What
Is FAFSA?
FAFSA is the
acronym for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.”
It is a free application provided by the federal government that
can qualify you for government-funded scholarships and grants.
To apply for
this federal and state financial aid, you will need to complete
the FAFSA application. Whether you apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov
or on paper, it’s FREE! However, it is strongly recommended
that students apply on-line, as it is the "fastest and easiest
way to apply for aid!"
Who
is eligible to receive Federal Student Aid?
To
be eligible to receive federal student aid, you must meet certain
requirements. You must:
*
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
*
Have a valid Social Security number
* Have a high school diploma or a GED
* Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at a college
Do
I have to fill out a FAFSA every year?
Yes. Applications
are available starting January 1st, both paper and electronic
applications.
What
is the difference between submitting an electronic FAFSA versus
a paper FAFSA?
An electronic
FAFSA is processed in two (2) to three (3) weeks, while the paper
FAFSA takes four (4) to six (6) weeks to process.
How
is the FAFSA used to determine my financial aid need?
The federal
government uses data provided on the FAFSA to calculate a student’s
Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office calculates
a student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes tuition,
living expenses, miscellaneous fees, books, etc.
COA minus
EFC equals a student’s financial need, which we then try
to meet with federal grants, state grants, academic or talent
scholarships, institutional grants, federal work study, and various
loans.
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