Financial Aid

THE FAFSA AND THE FFAA APPLICATIONS ARE TWO SEPARATE FORMS THAT BOTH NEED TO BE FILLED OUT! tHE FFAA IS THE BRIGHT FUTURES APPLICATION WHICH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE FAFSA. 

SENIORS 

Fill out the FAFSA here: 

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Starting for the class of 2024, there is a new FAFSA form. Get more information here: 

https://www.road2college.com/fafsa-application-guide/?utm_content=258446931&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&hss_channel=fbp-225892960904485

Need help? Access virtual TRIO labs at 

https://www.seminolestate.edu/trio/appointments

8 steps for filling out the FAFSA 

https://blog.ed.gov/2017/09/8-steps-to-filling-out-the-fafsa-form/?sf63941654=1

The FAFSA process 

https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/fafsa-process.png?_ga=2.78356948.1767146638.1585161070-1619207481.1526064063

12 Common mistakes when filling out the FAFSA 

https://blog.ed.gov/2017/09/12-common-fafsa-mistakes-2/?sf64103863=1

Students can email studentsuccessservices@seminolestate.edu for assistance with Financial Aid (and the verification process), Registration, and Basic Advising. 

https://upliftedcf.org/cash-for-college

FAFSA HELP!

TRIO

407-708-2452

trio@seminolestate.edu

Located at SSC SLM campus Building B Room 224

Facebook.com/SSCTRIOConnections

How Do I Apply for Financial Aid?

Complete the FAFSA

Complete the CSS Profile-not required by all schools

Register for an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website The ID enables you to apply for federal financial aid, serves as a legal signature and make is easier to add or change info later. Parents and students should apply for their own FSA IDs.

You will also need the federal school code for each school you are planning to apply to. Use the Federal School Code Search tool.

Personal Data: student social security number, parents social security numbers if you are a dependent student, Student Driver’s license number, student Alien Registration number if not a US citizen.

You will need your parents previous year tax return....so if you are applying 10/1/22 for Fall 23 you will need your parents 2021 tax return

Most Frequent FAFSA errors

SS numbers

Divorced/remarried parental information

Number of members in college

Real estate and investment net worth

Income earned by parents/stepparents

Untaxed income

US Income taxes paid

Household size

What assets to include

Independent vs Dependent

Born before 1/1/98

Veteran

Active duty military

Married

Children or other dependents

Both parents deceased

Foster care past 13

Dependent/ward of the court past 13

Legal guardianship

Emancipated minor

Homeless or at risk of homelessness

Graduate student

If the answer to all is NO you’re dependent

If the answer to ANY is YES you’re independent

What happens after I file?

A summary of your application is created for your review and send to your selected schools electronically. Many schools won’t begin awarding aid until late December or January for the upcoming academic year

Special Circumstances

Can’t be documented using FAFSA

Change in employment status

Unusual medical expenses

Change in parent marital status etc

What can be done

Send written explanation and documentation to financial aid office at each college, the college will review and request additional information if necessary

Loans-

Types: Federal (subsidized and Unsubsidized, parent plus), institutional loans, private loans

Still have questions about the FAFSA or financial aid? TRIO has you covered!

Make an appointment to speak with TRIO to complete it now. https://www.seminolestate.edu/trio/appointments

HOW TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Paying for college is not always easy. College costs rise every year and many students and families need some form of financial assistance to help pay these costs. The following suggestions will help facilitate the financial aid process.

• Students should contact their high school counselor to inquire about federal, state and other sources of student financial assistance programs.

• Students should complete the Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA), available online at www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org , to be considered for State of Florida student financial aid programs, including the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program. Select State Grants, Scholarships & Applications to access this application which opens on October 1, 2018, for 2019-20 academic year funding.

• Students should contact the institution they want to attend and request a financial aid application packet. The packet will provide them with information about the financial aid programs the school offers and the forms they will need to complete.

• Some colleges will request that students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.gov  Some colleges will also require completion of other forms. Be sure to contact the college to inquire about other forms that the financial aid office may require.

• If possible, students should apply for federal financial aid beginning in October before the academic year they plan to begin college. A late application may reduce the amount of money the student ultimately receives. Some programs, however, such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Stafford Loan, are open for application throughout the year.

Important Financial Aid Contacts

• Online FAFSA Application: www.fafsa.gov 

• FAFSA Status, Aid Report and General Financial Aid Questions (Federal Student Aid Information Center): toll-free 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243); Hearing Impaired Students: 1-800-730-8913 (TDD).

• State of Florida Scholarships and Grants: www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org , State Grants, Scholarships & Applications or Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance, State Programs, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1314, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400; 1-888-827-2004.

• Student Loans: http://www.FloridaStudentFinancialAid.org/FFELP/ffelp_homepage.html or you may call the OSFA Customer Service Center at 1-800-366-3475.

FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Federal Pell Grant Program

Description: The Federal Pell Grant Program is a need-based grant provided to degree or certificate-seeking undergraduate students who have not received their first bachelor degree. It is considered as gift aid and does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to students with exceptional need.

Eligibility: Eligibility for a Pell Grant is determined by the completion of the FAFSA and calculated by federal methodology. The hours enrolled determine the payment amount.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Description: The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant provided to degree-seeking undergraduate students who have not received their first bachelor degree. It is considered as gift aid and does not have to be repaid. FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional need.

Eligibility: Eligibility for FSEOG is determined by the completion of the FAFSA.

Federal Work Study Program

Description: The Federal Work Study Program is available to undergraduate and graduate students and students seeking a second baccalaureate or professional degrees. It is considered self-help aid and does not have to be repaid. Students can be employed on-campus or by authorized off-campus employers or community service agencies.

Eligibility: Eligibility for the Federal Work Study Program is determined by the completion of the FAFSA.

https://studentloans.net/resources/

Paying For College:  https://www.floridashines.org/go-to-college/pay-for-college

Financial Aid: http://www.studentloanfunding.com http://www.fldoe.org http://www.studentaid.ed.gov http://www.fafsa.gov