How do I apply for financial aid?
Our process for applying for financial aid is very simple – there are 8 things at most that we will require from you:
1. Complete the Institutional Verification Form (IVF).
2. Send a legible copy of the STUDENT’S and PARENTS’/SPOUSE'S W-2 forms.
3. Send a legible copy of the STUDENT’S and PARENTS’/SPOUSE'S signed Federal Tax Return along with attached schedules.
4. Send a legible copy of any Social Security benefits received, if applicable.
5. Send a legible copy of non-taxable income your family received, such as disability benefits, child support, pensions, public assistance, or Workman’s Compensation, if applicable.
6. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (OTC's school code is 011745.) You will need your FAFSA PIN to electronically sign the form. If you do not have a PIN, you may apply for one at www.pin.ed.gov.
7. Send a copy of the your FINAL high school transcript, GED certificate, or ATB results (if not previously submitted). If you need to request this information from your high school, please use the Request for High School Transcript.
8. DEPENDENT STUDENTS ONLY - Complete the Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Pre-Application Form.
Should I pay someone to file my FAFSA for me?
The first "F" in FAFSA stands for free because completing and filing the FAFSA is free! Instructions on how to complete a FAFSA take you through the process step-by-step, and if you have questions about it, give us a call and we can help. We even have a toll-free number, so there's no reason to pay someone to do what you can do for free.
What does FAFSA stand for?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Do I have to fill out a FAFSA every year?
Yes. If you want to receive financial aid every year, you must fill out a FAFSA every year. They are available starting January 1st and should be postmarked or completed online by March 1st.
Can I fill out a FAFSA online?
Yes, and the results arrive almost two weeks faster than those for a paper application! Check out the Department of Education’s web site for the step-by-step process: www.fafsa.ed.gov.
What is the deadline for filing the FAFSA (i.e. applying for financial aid)?
Our priority deadline for filing the FAFSA is March 1st of each year. Forms should be postmarked no later than the March 1st before the academic year for which aid is being applied. If the priority deadline is not met, a student may still apply through June 30th of that academic year, but funding for certain aid programs may be exhausted.
ACADEMIC YEAR
Application Period Begins: January 1
Priority Deadline: March 1
Final Deadline: June 30
What is the FAFSA exactly?
It is a federal government form that asks for student and parental information, including incomes earned and taxes paid. This information is used to calculate a student’s financial need, which we match with financial aid. It is a free form to file with the federal government and is recommended for students to complete even if they feel they would not qualify for financial aid.
How is the FAFSA used to determine my financial aid package?
The federal government uses data provided on the FAFSA to calculate a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office calculates a student’s Cost of Attendance (COA), which includes tuition, living expenses, miscellaneous fees, books, etc. COA minus EFC equals a student’s financial need, which we then try to match with federal grants, state grants, academic or talent scholarships, institutional grants, federal work study, and various loans.
Are there any forms to fill out besides the FAFSA?
Occasionally other forms will be required of students after they have completed a FAFSA, and will be mailed to the student for completion. The FAFSA is the only form needed to apply initially for financial aid.
How do I qualify for a scholarship?
OTC scholarships are awarded by the school, usually based on written test results in addition to other criteria established by each school. For more information, contact the Office of Admission. Competition scholarships are offered for various competitions held throughout the states.