Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
Q. Why do I need a PIN and where do I get it?
Q. Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
Q. What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
Q. I missed the priority deadline. Can I still apply for financial aid?
Q. What happens after I submit my FAFSA?
Q. What is verification?
Q. When will I receive an award notification?
Q. What types of aid are available?
Q. Will my financial aid change from year to year?
Q. How do I apply for financial aid?
A. The general application for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is a free application that is supplied by the U.S. Department of Education. It can be completed on paper or on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Q. Why do I need a PIN and where do I get it?
A. First, you will need a PIN from the U.S. Department of Education to electronically sign your FAFSA. You can apply for a PIN on the FAFSA on the Web site or you can visit pin.ed.gov. A PIN will be mailed to you — or if you put in an e-mail address, it will be sent to your e-mail address. This number confirms your identity with the U.S. Department of Education and allows you to electronically sign your FAFSA application. It also allows you to go in and make changes, request a Student Aid Report (SAR) or fill out a renewal application in subsequent years. This number has replaced a physical signature and makes processing much quicker.
Second, you will need a CIU PIN from the Office of Student Financial Services in order to complete the CIU Scholarship Application. You will receive your CIU PIN by email several business days after you complete your FAFSA. International students should contact Student Financial Services for a CIU PIN.
Q. Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
A. The FAFSA must be completed every year in which a student wishes to apply for financial aid.
Q. What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
A. The priority deadline for completing the FAFSA and CIU scholarship application is March 1st of each year. A priority deadline implies that any student who completes the FAFSA after this date may be subject to a reduction in funding. Furthermore, the state of South Carolina requires that the FAFSA be submitted no later than June 30.
Q. I missed the priority deadline (March 1). Can I still apply for financial aid?
A. Yes! After the priority deadline, the Office of Student Financial Services begins to award funds on a first come, first served basis. Applying immediately will increase your likelihood of being awarded CIU aid. To apply, you must submit both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CIU Scholarship Application.
Q. What happens after I submit my FAFSA?
A. After submitting the FAFSA, you will be contacted by CIU acknowledging the receipt of your application. You may also be asked to supply various documents the school needs to determine your eligibility. Communication will be via the email address you supplied on the FAFSA.
Q. What is verification?
A. The US Department of Education randomly selects 30% of the students who submit a FAFSA for a process called verification. Colleges and universities are required to collect a tax return and a verification worksheet from individuals who were selected.
Q. When will I receive an award notification?
A. CIU will begin processing award letters after March 1st. Once your file is completed (all documents need are received by CIU) you will receive a notification within two weeks.
Q. What types of aid are available?
A. There are many sources to assist you in paying for college. The four main types of aid are Federal, State, Institutional, and Outside resources. It is best to work with our office or a high school guidance counselor to secure the best possible aid package.
Q. Will my financial aid change from year to year?
A. There are many variables in determining whether a student’s financial aid will change. Most of our scholarships and grants have minimum GPA requirements. In addition to GPA, other variables which affect a student’s financial aid are EFC (determined by the FAFSA), completion date of the FAFSA, residency status, etc.