Commonly Asked Questions
Financial Aid

Learning the financial aid process can be overwhelming. In an effort to assist you, we have provided the most frequently asked questions about financial aid:

Q. Can I receive financial aid if I go to school part-time?
A. Most types of financial aid are available to eligible students who attend school on at least a half-time basis.

Q. I want to attend a school but I am afraid the costs will be too expensive. What can I do?
A. Don't rule out a school until you receive an award letter. Many times expensive schools have more financial aid available to offer their students.

Q. What should I do if the information I submit on my FAFSA changes?
A. You do not need to submit another FAFSA. It's a good idea to check your financial aid office for instructions on changing the reported information on your Student Aid Report (SAR).

Q. How can I increase my chances of getting more financial aid?
A. Be sure to apply by the priority deadline. Check with your school's financial aid office for the deadline date that will give you the best chance of getting your fair share of the financial aid available. Most financial aid programs have a limited amount of money therefore, the funds go to those who apply early.

Q. Is there a restriction on how I use my financial aid?
A. Yes. Financial aid must be used for education-related expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board (on or off campus), books and personal expenses.

Q. Can I apply for financial aid before I've been admitted to a school?
A. Yes. Your application for federal student aid and for college admission should be completed around the same time. However, you must actually enroll in school before you receive any financial aid. If you wait until after you have been accepted, you will miss financial aid deadlines and may not receive the financial aid for which you may be eligible.

Q. I have not lived at home for a while and my parents do not provide any financial support. Am I considered an independent student?
A. If you can answer yes to one of the following questions, you fit the federal government's criteria for determining independent student status for financial aid.

• Are you at least 24 years old?
• Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
  
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?


• Are you a graduate or professional student?


• Are you married?


• Are you an orphan or ward of the court?


• Do you have legal dependents other than a spouse?

Q. More than one person in my family will be attending college, should we both apply for financial aid?
A. Yes. Each student is required to submit his/her own application for financial aid. Your chances of receiving financial aid are greater if two or more members of the same family are enrolled in college.

Q. What is the maximum income a family can have and still qualify for financial aid?
A. A family's income is only one factor taken into account when determining a student's eligibility for financial aid. Other factors include number of family members, age of the oldest parent and what type of assets a family has.

Q. What if my family's current financial situation has changed drastically and the information requested on the FAFSA does not truly reflect our current financial situation?
A. You should contact the financial aid office and explain your situation. Be sure to detail the financial difficulty and include any supporting documentation.

Q. Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
A. Yes, since a family's financial circumstances can change from year to year.

Q. My parents are divorced or separated and I am a dependent student. Which parent should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
A. The parent you lived with for the longest period of time during the previous 12 months is the parent who should complete the FAFSA.

Q. Which year's income is considered to determine how much my family must contribute toward my educational expenses?
A. Tax information from the prior calendar year is considered. For example, if you are going to college during the 2007-2008 school year, income from 2006 will be considered.