Q: Can I use financial aid for my international program?

A: If you are currently receiving financial aid, many of your awards may be eligible for study abroad. Eligibility depends on the type of program you are enrolling in. Please speak to your financial aid officer for more details on your award package for clarification on what awards will be eligible to apply to your international program.

Q: I have never applied for financial aid, how do I apply?

A: It is necessary to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On the form, you will need to request aid for the period that you will be studying abroad. The process will determine your eligibility for specific federal and state government grants and loans. Apply early as there is a limited amount of funds available annually.

Q: What are the qualifications for financial aid?

A:

• US Citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Registered with selective service (if required)
• Be enrolled in an eligible academic program
• Satisfactory academic progress
• Not in default on previous federal educational loan

Q: When should I file the FAFSA? Where do I get the forms?

A: Apply early! Applications are available October 1st for the following academic year (Fall-Spring-Summer). It is necessary to complete a new FAFSA for each academic year, as the form changes. If your program is in the summer, be sure to complete the FAFSA for the previous academic year and notify the Financial Aid office that you would like to be considered for summer financial aid. Applications can be found at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Q: How does financial aid get applied to my international program?

A: Within your international program application, you must indicate if you intend to use financial aid to cover the international program. If this is indicated, the International office will provide the financial aid office with an estimated budget for your international program. If your award does not fully cover the cost, you can also view other funding options at: https://www.ramapo.edu/finaid/ or apply for additional scholarships. Some students in the past have also utilized private loans to support their international program experience. These tend to place higher interests on the loans, but allow you to request a higher amount of loan money.

You will be required to pay any application fee(s) and deposit(s) prior to the distribution of your financial aid award, so please plan accordingly.

Exchange Programs

Once your financial aid award is distributed, it will first be applied to your Ramapo College invoice. Any remaining money will be provided to you as a refund. If your financial aid award amount does not cover your invoice(s), then you will be responsible to pay the balance.

Q: How many credits do I need to enroll in to receive financial aid?

A: Each financial aid assistance program has different requirements. Generally speaking, you should investigate the individual program’s requirements. Students must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits to qualify for a federal loan. The International office will indicate to the Financial Aid office the number of credits of your international program. If your enrollment status changes, it is your responsibility to inform both the International office and the Financial Aid office.

Q: Will financial aid for my international program affect my next semester’s award?

A: Depending on your financial aid award package, your subsequent semester may be affected. You should discuss this with your financial aid advisor prior to participating in an international program to ensure all implications are clear.

Q: When will be financial aid award be distributed?

A: Financial aid awards are distributed on different dates each academic year. Generally speaking, distributions happen at approximately the following times:

• Fall semester – 1st week October
• Spring semester – 1st week February
• Summer semester – 1st week of July

Q: What financial aid is NOT available for international programs?

A: If you are attending a program that is NOT billed on your Ramapo College invoice, then you will not be eligible for any NJ state financial aid. In addition, NJ Tag and state EOF funding is not available for any summer programs. You will not be able to receive your work study award during your academic term(s) off-campus. Finally, no Ramapo College merit scholarships (Presidential, Provost, Dean’s, Leadership) will be available for your study abroad program off-campus, except the tuition-portion for International Exchange and NSE programs only.

Q: Can I use my veteran benefits for international programs?

A: Speak to the Ramapo College Financial Aid advisor who coordinates veteran’s benefits to ensure your benefits will apply to your chosen international program.

Q: What steps do I need to take to be sure my financial aid is applied to an international program?

A:

1. Make sure if using financial aid that you have complete a FAFSA.
2. Complete the international program application, being sure to indicate your intending method of payment for the program.
3. Determine the cost of attendance of your program. A form is made available in your application packet for your convenience. The International Programs Advisor can support you with this.
4. Apply for scholarships listed on both the Financial Aid and International Programs webpages to assist in subsidizing your international experience.
5. Determine your financial aid award eligibility. Speak to a financial aid advisor to assist you.