Paying for Purdue: Fall 2011 Top Ten Tips for Parents

1. Though financial aid information is sent to students via their ‘purdue.edu’ email address, we also send general emails to parents utilizing the email address supplied on the FAFSA application. Parents can utilize our email inquiry service.
   
   
2. Parents can receive news updates by “Liking” us on Facebook , visiting our website, or following us on Twitter. 
   
   
3. Fall bills are due on the first day of class—August 22, 2011.  E-bills are sent to students but parents can receive a copy of the e-bill by having their student add them as authorized users.  Authorized users have access to the billing statements and have the ability to make payments online.
   
   
4. Parents should encourage students to set up direct deposit to receive refunds of excess financial aid faster.  Refunds of excess financial aid will be disbursed to students beginning the week of August 15, 2011 as long as all requirements are met. 
   
   
5. Banking questions are common at the start of the semester. Parents should discuss money matters with students and can view check-cashing and ATM information in the “Facilities” section of the Purdue Residences website. 
   
   
6. Budgeting skills are timely topics to review with college students before the semester starts.  For helpful lessons and resources on budgeting and similar topics, parents can review CashCourse or 360 Degrees Of Financial Literacy.
   
7. Parents can help research Purdue and private scholarship opportunities. Purdue scholarships are described at www.purdue.edu/dfa/sandg/schoolaward.php. Begin the private scholarship search process at www.purdue.edu/dfa/sandg/private.php. 
   
   
8. Parents can coach students on the purchase of textbooks.  Students may access required and recommended textbook information through the Academic tab on myPurdue, find tips for reducing textbook costs on CashCourse, and utilize the Office of the Registrar’s textbook cost-comparison links.
   
   
9. Student employment can help in covering educational expenses and provide students valuable job skills. Parents can encourage the student employment search process via our job search feature. In addition, professional internships may be an option for students down the road; see the Center for Career Opportunities Career Coaching Tips for Parents.
   
   
10. Parents can visit the financial aid office on specific weekend dates in August; view our extended hours for the start of the fall semester.   

Paying for Purdue