How is my eligibility for financial aid determined?
When we receive your FAFSA information, a CCSJ Financial Aid Counselor will review your application to determine you eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. To calculate your financial aid eligibility, your total expected family contribution (EFC) is deducted from your student budget.
What is EFC?
EFC, also known as “expected family contribution,” is a measure of how much the student and his or her family can be expected to contribute towards the cost of the student’s education. It is determined based on the information provided in the FAFSA and calculated from a specified formula in accordance with federal guidelines. If you have any questions on determining your EFC, use the online EFC Calculator.
How will I be notified about my financial aid?
Once you have been accepted to CCSJ and we have received your FAFSA, a CCSJ Financial Aid Counselor will determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid. Within a week, you should receive a CCSJ Award Letter via mail. Request for further documentation (such as Verification documentation) and additional instructions will be included with your Award Letter or may be mailed at a later date. A summary of your awards can also be viewed in SOS (Student Online Services) if you are a current student.
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Yes, if you would like to be considered for any form of state, federal or institutional financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA each year that you are enrolled at CCSJ.
What is the Verification process?
Verification is a process used by the federal government to document and verify the information provided on the FAFSA. If you are selected for Verification, CCSJ will compare the information on your FAFSA with signed copies of your and your parent(s)’ federal tax forms, or with W-2 forms and other financial documents. Federal law states we have the right to ask for this information before awarding federal aid. If there are differences between your FAFSA information and your financial documents, a CCSJ counselor will need to make corrections. Verification worksheets are available on our Forms page.
What is the difference between estimated and final on my award letter?
Final awards are ready to be disbursed to your student account.
Estimated awards are subject to revision. Reasons for having estimated awards include but are not limited to: incomplete verification status; packaged loans for which you have not filled out a loan application; estimated work study eligibility; you have not registered for classes.
Why have I received a revised award letter from CCSJ?
A revised award letter is sent to you each time a change is made in your financial aid package. Financial aid changes include adding, subtracting, increasing, or decreasing an award or multiple awards. Also, a change in award status: estimated to final, for example, will be reflected in a revised letter.
Where can I find a FAFSA form?
CCSJ no longer maintains paper FAFSA copies. We encourage all students to apply online through the FAFSA website: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
What is the State of Indiana’s FAFSA filing deadline?
March 10
Whose income do I use for the FAFSA if my parents are divorced or separated?
You must provide the income of the parent you lived with for the majority of the previous year (custodial parent). If your custodial parent is remarried, you must report your step-parent’s income and assets as well.
What is CCSJ’s school code for FAFSA purposes?
001834
How do I obtain a Work Study job?
The Federal Work Study Program is a campus-based program with a limited allocation that provides paid jobs for eligible students. An estimated Federal Work Study award amount will be listed on your CCSJ financial aid award letter if you indicated interest in this program on the current year FAFSA and have demonstrated financial need. To apply you may either pick up an application from the CCSJ Financial Aid Office or print an application from our website.
What is the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?
Subsidized Stafford Loan |
Federally based loan program with eligibility determined based on cost of attendance and need. Maximum eligibility is set by the federal government based on grade level. Interest (6% as of July 1, 2008) is paid by the federal government while the student is in attendance taking at least 6 credits. Repayment begins 6 months after the student stops attending school. |
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan |
Federally based loan program with eligibility NOT tied to need. Maximum eligibility is set by the federal government based on grade level. Interest (5.6% as of July 1, 2009) payments are the responsibility of the student as soon as the funds are disbursed, but may be deferred until repayment begins. Repayment begins six months after the student stops attending school. |
When do I need to fill out a loan application?
In general, you will need to fill out a loan application every 2 semesters for most programs. Consult a CCSJ Financial Aid Counselor for more information or to discuss your specific situation.
Do I have to make an appointment to get financial aid?
No, but you are encouraged to meet with a financial aid counselor at least initially to understand the financial aid process and address any questions you may have. CCSJ accepts student visitors on a walk in basis.
What are the costs for CCSJ for 2009-2010?
Full-Time Undergraduate Students
Student Budget |
Tuition & Fees |
Living Expense |
Books |
Transportation |
Personal Expenses |
Semester |
$6,525 |
$1,325 |
$750 |
$605 |
$570 |
Annual |
$13,050 |
$2,650 |
$1,500 |
$1,210 |
$1,140 |
Part-Time, Transition to Teaching, Adult Accelerated, and Graduate Students |
Cost |
Assessed |
Traditional Undergrad |
Transition to Teaching |
Adult
Accelerated |
Graduate |
Tuition |
Credit Hour |
$410 |
$490 |
$490 |
$600 |
Technology Fee |
Semester |
$80 |
$80 |
$80 |
$80 |
I don’t live with my parents and they do not support me. Does that make me Independent?
Living on your own and support yourself do not make you Independent for FAFSA purposes. In order to file as an Independent you must be able to answer yes to at least one of the following questions:
- Are you are at least 24 years?
- Are you or will you be enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral degree program at the beginning of the school year?
- Are you married?
- Are you a parent?
- Do you have dependents other than your spouse who lives with you and who receive more than half their support from you?
- Are both your parents are deceased (or were until age 18) a ward of dependent of the court?
- Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
- Are you a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.?
- Were you legally adopted?
- Were you at any time since the age of 13, in foster care?
- Were you at any time since the age of 13, declared a dependant or ward of the court?
- Are you or were you an emancipated minor as detirmined by the court in your state of legal residence?
- Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
- Were you, at anytime on or after July 1, 2008, determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless by your high school or school district homeless liaison?
My father was laid off from his job after I filed the FAFSA. What should I do?
The CCSJ Office of Financial Aid can take this into consideration and possibly make adjustments to your financial aid. You are encouraged to fill out a Special Circumstances Form (can be found on our Forms webpage) and submit it to our office with supporting documentation.
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