We can help you through the financial aid process.

Overview

We encourage all students to complete or file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In most cases, students are eligible for some type of federal financial aid regardless of income. Students must complete a FAFSA each academic year they plan to enroll in classes.

COTC’s priority deadline to file the 2024-25 FAFSA is March 15. Students can still be eligible for financial aid even if they miss the priority date, but they may not be awarded the maximum amount of aid possible.

Financial Aid Application Steps and Information

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What is Financial Aid?

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is monetary assistance intended to help students finance their education when family and personal resources are not adequate to meet the total educational costs. Students may be eligible for different types of aid, so it’s important to get a general overview to gain understanding.

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Who Completes the FAFSA?

Who Completes the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid will either be completed by an independent student, or a dependent student.

Independent Student

According to Federal Student Aid, an independent student is one of the following:

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Parent FAFSA Help

Parent FAFSA Help

At COTC, we want to help parents and students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There are tips and information to be aware of before you begin. 

Review the brief video which explains what an FSA ID is and what a Save Key is. Students and parents will need to understand this information to complete the FAFSA. 

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How do I complete the FAFSA

How do I complete the FAFSA

Students will need to know and/or have some information available when completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The free application typically takes less than half an hour to complete, but we encourage students to take the time they need to complete the application because it’s important to ensure the information being provided is accurate.  COTC’s school code number is: 011046.

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Student at Computer

What is Verification?

Students who apply for Federal Financial Aid may be selected for a  process called verification and must submit documents to confirm the information reported on the FAFSA is accurate.  They should respond quickly to any request for information from the Office of Financial Aid and be certain that their name and COTC seven-digit ID number is clearly printed on all documents.