Financial Aid and Scholarships
CAN I RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID TO STUDY ABROAD?
In most cases you are eligible to receive financial aid to assist with the costs of your study abroad program. There may be additional requirements based on the type of aid you have and the program you choose. Oftentimes, you will need to complete a Transfer Course Planning Form (TCP). The Office of Global Education will notify you when you apply to the program of your choice if you will need to complete that form. If you do need the TCP, the Financial Aid Office requires a signed copy.
WHAT IS THE TCP?
The Transfer Course Planning Form has information that is required by your college and OGE. It includes the listing of courses you would like to take, and permission for those courses to be applied to your Kent State transcript. This information is used by the Student Financial Aid Office to determine what type of financial aid you will be eligible for and the amount.
HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID WILL I BE ABLE TO RECEIVE FOR MY STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM?
The amount of financial aid and the type of financial aid will be based on your FAFSA results and the cost of the study abroad program. In most cases you, will be able to use all of your financial aid, available to you during that term. If you need additional funds for your program, you should consider either a federal Direct Parent PLUS loan or a private loan. More information may be found at www.kent.edu/financialaid under “Types of Aid,” and “Loans,” and “FastChoice.”
You can also use the Cost Calculator. This tool can help you calculate your estimated program costs as well as your estimated financial aid. This step by step tool will use your information to estimate total out of pocket expenses or an estimated refund for current or future terms.
I HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR FINANCIAL AID. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
The study abroad program type determines what steps you will need to take to receive financial aid. The first step would be to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as soon as possible at StudentAid.gov to begin the process. The FAFSA needs to be completed every year, and should be completed as soon as possible after October 1st. Once the Student Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA results, we will determine your eligibility for federal, state and institutional aid. You will receive a financial aid email and may view your awards on your FlashLine account.
HOW SOON SHOULD I CONTACT THE STUDENT FINANCIAL AID OFFICE TO DISCUSS PAYING FOR MY STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM?
The sooner the better! It is recommended that you make contact at least one full semester prior to your study abroad program start date. You will be working directly with Jessica Ruseell, the Education Abroad Counselor. E-mail Jessica directly to set up an appointment. You will want to provide your Kent State ID, times you will be available to meet, the program name, and the semester you will be away. It is never too early to start planning and saving for your study abroad program.
IN ALMOST ALL THE INFORMATION, IT SAYS "IN MOST CASES, FINANCIAL AID WILL BE AVAILABLE." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
This means that there may be other regulations required for certain types of financial aid, such as following the Standards of Academic Progress, submitting documentation for FAFSA verification, or checking with your scholarship provider to determine if you would be able to receive your scholarship while studying abroad. The best thing to do is to review your account for active messages or contact the Student Financial Aid Office if you are unsure about your eligibility for aid.
CAN I USE MY SCHOLARSHIPS TO STUDY ABROAD?
To be able to use your Kent State scholarships, you will need to participate in a Kent State study abroad program, a Kent State Exchange program or one of the study abroad programs available through the Ohio International Consortium Program or the ISEP International Exchange program. If you have external scholarships (not awarded by the university) you will want to contact the scholarship provider to determine your eligibility for their scholarship while studying abroad.
ARE THERE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDYING ABROAD?
Yes, but they can be very competitive. Begin a study abroad scholarship search by visiting Kent State’s scholarship page and complete the Scholarship Search Qualifier to see what is available through Kent State. It is important to check with your college or program to see what they have available to students going abroad. Other resources include registering with several of the external search engines that are listed on the financial aid webpage, and checking with local companies and organizations. Inform your family and friends that you are in college and studying abroad, as they may know of other resources or scholarship opportunities that are not found online.