Admitted Freshmen

Congratulations on your acceptance to Grand Valley State University!

The financial aid process can be confusing the first time through.  You should know you can always call our office for help.  Your award notification will come to your permanent address.  You can read the complete directions under The Process on this Web site.  Also, you will receive a Financial Aid Guide that gives you instructions. 

Our office does its best to streamline the financial aid application and award notification process as best possible.  The full application process is 4 steps; they are outlined below:

Step 1:  File Your FAFSA

Now that you have been accepted to Grand Valley, you should submit a properly completed FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov listing Grand Valley State University (code 002268) to receive the information.

To receive priority consideration, submit the FAFSA by March 1 for the fall semester. If you wish to enter Grand Valley at the winter semester or spring/summer session, you should file the FAFSA by October 1. FAFSAs submitted after these dates will still be considered depending on the availability of funds.

If you are a dependent student you must file your application with your and your parent's income information.  Most freshmen students are dependent.  If you are not sure, verify your dependency status.

Step 2: Follow Up Requirements

Sometimes it is necessary for our office to verify information you have submitted on the FAFSA.  Any requests for additional information will be sent to you by mail to your permanent address.  It is important to respond to any requests as quickly as possible.  We are not able to finalize your award until all follow up requirements are satisfied.

Step 3: Financial Aid Award Notification

After Steps 1 and 2 have been completed your award notification will be mailed to your permanent address.  Most freshmen will receive their award notifications by the end of March.  Your award notification will outline what types of financial aid you have qualified for.  It will also include a Cost Estimator worksheet for your use.  The worksheet will help you understand what costs may need to come from out of pocket. 

For a tutorial of your first Login to MyBanner, click here.  You must accept your award through the My Banner system.  Detailed acceptance instructions are available here.

If you are accepting a Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan or a Perkins loan there are additional forms you need to complete. For the Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans you will need to complete 2 processes:

• Master Promissory Note
• Entrance Loan Counseling

For the Perkins loan you will also need to complete a promissory note.  Additional information on this process is available here. 

Sometimes it is necessary for us to change your award notification. Potential change reasons are listed on our Web site.  If you have any questions about why your award was changed, please contact our office.

Step 4: Notify our Office of any Changes

If you will receive a private scholarship(s) notify our office as soon as possible.  The name of the scholarship, dollar amount, and when it will be sent to our office is very helpful.  Also, if your FAFSA situation does not adequately reflect your financial situation be sure to contact our office.  It may be necessary to complete a special circumstances form.

Again, anytime you run into a problem that you can't solve, please contact us.  Our phone number is (616) 331-3234 or toll-free (800) 748-0246.  You can also reach us via email at: finaid@gvsu.edu