Financial Aid Process for New Students  

1. Apply and get accepted to Cornerstone University. 


2. Gather information. Setting up financial aid can seem like a daunting process. It isn’t. To make the process as smooth as possible, this is a list of things you might need. Pull all this information together right in the beginning, put it in a folder (or a large freezer bag if that is what’s handy), and you’ll find the whole process a lot easier to deal with.
   
   Here’s the list:
   - High school transcripts (available from your guidance counselor)
   - Parent and student federal 1040s and W2 forms.
   - The Cornerstone University school code is 002266. List Cornerstone University's Federal School Code first in step 6 on the FAFSA.
   - Social security number (yours and your parents’)
   - Your PIN (available at www.pin.ed.gov) 


3. Learn the word “FAFSA.” It stands for "Free Application for Federal Student Aid." It’s the form you need to fill out in order to get everything rolling. This is how you report where you stand financially. If you’ve collected the items in the list above, this step will go pretty quickly. We recommend submitting the FAFSA by March 1*. The quickest way to get through the FAFSA application process is to go to www.fafsa.ed.gov. If your tax return isn’t done by March 1 you can use estimated numbers. Just remember to update them when your taxes have been filed.
   *Forms are still accessible after March 1. Priority consideration is given to admitted students who have completed the financial aid process prior to March 1. Late applications are welcome and will be processed with all available aid. 
   For further details about the FAFSA check out our FAFSA Hints.


4. Explore additional options for financial assistance. Contact Student Financial Services to discuss special or unusual circumstances such as siblings in Christian school, parents in college or a significant job change/loss. These documented circumstances may affect your eligibility for additional financial aid. Research private outside scholarships through local business, churches and foundations.


5. If you receive a request from us for more information, submit it as quickly and completely as possible. 


6. When all required information has been received you will receive a financial aid award notification. If you are starting classes in the fall, award notifications begin late March. If you start in the spring, award notifications begin early November. 


7. Apply for federal loans and alternative loans if needed.