Frequently Asked Questions

• What forms do I need to complete?
• How do I check the status of my aid application?
• How do I register for classes with financial aid?
• How do I receive my Stafford loan?
• What is a Stafford Loan Entrance Interview?
• How do I check the status of my Stafford loan?
• How do I accept, decline, or reduce my aid offer?
• When will I receive a credit balance refund?
• I've changed my enrollment plans. Will it affect my aid?
• I'm receiving tuition reimbursement or a private scholarship. Will it affect my aid?
• Frequently Asked Questions about Work-Study and other types of Student Employment.

What forms do I need to complete?

All applicants for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and most applicants must also complete the Lesley University Aid Application. Additional information may be required of some applicants; the financial aid office will notify you of any missing documents or additional requirements once your Lesley Application and/or Free Application for Federal Student Aid have been received.

In addition, financial aid is available only to accepted applicants. If you have not already applied for admission, we encourage you to do so at the same time you are completing your financial aid application materials.

How do I check the status of my aid application?

Our customer care representatives can assist you by checking the status of your application. You may email your question, or call our customer care line, 1-800-999-1959 extension 8581, during the hours of 9 am-6 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 10am-5 pm on Fridays.

How do I register for classes with financial aid?

If you have received a financial aid award letter, you may simply check off the box on your registration form indicating you are a financial aid recipient. This information will be confirmed at the time your registration form is processed. Financial aid recipients in off-campus programs are required to register for all their semester classes at once, in order to maintain financial aid eligibility and defer any prior loans.

How do I receive my Stafford loan?

We will notify you of your Stafford loan eligibility on your award letter. After you receive your award letter, you will have to take some steps in order for the loan to be credited to your student account. All students must accept or decline their loan(s) using the Lesley Online Information System (LOIS). If you are a first-time borrower of a Stafford Loan at Lesley, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note.

What is a Stafford Loan Entrance Interview?

First time borrowers of a federal Stafford loan are required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling (also called the Entrance Interview), which advises you of the terms and conditions, and your rights and responsibilities as a Stafford loan borrower. The entrance interview takes about 20 minutes to complete online, or may be done in person or via the mail.

How do I check the status of my Stafford loan?

If your loan is serviced by Sallie Mae, you may check the status of your Stafford loan directly with SallieMae by using their 24/7 self-service account information, or by calling SallieMae at 1-888-2SALLIE. Our customer care representatives can also assist you by checking the status of your loan. You may email your question, or call our customer care line, 1-800-999-1959 extension 8581, during the hours of 9 am- 6 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 10am - 5 pm on Fridays.

How do I accept, decline, or revise my aid offer?

We assume that you want any scholarships or need-based grants that have been offered, and you don't have to accept these awards. However, any loans that you have been offered will require additional steps before they can be credited to your student account. Click below for information on accepting, declining, or revising your Federal Stafford Loan amounts.

• Completing your Federal Stafford Loan Process

We encourage you to consider your educational expense needs and to limit borrowing if possible.

When will I receive a credit balance refund?

Your aid may result in a credit balance if your billed tuition and fees are less than the amount of aid applied to your student account. If you have a credit balance on your student account after all charges have been paid in full, a credit balance refund will automatically be issued. Normally, credit balance refunds are available approximately 10 business days of the time a credit balance occurs, and are mailed to your permanent home address.

I've changed my enrollment plans. Will it affect my aid?

Your financial aid award will be based on your intended enrollment. Most aid programs require that you enroll at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduate students, 3 credits for graduate students) in a semester in order to receive aid for that semester. Changes in your enrollment can affect the amount of aid you may receive, and the periods of time you may be eligible to receive it. If you change your plans, please notify the Financial Aid Office in writing or by email of your new enrollment plans. We will review your current eligibility and make any necessary changes.

I'm receiving tuition reimbursement or a private scholarship. Will it affect my aid?

Private resources, such as tuition reimbursement, alternative loans, and private scholarships are resources towards education and must be reported to the financial aid office. Your total resources toward education cannot exceed the budgeted costs for education, including tuition, fees, materials, and living expenses. Financial aid from outside resources can be used by students to reduce any unmet federal need or to reduce self-help (loans and work study).