How Financial Aid Works

Paying for college is a process — we’ll guide you every step of the way

Understanding financial aid doesn't have to be overwhelming. Our Financial Aid & Educational Funding team will help you explore scholarships, grants, loans, and payment options so you can create a plan that makes earning your degree more affordable.

The Financial Aid Process

The Financial Aid Process

  1. 1

    Apply for Admission

    Apply to Lakeland University. Once admitted, you'll automatically be considered for academic scholarships.

  2. 2

    Complete the FAFSA

    Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for scholarships, grants and federal financial aid.

  3. 3

    Receive Your Financial Aid Offer

    We'll prepare a personalized financial aid offer outlining the scholarships, grants and other financial assistance you've been awarded.

  4. 4

    Review Your Options

    Meet with our Financial Aid team to review your offer, discuss payment options and create a plan that fits your family's budget.

Financial Aid Checklist

Key Financial Aid Deadlines

Mark your calendar. Send in the material. Ensure you have a smooth enrollment process before it’s too late. Assure you understand these key deadlines for financial aid.

October 1

FAFSA becomes available.

February 1

Lakeland priority FAFSA deadline.

Spring

Financial aid offers are distributed.

Summer

Finalize financial aid requirements before classes begin.

You've Received Your Financial Aid Offer, Now What?

  1. 1

    If selected for verification, SUBMIT VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS via NetPartner on my.lakeland.edu.

  2. 2

    ACCEPT OR DECLINE FINANCIAL AID OFFER by signing and returning the paper aid offer or by accepting/declining online via NetPartner on my.lakeland.edu.

  3. 3

    If accepting loans, first-time borrowers need to COMPLETE THE MASTER PROMISSORY NOTE (MPN) AND ENTRANCE COUNSELING prior to the beginning of classes. Complete at studentloans.gov and login using FSA ID.

  4. 4

    APPLY FOR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS.

  5. 5

    REPORT ANY OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS received to the Financial Aid & Educational Funding Office.

What Happens After You Accept Aid

Students accepting federal loans must complete the following requirements.

These steps must be completed before your federal loans can be disbursed to your Lakeland University account.

Entrance Counseling is designed to inform you of important information you should know before you borrow a loan.

  1. Go to studentaid.gov
  2. Hover over, "Complete Aid Process"
  3. Select the link for, "Complete Entrance Counseling"
  4. Click on the blue "Log In" button and log in with your FSA ID username and password
  5. In the Entrance Counseling row, click on the “Start” button to begin

OurFinancial Aid & Educational Funding Office will receive electronic notification (in approximately 2-3 business days) upon successful completion of this federal requirement

The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s); for instance, it will include information on how interest is calculated and what deferment and cancellation provisions are available to you.

  1. Go to studentaid.gov
  2. Hover over, "Complete Aid Process"
  3. Select the link for, "MPN for Undergraduates"
  4. Click on the blue "Log In" button and log in with your FSA ID username and password
  5. In the “MPN for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans” row, click on the “Start” button to begin

Lakeland University will receive this after the successful origination of your federal student loans with the US Dept. of Education.

The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement is required each year you accept a new federal student loan. You are acknowledging that you understand how much you owe and how much more you can borrow.

  1. Go to studentaid.gov
  2. Hover over, "Complete Aid Process"
  3. Select the link for, "Complete Annual student Loan Acknowledgement"
  4. Click the blue "Log In" button and log in with your FSA ID username and password

Helpful Financial Aid Tools

Lakeland provides tools to help students manage and understand their financial aid.

NetPrice Calculator

Students can:

  • Estimate your cost
  • Explore aid options & eligibility
  • Learn about FAFSA
  • Find required forms

Our counselors can help you:

  • Understand financial aid
  • Compare loan options
  • Estimate your total cost
  • Scholarship opportunities

Meet with a Financial Aid Counselor

Frequently Asked Questions

For priority consideration, complete the FAFSA by Feb. 1 each year.

  • Login to my.lakeland.edu
  • Click on the “quick link” on the left side of the page that says, “Financial Aid Student Access (NetPartner)"
  • Click on the Menu on the top left of Net Partner
  • Documents and Messages
  • Click on the link to complete the application.
  • Login to my.lakeland.edu
  • Click on the “quick link” on the left side of the page that says, “Financial Aid Student Access (NetPartner)"
  • Click on the Menu on the top left of Net Partner
  • Accept Awards
      • Need to agree to terms and conditions to get to award page.
      • To accept or decline aid, need to scroll the award section to the right to change from “pending” to accept or decline. Then submit.

    Financial Aid Policies

    Lakeland University follows federal, state, and institutional financial aid policies that determine eligibility for financial aid programs. Students are responsible for understanding the requirements associated with their financial aid, including their rights and responsibilities as a recipient.

    Review important information about financial aid eligibility, maintaining aid, receiving and using financial aid, and your rights and responsibilities as a Lakeland student.

    View Financial Aid Policies
    Financial Aid Guide

    Topics Include:

    • Financial aid eligibility
    • Satisfactory Academic Progress
    • Enrollment requirements
    • Withdrawal policies
    Donwload Financial Aid Guide
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