Now that you have completed your FAFSA you may be be wondering what is your next step. This page will give you information on what you need to do now.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Students and parents are expected to contribute according to their means, taking into account their income, assets, number of dependents, and other relevant information. Students are expected to contribute from their own assets and earnings. The Expected Family Contribution is determined by information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Determination of Eligibility
Financial aid applicants are assigned a standard budget. From this budget, the EFC and other resources such as scholarships are subtracted. The balance is the unmet need. Financial Aid office personnel award aid toward the unmet need.
Expected family contribution is determined primarily on the prior year income. If circumstances have changed (i.e. loss of job or support) and the prior year income does not accurately reflect the current family financial status, a Special Circumstances form may be submitted to the Financial Aid office. The form is available at the Financial Aid office. Clear documentation of the most recent income must be submitted with the form. Only one special circumstance request will be reviewed per year. A request for re-evaluation must be made between August 1 and April 1 if 1.) your EFC is greater than 1,100 and
2.) your household income is $5,000 less than what was reported on the FAFSA.
What Else Must I Do?
- Complete an Application for Admissions and pay the Admission Application Fee
- Complete CBC Financial Aid Data Sheet and any additional paperwork required by the Financial Aid office
Financial Aid Status
You can check the status of your application online here:
Please return any missing paperwork as soon as possible to speed processing.
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Financial Aid Notification
A Financial Aid Notificaiton will be sent by mail or email to notify applicants of the amount and type of aid awarded to them. Applicants determined to be ineligible for student aid will be notified by mail or email. You may also view your award information by clicking on the Financial Aid Portal link above.
Washington State Need Grant Program Conditions of Award
If you are awarded a Washington State Need Grant (SNG), you must comply with the following five conditions:
- You do not owe a refund or repayment on a SNG, a Pell Grant, or a Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), nor are you in default on a loan made, insured, or guaranteed under the Perkins, National Direct, or Federal Family Education Loan programs. In addition, you are not in default on a loan made through a state conditional loan or conditional scholarship program.
- This grant is awarded to assist in meeting your educational expenses. If you withdraw from classes before the end of the term, repayment of all or part of the grant may be required.
- You may choose to voluntarily make financial contributions to the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) in recognition of this SNG. All voluntary contributions will be used to provide financial assistance to other students.
- The offer of a SNG is subject to, and conditioned upon, the availability of funds. The WSAC and Columbia Basin College reserve the right to withdraw, reduce, or modify the grant due to funding limitations or due to changes in circumstances which affect your eligibility for the SNG.
- You are not pursuing a degree in theology.
Disbursement of Funds
Once aid is awarded, CBC will credit funds to the enrolled student’s account to pay charges subject to program and funding limitations. The student's awards must match the enrollment level in order for tuition and fees to be paid.
| Enrollment Level |
Credits |
| Full time |
12 credits or more |
| 3/4 time |
9 to 11 credits |
| 1/2 time |
6 to 8 credits |
| Less than 1/2 time |
5 or less credits |
Funds in excess of CBC costs are provided to the student through
Higher One. Student financial aid will be disbursed only to students who have maintained
satisfactory academic progress.
Drug Conviction Eligibility
Should a student be convicted for any offense during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV, HEA program funds, under ANY federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs, the student can lose eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan, or Work Study assistance. Should a student lose eligibility due to this offense, students may regain eligibility by completing and submitting the Student Aid Eligibility Worksheet for question 23 to the Financial Aid office. Students should consult with staff in the Financial Aid office regarding this matter.