All students must file a federal student aid report, FAFSA, each year, and this is the time to file for the 2012-13 year. Parents and students will file using their 2011 federal tax return information. We strongly advise families to use the new IRS data retrieval option to have income information directly imported into the FAFSA. February will begin FAFSA Frenzy month on campus with information coming to students about filing.

Scholar.shorter.edu is our go-to site for financial aid information. Shorter students can view their application process, complete needed documents and view aid awards.

For the 2013-14 academic year, the student loan interest rate is 6.8%.

If your family has experienced a loss of employment or reduction in income, you may qualify to receive a special circumstance consideration. This is a process that allows the financial aid staff to personally review your information, and if qualifying circumstances exist, adjust the income reported on the FAFSA to more accurately reflect your current financial situation. If you are interested in pursuing this option, please complete the special circumstance form located at www.shorter.edu/academics/financial_aid/2013_2014_Special_Circumstances.pdf, and submit with any applicable documentation to Colleen Lassiter, Director of Financial Aid.