TABLE OF CONTENTS


What is the Financial Aid process for continuing students?

The California College of ASU Financial Aid department works directly with students to ensure they have support with their financial aid packaging. Your financial aid officer will reach out to you each academic year (every two semesters) to go over your financial aid plan. Students who would like to utilize financial aid, are required to submit a new FAFSA annually to be considered. Once your FAFSA has been processed and reviewed you will receive a notification from your financial aid officer with your new award letter. If your parent has applied for the parent plus loan or you have applied for a private education loan, new applications are required.



How do I use the Cal Grant to help cover my tuition?

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid grant for state residents that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply (using the FAFSA) by March 2nd and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Your eligibility for Cal Grants A and B will be based on your FAFSA Application responses, your verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California college you list on your application and whether you’re a recent high school graduate. Check your Cal Grant eligibility through the California Student Aid Commission website. If you are Cal Grant eligible, please contact your financial aid officer for additional information. 



What scholarships can I apply for as a continuing student?

Continuing students can apply for scholarships throughout their entire career here at California College of ASU. Some great scholarship websites are CareerOneStop and Fast Web. There are a lot of opportunities for scholarships outside of the college, just be aware of any potential scams. Students can go to StudentAid  for information on how to avoid scholarship scams.


Students interested in institutional scholarships that are specifically for continuing students should reach out to their financial aid advisor, or the general financial aid team email (finaidoffice@californiacollege.asu.edu), for more information.



Why do I need to fill out my FAFSA every year?

The FAFSA is designed to gauge a student's financial need based on taxes from previous years. Since a family's income can change year over year, it is necessary to complete a new application. The FAFSA allows schools to determine your federal grant and loan eligibility. If your family circumstances and credits taken remain relatively unchanged, you can expect to receive a similar financial aid package from one year to the next.



When can I expect to receive my stipend for living expenses?

Stipends are issued 14 days after a credit balance appears on the student ledger. It may take longer if funds are delayed from any fund source that is scheduled to post to the account. Contact your financial aid officer for more detailed information.



How will changing the number of credits I take after the add drop period impact my financial aid?

If a student drops below full time enrollment (credits above 12 is considered full time) their financial aid will be subject to reduction based on credits scheduled, but charges will remain the same. You can utilize the net price calculator to see how changing your credits can impact your aid.



Where can I get more information regarding my federal student loans including repayment options?

There are many repayment options available for your federal student loans. A few include standard, graduated, income-based, and extended repayments. Please visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information regarding repayment options. 



How does taking an LOA impact my financial aid?

Your financial aid will be paused until you return from your LOA. Upon your return, your financial aid will be evaluated and will be awarded depending on your eligibility at the time of your return.



I was selected for Verification, what are my next steps?

Students selected for verification are required to verify the information listed on their FAFSA. In order to verify your eligibility, we require a copy of your tax federal transcript (Get Transcript | Internal Revenue Service)  for the year that was requested on your FAFSA, and a verification worksheet which will be provided to you. Any other documentation that may be required will be requested by your financial aid officer.


For any questions regarding your FAFSA, Aid eligibility, award letters, etc., contact your assigned financial aid officer. If you are not sure who your financial aid officer is, send an email to financialaid@columbiacollege.edu.


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