Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

	Introduction
	Thank you for considering Pierce College, The Smart Choice, as the place to begin or continue your educational goals. Even with community college's low enrollment fees, attending any type of college can be a big commitment of your time and expenses, but it is also a great investment in yourself and your future! Know that financial aid is available for eligible students to help with those expenses. Financial aid can seem a little complicated at times. Fortunately, the staff in the Financial Aid Office are here to assist you every step along the way.
	How to Apply For Aid
	Applying for federal and state aid (grants, fee waivers, work-study, and loans) requires you to gather certain information and apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is filed once every academic year. The best time to file a FAFSA is between January 1 and March 2 prior to the start of the academic year (Fall Semester), although you may still apply after those priority dates. The best way to fill out and submit a FAFSA is to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . It is recommended that you obtain a U.S. Department of Education PIN (Personal Identification Number) before filing your FAFSA on the Web. Your PIN can be used to access your online records and to electronically sign your FAFSA, Renewal FAFSA, or FAFSA Corrections on the Web. If you don't already have a PIN, or if you need a new one, you can request one online at www.pin.ed.gov . If you are a Dependent Student, your parent can also request his/her own PIN. Here's what you need to gather before you apply: Your Social Security Card Number (required) Your Driver's License (if you have one) Your Permanent Resident Alien number (required if not a U.S. Citizen) Your federal income tax return, W-2(s), or other earnings statements from the entire calendar year immediately prior to the academic year, if you had any earnings or other taxable income. For example, use year 2007 income for the Fall 2008- Spring 2009 academic year. Statements for any untaxed income received during the entire calendar year immediately prior to the academic year (if you received child support, public assistance, social security, or any other untaxed income). Do not include student financial aid received. Current statements from your checking and/or savings accounts, or other cash on hand, if any. Current statements regarding the net value of investment assets you own, if any. (Examples: mutual funds, certificates of deposits, money market accounts, stocks, bonds, college savings accounts, rental real estate or second homes, etc.). Do not include consumer goods (like a car), real estate that is your primary residence, or assets held in retirement or life insurance accounts. Current financial statements regarding the net worth of your business, or investment farm (if you own a business). (Examples: land, equipment, inventory, etc.). Items #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 will also be needed for your spouse if you are currently married (and not separated). Items #1, #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 will also be needed for your parent(s) if you are a Dependent Student. It should only take about 45 minutes to complete a FAFSA online, if you have all the above documents or information gathered together. It is not too difficult, and help is available. Most students, if they file a complete and accurate FAFSA, are eligible for some type of aid. DON'T DISQUALIFY YOURSELF FROM GETTING AID BY NOT FILING A FAFSA!
	Getting Help with the Application
	When applying online, you may use any computer with a domestic web browser connected to the internet. It is recommended that you also have access to a printer and have an e-mail account. You may use a computer at home at a friend or relative's house at a public library at your high school or college library or open computer lab in the lobby of the Financial Aid Office (during open hours) If you need help using the computer, or understanding a FAFSA question, student assistants are usually available during our open hours to assist you. However, they will not provide you with FAFSA answers or fill out the FAFSA for you. If you have any questions about how to answer a particular section or question on the FAFSA, or other aid related issues, there are several ways to get assistance: Use the online help features on www.fafsa.ed.gov . Call the toll-free federal aid info line at 1-800-4FED AID (1-800-433-3243). Ask our professional staff by coming in during our open hours. (Mon. & Tues., 8:00am - 4:00pm; Wed. & Thurs., 8:00am - 6:00pm; Fridays 8:00am - 2:00pm; Holidays CLOSED) Call us during business hours at (818) 719-6428. E-mail us at pierce_finaid@piercecollege.edu. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of this website.
	Getting Help after the Application
	After you have filed your FAFSA and double checked the e-mailed results for any needed corrections, you will need to start a file at the Financial Aid Office for each academic year that you plan to attend Pierce College. You may have more questions for us throughout the academic year. Feel free to contact our staff by any of the methods above if you have any questions related to specific aid programs, general or program eligibility, satisfactory academic progress, special circumstance appeals, disbursements, repayment issues, money management, or any other issues related to financing your education. Be sure to respond quickly to any requests for further information we send to you. If you wish to clarify more complex aid-related issues, you may always ask to see the Financial Aid Technician on duty during our open hours. We are here to guide and assist you!