How & When to Apply for Financial Aid

Johnson State College Priority Filing Dates for Financial Aid

March 1: New students
May 1: Returning students


JSC should receive your financial aid application prior to the dates above for you to be considered an on-time applicant. After these dates, awards will be based on availability of funds. You are eligible to apply any time after January 1 for the 2012-2013 academic year. You do not need to be accepted by admissions to apply for aid.


How to Apply for Financial Aid

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov to be considered for financial aid.
  • Obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov  to sign documents electronically.
  • Insert our “Federal School Code” 003688 in the required section on the FAFSA.
  • Your information will be forwarded to the JSC Financial Aid Office by the Federal Processor.
  • If you applied for aid during the previous year, simply update your Renewal FAFSA using your PIN.
  • Parents of dependent students will also need to obtain a PIN.
  • If tax returns are not finalized in time to meet the above deadlines, file with estimated income, corrections will be made at a later date.
  • Vermont residents should apply for a state grant on-line at www.vsac.org.
  • Non-residents should inquire within their own state grant office.

To Qualify for Financial Aid, You Must:

  • Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security Number;
  • Be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at JSC;
  • Not be in default on a federal loan or owe a refund of previously received aid;
  • Be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours (3 credit hours for Pell Grant eligibility only);
  • Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress once in school;
  • Be registered with Selective Service (if required); you can register while completing the FAFSA.


Helpful Hints

  • Apply early: File the FAFSA as soon after January 1 of the award year as possible, but if you have completed your federal tax returns, it will simplify the process.
  • Accuracy is important: Read instructions carefully and make sure you use your correct social security number on all application materials. Avoid delays be sure all required signatures appear on applications and forms.
  • Be prepared: Have your and your parents’ 2011 federal tax forms, W-2s and asset information for the FAFSA.
  • Be prompt: Do not ignore requests for additional information (even if you have already received an award letter). Requests for information to complete your file will only be sent via email. The email address you provided to the Admissions Office will be used until you activate your JSC email account. Providing information late may reduce your aid package due to the availability of funds and it will delay your aid being disbursed to your bill. If you are unsure if all required forms are on file, contact the Financial Aid Office or check on Web Services.
  • Reapply every year: Your financial aid is not renewed automatically. You must submit all required forms.
  • Check your SAR (Student Aid Report): You will receive this from the federal processor after you file your FAFSA; be sure the information is accurate and complete. You can make corrections at the FAFSA website.If estimated income was used on the FAFSA you must make corrections after federal tax returns are complete.
  • Stay in touch with the Admissions Office: Make sure the Admissions Office has everything it needs to make a decision on your application.
  • Review JSC Scholarship opportunities: Check the JSC website for additional information. New student scholarships are managed through the Admissions Office.
  • Be aware of scams: You should never pay to apply for a scholarship or to complete the FAFSA.
  • Check Email and Web Services: Check these resources often; this is crucial for communications from the Financial Aid Office. New students will receive their initial award by mail. All subsequent information will be sent by email. Returning students will receive an email in their JSC email account prompting them to log into Web Services to view their official award.
  • Download the Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Financial Aid brochure.

Incoming 2012 Spring Semester Students

Complete and submit your FAFSA following the instructions given above no later than December 1, 2011. Please note students beginning at Johnson State in January 2012 are awarded based on the availability of funds. Scholarship funding is not available for incoming spring semester students, but you are encouraged to apply for scholarships for current students for the upcoming 2012-2013 academic year and these applications are available in late November with a mid February due date. Remember to complete a renewal FAFSA after January 1, 2012 for the upcoming academic year.

Questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office

Toll-Free: (800) 635-2356
Office: (802) 635-1380
Fax: (802) 635-1463
email: JSC.FinancialAid@jsc.edu

Mailing Address
Johnson State College
Office of Financial Aid
337 College Hill
Johnson, VT 05656-9464