Student Aid is available to those who qualify. To qualify for Federal Student Aid you must:
- Submit a complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Have a valid social security number
- Have earned a high school diploma, or GED, or pass an Ability to Benefit Test (ATB), or have completed 6 units that count toward your degree/certificate
- Register with Selective Service if applicable (males between the ages of 18-26)
- Enroll in an eligible degree or certificate program
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Not have defaulted on a prior Federal Student Loan or owe a refund on a Federal Student Grant
Application and Awarding Process
After you submit your FAFSA, it will be processed by the U.S. Department of Education and sent to SJCC electronically. Once the Financial Aid Office (FAO) receives your information (usually about 2 weeks processing time) the following will occur:
- FAO will send you an e-mail requesting documents to complete your file.
- Eligibility for the BOGFW is immediately; if you qualify, BOGFW will be posted
- FAO will review your file and documents
- Additional documents may be requested by FAO
- Your financial need and eligibility for various types of aid will be determined.
- Award information will be posted on MyWeb. The amounts stated reflect your eligibility at full-time enrollment.
- If you register less than full-time, your aid will be adjusted to reflect your enrollment status.
- Financial Aid funds will be disbursed starting the week before classes begin each semester. If your file is completed and awarded after that, your check will be disbursed 2-3 weeks after your file is complete.
Timelines/Deadlines
The FAFSA is valid for one academic year. You must renew the FAFSA each academic year you wish to apply for and receive aid:
- The FAFSA is valid from July 1 through June 30 each year. This means that the FAFSA is valid for Summer, Fall, Spring and Summer in that order:
- Example: the 2011-2012 FAFSA is valid from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012
- This FAFSA is valid Summer 2011, Fall 2011, Spring 2012 and Summer 2012
- You may submit a FAFSA starting on January 1 each year, which will take effect the following academic year:
- Example: starting January 1, 2011 you may submit the 2011-2012 FAFSA
- For 2011-2012, you may submit the FAFSA as late as June 30, 2012.
Other types of aid have various eligibility criteria, deadlines and timelines for application and award. Please contact FAO for more information.