Financial Aid Information for Study Abroad Students
It is particularly important that you understand the costs associated with your study abroad program. All FSC study abroad programs grant academic credit, therefore the student will be billed for applicable tuition and any related college fees in addition to the estimated cost of the study abroad program.
Students can fund their study abroad experience in multiple ways: personal savings, federal, state or institutional scholarships and grants and loans.
Please note that your financial aid package and eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid may be impacted and/or revised if you study abroad. If you enroll in classes abroad that do not apply toward your degree, your financial aid may be impacted. View the Department of Financial Aid webpage for essential information regarding applicable credits.
We highly recommend you make an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor early in your planning process to discuss finance options available to best maximize your funding.
Financial Aid Contact Information
Sandra Hustedt, Senior Financial Aid Advisor
Laffin Hall, Room 324
Phone (934) 420-2578
Fax (934) 420-3662
How to prepare for your financial aid meeting
- Complete and file FAFSA for the appropriate aid year, including verification documents, if applicable
- Bring detailed budget sheet for study abroad program
- Bring completed top portion of Financial Agreement Form
- Bring completed and signed Course Pre-Approval Form
- Bring scholarship award letter (if applicable)
- Bring grant award letter (if applicable)
FAFSA
All federal grants and loans are based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA application is available online as of October 1 of the prior year at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students are highly encouraged to submit a FAFSA application as soon as possible. Early submission allows the financial aid advisor to review your documents and estimate your eligibility for funding. Early submission is especially important for students enrolled in summer study abroad as this allows the student more time to prepare for alternate funding if necessary. Please be aware a student is only eligible for a certain amount of aid per academic year. It is important to discuss with a Financial Aid Advisor how your use of financial aid funds for studying abroad may affect your financial aid for subsequent semesters.
Scholarships & Grants
If you are in receipt of a monetary scholarship or grant award your financial aid eligibility may be affected.
Private/Alternative Loans
Students who do not qualify for federal financial aid or have exhausted their federal loan eligibility and would like to get additional aid can look to private and/or alternative student loan options.
Financial Aid Disbursement
Per Federal regulations the Department of Financial Aid will disburse funds on specific dates set by the department at the beginning of each academic year. Financial aid, if applicable, is often not disbursed until after a program commences and costs may be incurred prior to departure. You may need to use personal funds to pay program costs prior to the disbursement dates.
If your financial aid and/or loan check will be disbursed while you are abroad you will need to set up a method to release your funds. Please contact the Student Accounts Office to complete the required paperwork.
Payment Plan
Setting up a payment plan is an option as well. Payment plan applications and assistance are available at the Student Accounts Office. Students’ failure to make timely payments may result in late fees, transcripts being withheld, accounts being put on hold, as well as the account being turned over to a collection agency.
Other Information
All federal and state aid for students that are matriculated at FSC will be certified through FSC, the home institution.
In the case that a student is participating in a FSC program, but matriculating at another institution, the student’s home institution will process any federal or state aid the student may be eligible to receive.
Students participating in an exchange program are responsible for all charges accrued at both the home as well as the host institution.