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Frequently Asked Questions
From Application to Graduation How will I pay for college?
Paying for college is perhaps one of the biggest stumbling blocks for students. However, there are many options out there to help make a college education more affordable. Kirkwood students receive all forms of federal and state financial aid, plus private Kirkwood scholarships and work study. If there is still a balance remaining to be paid after financial aid is applied, you can use our convenient FACTS payment plan. Kirkwood’s Financial Aid office Web site is very helpful in explaining the process from start to finish – you can visit it at www.kirkwood.edu/financialaid, or call the Financial Aid office at 319-398-5485.
Step 1 – Fill out the FAFSA – The first step in the process is to apply, and you should do it at the same time as you file your federal income taxes. Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal and state grants and loans, and work study. Your entire financial aid package is based on the information in the FAFSA, so this is one of the most important steps. Kirkwood’s school code is 004076. You can complete the FAFSA online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. Step 2 – Apply for scholarships – Kirkwood awards more than $1 million every year in scholarships. Go ahead and apply – you have a good chance of getting one. All it takes is a few minutes online at www.kirkwood.edu/scholarships. Step 3 – The Award Letter – Once Kirkwood receives the information from your FAFSA (and other documents that were requested), we will generate an online award package that you can access through EagleNet using your "k" identification number. This letter tells you how much financial aid you received, and how much, if any, you still owe. Remember, the financial aid package is based on full-time enrollment. If a Stafford loan is part of your award, you can request the loan on EagleNet. Step 4 – Paying your bill – Even though you qualified for some financial aid, you might have a little left over to pay. Payments are processed through the Business Services office. You can pay in person with cash, check, credit card or money order, online, or by mail. We also offer the FACTS payment plan. This is not a loan program. You have no debt, there are no interest or finance charges assessed, and there is no credit check. The cost to enroll is $25 per semester, and payments can be made via automatic account withdrawal or with a credit card. Learn more at www.kirkwood.edu/businessserv or call 319-398-5631. If you haven’t received your award notification letter one month before the first day of classes, you should plan on other payment arrangements. If you get financial aid later in the semester, your award will be paid as a refund. How do I register for classes? New students are mailed registration information inviting them to meet with an advisor so we can help them register for the right courses. Academic advisors use ACT and COMPASS test scores to determine which reading, writing and math courses you should take. After you meet with your advisor and choose your classes, you can register online using EagleNet at https://eaglenet.kirkwood.edu. Your "k" number is your user name. Our Advising and Transfer Center is a great resource for first-time and transfer students. Find them at 108 Iowa Hall, call 319-398-5540 or visit them online at www.kirkwood.edu/advising. After you receive your financial aid award letter, you can enroll and the anticipated financial aid will hold your classes. You don’t need to make a payment if your financial aid covers your tuition and fees. If your awards don’t cover your entire balance, you must pay the remaining balance before you can enroll.
What if I want to transfer to four-year school? If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college after Kirkwood, you should talk to the transfer institution first, to learn what their specific requirements are. Kirkwood maintains special transfer agreements with Iowa universities, and other four-year colleges across the state, so transferring is usually smooth, but the best bet is to be informed. Contact the Advising and Transfer Center at 108 Iowa Hall, 319-398-5540, or www.kirkwood.edu/advising, to find out everything you need to know about transferring.
I can't decide on a major - what should I do? Choosing a major is a big decision. Help is available from counselors, advisors, instructors and friends. Essentially, you need think about your interests, your talents, abilities and skills, and the lifestyle you want someday.
A variety of assessments are available to help you explore and identify your interests. Kirkwood counselors conduct career decision-making workshops that include interest and personality assessments. Call 319-398-5471 to find out more or visit www.kirkwood.edu/careerservices.
Will I get a job after I graduate? Career Services – We can take you to the next step after graduation, with job placement help, career workshops and more! See us online at www.kirkwood.edu/careerservices. Job Club – Kirkwood’s Job Club is a place where job seekers share ideas, network with others an view job listings. Students can use our computers, telephones and career-related workshops, including free job searching workshops in resume writing and critiquing, applications, correspondence writing, interviewing, mock interviewing and job searching via the Web. Call 319-398-5689 to set up an appointment.
