To maximize your award possibilities, complete and mail all documentation as soon after January 1 as possible. Some aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and an early application receives priority consideration!
Step 1: Free Application For Federal Student Aid
Your first step in determining your eligibility is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application is available in three formats:
FAFSA on the Web
This easy, quick and secure method automatically checks for errors. Be sure
to have all your information with you when you start the process. (i.e. Your
tax returns and Parent's tax returns for students who are required to submit
parental information.)
Renewal FAFSA on the Web
Students who applied for aid last year can use their U.S. Department of
Education Pin Number to access the renewal FAFSA. Most of your information
is already in the system. All you need to do is update the information!
Paper FAFSA
You can request a paper copy of the FAFSA from your high school
counselor or stop by our office. We have plenty of applications and student
guides.
Be sure to list our school code (Title IV Code: 003176) to ensure that we will receive your FAFSA information for award processing.
Have you forgotten your
pin number?
Do you have a pin number?
No worries! Request a Pin
Number
Parents can also request a pin number! Only one parent needs to request a
pin number and the parent can use their individual pin number to sign each of
their student's FAFSA.
Step 2: Your Student Aid Report
The federal processor analyzes your FAFSA information to determine an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Based on a federally mandated formula, the EFC is the amount of support that you and your family are expected to provide for your educational expenses. The results of your FAFSA are reported to you in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review your SAR carefully. Make corrections to any information that is incorrect. Also, you may be asked to supply additional or supplementary information to our office. Our office will review an electronic version of your SAR to see if additional or supplementary information is needed. If additional information is needed, a letter along with the necessary forms will be sent to you through the mail.
Step 3: Scholarships
For information about applying for scholarships, go to the Scholarships page.
Step 4: Your Award Letter
After your FAFSA application is complete, our office will determine your award eligibility. Awards are based on an established cost of attendance (COA) and your expected family contribution (EFC).
The above information is sent to you in the award letter. The awards must be accepted or rejected and the letter must be signed and returned to our office. Enclosed with the award letter, you will find instructions and any other documents needed for specific funds. In general, students receiving any Federal funds can not receive aid greater than the Cost Of Attendance. If your loan need is zero and your EFC is greater than zero, you may still qualify for an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
Loan Borrowers
If you are receiving a student loan you will receive a lender directory form with your award letter. Please indicate the lender you wish to use and return the form to the Financial Aid Office along with your signed award letter. We will file your application electronically. You will receive a promissory note in the mail. Complete the requested information along with your signature and return the note to the LENDER. If this is your first Guaranteed Student Loan at CASC you will be required to complete an Entrance Interview Online for first time borrowers at www.mapping-your-future.org before your loan application can be processed.
Don't Forget To
Apply as soon as possible after January 1
Use completed tax return information
Keep copies of student and parent federal income tax return information (all schedules) and W2 Statement of Earnings. If the second page of the federal tax return is not signed, we will be unable to accept it
Sign your application
Include yourself (the student) as part of the household or in college
Please
DO NOT: Apply as a married student before you are married
DO NOT: Incorrectly report parents marital status
DO NOT: Incorrectly report income and assets of student, parents, or spouse
DO NOT: Report taxes withheld from W-2's instead of taxes paid from tax return
DO NOT: Incorrectly report untaxed income
In order to be eligible for financial aid, a student must meet all of the following requirements:
Be enrolled as a regular student in a degree or certificate program
Have a high school diploma, GED, or have passed the Ability to Benefit (ATB) test
Provide a valid and verifiable Social Security Number
Be a citizen, national or permanent resident of Guam, a citizen of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Marshall Islands; or be another type of eligible-non citizen
Demonstrate financial need, with the exception of the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, determined from the information provided on the FAFSA.
Respond in a timely manner to requests from the Financial Aid Office for additional information.
Be Registered with the Selective Service, if required (men aged 18 through 25 who are not on active duty with the armed forces).
Sign the Statement of Educational Purpose on the FAFSA stating that all funds received through the Title IV programs will be used solely for educationally purposes.
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree or certificate
Not have borrowed in excess of annual or aggregate Title IV Loan limits or be in default on any federal Title IV loan or owe an overpayment on any federal Title IV Program received for attendance at any institution.
Not have suspended eligibility for conviction under federal or state law of sale or possession of illegal drugs.