- Complete the FAFSA (FAFSA school code: 001252). Priority deadline is April 2nd. Don't forget that financial aid can not be awarded until you have been fully accepted to Hope.
Important Information for 2024-25 Financial Aid application - The FAFSA Simplification Act will introduce big changes to the processes and systems for the upcoming academic year 2024-25. On December 31, 2023, the Department of Education soft-launched the 2024-25 FAFSA. The FAFSA application will be available to students and parents periodically as the Department of Education performs maintenance and addresses any potential issues. You can find more information at studentaid.gov.
- Complete a Financial Aid Questionnaire (FAQ) and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- California residents need to apply for Cal Grants by submitting a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission. The deadline for both the FAFSA and GPA Verification Form is April 2nd.
- In approximately 24 to 48 hours, the result of the FAFSA will be sent to you and the school(s) that you have listed. If you did not initially indicate Hope as one of the universities of your choice, please contact Hope's financial aid office.
- If additional information is necessary, your award letter will indicate any additional documents needed. Until the requested information is received, your application will be placed in a pending file.
- When your file has passed the review, your financial aid package is determined. An Award Letter is emailed to you outlining which types and amounts of aid you are eligible for.
- If you accept the award in its entirety, you do not need to take any action other than your signature on the award. Otherwise, please indicate the changes, initial and return the offer to us within two (2) weeks. This is also the time to submit loan application(s), Satisfactory Academic Progress policy statement, etc. First-time Stafford borrowers at Hope are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling. You may satisfy this requirement by logging on to www.studentloans.gov.
- After your enrollment is verified (usually 7 days after the first day of class), and presuming all documentation has been submitted and external funds have been received, we will credit your account with the financial aid amount that you were offered. If you have a credit balance, you may request a refund with the Student Account Department.
- Satisfactory financial arrangements must be made in order for you to be cleared for registration or move into the residence halls. If you have been awarded financial aid and have completed and returned all requested documentation, the Student Account Department may clear you for registration and/or checking into the residence hall, even if financial aid funds have not yet arrived. If we have not processed your file, you will be required to pay your fees at registration or on specified payment dates.
- You have the right to appeal your income or dependency status for FAFSA. Please reach out to your FA Counselor for more details.
