Contact the Queens College Financial Aid Office if there is anything you don't understand about your aid.

General Cautions!
* Don't pay anyone to complete and file your aid application for you.  Fill out as much as you can, and if you are having problems, ask us for help.  If you get to a web site that requires payment, you have reached the wrong website --- try again.
* Don't pay to find scholarships.  There are many free tools that will be just as successful.  See our Finding Other Sources... page at http://www.qc.edu/financial_aid/scholar.php .
* Be careful about credit card and cell phone offers.  Be sure you know what you're getting into, and if you choose to take the plunge, use them cautiously and wisely.
* See our Consumer Alert page at http://www.qc.edu/financial_aid/debtmgt.php .

Your Applications
* File early every year - in the Spring of each year for the coming Academic Year (Summer / Fall / Spring).
* Follow application instructions and definitions carefully, especially those related to dependency and whose income should be reported.  Answer all questions - don't leave blanks.
* Use actual income information --- don't guess.
* Check with us after you receive your Student Aid Report (SAR); we want to be sure you understand what will happen next as a result of this evaluation of your financial need.
* If the processor is waiting for signatures or clarification, respond to them immediately.
* If you receive a letter from us requesting additional documentation or clarification, please respond to us immediately as well.
* Check your aid application status online.
* If there are any drastic changes in your family's financial situation, file your FAFSA the regular way.  When you receive your SAR, bring documentation and discuss the change with a financial aid counselor.

Registration and Billing
* Be sure you understand the college's procedures related to registration, bill due dates, residency documentation, and permits, and to financial aid awards, payments, and change of program.  Every college does things differently.
* If aid you are expecting to cover your tuition and fees bill doesn't appear on that bill, contact the Financial Aid Office IMMEDIATELY! 
* If you have registered and / or filed for aid at another school, be sure you officially drop your classes and cancel your aid there.

Aid Eligibility
*Read our NY State Aid Advisement Alert.
* Formally declare your major early with the Registrar's Office if you are an undergraduate.  When you reach junior status and have not declared a major, you may lose financial aid.  Forms available in the Registrar's Office.
* Be sure that all courses / credits you want to count toward your eligibility for any New York State aid are needed for your degree.
* --> Before taking any retroactive actions or adjusting your program, check with us to be sure of the affect of those actions on your financial aid, both current and future. <--
* --> If you plan to go on permit or study abroad, ask a financial aid counselor to be sure of the impact on your aid, and what you may need to do before you go. <--
* When you move, notify the Registrar's Office and the Financial Aid Office (and the Perkins Loan coordinator if you received a Perkins Loan) immediately.
* If you have previously received loans with us or at any other school, keep track of them and their repayment requirements carefully. Be sure needed deferments, cancellations and address changes are filed with each lender.
* Keep your grades up.  Although financial aid here is awarded based on financial need, there are academic standards specifically related to payment and continued receipt of your aid.