Chapman University - Financial Aid

Should I pay someone to file my FAFSA for me?
The first "F" in FAFSA stands for free because completing and filing the FAFSA is free! Instructions on how to complete a FAFSA take you through the process step-by-step, and if you have questions about it give us a call and we can help. We even have a toll-free number, so there's no reason to pay someone to do what you can do for free.

What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Do I have to fill out a FAFSA every year?
Yes. If you want to receive financial aid every year, you must fill out a FAFSA every year. They are available starting January 1st and should be postmarked or completed online by March 2nd.

Can I fill out a FAFSA online?
Yes, and the results arrive almost two weeks faster than a paper application! Check out the Department of Education’s website for the step-by-step process: www.fafsa.ed.gov

What is the deadline for filing the FAFSA (i.e. applying for financial aid)?
As a California school the priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is March 2nd of each year. Forms must be postmarked no later than the March 2nd before the academic year which aid is being applied for. If the priority deadline is not met, a student may still apply through June 30th of that academic year, but funding for certain aid programs may be exhausted.

ACADEMIC YEAR

Application Period Begins	January 1
Priority Deadline	March 2
Final Deadline	June 30 of following year

What is the FAFSA exactly?
It is a federal government form that asks for student and parental information, including incomes earned and taxes paid. This information is used to calculate a student’s financial need, which we match with financial aid. It is a free form to file with the Federal government and is recommended for students to complete even if they feel they would not qualify for financial aid.

How is the FAFSA used to determine my financial aid package?
The federal government uses data provided on the FAFSA to calculate a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office calculates a student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes tuition, living expenses, miscellaneous fees, books, etc. COA minus EFC equals a student’s financial need, which we then try to match with federal grants, state grants, academic or talent scholarships, institutional grants, federal work study, and various loans.

Are there any forms to fill out besides the FAFSA?

First year undergraduate students who are permanent California residents may apply for California Grants by filling out a CalGrant GPA verification form, available from all California high schools, other California college financial aid offices, or Chapman’s Financial Aid Office. GPA verification forms must be completed by the institution where the student last completed 24 units (usually high school or previous college attended). The forms must be postmarked by March 2nd. Most schools submit the GPA verification online to the commission, please check with your school for their process.
Occasionally other forms will be required of students after they have completed a FAFSA, and will be mailed to the student for completion. The FAFSA and GPA verification (if applicable) are the only forms needed to apply initially for financial aid.

How do I qualify for an academic scholarship?
Academic scholarships are actually awarded by the Office of Admission. They are based on your grade point average and SAT or ACT test scores submitted on your admission application. For more information, contact the Office of Admission.

How do I qualify for a talent scholarship?
Talent scholarships are awarded by each school within the university, usually based on a submitted portfolio or audition, in addition to other criteria established by each school. For more information, contact the Office of Admission.

How many students receive financial aid at Chapman?
For the 2006-2007 academic year, over $132 million was provided to more than 9200 students

Can graduate students receive financial aid?
Yes, but their award packages differ from undergraduates. Graduate students are eligible for higher loan amounts under the federal Stafford loan program, and can receive both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Grad PLUS loans are also available for students in Masters, PhD, and JD programs. Graduate tuition assistance (grants) are available from each graduate department, and students should contact their department head for information on how to apply.

Where is the Financial Aid Office located?
The Orange campus office is location in the Bhathal Student Services Center, between the Law School and the Sycamore Street parking structure.

My parents don't support me, do I still have to include their information on the FAFSA?
Whether your parents support you financially or not is a choice that they make, and unfortunately the government is very strict about dependent students being required to include their parents' information on the FAFSA. The only time a student would not need to include parent information is if the student can answer YES to at least ONE of the following questions:

- Were you born before January 1, 1985? (for the 08-09 academic year)
- Are you working on a master's or doctorate program?
- As of the date you file the FAFSA, are you married?
- Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
- Are you an orphan?
- Are you a ward/dependent of the court?
- Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently on active duty?
- Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you?

My parents don't support me, can I claim independent status?
Whether your parents support you financially or not is a choice that they make, and unfortunately the government has very strict criteria for being an independent student. If you cannot answer YES to at least ONE question below, you are considered a dependent student and must submit your parents' information on your FAFSA:

-Were you born before January 1, 1985? (for the 08-09 academic year)
-Are you working on a master's or doctorate program?
-As of the date you file the FAFSA, are you married?
-Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
-Are you an orphan?
-Are you a ward/dependent of the court?
-Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or currently on active duty?
-Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you?