Everett Community College

Frequently Asked Questions
about Financial Aid

What Hours Are You Open?

Financial Aid during the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters are open for walk-in inquiries:
Mondays          9am - 6:30pm
Tuesdays         9am - 4:30pm
Wednesdays    12pm - 4:30pm
Thursdays        9am - 4:30pm
Fridays             Not available for walk-ins as we process financial aid applications.

Who should apply for financial aid? How can I tell if my family makes too much money to qualify?

If you think you will need help paying for your college expenses, you should apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will often find FAFSAs at local high schools, colleges or libraries, or you can apply electronically using FAFSA on the Web.

The calculation which determines eligibility for aid is complicated. There is no easy, straight forward "income cut-off" or other method to help you anticipate whether you'll be eligible—the only way to find out for sure is to apply. If your family circumstances change, the financial aid office is in a better position to help if your application is already on file.

How much does it cost to go to a Washington state college?

Here are estimates of how much it costs to attend various schools. These figures include tuition and fees for 9 months and an estimate for room and board, transportation, books and supplies, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Living expenses will be adjusted down for those students living with their parents.

How much financial aid will I receive?

You can receive financial aid equal to your "financial need." Financial aid is not intended to replace your family's contribution toward educational costs but rather to help fill the gap between what your family can pay and your total education costs. Financial aid not based on need is also frequently available to those who apply for financial aid (i.e., those who go through the application process for "need-based" aid).

What does it mean to meet the Priority deadline and receive "maximum funding"?

If you meet the priority deadline and are determined to be eligible for financial aid funding, you may receive additional institutional, state and federal funding (childcare assistance, EvCC Grant, State Tuition Waiver, State Workstudy, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, and Federal Workstudy).  If the priority deadline is not met, you may only be eligible for Federal Pell and Direct Loan funding, and State Need Grant if funds have not been exhausted.

How is my financial need determined?

A standard analysis is used to determine financial need. The amount your family is expected to contribute (the Expected Family Contribution, or EFC) is calculated based upon the information reported on your FAFSA. The EFC is then subtracted from the cost of education at the school to which you're applying. The difference between the two is your need for financial assistance.

You can estimate your EFC up front by using an online EFC financial aid calculator 

What do I do when tuition is due and my financial aid hasn't been evaluated?

If you met the quarterly deadline and other financial aid requirements based on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), and show Satisfactory Academic history, you will be notified via email that you have been placed on a tuition hold.  This will allow you to stay enrolled in your classes without payment as we process your financial aid.

When do financial aid checks disburse?

Financial Aid checks begin disbursing the Thursday prior to the start of the quarter, with the exception of Summer quarter.  Summer quarter checks are mailed out after July 1st.  Please make sure that your address is up to date with Enrollment Services (Student Kiosk). We DO NOT mail checks to the addresses you provide on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

How Do I Log Into My Financial Aid Student Portal?

To check your financial aid status or other information relating to your eligibility, please log into the Financial Aid Student Portal.  Please use your social security number for the "username" and your six or five-digit date of birth as the "password" in MDDYY or MMDDYY format.

When can I expect a phone call or email back?

If you leave a voicemail message on our general Financial Aid Office line, please expect a returned phone call within 2-5 business days, depending on the volume and traffic.  Same timeframe can be expected if you email us at fin_aid@everettcc.edu.  We return emails and voicemails on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please note, we will not return phone calls if you do not leave a message or phone number.

Need a general overview of the financial aid process?

For a general overview of the financial aid process, including how to prepare for college, types of aid you may be eligible for, basic eligibility requirements, how to repay your student loans, please visit www.studentaid.gov.

You may also reference the Federal Student Aid Handbook  or www.studentaid.gov for more information.