Financial Aid - Virtual Open House 2020
Interested in connecting with a financial aid staff member?
We will be offering phone appointments every 10 minutes from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (Eastern Time) on September 27, 2020 and look forward to speaking with you. Please click on a counselor's link below to schedule a call-back appointment. For general inquiries, a staff member will also be available at 413-748-3108.
Financial Aid Process
This process is for incoming first-year and transfer students.
1. File the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
The FAFSA is the application for federal and state-funded assistance. You are encouraged to file the FAFSA electronically. You will need to obtain a federal student aid ID, with which you will be able to electronically sign the FAFSA online. All applicants must file for the FAFSA.
Create your federal student ID
If you choose not to submit your FAFSA online, you may print and complete this PDF FAFSA form. List Springfield College federal code #002211 on the FAFSA.
2. Begin your financial aid form before being accepted for admission.
File forms to meet the priority filing date. Financial aid decisions are issued only to students who have been accepted for admission. Students accepted after the financial aid priority date will be awarded pending eligibility and availability of funds.
3. Be prepared for a potential verification request that may be made on some applications.
Students will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid if they are required to provide additional information due to the verification process. Students can check for their required documents and forms on My Financial Aid via the Financial Aid main webpage.
Students selected for a process called “verification” by the U.S. Department of Education will be required to provide income verification documents and complete the Springfield College Verification Worksheet. Do not complete the worksheet unless requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
Send the requested documentation directly to the Office of Financial Aid. Do not submit any documents to the FAFSA processor. These forms will not be forwarded to Springfield College by external processors.
4. Clearly and correctly write the student’s name and Springfield College ID on all forms and in all communications with the Office of Financial Aid.
Keep copies of all forms for your own records.
4a. Redact all personally identifiable information (Social Security Number and Bank Account Number)
5. Allow for adequate mailing and processing time.
Complete the FAFSA at least two weeks prior to priority dates. Priority dates refer to receipt of information by the Office of Financial Aid, not the filing dates. Late applications may reduce access to grant funding. Awards are not final until the FAFSA data is received from the federal processor and if selected for verification, verification of application data/income is conducted.
6. If applicable, send a letter to us detailing special circumstances that may impact paying for college expenses.
This is not required information but it may help us better evaluate your financial status. Be as specific as possible when reporting changes in family income and/or significant expenses not detailed on other forms.
Send your signed statement directly to the Office of Financial Aid. Advise us in writing if there are changes to family finances after the FAFSA is completed. Changes in employment status, family size, medical expenses, or other major financial events may affect your financial aid eligibility. Submit any supporting documentation along with your written explanation.
7. Check your email for your financial aid award letter.
Please accept or decline your awards on My Financial Aid via the Financial Aid main webpage.
Applicants who are accepted late or who complete their financial aid files after the established deadlines will receive decisions on a rolling basis.
Springfield College does not guarantee funding to all eligible applicants.
Next Steps After Applying
You’ll receive a financial aid decision on My Financial Aid advising you of your eligibility for federal, state, and College financial assistance.
We know that a family’s financial information is extremely sensitive. Please be assured that all income information submitted to the Office of Financial Aid is held in strict confidence. In addition, your financial status does not affect your admission into the College.
Grants and Awards
Springfield College grants are awarded to full-time undergraduate students based on financial need, with consideration given to your academic, co-curricular, and community achievements. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions may recommend first-year applicants for a merit scholarship, which is not based on financial need and does not require a financial aid application for consideration. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will notify you if you are selected. Learn more about scholarship assistance.
FAFSA
Students are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once Springfield College receives the processed FAFSA, there may be other documents or forms that will be requested of the student applicant and their parents. The request for additional information is called verification.
Financial Aid Confidential Information Waiver
FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) is a federal law protecting the confidentiality of the student’s records. In compliance with FERPA, the Office of Financial Aid must have the student’s written authorization to discuss information from their financial aid file to anyone other than a custodial parent(s) that is designated on the current academic year’s FAFSA. Completing the waiver will allow whomever the student designates to communicate with the Office of Financial Aid. This waiver will remain on file and in effect until graduation, withdrawal from the college or a written statement to change or eliminate designees.
In 1956, Senator John F. Kennedy delivered the address at the 70th Commencement at Springfield College. He spoke to 350 members of the senior and graduate classes who received their degree that day. Kennedy would go on to become the 35th President of the United States.
In 1956, Senator John F. Kennedy delivered the address at the 70th Commencement at Springfield College. He spoke to 350 members of the senior and graduate classes who received their degree that day. Kennedy would go on to become the 35th President of the United States.
In 1956, Senator John F. Kennedy delivered the address at the 70th Commencement at Springfield College. He spoke to 350 members of the senior and graduate classes who received their degree that day. Kennedy would go on to become the 35th President of the United States.
