- What are general eligibility requirements?
General eligibility requires a student to:
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a program leading to a degree.
- Be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree.
- Not owe a refund or be in default on a student loan received at any institution.
- Be registered with the Selective Service (if required), and confirm that registration.
- Provide a verified Social Security number.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Demonstrate need or eligibility according to federal guidelines.
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- Do you have any tips for completing the FAFSA?
Read the instructions! They guide you line by line on completing the FAFSA.
- Complete the entire form and do not leave questions blank. If a question does not apply, answer with a zero or N/A.
- Please double-check your answers before submitting the FAFSA to the processing center.
- Be especially careful when entering numbers such as your Social Security number. An error in reporting your Social Security number will seriously delay the application process.
- Keep a copy for your records.
- Be sure to include the school code for Greensboro College 002930
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- When should I apply?
As soon as possible! The first day you can submit the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year is January 1; however, much of the information supplied on the FAFSA is taken from your federal income tax form(s), so you should prepare your income taxes early enough to complete the FAFSA accurately and completely. To receive maximum consideration, you must file your federal form in time for our office to receive the results by our April 15 priority deadline (we recommend filing by March 15). Financial aid is awarded for an academic year only, so you must apply each year to receive continued support.
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- Do I have to apply for aid next year?
Need-based aid is awarded on an annual basis and is not automatically renewable. Students who wish to continue receiving aid must complete the application process each year. If a student filed the FAFSA the previous year, a Renewal Application will be sent to the address submitted on the prior year's form. Beginning with the 2008-09 year, the student is encouraged to complete the FAFSA online. If the student is not able to do so, they must contact the Department of Education to request a paper copy. To download the FAFSA Express software from the Department of Education click:
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- What if other family members, including my parents, attend college?
You may be asked to supply documentation verifying other family members listed on the FAFSA with plans to attend college in the upcoming academic year. Please note:
- Family members must be enrolled at least half time in a degree-seeking program at colleges or universities eligible for federal student aid in order to be listed on the FAFSA in the "number of family members attending college."
- If your sibling(s) would be considered independent students as defined in number 3 of this section, they cannot be listed in the number of family members attending college.
- Parents enrolled in college are not included when determining eligibility for need-based programs.
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- What is an "independent" student?
The federal regulations define students as independent if they meet any one of the following criteria:
- Was born before January 1, 1983
- Is an orphan or ward of the court
- Is a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States
- Is a student who has legal dependents other than a spouse
- Is married
- Is a graduate or professional student.
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- How will I be notified of my eligibility?
Once your file is complete, it will be reviewed, and if you are eligible, a financial aid package will be developed. You will receive an official Award Letter showing the program(s) and the amount(s) being offered to you. Financial aid will be divided equally amount the terms of attendance. You will be required to accept or reject the awards and return a signed copy of your Award Letter to our office.
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- What is verification, and what do I have to do?
Verification is a process in which the College is required by federal regulations to collect certain documents and verify the information submitted on the FAFSA. Examples of these documents are your and your parents' federal income tax forms, a statement from the Social Security Administration showing total benefits, a statement from a college or university verifying your sibling is enrolled for the upcoming year, or divorce decrees showing child support or educational support. Please note that if discrepancies exist between the verification documents and the information originally submitted on the FAFSA, we are required to correct the information and recalculate your eligibility for financial aid.
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- How will private scholarships and other resources affect my aid package?
When awarding need-based aid we are required to consider other funding resources that you will receive to meet your educational costs. Please supply us with photocopies of any notification verifying your receipt of private scholarships funding. We will review your eligibility and the aid package offered by Greensboro College to determine if an adjustment is required by federal regulations and institutional awarding policies. Please note: All scholarships, including those from outside sources, are disbursed equally - half for Fall Semester and half for Spring Semester.
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- How is the information that I submit protected?
Our office will not discuss information relating to your eligibility or awards with anyone other than you and your parents. In a divorced household, we do not provide information to a noncustodial parent without written permission from you and from the custodial parent.
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