Follow these steps to ensure that your financial aid is processed smoothly and accurately.
Use Your RIN on All Correspondence
Always include your Rensselaer Identification Number (RIN) on any communication sent to the Office of Financial Aid and promptly respond to requests for additional information.
Complete Required Financial Aid Forms
FAFSA: All students seeking federal or need-based aid must complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov. Rensselaer’s school code is 002803.
CSS Profile for New Students: New students seeking Rensselaer need-based aid must complete the CSS Profile at cssprofile.collegeboard.org using school code 2757.
Verification of FAFSA/CSS Profile Information
If awarded federal aid, you may need to verify FAFSA or CSS Profile details. The Office of Financial Aid will inform you of any documents required. Note: Rensselaer does not use the College Board IDOC service.
Manage Your Financial Aid in SIS
Through the Student Information System (SIS), you can accept, decline, or reduce loan or work-study offers. Only you may manage these decisions in SIS.
Report Outside Scholarships Promptly
Report any additional funds from external sources to the Office of Financial Aid using the Outside Scholarship Report form. Per federal regulations, outside aid must be considered when determining eligibility for federal aid, which may result in adjustments to your institutional gift awards.
Accept Federal Work-Study (FWS) Offers and Apply for Jobs
If your aid package includes an offer of Federal Work Study (FWS), you must accept or decline the offer using your SIS access and submit a Work-Study application by the appropriate deadline. If you do not accept the offer or if you do not submit a Work-Study application you cannot be considered for FWS employment.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Students receiving need-based federal aid must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined in Rensselaer’s Academic Catalog. Failure to meet SAP may result in loss of aid eligibility.
Stay Enrolled Full-Time
Full-time enrollment (at least 12 credits per semester) is assumed. If you wish to enroll part-time, consult the Advising & Learning Assistance Center (ALAC). Part-time enrollment may reduce or eliminate awards that require full-time status.
