December 

• Apply for a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN):
  • Student and a parent (for dependent students) should apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov/.
  • The PIN allows you to access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education student financial aid systems and is used as your electronic signature on the FAFSA. 

• Research scholarships:  
  • Check with your high school or college counselor for local scholarship opportunities.
  • Visit the Grand Valley scholarship search to find scholarships and grants.
  • Take advantage of the free online search databases.

January 1

to

March 1 

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
  • Apply online at www.fafsa.gov/.
  • Grand Valley's school code (002268)
  • You may submit the FAFSA January  to March 1 for priority aid consideration.
  • If you do not have your taxes filed, it is okay to estimate your information.  Be sure to correct your FAFSA information once your taxes are finalized. 
  • You must refile your FAFSA each year to be considered for financial aid.

• Review your Student Aid Report from the Department of Education: 
  • Your Student Aid Report (SAR) will include your calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
  • The EFC evaluates your family’s financial situation and indicates how much of you and your family’s financial resources (for dependent students) should be available to help pay for your education.
  • Please make sure that your Student Aid Report is accurate. Make corrections only if you submitted incorrect data.

• Return requested information as directed: 
  • You may be required to submit a signed copy of your federal income tax return (and your parents’ if dependent) if your application results are chosen for verification.
  • Other documentation may also be requested to determine eligibility such a birth certificate, Social Security card, visa, or marriage certificate. 

Mid-March 

• Receive award notification (new students): 
  • Students new to Grand Valley, you will receive your initial award letter by mail to your permanent address. This is the only paper award notification you will receive.
  • Any changes to your initial award will be sent to your Grand Valley email.
  • Accept your award through your Grand Valley myBanner account.

• Complete Spring/Summer Application (returning students)

April 

• Correct your FAFSA
  • After you file your federal taxes, be sure the information matches your FAFSA.

June 

• Receive award notifications (returning students): 
  • Award notifications for returning students are sent to your Grand Valley email in early June.
  • Accept your award through your Grand Valley myBanner account.

July 

• Student ebills sent: 
  • Your financial aid will show as either a credit or authorized payment.
  • If your aid is not showing, be sure to contact our office to fix the problem. 

August 

• The Fall bill is due: 
  • You would have been sent an email from the Student Accounts Office in July. 
  • If you owe any money it MUST be paid by 5 p.m. on the due date.  If it is not paid, your classes may be cancelled.

November 

• Scholarship recipients:  Be sure you are aware of your scholarship renewal criteria for the following academic year.