Applying for Aid

We encourage all students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for Federal and state grants, loans, work study and for some scholarships. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4!

1. Obtain a Federal Student Aid PIN number for yourself, and one for a parent so that your FAFSA can be signed electronically: If you do not have a PIN yet, you can obtain one at www.pin.ed.gov or you can apply for one while you complete the on-line FAFSA application. You can request a PIN as early your senior year in high school; parents should also request a PIN so that both electronic signatures are submitted as part of the FAFSA. Unsigned or partially signed FAFSAs cannot be fully processed.

The PIN can be used to:

• Electronically sign your FAFSA on the Web;
• Electronically sign a Master Promissory Note for a student or parent loan;
• Access your processed FAFSA data, including your Student Aid Report (SAR);
  
• Make corrections to your FAFSA information online (student and parent's PINs are both needed each time any corrections are made by the family);
• Access your applicant data records online: for instance, you can check your student loan history through the Dept of Education's National Student Loan Database (NSLDS);
  
• Complete your Renewal FAFSA.

If you have questions about the PIN process, contact PIN Customer Service at (800)433-3243.

Please note: the PIN assigned to you by the Department of Education serves as your identifier to allow you to access your personal information in various U.S. Dept of Ed systems. It serves as your electronic signature for the FAFSA and can also be used as your signature on a Federal student loan. For these reasons, it is important not to give your PIN number to anyone else.

2. Get Organized: Use the FAFSA On the Web Worksheet to record your answers (optional).

3. Submit the FAFSA online: A new FAFSA becomes available January 1st of each year for the upcoming academic year (for instance, the FAFSA for 2010-2011 became available January 1, 2010). Another option is to complete a paper FAFSA, but this is not recommended as the online application is the best and quickest way to apply for financial aid. By completing the FAFSA on-line you are guaranteed a much faster turnaround, greater accuracy in your answers, and on-line assistance if needed.

Make sure you: 

• Complete all sections about yourself (and your parents or spouse, if applicable – i.e. if you are required to answer questions related to them);
• List Carthage College to be a recipient of your FAFSA information. Carthage College's School Code is 003839;
• Electronically sign your application using your PIN # and your parent's PIN # if you were required to give parental information;
• Submit your application; print out a copy of the confirmation page for your records.

4. FAFSA Follow Up: After submitting the FAFSA:

• You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. Check all of the information for accuracy and follow up on any requests for additional information:
• The government will calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the information you provide on the FAFSA; your EFC will be listed on your Student Aid Report. (NOTE: The EFC does not represent the actual amount you may be charged at any given college or university. The EFC is used to determine your need-based financial assistance);
• The Carthage College Office of Student Financial Planning will award all types of Federal, State and institutional financial aid for which the student qualifies;
• Notify the Office of Student Financial Planning in the case any of any special circumstances (job loss, death in the family, etc) that have impacted the family’s financial resources;
• You will receive notification if additional financial information or documents are required;
• When your financial aid awarding is determined a letter will be mailed to the home address on record with the Carthage College Registrar's Office.

2010-2011 Academic Year

Beginning January 1, 2010, apply for financial aid for the 2010-2011 academic year at www.fafsa.gov