We have arrived at the semester’s point of no return. The final date to withdraw from semester-long courses, April 12, is almost upon us, and many students are making the tough decision to withdraw from their most challenging class.
But, the decision to drop a class or instead risk failure affects more than just a student’s morale. It has long-lasting impacts on one’s GPA and the ability to qualify for an academic scholarship in the future. If you are in danger of losing your scholarship after this semester, there are still options to ensure that you can afford tuition next year.
NSU’s Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
A visit to OFSA can clarify all of your questions regarding your eligibility for future scholarships, grants and loans. Financial aid counselors in the One Stop Shop can answer questions on everything from application and payment deadlines to missing financial aid requirements and charges on your student account. Contact the office at 954-262-3380 or stop by the Horvitz Administration Building to make an appointment or for walk-in assistance.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The 2015 FAFSA is due on April 15, and this essential online form determines a student’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs based on income and level of need. This is the first step to ensuring that you’ve maximized your potential to receive financial aid, and it must be completed with accuracy and attention to detail. You do not need your or your family’s 2014 income tax information on hand while filling out the FAFSA. You may enter estimated values and update the form when you’ve done your taxes. Contact OFSA if you require assistance with the FAFSA.
NSU institutional scholarships
NSU maintains an extensive list of 278 institutional scholarships available to undergraduate and graduate students through the university’s own benefactors and alumni. Visit NSU’s financial aid website to conduct a scholarship search to find one that will suit your program of study and current GPA. Most of these institutional scholarships require a simple one-page application, and the latest deadline for some is in May.
Fastweb.com
This is the easiest and most reliable resource for non-institutional scholarships and essay contests to secure some extra cash for tuition or textbooks next semester. After creating a free account and profile, the website will match you up with scholarships that best fit your program of study and interests. From video and art contests to corporate scholarships, the awards can vary from $100 to $10,000 per contest.
Falling below your maximum credit requirement or a suffering GPA can seem like the end of the world for a hard-working college student. But with a little effort, one can always find alternative means of securing funds for their education.
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