Submit your FAFSA application as early as possible, but no earlier than January 1 prior to the academic year you are applying for.  CGCC’s academic year begins with summer term and ends with the following spring term.  Campus-based funding is limited. The date you apply and the date all outstanding requirements are submitted can affect the amount of your financial aid awards.

Your FAFSA application must be received and processed by the US Department of Education by no later than the last day of the academic year (June 30) you are applying for.  There are no exceptions to this deadline.  It is important to note that, due to the length of time needed for the processing of aid, students who apply within 30 days of the last day of their enrollment period cannot be guaranteed delivery of their aid.

The awarding process can take several months, so be sure to PLAN AHEAD!

Last Day to Drop with Refund – You may receive a full refund of tuition and fees of the classes you drop by the dates listed above.

1st Disbursement Payment- If a student is receiving financial aid in the form of scholarships, federal or state grants, loans (not first time) or agency funding, their aid will be posted and applied to their student account.  After all funds are applied to the students account, any balance remaining will be sent to students on the dates listed above.  All refunds are mailed to the students address as listed on their student account. 

30 Day Delay – Under the Federal Direct Loan program, if you are a first-year, first-time loan borrower you must wait 30 days for your first loan disbursement.  Your funds will disburse the week following the dates listed above.

Mid-Term Disbursement – If you are applying for a one-term loan, federal regulations require that your loan be disbursed in two equal payments.  Your funds will disburse the week following the dates listed above.

• The first disbursement happens either at the normal 1st Disbursement Payment date (returning borrowers) or at the 30 Day Delay point (new borrowers).
• The second disbursement occurs at the mid-point in the term as shown above.

Last Day to Withdraw – You may withdraw from your classes receiving a grade of ‘W’ on your transcript by the dates listed above.  You are still responsible for payment of your tuition and fees.  Federal regulations require the college to have a fair and equitable refund policy for students receiving financial aid who officially or unofficially withdraw from all classes.  See CGCC’s refund policy for more information.  Withdrawing or stopping attendance may result in financial debt for you and may also make you ineligible for future financial aid (including loans).  We strongly urge you to consult with and Academic Advisor to help you with decisions about withdrawing.

Financial Aid Priority Filing - In order to ensure your financial aid to be in place before the term begins, make sure all your required documents have been submitted for processing by the date listed for the term that you'll begin attendance.

Loan application deadline – You must have submitted your Federal Direct Loan Revision Request form for the current or upcoming term by the dates listed above.  No applications will be accepted after these dates. 

Full Award Earned – You must attend and participate in classes through the dates listed for each of the academic terms above.  If you, (1) stop attending all classes but do not officially withdraw, (2) drop all your classes after the start of the term, or (3) officially withdraw from CGCC prior to the completion of 60% of the term, AND received financial aid:

• You may owe a return of unearned Federal Title IV Financial Aid and/or
• Owe CGCC for funds the school was required to return to the US Department of Education.

For further information, see the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.