How to Apply for Financial Aid
2007-2008 Academic Year
Fall Semester 2007, Spring Semester 2008, Summer 2008
Plan ahead and apply early.
Your financial aid can be delayed if you incorrectly file your IRS tax forms (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc.). In an effort to avoid this, please read our 2006 Tax Return FAQs.
You can apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online or by mail. Please note that the web version guides you through the application and assists you in providing the right responses. Consequently, there are fewer errors with this method. This method of applying is faster than submitting the FAFSA by mail.
It is recommended that you complete a FAFSA on the Web Worksheet before completing the FAFSA online. You can access this worksheet by going to http://www.fafsa.ed.gov, under "Before Beginning a FAFSA" click on "FAFSA on the Web Worksheet". You can then chose to print the "Web Worksheet" in color or black& white.
Read all mail that you receive from the Financial Aid Office and emails sent to your Clayton State email account. We will do everything we can to keep you informed, but it is your responsibility to stay aware of where you stand in the application process. Also make sure you read the Frequently Asked Questions on applying for financial aid before you begin the financial aid process.
Remember that the application process for admission to the college is separate from the financial aid process. Please visit the Admissions Office homepage for more admit information.
For priority handling of your application, check out the Fund Awarding Deadlines so that you can plan accordingly!
Applying Online (recommended application method)
STEP 1
Register for your PIN (if you do not already have one), and a PIN for a parent if you have to provide parent information on your FAFSA. The PIN serves as an electronic signature. You will also use your PIN to electronically sign your promissory note for student loans. If you do not have a PIN, or forgot your PIN, go to
FAFSA PIN Registration site.
STEP 2
Visit the website for completing the 2007-2008
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is where the
FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is most helpful. Be sure to enter Clayton State University's school code,
008976. This way, we will receive your application and information electronically. If you do not use a PIN, print the signature page, provide all required signatures and mail it to the address indicated on the signature page. Processing of the online application by the Department of Education may take approximately 5-10 days from the date you provide the requested PIN(s).
STEP 3
We will then receive the results of your FAFSA, and will contact by you mail and/or your CSU email account if we need additional documents. It may take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive your information after it has been processed by the processing center.
STEP 4
Read all mail that you receive from the Financial Aid Office and emails sent to your Clayton State email account and respond promptly so that you can
complete your file quickly. We will do everything we can to keep you informed, but it is your responsibility to stay aware of where you stand in the application process.
Applying via Mail (the paper FAFSA)
STEP 1
Pick up the 2007-2008 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the Office of Financial Aid. We are located on the first floor of the Student Center, room 102. We may have applications outside of our office, but please check
our office hours for more assistance. Pay careful attention that you pick up the application for the correct academic year. During the early part of each calendar year,
the FAFSA is also available at local high schools, usually in the guidance counselor's office.
STEP 2
Complete the FAFSA accordingly and mail it in the envelope that is enclosed in the packet. Be sure to enter Clayton State University's school code,
008976. This way, we will receive your application and information electronically. Be sure to provide the necessary signatures on the last page of the application. Processing of the paper application by the Department of Education may take approximately 2-4 weeks from the date it was mailed.
STEP 3
We will then receive the results of your FAFSA electronically, and will contact by you mail and/or your CSU email account if we need additional documents. It may take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive your information after it has been processed by the processing center.
STEP 4
Read all mail that you receive from the Financial Aid Office and emails sent to your Clayton State email account and respond promptly so that you can
complete your file quickly. We will do everything we can to keep you informed, but it is your responsibility to stay aware of where you stand in the application process.