STUDENT FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION TIPS

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is funding that will help you and your family meet college expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, etc. The basic sources of aid are grants, scholarships and employment.

You and your parents (if you are dependent) are still considered the primary source of funding for these costs. Financial aid is intended to fill the gaps where you and your parents might fall short in paying for your education.

Follow these steps to apply for financial aid at ACC:

SUBMIT the FAFSA:

All students who wish to be considered for federal and state financial aid and need-based scholarships must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). We strongly encourage you to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is easier and quicker than mailing your application in to the federal processor. However, if you want the paper form, the FAFSA is available from the ACC's Financial Aid office. Students who submitted a FAFSA for the current year should receive a Renewal FAFSA directly from the federal government to be used to reapply for aid for the upcoming year. The FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA should be completed (on paper or via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov) as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming academic year. ACC's priority filing date for the federal processing center to receive your FAFSA is MARCH 15. Students whose FAFSA's are received by the priority filing date are given first consideration for some federal and state financial aid programs that have limited funds.

ACC's school code for the FAFSA is 005463.

Priority Date to file the FAFSA: March 15

Retain the printout of your confirmation page after submitting your FAFSA online. This is your proof that you applied. Remember to mail your signature page immediately after submitting your FAFSA online (if you don't have a PIN). Save to your computer a copy of the FAFSA submitted online or retain a copy of the paper FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA for your file. Also, be sure to retain copies of your/your parent(s)'s tax returns in case they are requested later. (Do not send tax returns or other documentation with your FAFSA).

WATCH THE MAIL: Within approximately two weeks after submitting your FAFSA online (or four weeks after mailing the paper FAFSA), you should receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) indicating that your FAFSA has been processed and sent to the institutions you designated. Check the SAR for accuracy, and make sure that ACC is listed as a recipient of your information. If ACC is listed as a recipient of your data, that information should be transmitted electronically to the institution for review.

SUBMIT all requested paperwork. Upon receipt of your electronic FAFSA data from the federal processing center, we will mail you a letter requesting documents needed to complete your file. SUBMIT all requested documentation promptly. You may be asked to submit copies of tax returns or other documentation to complete your financial aid application. Respond promptly to these requests (and any follow-up requests) to assure timely processing of your application.

FALL DOCUMENTS PRIORITY DEADLINE: June 1

SPRING DOCUMENTS PRIORITY DEADLINE: November 1

AWARD NOTIFICATIONS: Financial aid award packages are mailed to those students whose files are complete by the priority date (June 1) as soon after June 1 as possible. By meeting the priority deadline, you are assured that your request for aid will be processed before the tuition payment deadline for the upcoming semester.

AWARD CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Be sure to read the materials accompanying your award letter for conditions attached to your award.

FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENT: Financial aid is awarded by the Financial Aid office, but is disbursed by the ACC Business Office. Aid awards made for the academic year are usually disbursed in two installments; one each semester, assuming you are registered for the number of hours on which your financial aid award was based. If your award is made after the semester has begun, you will be notified by mail to let you know when your funds will be ready for you.

SUMMER SCHOOL FINANCIAL AID: You will have some Pell funds remaining if you have attended less than full time during the fall or spring semester. You can expect to receive notification of remaining funds in April. In the event you have used all of your funds but still have need for the summer semester, you may apply for a part-time scholarship. These are awarded as available.

The ACC Financial Aid Office is located in Room G118, on the bottom level of the Gee Building.

If you have any questions, please stop by and see us or call us at 506-4109.