Due to the large number of different types of federal financial aid available, it is important that you understand the federal financial aid guidelines. For students needing financial aid, the following guidelines can be instrumental in ensuring that the financial assistance is received when needed. Do not become ineligible for financial aid by not knowing the federal financial aid guidelines.

First of all, the responsibility of ensuring that the processing of the application is completed is yours before you are cleared for registration. Clearance is considered the first step in the overall process that leads to registration. A student needs to be financially cleared by the FIDM Student Financial Services Office before registering. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) needs to be completed and returned to the college.

If any additional documentation or information is needed by the FIDM Student Financial Services Office, the student must provide requested information or documentation. The requested information and documentation is used to ensure that those students with a demonstrated financial need receive government assistance. It is highly recommended that the student continually check the status of their FAFSA prior to registration.

The federal guidelines stipulate that the programs be awarded on a fiscal year basis. The fiscal year runs from July 1st and ends June 30th each year. It is often required that a student apply more than once during an academic or calendar year. For State Grant programs, the applications are available beginning January 1, with a filling deadline of March 2.

One of the most important federal guidelines is that the student be making satisfactory academic progress in their course work and that their classes be leading to a specific educational program. Any student failing to do so is at risk of termination or reduction of their package. A student’s proof of attendance report must be made on a quarterly basis before the disbursement of any aid. In order to receive the maximum award, a student must be enrolled as a full-time student (with a 12 units per quarter minimum).

You must understand that the guidelines stipulate that aid be given on a first-come first served-basis. Also that all financial assistance needs to be awarded before students can register for classes. The individual colleges act as trustee of the federal and state funds and must provide assistance programs to make sure that strict compliance with the federal guidelines are met.

It is the student’s responsibility, and not the colleges, to make sure that they understand the guidelines and regulations of federal and state financial aid. They are responsible for providing the needed documentation and information in the processing of the financial aid application. A student should always follow up on their FAFSA to make sure that the information on it is correct to the best of their abilities. Knowing the federal financial aid guidelines will help make the college experience mush easier for the student, their family and the college and university.

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