Q: I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I fill out the FAFSA?
A: YES! Many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for aid and prevent themselves from receiving any kind of financial assistance, including loans.
Q: Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?
A: Yes, you will need to fill out the FAFSA every year. However, the following years will contain pre-populated information from the previous year's FAFSA. Note that your eligibility for financial aid may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college or your family's income situation has changed.
Q: Is it legal for a 17 year old student to sign a promissory note for a student loan, even though the student has not yet reached the age of majority?
A: Normally, a minor cannot be held liable for a contract that they sign. However, in 1992 the Higher Education Act was amended to permit eligible students, defined per Title IV regulations, to sign the promissory note for their own Federal student loans. As such, student loans represent one of the few exceptions to the so called "defense of infancy." The specific citation is section 484A(b)(2) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1091a(b)(2)).
Q: How do I fill out the FAFSA if my parents are divorced?
A: If you are parents are separated or divorced, the custodial parent is responsible for filling out the FAFSA. The custodial parent for federal student aid purposes is the parent with whom you lived the most during the 12 past months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the past twelve months should fill out the FAFSA. This is probably the parent who claimed you as a dependent on their tax return. If you have not received any support from either parent during the past 12 months, use the most recent calendar year for which you received some support from a parent.
Q: Do I need to have 12 units in order to receive financial aid?
A: No. Minimum enrollment status varies according to each aid program. For most programs, 6 units is the minimum required enrollment. The Financial Aid Office automatically packages student's aid on the assumption of full time enrollment (12+units). Students who enroll in less than 12 units must notify the Financial Aid Office right away, as proportional adjustments will be made to the Financial Aid package.
Q: How long does it take to receive my offer letter after I turn in all my documentation for verification?
A: Generally, it takes two weeks to receive an award notification once all requested documentation is received by our office. During peak periods the turnaround time for processing your financial aid file may increase slightly. To avoid having your financial aid package slowed down by the peak period, file your application by the priority filing date of March 2nd and promptly respond to all requests for information.
Q: How do I know if I have been selected for verification?
A: Once you have completed your FAFSA you will be notified by two sources: the Department of Education when they send your e-SAR and the Financial Aid Office. When you receive your e-SAR, look at your EFC. If there is an asterisk by your EFC, then you have been selected for verification. In addition, the Financial Aid Office will be notifying you via email of the details of the verification process. Please make sure the right email address is on file!!
Q: What happens to my aid if I have to drop some units and I'm no longer full-time?
A: The answer will depend on your particular situation with respect to the type of aid you receive and your overall academic record. The best advice is for you to discuss your situation with your financial aid counselor.
Q: I lost my academic scholarship due to a low GPA. How can I get it back?
A: If after an academic year your GPA was not at least a 3.0 cumulative, you will lose your academic scholarship. You can get it back, however, after the next year. If after the next academic year you raised your GPA back up to a minimum 3.0, the financial aid department will automatically renew your scholarship.
Q: When do I get my refund check?
A: All funds are set to disburse the Friday of the first week of classes. As long as all monies come in, they are transferred over to the Business Office where they will process the check. This whole procedure will take 2-3 weeks. All checks are sent to the student's mailbox.
Q: How come I haven't received my refund check yet?
A: In order to process the refund check, all monies need to be in and transferred to your account. If you haven't received your check yet, it is very possible you have not completed the student loan process of picking a lender and signing your Master Promissory Note. You will want to check with the Financial Aid Office to see which monies haven't come in.
Q: How do I pick a lender for my student loan?
A: There is a two step process that is all done online: Entrance Loan Counseling and signing the Master Promissory Note. For more information click on the Student Loan link.
Q: My parents do not claim me on their tax return, can I complete the FAFSA with just my information?
A: It is irrelevant whether or not your parents claimed you on their tax forms. Click on the FAFSA link and you will see a set of questions that will determine if you are considered independent from your parents, according to Department of Education's standards. If you can answer "YES" to any of them, you may put just your information on the FAFSA. If not, you are required to include your parent's information.
Q: How come my scholarship has been reduced?
A: It is very possible you have already reached your maximum eligibility for scholarships. Remember to keep these institutional policies in mind:
- An off campus student may receive up to 50% of their tuition covered through WJU Institutional scholarships.
- An on campus student may receive up to 100% of their tuition covered through WJU Institutional Scholarships.
- Cal Grant plus institutional aid combined may not exceed 100% of tuition.
