Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of the most common questions received by College Information Service (CIS).

I want to go to college. How do I begin?
Which school do I want to attend?
How much will school cost?
What are the different types of financial aid?
How do I apply for financial aid?
What is the FAFSFA and when do I complete it?
Why can't I submit my financial aid application before January 1?
My parents are divorced or separated. Whose information do I provide on the FAFSA?
Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
How will I know how much financial aid I qualify for?
When will I get my money?
I received my award letter but need more money. Where can I get it?
When will I have to start repaying my student loan?
Can I get a student loan if I defaulted?

Q. I want to go to college. How do I begin?

A. It’s never too early to start thinking about your college and career options. Take some time to think about what’s important to you and what you want to accomplish in your life. What are your strengths, interests and natural talents? How do these relate to college majors and career opportunities? Check out the College Planning section for more information.

Q. Which school do I want to attend?

A. Selecting a school is a major decision. Base your choice on careful research and decide which school is right for you.

Q. How much will school cost?

A. Costs can vary depending on the campus you attend, the number of credits you take, and your housing choices. In addition to tuition and fees, school expenses often include books, supplies, room, board, transportation and personal items. Fortunately, financial aid is available to help cover these costs. For information on the cost of schools in North Dakota or surrounding states, check out the 2009-10 Regional College Information (PDF 566KB) publication or check out College Opportunities Online Locator (COOL) for schools nationwide. 

Q. What are the different types of financial aid?

A. There are four main types of financial aid: scholarships, grants, work-study and loans. Visit Types of Financial Aid to find more information on each of these programs.

Q. How do I apply for financial aid?

A. The first step in applying for most types of financial aid is to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about the FAFSA at Applying for Financial Aid.

Q. What is the FAFSFA and when do I complete it?

A. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This is the basic application for all federal and state student financial aid. The FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 each year. Pay close attention to deadlines. The deadline dates for your state or schools may be different from the federal deadline. The priority date in North Dakota is March 15. Check out FAFSA deadlines for other states.  

Q. Why can't I submit my financial aid application before January 1?

A. The FAFSA uses your family's income and tax information from the previous year to judge your eligibility for need-based financial aid during the upcoming school year. Since the year ends December 31, you cannot submit a financial aid application until January 1. If you submit the application before January 1, it will be rejected.

Q. My parents are divorced or separated. Whose information do I provide on the FAFSA?

A. If you are considered to be a dependent student you must report information about the parent you lived with for the greater amount of time during the 12 months preceding the date you file your FAFSA. Include your parent’s spouse if they are married. If you didn’t live with either parent, report information about the parent who provided you with greater financial support.

Q. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

A. Yes. If your financial circumstances change, you may get more or less aid from year to year. Your eligibility may change significantly, especially if you have a different number of family members in college.

Q. How will I know how much financial aid I qualify for?

A. Each school you list on the FAFSA will receive your information and use it to create an award letter. This award letter indicates the types of aid for which you qualify. Remember, award letters come from the individual schools and will vary. Review each award letter you receive and decide whether you will accept or decline the school’s offer. Visit How the Process Works to find out more.

If you’re not attending college this fall, but would like to find out how much federal student aid you might be eligible for, FAFSA4caster is for you. This free online tool can help you and your family prepare financially for college before officially applying for federal student aid.

Q. When will I get my money?

A. Charges for tuition, fees, on-campus room and board, and possibly books can be placed on your student account at your school. In most cases, financial aid will be sent to your school and applied toward this account. If your charges are more than your financial aid you will have a balance to pay the school. If your financial aid exceeds your charges the school will send you a check for the excess amount. Schools receive financial aid and pay students at least once per term (e.g. semester, quarter, etc.).

Q. I received my award letter but need more money. Where can I get it?

A. If you find that your financial assistance will not meet your cost of education, contact your financial aid officer to see if there are other options! In many cases, additional funding sources such as Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS and/or private (alternative) loans are available.

Q. When will I have to start repaying my student loan?

A. Federal Direct Stafford loans have a grace period of six months and Perkins loans a grace period of nine months before you must begin repaying the loan. If you take a leave of absence you will not have to repay your loan until the grace period is used up. If you use up the grace period then return to school, when you graduate you will have to begin repaying your loan immediately. If you are unable to begin repayment, contact your lender to discuss your options. Find out more at Loan Repayment.

Q. Can I get a student loan if I defaulted?

A. No. If you default on a student loan you are ineligible for all types of federal financial aid until satisfactory arrangements have been made. Learn more about default and how it can be avoided.