Frequently asked financial aid questions

Q:	What kind of expenses does financial aid cover?	Print this page
Q:	What types of financial aid are available for Heald students?
Q:	How do I apply for financial aid?
Q:	Where can I get information about federal student financial aid?
Q:	Where can I get the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
Q:	Can I submit a photocopy of the FAFSA?
Q:	Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Q:	I don't think I'll qualify for financial aid. Should I still apply?
Q:	When should I submit my FAFSA? Will I need to wait until my taxes or my parents' taxes (for dependent students) have been processed to file?
Q:	My mother and father do not support me and I am no longer living at home; can I apply for financial aid on my own?
Q:	My parents are divorced/separated and I am no longer living with either of them. Which parent's information will I need to supply?
Q:	I am planning to attend Heald as a part-time student. Will I qualify for financial aid?

Q: What kind of expenses does financial aid cover?

A: Financial aid must be used to pay the cost of education, which may include:

• tuition
• fees
• books
• supplies, and
• other education-related expenses

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Q: What types of financial aid are available for Heald students?

A: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) and Cal Grants are funds that are awarded based on financial need, and they don't generally have to be repaid. High School Senior Scholarships are available to graduating seniors. For more details, contact an admissions advisor at a Heald campus near you. Federal Work Study is a program that provides both on- and off-campus jobs to students with financial need. Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) are loans that must be repaid with interest. Federal Parent PLUS Loans allow parents to borrow up to the full cost of college less other financial aid received. Alternative Loans are based on ability to repay rather than financial need. Alternative loans allow students to borrow up to the full cost of education less other financial aid received. Although students apply for these loans in their own name, a cosigner is recommended. TOP

Q: How do I apply for financial aid?

A: Visit the Heald College campus nearest you and one of our financial aid advisors will be happy to help you. They're experts in developing financial aid packages according to government guidelines, regulations, and most importantly, your needs. In order to be considered for any federal or state aid, you must complete The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may also have to file separate applications for state grants and scholarships. Check with your financial aid advisor for details. TOP

Q: Where can I get information about federal student financial aid?

A: Stop by the Heald campus nearest you, or call 1-800-88-HEALD. One of our financial aid advisors will be happy to help you. You may also call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). This is the U.S. Department of Education's toll-free hotline. Staffers can answer your questions about federal aid programs and the FAFSA. TOP

Q: Where can I get the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

A: You can get the FAFSA from the financial aid office at any Heald campus. You can also find the FAFSA form at your local public library, by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243), or by visiting http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. TOP

Q: Can I submit a photocopy of the FAFSA?

A: Unfortunately, no. Only the original FAFSA is acceptable if you choose to mail the form. To file the FAFSA online, or to download a paper FAFSA, go to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. TOP

Q: Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

A: Yes. According to federal regulations, students are required to apply for financial aid every year. Each year, the U.S. Department of Education will send you an email reminding you to reapply. If you need assistance, talk to your financial aid advisor - they're happy to help. TOP

Q: I don't think I'll qualify for financial aid. Should I still apply?

A: Yes. It doesn't cost you anything to file the FAFSA, and a financial aid advisor can help you fill out the form. Also, some sources of financial aid, such as the Unsubsidized Stafford and Parent PLUS Loans are available regardless of need but you must file the FAFSA to be considered for these types of aid. TOP

Q: When should I submit my FAFSA? Will I need to wait until my taxes or my parents' taxes (for dependent students) have been processed to file?

A: The FAFSA is accepted any time after the 1st of each year. While it's better to complete your taxes early, you don't have to wait until after you've filed your taxes to file the FAFSA, because you can estimate your income. You will be able to update your information once your taxes have been filed. Note that in order to qualify for the Cal Grant, the State of California requires that the FAFSA be submitted and processed with a certified GPA verification by March 2^nd. TOP

Q: My mother and father do not support me and I am no longer living at home; can I apply for financial aid on my own?

A: In order to be considered an independent student, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Be at least 24 years of age before January 1 of the award year for which you are applying,
• Be an orphan or ward of the court until the age of 18,
• Have a child/children for whom you provide more than half their financial support,
• Be a married student,
• Be a veteran of, or currently on active duty in, the armed forces,
• Be a graduate student, or
• Have a legal dependent other than a spouse or child.

If you do not meet one of the above criteria and you want to apply for federal aid, the U.S. Department of Education requires you to supply parental information and signatures. TOP

Q: My parents are divorced/separated and I am no longer living with either of them. Which parent's information will I need to supply?

A: The parent with whom you lived the most during the past 12 months should complete the application. If you lived with each parent for an equal amount of time, you will need the parent who provided you with the most financial support during the last year to complete the application. TOP

Q: I am planning to attend Heald as a part-time student. Will I qualify for financial aid?

A: All students receiving federal funds while attending Heald College must be actively enrolled in a degree or certificate program. To be eligible for Federal Stafford Loans, students must maintain an enrollment status of at least 6 credits per quarter. For Pell grants, there is no minimum enrollment status required. Requirements for other grant and scholarship programs, as well as for students enrolled in the Medical Insurance Billing & Coding program may vary. For more information, contact your financial aid advisor. TOP