Apply for Financial Aid

Financial aid can help you pay for college through grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Aid may come from federal, state, Vol State, or private sources. Your aid may be combined into an award package to help cover your costs.

Financial aid will not cover every living expense, but it can help make college affordable.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

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Create Your FSA ID

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Complete the FAFSA

  • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
  • Enter Vol State's school code: 009912.
  • You must be fully admitted to Vol State before aid can be awarded.
  • Priority deadline: April 15 for fall aid. After that, some funds may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Submit Any Requested Forms

  • After we receive your FAFSA, we will email you about any additional forms.
  • Forms are available in My Vol State.
  • Check your Vol State email regularly so you do not miss deadlines.
  • Both your admissions and financial aid files must be complete before aid is awarded.
Financial Aid Assistance
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Request a Loan (If Needed)

  • Log into My Vol State → Student Forms → Optional Financial Aid Forms.
  • Complete the Direct Loan Request Form.
  • After processing, we will email you instructions to finish the required loan paperwork.
  • To be eligible for a loan:
    • You must qualify for federal aid (via FAFSA).
    • You must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours.
    • Courses must count in your current Program of Study
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When Financial Aid Pays Out

Pell Grant & SEOG

  • Aid becomes an official disbursement about 10 days before classes begin.
  • You can charge textbooks during published book charge dates.
  • Refunds are issued by the Business Office (direct deposit or check) After classes begin

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

  • Same as above, with extra rules:
    • First-time borrowers must wait 30 days after the start of the semester before loans disburse.
    • One-semester loans are split: half at the start, half at mid-term.

Using Financial Aid for Textbooks

Yes—you can use financial aid for books if you qualify. Here is how it works:

  1. Bookstore Authorization List
    • About & days before classes begin, if you have a pending refund (a negative balance on your account), your name will be added to the bookstore list.
  2. Email Notification
    • You will get an email in your Vol State student inbox if you have bookstore credit available.
  3. Bookstore Credit Period
    • Credit is available for 10 days, starting about 7 days before classes begin.
    • After this period closes, aid is moved from “Authorized” to “Paid,” and bookstore charges are no longer available.
  4. What to Bring
    • You must present your Vol State student ID at checkout.
  5. No Extra Cost if Unused
    • If you do not use your credit, nothing will be charged to your account.

✅ Quick Checklist

  1. Create your FSA ID
  2. Complete your FAFSA (school code: 009912)
  3. Submit any requested forms (check My Vol State)
  4. Request a loan (if needed) via My Vol State
  5. Use your bookstore credit if you qualify