Federal Student Aid
If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident alien, or eligible noncitizen, apply for need-based aid and federal student loans using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (the “FAFSA”). Plan to file once a year, for each academic year you hope to receive aid.
Step 1: Apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID)
You — and your parent if you are under 24 years old — will first need to obtain a FSAID: click here.
Step 2: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Using your Federal Student Aid ID, complete the FAFSA tied to the academic year for which you are seeking aid. (For example, use the 2023-2024 FAFSA if you are seeking aid for the academic year that begins in August 2023.) The 2023-2024 FAFSA is available beginning October 1, 2022 and you will need to use 2021 tax year information to complete it. Click here to get started on the FAFSA.
Be sure to indicate New College’s school code — 039574 — so we will receive your FAFSA information.
Priority deadlines: Meet your priority FAFSA filing deadline if you want to be eligible for the best possible aid package.
— New (incoming) NCF students — December 1
— Returning NCF students — December 1
The FAFSA application is available each year after October 1. If you miss your priority deadline, you should still file; just note that late filing may have an effect on your award and delay disbursement of your federal aid.
Make it easier with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT): The 2023-2024 FAFSA will ask for income information from 2021. Use the DRT to transfer tax information simply and to expedite the process. DRT is generally available two weeks after you file your taxes electronically.
Please click here to see if you are eligible to use the DRT.
FAFSA Corrections and Updates: If you have not yet completed your 2021 tax return, file the FAFSA using estimated figures. Both incoming and returning students are required to update their FAFSA with accurate numbers once taxes are complete. Please note that you should NOT be using estimated numbers after October 15, 2022, as this is the deadline for anyone with a 2021 tax extension. If you are eligible, please use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) to go back into your FAFSA and make updates. If you are not eligible, update your FAFSA manually by inserting the correct tax numbers.
Step 3: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)
Once your FAFSA is processed by the Department of Education, you will receive an email requesting that you log on to the FAFSA website and review your Student Aid Report. Verify the information on your SAR and — if necessary — make corrections.
Step 4: Additional Documents
Roughly one out of every three applicants filing the FAFSA is selected for a process called Verification by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are selected you will see an asterisk (*) next to the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on your SAR. You will be required to provide additional documentation to Financial Aid before your eligibility can be approved and any aid distributed. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) can simplify the process. Click here to see if you are eligible to use the DRT. Click here for more information on the verification process.
Step 5: Financial Aid Notification
After your FAFSA is complete, you will receive a Financial Aid Offer letter from our office. All of your financial aid will be itemized on this Offer letter, in addition to costs. New students: Be sure to read the Financial Aid Guide accompanying your Offer letter; it provides the terms of your aid and conditions for maintaining financial aid eligibility.
Students with Florida Prepaid: Please note this will NOT be displayed on your Financial Aid Offer letter. Florida Prepaid is a separate program, handled out of our Finance office; the associated credits will be reflected on your bill. For questions on the Florida Prepaid program, please email [email protected] or call 941-487-4625.
Step 6: Financial Aid Disbursement
All financial aid funds are applied directly to your New College account, which is administered by the Finance Office. Your account consists of all educational fees, room and board, and any other school charges. One-half of your aid is credited to your account for the fall semester and the other half is credited for the spring semester. If your financial aid exceeds your school charges, the Finance Office will pay the balance to you by direct deposit or as you indicated on the Title IV Authorization Form.
Use of Social Security Numbers
The NCF Office of Admissions and Financial Aid collects and uses Social Security Numbers (SSN’s) as necessary for the performance of the College’s duties and responsibilities, taking appropriate measures to secure SSN’s from unauthorized access.