Julie Harju

State Hornet

The letter arrives.

“Congratulations,” it reads. “You’vebeen accepted California State University of Sacramento.”

Once the dizzying euphoria passes, the student reads on to thefine print. The words “$160 per unit” jump from thepage and, in addition to tuition, there’s money for books,supplies, parking fees &- the list seems endless andinsurmountable.

After some quick math, the student realizes that paying forclasses with their tip money from waiting tables isn’t goingto cut it unless they plan to graduate in 2075.

The fees associated with college need not daunt students whoaren’t blessed with Hilton-like fortunes. Financial aid isthe key, and since the advent of the Internet, it’s easierthan ever.

The CSUS financial aid Web site, www.csus.edu/faid, has aplethora of options information, as well as the financial aidoffice located in Lassen Hall.

The first step to getting funds is a Free Application forStudent Aid. Most financial aid, even if it’s not on thefederal level, won’t be considered without this vital pieceof information. The mantra of financial aid is always “thesooner, the better,” so those who are only now filling outtheir FAFSA are pretty low on the list for receiving money. Clemonsindicated that much of the aid has already been awarded. Studentsstill need to fill out the FAFSA though, as there is always achance some aid is remaining.

Once the FAFSA is completed, students will know exactly wherethey stand on the money chain. Heiresses and the like probablyshouldn’t expect too much help from the government, but forthose that do qualify, there are several options available on agrant basis, meaning the money doesn’t have to be repaid. TheFAFSA can be completed quickly and easily online.

Although students with questions may be tempted to call thefinancial aid office, Linda Clemons, a financial aid counselor,cautions that phone lines are extremely busy this time of year. Shecommunicated with State Hornet staff via e-mail, and explained thatwith 22,550 applicants to date, the phone systems are very busy. Toalleviate some of the telephone traffic, Casperweb helps studentsfind the status of their financial aid either online or byphone.

If a student is absolutely without funds at registration, theFAFSA buys a few weeks.

“Their fall ’04 fees will be deferred when wereceive the electronic FAFSA on the financial aid system, two weeksfrom doing the form on the federal Web site, and four weeks fromtheir submission of a paper document,” Clemons wrote.

The FAFSA process generates a Student Aid Report. The report isuseful for more than just federal and state grants. It can alsohelp the student qualify for low interest loans and there areseveral outlined on the financial aid Web site.

Loans may sound like a dirty word, but student loans aresometimes inevitable. Clemons wrote that all students are eligiblefor loans, even on a non-need basis. The cushy options on repaymentmay soften the blow, with supremely low interest, 3 percentinterest rates.

Even more options are available after the FAFSA awards have beendetermined &- emergency loans, personal loans and using theuniversity payment plan. The financial aid office can also set up apayment plan so tuition can be paid in three installments insteadof all at once, possibly alleviating some of the pressure.

Students who know they need help with tuition or other expensesshould visit the financial aid office as soon as possible. Thecounselors are available for drop in appointments at Lassen Hall,hours and times are posted on the Web site, or you can call278-6554.