14 Steps to Financial Success

  • 1  Complete the FAFSA

    We recommend everyone complete the FAFSA. Entering Action applicants should complete it by December 1.  Everyone else we recommend March 1.  Current students by January 1.

  • 2  Review your financial aid award

    We’ll send new students financial aid notifications beginning in mid-November. Current students will be emailed their notice beginning in mid- January.

  • 3  Develop your Albion Financing Plan

    Work with your admission or financial services counselor to explore your options and develop a plan to cover all of your college costs.

  • 4  Visit your ACIS account to see what resources are available to you.
    • Use the username and password provided in your award notification to log into ACIS.
    • Review and accept the Terms and Conditions of your scholarship.
    • Accept Your Awards
  • 5  Review the Student Requirements in ACIS to ensure your file is complete
    • Recommended deadline is June 15th
  • 6  Write Your Scholarship Thank You Note
    • In ACIS click on the name of your scholarship to get information on your donor and instructions on how to write your letter.
  • 7  Complete Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)
    • Go to Studentloans.gov
    • Sign in with the FSA ID used for the FAFSA
    • Sign the Master Promissory Note (subsidized/unsubsidized)
  • 8  Complete Direct Loan Counseling
    • Go to Studentloans.gov
    • Sign in with the FSA ID used for the FAFSA
    • Complete Entrance Counseling (undergraduate)
  • 9    Find a Job
    • Work-study/Albion Work positions are available at http://www.albion.edu/hr/student-employment
    • Complete the required paperwork before beginning employment.
  • 10  Authorize Access
  • 11  Check Your Bill
    • Your bill will be emailed to you at the beginning of each month starting in July. You are responsible for reviewing it and paying the balance owed.
  • 12  Consider a PLUS or alternative loan
    • If you need additional resources to help cover your bill consider a PLUS or alternative loans
  • 13  Request a refund
    • If your account is paid and there is extra money remaining you may request a refund of those funds by emailing .
  • 14  Read your email