When affordability gets tough…
It’s no secret that students are facing a growing challenge in paying for higher education. The cost of attendance continues to rise, and this year you may be more anxious than ever about how you will afford to pay your college expenses.
We encourage you to address college affordability through careful budgeting and reducing expenses whenever possible. Check into on-campus student employment or finding an off-campus job to help with your personal expenses. Search and apply for scholarships. Determine how much you can pay out-of-pocket and don’t forget that Morris has a payment plan available. If you have to borrow a loan, do your homework regarding the various loan programs in order to borrow wisely. Make a plan to graduate in four years; the extra time and money you'll spend on an additional year in college is serious. Not only will you pay another year's worth of tuition, textbook costs, campus fees and other education expenses, but you won't be earning money in your first job or getting started in graduate school.
If you have any “special circumstances” or a financial situation that cannot be accurately reflected on your 2008 tax information, make an appointment or call to visit with a financial aid officer. We will review your situation to determine if there is anything we can do to help.
Here are some examples of the “special circumstances” that may be affecting your family.
• Separation, divorce, or death has occurred since your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was filed
• Qualifying tuition expenses for private elementary or secondary education were incurred
• Loss or reduction of employment
• Loss of taxed/untaxed income or benefit
• Loss of one-time income
• Unusual, unreimbursed medical care expenses
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the financial aid office as soon as possible. We are here to support your success!