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FAQs

Scholarships and Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid?

You can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How often do I apply for financial aid?

The FAFSA is valid for one year (Fall, Spring, and Summer), so it is necessary to reapply each year prior to June 1.

When is the best time to file my FAFSA?

Chadron State College awards financial aid on a first-come, first-complete basis, so it is best to apply prior to June 1. As soon as you complete your federal tax returns, complete your FAFSA.

How will I know when my FAFSA is processed?

Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive either an email directing you to an electronic Student Aid Report (SAR) or a SAR will be mailed to you from the Central Processing System (CPS). If Chadron State College is a school listed on your FAFSA, we will receive your FAFSA information electronically and this information will be available on your MyCSC Financial Aid account.

What if I need to make corrections to the information provided on my FAFSA?

Please contact the Financial Aid Office and we will work with you to correct the information electronically.

What if my family’s financial circumstances have changed since I filed the FAFSA?

The Financial Aid Office has a separate application to re-evaluate a family's financial situation if there is a decrease in income due to loss of employment, loss of untaxed income, or if your family paid unusually high medical/ dental expenses during the year for which tax information is being reported on the FAFSA. Please complete the Special Circumstances Request Form.

Am I required to report my parents’ information on the FAFSA?

For the 2009-2010 academic year, you are an independent student if at least one of the following applies to you:

  • You were born before January 1, 1986.
  • You are married as of the day you apply (or separated but not divorced).
  • You are or will be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor’s degree) at the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.
  • You have children who receive more than half their support from you. Additional documentation may be required.
  • You have dependents, other than your children or spouse, who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you and will continue to receive more than half their support from you through June 30, 2010. Additional documentation may be required.
  • Both your parents are deceased, or you are or were (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court. Additional documentation may be required.
  • You are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces. A “veteran” includes students who attended U.S. service academy and who were released under condition other than dishonorable. See the FAFSA for more explanatory notes.
  • You are currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces for purposes other than training.
  • You are, or were, an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence at the time you received the determination.
  • You are, or were, in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence at the time you received the determination.
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2008, your high school or school district homeless liaison determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless.
  • At any time on or after July 1, 2008, the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless.

At any time on or after July 1, 2008, the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.

* Not living with your parents or not being claimed by them on their tax return does not determine your dependency status.

Should I include my stepparent’s income on the FAFSA?

If the parent for which you are reporting income on the FAFSA is remarried, it is necessary to report stepparent income as well.

If I will be getting married, can I file the FAFSA now as a single, dependent student, and then re-file later as a married student?

No. It is not possible to update marital status on the FAFSA from single to married. You will want to decide whether it's in your best interest to complete the FAFSA now as a dependent student or to wait and complete the FAFSA after you're married.

I am an incoming freshman. How do I apply for scholarships?

For freshman scholarship consideration, you will need to take the ACT or SAT exam by the December test date during your senior year in high school and have the test scores sent directly to Chadron State College. Please fully complete the one-page Incoming Freshman Scholarship Application and mail to the Financial Aid Office. Applications must be received by January 15 for priority consideration.

I am a transfer student. How do I apply for scholarships?

For transfer student scholarship consideration, you will need to fully complete the one-page Transfer Scholarship Application and enclose any and all college academic transcripts by March 1 for priority consideration.

I have received a scholarship from outside of CSC. How are these funds handled?

Most external donors will send your scholarship check to Chadron State College. If the check is made co-payable, we will notify you when the check arrives so we can obtain your signature for endorsement. We will then credit the funds to your student bill at the next available opportunity. If your donor sends the scholarship check to you, please endorse the check, bring it in to the Financial Aid Office and we will credit the funds to your student account. All scholarships are considered in your financial aid package; therefore, it is necessary to report any scholarships to us. Complete the CSC Outside Scholarship Notification Form.

I’m expecting to receive outside scholarships. How will these affect my financial aid award from CSC?

Outside scholarships may reduce or eliminate the need-based portion of the financial aid award package. If the value of the outside scholarships exceeds the need-based portion of CSC's award, your need-based aid is then reduced in addition to the need to borrow.

I expect my financial aid to exceed my CSC charges. When and how will the excess funds be released to me?

The Business Office will issue a refund for excess financial aid funds. Refunds are processed by paper check and will be available in their office located on the first floor of Crites Hall. Usually, you can expect your refund in approximately 10 business days after the aid has been credited to your student account.

I have reviewed my Financial Aid Notification. What if the financial aid offered will not meet my expenses?

Contact the Financial Aid Office. You might want to consider either a Federal Direct PLUS loan or an alternative loan. Federal Direct PLUS loans are available to parents of dependent students. Alternative loans are not federal financial aid programs, but are designed to assist with educational expenses. Eligibility for either a Federal Direct PLUS loan or an alternative loan is limited to the cost of attendance (tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses) minus any other financial aid educational resources already awarded. If you are not currently working, you may consider obtaining a part-time job.

What happens if I drop a class after the semester begins?

If you drop a class prior to the end of the 100% refund period (census date), your financial aid package will be reviewed at the current enrollment level. This review may result in a change in your financial aid and scholarship eligibility. If you drop a class after the 100% refund period but continue to be enrolled at least half-time, your current financial aid package will not be revised. Please be aware, however, dropping to less than full-time after the census date will impact your future financial aid eligibility based on our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

What happens if I withdraw from all of my classes after the semester begins?

  1. If you withdraw completely from any semester, our office must calculate whether any of the financial aid you received prior to withdrawal must now be repaid.
  2. It is possible that this calculation will result in a decrease in aid already disbursed, thus causing an amount to be owed back to the Business Office.
  3. In addition, once you drop to less than half-time status, your federal loans enter their grace period before repayment. Withdrawing from all classes could jeopardize scholarship renewal and could possibly jeopardize your standing in relation to our Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
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