216.687.5411
Frequently Asked Questions
To assist you with your financial aid questions, review the frequently asked questions listed below. For further assistance, visit www.fafsa.ed.gov or contact Campus411 at 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or campus411@csuohio.edu.
How do I apply for federal financial aid?
The only way to apply for a federal grant, loan and Federal Work-Study is to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Cleveland State's priority deadline to file the FAFSA is February 15.
Why do I need a federal PIN and how do I apply for one?
A PIN number is necessary for you (and your parent if you're classified a dependent FAFSA applicant) to sign the FAFSA online, eliminating the need to mail in a signature page. Having a PIN allows you to access your FAFSA and other information from the U.S. Department of Education. Applying for a PIN is quick and easy. You (and your parent if you're classified a dependent FAFSA applicant) can apply for a PIN before you submit your FAFSA (at www.pin.ed.gov). You can also apply at the time you submit your FAFSA (at www.fafsa.ed.gov).
If I miss the February 15 FAFSA priority date, can I still apply for financial aid?
If you submit your FAFSA after February 15, you can still be considered for Federal Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, and/or Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). However, you will not be considered for assistance from programs with limited funding (Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), University Grant, Federal Work-Study and/or Perkins Loan).
What is the federal school code for Cleveland State?
Cleveland State’s code is 003032 and is entered on the FAFSA in step 6. For quick reference this number can be easily located in the black navigation bar at the top right of all financial aid web pages. If you do not initially put Cleveland State on your FAFSA, you can always add Cleveland State to your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You may also call 800.4FED.AID (800.433.3243) and request that Cleveland State be added to your FAFSA.
I won't qualify for financial assistance. Why should I bother to submit a FAFSA?
Many families believe their income is too high to receive financial aid. However, low-interest federal loan assistance may be received by a student (and his/her parents) regardless of the family income. Also, some scholarship and benefits programs require applicants to submit the FAFSA.
Do I have to be admitted to Cleveland State before submitting the FAFSA?
No. The FAFSA should be completed and submitted, even if you're not yet admitted to Cleveland State. We will be able to view your FAFSA application once your admission is complete.
I submitted the FAFSA last year. Why do I have to apply again this year?
Federal regulations require that a student reapply for federal financial aid each year. The primary reason for this is to ensure that an individual's eligibility for assistance is based on the most up-to-date income, asset, and family information.
I completed my FAFSA at a community college. Do I need to file another FAFSA if I transfer mid-year?
No, simply add Cleveland State to your FAFSA. You may do so by accessing your FAFSA by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov or calling 800.4FED.AID (800.433.3243). If you call, you will need to provide the DRN number that is located on your Student Aid Report (SAR) report.
I am transferring to Cleveland State and have a Federal Stafford Loan with my current school. Can the remaining loan money for this year be transferred to Cleveland State?
No, the remainder of your loan must be cancelled so that Cleveland State can originate a new loan for you. You must notify your school in writing that you are transferring to another school and would like to have the remainder of your loan cancelled. Be sure to notify your loan guarantor and report any changes in the anticipated graduation date. Once the remainder of the loan is cancelled, we can process a new loan through Cleveland State.
I am transferring to Cleveland State and already have a Master Promissory Note (MPN) on file for my loans. Do I have to complete another one?
It may not be necessary for you to complete another MPN, however, you will have to complete the loan entrance counseling. You will need to contact your loan guarantor and ask if your promissory note will be valid at Cleveland State. Also, if your lender is not on our preferred lender list, you will need to notify Cleveland State of who you would like your lender to be. If your current lender is on our list, then you can just choose them when you complete your award letter. If you do not complete your MPN or loan entrance counseling, Cleveland State cannot disburse your loan.
My parent(s) didn't claim me as an exemption on their income tax return(s). Can I apply for federal financial aid using only my information?
Maybe. Review the seven questions in Step 3 of your FAFSA. An answer of “no” to all of these questions means that your parent(s) income and asset data must be entered on your FAFSA. An answer of “yes” to any of the seven questions means that your parent(s) data should not be entered.
