Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cost to Attend?

The estimated cost of attendance reflects estimated expenses for the nine month academic year.  Standard expenses include the cost of enrollment fees, books and supplies for two semesters of full-time enrollment, in addition to room and board and other living expenses based on where you plan to live while in school.  Enrollment fees during 2007-08 are $20 per unit plus $14 Health  Fee each semester.  Students who are enrolled less than half-time are only allowed costs for tuition, fees, books and transportation.  For example, the estimated cost of attendance for 2007-08 is as follows:

Additional expenses that may be added to the standard student budget are the cost of child care or the cost of the purchase of a computer or the cost of materials and supplies for certain vocational programs.  Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.

How Do I Demonstrate Financial Need?

The information you and your family submitted on the FAFSA form will be used to complete a "needs analysis".  The total income (taxable and untaxable), the number of people in the household, other family members (excluding parents) attending college, and any assets are all factors that will be used to determine an expected family contribution, referred to as EFC.  The EFC is the estimate of what you (and parents, if applicable) are expected to contribute to your cost of attendance.  To determine your financial need, the Financial Aid staff will review the results of the analysis, make any appropriate corrections to the information, and then determine your financial need and eligibility for financial aid.  Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution (EFC).  The Financial Aid Office will attempt to meet a student's need through a variety of sources which includes grants, loans and student employment.  However, due to limited funds, some students may have need that cannot be met through any type of financial aid resulting in "unmet need." Once the financial need is established and the student is eligible for financial aid, the total amount of assistance received, including scholarships, Veteran's benefits, Vocational Rehabilitation benefits or any other resources for educational expenses may not exceed the established need for the academic year.

What If My Circumstances Change?

The income information provided on the FAFSA is income for the 2006 calendar year.  It is possible that income information may change significantly from one year to the next due to loss of job, reduction in working hours, divorce, disability or other circumstances that result in a loss or reduction of income.  If your income for 2007 will change significantly from 2006 income, you may wish to complete the Special Circumstances appeal form to document the change in circumstances.  Check with the Financial Aid Office for details on the Special Circumstances procedures.  Although your special circumstances may be considered on appeal, remember you must still complete the 2007-08 FAFSA with your 2006 income information before any corrections or reconsideration can be applied.

A Dependency Override is available to students who are technically dependent but who do not have contact with their parents because of an adverse home condition.  Dependency Override Request forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.  On approval, the FAFSA will need to be signed by the Financial Aid Office BEFORE it is mailed to the Federal processor.