Location

The Financial Aid office is located on the main floor of the Yamasaki Building.

Office Hours

8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

For Staff

Your Account

Your account summary
Make a payment on-line
View your holds

The Basic Process for Receiving Financial Aid at CCS
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Verification
Aid for part time students
Complete Withdrawl
Unofficial Withdrawl
Federal Stafford Loans
Supplemental Loans (Parent PLUS & Alternative)
Refunds
Scholarship Opportunities
Work-Study
GPA Requirements for CCS Scholarships

The Basic Process for Receiving Financial Aid at CCS

To apply for need-based federal, state and institutional financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA - see additional information and website address below). You do not need to complete a FAFSA to receive CCS Scholarships, or other kinds of merit-based aid, such as the Michigan Promise Scholarship. Once CCS receives your FAFSA results a review will be conducted to determine if additional documentation is required (see Verification section below).
After all necessary documentation has been received, CCS will calculate what financial aid you are eligible for from the federal and state government, as well as any need-based aid from the school. Incoming students will receive a package in the mail containing a financial aid notification letter detailing this information and all necessary instructions to accept the aid. Returning students receive a notification to their CCS email address and are able to view and accept or reject their financial aid awards on WebAdvisor. If you are offered a Stafford loan as part of your package and wish to accept it, you must complete a Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note and loan entrance counseling (see Stafford Loan section below).
New students receiving a paper award package should note the two dollar amounts listed at the bottom of their letter. The first is the remaining amount you will owe for tuition and fees only (housing and meal plans are not included) for the current academic year, after the financial aid listed on your letter is deducted. If you are only attending one semester your letter will reflect only that semester’s semester info. The second amount listed is the maximum amount you are allowed to request from supplemental loans and outside scholarships. This does not mean that you are approved for that amount. Information to assist returning students in calculating these figures is found on the links in the WebAdvisor acceptance page.
If you are not able to pay the remaining amount and need additional funds, you may want to consider an outside scholarship search or applying for a supplemental loan, such as an Alternative or PLUS loan (see below). Supplemental loans are subject to credit approval. Almost all students require a credit worthy co-signer to qualify. Please apply early for these loans. They take time to process and you don’t want to be in a position where a balance at the school is keeping you from registering for your next semester.
Anything you request beyond what you need for tuition, fees and/or on-campus housing and meal plans will be refunded to you by the Business Office (see below) and can be used for educational expenses such as books & supplies, food, rent or transportation.
CCS strongly encourages students to have all their funding determined before charges apply at the beginning of the semester (for Winter 2012, February 7th, 2012). Students who have not secured all necessary funding within a week of the semester beginning should contact the Financial Aid office immediately to discuss any additional options that may be available.
Aid is awarded based on full-time enrollment and adjusted for less than full-time students after the drop/add period (see Pro-ration below) ends each semester. Most kinds of aid require at least half-time (6 credits) enrollment.
Aid is also awarded based on the assumption you will complete the semester. If you do a complete withdrawal or stop attending classes before the end of the semester some kinds of aid may have to be returned (see Complete Withdrawals below). You will be responsible for repaying any resulting balance.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

The FAFSA is the only application required to determine eligibility for federal, state and institutional (CCS) need-based financial aid. Students should complete the FAFSA each year they may need to receive aid. Even if you're uncertain of your plans, it is still a good idea to get your FAFSA filed so you are prepared either way.

The FAFSA for the upcoming school year is available beginning January 1 of the calendar year. For example, the FAFSA for the 2012-2013 academic year was available beginning January 1, 2012. It is recommended you file your FAFSA no later than March 1st to ensure your maximum eligibility for aid. If you or your parents are unable to complete your tax returns that early, you can file using estimated information and make updates once your tax information is available

Click here to file the FAFSA online

Verification

Verification is the process the federal government uses to ensure students and families complete their FAFSA correctly. The U.S. Department of Education randomly selects 30% of all applicants to be verified. In addition, CCS may choose to select you for this process if there are any questions or discrepancies regarding your application. Once you have been selected, you cannot receive financial aid until the verification process is complete. Therefore it is imperative we receive all your documentation in a timely manner.

If you are selected you will be notified via the email address we have on file and provided with a checklist of the required documents you need to submit. You, and your parents if you are a dependent, will be asked to submit your prior year tax transcript and to complete some additional worksheets, which we will provide to you.

Here is a selection of the worksheets that may need to be completed during the verification process, should you misplace the originals. Please contact our office if you have also misplaced your checklist and need to know which forms to complete.

