Once you've determined how much financial aid you will receive to fund your education, there are a few easy things you need to do in order to make sure you don't lose your aid. Check out this list of ways to keep your aid package.

Keys to Keeping Your Financial Aid

• Meet Deadlines. File all required paperwork and forms by the deadlines specified by your school. Make sure to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
• Educate Yourself. When you accept a financial aid package, read the information they give you, and keep it with other important documents in case you need to read it again.
• Keep in Touch. Financial aid requirements and rules can change, affecting your aid even if you already signed a contract or award letter. Your financial aid office or lender should send you a letter or email whenever they make any changes, but check in with them periodically.
• Talk to the Experts. Your school financial aid office has specialists who are ready to help. Call or email them whenever you have questions about your loan, grant, or scholarship.
• Income Change. Your income may influence the aid package you are offered in the future. If you change careers or lose your job, your income change may alter the financial aid for which you're eligible.
• GPA Change. Some grants and scholarships require that you maintain good grades in all of your classes. If your grade point average (GPA) drops below a certain level, you may lose some of your financial aid.
• Enrollment Status Change. If your student status changes from full time to part time or less than half time, it may affect the amount of aid you receive, you may lose an award that requires a specific enrollment status, or you may have to repay some of your aid.

The most important trick to keeping your financial aid is staying informed. Knowing the details of deadlines as well as GPA, income, and student status minimums can help you keep your finances in order as you complete your education online.