Financial aid is the make or break of some student’s college decisions as they go through the college application process. With the different family situations students have, aid varies from person to person.
For Cabrini, the Cavalier Express Center is the hub of all things financial aid. Aid factors where students go to school, whether they get enough aid or not. But on the institutional side of things schools have set budgets to offer discounts for students based on their needs. Institutions have the responsibility to help out students out as much as possible on their aid, so that they are able to attend the schools they wish.
Any other non-aided funds must come from either outside loans from banks or out of pocket. For students, this can become frustrating finding a school that fits their educational needs and financial needs. And for parents, talking about financial aid can become frustrating.
The state of Pennsylvania gives out money based on the needs of institutions given from the Department of Education. “We’re always concerned about the financial situations and if we’re able to give students enough of what they need in aid,” Betsy Gingerich, director of financial aid, said.
With the larger student class of freshmen, the Cavalier Express center was hard at working making sure all students had what they needed to afford an education. At a glance, students are able to apply for aid using the FAFSA website and this is to be done every school year.
“We’re still waiting for the state to release the budget they set for schools,” Gingerich, said.
By using the FAFSA website, students enter in their information and then it is determined by the state and government how much aid they are allowed to give based on living and income.
The college is only allowed to cover what they can to help students. Students find out what they get covered in their student aid reports sent out every school year. These reports break down how much money was awarded in grants, work study and scholarships.
With this, not every student receives the same grants, loans and other aid to finance their education. With 400+ students in the freshman class, it is hard to imagine how much aid is given to each student. Cabrini strives for 98% of all students to receive aid in loans, federal work study and grants.
Financial Aid is something most students need to fund their education. The Cavalier Express center is always working hard to make students feel like they are getting the best discount that they can give students. With more enrollment, the more they can potentially give incoming classes.