2012-2013

2012-2013 Dependent Verification Worksheet (PDF)
2012-2013 Independent Verification Worksheet (PDF)
2012-2013 Certification that Tax Returns Were Not Filed (PDF)
2011-2012 Student Record Change for Michigan Tuition Grants and Competitive Scholarships (PDF)
IRS Tax Return Transcript Request Process (PDF)

2011-2012

2011-2012 Dependent Verification Worksheet (PDF)
2011-2012 Independent Verification Worksheet (PDF)
2011-2012 Certification that Tax Returns Were Not Filed (PDF)
2011-2012 Student Record Change for Michigan Tuition Grants and Competitive Scholarships (PDF)

IRS Tax Return Transcript Instructions

Starting in the 2012-2013 award year, schools can no longer request your IRS Tax Return 1040; 1040A;1040EZ) when a student and the parent are selected for the verification process. Tax filers will need to request a tax transcript, free of charge, of their 2011 tax return from the IRS either online or by telephone.

Online Request

Available on the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov
In the Tools section of the homepage click “Order a Tax Return or Account Transcript”
Click “Order a Transcript”
Enter the tax filer’s Social Security Number, date of birth, street address, and zip or postal code. Use the address currently on file with the IRS. Generally this will be the address that was listed on the latest tax return filed. However, if an address change has been completed through the US Postal Service, the IRS may have the updated address on file.
Click “Continue”
In the Type of Transcript field, select “Return Transcript” and in the Tax Year field, select
“2011”.
If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address included in their online request, within 5 to 10 days from the time the on-line request was successfully transmitted to the IRS.
IRS Tax Return Transcripts requested online cannot be sent directly to a third party by the IRS.

Telephone Request

Available from the IRS by calling 1-800-908-9946
Tax filers must follow prompts to enter their social security number and the numbers in their
street address. Generally this will be numbers of the street address that was listed on the latest tax return filed. However, if an address change has been completed through the US Postal Service, the IRS may have the updated address on file.
Select “Option 2” to request an IRS Tax Return Transcript and then enter “2011”.
If successfully validated, tax filers can expect to receive a paper IRS Tax Return Transcript at the address that was used in their telephone request, within 5 to 10 days from the time the IRS
receives the request.
IRS Tax Return Transcripts requested by telephone cannot be sent directly to a third party by the IRS.

PLEASE NOTE: If you filed an amended return you must provide us with the tax transcript as above AND the tax account transcript. If you filed a foreign tax return or Puerto Rican return we will accept those tax returns for review.

Financial Aid for Part Time Students

Aid is initially awarded based on full-time enrollment (12-18 credit hours). Each semester at the close of the Drop/Add period the enrollment status of every student is reviewed to determine if awards should be prorated due to less than full-time status. Aid continues to be pro-rated through the date that 100% charges apply each semester (see the schedule book for exact dates). Scholarships from outside entities are not prorated unless required by the donor. Loan amounts do not change unless requested by the student or if adjustments are necessary per federal regulations.

11.5 - 9.0 credits – student receives 75% of original award
8.5 - 6.0 credits – student receives 50% of original award
Less than 6.0 – student receives 0% of original award

Students must be attending at least 6 credits to receive financial aid, including Stafford and PLUS loans. Some alternative loans are available for those enrolled less than 6 credits. See the Alternative Loan Information Chart to learn more.

Complete Withdrawals/Unofficial Withdrawals

Students doing a complete withdrawal from CCS may require adjustments to their federal (Spell grants, SEOG, Academic Competitiveness Grants, Stafford & PLUS loans) aid even after 100% charges apply each semester. Schools are required to perform a calculation up to the date that 60% of the semester is completed, to determine how much of their federal aid a student has earned. Unearned aid must be returned to the Department of Education. If you are considering a Complete Withdrawal, please visit the Financial Aid Director for an estimate of your final balance.

In some cases students may simply stop attending courses without completing the official process. This is referred to as an unofficial withdrawal. At the end of each semester grades and attendance rosters are reviewed to determine if students unofficially withdrew. Their aid is then recalculated based on their last date of attendance and any funds returns accordingly.

Federal Stafford Loans

As part of their financial aid packages, students can receive Stafford loans, which are lower fixed interest rate guaranteed loans from the federal government. Because these loans are guaranteed, no co-signer or credit check is necessary. However, the amounts received are limited and based on a student's grade level and dependency status.

Click here to learn more about Federal Stafford Loans (PDF)
Click here to complete a Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note
Click here to complete Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling
Click here for a deferment form for your Stafford loan

Supplemental Loans (Parent PLUS and Alternative Loans)

If you require more aid than what has been provided by your grants, scholarships and Stafford loans, you may want to consider a supplemental loan to cover your remaining tuition costs and/or for your books & supplies or living expenses.
Both of the supplemental loan programs discussed here are credit based and borrowers do have to pass credit checks to receive them. Most students trying to borrow private/alternative loans will require a credit-worthy co-signer, which can also help to lower the interest rate. Since the possibility exists that your loan may be denied once you apply, it is strongly recommended you have your loan fully secured before charges start to apply for the semester. Private loan lenders have been required to add some additional steps to their application procedures which have resulted in processing times of 3-4 weeks.

