Apply Now Visit Us Request Info
Skip to Main Content
Calendars News & Media Library Directory Alumni & Giving
Castleton
Menu
About Castleton
Vermont State University Quick Facts Our Campus Office of the President Host a Conference or Event on Campus Public Disclosure Employment Opportunities Castleton's Pledge to Combat Bias, Privilege, and Systemic Racism Strategic Priorities
Academics
Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Certificate Programs Our Faculty Professional Development & Continuing Education Research Career Services & Internships Study Abroad Academic Support Academic Resources Degree Plans The Three Colleges of Castleton University
Campus Life
Campus & the Region Residence Life Clubs & Activities Student & Parent Resources Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion International Student Office
Community
Community Engagement Sustainability & Green Campus Initiatives The Castleton Center for Social Justice and Trauma Informed Care Hidden History Project Spartan Arena Fitness Center Bridge Initiative
Arts
The Casella Theater Arts Facilities Art Galleries Arts Reach Performing Arts Calendar Becoming a Fine or Performing Arts Student Supporting the Arts at Castleton Contact Us
Athletics
Become a Spartan News & Updates Athletic Facilities Sports Camps & Clinics Hall of Fame Spartan Arena Athletic Bands Varsity Sports
Admissions
Request Information For First-Year Students For Transfer Students For International Students For Graduate Students For Veterans and Military Service Members Early College & Dual Enrollment Financial Aid & Scholarships Tuition & Fees Contact the Admissions Team Visit Castleton Apply Now
Home Admissions Financial Aid & Scholarships How to Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

This Section

How to Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships
FAFSA Application Data Retrieval Process for FAFSA IRS Tax Return Transcript Request State Grant Application Financial Aid Deadlines Department of Education Website Federal Student Aid Estimator How to Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan Summer Aid Study Abroad Aid Financial Aid FAQs

Related Sections

Scholarships Grants Loans Student Success Checklist Graduate Tuition & Aid For Parents Important Forms Understanding Your Financial Aid Financial Literacy Financial Aid Policies & Procedures Financial & Registration Services Contact the Financial Aid Team

How to Apply for Financial Aid & Scholarships

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, is the application for financial aid. It should be completed each year as soon as possible after October 1 at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA is the only application required by Castleton University.

Create an FSA ID

Students, parents, and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password, to access certain U.S. Department of Education websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically signing your federal student aid documents. We recommend you and your parent (if dependent) create your FSA ID before completing the FAFSA as it cuts down on errors and delays if you start your FAFSA form by providing your FSA ID on studentaid.gov.

You can create an FSA ID at studentaid.gov or directly at the FSA website. 

Complete the FAFSA

The FAFSA should be submitted as soon as possible after October 1. Financial aid eligibility is determined on a first come, first-serve basis. Therefore, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible. We consider anyone who applies by April 1 to be an on-time applicant. Complete the FAFSA online at studentaid.gov . Be sure to enter Castleton’s school code 003683 on your application.

Review Your Student Aid Report (SAR)

Once your application is processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor. It is very important to review this report for accuracy, as your financial aid eligibility will be determined based on this information.

When will I receive notification of my financial aid eligibility?

Once you have been accepted for admission to Castleton and the Financial Aid Office has received your processed FAFSA, your financial aid eligibility will be determined. An email notification will be sent to your email address per our database advising you to view your financial aid via the VSC Portal. Your financial aid may be actual or estimated. Please view Financial Aid Document Status via the Portal/VSC Web Services to see what other documentation we may need to finalize your financial aid. Submit additional documentation as soon as possible.

Castleton begins determining eligibility for newly accepted students mid-late November and mid-February for returning students.

How Financial Aid Eligibility is Determined

Your Student Cost of Attendance (Budget)

First, we determine your cost of attendance (budget) at Castleton. The cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, room and board (if on campus) and a standard allowance for books/supplies, personal expenses, and transportation. We use the cost of a double room and the 21-meal plan for all students who indicated on their FAFSA that they will be living on-campus. Students living at home have a lower allowance for room and board. Students living off-campus have a slightly higher budget to allow for additional costs of living on their own. For more information, review the Cost of Attending & Funding Option under located on the Tuition & Fees page.

Second, we determine your eligibility based on the information provided on the FAFSA and by following the federal guidelines for the funds available. We use the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is determined by a standard formula called the Federal Methodology (FM). The Federal Methodology takes into account your and your parents’ income and assets, federal taxes paid, family size, the number in college and allows for living expenses, taxes, etc. The EFC is not the amount of money your family must provide. Rather, you should think of the EFC as an index used to determine how much federal financial aid you qualify for.

Your Financial Need

Financial need is the difference between your student cost of attendance/budget and your expected family contribution. This is what we use to determine the amount of financial aid eligibility. Even though we have limited funds in some of our aid programs, we will make every effort to provide you with fair and equitable financial aid. The formula looks like this:  Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

Other factors regarding financial aid eligibility

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • You must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at Castleton.
  • You must not be in default on any federal student loans or owe a refund previous financial aid.
  • You must be enrolled for at least 6 credit hours (3 credit hours for Pell Grant eligibility only).
  • You must be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • You must be registered with Selective Service (if required).
  • All financial aid files must be complete and loans originated or certified by the financial aid deadline.
Castleton
Castleton University, Castleton, VT 05735
(800) 639-8521
info@castleton.edu
Resources VSC Portal Contact Us Maps & Directions Employment Castleton Store Report discrimination, harassment, or sexual misconduct
© 2023 Castleton University. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy Emergency Information Accessibility
Twitter Facebook Flickr Instagram LinkedIn youtube Merit

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Cookie Policy

About Castleton Academics Campus Life Community Arts Athletics Admissions
Calendars News & Media Library Directory Alumni & Giving