VHCC encourages all students to apply for financial aid at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is the first step and the basis for all financial aid, grants, and scholarships. The process is required to be completed each year the student plans to attend. Students attending in Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 need to complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA using 2021 tax information. Students attending in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025 need to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA using 2022 tax information.
To be assured of notification of financial aid eligibility before the beginning of the semester, the college recommends the following priority application dates:
- Summer 2024 - March 1, 2024
- Fall 2024 - July 1, 2024
- Spring 2025 - October 1, 2024
- Summer 2025 - March 1, 2025
Completing the FAFSA by these dates ensures the student will be fully considered for all federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Late applications are accepted after the priority dates, but funding may not be guaranteed. Institutional assistance will be awarded based on the availability of funds. If the Office of Financial Aid requests documentation after the FAFSA process has been completed, this should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure timely notification of the student’s eligibility for financial aid.
School Code
To complete the FAFSA application and have your information sent to VHCC, you must include our school code on your application.
VHCC School Code: 007099
Need Help Applying?
The resources below have been designed as a visual aid to help you walk step-by-step through completing the FAFSA. Please begin by selecting whether you are categorized as a dependent student (applying with your parents/guardian) or an independent student (independent of parents/guardian)..
Top Tips for Creating an FSA ID
Federal Student Aid (FSA) now requires each student and parent(s) to create an FSA ID and password to log into the FAFSA. The FSA ID also acts as the student and parent's electronic signature for the FAFSA.
- Access the FSA ID creation page at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm
- Creating your FSA ID
- Use a personal email! You will lose access to your school email after you graduate.
- You will have this FSA ID as long as you are in college. Keep your login info in a safe place!
- What about Parents?
- If your biological parents are married, only one will need to create an ID, and you will only invite them to the FAFSA.
- If your biological parent is remarried, both your parent and your step-parent will need to create FSA IDs, and you will invite both of them on your FAFSA.
- What if I'm not able to provide parental information?
- If you are a ward of the court, an emancipated minor, or are in legal guardianship, you will not need to include any information other than your own. You'll need to contact your school for further guidance on what to do when they receive your FAFSA.
- Issues with your (or your parent's) FSA IDS?
- Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243.
- You and your parent(s) must create an FSA ID at least 1-3 days in advance before filling out the FAFSA. The 24-25 FAFSA links taxes in the background now, so the Social Security Administration has to clear your FSA ID before you start the application. (When you log into your FSA account, it will let you know if it is still in process).