What is an award letter?
The award letter lists the types of financial aid you are eligible to receive based on the number of credits for which you enroll.

Do I have to return the award letter to you to receive the money?
No, the award letter is for your information only. However, if loan eligibility is listed on the award letter and you choose to take out a student loan, you need to complete the online loan entrance counseling and promissory note in order to receive the loan. If Work Study eligibility is listed on the award letter, you need to interview for a position. Being eligible for Work Study does not guarantee you a Work Study position.

I don't really understand what my award letter says. Can you explain it to me?
The first page of the award letter is an instructional page. It explains some of the policies, along with information regarding charging your books and applying for loans. The second page explains the actual types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible to receive. The far left column is a list of the names of the financial aid programs you qualify for. You can receive detailed information on these programs at http://www.lsc.edu/financialaid/typesofaid.cfm Next is listed the semesters we believe you will be attending. If we believe you are attending only fall semester, you will see only fall semester awards listed. If we believe you are attending only spring semester, you will see only spring semester listed. If we believe you are attending both fall and spring semesters, both terms will be listed. Under each semester is listed 12-18 credits (full time), 9-11 credits (3/4 time), 6-8 credits (half time), and 1-5 credits (less than half time). Look under the column based on your attendance, and you will see your financial aid eligibility at that credit level. The amount listed under Minnesota Grant can be misleading; it is based on the maximum number of credits in the column. Minnesota Grant is a different amount at each credit level. Check the grid at the bottom of the award letter. Look under the number of credits you are taking, and you will see the Minnesota Grant amount you are entitled to.

Now that I've received my award letter, is there anything else I have to do?
Grant funds are automatically placed on your account after the drop-add period of each term. If you are interested in borrowing a student loan, you must complete an online promissory note. You can do that at http://www.lsc.edu/financialaid/applyloanonline.cfm. If you have Work Study eligibility listed on your award letter and you are interested in applying for a Work Study position, the positions and interview instructions are listed at http://www.lsc.edu/financialaid/wkstuintro.cfm.