Financial Aid FAQ

How do I know if I am eligible for Financial Aid through Herzing College Online?

As long as you meet the following criteria, you are eligible for financial aid through Herzing College Online:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you’re from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
• Register with Selective Service if you are male and 18 to 25 years of age (go to http://www.sss.gov/ for more information).
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
• Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or workstudy)
• You must not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
• You must demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized Stafford Loans).

How soon before enrolling should I start the financial aid process?

As soon as you’ve decided that you are committed to furthering your education, begin the financial aid process by requesting your PIN. You can then begin filling out your FAFSA form.

Do all Herzing College online programs qualify for financial aid?

Yes! Herzing College Online is a regionally accredited college and qualified to disburse federal student aid for any of our programs.

What is the Herzing College Online school code for FAFSA?

Herzing College Online’s school code is: 009621

My FAFSA form has been processed. What is my EFC?

The EFC is your Estimated Family Contribution. Based on the information you provided on your FAFSA, the government estimates that your family will be able to contribute a certain amount of money toward your education for that school year. Please note: It is common for this EFC number to change once the Herzing College Online Financial Aid Department reviews your application and makes any necessary changes or updates to your FAFSA information.

What is the Student Aid Report (SAR)?

The Student Aid Report shows all of the answers you entered when completing your FAFSA form, along with your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) figure and Data Release Number (DRN). Review this information carefully. If you need to make any corrections, go to Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA.

When do I know exactly how much financial aid I will receive?

Once you have been accepted to Herzing College Online and have fulfilled all requirements for the financial aid application, you will receive a Financial Aid Award Letter detailing your Financial Aid Award Package (the dollar amounts and type of aid—grants and/or loans—you will receive).

How and when is my financial aid money disbursed?

Once you accept your Financial Aid Award Package and begin classes, your financial aid award money will be applied to your account at Herzing College Online to cover the cost of tuition. Any remaining money will be mailed as a check to your address on file approximately six weeks after the start of classes, unless you choose to return the unused portion to the lender. Please note: It is the student’s responsibility to make sure any name and/or address changes are communicated to the college.

What if financial aid does not cover my full tuition amount?

You are responsible to cover any additional balance on your account through cash/credit card payments, employer tuition reimbursement, military benefits, scholarships, or a Herzing College Financial Aid Officer can advise you on alternative loan sources to help fund your college education.

What happens if I withdraw from a course or the college?

Any changes to a student’s enrollment status may affect financial aid eligibility. Please speak to a Student Services Advisor at 1-866-508-0748 if you feel you may need to withdraw from a course(s) to discuss the potential ramifications on your financial aid.

According to my FAFSA form, I am considered a dependent student. What does this mean?

Depending on your age, marital and family status, you may be considered a dependent student and you will need your parent’s help when completing the financial aid process. If you have questions about being declared a dependent student, or if your parents are divorced and you’re not sure which parent(s) need to supply information, please speak with a Herzing College Online Financial Aid Officer at 1-866-508-0748.

What if I am a dependent student, but my parents won’t help me by completing their portion of the financial aid forms?

Unfortunately, if your parents are unwilling to provide their information then you will likely be ineligible for federal and state financial aid. A Herzing College Online Financial Aid Officer can speak with you further about alternative financing options.

What is verification?

If your FAFSA is selected for verification by either the U.S. Department of Education or by the Herzing College Online Financial Aid Department, you will be asked to submit additional information to verify that the questions on your FAFSA form were answered correctly. This is a very common step in the financial aid process.

What happens if my FAFSA is selected for verification?

If selected for verification, you will be required to submit the Verification Worksheet and some or all of the following documents:

• 1040 Tax Form
  A signed copy of your 2006 and 2007 federal tax filings (and your
  spouse’s/parents’ if applicable). If you are unable to locate a copy
  of these documents, you can request free Tax Transcripts from
  the IRS. Please call the IRS Tax Transcript Request Line at 1-800-
  829-1040.
• W2’s
  Your 2006 and 2007 W2’s (and spouse’s/parents’ if applicable).
• Any Social Security Benefit documentation from 2006 and 2007
  for you (and/or your spouse/parents).
  
  In addition, other documents may be requested:
  - Child support
  - AFDC/ADC/TANF
  - Immigration
  - Social Security
  - Birth Certificate(s)
  - Divorce/Separation documentation (must have correct, current name)
  - Veteran benefits
  - Ward of court

I'm ready to start applying for financial aid, where do I start?

Our Financial Aid page will guide you step by step in starting the financial aid application process.