Frequently Asked Questions

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the basic application for all federal and state financial aid offered at any college. You may complete the application at the U.S. Department of Education's Website fafsa.gov.

• When do I apply?

  You can apply for federal student aid all year long. However, the FAFSA becomes available October 1 for the following school year. You must apply by the last day of the award year to be eligible for financial aid for the current award year.

• Do I need to apply for student financial aid every year?

  Yes, to continue receiving aid, you must reapply each year and demonstrate that you still have financial need, in other words - YOU MUST RE-QUALIFY EVERY SCHOOL YEAR. Students who filed a FAFSA last year will receive Renewal FAFSA information via mail or email from the U.S. Department of Education. Renewal students may complete a Renewal FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. Students submitting a Renewal FAFSA need to only update the information that has changed and answer any blank questions.

• How do I check my financial aid status?

  After you apply, you will receive an email in your personal email account or your university/College email from the Financial Aid Office. An email with the subject "Thank you for Applying for Financial Aid at …..", will be directing you to check your application ONLINE through your University/college financial aid portal. Simply login to your university/college portal and click on "Financial Aid Status". It is your responsibility to check the status of your financial aid application. In addition, it is your responsibility to read and understand the Eligibility & Academic Standards for financial aid.

• What is an award letter or financial aid award notification?

  An Award Letter or Award Notification informs you of your eligibility for student financial aid. It informs you of what financial aid types and dollar amounts for which you have qualified. This award letter is the college's contract with you for the academic year. IMPORTANT NOTE: The University/college reserves the right to modify your awards at any time. To view your Award Letter, check your financial aid status online.

• When will I receive my student financial aid funds?

  Your Award Notification will advise you of each type of aid you've been offered. You will find the disbursement dates for each type of aid awarded on the Important dates page. Grant and Loan funds are disbursed according to your preference selected.

• How can I get a student loan?

  Students interested in taking out a student loan must complete the Student Loan Activation process from the Financial Aid website.

• What is satisfactory academic progress?

  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA (grade point average)
  • Complete at least 67% of ALL units you attempt
  • Finish your educational objective within 150% of the maximum allowable units