Frequently Asked Questions/ Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?  To apply for Financial Aid to attend Paradise Valley Community College or any other Federally funded institution, the first step would be to pick up a FAFSA application at the Financial Aid Office or apply on line. 

What is the deadline for completing a FAFSA?  A FAFSA application can be processed anytime during the school year for Paradise Valley Community College.  Other colleges or Universities may have additional deadlines for applications. 

If I apply late, can I be reimbursed? Yes, an eligible student may be reimbursed if the financial aid process is complete before the end of the semester. Continuing students may be reimbursed for a previous semester within the same academic year.

Why is my parent's information needed on the application?  A student is a dependent student if they cannot answer yes to one of the following questions: Are you or will you be 24 years old before December 31 of the academic year; Do you already have a Bachelor's degree; Are you married; Do you have dependents other than a spouse; Are you an orphan or ward of the court until the age of 18; Are you a veteran of the U.S. armed forces? 

I have unusual circumstances, how do I reflect this on my application?  Complete the application correctly according to your income tax return 1040 form. You will want to see the financial aid administrator after you receive your Student Aid Report to request a Review of Extenuating Circumstances.

How much am I eligible for?  The eligibility calculations are done by the Department of Education, according to the information provided on the FAFSA application.  Eligibility depends upon Estimated Family Contribution (EFC), year in school, the cost of attendance at the school in which you will be attending, and other factors from the FAFSA application. 

When will the schools receive my application information?  The online application process takes approximately 3 weeks from the day that your application is submitted. You can call the Federal Student Aid Information center at any time to check on the process of your application, (800) 433-3243. The Financial Aid Office will have your information electronically approximately the same time that you receive your Student Aid Report. 

Is applying online secure?  Your application data is safe in the Internet. FAFSA on the Web uses Secure Sockets Layer protocol to establish a secure session between your browser and the FAFSA on the Web server. 

If I don't receive my Student Aid Report within 3 weeks, should I reapply?  NO, before reapplying, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (800) 433-3243, and check the status of your application. 

How often and when can I apply for Federal Student Aid?  It is only necessary to apply once per academic year and for each new academic year. The applications for the new academic year are usually available in January 1st for the following academic year. 

What if I need to make a correction to my Student Aid Report?  Corrections may be done 3 ways, correct the Student Aid Report and mail it back to the Student Aid Department; using a PIN number issued by the department of education to access your application; or bring your Student Aid Report and your current tax return to the Financial Aid Office. 

Can I take classes at another college if I am receiving Financial Aid from PVCC?  Yes, PVCC will honor a Consortium Agreement, which enables PVCC to fund the student for the additional credits taken at another institution. To be eligible for a Consortium Agreement a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at PVCC and consortium courses must apply to their program of study. 
*Reminder: A student can only receive funding from one institution in the same academic semester.

How do I apply for a Student Loan?  A student must have a completed FAFSA application on file with the Financial Aid office; complete and submit a Loan Request Form to the Financial Aid office.

Should a student complete a FAFSA to apply for private scholarships?  Yes, many scholarships require the Financial Aid Office to determine a students "financial need" as a criteria of eligibility for the scholarship. Be sure to review all scholarship requirements carefully before submitting the application. 

How will I receive my funds?  All Financial Aid funds are credited to the students account. Any outstanding tuition, fees, or book vouchers will be deducted from financial aid funds. When all funds have been deducted, a check will be mailed to the student. It is the students' responsibility for updating any address changes to the Admissions and Records office in a timely manner.

How will dropping, adding or withdrawing a class affect my Financial Aid?  Changes to your schedule may have repercussions such as repayment of Federal Funds or loss of eligibility. Students receiving financial aid should check with the Financial Aid Office before dropping, adding or withdrawing classes. Following is a list of scenarios with their corresponding financial aid results:
 

What is 2/3 of Credits Attempted?  Students must complete 2/3 of the credits attempted during the previous evaluation period (Summer, Fall, Spring). If a student has not attended during the evaluation period or never received financial aid but is a prior PVCC student, the students' complete academic history is reviewed. Example: if a student attempts 12 credits in a regular semester they must complete 8 credits to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (12 x .67 = 8.04). 

If I loose my Financial Aid eligibility, can I appeal to get it back?  Yes, A student can complete the Academic Appeal form online or pick up from the Financial Aid office. The form should be completed in PEN or TYPE, include reasons for the appeal in detail, steps you will take to insure academic success, and all documentation needed to support appeal. 

Can the PVCC Financial Aid office help student and their parent's with planning financial aid options to match their educational career plans?  Yes, an important goal of the Financial Aid office is to assist students with their financial aid plans. Financial Aid Workshops on Scholarship, Loans and Life Skills will be offered throughout the year. Visit the Financial Aid office for assistance. 

Does a student need an appointment to visit the Financial Aid office?  No, a student can come to our office at any time during office hours and speak to an administrator to discuss questions and/or concerns.