How do I apply for Federal financial aid at GateWay Community College?
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You may file your application electronically using one of the computers in the Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) or use a personal computer by accessing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Also, you may complete and submit the paper FAFSA. Be sure to list GateWay Community College's school code (008303) in step 6 of the FAFSA. Our office will receive an electronic record of your application from the federal processor.
What records will I need to complete my FAFSA?
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Generally, all you will need is your federal tax return (IRS 1040, 1040A, or 1040 EZ). You may also want to have your w-2 forms and any other records of money earned in the tax year you are using to complete the FAFSA. This would include records of untaxed income, such as welfare, social security, AFDC or ADC, or veteran's benefits. You may also need to use current bank statement, business or farm records and any records of stocks, bonds or other investments.
How often do I need to complete a financial aid application?
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You will need to complete a FAFSA every year for each academic year. An academic year is Fall, Spring and Summer terms. The FAFSA may be completed on or after January 1 for the upcoming school year.
When is the deadline to apply for Federal financial aid?
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GateWay Community College has a priority date of April 15 of the year prior to the school year you plan to enroll. This will enable you to receive the maximum available assistance by our office. However, you may apply for the school year that you are attending. The Federal Processor should receive the FAFSA application by June 30 of the Summer Session for the academic year. Example: If you attend Fall and Spring 2002-2003 and you are attending in the Summer of 2003, you can apply for aid for the entire year in the Summer of 2003.
What types of financial aid will I be considered for by applying with the FAFSA?
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You will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Leap Grant and Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant. Grants are considered gift aid and do not have to be paid back as long as you remain eligible. You will also be considered for Federal Stafford loans, Perkins loans and Work-Study that allows you to work part-time to assist you in paying for college.
How many hours must I take to be considered for Federal financial aid?
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You will be considered for Pell Grant when you take one (1) or more hours. To be considered for other campus based grants you will be considered when you take three (3) or more. To be considered for Federal Loans you need to be in six (6) or more hours.
What happens after GateWay Community College receives my information from the Federal processor?
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Our office will notify you that we have received you information from the processor in one of two ways:
- You will receive an award letter listing the aid that you are being offered with instructions on what you need to do next, or
- You will receive a notification from our office that you have been chosen for verification and that we need you to submit some additional documentation. You need to respond to our office with this documentation to have your file completed and then we can send you an award letter listing the aid you are being offered.
May I attend two schools and receive Federal financial aid for the courses at each school?
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You may receive aid for the courses you are attending by completing a Consortium Agreement Form. If you are a GateWay student you will receive funds from our office. The courses you take at the other school need to be 100 or 200 level courses and count toward your degree. Stop by our office for assistance with this form.
How will I receive my financial aid funds?
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Disbursement of excess financial aid funds starts approximately twenty (20) days after the semester starts, except for first time borrowers for loans, their aid will be disbursed 30 days after the beginning of the semester. Financial aid funds are disbursed by the Cashier's Office. Please plan for the delayed disbursement.
What are the eligibility requirements to receive Federal financial aid?
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- You must be over 16 years old and not concurrently enrolled in high school, an elementary or secondary program or taking college credit to earn a high school diploma or GED.
- You must have a high school diploma, GED or pass the approved ability to benefit test.
- Be a U.S. Citizen, national or permanent resident of the U.S.
- You must be enrolled in a degree or eligible certification program at GateWay Community College.
- You cannot be in default on a federal loan or owe a repayment of a federal grant.
- If required, you must be registered with selective service
- You must maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in GateWay's "Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility."
- You must have not been convicted of certain drug related crimes.
What if my or my family's financial situation changes?
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You cancomplete a Student Review Form or a Parent Review Form and submit it to our office for review. You will need to attach a letter explaining your circumstances and any supporting documentation.
How do I apply for Scholarships?
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To apply for scholarships you can visit the scholarship board located in the Student Services Area of the Administration Building or visit our website at www.gwc.maricopa.edu/fa and click on scholarships. Our office post scholarships as they are received so you should check often. The private donor scholarships, amounts and deadlines vary however most have deadlines that are in the Spring Semester prior to the next academic year. One key to receiving a scholarship is to apply early. GateWay Community College publishes a Scholarship brochure in early Spring and will have the applications or websites where you can obtain the applications for most scholarships.
How do I apply for Native American funds from my tribe?
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Most tribes require you to first submit a FAFSA to the Federal Processor. In addition, you should contact the tribal office to obtain a tribal application.