When should I apply for financial aid?
Students may start to apply for financial aid on October 1 (** for the 2024-2025 academic
year, that FAFSA will not be available until some time in December) of the preceding
year that they wish to be considered for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While some federal funds such as Pell Grant and Direct Loans are generally available
year round, there are other funds which are awarded on a first-come first-served basis.
Every student should file the FAFSA each year they attend college. Not only will this
make you eligible for the federal programs that are available, it can also make you
eligible for state and institutional aid programs.
What tax information do I use when filing the FAFSA form?
The FAFSA form uses federal tax information from 2 years prior. If are you completing
the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you will need 2022 tax information. Everyone (students, spouses
(if applicable), and parents) will need to consent to have their Federal Tax Information
(FTI) imported into the FTI module.
Do I have to include parental information? Can I be considered independent?
Per financial aid federal regulations, you are dependent on your parents until the
age of 24. Even if your parents do not claim you on their income tax returns or you
do not live in their home, you are considered dependent for the purpose of financial
aid unless you can meet one of the status requirements on the FAFSA that considers
a student independent:
- the year a student turns 24
- if the student is married
- if a student supports a dependent child
- if a student is a veteran of the US Armed Services
- if a student enrolls in a graduate program
What does "verification" mean?
Some FAFSA applications submitted are selected by the federal government for an audit
process called verification. Initial notification of verification will be on your
FAFSA Submission Summary. You will be instructed by the university on what you need
to supply for documentation. Delays in submitting requested documentation may result
in a reduced financial aid award.
What is a student financial aid budget/cost of attendance?
A student budget is the average cost of attendance for one year at KCAD. The budget
includes tuition/fees, food and housing, books, travel, loan fees, miscellaneous expenses,
and the costs of the required laptop and software. A student can never receive more
federal financial aid than their cost of attendance. Click here to see KCAD's esimated cost of attendance.
What is financial need?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined by the Federal government using information
submitted on your FAFSA form. The SAI is used to determine a student's eligibility
for Pell Grant and other need-based forms of financial aid. The SAI is not necessarily
an indicator of a student/family's actual out of pocket expense. This SAI is subtracted
from the cost of attendance to determine your financial need.
How do I find out how much money I am being awarded?
An award notice of your financial aid package will be emailed to your Ferris email
account. This award notice will tell you the types and amounts of financial aid that
you are being offered for the semesters designated. Financial aid awards may change
for many different reasons. For instance, we may be notified of scholarship awards
after your initial package. Every time a change to your financial aid award is processed,
you will be notified via your Ferris email account. Each award notice supersedes the
previous award notice. It is important that you review and take action (if required)
on every award notice by the date specified. Failure to do so could result in a loss
of financial aid.
What if the financial aid I am receiving is not enough to fulfill my financial needs?
Can I get extra money to pay for housing?
Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans and Private Alternative Student Loans are additional
options to help you and your family in covering educational expenses including housing.
The financial aid office has put together a list of Private Alternative Student Loan
lenders to assist with your search. For more details and information on the Parent
PLUS loan and Private Alternative loans, please visit our loan webpage.
When will I receive my financial aid refund?
All financial aid must be used towards your tuition and fee costs first. After that
is paid in full, a financial aid refund will be issued if you have a credit balance.
Students who are eligible to receive a financial aid refund must enroll in financial
aid direct deposit via Ferris 360. Refund dates