The maximum amount you can request in a supplemental loan is your assigned Cost of Attendance budget minus other financial aid received.
Click here for an explanation of Cost Attendance.

If you believe you have taken a supplemental loan in previous years but don’t remember what kind, you can return to the main menu to review your prior year financial aid information, or contact the Financial Aid Office (313.664.7495 or finaid@collegeforcreativestudies.edu).

Parent PLUS Loans
If your parents are willing to take a loan on your behalf, they may want to consider the federal Parent PLUS loan.
Click here for more information on the federal Parent PLUS Loan.

First-time Parent PLUS borrowers must complete (1) a Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note and (2) a Parent PLUS Loan Application (see below).

Repeat PLUS borrowers usually only need to complete the Parent PLUS Loan Application to borrow new loans each year. However you will also need to complete a new PLUS Master Promissory Note if:
1. Your previous loans were taken at different school
2. You are borrowing for a different student
3. You were required to add an endorser/co-signer to your previous PLUS loan

Click here to complete a Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note and/or Parent PLUS Loan Application online (the online PLUS application will provide an instant credit decision)
Click here for a printable version of the Parent PLUS Loan Application (should be returned to CCS)
Click here for a deferment form for the PLUS loan

Dependent students whose parents are denied for the federal Parent PLUS Loan can receive an additional $4000-5000 in federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds. You can check your eligibility by completing the Parent PLUS Application, which will provide an instant credit decision (see above).

Alternative (Private) Loans
Alternative loans are loans offered to students by various banks and educational lending organizations. Most students will need a credit-worthy co-signer to be approved and receive a desirable interest rate.

Click here for more information on alternative/private loans including a short list of potential lenders

Refunds

If your financial aid funds and/or supplemental loans are in excess tuition and housing charges owed to CCS, the Cashier’s office will issue a refund check to you for the overage. It is important to remember that financial aid is disbursed on a per semester basis, so if you have taken out an additional $5000 for the year, you will receive $2500 during the fall semester, and $2500 during the winter semester.
Refund checks are printed in the Cashier’s office every Friday. Refund Chart Your enrollment status, grade level and the date your loan was processed all affect the date of your refund's availability. If you are enrolled only part time or you applied for your loans late your check may be delayed. Please refer to the chart below for the expected date of your refund check or contact the Financial Aid Office for your specific date.

Big Refund Check Days	Fall 2011	Winter 2012
Juniors & Seniors	9/16/2011	1/20/2012
Sophomores & Returning Freshmen	9/23/2011	1/27/2012
1st time Freshmen	9/30/2011	2/3/2012

Scholarship Opportunities

CCS will accept any outside scholarships students obtain. CCS does not reduce institutional aid when additional scholarships are received, unless all tuition and fees are paid by the additional scholarship. In rare cases, a student may lose Michigan Tuition Grant/Competitive Scholarship or Subsidized Stafford loan eligibility if they exceed their Demonstrated Need calculation or may have loan funds reduced if they exceed their Cost of Attendance calculation (contact Financial Aid office for more information).

Click here to learn more about doing an outside scholarship search (PDF).

Work-Study

Students wishing to do a work-study job on campus should first review the list of postings (see below) to determine if there are any jobs currently available and if they meet the qualifications . Once an appropriate job is located, students should contact the supervisor listed to set up an interview.

The interview is an important part of the process and should be taken seriously - supervisors will choose the student they feel is most suitable in terms of skills and demeanor.

Once you have secured a job, you will fill out an Authorization to Hire form with your supervisor, which should be returned to the Financial Aid Office. In addition, students need to complete tax forms (available in the Financial Aid Office) and provide documentation of their identity and citizenship status. Students should not begin working until all these documents are provided to Financial Aid and processed!

International students are eligible for work-study, but will need to go through the additional step of obtaining a Social Security number and card. Contact Dorin Campbell at (313) 664-7497 for more information.

Click here to see the current job postings.

GPA Requirements for CCS Scholarships

Requirements for all CCS scholarships are based on cumulative GPA.

Student’s cumulative GPAs are reviewed after they have attended CCS for at least two full semesters, and each semester thereafter, to determine if they are meeting the requirements for their scholarship. Once reduced, the scholarship funds lost are not reinstated, regardless of the GPA in future semesters. The only exception to this rule is if a grade change is received which increases the GPA high enough to prevent it from going below the requirement.

Award of Excellence, Walter B. Ford II and President’s Scholarships: Require a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If a 3.0 is not maintained, the award is reduced to a CCS Scholarship. The amount received is dependent on the semester the student first attended (or was formally readmitted to) CCS.

CCS Scholarships: Require a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. If a 2.5 is not maintained the award is reduced to a CCS Award. The amount received is dependent on the semester the student first attended (or was formally readmitted to) CCS.

CCS Award: Are not subject to a GPA requirement.

Contact

Affiliated Student Services