Admissions

How is my eligibility determined?

Who can receive federal and state financial aid?

United States citizens or eligible non-citizens who meet the following conditions:

  • Satisfactory academic progress for financial aid
  • Have no defaulted student loans or refunds due to federal or state grant programs
  • Have registered for selective service by age 18 (males)
  • Have not been convicted of drug offenses while receiving federal financial aid
  • Students in mini-certificate programs of fewer than 16 credit hours do not qualify for federal aid

Cost of Attendance

An estimate of the educational expenses a student will incur during an academic year. These expenses include direct costs (tuition and fees, books and supplies) and related educational expenses (living, transportation, and other miscellaneous expenses). Visit the Business Office Tuition and Fees Calculator for an estimate of direct costs.

Expected Family Contribution (FAFSA filers)

The US Department of Education calculates your Expected Family Contribution based on the financial information you provided on the FAFSA. The EFC calculation compares your income and assets against standard living allowances based on the number of people in your household. Your Expected Family Contribution was reported to you on the Student Aid Report that was mailed or e-mailed to you by the federal aid processor.

Financial Need (FAFSA filers)

You must have financial need to qualify for need-based aid programs. Financial Need is the difference between your Cost of Attendance (COA) and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). It is calculated using the following formula:

Cost of Attendance (COA) minus (-) Estimated Family Contribution Equals (=) Financial Need

The Dalton State College Office of Student Financial Aid will award you the maximum aid possible in grants and scholarships. However, we may not be able to meet your financial need. See the Work Study, and Federal Student Loan sites for information about other funding options; these programs may be able to provide additional financial assistance.