I'm 22 years old and haven't lived with my parents since I was in high school. Why do I have to include their information on my FAFSA?
If a student cannot answer yes to at least one of the seven student status questions in section 3 of the FAFSA, federal regulations require that his/her parent(s) income and asset information be included on the FAFSA.
My parents are divorced (or separated) and neither one has remarried. Whose information do I enter on my FAFSA?
Enter the information about your custodial parent, the one who provided you the most financial support during the last 12 months. This might not be the parent who had legal custody of you or who claims you as a federal income tax exemption. Generally, this is the parent with whom you've resided the most. If you didn't live with either parent (or lived with both parents an equal amount of time), enter information about the parent who provided you the most financial support.
Must I include my stepfather's income and asset information on my FAFSA? My mom and he just got married last year.
If you consider your mother (rather than your father) to be your custodial parent, then both your mother's and stepfather's income/asset information must be included on your FAFSA. Your stepfather is defined as your father for purposes of completing your FAFSA, regardless of whether or not he wishes to assist you with your educational and living expenses.
Both of my parents are deceased and I've been living with my grandparents since I was very young. They even claimed me as an exemption on their federal tax returns. Should I include their income/asset information on my FAFSA?
No, not unless they've officially adopted you. If they have, they're defined as your parents and their information must be included on your FAFSA. If they have only been your guardians (even court-appointed), then you're defined as an orphan, and only your income/asset data should be entered on your FAFSA.
My family's circumstances have changed since I submitted my FAFSA. What can I do?
If a significant change occurs in your family's (or your) financial situation after you submit your FAFSA, be sure to contact Campus411 in University Center 162, or call 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or email campus411@csuohio.edu. In many instances, adjustments to your federal financial aid eligibility can be approved. Examples of such instances are a loss of income, separation or divorce and loss of benefits.
I've been selected for verification three years in a row. What am I doing wrong? Why do I keep being chosen?
Most FAFSA applicants are randomly selected to undergo the FAFSA verification process. However, selection can also occur if the information entered on the FAFSA appears to be erroneous or inconsistent.
Do I need to give Cleveland State copies of tax returns?
Maybe. If your FAFSA data is selected for Verification you will be notified by Cleveland State and you'll be required to submit photocopies of your (and often your parents') federal income tax returns. The FAFSA Verification process is required for approximately 30 percent of all FAFSA applicants.
Can I receive federal financial aid if I enroll less than full time?
Yes. Federal SEOG, Perkins Loan aid, and Work-Study employment assistance is normally reserved for students enrolled full time. However, Federal Pell Grant, Stafford Loan, and PLUS (parent) loan funds may be received by students enrolled at least half time. In addition, many undergraduate students enrolled less than half time qualify for Federal Pell Grant funds.
Can financial aid be used to cover the cost of classes that are being audited?
No. Audited classes are not counted when determining enrollment status for financial aid.
What kind of financial aid is available to graduate students?
Cleveland State administers the aid programs provided by the federal government to assist with a graduate education. Graduate students are eligible for loans and Federal Work-Study only.
What is an EFC?
The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined from the income and asset data you entered on your FAFSA. This amount is a reflection of your family's financial strength, an estimate of the amount you are expected to make available to spend on higher education expenses.
How do I find out how much financial aid I am eligible for?
After Cleveland State receives your FAFSA data and after the FAFSA verification process has been completed (if you're selected), you'll be sent an award letter listing the types of aid you have been awarded.
Does receiving a scholarship affect my federal financial aid eligibility?
Sometimes. A student is not permitted to receive financial assistance greater than the total cost of attending Cleveland State. Therefore, if you qualify for a scholarship after having been awarded federal financial aid, some of your federal assistance (usually loan eligibility) may have to be reduced. If this occurs, you'll be notified immediately. Read more frequently asked questions regarding scholarships.
What is the GradPlus Loan?
