Financial aid applications double

Pierce has received a record number of FAFSA applications

Michaia Hernandez, Coburn Palmer / Roundup

Twice as many Pierce College students are applying for financial aid this year compared to 2010 due to the current economic crisis.

During the academic school year of 2010-2011, the school's Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veterans Office received 21,900 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications and sent out 8,200 award packages.

As of mid-March this year, 12,000 applications were sent in. According to Financial Aid Director Anafe Robinson, this amount represents a 50 percent increase from the same time last year.

"We're seeing students start sending in their applications earlier and earlier," she said.

It is possible for students to receive $5,500 annually at most from the Federal Pell Grant Program, a $2,000 worth of financial aid from Cal grants, and a combined total of $9,000 in subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

According to Robinson, there is no set formula for deciding how much financial aid a student will receive; however, if a student has special circumstances including financial hardship, job loss or other drastic circumstances their case can be reviewed by a financial aid counselor.

"Just because you're on unemployment doesn't mean you automatically qualify for financial aid," said Robinson.

In order for students to receive their financial aid disbursement, all documentation must match up with the information provided in their application.

Robinson said that the Financial Aid, Scholarships and Veterans Office will not give out awards unless it is proven that the student is experiencing financial need.

When students sign the FAFSA application they are confirming that they are spending the money on educational expenses.

There have been several complaints from the public regarding students misusing the money that they receive as financial aid by spending the money on nonessential items.

Numerous polls conducted by the Roundup have not yielded any evidence to support this, however.

Kassi Carrillo

Forced to drop two classes this semester, 18-year-old freshman Carrillo is at a standstill.

Due to her parents financial status, she was denied financial aid, despite the fact that her parents do not support her educational funds. This has resulted in her not having enough money to pay for classes and books.

Veronica Lopez

Financial aid used to serve as an extra cushion for school spending for Lopez.

After being unemployed for two years, that money Lopez received has become her primary source of income.

Having to pay for all school supplies, books and tuition with the financial aid money, Lopez has taken out a bank loan in order to stay financially afloat.