Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions | FAQ | Student Exchange Program

1. How and when do I apply for aid at Nazareth?
All students applying for Federal or New York State Aid (TAP) should file the FAFSA as soon as their taxes are completed. It is very important to file for aid in a timely manner: by February 15th for entering freshmen, by March 1st for transfer students, and by April 15th for returning students. Delays can cause reduction or complete loss of some sources of aid (especially gift assistance from the college). This can result in serious problems with settling the student's term bill and can endanger registration status.

2. What are the School Codes for Nazareth College?
Federal Code: 002779 (to be used on FAFSA)

CSS Code: 2511 (to be used on Profile for early decision applicants only)

TAP Code: 0525 (to be used on NYS TAP application)

3. Is eligibility determined by income?
Income alone does not determine your eligibility for financial assistance; however, it is the most significant factor. Assets also influence the calculation as does family size, other family members in college, or unusual documented circumstances.

4. What is a "package?"
A financial aid package is a combination of the different types of aid available at Nazareth that is awarded to a student based on the information filled out on the FAFSA. This can include grants (college, federal and state), loans and work study. The total amount of aid awarded is based on the student's demonstrated need for a given year. Students must file the FAFSA each year to qualify for need based assistance.

5. When can I expect to hear about my financial aid package?
Freshmen and transfer financial aid packages go out on a rolling basis beginning March 10th or before. Returning students receive notice of renewal financial aid packages in June.

6. How will my aid be disbursed to me?
All financial aid awarded, with the exception of Federal Work Study, will be credited to your student account. Once your college charges have been paid (tuition, room, board and fees), any additional money will be refunded to you for use in paying for other educational needs and living expenses. Wages earned from a work study job are paid directly to the student every two weeks.

7. How do I pay for books before I get my refund?
For students who will clearly be eligible for a refund, it is possible to receive a book voucher from the Student Accounts Office to cover the cost of books at the Nazareth Bookstore. Students should check with the Bursar's Office concerning the exact procedure.

8. Will outside scholarships affect my financial aid package?
Yes, if you accept any subsidized federal source of student aid, you are required by law to notify the Financial Aid Office of any outside awards you will receive. These figures will be used in the calculation of your financial aid award. Students cannot exceed their federal demonstrated need with any form of need based financial aid. If a package has already been awarded, adjustments will be made as necessary. Loan amounts and work study allotments are the first components of a package to be altered.

9. Are tuition payment plans available?
Yes, Nazareth College participates in the AMS (Academic Management Services) payment plan. Payments are made on a ten month basis to AMS, which in turn pays the college when the term bill is due. Contact the Student Accounts Office for specific information and applications.

10. Will an application for aid affect my admission status?
No, Nazareth College does not base its admissions decisions on a student's financial aid status. After the separate admissions decision is made, the FAO activates the packaging process with review of the data reported on the FAFSA.

11. How do I find a work study job?
On the Sunday before classes begin each fall, a job fair is held. All prospective campus employers are represented. Depending on the job, a student may be scheduled for an interview in the specific department or hired on the spot. There are jobs available for every student with Federal Work Study, but students must seek them out utilizing the Career Services Office. Nazareth College does not place students in campus jobs. It is important to remember that all jobs are not "the ideal" and that students may have to settle for something other than their first choice. The hourly rate for work study jobs is $7.75. Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Employers from off campus are also represented at the job fair, in case a student wishes to pursue that route. Off campus jobs are not part of work study and do not count as financial aid.

12. What if my family's financial circumstances change drastically during a given year? What do I do?
Any time there is a significant change in a student's family's financial circumstances e.g. loss of employment, death of a parent, serious medical condition, divorce etc.; we encourage the student or parent to write a "letter of appeal" detailing and documenting, as appropriate, the changed situation. All appeals are reviewed and responded to in writing. If a change in aid is warranted, the student will receive a new award letter detailing the revised aid amounts.

13. How can I be declared an independent student?
In order to be considered independent for the 2009-2010 academic year, a student must be born before January 1, 1986, be enrolled in a graduate program, be married at the time of filing the FAFSA, have dependent(s) who receive more than half their support from you, be an orphan or ward of the court, be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, be an emancipated minor, be in a legal guardianship or be an unaccompanied youth who is homeless. If you feel you have circumstances that make you independent but do not fall into one of the above categories, you should make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office (585-389-2310), to discuss your special situation. It is not enough to be estranged from your parents because you do not get along with them or that your parents choose not to pay for your education.