Completing the Financial Aid Process

Completing the Financial Aid Process

After the U.S. Department of Education's processor receives your FAFSA application, it will analyze your information and use an established need analysis formula to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The results, a Student Aid Report (SAR), will be sent to the colleges and universities listed on your application. If you submitted required signatures electronically with your application and provided a valid e-mail address, you will receive an e-mail that provides a link to a secure web site that will allow you to view and print your SAR. Otherwise, you will receive your SAR by mail in approximately 2 weeks.

LaGrange College begins processing FAFSA applications in early February.  At this time, all processed applications will be imported into our financial aid management system, Banner.  Each application is reviewed to determine if additional information is needed to complete the file or establish eligibility to participate in financial aid programs.  A missing documents letter or e-mail will be sent to the student identifying the items needed to complete their financial aid file.

The Financial Aid Office begins processing FAFSA applications in early February.  At this time, all processed applications will be imported into our financial aid management system, Banner.  Your SAR will be reviewed to determine if additional information is needed to complete your financial aid file or to establish your eligibility to participate in financial aid programs. If you are selected for "verification" by the Federal government or LaGrange College or have eligibility issues, you will receive a "missing information letter" from the Financial Aid Office requesting additional information. All requested information must be provided to LaGrange College Financial Aid Office within 90 days of the notification date. If the requested documentation is unavailable at the time of the request, an extension can be granted provided the Financial Aid Office receives a written request explaining the reason the documentation is not provided and an estimated date the information will be available.

Documents commonly requested are listed below.

  • Signed copies of the student's (and spouse's, if applicable) Federal Tax Returns and W-2s
  • Signed copies of the student's parents' Federal Income Tax Returns and W-2s, if a dependent student
  • A Dependent or Independent Student Verification Worksheet
  • Documentation of untaxed income (such as child support, social security, disability benefits etc.)
  • A copy of Permanent Alien Registration Cards if you are an eligible non-citizen
  • Documentation of resolution of previous default on a Federal loan
  • Documentation of Selective Service Registration
  • Copy of DD214, if a veteran of the armed forces
  • Other documents as requested to determine eligibility

If after completion of the verification process discrepancies are found, the Financial Aid Office will transmit the corrected information to the Central Processor. You will receive a revised Student Aid Report (SAR) reflecting the updated information. Once your file is complete, it will proceed to the packaging phase where an official award will be sent to you.  The financial aid award process begins in early March. 



Helpful Hints:

  • You are not required to apply for admission before applying for financial aid. However, a final financial aid award will not be provided until you are accepted for admission.
  • The Admission Application and Essay, including required transcripts, test scores, and letters of recommendation, are evaluated to determine academic scholarship eligibility. LaGrange College awards academic scholarships ranging from $5,000 to full tuition, room and board. The top applicants are invited to participate in the Scholar Week Competition held in February.
FAFSA Hints:
  • Collect the information you will need to complete the FAFSA before you start. Completing the 2011-2012 FAFSA will provide you with helpful information in preparing to complete your FAFSA.  Submit the required signature(s) for your FAFSA electronically using a PIN . You will save 2-3 weeks of processing time by submitting signature(s) electronically. If you are a dependent student, one of your parents will also need a PIN to submit their signature. Click on this link to Apply for a PIN.
  • Although not required, you should complete your 2009 Federal Tax Returns before completing the FAFSA, if possible.
  • You may find it helpful to complete a 2010-2011 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet before starting your FAFSA. Select this link to print a 2011-2012 FAFSA on the Web Worksheet.
    • .
  • Don't forget to include LaGrange College's Title IV Code, 001578, in Step 6 of the FAFSA. If you do not list any colleges or universities to receive your FAFSA info, only you will receive the results of your FAFSA application.
  • Be sure to indicate your preference for student loans and work-study in question 31 of the FAFSA.
e-HOPE/e-GTEG Hint:
  • If you are a male age 18 or older, you should have your selective service registration number available. You will be asked to provide this number when you complete the e-HOPE/e-TEG application. Males between the ages of 18 and 25 are required by law to register with Selective Service.