2026–27 Financial Aid Checklist (Do-This List)

1) Set yourself up (10–15 min)

• ☐ Create/verify your FSA ID (every FAFSA “contributor” needs their own: student + parent if dependent).
• ☐ Know your SSN, permanent address, and your parents’ full legal names & DOBs.
• ☐ Gather 2024 income info for 2026–27 (W-2s, untaxed income details).
• ☐ Decide who will be a parent contributor (for dependent students).

2) File the FAFSA (20–30 min total)

• ☐ Check the FAFSA open date for 2026–27 and file ASAP (earliest filing gets priority aid; date may shift—verify on studentaid.gov).
• ☐ Invite all contributors inside FAFSA; each must consent to IRS data transfer.
• ☐ List The University of Olivet as a school.
• ☐ Submit; then save your confirmation page.

After you file:

• ☐ Watch for your FAFSA Submission Summary; fix any rejects or missing consent.
• ☐ If you’re selected for verification, respond within 7 days.

3) State & institutional aid (Michigan students)

• ☐ Complete any state aid steps (e.g., Michigan Achievement Scholarship tasks in MiSSG, residency docs).
• ☐ Submit Olivet’s internal scholarship application (if applicable) by priority date.
• ☐ Upload outside scholarship letters to the portal so they’re included in your package.

4) Your offer & to-dos (when your aid offer posts)

• ☐ Read your financial aid offer in the portal (grants, scholarships, work-study, loans).
• ☐ Accept/decline work-study and loans (only what you need).
• ☐ If borrowing federal loans for the first time:
• ☐ Entrance Counseling (student)
• ☐ Sub/Unsub MPN (student)

Parent borrowing?

• ☐ Parent completes Parent PLUS Application (credit check)
• ☐ Parent signs PLUS MPN (separate from the student’s MPN)

5) Special circumstances (as needed)

• ☐ Request a Professional Judgment review if your 2024 income doesn’t reflect your current situation (job loss, medical, etc.).
• ☐ Ask about dependency override if you cannot provide parent info due to unusual circumstances.
• ☐ Submit cost-of-attendance adjustments (one-time computer, required supplies, childcare, disability-related costs).

6) Before billing hits

• ☐ Enroll in a payment plan before the late-fee date.
• ☐ Set up direct deposit for refunds.
• ☐ Authorize parents/guardians in FERPA/Proxy/Authorized Payer to discuss your account.
• ☐ If using 529/tuition benefits, request disbursement early.

7) If you work on campus

• ☐ Complete hiring steps (I-9, W-4, direct deposit) and accept your work-study award.
• ☐ Track hours so you don’t exceed your semester allotment.

8) Stay eligible (every term)

• ☐ Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): GPA, pace, and maximum timeframe.
• ☐ If placed on SAP warning/appeal, follow directions and deadlines immediately.

9) Just-in-time dates (fill these in when your calendar is set)

• ☐ FAFSA priority date: March 1, 2026
• ☐ Scholarship priority date: [____]
• ☐ Payment plan deadline (avoid late fee): [____]
• ☐ First refund run (if eligible): [____]
• ☐ Add/Drop deadline: [____]
• ☐ Book voucher window: [____]

10) Help when you need it

• ☐ Book a 1:1 with Financial Aid (in-person or virtual): Schedule Financial Aid Appointment 
• Email: finaid@uolivet.edu | Phone: (269) 749-7645
• Drop-in hours: Monday 8am - 5pm (unavailable 2:30pm-3pm); Tuesday - Thursday 8am - 5pm; Friday 8am - 4pm