Financial Aid FAQs
A new FAFSA application must be completed every year.
Your financial aid does not transfer from one institution to another.
You must apply at each institution where you want to receive financial aid using the appropriate Federal School Code.
All financial aid programs, except for Pell Grant, require a minimum enrollment of at least six (6) credit hours within each session.
(Pell Grant amounts are established by federal guidelines; therefore, awards will be based on the number of hours for which a student registers.)
Award amounts increase depending on the number of hours for which a student enrolls. Enrollment status will be determined according to the following:
6-8 sem. hrs. = Half-Time
9-11 sem. hrs. = 3/4 Time
12 or more sem. hrs. = Full-Time
The process of determining a student's eligibility for federal aid is basically the same for all applicants, but there is some flexibility. If you have special circumstances that can be documented, adjustments can be made that may result in more financial aid for you.
Any unusual school expenses or any changes in your personal situation that are affecting your finances may be considered "special circumstances."
Examples include:
- Unusual medical expenses.
- Reduction in earnings. For example, you (or your parent) may have lost a job and will not have as much income in 2014 as you did in 2013.
- Death of a spouse or parent
- You or parents have separated or divorced since you applied for aid.
- Disability of a spouse, parent, or the student.
- One-time income: for example, you may have had a lump sum retirement distribution in 2013 that you won't get in 2014.
- Other examples include inheritance, moving expense allowance, or back-year social security payments.
Contact the Financial Aid office for further information and required paperwork.