financial aid

CVA believes that every accepted student should have the opportunity to enroll at the college, regardless of financial need. Through a program of scholarships, grants, loans, work-study, and monthly payment plans, CVA provides a comprehensive approach to assist students who may be in a challenging financial situation.

The Financial Aid Office works with each student to develop a financial aid package that best meets specific financial needs. Contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions at 651.757.4020 or financialaid@cva.edu.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

Most types of financial aid are awarded based on need. Need is essentially the difference between the cost of education (direct and indirect costs) and the amount a family is expected to contribute toward those costs. A family's expected contribution is determined by a standard federal formula, calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To be eligible for financial aid, a CVA student must:

• Be enrolled at CVA in a degree program.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
• Be registered with Selective Service (if you are a male).
• Not be in default on any educational loan or owe a refund on any federal or state grant, and maintain satisfactory academic progress towards a degree.

Some types of financial aid may require full time enrollment. Financial aid is prorated for part-time students according to their course load. Financial aid for second-degree seeking students is limited to the CVA Grant and student loans.
A student has to reapply annually for all types of financial aid. In January, new financial aid forms and applications are distributed for the next fall term. Returning students who wish to apply for aid should complete their financial aid application by April 15  for priority consideration.

Step 1

Complete the CVA Application for Financial Aid.

Step 2

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. CVA’s school code is 007462. You will sign the FAFSA electronically with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) assigned to you.  Please remember this number, as it will be necessary for future financial aid processes.  If  you choose not to submit your FAFSA online, the Financial Aid Office will assist you in completing a paper FAFSA.

If you already completed the FAFSA and didn’t include CVA as one of your college choices, call (800) 433-3243 or go on-line to www.fafsa.ed.gov to have a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) sent to the CVA Financial Aid Office.

Your FAFSA may be selected for a process called verification. One out of every three applicants is selected for this process. If your application is selected, the CVA Financial Aid Office will contact you requesting the needed documents. Please note that your financial aid file will be placed in “hold” status until all the required information is received by the Financial Aid Office.

NOTE: It is recommended that you submit the FAFSA after you (and your parents, if applicable)  have completed the current federal income tax forms (1040). If the tax forms are not complete, you may estimate the financial portion of the application in order to process your FAFSA in a timely manner.