Financial Aid
Completing the FAFSA
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov
  • The application is processed by the Department of Education two ways—online with Pin or online without Pin by printing a signature page. Online with a pin should take 3-5 days to process. Online without a pin, should take 5-7 days

Student Aid Report
  • Student receives a Student Aid Report, by mail or by e-mail if the e-mail address is provided
  • Schools that the student listed on FAFSA will receive an Institutional Student Information Record
  • School receives the Institutional Student Information Record and determines which additional documents are needed from the student and/or parents
  • Student Aid Report indicates students and/or parents ability to assist with payment of educational cost. This numerical value is called the EFC (Expected Family contribution)

Missing Documents
  • Student is mailed missing information letter indicating what the student needs to submit
  • If the student is not eligible for any grants, they are notified to check with the Financial Aid Counselor for other opportunities that are available
  • If the student is not selected for verification they will need to submit the Authorization Form and any other items requested to complete the Financial Aid process
  • Verification-Some students that apply for financial aid are selected for a process called verification. Documents requested from the student may include Dependent Verification Worksheet 2011-2012 or Independent Verification Worksheet 2011-2012, w-2s, and tax returns-including schedules
  • After verification is performed a correction may be necessary. (The corrected information is transmitted electronically to the Department of Education) and once the Financial Aid Office receives the correction back, the student can be awarded if all necessary documents are received
  • Students must submit the missing documents before any financial aid can be awarded to them

Awarding
  • Students are mailed an award letter which indicates the amount of financial aid they are eligible to receive (Pell, NC Community College Grant, Education Lottery Grant)
  • Unless noted, the award letter is based on Full Time Enrollment-12 hours or more. Additional paperwork regarding Financial Aid policies will be included
  • Students are able to charge their books and supplies to the bookstore during the dates scheduled for that term. The schedule is mailed with the award letter