Who Should Apply

The only way to tell if you are eligible for aid is to apply. Many factors are taken into account when awarding aid, and everyone who needs financial assistance to attend college should apply.

Who is Eligible for Aid?

• Eligibility requirements for most financial programs are listed below. You must
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree program
• Make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree
• Register with the Selective Service Administration, if required
• Not be in default on a federal or institutional loan or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award received at GCSC or other institutions.

Dependent vs. Independent

The U.S. government has established criteria for classifying financial aid applicants as dependent or independent.

• If you check YES to any item in Step Three on the FAFSA, you are considered independent for financial aid purposes. Your need is evaluated on your own and (if applicable) your spouse's income and assets.
• If you are classified dependent, your parents' assets and income AND your own are considered when determining your need.

Changes in Family Circumstances

If any of the following circumstances apply to you/your family, check with your financial aid office immediately to see if this might affect your financial aid application.

• Divorce of parents, if dependent.
• Divorce from your spouse.
• Death of a parent/spouse.
• Loss of employment.
• Loss of other income or benefits.

Federal Verification: What happens if YOU are selected?

Each year, over 30 percent of students' financial aid applications nationwide are chosen for "verification," a process of confirming data supplied by the applicant and/or parents. If your application is selected for verification, you will receive a letter from us explaining what documents to provide. Do not submit documents unless we request that you do so. If your application is selected, aid funds cannot be disbursed to you until you have submitted all requested documents and the accuracy of your information has been checked.

Do
Meet the Deadlines!!!

• Do turn in all documents when requested. Files are not completed without requested documents!
• Do be sure all documents are signed.
• Do be sure your current name and social security number are on all documents you submit and match admissions information.
• Do keep photocopies of all information you submitted.
• REMEMBER! Student/Parents who are required to file a federal income tax return MUST file prior to receiving Financial Aid.

Don't
Miss the Deadlines!!!

• Don't turn in incomplete or ineligible documents; they will be returned to you with a second request.
• Don't turn in copies of income tax forms with incomplete data.
• Don't panic! Just be organized.

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