FAQ


How Does C.C.C. Determine My Awards?
Financing Your Education?
Can Non-Matric's Get Aid?

I don't get financial aid.  I just want a loan.  Do I have to fill out a FAFSA?
I rent my own apartment.  Do I still have to provide parent income on the FAFSA?
How can I get a copy of my tax return transcript?
My family resources have changed since filing a tax return last year, what do I do?
Do I have to report my stepparent's information on my FAFSA?
Do I have to apply for financial aid every semester?










question and answerI don't get financial aid.  I just want a loan.  Do I still have to fill out a FAFSA? 
 -YES, you must file a FAFSA.  Student loans are just one form of financial aid. Your family’s financial information is used to determine your loan eligibility.



question and answerI rent my own apartment.  Do I still have to provide parent income on the FAFSA?
The Department of Education has set guidelines for independence. To be considered independent and not include parents’ income a student must be:
  - Born before Jan. 1, 1986 (for 2009/2010 academic year) or
  - Be married or
  - Have a child who receives half of their support from the student or
  - Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or
  - Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training or
  - Be an orphan or ward of the court at any time since you turned 13 or
  - Be working on a masters or doctorate program or
  - Be an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence or
  - In legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence or
  - Determined by your high school or school district as an unaccompanied youth who was homeless 
  - Determined by the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program as an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or
  - Determined by the director of a runaway or homeless shelter as an unaccompanied youth who was homeless
Thus, if a student is living in a separate residence from their parents, it does not make them independent. Therefore parent information must be provided.



question and answerHow can I get a copy of my tax return?
The FAFSA requires information from the student’s and parent’s previous year tax return. If your school has requested a copy of an IRS tax return transcript, you should request one directly from  the IRS at 1-800-908-9946 or request one online at: www.irs.gov/Individuals/Order-a-Transcript .   Your school is unable to accept a copy of your personal tax return directly from you.



question and answerMy family resources have changed since filing a tax return last year, what do I do?
You must file your FAFSA using the previous year's information.  Once you've done that, contact our office.  We will discuss your situation with you and let you know what documentation we will need from you.  We will try our hardest and work with you to get the most aid possible!


question and answerDo I have to report my stepparent's information on my FAFSA?
Yes. If your custodial parent is remarried, you will need to include your stepparent’s information on your FAFSA. You should include your stepparents in your household size, and should also provide their financial information.


question and answerDo I have to reapply for financial aid every semester?
No.  You complete one FAFSA per academic school year.  Each January the new FAFSA will be available online.