Financial aid FAQs
How does the receiving of local scholarships (i.e. Booster Club, church scholarships) affect financial aid awards?
The Financial Aid Office will need to know of any outside scholarships that the student receives. Any change made to the financial aid award would depend on the financial need of the student, and whether the student is receiving any need-based aid. (i.e. grants, work-study, subsidized loan).
How often do I have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Each student is required to complete the FAFSA each academic year. You will need your 2022 income tax return information to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA and your 2023 income tax return information to complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA and so on.
If I can’t have my financial aid applications in by the “preferred filing date,” what happens?
March 15th is a priority date. The Financial Aid Office will continue to process aid beyond that date, but grant and scholarship funds are limited, and late applicants may not receive all eligible grant money, because of a lack of funding.
Should I pay a company to help me complete financial aid applications and/or search for scholarships?
No. If needing assistance with the FAFSA or scholarship applications, please contact a high school counselor or a financial aid office to help with the completion of forms, or to receive information about financial aid.
What are the advantages of filing electronically?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for Federal and State financial aid programs.
The process of filing the FAFSA through the Internet will be much quicker, as long as the information is completed and signed properly. The student and parent will each need to register for an FSA ID (Federal Student Aid Identification Number) with the Department of Education, to sign the FAFSA electronically. A signature for the student and parent (if dependent student) is required for processing.