Eligibility for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
In order to be eligible for federal aid, the following requirements must be met:
- You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. You are considered a citizen or eligible non-citizen if:
- You are a U.S. citizen.
- You are a U.S. national (this includes natives of America, Samoa, or Swain's Island).
- You are a U.S. permanent resident with an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151, I-551, or I-551C).
- You are not a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, but have an I-94 or I-94A with one of the following designations: refugee; asylum granted; indefinite parole; humanitarian parole; Cuban-Haitian entrant, status pending; or conditional entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980).
- You must have a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent. This includes items such as a home school affidavit or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- You must be working toward a degree or certificate (program of study, or major).
- You may not be in default on any federal student loans or owe money on a federal grant.
- You must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Transfer students must have all prior transcripts disclosed and evaluated/ reviewed for financial aid purposes.
Determining Financial Need
Financial Aid programs require financial need, with the exception of unsubsidized loans. These programs were established on the premise that the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses rests with you and your family.
Information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to calculate your expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid programs using the following formula:
Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need
The cost of attendance (COA) represents an estimated budget of the expenses required to attend Santa Fe College.
- These budgets include allowances for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal and miscellaneous expenses.
- They are based on what are considered reasonable but modest costs after surveying segments of our student population.
The difference between the cost of attendance and the expected family contribution is considered financial need.
- Our office will assist you and your family in trying to meet your financial need by offering a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities.
- If you have no financial need, you are still eligible to be considered for options like unsubsidized student loans and non-need based scholarships.