Common Questions and Answers about Financial Aid

1. I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply anyway?

2. Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid at Contra Costa College?

3. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

4. How do I apply for a Pell Grant and other types of need-based aid?

5. Why is the family contribution listed on the SAR different from the family contribution expected by Contra Costa College?

6. If I take a leave of absence, do I have to start payment on my loans?

7. I received an outside scholarship. Should I report it to the financial aid office?

8. Where can I get information about Federal student financial aid?

9. Are work-study earnings taxable?

10. Where can I obtain a copy of the FAFSA?

11. Are photocopies of the FAFSA acceptable?

12. How soon after January 1st should the FAFSA form be sent in? Is it better to wait until the income tax forms have been completed?

13. I sent in my FAFSA over four weeks ago, but haven't heard anything. What should I do?

14. My parents are separated or divorced. Which parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA?

15. My parents are divorced, and the parent I'm living with has remarried. Does my step- parent have to report his or her income and assets on the FAFSA?

16. I was born on January 1st, and I am 24 years old. Can I check Yes in the answer to the FAFSA question "Were you born before January 1,... " to qualify as an independent student?

17. What do the acronyms on the Student Aid Report (SAR) means?

18. I qualify for the Simplified Needs Test. Should I fill out Section G anyway?

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