COTC uses the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study and loans. We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA. In most cases, you are eligible for some type of federal financial aid regardless of income. You must complete a FAFSA each academic you plan to enroll in classes.

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application used to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and student loans.

We encourage all students to complete the FAFSA each year, regardless of income. Many students qualify for some form of financial assistance. A new FAFSA must be submitted for each academic year you plan to attend COTC.

COTC School Code: 011046

submit the FAFSA online

Step 2: Know the Important Deadlines

The FAFSA is available each year on Oct. 1 for the upcoming academic year. To maximize your financial aid eligibility, complete and submit the FAFSA as early as possible. See Federal Aid Application Deadlines for more information.

COTC’s priority FAFSA filing date is Feb. 1. Students who submit the FAFSA after the priority deadline may still be eligible for financial aid; however, some types of aid are limited and may no longer be available. Filing by the priority deadline provides the best opportunity to receive the maximum amount of financial aid for which you are eligible.

If your FAFSA is selected for verification, submit all requested documentation promptly. Financial aid cannot be finalized until the verification process is complete.

Students who do not complete the FAFSA and any required verification before tuition payment deadlines may need to use COTC’s tuition payment plan to maintain enrollment while their financial aid is being processed.

Step 3: Create Your FSA ID

Before completing the FAFSA, you and any required contributors must create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) Account (formerly known as the FSA ID).

Students who are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA must have at least one parent or contributor create their own FSA Account. Each person must have their own unique account to access and electronically sign the FAFSA.

Watch our video to learn how to create your FSA Account and enable two-step verification to help protect your identity.

Step 4: Determine Who Completes the FAFSA

All students should complete the FAFSA. Whether parent information is required depends on your dependency status as defined by federal financial aid regulations.

Independent Students

You are considered an independent student if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Are 24 years of age or older
• Are married
• Are working on a graduate or professional degree
• Are a veteran or currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
• Are an orphan, ward of the court, or were in foster care
• Have legal dependents other than a spouse
• Are an emancipated minor or in a legal guardianship
• Are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

Independent students complete the FAFSA using only their own (and, if applicable, their spouse’s) financial information.

Dependent Students

Students who do not meet the federal criteria for independent status are considered dependent students.

Dependent students must include parent information on the FAFSA. Both the student and the required parent or contributor must have their own FSA Account to access, complete, and electronically sign the FAFSA.

For FAFSA purposes, a parent is your biological or adoptive parent. In some cases, your stepparent’s information must also be included if your parent is married as of the day you file the FAFSA. Foster parents, legal guardians, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and other relatives are not considered parents for FAFSA purposes unless they have legally adopted you.

If your parents are divorced, separated, or never married, the FAFSA will determine which parent is required to provide information based on the federal contributor rules. The parent who is required to contribute information will be identified as you complete the FAFSA. For help determining which parent should participate in completing the FAFSA use the “Who’s My FAFSA Parent?” tool.

Step 5: After You Submit the FAFSA

Most students complete the FAFSA in less than 30 minutes. Take your time and ensure the information you provide is accurate.

After submitting your FAFSA, review your FAFSA Submission Summary carefully and keep a copy for your records. If you need to make corrections, you can update your FAFSA online or contact Student Financial Services for assistance.