Completing The FAFSA

Students must complete the FAFSA each academic year. The FAFSA opens October 1 for the following academic year. It always asks for income information from two years prior. Be sure to complete the FAFSA early to potentially qualify for the maximum amount of grants

Accepting Your Award Online

Students must accept financial aid awards online each year. Students can check awarded financial aid by logging into BRIDGE and following: Financial Aid > Award > Award by Aid Year (select appropriate aid year) > Accept Award Offer.

This provides a breakdown of all financial aid awarded per semester. All grants are automatically accepted; loans and/or work study must be accepted or declined. Students may accept the full amount offered or a partial amount.

Still not able to see your award offer?

Students must opt in to electronic notifications or viewing award notifications on BRIDGE. Per federal regulations, students must opt in to electronic notifications before viewing any information online.

To do so, log onto BRIDGE and follow Financial Aid > Award > Award by Aid Year > Resources/Additional Information. On this tab is a red asterisk and a drop-down column. After selecting “yes,” students are able to click on the “Accept Award Offer” tab and view financial aid awards.

Understanding Financial Aid

Students must maintain specific criteria in order to receive financial aid. Review the requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress to understand the requirements to continue receiving financial aid.

Types of Financial Aid