The Student Financial Aid office is encouraging students to begin renewing and submitting their financial aid applications by March 1.

“This gives ACU the time to sort out scholarships and begin awarding financial aid letters at the beginning of April,” said Ed Kerestly, director of student financial services.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid determines the need for financial assistance, giving students the opportunity to receive federal grants.

Each year, current and prospective students may complete this financial aid form that consists of numerous questions indicating his or her family’s financial ability to pay for school. ACU grants require students to complete a FASFA, and are needed to renew scholarships funded by the school, Kerestly said.

“ACU uses this form, in addition to student’s academic performance throughout the year to make decisions about scholarship renewals,” Kerestly said.

According to the FASFA website, students who meet the eligible criteria, such as being a U.S. citizen with a valid Social Security Number, may complete the free application online or through the Student Financial Services office.

“By submitting applications by Mar. 1, students are able to begin sorting out their finances in April and will be able to apply the grant money towards their fall financial statements which ACU issues in June,” Kerestly said.

Linda Mullings, with student financial services, said ACU uses the form to gauge the amount of assistance students need.

“Without this form, ACU would have no way of determining students’ financial needs, and how we can meet them,” she said.

While the FASFA and scholarship funds are primarily determined on a student’s family’s income, Mullings said other factors are considered, each student’s situation is personalized.

“This is the benefit of a small school, such as ACU,” Mullings said. “Where state schools have set strict deadlines, we try to help students throughout the year to do as much as we can.”

For more information and to access the free, online FASFA form, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov.

FASFA Qualifications

•Â  A U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or an eligible non-citizen;

•Â  Have a valid Social Security Number;

•Â  Have a high school diploma or GED;

•Â  Are registered with the U.S. Selective Service (if you are a male ages 18 to 25);

•Â  Complete a FAFSA promising to use any federal aid for educational purposes

•Â  Do not owe refunds on any federal student grants

•Â  Are not in default on any student loans; and

•Â  Have not been found guilty of the sale or possession of illegal drugs during a period when you received federal student aid.