Steps to Receiving Financial Aid
through VCOM

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Include VCOM’S school code (G37093) at the end of the application. You must use tax information to complete the FAFSA. Completing your taxes and using actual information is preferred, but you may use estimates if your taxes are not completed by the time you submit your FAFSA. If you submit the FAFSA using estimates, you must update your FAFSA once your taxes are completed, reporting your correct tax information and re-submitting the FAFSA so calculations can be made.
   
   
2. Retain the PIN number that is given to you by the Department of Education to complete your FAFSA. This number will be used by you for future renewals to the FAFSA each year and for electronic signatures for any loan monies you apply for through VCOM.
   
   
3. Submit the following to the Office of Financial Aid:

   	Completed VCOM Financial Aid Application
   	Copy of your Social Security card (Contact the Social Security Administration if you do not have one)
   	Permanent Residents: copy of your Permanent Resident card (green card)
   	Dependant Care/Special Circumstances form, if applicable
   	Copies of tax returns may be requested if you are selected for “verification” by the Department of Education. We will notify you if this occurs.

4. Set up your VCOM email account; this is how we will communicate with you.
5. Complete on-line Entrance Counseling at https://ent.glhec.org/FastFacts/entrance/Welcome.do?schoolNr=3709300. We will receive electronic confirmation upon your completion of the session.
6. Attend an in-person Entrance Counseling session provided by VCOM during Accepted Students Day or Orientation.

The Office of Financial Aid will use the above information
to calculate your financial aid award.

What happens next?

1. An Award Package will be mailed to you as soon as your file is complete; make sure we have your correct address, as many of the documents may be time-sensitive. If you have not received an Award Package by the end of June and you have completed your paperwork, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
2. After completing and signing the Award Letter, return it to the Office of Financial Aid.
3. Go to the Office of Financial Aid home page and read the information about different types of financial aid and then follow the “Scholarship Information” link on the left.
4. If you are planning to use educational loans, go to the “Loan Information” links on the left.
5. After deciding on a lender, complete loan applications with the lender of your choice. One application is sufficient for both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford loans. A Graduate PLUS or Private/Alternative loan requires a separate application.