Summer Financial Aid Checklist

Complete the 2017-2018 FAFSA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER OCTOBER 1ST, 2017

  • In addition to federal loans, private loans are another option. Fore more information on private loans use FASTChoice.

Submit your Enrollment Plans via Flashline

  • By submitting your summer enrollment plans you will automatically be awarded for the summer, fall and spring semesters.

  • If you need to request additional financial aid, you can complete the supplemental summer application after completing the NYC Housing Addendum.

Complete the 2017-2018 NYC Housing Addendum

  • This allows the Student Financial Aid Office to take into account your housing costs.

  • The 2017-2018 NYC Housing Addendum (PDF) can be submitted at any time, after you have figured out your housing arrangements and costs.

Review your options for funding your summer in the Big Apple

  • Save as much money as you can from working. Set up a budget and stick to it.

  • Search for Kent State scholarships on the Student Financial Aid website.

  • Register on several of the external search engine sites for national database searches.

  • Federal Direct Loan eligibility used in the summer will reduce your fall/spring amounts.

  • Any other financial aid you have been awarded.

Parent PLUS loan or Alternative loan

  • The federally regulated Direct Parent PLUS loan is a loan a parent or step-parent borrows. The parent must pass a credit review and will enter repayment 60 days after the funds are fully disbursed, unless the deferment option is chosen. Direct Loans now offers a deferment for the Parent PLUS loan until after you either graduate or drop below half time. The borrower should receive information about that process. IF your parent does not pass the credit check, it allows you to borrow additional money in the Unsubsidized Direct Loan program OR your parent has the option to obtain an endorser or provide documentation to Direct Loans showing their credit issue(s) have been resolved. The Direct Parent PLUS loan interest rate can vary, for the current rate please visit the Student Financial Aid website. Independent students are not eligible to have a Parent PLUS loan.

  • The Alternative/Private loan is a loan the student borrows from a bank or lending institution. Lenders have their own rules for their loans. Some allow repayment after graduation, some have endorser release clauses. The loans are not federally regulated and the interest rate can vary or you may find a lender that caps the interest rate. Most students require a credit worthy co-signer, but it does not have to be a parent. The processing time has increased from previous years and may take up to 4 -6 weeks to process.

  • While you may apply for loans at any time, we suggest you complete the Housing Addendum and wait until your cost of attendance has been increased so there is room in your budget. Your account will be updated and you will be notified once your cost of attendance has been increased. 

  • Information about both loans may be found on the Student Financial Aid website.

Prior to arriving in New York City

  • Plan on having 2-3 weeks of expenses with you as it does take time for the Bursar’s Office to process a refund (if you are expecting one).

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