The major categories of financial assistance include grants, loans, scholarships and student employment. Many of these benefits can be used in conjunction with DVA educational benefits. All veterans are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), for the Pell Grant, as soon as the required tax information is available and well in advance of registration. See the college catalog for priority deadlines to avoid lengthy delays in receiving financial assistance.

Students receiving GI Bill educational benefits (Chapters 30, 32, 1606, 1607), Vocational Rehabilitation benefits (Chapter 31), or dependent benefits (Chapter 35) should be aware that the value of these benefits is included in the Cost of Attendance (COA). This can affect some grants and the unsubsidized portion of Stafford Loans. If financial assistance was calculated before VA benefits and the benefits are subsequently added, you may have to pay back a portion of the financial assistance you received. Consult with an Financial Assistance Services (FAS) counselor to determine how these VA benefits will affect your financial assistance. The combination of anticipated education benefits and other financial assistance cannot exceed your COA each academic year.