FREE Application for Federal Student Aid

Filing the FAFSA  | FAFSA Guidelines

How to File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Individuals who are required to file a 1040 tax return SHOULD do so prior to filing FAFSA

 Procedures for filing FAFSA:

• FAFSA must be filed EACH school year. Students should file early to prevent a delay in the application process.
  
  
• Students may request an IRS transcript of their tax return by contacting the IRS at:
  
  • 1 (800) 829-1040 or by completing and faxing Form 4506-T
  • (Forms are also available in all Financial Aid Offices)
    
    
• Beginning January 2008, students may request a Personal Identification Number (PIN) within the Financial Aid Application or by clicking here Personal Identification Number (PIN) to apply for a PIN to electronically sign the application prior to submission.
  
  ***Note: Parents of dependent students must also apply for a PIN.
  
  
• File FAFSA electronically via the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov
  or
  Complete a paper FAFSA application and submit to a Financial Aid Office or mail. Contact 1 (800) 433-3243 to request up to (3) paper applications.
  
  
• Allow 2 to 3 weeks for the application process if submitted electronically and 3 to 4 weeks if mailed.  However, the application process may take as long as 4 to 6 weeks during peak application periods prior to the beginning of each term.
  
  
• Vance-Granville Community College School Code:  009903
  
  ***Note:  Applicants will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Central Processing System.  Review the provided information to ensure accuracy.  The Vance-Granville Community College Financial Aid Office will contact the applicant via mail regarding the application results and any additional required documentation.  Information from the Central Processing System DOES NOT guarantee eligibility.  The school will determine student's eligibility and send notification to the student by mail.
  
  

FAFSA Guidelines:

Federal Funds provided to students attending a four-year or two-year public or private college, university, career school or trade school with funding for:

• Tuition*
• Fees
• Books*
• Supplies*
• Living Expenses
• Transportation
  
  

***Disclaimer:  For listing tuition, books and supplies, we estimate these cost for Title IV grants.

Students must:

• Demonstrate a Financial Need
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study at a participating educational institution
• Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security Number
• If male, be registered with the Selective Service. Students requiring additional Selective Service information may access: www.sss.gov/regist.htm
• Must have one of the following:
  • High School Diploma
  • General Education Development (GED) Certificate
  • Adult High School Certificate
  • Home School Training
• Must not be in default on a Guaranteed Student Loan or have any overpayments of Title IV grants
  
  

Student Classifications:

You will be considered an independent student if you meet at least one of the following criteria:

• At least 24-years-old by December 31 of the award year
• Married
• Have LEGAL dependents other than spouse who receive more than half of their financial support from the student
  
  *Note:  Must provide documentation of sufficient source of income to be considered an independent student.  Otherwise, must provide parent's tax return information and will be considered a dependent student.
• Are an orphan or ward/dependent of court  (documentation may be requested)
• Veteran of U.S. Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty
  
  

If you do not meet any of the above criteria, you will be considered a dependent student and parent information will be required. ***This information will be required regardless of whether or not you live with your parents.