Financial Aid Information Related to COVID-19

Incoming freshmen admitted for fall 2021 will not be required to provide ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admission, merit scholarships, or the Honors College program.

I have not submitted my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 academic year.  Can I still do so?

Yes. Students are encouraged to complete the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible!  Be sure to list Kent State University as a recipient of your FAFSA results.

Complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA if you are attending Summer 2021, Fall 2021 and/or Spring 2022 now!

my family’s income has changed.  Can I appeal to receive additional financial aid for the 2021-2022 academic year?

Kent State University understands that your family may have experienced changes to your financial circumstances related to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. If your family’s financial circumstances have changed as a result of Coronavirus/COVID-19 (e.g. loss of income, death of parent or spouse), you have the option to complete the Special Circumstance Application. Through the special circumstance process, we can review the information previously submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) if it is no longer an accurate representation of your family’s current financial situation.

Access the Special Circumstance Application

Will taking online or remote courses affect my federal financial aid (VA benefits, PELL Grant, Federal Direct Loans)?

The U.S. Department of Education has indicated that, as long as students are enrolled and working toward their degrees, federal Pell Grants, SEOG grants and Federal Direct Loans should not be impacted by this disruption. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, students receiving GI Bill benefits have been advised that payments will continue for students who continue to be enrolled this term.

Will taking online or remote courses affect my Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)?   

No. However, students need to be enrolled at least 51% in Kent Campus-designated courses to receive OCOG.

What if I have a general question about my financial aid?

The One Stop for Student Services is available to answer your questions regarding billing and payment, financial aid, and scholarships or registration and student records (transcripts).  You can contact the One Stop for Student Services staff using the Contact Us form.  Remote appointments are also available with One Stop staff.  You can also contact your Regional Campus Financial Aid Office.  For contact information for Regional Campus Financial Aid Office staff, visit www.kent.edu/financialaid/locations.

I have documents I must submit to the Student Financial Aid Office.  How do I submit these documents?

In order to expedite the processing of your documents, you may submit documents to the One Stop for Student Services via the Contact Us form or fax (330) 672-6001. A drop box is available for document drop off on the first floor of the Kent Campus library. You can also mail your documents to:

One Stop for Student Services
PO BOX 5190
Kent, Ohio 44242-0001

How to Scan a Document with your Phone (PDF)

How will Coronavirus/COVID-19 affect my federal direct loan repayment?

All Federal Direct Student Loan payments are suspended until Sept. 30, 2021.

You should also contact your federal direct loan servicer(s) directly to find out about additional information.

For more information about other types of loans, the effect on Public Service Loan Forgiveness and other the guidance from the U.S. Department of Education for borrowers visit Coronavirus and Forbearance Info for Students, Borrowers, and Parents.

I borrowed from a private lender, how will Coronavirus/COVID-19 affect repayment?

If you have borrowed private loans, you should contact the specific private lender to find out about your options. Visit StudentAid.gov for more information.

IF i DON'T RETURN NEXT SEMESTER, WILL MY LOANS GO INTO REPAYMENT?

You have a 6-month grace period from the date you withdraw or drop to less than half-time enrollment before repayment begins.

i was impacted by coronavirus/covid-19.  do I still need to complete exit counseling?

Yes, you should complete Exit Counseling to let your servicer aware of your status and apply any Coronavirus/COVID-19 relief available.  If you do not know who your loan servicer is, you can find more information on StudentAid.gov, along with loan servicer contact information.

Can I still use my room and board scholarships if I’m not living on campus?      

Room scholarships can only be used to pay room charges incurred from living in University-owned housing. Board scholarships can only be used to pay charges incurred from selecting a University board (dining) plan. For more information regarding your scholarships, please visit our Scholarship FAQs.

I am a Federal Work Study student employee.  How will my Federal Work Study award and employment be impacted?

For up-to-date information on student employment, including Federal Work Study Employment, please visit the KSU Coronavirus website under “Student FAQs”.

How are scholarships impacted by taking online or remote classes? What happens to my scholarship offer if I defer admission to the spring or choose to attend a Regional Campus? Can room and/or board scholarships be used if I live off campus? Find answers to these questions and others related to scholarships.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, temporarily expands SNAP eligibility to include students enrolled at least half-time in an institution of higher education, who either:

• Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, as determined by the institution or higher education, or
• Have an expected family contribution (EFC) or $0 in the current academic year.

Beginning on Jan. 16, 2021, students who meet one of the two criteria outlined above may receive SNAP if they meet all other financial and non-financial SNAP eligibility criteria. The new, temporary exemptions will be in effect until 30 days after the COVID-19 public health emergency is lifted. Once approved for benefits, students will not have to re-verify for one year. 

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP Benefits Virtual Works

SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps), is the largest federal nutrition program. With over 1.5 million Ohioans receiving SNAP benefits, this program offers individuals and families more spending power at local grocers, retailers, and farmer’s markets and ensures that millions of Americans have continued access to nutritious food. We invite you to attend a virtual workshop explaining the SNAP application process from 1 - 1:30 pm on Jan. 19th, Feb. 16th, Mar. 16th, or Apr. 20. Students can register on KSU Engage.