What if I want to buy a meal plan? If you don’t want to cook, we offer lunch and evening meal plans at Sammy’s Kafe that can be added to your EagleCard.
To purchase a meal plan, contact the EagleCard office at 319-398-5542, go to www.kirkwood.edu/eaglecard, or stop by and see us in the Benton Hall C-Store.
The EagleCard is your official Kirkwood ID. You can use it all around campus – it’s your free pass to the library, computer labs, rec center, Kirkwood athletic and entertainment events, and more. And, it’s not just an ordinary ID card! The EagleCard lets you "Buy on the Fly." Simply deposit money onto the card and you can use it wherever the EagleCard is accepted. For more information, see www.kirkwood.edu/eaglecard.
I'm having trouble with my grades, what do I do? Writing Centers – Our staff will provide feedback and tips to help you be a better writer. Kirkwood also offers online writing assistance through the Center for Online Writing or call 319-398-5055. Tutoring/Learning Services – Learning Services will lend you a helping hand to meet educational and career objectives. Depending on your needs, this assistance may include classroom, individualized or computer-based instruction; academic advising; aptitude and skills assessment; or peer tutoring. For more information call 319-398-5574.
What if I get homesick and have a hard time adjusting to college life? Counseling – You can call or stop by if you need assistance and/or counseling for academic or personal concerns. Services include personal counseling, student advocacy, career and educational planning, course and curriculum information, and a resource library. You can find us at 115 Iowa Hall, by calling 319-398-5471 or visit www.kirkwood.edu/counseling.
Campus Health – Campus Health, located at 132 Iowa Hall, provides confidential health services and referrals. A registered nurse, working under standing orders of an off-site consulting physician, is available for immediate care services and to answer your health-related questions. Most Campus Health services are free. For more information call 319-398-5588 or visit www.kirkwood.edu/campushealth.
Who will help me find a place to live? A college without dorms? You bet! There isn’t a single dormitory on campus. But, there are plenty of comfortable, affordable student apartments and townhouses within walking distance. The privately-owned complexes offer one to five bedroom apartments, furnished and unfurnished, so you can find a place that fits your needs. Nearly 4,000 students have a home away from home in the Kirkwood neighborhood. See our Web site, www.kirkwood.edu/housing, for links to specific apartments and our roommate finder or call 319-398-7149 for more information.
What can I do on campus that's fun? Clubs and Organizations – There are more than 50 organized student clubs on campus. That means you can get involved, meet new friends and do something you enjoy! For more information call 319-398-5588. See a complete list at www.kirkwood.edu/students. The 43,500 square foot Michael J Gould Kirkwood Recreation Center caters to healthy, fun choices in exercise and relaxation. The recreation center is open year round, with hours that match the busy schedules of our students. Three full-size athletic courts, a 200-meter walking/jogging track, a weight room, a fitness area with dozens of modern exercise machines, and an aerobics/multi-purpose room make it easy for you to stay fit and healthy. Relax in the TV lounge, shoot a game of pool or log on to the wireless Internet. Best of all, using the recreation center is FREE. Intramurals – Intramurals are a great way to socialize and get in on the action. Join the fun! Some of our teams include:
Where's the bookstore and what are the hours? You can purchase books and supplies at the campus bookstore with approved financial aid. Bring a picture ID and your "k" number to the bookstore. The bookstore also accepts personal checks (with ID), credit cards and cash. Visit the bookstore in Benton Hall or online. Kirkwood Bookstores Iowa City Bookstore
Our libraries, located on the main campus in Benton Hall and on the Iowa City campus in 111 Credit Center, offer centers for research and study, as well as a quiet spot to read or rest between classes.
Note: Hours are limited during summer session. Call the library for more information. Find the library on the Web:www.kirkwood.edu/library |
Getting Started
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