Phillip Rodgers, PSU director of student financial aid, says that Portland State students are much better than other students when it comes to properly dealing with financial aid. “Here, students are just on top of it,” Rodgers said. “Students at PSU are pretty good at managing their funds.” Rodgers, having spent time at eight institutions before arriving in the South Park Blocks, could in fact be called a financial aid guru. However, not every Portland State student can be an expert on balancing expenses. Here’s some tips Rodgers gave the Vanguard for those select few students who still need a bit of guidance.
Financial aid 101
Phillip Rodgers, PSU director of student financial aid, says that Portland State students are much better than other students when it comes to properly dealing with financial aid.
“Here, students are just on top of it,” Rodgers said. “Students at PSU are pretty good at managing their funds.”
Rodgers, having spent time at eight institutions before arriving in the South Park Blocks, could in fact be called a financial aid guru. However, not every Portland State student can be an expert on balancing expenses. Here’s some tips Rodgers gave the Vanguard for those select few students who still need a bit of guidance.
Applying for FAFSAFilling out the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid is typically the first step to receiving federal funding. All students who wish to receive financial aid must complete the application.
The first day to fill out the FAFSA paperwork is Jan. 1, and Rodgers stresses the earlier it is finished the better. He also advises that students should fill out their FAFSA regardless of whether their parents have completed their tax forms, which is often a reason some students either forget about applying or apply late.
The FAFSA application, as well as information about the financial aid process, is available at the financial aid page at www.pdx.edu/finaid.
Always check BanwebAside from ensuring the FAFSA paperwork is completed, Rodgers said, the most important thing students should remember is to check Banweb, Portland State’s online information system, frequently.
Banweb contains important information regarding financial aid, which can be accessed under the “Student Services and Financial Aid” tab. With Banweb, students can check whether additional documentation is necessary in order to process their aid, accept or decline awards, see their financial aid status and browse through other financial aid resources.
Students can access Banweb at www.banweb.pdx.edu.
Act on mailed notificationsWhile Rodgers suggests students utilize Banweb to remain up to date on their financial aid status, he also wants students to be aware that notifications are sent out.
Mailed notifications are sent to alert students of outstanding requirements, changes in financial aid status, or the need to accept or decline an award, among other reasons.
Students should act on these notifications immediately, Rodgers said.
“The quicker students turn in the documentation, the quicker the process can be completed,” he said.
Apply for national scholarshipsAccording to Rodgers, Portland State-specific scholarships are limited. Therefore, he advises students to look beyond the perimeters of campus.
Rodgers advises that when looking for scholarships students should always survey their options on Web sites and should also not be afraid to apply for national scholarships.
“There is a lot of money that is never given out because no one applies,” Rodgers said of national scholarships.
For more information and tips regarding scholarship, visit www.sa.pdx.edu/scholarships.
Important reminders concerning financial aid Starting this fall, students will have until only the second week of the term to add or drop classes before their financial aid status is locked in, two weeks earlier than under the previous policy.
Rodgers said the shorter window benefits students because it frees up classroom space and also reduces the possibility they will create an outstanding balance on their Portland State account.
Another important change to be aware of is that students cannot pay outstanding balances of $200 or more on their Portland State account with the next term’s financial aid disbursement, Rodgers said.
For example, if a student has an outstanding balance of $350 from summer term, the student must go to the accounts receivable office–where Rodgers said the bursars help students through the process–before his or her financial aid for fall term is released.
This is due to a federal regulation being clarified and enacted on July 1, Rodgers said.
Contacting the financial aid officeE-mail: [email protected]Phone: 503-725-3461In person: Windows are located in the Neuberger Hall lobby. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments: Financial Aid counselors are available on a sign-in basis Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
