Application Process

• Go online to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the current academic year to be automatically considered for federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. Include CVCC’s federal school code 012182 on the application
• Apply for admissions at CVCC (link to admissions page).
• The federal processor will send you a confirmation email and a Student Aid Report (SAR) which provides basic information about your eligibility for federal student aid. When the Financial Aid Office receives the application, we will send the student a letter requesting additional information, if needed. Information on how to request a student loan will be included.
• Once all documents have been received and processed, or if the application comes in without any other forms necessary, the Financial Aid Office will email the student a notification of the award letter that contains the offered financial aid award(s) and amount(s).
• Students may use their Pell Grant to charge books at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore located across the street from Wilson Hall on campus at the beginning of the semester. If a student receives his/her Pell award after the term has begun, the student will receive his/her financial aid balance within two weeks.

Helpful Tips and Reminders

• When completing the FAFSA, we recommend using the IRS data retrieval tool.
• The FAFSA must be completed every year.
• In general, it takes three to five business days for a submitted FAFSA application to reach the Financial Aid Office.
• Federal Student Aid (Pell Grants and Direct Loans) cannot be used or disbursed prior to 10 days before the first day of classes for that payment period.

Grants

Grants are need based money funded by federal or state resources that do not have to be repaid.

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA®) form. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree.

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to students that have not received a bachelor’s degree.
• Funds are awarded based on full time enrollment, but pro-rated each semester if enrolled less than full time (a minimum half time enrollment is required).
• Students who show exceptional need and complete their FAFSA before our priority deadline of May 1 are shown preference.
• This grant is limited, and the amount will vary based on funding.

To be considered for an SEOG grant, students must do the following:

• Complete a FAFSA each year by the published priority deadline
• Enroll in courses required for completing program of study
• Be Pell Grant eligible
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant

Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP)

• Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is a state funded grant for eligible undergraduate students that have not received a bachelor’s degree
  Students must be enrolled in at least half-time enrollment.
• Students who show exceptional need and complete their FAFSA before our priority deadline of May 1 are shown preference.
• This grant is limited, and the amount will vary based on funding

To be considered for ASAP, student must do the following:

• Complete a FAFSA each year by the published priority deadline.
• Enroll in courses required for completing program of study.
• Be classified as an Alabama resident.
• Be Pell Grant eligible.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, and
• Not be in default on federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant.

Federal Work Study

• Federal Work Study (FWS) allows eligible students who show financial need to earn a portion of their educational expenses through meaningful part-time employment.
• Students may work up to 18 hours per week around their school schedules.
• Job placement is based on job availability and job skills; as well as, the student’s financial need and desire to work.
• Students interested in Federal Work Study must complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov with CVCC federal school code 012182.
• Students must complete the Work Study Application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office located in Wilson Hall. Work study positions are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.