complete your aid package. You will also be notified of any document requests through your Kean email and KeanWise accounts
     

Why Can't My Parent Call and Get Answers About My Financial Aid?

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) regulations limit the information that can be released to someone other than the student. Students can use their KeanWise account to grant a parent or other third party access to their educational records by following the instructions under the section marked “Student Educational Records Release” on KeanWise.


I Need More Money to Pay For School. Where Can I Obtain Scholarship Information? 

The Office of Scholarship Services can assist students with information pertaining to Kean University scholarships. For additional loans, parents of dependent students can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan, and all students can apply for Private Loans.


Should I Fill Out a FAFSA If I Am Not Sure That I Will Need Financial Aid? 

Circumstances can change, and it is helpful to submit a FAFSA. You may find that you are eligible for grants or loans with little to no interest. By filing the FAFSA, your information will be processed and available for you in case you decide you may want or need aid.


I Pay My Own Bills, and I Think I Am Independent. Do I Need to Provide My Parents' Information on My FAFSA?

Step 3 of your FAFSA will determine if you can be considered an independent student. Most undergraduate students are considered dependents of their parents for financial aid purposes, and the parent information should be supplied.  If there are unusual circumstances, you may apply for a Dependency Override.

The Appeal for Dependency Override is available under Forms. This form is award-year specific (e.g., 2022-2023), so select the appeal for the year you wish to be evaluated.

 

I Have Unusual Circumstances That May Affect My Ability to Pay for School (Unemployment, Disability, etc). What Can I Do?

To find out if you are eligible for Special Circumstances, please email finaid@kean.edu or call 908-737-3190 to speak with a financial aid professional.


Why Are You Asking Me for Copies of My IRS Tax Return Transcripts and W-2s?

If a student is selected for a process called verification, the school is required by the federal government to collect certain documents from the student and (for dependent students) their parents. Students who fail to submit the requested information may be ineligible to receive financial aid for that academic year.


What Is an IRS Tax Return Transcript and How Can I Get It?

The U.S. Department of Education has instructed schools to obtain IRS Tax Return Transcripts for students who are selected for verification. Students can visit the IRS website and request an IRS tax return transcript via a downloadable PDF file or through the mail. The IRS will mail the transcript to your home (usually within 5 – 10 days). There is no charge for an IRS tax return transcript.

 

What Is the IRS Data Retrieval Tool? 

When completing the FAFSA, students who qualify will be asked if they would like to use the IRS Data Retrieval tool. The FAFSA will redirect you to the IRS website, where you can transfer your tax information directly on to the FAFSA to ensure you do not make any mistakes. If you are eligible to use the tool, it is highly recommended that you use this method to report your income data. Once you upload the information, do not change any of the income figures.

 

I Submitted the Required Document; When Should I Expect My Financial Aid to Be Posted?

The verification process typically takes about two to three weeks (processing may take longer during peak time). Once it is completed, your aid package will be finalized (unless changes to your enrollment status or Satisfactory Academic Progress status occur). If any corrections were made to your FAFSA during verification, you will receive a revised award letter and an updated SAR.

 

How Do I Apply For a NJ Tuition Aid Grant (TAG)? 

After completing your FAFSA, the confirmation page will prompt you to complete your state application. If you did not do this, log in to https://njfams.hesaa.org and click the "To Do List" to apply for TAG and other state programs.


What Is SAP? What Are the Requirements?

All students receiving financial aid are required to meet minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. For a full explanation of this policy, please see click to see the Satisfactory Academic Policy section of our website.

 

What Is Federal Work Study?  How Can I Apply? 

Federal Work Study (FWS) is financial aid assistance available to students with “financial need” (as determined by the FAFSA) that is received as a bi-weekly paycheck based on hours worked at an assigned on- or off-campus department.  FWS does not go directly toward the cost of tuition, fees or housing. The number of job assignments is limited. Students interested in working should contact the Office of Human Resources.


What Jobs Are Available for FWS Students? 

On and off campus positions are listed in the Office of Human Resources.


I Need to Speak to a Financial Aid Counselor.  How Do I Do That? 

You can schedule an appointment with a financial aid counselor through https://keanfinancialaidappointments.youcanbook.me/  You can also walk into the office on the first floor of the Administration Building, where someone will be available to assist you.  Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services hours are 9 am–5 pm, Monday through Friday.  Please note that these hours may change during holidays, semester breaks, and the summer sessions. 

You can also email at finaid@kean.edu or call (908) 737-3190.


Do I Need to Complete a FAFSA Every Year for Financial Aid? 

Yes. Each academic year is separate, and the FAFSA is needed in order to receive aid.


What Is the Master Promissory Note (MPN)?  What Is Entrance Counseling? 

The MPN and Entrance Counseling are online forms that first-time Federal Direct Stafford Loan borrowers must complete before receiving any loan disbursement. You can complete both at https://studentaid.gov.
Federal Perkins Loans borrowers will receive the MPN and Entrance Counseling forms in their email. They are to be filled out entirely and sent back to the Kean University Office of Financial Aid.


I Don't Want the Loans Offered to Me.  What Do I Do? 

You can decline your loans on your KeanWise account under the section marked “Accept/Reject Loans.” You can also decline and/or reduce your loans in person by submitting a signed Loan Adjustment Form to the Office of Financial Aid.


How Can I Apply for the PLUS Loan? 

A parent of an undergraduate dependent student can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov. Parents are required to complete a Master Promissory Note in order to complete the PLUS Loan application process. Graduate students can apply for a Graduate PLUS at the same website. We begin accepting PLUS Loan applications for upcoming years on July 1.


Are Student Loans, Parent Loans, and Private Loans Considered Financial Aid? 

Yes. Although loans are funds that must be repaid, they are considered a type of financial aid.


Are My KeanWise Password and FSA ID Number the Same? 

No. The FSA ID is used only for Federal Student Aid websites and your KeanWise password is administered by Kean University.

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