1. Complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov (School Code: 031013) Priority Filing Date: May 1, 2011. 2. Submit your completed Financial Aid
Institutional Application.
3. Complete and submit all additional requirements that may include verification documents, copies of Federal Tax Forms, W2s, SSN card, etc.
4. To receive financial aid, apply for admission into a GSC degree and/or post-baccalaureate program.
5. Direct Loan Borrowers must complete additional requirements (Entrance Counseling, sign an MPN, Federal Student Loan Data Sheet, and Exit Counseling upon departure). Verification
Federal regulations require verification to be completed for some applicants and they may be selected by the U.S. Department of Education CPS or by the College. The purpose of verification is to maintain the integrity of student aid programs by verifying the information provided by students and parents on financial aid applications. If selected for verification, students are required to submit:
• Copies of all signed federal tax returns that are applicable or Non-Tax Filer Statement(s)
• Completed Dependent or Independent Verification Form
• Other Documentation as requested upon review.
Requirements for verification must be completed before aid is awarded.
53 Application Processing Timeline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Student aid is packaged when all requirements are satisfied. Financial aid application processing may take up to fourteen days after all required documents are received. Apply as early as possible to avoid delays. Verification documents must be completed prior to the last day of enrollment that is at least half-time, unless a student is Pell eligible (no later than 120 days after the last day of at least half-time status). Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Financial Need
Federal, state, and most institutional aid programs are awarded based on financial need except for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Direct Parent PLUS Loan which are categorized as non-need based aid. Financial Need is the difference between the Cost of Attendance and your Expected Family Contribution added with external Educational Resources.
Cost of Attendance (COA), also known as the student’s budget, is an estimate of educational and related expenses incurred during a period of enrollment.
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is a measure of your family’s financial strength and resources available to assist with the cost of your education which is calculated through the FAFSA.
Any anticipated Educational Resource, paid directly to you or to the College on your behalf, is your legal responsibility to report, and may affect your financial aid eligibility. Examples include, but are not limited to, Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans Administration, and employer tuition reim- bursement.
Special Circumstances
The College does recognize that a student and/or family’s true circumstances may not be accurately portrayed at the time they file their FAFSA. Special circumstances may include, but not limited to: loss of job, divorce, and medical expenses above the average allowance. A special circumstance application requires completion of the verification process, supporting documen- tation, and providing further information upon request.
Code of Conduct
The staff of the Office of Financial Aid and designated agents of the College are expected to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct and to follow this code of conduct outlined by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).
The professional shall:
1. Refrain from taking any action for his or her personal benefit.
2. Refrain from taking any action he or she believes is contrary to law, regulation, or the best interests of the students and parents he or she serves.
3. Ensure that the information he or she provides is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain. 4. Be objective in making decisions and
advising his or her institution regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid. 5. Refrain from soliciting or accepting any-
thing of other than nominal value from any entity (other than an institution of higher education or a governmental entity such as the U.S. Department of Education) involved in the making, holding, consolidating or processing of any student loans, including anything of value (including reimbursement of expenses) for serving on an advisory body or as part of a training activity of or sponsored by any such entity. 6. Disclose to his or her institution, in
such manner as his or her institution may prescribe, any involvement with or interest in any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid. Financial Aid Calendar 2011-12 This calendar applies to standard term courses. Late Start coursework and/or contract courses may affect the disburse- ment and credit balance check dates due to different published drop dates. Dates are subject to change.
Summer Term
(July 9 – September 2, 2011)
July 6, 2011– Advanced funds for qualified Pell recipients to obtain books and supplies
July 15, 2011– Last day to drop a class for tuition refund
July 18 -20, 2011– Credits verified and aid released to student accounts
July 22, 2011– SAP appeal deadline for term reentry
August 2, 2011– Checks printed and mailed for credit balances
Fall Term
(September 10 – December 9, 2011)
September 2, 2011– SAP appeal deadline for term reentry
September 7, 2011– Advanced funds for qualified Pell recipients to obtain books and supplies
September 17, 2011– Constitution Day
September 23, 2011– Last day to drop a class for tuition refund
September 26-28, 2011- Credits verified and aid released to student accounts
October 11, 2011- Checks printed and mailed for credit balances
Winter Term
(January 7 – March 30, 2012)
January 4, 2012- Advanced funds for qualified Pell recipients to obtain books and supplies
January 7, 2012– SAP appeal deadline for term reentry
January 20, 2012– Last day to drop a class for tuition refund
January 23-25, 2012- Credits verified and aid released to student accounts
February 7, 2012- Checks printed and mailed for credit balances
Spring Term
(April 7 – June 29, 2012)
April 3, 2012 - Advanced funds for qualified Pell recipients to obtain books and supplies
April 19, 2012 – SAP appeal deadline for term reentry
April 20, 2012 - Last day to drop a class for tuition refund
April 23-25, 2012 - Credits verified and aid released to student accounts
May 8, 2012 - Checks printed and mailed for credit balances
Constitution Day
September 17 is designated as Constitution Day for all schools eligible for Title IV
funding. Granite State College annually celebrates Constitution Day to promote an understanding and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution.