Financial Aid » The Process

The process of applying and receiving financial aid can be complicated.  Our goal is to make it as straight forward as possible.

Applying for Financial Aid:
You must file your Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 1st of each year.  You will need your current tax information in order to complete the FAFSA.  You do not need your federal 1040; estimating your tax information is fine. 

Filing your FAFSA will allow our office to offer you the most in grants, scholarships, loans, and work study.  Don't forget to research outside scholarships to help supplement your financial aid. 

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR):
The SAR is a review of the information you provided on your FAFSA.  You must make sure that the answers you provided are correct.  If you find any mistakes, correct them right away through the FAFSA Web site. 

Enroll In Classes:
Admitted freshmen must attend Freshmen Orientation to register for classes.  Current students can register during the regular enrollment period. 

Award Notification:
Admitted freshmen who filed their FAFSA by March 1 will receive their award notification in the mail by the end of March.  Current students will receive their award notifications by mail the end of May.  You will accept your award notification through the My Banner system.  

Billing:
Your bill will come from the Student Accounts Office in July.  The first bill will be mailed to your permanent home address if you are new to Grand Valley.  Returning students will be sent an email to a preferred email address.