After completing the FAFSA, will the federal government send me a check?
The federal government does not send the check directly to the student. It is sent to the school the student will attend.
Can FAFSA money be used to buy books?
The FAFSA is designed to help colleges understand your family’s financial picture and determine your eligibility for federal, state and school-sponsored financial aid. Federal student aid may cover expenses like tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation and dependent care.
Can FAFSA be denied and if so, what are some of the reasons why?
Aside from certain loans, one of the reasons to be denied financial aid is that you have not demonstrated a financial need. Once you fill out your FAFSA, the information you provide is used to calculate your EFC, or Expected Family Contribution. If your EFC is below a certain amount, then you qualify for aid. Everyone will qualify for at least the unsubsidized Stafford student loan. There are a few special circumstances that could make a student temporarily ineligible to receive federal financial aid.
Selective Service
If a student is required to register with selective service and has not done so, he might be denied financial aid. According to the Selective Service website, males age 18 to 25 are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthdays, or 30 days after. Students can register online for the Selective Service when they file for financial aid.
Drug Convictions
Students might be denied financial aid if they have been convicted under federal or state law of the sale or possession of drugs. Eligibility can be regained if the student passes two surprise drug tests by a drug rehabilitation program that meets standards established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Students are required to maintain a certain GPA in order to continue to receive financial aid. Normally, if a student falls below a 2.0 GPA, the school might put the student on Academic Probation, in which they will still receive aid, but must raise their GPA in order to continue receiving federal grants and loans. If they do not raise their GPA, the student will be denied aid for the following year.
Can I complete the FAFSA for one class?
To qualify for financial aid, you need to be enrolled at least half-time. That means 6 credits per term.
Who fills out the FAFSA, parents or students?
To complete the form, both dependent students and a parent will need: Social security numbers, federal tax returns, W-2’s and other income records, banks statements and investment records. Dependent students and their parents should fill out the FAFSA together.
Where does the FAFSA money come from?
FAFSA is the application for student aid. Depending on what you qualify for, funds will come from the federal government, the school or the state.
Is the FAFSA an interest-free loan?
The FAFSA is the application the school uses to determine what financial aid you qualify for. Federal student loans are considered financial aid and if you accept the federal student loans that are offered to you (from completing the FAFSA) you are responsible for paying the loan plus interest back. Federal loans are not interest free.
Can I add schools to my FAFSA?
Yes, wait until your FAFSA is processed and you receive an email saying your SAR is available. Log in to the FAFSA website and there will be an option to do corrections – you want the Add/Delete School Codes. Make the corrections and submit.
How does FAFSA work for studying abroad?
The amount of financial aid you get for your term abroad depends on, the amount of financial aid you qualify for at your home campus and the cost of the study abroad program.
