Applying for Financial Aid

The financial aid application process can seem overwhelming at first glance, but we encourage you to follow these steps below to simplify the process. Remember – it helps to apply for financial aid well before funds are needed.

• Step 1. Apply for your Federal PIN. If you are providing parent information, one parent must also sign your FAFSA and will need to apply for a PIN. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and speeds up the process for all your federal financial aid processing. Missing signatures will result in a rejected application.
• Step 2. Download and print FAFSA " Pre-Application Worksheet.
  

  2009-2010 Pre-Application Worksheet. (Fall 2009 - Summer 2010)
  

• Step 3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at FAFSA On the WEB  for the year that you plan to attend ARCC. You must complete a new FAFSA each year you want to receive financial aid. ARCC's Title IV code is 002332. Your name and social security number must be reported just like they appear on your Social Security card or it will cause delays.
  
• Step 4. Turn in all documents requested by ARCC. Make sure that all documents are signed by you, your spouse, and parents (if applicable). It is your responsibility to complete your application file, so take a proactive approach to make sure that you have done all that you need to do. To ensure priority consideration for all programs for the next school year, your financial aid file must be completed by April 1st. Files completed after that date will be processed and awarded with funds still available.  If you want to have your financial aid in place for Fall term you need to have your file complete with ARCC by July1st.

When your file is complete (ie. all documents requested have been submitted) it will be reviewed. If we need additional information, a request for that information will be mailed to you. If we have all the information we need, we calculate your awards and will mail an award letter to you. Your award letter will tell you what types of funds you are eligible for and the amount you are eligible for at each possible enrollment level. Be sure to read all required documents...there is important information regarding your rights and responsibilities that you need to be aware of!

We encourage you to check your financial aid status or your eligibility online using your Student/Tech ID and ARCC PIN anytime!

Transferring your Financial Aid

If have already completed the FAFSA application at another school and will be transferring to ARCC, you need to transfer your FAFSA results and complete your file at ARCC. Your financial aid will not transfer unless you follow one of the steps below:

• If you already have your Federal PIN, the fastest and most preferred method is to submit your request online. You will need to select “FAFSA Followup” and follow the instructions under “Make Corrections”.

  OR

• If you don’t have access to a computer or you don’t have your Federal PIN, you may call the Central Processor at 1.800.433.3243. You will need your Data Release Number (DRN) located in the lower left hand corner of your Student Aid Report. Follow the directions in the automated response system and add college code 002332 for ARCC.
  
  **If you have a student loan at your current institution but will be transferring mid-year to ARCC, make sure you inform the school you are attending to cancel your future loan disbursments. This will allow you to apply for your remaining loan at ARCC.