General Questions

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 need. The FAFSA form is free.

Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change. To continue receiving financial aid you must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum grade point average.

 

I received an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the Financial Aid Office?
Yes. If you are receiving any kind of financial aid from external sources, you must report the funds to the Financial Aid Office.

 

Are Federal Work Study earnings taxable?
The money you earn from Federal Work Study is subject to federal and state income tax. The earnings are exempt from FICA taxes provided you are enrolled full-time and work less than half-time.

 

Can I charge my books if I am eligible for grants?
If you have been awarded a Pell Grant, SEOG, IIA, scholarship, or TRIO SSS grant and there is enough left after paying tuition and fees, you may use the award to pay for your books. You must wait 24 hours after any enrollment changes to charge your books. Inform the salespersons at the bookstore that you have grants and they will charge your books against your award.

If your parents live separately or are divorced at the time you submit the FAFSA, you need to report the income and assets of the parent with whom you lived the majority of time over the previous twelve months and who provided the most financial support.  Even if your parents file a joint tax return, you will report only the portion of income and other resources of the parent who provided the most support. If a joint tax form is filed, the Adjusted Gross Income and Income Tax Paid will need to be recalculated. You or your parent/stepparent may contact our office for further clarification.

 

Stepparents: The Department of Education has determined that parents and students have the primary responsibility for meeting a student´s post-secondary educational costs. When a parent with whom the child is living remarries, the stepparent becomes a family member. Consequently, the stepparent´s resources will be considered when determining the family´s ability to cover the college expenses.

Timing Issues

 

How long will it take to find out if I qualify?
It can take up to four weeks to process your FAFSA. Processing at the College is approximately another two weeks once all signed and completed documents are received.

 

What happens if I apply late?
You are responsible to pay your tuition by the date specified. If your financial aid is not finalized by the date tuition is due, you must pay or go on the FACTS Deferred Payment Plan.

 

When will I get my refund check?
Pell, IIA, SEOG, loans, or scholarship funds remaining after tuition, fees, and books are paid will be given to a student after the fourth week of the term, AFTER class attendance is verified. Students may not be paid for any courses they have never attended.

 

Can I apply for aid even after I have paid tuition and fees?
Yes! If you are found to be eligible for financial aid, you will be issued a check for your eligible amount.

 

When can I apply for a loan?
CSC requires that a student earns 12 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA before s/he is eligible to apply for a loan. In addition, a student must apply for financial aid and have received his/her award notification before a loan request can be processed.

 

Financial Aid Acronyms

 

CPS Central Processing System
CSC Carl Sandburg College
EFC Expected Family Contribution
DOE Department of Education
FAA Financial Aid Administrator
FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid
FAD Financial Aid Dismissal
FAO Financial Aid Office
FAP Financial Aid Probation
FDSL Federal Direct Student Loan
FFELP Federal Family Education Loan Program
FSEOG Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
FWS Federal Work Study
GPA Grade Point Average
I Incomplete
IF Institutional Form
IIA Illinois Incentive for Access
ING Illinois National Guard
IVG Illinois Veterans Grant
IRS Internal Revenue Service
ISAC Illinois Student Assistance Commission
ISIR Institutional Student Information Report
JTPA Job Training Partnership Act (now WIA)
MAP Monetary Award Program
PIN Personal Identification Number
PLUS Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
SAP Satisfactory Academic Progress
SAR Student Aid Report
SSS Student Support Services
TANF Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
VA Veterans Administration
WIA Workforce Investment Act