To be considered for financial aid, students must generally meet the following minimum requirements:
- -Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
-Demonstrate "financial need" as determined through the FAFSA application.
-Be enrolled in an AA or AS degree, certificate, or transfer degree program.
-Have a high school diploma or equivalent, or pass an "Ability-to-Benefit" test prior to receipt of Federal funds.
-Be registered with Selective Service, if applicable (males born after 12/31/1959).
-Have a valid Social Security Number.
-Not be in default on any loan such as Federal Perkins Loans or Federal Family Educational Loans (FFEL).
-Not owe a repayment on a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Grant (FSEOG) or State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG).
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Most financial aid is awarded based on your financial need, which is also known as your financial eligibility. Federal Student Aid uses the data on your FAFSA to calculate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is an indicator of your (and your family's) financial ability to pay for college.
Financial Aid Determination Formula:
Cost of Education
tuition and fees
books and supplies
room and board
personal and travel
dependent care
minus Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Parents' Contribution
Student's Contribution
equals Financial Aid Need
Special Circumstances for Families
The income information provided on the FAFSA is for the previous calendar year. What if a family's income changes because of a loss of employment, an accident, or an illness? There may be a loss of benefits such as child support or social security. There could be a death, a divorce, or a disability that changes the family's ability to pay for college.
A 2009-2010 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) must be on file before a special circumstance is considered. You can pick up a Special Circumstance Petition from the Financial Aid Office.
