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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.
Watch for Deadlines!
Who is Eligible for Aid?
Eligibility requirements for most financial programs are
listed below. You must
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Be
a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien |
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Be
enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in a degree program |
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Make
satisfactory academic progress toward a degree |
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Register
with the Selective Service Administration, if required |
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Not
be in default on a federal or institutional loan or owe a repayment on a
previous financial aid award received at GCCC or other institutions. |
Dependent vs. Independent
The U.S. government has established criteria for classifying
financial aid applicants as dependent or independent.
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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. |
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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.
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Divorce
of parents, if dependent. |
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Divorce
from your spouse. |
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Death
of a parent/spouse. |
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Loss
of employment. |
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Loss
of other income or benefits. |
Federal Verification: What happens if YOU are selected?
Each year, about 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!!!
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turn
in all documents when requested. Files are not completed without
requested documents! |
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be
sure all documents are signed. |
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be
sure your current name and social security number are on all
documents you submit and match admissions information. |
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keep
photocopies of all information you submitted. |
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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!!!
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turn
in incomplete or ineligible documents; they will be returned to you with a
second request. |
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turn
in copies of income tax forms with incomplete data. |
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panic!
Just be organized. |
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