Financial Aid

Timelines & Deadlines

To be considered for financial aid it is important that you learn the steps you must take to successfully apply for financial aid. Stay organized!  Make a folder to keep all financial aid related information in one place.

December

Apply for a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN): You and a parent (if you are a dependent student) should apply for a PIN before submitting your electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Apply 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:  Be sure to check with your high school or college counselor for local scholarship opportunities and applications and visit the Grand Valley scholarship search to find scholarships and grants available at Grand Valley at www.gvsu.edu/scholarships/. Don't forget to take advantage of the free online search databases.

January 1 to March 1

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): You may apply online at www.fafsa.gov/. You may submit the FAFSA to the federal processor beginning in January but no later than March 1 for priority aid consideration. It is allowable to report estimated income information on the FAFSA if you and your parents have not yet filed your federal IRS tax returns. You may make corrections to your FAFSA later if your estimated income and tax information differs from your actual 1040. You must refile your FAFSA each year to be considered for financial aid. Make sure to list Grand Valley's school code (002268) on your application. 

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. Provide the correct information using your PIN at www.fafsa.gov/. Dependent student corrections will also need a parent PIN to make updates.

Return requested information as directed: It is important to promptly complete and return all forms that our Financial Aid Office may require to complete your financial aid application. 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. We are required to comply with federal regulations and verify information you reported on your FAFSA with documentation that we request before you can be awarded financial aid.

Mid-March

Receive award notification (new students):  If you are 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, which students use to access their records, housing, academic and other Grand Valley information. You will receive detailed directions on how to do this with your award letter.

Complete Spring/Summer Application (returning students): If you want to take classes in the spring/summer you must file the Spring/Summer application. 

April

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

Watch for follow up requests:  Sometimes federal rules require our office to verify information listed on the FAFSA.  We will always mail this information to your permanent address.  Respond promptly to any requests.

June

Receive award notifications (returning students): Award notifications for returning students are sent to your Grand Valley email in early June. If your FAFSA is complete and there aren't any outstanding financial aid requests, your award notification will be e-mailed to your student e-mail account.  Remember, your award is based on full time enrollment. Respond to your award on the myBanner system.  Once you have reviewed and understand what you are being offered, you must accept your award(s) online.  Complete directions on how to accept aid can be found here.

July

Student ebills sent:  Your financial aid will show as either a credit or authorized payment. Both are acceptable and mean you have done everything you need to do.  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.