Apply for Financial Aid

The first step to receiving federal financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

FAFSA Tips

• List Clark State College as your school (School Code: 004852)
• You (and a parent, if dependent) must create an FSA ID to electronically sign the FAFSA
• Complete at least two months before classes begin (or as soon as taxes are filed
• Even if you believe you may only qualify for loans, you must complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal aid — and some scholarships.

FAFSA Deadlines
Submitting by these dates ensures timely processing:

• Fall Semester: May 15
• Spring Semester: Oct. 15
• Summer Semester: March 15

You may still apply after these dates, but processing and aid availability may be limited.

After You Apply
After submitting the FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report from the U.S. Department of Education. Review it carefully for errors. Clark State receives your information electronically — you do not need to send us your SAR.

Your SAR helps determine:

• Your Student Aid Index
• Your eligibility for federal grants, loans and work-study

Some students will be notified through Clark State email if verification documentation is required, such as:

• Federal tax transcript
• Documentation of untaxed income
• High school completion verification
• Verification worksheet (provided at time of request)

To view your Financial Aid Award Letter, log into the myClarkState portal with your student ID, provided to you on your acceptance letter or on your class schedule.

To receive federal aid, students must:

• Have a U.S. high school diploma or GED
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Not be in default on federal student loans
• Meet Selective Service requirements (if applicable)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Demonstrate financial need, if needed

To continue receiving aid in the same amount:

• You must meet federal Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
  
  
• Attendance matters! Federal aid is based on verified course attendance. If you do not attend a course, you may lose financial aid for that class. Students who stop attending before completing 70 percent of the term may be considered an unofficial withdrawal, which can result in a failing grade, financial aid recalculation and repayment of funds.
  
  
• Remain enrolled in courses. Your aid may be adjusted if you add or drop courses, withdraw from one or more classes. If you withdraw completely, federal regulations require a Return of Title IV Funds calculation, which may result in you needing to return funds.

Clark State College follows federal guidelines to prevent and respond to financial aid fraud and identity theft.

Fraud includes:

• Enrolling in classes without intent to complete them to obtain financial aid refunds
• Providing false information on admission or FAFSA forms
• Using someone else’s identity to obtain financial aid

When suspected fraud occurs:

• Student accounts are placed on hold
• Financial aid disbursement is stopped
• Cases may be referred to the Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Education

Victims of identity theft should file a police report and immediately notify Gigi Minter, director of financial aid at 937-328-6035 or email.

Have questions about paying for college? Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a member of our Financial Aid team — online or in person — and we’ll walk you through it step by step! Prefer to stop by instead? Walk-ins are welcome Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. at our Springfield main campus. You’ll get personalized assistance on your schedule, with clear answers and next steps.

Reach out to one of our team members below to get started!