Help yourself get the most assistance you can
Money Management Tips
Use these tips to save money in college.
Learn more.
Follow these tips for success so you have the best chance to maximize the amount of financial aid you qualify for and receive it as quickly as possible. The financial aid process is a cooperative effort with you, your family, and our staff. We want our students to succeed in getting needed financial assistance!
- File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Complete the FAFSA before April 15 each year to receive priority consideration for many types of financial aid.
-
Respond to correspondence
Check your Ball State email account frequently for correspondence from our office. Please respond promptly to all requests for additional information. Your financial aid processing cannot be completed until all necessary documentation is provided. Also, be sure to include your name and Ball State ID number on all correspondence submitted with our office.
-
Search for additional aid
Consider searching for private scholarships, many of which are based on merit and not on financial need.
See our scholarships web page, which contains information about Ball State scholarships as well as links to several large and comprehensive scholarship-search websites.
A number of scholarships have deadlines, so start early!
Most financial aid packages contain a Federal Direct Loan. If you decide you want a loan, you will need to accept your loan online at MyBSU.
-
Understand your responsibilities
Be sure to understand your responsibilities
as well as implications of all forms that you sign. To make sure that you receive the most aid possible, be organized and take an active role in the financial aid process.
- Keep your personal information current
Make sure your personal information such as your home and local addresses current with Ball State. If they are not correct, you run the risk of not receiving information from us. This can slow down or halt the processing of your financial aid. You can quickly change your personal information.
-
Consult with our financial aid counselors
Financial aid counselors are available to help you answer your questions about financial aid at Ball State. Contact Cardinal Central to set up an appointment.
-
Protect yourself and your money
Anytime you share personal financial information about you or your family, you need to be aware of potential scams. Here are a few important tips about protecting yourself and your money during the financial aid process.