As the fall semester winds down and the new year approaches, now is the perfect time for a financial aid checkup. Managing college costs can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone — the Office of Financial Aid at The University of Olivet is here to help you stay on track and make confident decisions. Here’s what you need to know to start the spring semester on solid footing.
Why a Mid-Year Checkup Matters
Before the spring semester kicks off, take a few minutes to:
- Review your financial aid for the spring semester
- Confirm your FAFSA status for spring semester
- Make sure your billing plans are set
- Submit your FAFSA for the 2026-27 academic year
Whether you’re renewing scholarships, keeping an eye on your loans, or planning ahead for next year, a quick check can save stress and prevent surprises down the line.
FAFSA Myths: What It Actually Does (and Doesn’t) Do
Many students think FAFSA “pays for school.” FAFSA is actually the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the form that determines what types of financial aid you may qualify for. Completing it opens the door to:
- Grants (e.g., Federal Pell Grant, Michigan Achievement Scholarship)
- Student loans (repaid after college)
- Work-study opportunities (on-campus jobs)
- Olivet and state-based scholarships or aid
Once your FAFSA is processed, your financial aid offer is applied to your student account. If your aid doesn’t cover everything, our team can help you explore payment plans or other options that fit your needs.
Tip: Completing FAFSA is the most important step in unlocking financial support for your Olivet education.
Know Your Loans: Don’t Be Surprised Later
If you’ve ever thought, “I didn’t know I had loans,” you’re not alone. Any loan you accept is federal money that must be repaid after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping below half-time enrollment.
To see exactly what you’ve borrowed:
- Log in to studentaid.gov using your FSA ID
- Review your loan history, interest rates, repayment options, and total balance
Checking your loans regularly helps you plan ahead with confidence. Need help? The Office of Financial Aid is ready to guide you.
Your Email Is Your Lifeline
Financial aid updates always come via email — missing a message can delay or reduce your aid. Check your Olivet student email at least three times per week (daily during peak periods like add/drop or disbursement weeks).
Watch for these emails:
- Action Required: Accept/decline loans, complete Master Promissory Note (MPN), or entrance counseling
- Verification & Documents: Provide tax or household info, make corrections
- Eligibility Notices: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) updates, enrollment changes
- Disbursement & Billing: When funds post, refund timing, balance due
- Scholarships: Applications, renewals, donor requirements
5 Ways to Stay on Top of Emails:
- Keep your Olivet email active; use personal email for FAFSA or outside scholarships
- Create folders labeled “Financial Aid,” “Billing,” or “Scholarship”
- After an email, log in to your portal → Financial Aid → Tasks/To-Do
- Enable push notifications and check your junk folder weekly
- Respond quickly — contact the Financial Aid Office if something is unclear
Key Dates for Spring Semester
Stay ahead of deadlines to keep your financial aid and course registration on track:
| Date | Event | |
| Dec. 15 | Tuition payment deadline (full payment or confirmed plan) | |
| Dec. 22 | SAP notifications sent | |
| Dec. 26 | SAP appeals due by 5:00 p.m. | |
| Jan. 1 | Drop/Add period begins | |
| Jan. 4 | New & returning student check-in day | |
| Jan. 5 | Spring classes begin | |
| Jan. 12 | Drop/Add period ends |
Olivet Tip: Confirm pending financial aid or payment plans before Dec. 15 for a stress-free semester start.
Scholarships Still Available
Scholarships can make a big difference — and applying is free!
Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Contest — Win an $8,000 college scholarship
Deadline: December 31, 2025
Learn more and apply.
You can also explore thousands of scholarships on trusted sites like:
U.S. Department of Labor CareerOneStop
We’re Here to Help
You’re not in this alone. For questions about FAFSA, loans, billing, or scholarships, the Office of Financial Aid is ready to assist.
Contact Us:
Email: FinAid@UOlivet.edu
Phone: 269-749-7645
Office: Mott Academic Center, Room 204
Financial Aid Counselors:
Last names A–L: Email Jake Krzyzaniak or call 269-749-7522
Last names M–Z: Email Brittnie Vaughn or call 269-749-6659
Starting the semester prepared means fewer surprises and more peace of mind. Take a few minutes now for a financial aid checkup — your future self will thank you!