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Financial Aid Tutorials

We know that applying for financial aid can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve assembled these video tutorials, grouped by topic, to help you navigate the process.

And if you still have questions, remember that we’re here to help.

Getting Started

How to Pay for School: A General Guide

Topics covered:

  • Complete the federal loan process (FAFSA)
  • Complete to-do list items on PAWS
  • Report private scholarships
  • View financial aid
  • Set up authorized users
  • Look at the cost of attendance
  • View your bill on PAWS
  • Fill the gap
  • Important dates

Types of Financial Aid: Part 1

Topics covered:

  • Grants (federal grants, New Jersey aid)
  • Scholarships (TCNJ Merit Scholarships, private scholarships)
  • Federal Work-Study (FWS) program

Types of Financial Aid: Part 2

Topics covered:

  • Federal loans
  • Alternative loans
  • Important dates

First-Generation College Students: Helpful Information

Topics covered:

  • General timeline
  • Appointments available
  • NJ state aid information
  • Payment plans

Transfer Students: Helpful Information

Topics covered:

  • Academic level status
  • Fall vs. spring transfers

In-Depth Tutorials

How to Complete the Aid Process

Topics covered:

  • To-do list items on PAWS
  • Example to-do list items
  • Completing the federal loan process
  • After your to-do list items are completed (finalizing your award)

Alternative Loans

Topics covered:

  • Loan options
  • Alternative loans
  • Private loans
  • NJCLASS loan
  • Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
  • Certifying student loans
  • Loan disbursement

Estimated Awards: New Incoming Students

Topics covered:

  • What is an estimated award?
  • Estimated award email
  • Estimated award login
  • How to view the estimated award on PAWS
  • The College Financing Plan
  • Next steps

How to View Financial Aid

Topics covered:

  • How to know if you’ve received aid
  • How to view financial aid on PAWS
  • How to accept or decline awards

The College Financing Plan

Topics covered:

  • General information
  • How to find the College Financing Plan
  • Breakdown of each section

How to Interpret Pending Financial Aid in PAWS

Topics covered:

  • How to know if you’ve received aid
  • How to view financial aid on PAWS
  • How to accept or decline awards

Authorized User Access

Topics covered:

  • What is authorized user access?
  • How to set it up
  • Screenshots to navigate the PAWS system

Breakdown of Cost of Attendance

Topics covered:

  • Cost of attendance
  • Direct vs. indirect costs
  • COA provided online
  • College Financing Plan
  • Filling the gap

Student Accounts Tutorials

View PAWS Tutorials regarding billing, payments, and auxiliary access.

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