How to Apply for Financial Aid
Students may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) either by mail or the Internet. The FASFA collects financial data and other information that is used to calculate the
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) that ultimately determines a student's eligibility for financial aid.
The key to obtaining financial aid is to apply early.
Students should apply at least three months prior to the time they expect to enter school. Late applicants may begin the process at anytime,
however, financial aid will not be awarded until you have been accepted to the college.
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
Submit a 2008-2009 FAFSA
Obtain a paper copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from Cascadia's Student Financial Services Office, or from a high school guidance office, or submit an electronic FAFSA via the Web. (See FAFSA on the Web below). Fill it out completely, sign and mail it to the processor in the envelope provided as soon
as possible. Applicants may file the FAFSA throughout the academic year. Students must reapply for financial aid each year with a new FAFSA.
"FAFSA on the Web" is an Internet application developed by the U.S. Department of Education that students may use to complete an electronic FAFSA. Students may complete and submit their FAFSA
information directly to the federal processor via personal computer. A PIN,
assigned by the Department of Education, allows students and parents to sign the FAFSA electronically. Visit www.pin.ed.gov to be issued a PIN. If students or parents do not have a PIN at the time that a FAFSA is transmitted over the Internet, a signature page must be printed, signed and mailed to the federal processor. Applicants using this method to apply for aid, are recommended to send in the signed signature page promptly. You may access the electronic version of FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov using a PIN.
School Code
Cascadia Community College Title IV school code is 034835. Use this code when completing your FAFSA. Please call Student Financial Services directly at 425.352.8860 if you need any assistance.
Complete a Cascadia Community College 2008-2009 Financial Aid Data Sheet (see
Forms). When you have completed the form, submit it to the Student Financial Services Office at Cascadia Community College.
Also, stay in touch with the Student Financial Services Office to be certain that all information needed to complete your file has been turned in. You may reach the Student Financial Services Office at 425.352.8860 or by email at finaid@cascadia.edu.
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Eligibility Requirements
All financial aid recipients must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen
- Have a high school diploma, GED or pass an ability to benefit test, or COMPASS
- Provide a valid Social Security Number
- Be accepted into an eligible degree or certificate program at Cascadia Community College
- Not be in default on a student loan or owe a repayment on a grant
- Be seeking a degree from Cascadia
- Not be disqualified based on a conviction for a drug-related offense
- Be registered with the Selective Service (if required)
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
- Provide financial information (including parents' information, where required)
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Satisfactory academic progress must be maintained to be eligible for financial aid. Students must meet the academic standards of the college and the requirements of the financial aid policy for progress. In general, students must successfully complete the courses he/she has attempted as well as earn a minimum GPA. Academic progress is monitored for each term. If a student's financial aid eligibility is suspended, measures can be take by the student for reinstatement as outlined in the
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. A complete copy of the policy is available in the Student Financial Services Office and is mailed with each initial Financial Aid Notification.
Maximum Time Frame
Federal regulations limit the amount of funding students may receive based on
the number of credits earned or attempted. All attempted courses are counted,
including: incompletes, withdrawals, repeated courses, and transfer
credits. Student will not be considered for aid beyond 125% of the credits
required for the degree or certificate program. However, students who have
reached the 125% limit, but require additional time to complete their degrees,
may petition to receive funding beyond the credit limitation. Please note:
The Washington State Need Grant cannot be awarded to students who have attempted
beyond 125% of the credits required in their program, regardless of submitting a
petition.
Students may attempt 45 credits of preparatory or developmental courses
(below 100 level) needed for their program. These credits will not count against
the 125% timeframe.
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Types of Aid
Cascadia Community College offers financial assistance to eligible students in the form of grants, work study scholarships and loans. Generally, a student must be taking 6 or more credits to qualify for financial aid. At 6 credits a student qualifies for part-time financial aid and at 12 credits qualifies for full-time financial aid.
Financial aid awards may consist of one or more of the following programs:
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