Financial Aid Blog

2012/2013 Financial Aid Application

The 2012/2013 financial aid application is now available.  You can find it by going to www.luthersem.edu/faonline.  The login will be the same as your email and MyLutherNet login.  If you are unable to access the application please contact us at finaid@luthersem.edu.

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Change to the Federal Application Process (FAFSA)

2012-2013 FAFSA Information

The 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will be available for completion on 1/1/2012.  In order to be eligible for student loans for the 2012-2013 academic year, you must reapply or complete this form.  Before you can complete the FAFSA form however, you must complete your 2011 IRS taxes.  The FAFSA on the Web can be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov .  Note:  The 2011-2012 form can be accessed until 6/30/11 on the website;

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Student Loan Default Facts and Repayment Tips for Struggling Borrowers

 

Default and Repayment Fact Sheet

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For Recent May 2011 Graduates

By now, you should have received repayment information and be getting ready to make your first payment on your Stafford student loan(s) – or making arrangements to postpone payments.  Remember:  You are responsible for making payments even though you may not have received any communication from the holder of your loan.  If you do not know who to make payments to, visit www.nslds.ed.gov to determine the holder of your loan.  You should then contact them (the contact information

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Take Advantage of Tax Benefits for Higher Education

It’s that time of the year again, when college students prepare for finals, and high school seniors make a few last edits on their college essays. But there’s another important lesson students shouldn’t overlook: learning how to best take advantage of higher education tax benefits available from Uncle Sam.

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National Student-Debt Refusal Campaign

Our office would recommend that you NOT participate in a National Student-Debt Refusal campaign. Hopefully the idea alone will get the attention of lawmakers, but participating can only do serious damage to your credit rating.  See more at:

chronicle.com

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Recent changes to the federal student loan program.

I know many of you are getting confusing information concerning the recent changes enacted by President Obama.  Below is a link to the clearest information that we have found.  We will continue to monitor these changes and update you as warranted.

Clearing Up Some Confusion About the New Federal Student Loan Rules

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Grace period coming to an end?

Informative article for 2011 graduates.

US News and World Report - Student Loan Ranger

 

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How Do You Stack Up on Credit Card Debt?

The Average College Student Has $3,200 on Credit Cards—How Do You Stack Up?

If you're a typical student, you carry an average of $3,200 in credit card debt. If your credit card's interest rate is about 14% and you pay $100 a month, it will take you almost three and a half years to pay off your debt, including an additional $829 in interest.

Join the Great Lakes webinar "Credit Card Smarts" on November 4 at 1:00 p.m. Central time or November 11 at 1:00 p.m. Central time and learn how credit

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Bad news for graduate student loan borrowers

Budget Control Act of 2011 - All have an effective date of July 1, 2012

1. Elimination of the Subsidized Direct Loan for graduate students.
2. Elimination of the 1/2% upfront rebate.
3. Elimination of 1/4% interest rate reduction for auto debit in repayment.

We will be sending out a mass email with further details. But the main item - No more Subsidized Direct Loans for graduate students starting July 2012.

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