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Financial Aid Basics
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Receiving Aid
Frequently Asked Questions about Financial Aid
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Undergraduate Aid
(413) 545-0801
Graduate Aid
(413) 545-0801

Your Award Letter

When you receive your award letter in the mail, it will list the types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible to receive for the upcoming academic year. From this point, you need to follow a few important steps.

  1. Review your award letter carefully and follow its instructions for finalizing your aid offer.

  2. You must complete a promissory note for each of your loans in order for the funds to be credited to your tuition bill.

    If you receive Federal Direct Student Loans (subsidized or unsubsidized), and you are a first time borrower, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Interview Form before the funds can be credited to your tuition and fee bill. You will only need to complete the MPN for Direct Loans one time - it is valid for ten years and for any subsequent loans you may receive.

    If you receive Federal Perkins Loans you must complete a promissory note every year. The promissory note is the binding legal document. It lists the terms and conditions under which you are borrowing and will repay your loan, and includes information about your interest rate as well as deferment and cancellation provisions. Read this information thoroughly and make a copy of it for your records.

Appeals

Once you have received and reviewed your financial aid award letter, you may appeal its decision if your family's financial situation has changed significantly since you filed your application. Visit Appeals for more information.