Financial Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions That May Arise As You Complete the FAFSA

  1. How do I Apply for financial aid?
  2. What is PIN for financial aid?
  3. What are the benefits of filing the FAFSA on the web?
  4. When should I apply for financial aid?
  5. Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?
  6. What are the general eligibility criteria for financial aid?
  7. What is an eligible program for financial aid?
  8. How do I select an eligible program for financial aid?
  9. I am considering going to school part-time. Am I eligible for financial aid if I am enrolled at half-time status?
  10. If I live with an aunt, uncle or grandparent, should that relative’s income be reported instead of parental information?
  11. What if I live with a girlfriend or boyfriend who pays the rent?
  12. What is the difference between cash support and in-kind support?
  13. I am now a citizen but I still have my Alien Registration number. How should I respond on the FAFSA?
  14. I am going to get married this summer. How do I answer the question that asks if I’m married?
  15. If I am an emancipated minor, am I considered independent on the financial aid form?
  16. My parents are divorced. Whose information do I need for the FAFSA?
  17. I don’t get along with my parents and live with friends. I pay my own rent and other bills. Can I apply without my parents income?
  18. If I am in the National Guard or am an active duty military member, am I considered a veteran for purposes of completing the FAFSA?
  19. My mother and stepfather are completing the FAFSA. Should I provide my father’s or stepfather’s information (SSN and income info) on the FAFSA?
  20. I am an independent student. I am separated but filed a joint tax return. How should income information be reported?
  21. Who qualifies to be counted in the number in college?
  22. I am not sure if I want to accept a work-study position. What should I enter for this question on the FAFSA?

What Happens or May Be Requested After Submitting the FAFSA

  1. What will I receive after submitting the FAFSA?
  2. I don’t get along with my parents and live with friends. I pay my own rent and own bills. Can I apply without my parent’s income?
  3. What if I had an unusual circumstance that prevented me from meeting the College’s standards for satisfactory academic progress for financial aid?
  4. I received “F” and “W” grades this semester. Will this effect my financial aid eligibility?

Financial Aid Disbursements

  1. When will I receive my financial aid money?
  2. Will financial aid HOLD my course enrollments?
  3. What happens if I want to DROP a course before the last day to add/drop?
  4. What happens if I withdraw from ALL of my courses?
  5. What happens if I never attend some of my courses?
  6. Is financial aid available to pay for my books at the bookstore?
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