{"id":741,"date":"2024-07-26T18:00:54","date_gmt":"2024-07-26T18:00:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ocean.edu\/?page_id=741"},"modified":"2026-02-26T10:39:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T15:39:58","slug":"how-to-apply-for-aid","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ocean.edu\/how-to-pay\/financial-aid-scholarships\/how-to-apply-for-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apply for Aid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Are you wondering how you can afford college this coming fall?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what payment options may be available or you. For the 2024-2025<\/strong> school year, the federal government made some adjustments to the process & Ocean is here to help you! See below for more information!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Availability:<\/strong> There are delays this year and colleges will be receiving your application around mid-March, at the earliest. Schools should be able to begin to award and package students in or around April. OCC will finalize award packages in June. View more information about FAFSA availability here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes:<\/strong> The FAFSA form is easier than ever to complete. More people might be able to obtain aid for school, making this year the best year ever to continue or start your education! View more information about FAFSA changes here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Questions? <\/strong>Check your Financial Aid Self-Service Portal via Ocean Connect or reach out to the OCC\u2019s Financial Aid Department via email at financialaid@ocean.edu<\/a>, or call us at 732-255-0400<\/a> ext. 310<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Financial Aid Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)<\/strong><\/a> is your application for Federal and State* financial aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most financial aid is not automatically renewable and a new application should be filed for every new Academic Year (September \u2013 August) you intend to attend. The FAFSA is usually available from October 1st each year. Information from your (and\/or your parent\u2019s\/spouse\u2019s, where applicable) prior year Federal Tax Return will be used to complete the application (example: for the 2024-2025 FAFSA, 2022 tax information is used).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is free <\/em>to file a FAFSA and you should not be prompted to pay upon completion of the application. Some websites will request payment \u2013 to ensure you are not charged, file your FAFSA at FAFSA Application<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*You are required to complete additional information for State aid at the end of your FAFSA or directly at the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA)<\/strong><\/a> website.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How do I apply for financial aid?<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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