FAQs

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available on January 1 of every year for the following academic year. It may be completed for that academic year until June 30 of the following year, or until the applicant's last date of attendance for that academic year. For example, the 2005-2006 FAFSA was available on January 1, 2005 and will be accepted for processing until June 30, 2006, or the last date of attendance for the 2005-2006 academic year. There are other dates of importance, such as priority consideration dates and grant day deadlines. Please see Eligibility Requirements and Financial Aid Programs for further information.

2. Why am I required to include my parents? income information on my financial aid application if I don't live with them?

Students are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA if they cannot answer yes to at least one question in Step Three of the FAFSA, regardless of if they live with their parent or not. Students who are unable to attain parent information due to extenuating circumstances have the option to request a Dependency Override, approved by the Director. If you believe you qualify for a Dependency Override, contact the Financial Aid Office.

3. How do you calculate the amount I am eligible for?

An applicant's financial need is determined using a federally-approved calculation.

4. How do I know when I will receive my next financial aid payment?

Payment dates vary by type of award, the date your financial aid file is completed, and when your classes begin. For further clarification, please refer to your Award Letter or contact the Financial Aid Office.

5. How do I know what amount my next financial aid payment will be?

Payment amounts vary by type of award and enrollment status. Please refer to Eligibility Requirements and Financial Aid Programs for further information.

6. What happens after I submit my financial aid application?

Once you have submitted the FAFSA, it is processed by the Federal Student Aid Central Processing System. You will receive in the mail (or by e-mail if you provided an e-mail address) a Student Aid Report (SAR) in 2-4 weeks. Within 1-3 weeks from receiving your SAR, you will receive a Missing Information Letter from the Financial Aid Office to verify that your application information was received and inform you of any other documents needed to complete your file. Once you have submitted the requested documents, a Financial Aid Assistant will review the information, make any necessary corrections, and complete your Financial Aid file. Once your file is completed (corrections can take 1-2 weeks), you will receive in the mail an official Award Letter. Your Award Letter verifies the award type, amount, and dates of payments.

7. How do I apply for a Direct Loan?

To apply for a Direct Loan, you must first meet the eligibility requirements. Students who are eligible and interested in taking out a Direct Loan must then sign-up in person at the Financial Aid Office to attend an Entrance Counseling Workshop. When signing up, you will receive information on what amount you are eligible for, the date and time of the next workshop, and what you must do before the workshop. After your eligibility has been determined and you have completed Entrance Counseling, the loan will be disbursed on the following grant date.

8. What can I do if my current income is less than what was reported on my financial aid application?

If your income changes significantly during an academic year due to extreme circumstances (such as death, loss of employment/benefits, or separation/divorce, for example) you may request a Special Circumstance. Applying for Special Circumstance requires the applicant to submit documentation to the Financial Aid Office that will support the claim of a significant decrease in income. These documents are then reviewed by a Financial Aid Assistant who determines corrections to the income and recalculates eligibility. You may obtain a Special Circumstance Request under Printable Forms, or by calling or visiting the Financial Aid Office.

9. What is "verification"? Why am I selected?

Verification is the process by which the Financial Aid Office collects documents to verify that the income and family information reported on the FAFSA is accurate. These documents may include signed Federal Tax Returns, Verification Worksheets, or other documents as determined by the Federal Student Aid Central Processing System or Financial Aid Staff. An applicant may be selected for verification by the Federal Processing System or by Financial Aid Staff. Most applicants are selected at random for verification.

10. What is the Ability to Benefit Test? Am I required to take it?

The Ability to Benefit (ATB) test must be taken only by applicants who do not have a High School Diploma, GED certificate, or other recognized equivalent. In addition to meeting all other eligibility requirements, these applicants must contact the Assessment Center for an appointment to take the ATB test and complete the test with a passing score, as determined by the Assessment Center, to be considered for Financial Aid. The ATB Test is for Financial Aid purposes only and is not equivalent to a GED or other recognized equivalent. For more information on the ATB test, including test content and appointments, please contact the Assessment Center.

All applications for financial assistance programs; i.e., student loans, work compensation, grants, scholarship, special funds, subsides, prizes, etc.,
will be considered by Reedley College without regard to race, color, national origin, gender or disability.

Reedley College and the North Centers are educational institutions of the State Center Community College District.