Applying for Financial Aid

  • How do I apply for financial aid?

    To determine what you might be eligible to receive, you must first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Once you complete the FAFSA, the federal processor will review your application, and you will then be notified if you qualify for financial aid.
  • Does it cost to apply for financial aid?

    It does not cost anything to apply for financial aid. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid – known as the FAFSA – at www.fafsa.gov If you do not have internet access at home, you may be able to access the Internet on a campus computer or at a local library. Finally, if you have any questions about the FAFSA or the financial aid process, representatives from the Financial Aid Office are available to help you, free of charge. Beware of scams that charge for financial aid!
  • When should I apply for financial aid?

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available every year on January 1st. You should apply early even if you are not planning to start school until the summer or fall. This way you can figure out how you are going to pay for school before it begins. The latest date a student can apply for financial aid is June 30th of the following year. For example, June 30th, 2013 for academic year 2012-2013. However, a student must have a valid Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) received by the institution prior to the last day of enrollment at that campus to be considered for payment. The ISIR is generated and sent to any institution whose federal school code is listed on the FAFSA by the student at the time of application. The FAFSA can be found online at: www.fafsa.gov Please make sure to also check with your school and/or state for their deadlines which may apply to school or state funding programs.
  • When should I fill out a FAFSA?

    The new FAFSA becomes available on January 1st of each year. It is generally advised that you complete the FAFSA as early as possible. But be sure to take your time to avoid making any errors. If you or your parents have not yet filed taxes for the year, you can estimate your earnings based on your previous year's earnings. By completing the FAFSA early, you will have the greatest access to financial aid funds. There is an additional federal resource - called the FAFSA4caster – that you can use prior to January 1st to estimate your financial aid eligibility. It can be found on the FAFSA website. This is a great tool for seniors in high school who are looking at different colleges.
  • Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?

    Yes, you must apply for financial aid each year. You can apply online at www.fafsa.gov. The online FAFSA application is easy to complete. The computer program will walk you through all the questions you need to answer. Best of all it won’t cost you anything to apply. To complete your application, you will need a pin number to electronically sign your FAFSA. This is to ensure your privacy and security. You can obtain your pin at www.pin.ed.gov. Finally you should know that the FAFSA is available every year beginning January 1st. You are encouraged to apply early.
  • Do I have to wait for admission before applying for financial aid?

    No, you do not have to be admitted in order to apply for financial aid. However, you do have to be admitted and registered to receive financial aid.
  • How do I know if I will qualify for financial aid?

    How do I know if I will qualify for financial aid? You should complete the FAFSA even if you think you may not qualify for federal financial aid. You never know what you might receive. The FAFSA is the key to unlocking financial aid in the form of grants, work-study, and loans. In order to be considered eligible for these programs, you must meet the following eligibility requirements: You must have a high school diploma, a General Education Development (or equivalency), or have completed secondary school in a home school setting . Note: Beginning July 1st, 2012 effective for the 2012/2013 academic year, the "Ability to Benefit" test will no longer be an option for eligibility for new students; you must have either a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) ), or have completed secondary school in a home school setting. You must be enrolled in an eligible program leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer to a university. You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. You must submit all required forms and documents requested by the Financial Aid Office. You must meet and maintain satisfactory academic progress requirements for financial aid. You must have financial need (except in the case of unsubsidized loans), as demonstrated by a completed FAFSA and financial aid office review. You must be in compliance with the Selective Service if you are a male. For males between 18 and 25 years of age, you must be registered. You do not owe a refund or repayment on a federal grant. You cannot be in default on a federal educational loan. You must have a valid Social Security number. If you are a dependent student, your parent is not required to have a valid Social Security Number. You have not been convicted of possession or selling illegal drugs while enrolled and receiving financial aid. If you meet all of these criteria, we encourage you to fill out the FAFSA. There are a tremendous number of federal resources available, and the FAFSA is the key to unlocking these funds!
  • I do not think I will qualify. Should I still apply?

    I do not think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I still apply? Yes, you should apply. Do not assume that you will not qualify for financial aid. Every year, many students who otherwise would have received financial aid, fail to apply. The Free Application For Federal Student Aid, known as the FAFSA, can be found online at www.fafsa.gov. It is free to apply. Complete this application even if you think you will not qualify for aid. It is worth the time. If you do not have internet access at home, you may be able to access a computer with internet access on campus or at a local library.