Pictured (from left to right) are Brittany Bolton, Jaquan Terry,Tiera Harris and Tevin Shearin. These Roanoke Valley  high school students want to ensure that their FAFSA applications are complete for college fall enrollment. Tara Keeter (far right) is Halifax Community College’s Financial Aid Director.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

• To be considered for any type of federal, state or need-based financial aid, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• Apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov each year after January 1 for the upcoming academic year 

What is Halifax Community College's Title IV school code?

• HCC 's federal school code is 007986

• This code must be entered in the appropriate place in your FAFSA application in order for HCC’s Financial Aid Office to receive your information

Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?   Yes

• Financial need is determined for each academic year

• You will need to submit a new FAFSA or renewal FAFSA every year for the upcoming   academic year

Is there a deadline for applying?  Yes

To ensure aid is available prior to classes beginning, priority deadlines have been established 

• Priority deadlines:

Fall semester, June 1^st

Spring semester, October 15^th

Summer semester, April 1^st  

• You can still apply after the priority deadlines, but there could be a delay in processing your application

What types of financial aid are available to me?

• There are four main types of financial aid:  

1. Grants (which do not have to be paid back)

2. Work-study

3. Scholarships and

4. Loans

What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?

• The SAR is a copy of the FAFSA information submitted by the student

•  Be sure to view the information carefully and submit any needed corrections online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov

• HCC will also receive the information electronically, so the student should retain the SAR

My SAR indicates I was selected for "verification."   What does that mean?

• The federal government randomly selects approximately 30% of all aid recipients for verification

• This means the Financial Aid Office must verify the information you submitted on your FAFSA by collecting tax returns and other documents to confirm the accuracy of your information

•  The college will contact you by letter to inform you of what you will need to provide

•  You should submit all documents promptly to avoid delays in the application process

What makes me an independent student?

The federal government will consider you an independent student if you meet one of the following guidelines:  

• You are 24 years of age or older

•  married

• enrolled in a graduate program (ex., Master's or doctorate)

• have legal dependents other than spouse

• you are an orphan or ward of the court

• you are a veteran 

• In other cases, you will have to provide your parents' income information

• If 18-23 years of age, you may have to provide your parents’ income information

What if my family and/or income situation changes?

• When changes occur, contact the Financial Aid Office to complete the necessary forms to ensure that your financial aid status is re-evaluated

What are the enrollment requirements to be eligible to receive financial aid?