Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ was designed to help you understand the financial aid application process. It is formatted in terms of questions and answers. You may this form to use as a checklist to help you get through the process and to help answer questions you may have later down the road. Remember to read everything carefully!
1. To which semesters does the 2009-2010 application packet apply?
The 2009-2010 FAFSA is for the Fall (Aug-Dec) of 2009, Spring (Jan-May) of 2010, and the Summer (Jun-Aug) of 2010.
2. How do I apply for Financial Aid at GCC?
You may file your application online using one of the computers in the Enrollment Center or use a personal computer by accessing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to list the Glendale Community College school code (001076) and address (6000 W. Olive Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85302). The federal procesor will then send an electronic record of your application to the Financial Aid Office within four weeks.
3. How often do I need to complete a financial aid application?
You will need to complete and submit a FAFSA application once for each academic year. An academic year includes the fall, spring and summer terms (consecutively). The FAFSA may be completed on or after January 1, for the upcoming academic year.
4. Are there any other forms that need to be completed?
Based on the information you provided on the FAFSA application, you may need to provide additional documentation. You will be notified by mail if additional forms/information is needed. Also, if you wish to be considered for Federal Stafford loans, a Stafford Loan Request form must be completed.
5. Other documentation may be required as follows:
If any conflicting information is identified, regardless of the source, it must be reconciled. You may be asked to supply any relevant documentation necessary to resolve the inconsistency. If your citizenship status is not confirmed when you application is evaluated by the federal processor, you may be required to provide proof of eligibility. Be sure that all documents you submit contain the student's name and social security number and are signed by the student, student's parent, or student's spouse, as applicable.
6. What are some eligibility requirements to be considered for Fedeal Financial Aid?
To be considered for Federal financial aid, you must: • Be past the age for compulsory school attendance in Arizona (over 16 years old) and not concurrently enrolled in high school, an elementary or secondary school program, or taking college credit to earn a high school diploma or GED • Have a high school diploma, GED or pass the approved ability to benefit test with acceptable scores • Be a US citizen, national or eligible permanent resident of the US • Be enrolled or admitted to a degree or certificate program at GCC that is eligible for Federal aid • Not owe repayment of a Federal Grant or be in default of a Federal Stafford Loan • Maintain Satisfactory Aacademic Progress as defined by Glendale Community College's Financial Aid Standards for Academic Progress • If you are male, you must register with Selective Services
7. How long does it take to find out how much I am eligible to receive?
After GCC SFA Office has received all required documents, we will begin evaluation of your application. The amount of time this takes varies throughout the school year. As a rule, the closer to the beginning of the school year you apply, the longer it takes to process your file. Also, keep in mind if you complete your file very early, we will not begin processing applications until sometime in late April. If there are errors on your application, that will slow down the process. After we review your file, we will send a Financial Aid Award Notification letter based on your eligibility and your responses to questions concerning loans and work study. Once you receive your Award Notification letter you should READ it. If you are applying for a student loan, you will also need to complete and return the Loan Request Form. Please read the additional information about the loan application process on the Loan Request Form.
8. How will my financial aid be paid?
At the time awards are paid we will check your enrollment and continued eligibility. Changes in your enrollment or program may cause delays in disbursement. All awards except Federal Work Study and non-EFT Stafford Loans will be posted to your student account at GCC and moneys above your school charges will be sent to you by mail. It is important to keep the Admissions and Records Office (A&R) and the SFA Office updated on your current address. Money will not be mailed any earlier than seven days before the start of school. It is also important you register for the hours required by your award letter. If you have classes that have start dates after the first week of the semester, you will not be funded for the late-start classes until the classes begin.
9. What is 30 Day delay for Stafford Loans?
Compliance with Federal Regulations require a thirty (30) day delayed disbursement of Federal loans, UNLESS you: Have a prior Stafford Loan, OR Have successfully completed the first thirty (30) days of your program of study as determined by the GCC Admissions and Records Office.
10. Who must complete a loan information session?
All students must attend a GCC loan information ENTRANCE session prior to receiving loan funds, even if you have already attended one at another school. The Loan EXIT process must be completed by all students prior to receiving funds from the second disbursement of the loan. Remember, if you borrow again at GCC, you will only need to complete the exit process.
11. How do I apply from scholarships from my Tribe?
Most Tribes require you to first submit the FAFSA to the Federal processor. Next, you need to contact your Tribal Office to obtain a Tribal application and information to apply for the scholarships.
12. What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Students who wish to receive financial aid must make satisfactory progress toward completing their degree. There are three components to SAP. First, you must keep your cumulative GPA above the scholastic standards listed in the GCC catalog. Second, you must complete at least 2/3 of all the credits you attempt. Finally, you must complete your program within 150% of the allotted time frame; i.e., if you are in a 60 credit hour AA program you must finish by the time you have attempted 90 credits. SAP is monitored for all periods of attendance at GCC, including times that you have not received financial aid. Students who do not meet the minimum standards may petition to be reinstated. For additional information, please check out the entire SAP policy.
13. Who should I contact if I have questions about financial aid?
It is very important for you to contact the GCC Financial Aid Office whenever you have any questions about your financial aid and/or the application process. Please feel free to call (623) 845-3366.
