- How do I apply for Student Financial Aid?
- What is SMCC's Federal School Code?
- How important is it to file early?
- If I am only interested in applying for an on-campus job or a bank loan, do I still need to complete a FAFSA?
- If I think my parents make too much money, why should I bother completing the FAFSA?
- What happens after I have completed and submitted the FAFSA?
- If I have already received my SAR, what is the next step?
- Should I be wary of fee based scholarship programs and organizations?
- How can I find more information about Financial Aid, Stafford Loans, and Private Scholarships (for Maine residents)?
1. How do I apply for Student Financial Aid?
All students applying for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All student aid administered by Southern Maine Community College including federal, state and institutional sources can be applied for through the timely completion of the FAFSA. Application for student assistance is filed once per academic year. Federal regulations, the availability of funds and family situations change annually. A student may be eligible for student assistance one year, even though the student or another family member was not previously eligible.
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2. What is SMCC's Federal School Code?
Our Federal School Code is 005525. If you would like to add our school after your FAFSA has been processed, it is not too late! Please call the SMCC Office of Student Financial Aid for quick instructions. We can be reached at (207) 741-5518 or toll free in Maine at 1-877-282-2182.
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3. How important is it to file early?
The importance of filing early and accurately cannot be stressed enough. In general, student financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need, as determined by the FAFSA, on a first-come first-serve basis. Do not wait until you are accepted to SMCC before you file your FAFSA. Even if priority dates have passed, you can still file a FAFSA and be considered for student financial aid.
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4. If I am only interested in applying for an on-campus job or a bank loan, do I still need to complete a FAFSA?
All students are required to file a FAFSA even if they are only interested in obtaining an on-campus job or a Federal Stafford Student Loan.
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5. If I think my parents make too much money, why should I bother completing the FAFSA?
Most students, regardless of parental income, will qualify for a Stafford Student Loan. The only way to obtain such a loan is by completing the FAFSA. The annual Stafford Loan limit for 1st year undergraduate students is $2,625, and for 2nd year undergraduate students is $3,500.
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6. What happens after I have completed and submitted the FAFSA?
Approximately three weeks after submitting the FAFSA, the applicant should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in the mail. At that same time, SMCC will receive your record in an electronic format. The student should look over the SAR to make sure that SMCC is listed as a school. If SMCC is not listed, please call us immediately for assistance. Otherwise, we will contact you shortly after receiving your record.
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7. If I have already received my SAR, what is the next step?
Once you have been formally accepted to SMCC by the Admissions Office, we will automatically send a routine follow-up letter requesting pertinent information and tax documents (when applicable).
After you have provided us with all required documentation, a careful review of your file will take place, which may generate additional questions. Once your file has been satisfactorily reviewed, a financial aid award letter will be sent. This letter will detail exactly how much grant, loan and work assistance that you can expect to receive from federal, state and institutional sources. Your need, as calculated by FAFSA, and the availability of funds will usually determine the amount of student financial aid that you receive.
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8. Should I be wary of fee based scholarship programs and organizations?
We do not promote or advise students to pay a fee for scholarship searches, even though, there are some reputable agencies who do ask for a fee. Most searches for information on scholarship applications can be obtained free of charge. Please call the SMCC Financial Aid Office if you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter.
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9. How can I find more information about Financial Aid, Stafford Loans, and Private Scholarships (for Maine residents)?
Additional information which can be helpful in your search for financial aid can be found at these web sites:
www.famemaine.com
www.finaid.org
www.bankofamerica.com
www.maineadvantage.com
www.superloan.com
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