FAFSA
FAFSA
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To learn more about budgeting, borrowing and repayment, as well as review a glossary of terms, visit studentaid.ed.gov. To learn how to manage your money in college and beyond please visit ECMC Financial Literacy Program.
Find answers to commonly asked questions about student loans, including details about repayment.
GCU is committed to helping students navigate the student loan process. Learn more about your available student loan options.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) ensures that you can benefit from federally funded financial assistance for education beyond high school if you meet eligibility requirements. Administrated by the U.S. Department of Education (ED), federal student aid plays a central and essential role in supporting postsecondary education by providing money for qualified college students.
The FAFSA helps determine your eligibility for federal student aid programs along with state financial aid programs that may be available, including Pell Grants and work-study programs.
The application process begins after Oct. 1. Some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so you are encouraged to complete a FAFSA form as soon as possible. Please visit the FAFSA website to start the process and to review any additional updates.
2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) Updates and Information
See the latest information from GCU in processing FAFSA awards.
Getting ready to fill out your FAFSA? Make sure you have several pieces of information handy when you start to fill out the form.
Student Information
Parent Information
Direct Data Exchange (DDX)
Through Federal Student Aid, the U.S. Department of Education awards more than $120 billion a year in grants, work-study funds and low-interest loans to approximately 13 million students.(See disclaimer 1) Federal student aid covers expenses such as tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in federal student aid programs.
If you qualify for and receive a federal grant, you typically do not have to repay the money, unless the requirements of the grant are not followed. This helps offset the cost of school, but you may still need additional help. If so, a federal student loan may be your answer. Remember, a student loan is just like any other loan: It is borrowed money that will have to be repaid with interest.
Were you selected for verification?
Why is your file being verified?
What needs to be done after the selection?
What happens if there are discrepancies in the application?
Traditional Undergraduate Students
Online Students
Scholarships
Outside Assistance
Title IV Aid
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated at the end of every semester for traditional undergraduate students and at the completion of every payment period for online undergraduate and graduate students who attend GCU. You are required to maintain SAP toward the completion of your degree to maintain your eligibility for all institutional, state and federal financial aid awards.
Every course in which you enroll, and attend is counted for the evaluation of maintaining SAP. GCU does not provide an opportunity for you to audit a course; therefore, only courses attempted for credit are included in the evaluation of your progress. Additionally, there are no remedial courses offered at GCU; therefore, all courses included in the evaluation are applicable to your program of study. All courses in which you are awarded a grade of P/F, which may or may not impact your GPA, are included in the evaluation of quantitative progress.
SAP includes two equal components that are referred to as qualitative and quantitative measurements. The qualitative measurement applies to all students and is consistent with the university's academic warning, suspension and expulsion policies.
Qualitative Progress Measurements
Quantitative Progress Measurements
You will be placed on SAP warning if you fail to maintain the minimum requirements listed above. The warning period provides one semester for traditional students or one completed payment period for online students.
At the end of the warning period, your progress is evaluated to determine if you now meet the quantitative and qualitative SAP standards. If so, you will be returned to good standing. If you fail to meet the minimum SAP standards at the end of your warning status, you will be placed on suspension and will not be eligible to receive any federal financial aid during your financial aid suspension period.
Transfer and re-admitted students must follow the above referenced SAP policy. Accepted prior credits and transfer credits are calculated as part of the measured maximum time frame component. (For example, if 120 credits hours were needed to earn a degree, 40 credits have transferred in that apply to the degree, multiply 80 [120-40] by 150 percent, which would equal 120 credit hours). Once you have completed the requirements for the program of study, you will not be eligible to receive additional financial aid.
GCU offers scholarships, grants and financial aid opportunities to help make your education more affordable. Learn about your financing options.
To minimize debt, and graduate with the least amount of debt possible, GCU encourages students to accept the most beneficial sources of financial assistance first, such as scholarships, grants, work-study (if eligible), student worker positions, and GCU’s interest-free payment plan options. Compare the terms of federal loans before applying for private loans. Please review the terms and conditions of student loans, including grace periods and payment plan options.
The purpose of student financial aid is to provide resources to you if you would otherwise be unable to pursue a postsecondary education. The primary responsibility for meeting university costs lies with you and your family.
To receive financial assistance, you must be:
If you are admitted to a degree program on a provisional or conditional basis, you may be eligible for financial assistance according to the university's admission policy. According to federal regulations, financial aid recipients must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens; must not owe a refund on grants previously received under the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant or the Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) program; or be in default on any federal student loans borrowed from federal funding.
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated from the information reported on the FAFSA and according to a formula established by law. Family income and assets are considered in determining the SAI along with family size. The SAI can be found on the FSS, which is generated from information reported on the FAFSA. The SAI replaced the EFC starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA. The minimum SAI is negative 1500. Negative SAIs are converted to zeroes when determining financial need.
To determine financial need for federal student aid programs, the EFC is subtracted from the cost of attendance (COA). The COA is the total anticipated amount it will cost to go to school for a year.
COA - SAI = Financial Need
Federal grants and other financial aid are used to meet financial need. A financial aid offer is generated after all documents are received and funds have been awarded. Any changes made to original FAFSA answers may result in a change in financial aid award amounts. If your financial aid record is selected for verification, any changes made during the verification process may also change financial aid award amounts.
Those with unusual or special circumstances that may impact their need or ability to contribute to their education should refer to the University Policy Handbook and review the Professional Judgment/Special Circumstances section under Financial Services.
Below you will find a collection of forms and documents to help you begin the process of applying for financial aid. For more information about filling out these forms, contact your university counselor or student services counselor.
Alternative Loan Documents
Leave of Absence Documents
Deferment and Forbearance Request Forms
Loan Documents
Eligibility Documents
Other Forms
FAFSA Documents
TEACH Grant Documents
In-School Deferment Request Form
Verification Documents
