• COVID-19 & Financial Aid: What if my family income changed?

      Email Dr. J (dana.jacobson@osceolaschools.net) about your questions.

      Financial Assistance During the COVID-19 Pandemic

      The pandemic has affected millions of jobs across the country. But a change in your or your family’s financial situation doesn’t have to mean putting your college career on hold. Here are some options that can keep you on track.

      • If the Expected Family Contribution you reported on your FAFSA has changed due to illness, job loss or any other reason, here’s a guide to requesting more assistancefrom your school’s financial aid office.

      • The CARES Act distributed $7 billion in emergency funds to colleges, and schools may have other sources of emergency aid to help you cover unexpected costs. NerdWallet has moreabout your options.

      • To find out specifically about emergency grants at your school, Google “COVID Emergency Grants” plus your school’s name, or contact your financial aid office. Here’s a general roundup of eligibility questions; note that it was published over the summer and situations at specific schools may have changed.

      • The federal government has temporarily suspended student loan repayments, collections and interest charges. In addition, if you’ve received Pell Grant or work-study funds for semesters you couldn’t complete, these will not be counted against your lifetime maximum. See the StudentAid.gov FAQfor more on federal funds.