FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — FINANCIAL AID & VETERANS

Q:  Does IRSC provide Transfer Scholarships?
A:  Indian River State College students who have recently graduated, or are nearing graduation, and who will be continuing their education either in the IRSC baccalaureate programs or at another university, are encouraged to apply for transfer scholarships. 

Q:  How long will the application process take?
A:  If you are applying through FAFSA on the web, it will take approximately 2-4 weeks (paper applications take longer).

Q:  What documents will I need to complete my Financial Aid file?
A:  Please check your financial aid status online to find out what documents are needed If you have been chosen by the Department of Education for verification, you will be required to submit to IRSC a signed copy of your prior year tax return and all W2 information, as well as those of your parents if you are a dependant student.

Q:  What if I need help in completing the Financial Aid application?
A:  The Financial Aid Office conducts a Financial Aid workshop every year around March or April to assist with completing the FAFSA application (please check our website for dates). You may also receive assistance by going to our Student Services Department.

Q:  What is the deadline for applying for Financial Aid?
A:  The Financial Aid Office has established Priority Dates (please refer to “applying for aid”); typically it’s 6 to 8 weeks before classes start. In order to give you timely service (before classes begin), your file must be made COMPLETE by the published priority date prior to the semester for which you are applying for financial aid.

Q:  How will I be notified if I am eligible?
A: Students are notified of their eligibility via Rivermail (IRSC email). The awards will be based on the enrollment status reported by you. If you are not eligible you will receive an email informing you of your ineligibility.

Q:  How many credit hours must I be enrolled in to qualify for financial aid?
A:  Students must enroll full time in order to receive the maximum award amounts.  Full time is defined as at least 12 semester hours for all terms (including summer sessions). Certain award programs, such as Pell Grant may pro-rate awards to correspond to a student's enrollment status (i.e. half-time students receive half of the full-time award.)  Students must at least half time (6 credits or 180 clock hours) to receive a student loan. 

Q:  What should I do if my family's situation changes after I have applied for financial aid?
A:  If changes in your family occur such as unemployment, divorce, or the death of a parent, you should contact the Financial Aid Office. A financial aid advisor will determine if your situation warrants a recalculation of your information and what forms and/or information you must provide in order to determine any changes in your financial aid eligibility.

Q:  I am a veteran of the Armed Forces. Do I qualify for benefits?
A:  You may be eligible; contact the Veterans Affairs Office, located within the Financial Aid Office. Students may also wish to contact the Veterans Administration Office directly at 1-800-827-1000 to see if they qualify for benefits apply online,  or please see our Veterans web page for information.