Financial Aid

Financial Aid FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Everything you've always wanted to know about Financial Aid but were afraid to ask...

How do I apply for financial aid?

Undergraduate students:

For the 2008-2009 Academic Year
By filling out a 2008-2009 CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA. You can apply on-line http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and http://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp. We also require a copy of parents' and student's 2007 federal income tax returns, all pages and W-2 forms.

For the 2009-2010 Academic Year
By filling out a 2009-2010 CSS PROFILE and the FAFSA. You can apply on-line http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ and http://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp. We also require a copy of parents' and student's 2008 federal income tax returns, all pages and W-2 forms.

Graduate students:

For the Summer 2008: Apply with the 2007-2008 FAFSA and a copy of your 2006 Federal income tax returns. 

For Fall 2008, Spring 2009, or Summer 2009: Apply with the 2008-2009 FAFSA and a copy of your 2007 Federal income tax returns. 

The St. John's school codes are as follows:

  • PROFILE: Annapolis=5598; Santa Fe=4737
  • FAFSA: Annapolis=002092; Santa Fe=002093

How long does the process take?

Normally, about 2 to 4 weeks. You should apply as early as possible. The FAFSA may be filed after January 1. Some program funds are limited and awarded on a "first come first served' basis.

I'm not going to qualify for grant aid. Do I still need to fill out the FAFSA?

Yes! Financial Aid includes grants. work and loans. You may not qualify for grants, but student loans are always obtainable.

What is a Student Aid Report, and what should I do with it?

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education after they process your FAFSA. Please check the messages on it, as some conditions may prevent you from receiving aid until they are resolved. DO NOT THROW AWAY YOUR SAR. KEEP IT FOR YOUR RECORDS.

What is an Award Letter?

An award letter is the school's offer of Federal, State, and Institutional financial aid.

When will I receive my award letter?

First and foremost, make sure you have turned in your FAFSA and the  CSS PROFILE. With either of these documents missing, an award letter will not be generated. Returning students should expect their awards in mid-March.

I haven't received my award letter yet. What should I do?

Don't panic. Contact CSS PROFILE at 1-305-829-9793 and FAFSA at 1-800-801-0576 confirm that your application was received and processed.

What is the difference between the Treasurer's Office and the Financial Aid Office?

The Financial Aid Office reviews applications and determines students awards. The Treasurer's Office bills tuition, fees, and other institutional charges. Any information about billing or account balances needs to be directed to the Treasurer's Office.

 I've been awarded work study. What does that mean?

Work Study is a state or federally funded employment program. You are awarded a dollar amount to earn and this amount will appear on your Award Letter. 

What is verification?

By law, the US Department of Education randomly selects 30% of all St. John's students who file a FAFSA. St. Johns College policy is to verify 100% of all students who apply and received Financial aid. It is the responsibility of the Financial Aid Office to collect necessary financial documentation and verify the accuracy of the listed information. (Dependent students must turn in signed tax returns for themselves and their parents, all W2 forms, and a dependent verification sheet. Independent students must turn in signed tax return, their/spouses W2 forms (if applicable), and an Independent Verification Sheet.) You must turn in all financial documentation that the school requests before your loans are processed and your account credited with financial aid.

What does "need based aid" mean? What is "need"?

"Need" is determined by using this formula: Cost of Attendance (COA) - Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need.

Cost of Attendance includes tuition, fees. books. supplies, transportation, room and board. and miscellaneous costs. EFC stands for an Expected Family Contribution. This number is derived from the information you provided on the FAFSA and CSS PROFILE. This is the amount that can reasonably be expected from your family as contribution toward educational expenses. If you subtract your EFC from the schools COA and you end up with a positive number, then you have "financial need" (or "need"). If you end up with a negative number, then you do not demonstrate "financial need". You will only receive "need based aid" if you demonstrate financial "need".

Where can I get information on tax benefits for Higher Education like the Hope Scholarship or Lifetime Learning Credit?

Information on tax benefits for Higher Education can be found at The Hope Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Credits or contact your tax accountant. Financial Aid Office will not counsel students or parents on how to prepare their taxes.

Contact Information

Annapolis
E-mail: robyn.fisher@sjca.edu
Phone: 410-626-2502
Fax: 410-626-2885

Santa Fe
E-mail: charrell@sjcsf.edu
Phone: 505-984-6058
Fax: 505-984-6162

 

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