Complete and submit an annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA (for repeat applicants) as soon as you are aware that you will be returning to school. Each year the new applications are available online January 1st for the coming school year. RCC recommends that you apply at least two to three months prior to when you will start school. For you to be considered for aid eligibility, the federal processor must have processed a valid application prior to or while you are eligibly enrolled.
Apply early for the best opportunity!
RCC recommends that you complete the application process at least two to three months before your first term. In addition to federal processing time, RCC’s institutional processing time (from the date you complete your application file by submitting all requested documents to RCC’s Financial Aid Office to the date RCC performs an initial review of your file) averages four to six weeks. If corrections are necessary, additional time will be required for re-processing at the federal level. Incomplete files will not be reviewed. While some financial aid is available to late applicants, the later you apply, the less assistance may be available.
