CSCC Financial Aid: Federal Financial Aid ...Am I eligible?

Financial Aid: Federal Financial Aid ... Am I eligible?

Most people are eligible for federal student aid if they:

Are a high school graduate, possess a GED or meet the Ability to Benefit (see below) requirements.
Are enrolled in an approved program of study. Are a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen.
Males must comply with current Selective Service requirements
Are not in default on any student loans or owe a refund on any Title IV program

I don’t have a high school diploma (Ability to Benefit)

Students who do not possess a high school diploma or GED may receive federal financial aid if they can reach minimum scores in three areas on the COMPASS test.

Reading = 62
Writing Skills = 32
Pre-algebra/Numerical Skills = 25

Do I include my parents’ income on the FAFSA?

To be considered an independent student for the 2009-2010 school year, you must answer yes to at least one of the following. If you cannot answer yes to one of these questions, you are considered a dependent student and must include your parent(s) income on your FAFSA.

Born before Jan. 1, 1986.
Be a veteran
Be married
Be an orphan or ward of the court (since age 13)
Be an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence
Have been in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence
Have a legal dependent other than a spouse.
Have dependents who live with you for whom you provide more than half their support
Working on a degree beyond a bachelor’s degree.

NOTE: For 2009-2010, students who have been homeless and/or at risk of being homeless may be eligible to file as an independent student. Please review the information at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine if you qualify.

Drug convictions

The U.S. Department of Education requires students to report any drug convictions on Question No. 23 of the FAFSA. It is important you read the instructions carefully on Question No. 23. If you have concerns or questions on how to answer that question, contact the FAFSA Processor at 1-800-4-FEDAID. The financial aid office cannot make changes to this question; you must go through the FAFSA Processor.

Don't forget to put your FAFSA in on time. And visit our Quarter Schedules page for other important dates and deadlines.

Back to the Financial Aid Homepage