Applying for Financial Aid
How Do I Apply for Federal Financial Aid?
To apply for federal financial aid, first time and continuing students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is found online at studentaid.gov. The application is free; there is no cost to apply. Students will need to use their FSA ID and password to submit the FAFSA. First time students can create their FSA ID here: Create FSA ID. The FAFSA is used to determine a student's federal Pell grant and federal student loan eligibility.
Students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year. The FAFSA application for each upcoming academic year is accessible beginning October 1 and remains available until June 30 of the following year. The following FAFSA applications are now available online:
- 2024-2025 FAFSA - administers federal financial aid for the Fall 24, Spring 25 and Summer 25 semesters
- 2025-2026 FAFSA - administers federal financial aid for the Fall 25, Spring 26 and Summer 26 semesters
What Is The Next Steps After I File The FAFSA?
- Check Email That is Linked to your FSA ID
You will receive an email from federal student aid that will let you know if your FAFSA has been submitted successfully. Students can check their FAFSA status by clicking this link: Check FAFSA Status.
First time students will receive a financial aid award notification email of federal financial aid eligibility - by email starting in March. Award letters are based on full time status. Federal awards may adjust if a student drops below a full time status. LCCC's school code - 006811 - must be listed on the FAFSA to receive a financial aid award notification email.
First time and continuing students will also receive an award notification by email once their files are complete and financial aid packages processed. The award notification will direct students to their Self Service Portal to view and accept awards.
Students will receive an email from GrantUS with information on their eligibility to receive the PA State Grant.
What Is the Financial Aid Self Service Portal?
Students accepted to the college will receive an email from the Admissions Office which provides their user IDs for the college's online information system called Self Service. Once the registration for Self Service is complete, students can log onto the system and access the Financial Aid Self Service Portal. The portal allows students to view and manage their financial aid from submission to completion. The portal outlines documents needed to process their financial aid with links to access the documents, Academic Progress information, and a link to access, accept or adjust their financial aid packages.
What Is Verification?
Verification is the process used to confirm that the information provided on the FAFSA is accurate. Students are selected for verification by the Department of Education; selection is often random. However, it is the institution's responsibility to collect and process the information and documents needed to verify a student's FAFSA.
If selected for verification, a student will receive an email from the college's Financial Aid Office outlining the additional documentation being requested. Documentation may include: IRS tax transcripts, W2s, proof of High School completion, state ID card, identity statement and/or verification worksheet. Verification worksheets can also be found here: Financial Aid Forms tab on the college's website. Follow directions on the letter closely to insure accuracy. Please respond promptly to all requests for additional information. Delays in document submission could affect the awarding of financial aid by an academic start date.
To retrieve IRS tax return transcripts or a Wage and Tax Summary (W2), please visit the IRS website at IRS.gov.