Adult Continuing Education Students
Center for Continuing Education
The starting point for all need-based financial aid is the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is the only need-based application required by Guilford. You should complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Follow the directions and be sure that ALL required data elements are completed and both student (and parent, if required) PIN numbers are included Guilford College recognized the difference between adult continuing education students and traditional high school graduates in terms of their application for college timing. Therefore, we do not hold new adult student prospects to the same March 1st financial aid application deadline that we hold Traditional Campus student to. All new CCE applicants up to the start of school each semester will receive whatever state and federal entitlement grants and student loans for which they qualify, upon proper submission of all required paperwork. It is important to note however that any additional need-based scholarships awarded at the discretion of the college are subject to funds being available. The earlier one applies for need-based assistance, the more likely there will be funds available from these additional need-based funds.
The FAFSA must be filed annually in order to reestablish need-based aid eligibility each year. Students who filed the FAFSA the previous academic year will receive via email a reminder to complete the next year’s FAFSA. This email is sent by the U. S. Dept. of Education to the email address that was reported on the prior year’s FAFSA. It is the student’s responsibility to file each year’s FAFSA, whether or not you receive the federal reminder.
All financial aid recipients are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This requirement differs from the gpa requirement to retain eligibility for enrollment in that it has a minimum pass rate for attempted hours. Please familiarize yourself with the full text of the financial aid SAP policy.
It is important also to remember that the majority of books and academic supplies must be purchased during the first few days of the semester. Students cannot rely on work-study earnings for this purpose. Students who utilize federal student loan funds to assist with living expenses beyond the direct costs of tuition and fees may be eligible for a bookstore voucher to aid in the purchase of books at the college bookstore. If you think you qualify for this instrument you should speak with your Student Financial services Counselor. Otherwise, you should arrive on campus with sufficient funds to purchase books and other academic supplies required for the start of the semester.