General Questions about Eligibility and Applying
1. I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?
Yes. Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving financial aid by failing to apply for it. In addition, there are a few sources of aid such as Unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans that are available regardless of income and assets. The FAFSA form is free.
2. Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at a particular university?
No. You can apply for financial aid after the FAFSA opens typically on October 1. However, you must be admitted before your aid eligibility can be reviewed.
3. When can I complete my FAFSA each year?
Most years the FAFSA is available October 1 for the upcoming school year. Go to www.studentaid.gov to check for the application.
4. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes, If you completed the FAFSA.
No, If you complete the GSFAPPS.
5. How do I apply for a Pell Grant and other Federal and State need-based aid programs?
Submit a FAFSA. (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
6. Are my parents responsible for my educational loans?
No. (Parents are, however, responsible for the Federal Plus loans). In general you and you alone are responsible for repaying your educational loans.
Direct loans do not require co-signers, but private loans may need a co-signer.
If your parent(s) (or guardian(s)) would like to contribute to student loan payments, students can request for billing statements to be sent to the parent/guardian's address. If the lender or loan servicer provides an electronic payment service, where the monthly payments are automatically deducted from a bank account, your parent/guardian can agree to have the payments deducted from their account. But parents/guardians not obligated to repay student loans, with the exception of Federal Plus Loans. If parent(s)/guardian(s) fail to make loan payments on a student's behalf or decide to cancel the electronic payment agreement, students will be held responsible for the payments, not the parent(s)/guardian(s).
7. I got an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?
Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from the university, government sources, or private, you must report the scholarship to the financial aid office.
If you are receiving Federal Aid (including loans), we are required to adjust your financial aid package to compensate. Nevertheless, the outside scholarship will have some beneficial effects.
8. Will I receive the same amount of financial aid every year?
Financial aid offer amounts may vary from year to year, based on changes in a family's financial circumstances and the Georgia College & State University average cost of attendance.
9. If I am planning to graduate in the Fall semester, can I get all my loans for that year in Fall semester?
No. If the students remaining period of study is shorter than the academic year, their loans must be prorated based on the number of hours the student is enrolled in for that semester.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.