The Graduate Plus (GradPlus) Loan is a new federal loan program for degree-seeking graduate and law students. Read more frequently asked questions regarding the GradPlus Loan.
The total amount of financial aid I'm receiving is greater than tuition invoices. What happens to the extra money?
Any remaining funds available after all your fees have been paid will be mailed to you. You may view this amount by going to your CampusNet account and selecting the “account” tab. If you see an amount in parenthesis ( ), that is your refund amount. The Office of Treasury Services mails refund checks twice a week. If you refer to your CampusNet account you will see when your check was issued. Providing that there are no problems with your admission or financial aid status, checks are mailed the same day they are issued. If you have questions or concerns about your refund check, contact Campus411 in University Center 162, or call 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or email campus411@csuohio.edu.
How do I receive summer financial aid?
Summer semester is considered the last semester of our academic year. Financial aid is based on your remaining eligibility from the 2006/2007 FAFSA results.
Students may use remaining Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loan and/or Federal PLUS Loan eligibility for summer study. Campus-based aid (SEOG, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work Study), Institutional Grants (University Grant, Residence Hall Grant), and State Grants (OIG, OCOG) are not available summer semester.
Students applying for summer financial aid should finalize their registration by May 9, 2007 (Law students, May 21, 07). To have your eligibility evaluated, complete the Summer Aid Application or you may email fao@csuohio.edu.
Students who have exhausted their Pell Grant and/or Stafford Loan eligibility, may wish to explore alternative loan options.
www.csuohio.edu/financialaid/loans/alternative.html
Summer Aid for Graduate and Law Students
Students who will be enrolling in at least six credit hours , may complete the Summer Aid Application or email us so that your remaining eligibility can be determined.
Graduate and Law Students who enroll for less than six hours may consult our alternative loan website http://www.csuohio.edu/financialaid/loans/alternative.html for funding options.
Visiting Students (non-degree, visiting, and transient) Summer semester
Visiting (non-degree, visiting, and transient) students who are enrolling at CSU this summer are not eligible for CSU administered financial aid, including alternative/private loans. Visiting students should consult their home institution for aid eligibility.
Questions, please call us at 216-687-5411 or visit us at Campus411, University Center 162.
The financial aid I was offered is not enough to cover my tuition. Do I have any other options?
Students who are in need of additional funding may apply for an Alternative Loan. Loan rates and approval requirements vary. It is recommended that students begin the Alternative Loan application process as early as possible to avoid possible late fees or cancellation of classes.
I have a brother and a sister who also attend college. Does this impact my federal financial aid eligibility?
Yes. Be sure to include this information on your FAFSA. Your eligibility for federal assistance, as well as the eligibility of both your siblings, is adjusted due to your family having more than one dependent child attending college.
My dad lost his job several months ago and hasn't yet found employment. Can I have my financial aid eligibility recalculated?
Yes. Your federal financial aid eligibility for the school year is initially based on income and asset data from the most recent 12-month calendar year (January through December). However, if you and/or your parent(s) experience a significant change of economic circumstances during the subsequent calendar year, be sure to contact Campus411 in University Center 162, or call 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or email campus411@csuohio.edu. With proper documentation, your federal aid eligibility can be considered for recalculation.
Will my financial aid be affected if I drop a class?
It depends. According to the date you drop your class(es), how many credit hours you drop, and the last date you attended the class(es) you drop, you may be required to repay some of the grant and/or loan assistance that was credited to your Cleveland State account for the semester. You should contact Campus411 in UC 162, or call 216.687.5411 or 888.CSU.OHIO or email campus411@csuohio.edu to find out specifically how you will be affected.
I'm planning to withdraw from all of my classes at Cleveland State. How does this impact my financial aid?
According to the date you withdraw (and your last date of class attendance), a portion (or all) of the federal grant and loan assistance that was credited to your Cleveland State account for the semester may have to be returned to the U.S. Treasury. If this required action leaves you with a balance due to Cleveland State, you'll be responsible for making arrangements.