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Frequently Asked Questions
What is financial aid?
How do I start the process to request financial aid?
When should I apply for financial aid?
Once I complete the FAFSA, what happens next?
Whom should I talk to about financial aid?
I don’t think I qualify for financial aid. Should I apply anyway?
How are award amounts determined?
Where can I go for help?
1. What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money to help students pay for their post secondary education. Financial aid comes from a variety of sources such as:
There are different types of financial aid:
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Scholarships or grants – financial aid that does not have to be repaid.
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Work-study – students work and earn wages to help pay for school. The jobs are usually arranged by the schools and can be on or off campus jobs.
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Loans – federal or private funds that students or parents borrow that must be repaid with interest.
To find out more about financial aid availability, call the financial aid office at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College (DSLCC) 540-863-2822.
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2. How do I start the process to request financial aid?
A request for financial aid begins by completing an application for admission to DSLCC.
The next step is to apply for the federal financial aid programs by completing the FAFSA.
The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Worksheets may be obtained from your local high school guidance office, DSLCC, or the FAFSA web site. If you do not have access to a computer, computers are available at DSLCC.
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3. When should I apply for financial aid?
Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Those who apply by March 1 are more likely to be awarded campus-based aid. Those who apply after March 1 will be considered if funds are still available. Since you need information from your tax return from the previous year, you will want to file your taxes early. Once you have completed your taxes, complete the FAFSA online and submit it. If you (and/or your parent, if dependent) do not have a pin number, be sure to print the signature page, sign it, and mail immediately to the address found on the bottom of the signature page. If the application is not signed, it will not be processed.
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4. Once I complete the FAFSA, what happens next?
If you provided an e-mail address on the FAFSA, you will receive a confirmation by e-mail. If not you will receive it by mail. At the same time each school listed on the FAFSA will be sent a copy of your report. Call the Federal processor at 1-800-433-3243 if you do not receive a copy of the report. Review your report carefully to make sure there are no mistakes. If you find an error, we can help you with the correction or you may send it back to the processor yourself or go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov and make corrections.
The processing center uses a formula to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount your family is expected to contribute toward your education. The EFC is used by the school to determine your financial need (cost of attending school minus EFC). Based on financial need, DSLCC will begin the award process.
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5. Whom should I talk to about financial aid?
Our financial aid office can give you information about federal and state aid and also programs that are funded through the College. Contact the financial aid office for dates of upcoming financial aid workshops.
The guidance offices in most high schools have information on all types of financial aid programs.
Additional sources for information are:
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6. I don't think I qualify for financial aid. Should I apply anyway?
YES! You must submit the FAFSA to apply for all types of aid. Every student in good standing will qualify for some type of aid. We cannot determine what to offer you until you have applied. Therefore everyone should apply for financial aid.
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7. How are award amounts determined?
The US Department of Education determines the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). EFC is calculated by factoring in the family income, assets, taxable and nontaxable income, number of family members in a household and the number of family members attending college. DSLCC calculates the cost of attendance, considers the EFC, and determines the types and amounts of financial aid for which the student is eligible.
If you think your family’s financial circumstances warrant special consideration, talk to our financial aid office. Documentation must be provided to substantiate special circumstances.
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8. Where can I go for help?
Your local high school guidance department or the financial aid office at DSLCC are excellent resources.
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General information about federal student aid
1-800-4-FED-AID 1-800-433-3243
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To check on the status of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid
1-319-337-5665 or 1-800-4-FED-AID
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To request a copy of a Student Aid Report (SAR)
1-319-337-5665 or 1-800-4-FED-AID
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