Questions and Answers About the Financial Aid Process

New Students Returning Students
Returning Students
What types of financial aid programs can I apply for by completing the Grinnell College Office of Student Financial Aid application process?
How do I apply for the aid programs listed in Question 1? What are the required forms?
What forms should I complete if I want to renew my merit scholarship?
How can I be certain that I will be considered for the need-based aid programs listed in Question 1?
What should I do if my parents or I file our federal tax returns with the IRS after the APRIL 1 deadline?
What must I do if no tax return will be filed?
Iowa is my state of legal residence. Am I required to apply for the Iowa Tuition Grant?
What must I do if I am participating in a Grinnell College approved Off-Campus Study (OCS) program?
After I submit all of the required information, when can I expect to hear about my eligibility for financial aid?
If I still have questions about the application process or the documents, what should I do?
 

How do I apply for the aid programs listed in Question 1? What are the required forms?

The following forms must be completed and returned to the Grinnell College Office of Student Financial Aid by April 1, 2012:

  • FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) -- Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Use the IRS Data Retrieval Process available on the FAFSA if possible.  You may use this process with either the initial FAFSA filing or by submitting a correction after your tax returns have been filed.  If you cannot use the Data Retrieval, you must submit IRS Tax Transcripts.
  • Institutional Verification Form (IVF) -- The U.S. Department of Education requires a verification form. Please complete and return the barcoded IVF that was mailed to you with all other requested documents.
  • Parents - submit copies of 2011 W-2 & 1099 forms to the Financial Aid Office. Write the student's name, ID number, and indicate "returning student" on the top right corner of any information submitted directly to the FA Office.  If you do not participate in the FAFSA/IRS Data Retrieval Process, you must submit an IRS tax transcript, along with W-2 & 1099 forms.
  • Student - submit copies of 2011 W-2 & 1099 forms to the Financial Aid Office. Write your ID number and indicate "returning student" on the top right corner of any information submitted directly to the FA Office. If you do not participate in the FAFSA/IRS Data Retrieval Process, you must submit an IRS tax transcript, along with W-2 & 1099 forms.
  • Divorced/Separated Parent's Statement (D/S) -- if applicable, is completed by your non-custodial parent.

Remember to return all forms, except the FAFSA, to the Financial Aid Office by April 1.