frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THE FAFSA?
To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college or career school.
In addition, many states and colleges use your FAFSA information to determine your eligibility for state and school aid, and some private financial aid providers may use your FAFSA information to determine whether you qualify for their aid.
WHAT IS OAK HILLS CHRISTIAN COLLEGE’S FAFSA CODE?
The FAFSA code for Oak Hills Christian College is 016116
HOW IS THE EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC) CALCULATED?
The EFC is calculated using a formula set by Congress. This formula is applied to the FAFSA information to determine the total amount each family should be able to contribute to the cost of attending college. The EFC amount is constant regardless of which college you choose to attend.
WHAT HAPPENS IF OAK HILLS RECEIVES MY FAFSA LATE?
You must complete all financial aid information (including loan applications, any corrections needed by the student and/or the parents and all supporting documents such as tax forms) and have this on file with the Financial Aid Office prior to the beginning of the semester. Due to time involved with processing Financial Aid, potential aid may not be available before the payment deadline. This results in you having to cover costs with another method of payment and/or service charges accruing on your student account.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS TO RECEIVE AID?
- Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) as a regular student to be eligible for student loans. (Federal and/or state grants may be available at less than 6 credits)
- All federal aid is awarded based on full-time status (12 credits). For the Minnesota State Grant, 15 credits is considered full-time. If a student drops below 12 credits for any semester, the budget will be recalculated; federal and state aid may be decreased, and institutional aid is forfeited
- Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress at Oak Hills Christian College in order to continue receiving aid (See the Financial Aid Office for further details)
- Oak Hills Christian College reserves the right to alter any information on this page without prior notice to financial aid participants
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I SUBMIT THE FAFSA?
Approximately two to four weeks after you file the FAFSA you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) either by mail or email, which will list your FAFSA information. If you listed Oak Hills Christian College as one of your school choices on the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will receive your FAFSA information electronically.
Review your SAR for accuracy and contact the Financial Aid Office if corrections are needed.
The Financial Aid Office may ask you to provide additional documentation for your file (such as copies of federal tax forms).
After all necessary information has been received, the Financial Aid Office will calculate your aid eligibility and send you an Award Letter.
You must be admitted to Oak Hills Christian College prior to us sending an Award Letter.
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
It is in the student’s interest to begin the process of applying for financial aid as soon as you begin the admissions process. This process typically starts with filling out the FAFSA and the OHCC Financial Aid Application. If you are entering OHCC in the fall, the FAFSA may be filed after January 1st of that same year. Often there are additional forms to complete in order to qualify for grants and loans. The earlier you submit your paperwork, the greater the chances are of receiving financial aid from programs with limited funding.
HOW IS THE AMOUNT OF NEED-BASED AID DETERMINED?
To determine eligibility for need-based federal aid (grants, loans and work-study from the federal and state government), Oak Hills Christian College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The purpose of the FAFSA is to gather information on the student’s income and assets, as well as data on the parent’s income, assets, family size and number of family members in college. After the Financial Aid Office receives the FAFSA results, the student’s financial aid eligibility is determined.