Applying for financial aid is actually quite simple. Honest! In fact, at Ridgewater College you can apply for grants, loans, or work-study in just two steps. In step one, complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submit it to the Federal Processor either by mail or over the Internet. Applying electronically speeds up the process, saves you postage, and possibly time. Step two involves submitting additional information required for Ridgewater College to complete your file and determine your award eligibility.

Apply for your Federal PIN. Your parents should apply for a Federal PIN, also. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature. Wait to receive your PIN before completing the rest of the application process. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line.

• FAFSA tip: Your name and social security number must be reported just like they appear on your social security card or it will cause delays.
• On your FAFSA application, use federal school code 005252 for Ridgewater College. Both the Willmar and Hutchinson campuses use the same code.

You should receive your SAR (Student Aid Report) from the Federal Processor about four weeks after you have mailed your paper FAFSA, or two weeks after transmitting your FAFSA on the WEB. You can also check the status of your SAR by calling
1-800-433-3243.

Once you've finished Step One and Ridgewater College has received the results of your FAFSA, we will send you a letter identifying the materials still needed to complete your file. All students will need to complete a Supplemental Application for the current school year. Keep in mind that a third of all students are selected for a process called verification. If you are selected, we will at that time request some or all of the following materials from you:

• Verification Form (mailed out from the Financial Aid Office)
• Student (and spouse, if married) signed federal tax forms (first two pages only)
• Parent(s) (if student is dependent) signed federal tax forms (first two pages only)
• Any W2 forms for student (and spouse, if married) and parent(s) (if student is dependent)
• Untaxed Income worksheet
• Income Exclusion worksheet

After you have completed both steps, the Financial Aid Office will send you your very important award letter. This letter describes your eligibility amounts for all awards at each enrollment level and explains your rights and responsibilities as a student financial aid recipient.

Supplemental Application: 2007-2008

Supplemental Application: 2008-2009
Note: Everyone who attends Ridgewater College must complete this institutional form and submit it to the college campus that you are attending.

2008 Summer Application
Note: Students applying for summer financial aid must have a completed 2007-08 FAFSA.

2008-2009 Independent Verification Worksheet

2008-2009 Dependent Verification Worksheet

2008-2009 FAFSA Worksheet ABC

2008-2009 Worksheet C