Application Procedures

• The following forms must be submitted by all students seeking aid:
  • The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (for any type of financial aid)
  • The College Scholarship Service (CSS) Financial Aid PROFILE (for Bard financial aid)
  • Documents to verify income and family data on the FAFSA and the PROFILE
  • Supplemental forms (as requested)
  • State applications (as required)
  • Filing Deadlines
• International Students
• Important Dates
• Financial Aid Checklist

Application Forms

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Obtaining the Form

1. Students applying for first-year admission can obtain a FAFSA worksheet from their high school or from Bard’s Financial Aid Office. The FAFSA can also be located on the internet at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.
2. Continuing students will be sent a Renewal FAFSA or a pin number to complete the form online by the Federal Processor.

Completing the Form

1. The federal college code number for Bard is 002671.
2. Complete all pages; estimated information is acceptable if tax returns have not been completed.
3. Print a copy for your records.
4. Submit the completed application no earlier than January 1 and no later than February 15 for new students, and no later than March 15 for returning students.

Output to Student

• The federal processor will send a multipage report, referred to as the Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR carefully.
• Make any necessary corrections to your FASFA information online.
  

Output to School

• If Bard College is listed on the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will receive the data submitted on the FAFSA electronically from the federal processor.
• If corrections are to be made on the FAFSA, as per the verification documents, the Financial Aid office will make the corrections electronically, if the student has not previously corrected the form.
• The federal processor my select certain applications for additional verification of information, such as citizenship, Selective Service registration, Social Security number, the number of people in the household, and the number of people in the household who are attending college on at least a half-time basis. The Financial Aid Office will pursue such additional verification from the student.
  

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College Scholarship Service Financial Aid PROFILE

Where to go

1. Students applying for first-year admission should first register for the CSS Financial Aid PROFILE by way of the Internet (www.collegeboard.com).
   
2. The on-line PROFILE form will be customized for the schools listed. Supplemental forms may be indicated if appropriate. (Non-Custodial Parent's Profile and Business/Farm Supplement).

Completing the profile

1. The CSS college code number for Bard is 2037.
2. Complete all sections of the PROFILE; estimated income is acceptable if tax returns have not been completed.
3. Print a copy for your records.
4. This form may be completed as early as October. New students should submit this form no later than February 15. Returning students should submit this form no later than March 15. The appropriate fee will be required during processing.
5. If supplemental forms are to be submitted (Non-Custodial Parent's Profile and Business/Farm Supplement), these forms should be submitted directly to the college financial aid offices requesting them. The Non-Custodial Parent's Profile can be done online on the College Board web site after the student has completed the profile. The Business/Farm Supplement form should be completed and mailed directly to the Financial Aid Office.
   

Output to Student

1. CSS will send an acknowledgement of receipt of the PROFILE with a list of the schools to which the information has been sent. The acknowledgement will also summarize the information submitted on the PROFILE.
2. Review the information carefully. If there are any significant errors or omissions, forward corrections to the Bard Financial Aid Office.
3. Additional schools can be added online.
   

Output to School

1. If Bard College is listed on the registration and the appropriate fee was paid to CSS, CSS will transmit the information on the PROFILE to Bard in both print and electronic formats.
2. If the Financial Aid Office receives corrections to the PROFILE data, the Financial Aid Office will make the corrections. Once the CSS form has been filed and processed, any corrections should be submitted in writing directly to Bard.
   
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Income Verification Documents

1. Bard College requires documentation to verify the family income figures listed on the FAFSA and the PROFILE of all financial aid applicants. Typically, this will include signed copies of the parents' and the student's federal income tax returns and W-2 forms. A statement from the supporting governmental agency must substantiate nontaxable income for non-filers.
2. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of those filing the FAFSA are selected by the federal processor to be verified; the size of the family's household and the number of students in college on at least a half-time basis must be verified.
3. When a financial aid offer is made, the documents required for submission will be noted in the student's award letter.
   
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Supplemental Forms and Information

• If the parents of the applicant are divorced or separated, the non-custodial parent will be expected to complete the Non-Custodial Parent's Profile. This form typically is required when an applicant files for financial aid for the first time. To repeat what was stated previously, The parent's obligation to pay for their child's education (even in the case of divorce or separation) takes precedence over the obligation of the College to provide financial assistance. The Non-Custodial Parent's Profile must be completed on the College Board website once the student has completed the profile.
• If the parents of the applicant own a business or are self-employed, they must complete the Business/Farm Supplement (PDF file). This form must be returned directly to the Financial Aid Office at Bard College. A photocopy of the form is acceptable. This form is usually requested only of first time aid applicants.
• Additional information requested by the Financial Aid Office must be submitted in a timely manner.
  
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State Applications

Some states offer grant and scholarship assistance for study at Bard, which may require a separate application. A student should become familiar with his or her state’s programs and requirements by contacting the state grant agency or the high school guidance office. Bard's Financial Aid Office can assist with application questions for New York State Programs.

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Filing Deadlines

The FAFSA and PROFILE should be submitted no later than February 15 for fall entrance for new students, March 15 for continuing students, and December 1 for students entering in the spring semester. Please note that these filing deadlines also apply to Early Action, Immediate Decision, and Early Admission candidates. Financial aid funds are limited; not every student who demonstrates financial need can be granted aid. Students who apply by the deadline receive first consideration for awards; late applications are considered in the order of receipt until all funds are committed.

An application for financial aid will not be processed until all required documents are received.

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International Students

To be considered for financial aid at Bard College, international students and their parents are expected to complete the International Student Financial Aid Form and the Declaration of Finances, which foreign nationals file in order to obtain a visa. These forms are available in the College's Admissions Office and Financial Aid Office. Typically, the Admissions Office sends these forms to all prospective students in their admission packet. All returning students will receive the International Student Financial Aid Form in January of each year.

Financial Aid is not automatically renewed each year. The student must reapply by submitting the International Student Financial Aid Form each year that financial aid is expected. Upon completion of the form, prospective students should return all forms to the Admissions Office and returning students should return the International Student Aid Form to the Financial Aid Office. The deadline for submission of forms is March 15 for prospective students and April 15 for returning students.

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Important Dates in the Financial Aid Process

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Financial Aid Checklist

Deadlines are as follows: