Financial Aid Questions and Answers
Do I have to wait until I test or get accepted into a program before applying for financial aid?
No. You may complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at any time, as a matter of fact, we encourage you to go on-line at
What should I do next with my SAR?
After receiving a valid SAR (Student Aid Report) the student should contact the Financial Aid Office to to check his/her eligibility for the Pell Grant. Additional information may be requested to verify the FAFSA application.
I don't think I will qualify for Pell but can I still apply for student loans?
No. Carver Career Center does not participate in Federal Guaranteed Loans. You should however still complete the fafsa because you may still be eligible for a state grant.
I know that I am not Pell eligible because of my income, and my employer will pay for everything. Why do I still have to complete the FAFSA?
Because if you are Pell eligible, most employers require that Pell be applied to your fees first, and then your employer pays all or part of the balance. The financial aid office has to let your employer know if you are eligible or not. Please contact your Human Resources specialist for individual circumstances.
An outside agency such as WIA is going to pay for my schooling. Why do I have to complete the FAFSA form?
Because if you are Pell eligible, most agencies require that Pell be applied to your fees, first, and then the agency will pay all or part of your balance. The financial aid office has to let the agency know if you are eligible or not.
I am on my own and self-supporting. Why do I have to provide my parents information?
Dependency status is determined by the questions you answer in Step Three on the FAFSA form. If you answer no to every question you are a dependent student for financial aid purposes and you must provide your parents information. Residency is not a factor.
I have a child so does that make me independent?
Not necessarily. The qualifying question is, "Do you provide more than 50% support for your children?" For instance, you have little or no income, you and your child are living with your parents and they ar providing most of your needs, then they would be the ones providing over 50%. Note that generally speaking, if the child meets the 50% support test, the child should be claimed as an exemption on your income tax return.
I currently have a student loan in default status. Can I still get my Pell grant?
No. If you are in default you are not able to receive any Title IV aid, as a matter of fact, you may not be able to receive other sources of funding such as WIA. Once the default is resolved, you will again be eligible. Any default status must be completely resolved at least one month prior to the program start date. If you are already in the program and go into default, your aid will be suspended and you will become responsible for tuition and fees.
When do I pay for a part-time class?
You must pay for the class when you register. We recommend that you register 2 weeks in advance.
Can I get Financial Aid to pay for part-time classes?
Part-time classes are not eligible for Pell Grant funding. However, if you do qualify for Pell, you could qualify for HEAPS Grant. Applications are in the front office. There are eligibility requirements.
Do I need a high school diploma or GED to take classes?
Full-time programs do, while part-time programs do not if a student is a self pay. You must have a High School Diploma or GED for grant funding.
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