CSN Financial Aid Checklist

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Note:  Before APPLYING for aid online, refer to “The FAFSA on the Web” Worksheet to answer frequently asked questions and have your previous year income information, such as tax returns or W-2’s, available to complete the FAFSA application.

Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

CSN offers scholarship and aid opportunities for families of all income levels. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (para español)  is the first step in the process used to determine your eligibility for student financial assistance. The FAFSA becomes available each year on January 1, and should be completed as soon as possible prior to the start of the semester to allow for processing and verification of your financial aid file. Funds are limited, and though we continue to award aid throughout the year, there may be less funds available for late applicants. Aid is awarded on a first come, first serve, file complete basis. 

Note: International students are not eligible for most federal and state forms of financial aid.

Step 2: Receive Confirmation 

The US Department of Education will confirm the receipt of your application and send a copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) to you. The confirmation and SAR will be provided the same way you provided the application to the government (on-line, by email, or by US Mail). CSN encourages you to apply on-line, at www.fafsa.ed.gov, with a valid email address; doing so greatly decreases processing times. If you have questions about the application, the confirmation, or the SAR, contact the US Department of Education at (800) 433-3243.

Step 3: Contact Student Financial Services

The U.S. Department of Education will send your information electronically to all schools listed on your FAFSA.  Once Student Financial Services (SFS) has received your information electronically, we will ask that you complete and return several required financial aid forms to our office within the time specified.  If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of receiving your SAR confirmation, please contact our office for further instructions.

Step 4: Submit Requested Information

You may be asked to include a signed copy of your federal income tax forms, W-2s, and tax schedules. Return all requested forms and documents to our office as soon as possible.

Step 5: FAFSA Verification

Once SFS receives all of the required forms and documents, we will begin the process of FAFSA verification. Verification may take 8-10 weeks from the receipt date of all required forms and documents. Once your FAFSA has been verified, SFS will notify you of your eligibility for grants and work-study. Time sensitive variables may also be reviewed before and after your financial assistance eligibility is determined. These variables include, but are not limited to, your admissions status, declaration of a major/certificate program, Satisfactory Academic Progress status, educational loan history, current grade level, and relevant personal demographic information.

Step 6: Award Notification

After your file has been verified and an award has been determined, you may view the results on CSN’s Web Registration. Awards that are activated on-line are pending a final review of your financial aid application and other related eligibility requirements. Awards are made on a ‘funds available’ basis and are subject to change/revision/cancellation without advanced notice. Funds will be applied directly to your student account to cover all allowable costs no earlier than 10 days before the start of each semester and residual balances will be sent to you as a refund for other educationally related expenses like room/board and transportation costs.

For faster refunds, please sign up for “direct deposit” with the CSN Cashier’s Office.

If your file is not complete (verified) at least thirty (30) days prior to your payment due date, you should be prepared to pay for tuition, fees and books.