We’re here to make the financial aid process easier. Whether it’s your first time filling out the FAFSA or you’re applying again for next year, we’ll walk you through what to do and when to do it. The earlier you apply, the better - some aid is first come, first served. Below is a video that gives you a quick overview of the FAFSA form.
Before you start, gather what you need.
📌 Tip: Not sure if you’re considered dependent? Find out here.
You (and a parent, if you’re dependent) need an FSA ID.
This is your login for federal student aid. You’ll use it to sign your FAFSA and access your aid info later.
FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Most students will complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. If you’re a New Jersey DREAMer or undocumented student, you may qualify for state aid through the New Jersey Alternative Application.
📅 Don’t forget: You must apply every year you plan to attend college.
Check your Self Service account within Atlantic Cape Connect. Go to Self Service Instructions at the bottom of this page for details.
When you check to see that your FAFSA was received, you may also notice that some other documents are in a Missing or Incomplete status. The completed documents can be faxed the Financial Aid Office at to (609) 343-4935 or you can scan the completed form and email it to finaid@atlanticcape.edu. Please note that any citizenship documentation or a social security card must be presented in person.
The Financial Aid Office does not make tentative awards. You will not be awarded any federal or state financial aid (including grants and loans) until all of the required documents have been reviewed.
If you receive any requests via email or through the mail from the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), please comply with those requests. You must submit all documents that they request in order to be eligible for any state aid including Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), and NJ STARS.
Once you apply, here’s what to expect:
You’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) to review
We’ll reach out if we need more info or documents
You’ll get a financial aid offer via Self-Service in Atlantic Cape Connect
Want to see what happens behind the scenes?
This quick video walks you through what happens after you hit “submit” on your FAFSA—including what to look for in your inbox and how we’ll reach out if we need anything else.
Once all of your documents have been reviewed, you’ll see your financial aid award in the Financial Aid section of Self-Service, which you’ll access through the Atlantic Cape Connect portal. You can view your award amounts for the full academic year or just for one semester.
If your documents are complete and you don’t see a financial aid award, it likely means you weren't’t eligible for grants. But you still have options—you may qualify for student loans or scholarships.
Atlantic Cape doesn't’t automatically offer loans, but you can request one if you decide to borrow. Learn more about how loans work and how to request one.
You can also apply for scholarships to help with costs. Visit the Scholarships page to get started.
You must apply for financial aid each year. You should complete your FAFSA each spring for the following fall and spring semesters. If you have a loan, you will need to complete a Loan Request Form each year. If you are receiving a scholarship, you will need to submit a scholarship application for the next year.
If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you can still receive financial aid in New Jersey. State law allows undocumented students enrolled at eligible colleges to apply for financial support through the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application. It’s a great way to help cover college costs even if you don’t qualify for federal aid.
In the past, you had to be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to qualify for federal or state financial aid. But as of May 9, 2018, New Jersey passed a law that allows undocumented students attending eligible New Jersey colleges to apply for state financial aid. If you’re undocumented and want to be considered, you’ll need to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application.
Step 1: Complete the NJ Dreamers Application.
Step 2: Submit the following documents to the Office of Financial Aid via email.
A copy of your final New Jersey high school transcript. Your high school transcript must include the notation that a diploma was awarded and that you attended at least 3 years of high school in NJ. The transcript must include all courses taken and grades earned.
If you are a male student, submit a copy of your Selective Service registration card. If you do not have a social security number, you can register with the paper form.
From here, you can follow steps 3 through 5 outlined under the US Citizens section.
You can access your financial aid checklist by following these steps.
Go to Atlantic Cape Connect
Click on the Self Service card, it should log you in automatically.
You will now be on the Atlantic Cape Self-Service page. On the right side of the screen, click the Students button in the list of options.
You should now see a banner which reads Current Students - Self Service for Students Menu.
On the left side of the screen, under Financial Aid select Financial Aid Checklist. This link will bring you to the Student Self Service menu.
You can contact us via finaid@atlanticcape.edu or call for more help.
