You can speed processing by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on line. Be sure to obtain a personal identification number or PIN so that you can electronically sign your application. The FASFA web site includes detailed instructions on obtaining a PIN. Failure to sign applications is the most common reason for federal processing delays. Also be sure to use income tax data from completed tax returns. By correctly filling out and signing the on-line application, you can typically save at least four weeks in federal processing time compared to the federal processing time for traditional paper applications.

The majority of students attending LSUE can qualify for federal financial aid that will cover a substantial portion of their college costs. The Student Guide , published by the federal government and available on line, contains complete information on grants, loans, and work-study aid. Your financial need determines the amount of aid and the type of aid programs for which you are eligible.

To find out your eligibility for federal aid, contact your high school counselor or the LSUE Financial Aid Office and ask for application forms. You can also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid on line or download a copy of the application. For more information, go to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Web Portal .

You should file for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming school year. You and your parents must have completed tax returns for the preceding year. You will need data from tax returns and/or information on nontaxable income when you fill out your aid application. Within four weeks of submitting your application, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)/ Studnet Aid Acknowledgement Report. To be assured of receiving aid by the start of the fall semester, you should complete all of the application procedures including submitting all requested paperwork by June 1. That means you should take your first steps in applying for aid well before that date.

For leads to a variety of information on financial aid, click here . The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance has information on all types of aid programs. For information on benefits available to members of the Army Reserve, including a description of part-time jobs performed by Reservists, go the Army Reserve's site .