Financial - Northwest Mississippi Community College

how
do I
apply
federal
for
student
aid?
step one
• GET ORGANIZED! It is recommended that you have a folder to collect all of your college information
in one place.
step two
• Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov using the above information.
• It is strongly recommended that you utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool within the FAFSA to
retrieve your 2011 income tax data directly from the IRS. If you do not utilize this tool, the
Department of Education may require an official IRS transcript of your 2011 tax return which
could delay processing of your financial aid by 10-14 days. Incomplete or inaccurate information
creates delays in processing your financial aid.
step three
• Create a PIN and electronically sign the FAFSA.
• If you are a dependent student, a parent must also create a PIN and electronically sign the FAFSA.
step four
• Just because you have submitted the FAFSA does not mean that your financial aid has been
awarded. The Financial Aid Office may need additional documentation in order to finish your file.
*If your file is flagged for verification by the government, you will receive a letter from the college Financial Aid
Office requesting copies of documentation. Please provide the requested documents ASAP to avoid any delays on
receiving your award. Award letters are sent out weekly beginning in the spring each year.
don’t forget!
• List NWCC school code: 002427
• Answer all questions; don’t leave anything blank!
• File your FAFSA as soon as you file your taxes and before April 1, 2012.
FAFSA
What do
I need?
What is a
“dependent”
student?
Every student must complete
the FAFSA form online to be
eligible for any type of federal
aid such as loans, grants, work-
study, etc.
• Copy of your 2011 Federal 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.
• Copy of your parents’ 2011 Federal 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ.
• Your W2 forms.
• Your parents’ W2 forms.
• If you are under the age of 24, unmarried and do not have a child that you are
actively supporting, you are typically considered “dependent”.
• If you believe you have extenuating circumstances that would warrant a review
of this, you can visit the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation.