Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for federal financial aid?
Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The application should be done each year as soon as possible after January 1st. It is recommended that it is completed in time for us to receive it by the posted fall current year deadline.

What is Macon State College's Title IV School Code?
Our code is 007728.

When should I apply?
Financial aid eligibility must be established each academic year. Priority is given to students whose files are complete by the posted fall semester deadline each year. Meeting this deadline allows adequate processing time to better ensure funds are awarded by the beginning of fall semester as well as consideration for all types of financial aid, including limited funds such as SEOG, and FWS.

Can I use my W-2 forms to complete the FAFSA?
No. You should complete your tax forms (1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc) and then use that information to complete your FAFSA.

Is there someone who can help me complete my financial aid forms? 
Yes. Students may complete the FASFA on-line in the Financial Aid Office with financial aid representatives close by to help. The Financial Aid Office is located on the second floor of the Student Life Center. Please bring applicable year tax returns for use in completing the FAFSA.

How long does the financial aid process take? 
Awards are made in the order in which files are completed. Generally, processing time from the date all required documents are received is up to 6 weeks. However, during peak processing periods, processing time can be longer.

I live on my own and my parents do not help me, nor do they claim me on their tax return so, why am I not classified as an independent student? 
The federal government asks several questions in step 3 of the FAFSA to determine if a student will be considered independent for federal financial aid purposes. Please refer to the current year FAFSA for a list of these questions. If you cannot answer YES to one of these questions according to instructions provided, you must include your parent's (including adoptive parents and step-parents if applicable) information. You cannot use grandparents' or other relatives' information even if you live with them. If you have questions about parents' information or to discuss if you possibly meet the requirements to apply for a dependency override, please contact the financial aid office at (478) 471-2800 or e-mail: fainfo@maconstate.edu.

I am an International Student. Am I eligible for Federal Aid? 
You must be an eligible non-citizen. Generally, you are an eligible non-citizen if you are: (1) A permanent resident and you have an Registration Receipt Card (I-551); (2) a conditional permanent resident (I-551C); (3) an other eligible non-citizen with an arrival record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service showing any one of the following designations: 'refugee', 'asylum granted', 'indefinite parole', 'humanitarian parole', or 'Cuban-Haitian entrant'. If you are in the United States on an F1 or F2 student visa, a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa (pertaining to international organizations), you are not an eligible non-citizen for purposes of receiving federal aid.  You may, however, be eligible for institutional scholarships.

What about aid for summer semester? 
Generally, initial awards are for fall and spring semesters. Students wishing to apply for aid summer semester will need to contact the financial aid office for information related to summer processing requirements.

How do I apply for a loan? 
All students are offered federal student loans based on eligibility at the time of file review. Students are required to accept or decline loan awards via BANNERWEB. Please click here: http://www.maconstate.edu/finaid/banner_instructions.aspx for instructions on this process.

Should I wait to complete the admissions process before I apply for financial aid? 
NO!  You can do both at the same time. However, financial aid cannot be awarded until you have been officially admitted into the college.

I sent my FAFSA application several months ago and have not heard anything. How can I find out the status? 
First, check your financial aid account on BANNER Web to determine if MSC has received your Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) or if additional documents are needed. If MSC has not received the ISIR, you should go on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov to check your FAFSA submission or call 1-800-433-3243, the Federal processor. You should make sure MSC's school code (007728) was included.

Can I make changes on my Student Aid Report? 
If you review your Student Aid Report from the Department of Education and determine that changes need to be made, you can make corrections on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You will need your PIN number to make corrections on the web.

How do I obtain a PIN number? 
If you don't have a PIN number or you have forgotten it, you may request a PIN number or duplicate to complete a FAFSA online at www.pin.ed.gov. If you are a dependent student, your parent must have their own PIN number to sign the application also.

How many hours must I take to receive my student loan funds?
To receive loan funds, students must be enrolled for 6 or more semester hours. If at anytime during the loan period the enrollment status drops to below half-time, the loan is terminated and no additional payment can be made.