Financial Aid office offers beacon of fiscal hope
GVL Archive/ Brittany Jacques Cynthia Blaszak working at the financial aid office is located on the first floor of the student services building on GVSU’s allendale campus.
Oct 3, 2010
In the 2009-2010 school year, 80 percent of Grand Valley State University’s full-time dependent students received financial aid. In total, more than $200 million was awarded.
Financial aid comes in many different forms. GVSU currently accepts student loans, parent loans, scholarships, grants, student employment/work study, graduate assistantships, tuition reimbursement, veterans benefits, tax credits and alternative loans.
Students can file for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year. Students must apply each year if they wish to receive aid, and the Financial Aid Office recommends filing as soon as possible after Jan. 1. If students need help filling out the FAFSA, they may call 1-800-FEDAID or visit the Financial Aid Office. FAFSA forms must be received by the federal processor on or before March 1.
The Financial Aid Office provides students with a variety of services, including scholarship, grant and loan consultations, campus employment and help with financial management.
“For many students, financing a college education without any form of assistance would be impossible,” according to Financial Aid website. “Grand Valley understands that. Our goal is to fund as much of our students’ financial need as possible regardless of their financial backgrounds.”
The Kaplan/Newsweek College Catalog voted GVSU as one of the most responsive universities to individual student financial needs. Financial Aid lists friendliness, along with service, value, equity and return on investment, as one of its core operating values.
“We understand that dealing with financial aid issues can be stressful,” the website reads. “That’s why we work hard to make sure we treat every student and situation with the dignity, respect and attention they deserve. We want you to succeed and do everything possible to make sure you can.”
Students can contact the Financial Aid office at (616) 331-3234 or visit the office in person in the Student Services building just north of the Kirkhof Center on the Allendale Campus. For more information, visit the Financia Aid website at www.gvsu.edu/financialaid
