University of New England

The Financial Aid Process - UNECOM

If this will be the first time that you are applying for Financial Aid, the process can often be overwhelming.  We have created this page to guide you through the financial aid process.

• Apply for admission at the University of New Engand College of Osteopathic Medicine.  In order to receive a Financial Aid package, you must first be accepted into a degree program.  You will need to complete an application for admission.
• Apply for a PIN through the U.S. Department of Education.  The PIN is your electronic signature to be used when you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).    
• Complete the 2008-2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  We recommend that you file the FAFSA online through FAFSA on the Web, and  that you complete the FAFSA on the Web by May 1, 2008, our priority filing date.  To help guide you through the questions on the FAFSA on the web, you may print a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.  Do not mail this worksheet to the Financial Aid Office; it is simply a tool to help you complete the online FAFSA application.
• Complete the UNECOM Supplemental Financial Aid Application. 
• If you are interested in applying for the Maine Health Professions Loan Program, you must complete the required application.  For information on this program, visit the loan section of the website.
• Receive an Acceptance Letter to UNECOM. 
• Receive a UNE Financial Aid Award Letter (within two weeks of completing the application process).  This letter will list the funds for which the student qualifies.  The award letter mailing will include a brochure that explains the different types of funding. 
• If selected for verification (the Financial Aid Office will notify you of this), submit copies of your (and your spouse, if applicable) Federal Tax Return and W-2 forms for 2007.  You must also submit a completed verification worksheet (if selected for verification our office will send you this worksheet).
• If the student will be receiving any external sources of financial aid, you must notify the Financial Aid Office (such as armed forces HPSP, and NHSC Scholarships).  Please include the name of the program and the amount.  A copy of the notification letter that the student receives is sufficient.
• Complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the Federal Stafford Loan Program. 
  - For Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), the Financial Aid Office will certify the student's eligibility with the lender the student selects from our list of recommended lenders.  That lender will then contact you when you can complete your MPN via their website.
• If awarded UNECOM Direct Loan funds, complete the promissory note that the Financial Aid Office sends  to recipients in June.  If awarded Maine Health Professions Loan funds, complete the paperwork that FAME sends to recipients.  If awarded a Gilbert Loan, complete the paperwork that the University of Maine sends to recipients.
• Students who will be borrowing Federal Stafford Loans are required  to complete a Student Loan Entrance Counseling Session.  The Entrance Counseling may be completed online.
• The Student Accounts Office will mail fall semester bills to students in June.  A worksheet will be included with the bill to assist you in determining if you will need to make additional arrangements to finance any remaining balance.    Spring semester bills are mailed in December.
• Finalize alternative financing arrangements, if needed to cover the balance to the Student's Account.  A few options for alternative financing include:
  - Tuition Installment Plans
  - Alterrnative Loan Programs
  - Federal Graduate PLUS Loans
• If you will need funding for books/supplies/equipment and/or living expenses, you will want to look at Alternative Loan Programs or the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program.

You may also print a copy of this checklist for your records