Financial Aid

Please use your Anoka-Ramsey Community College email address on all financial aid applications.

1. Apply for your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

Each student (and one parent if you are a dependent student) must apply for a FSA ID. The FSA ID will allow you to electronically sign your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), change your address, view the processing status of your FAFSA application, and much more. Your FSA ID should be kept in a safe confidential location. This login information will be used each year you apply for financial aid.

2. Complete the FAFSA

The next step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA, you are applying for all types of federal and state financial assistance, including grants, work-study and loans. You will need your federal income tax information for the appropriate year and FSA ID to complete the FAFSA online. We recommend that you file the FAFSA electronically at studentaid.gov.

NOTE: You must be an admitted student at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to receive a financial aid award letter.

 

Back To Top

1. Locate your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
If you are not able to locate your FSA ID you can retrieve it at studentaid.gov. If you have not accessed your FAFSA since May 2015, you will need to create an account. If you are a first-time user, your information will need to be cleared through the Social Security administration. Please allow 1-3 business days for your ID and password to clear. You will receive an email confirmation once your ID is activated.

NOTE: Parents of dependent applicants are required to create a FSA ID. 

2. Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By processing the FAFSA electronically, you expedite the process and eliminate errors. Use your federal income tax returns for the appropriate year and your PIN as your electronic signature. Once your taxes are processed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will have the opportunity to link to the IRS from the FAFSA and automatically load your tax information. This is a great way to prevent errors and save time. If you file your taxes electronically this data retrieval tool will be available to you approximately two (2) weeks later.  

Back To Top

If you have your Federal ID (FSA ID), submit your transfer request online.

If you do not have your FSA ID or don't have access to a computer, call Central Processor at 1-800-433-3243. you will need your Data Release Number (DRN) located in the lower left corner of your Student Aid Report. Follow the direction in the automated response system and add college code 002332 for Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

If you are transferring to Anoka-Ramsey mid-year and already have a student loan at another institution, ask the financial aid office at your school to cancel your future loan disbursements. You will be able to apply the remaining balance of your financial aid to tuition and fees at Anoka-Ramsey.

Back To Top

Please use your Anoka-Ramsey Community College email address on all financial aid applications.

1. Locate your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID
If you are not able to locate your FSA ID you can retrieve it at student aid.gov If you have not accessed your FAFSA since May 2015, you will need to create a FSA ID at student aid.gov. If you are a first-time user, your information will need to be cleared through the Social Security administration. Please allow 1-3 business days for your ID and password to clear. You will receive an e-mail confirmation once your ID is activated.

NOTE: Parents of dependent applicants are required to create a FSA ID.  

2. Complete the FAFSA
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can access the FAFSA and the pre-application worksheet at www.fafsa.gov. By processing the FAFSA electronically, you expedite the process and eliminate errors. Use your federal income tax returns for the appropriate year and your PIN as your electronic signature. Once your taxes are processed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will have the opportunity to link to the IRS from the FAFSA and automatically load your tax information. This is a great way to prevent errors and save time. If you file your taxes electronically, this data retrieval tool will be available to you approximately two (2) weeks later.   

Back To Top

• Make sure to report accurate tax year information exactly as instructed on the FAFSA (no estimates).
• Be sure to report your name on the FAFSA exactly as it appears on your social security card. The federal processor will be comparing your FAFSA information to the Social Security Administration database and discrepancies could cause a problem.
• The title IV (FAFSA Code) school code for Anoka-Ramsey Community College is 002332.
• If you or your parents filed a joint federal income tax return, but are now separated, divorced or widowed, you will not be able to link taxes from the IRS. We highly recommend requesting a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS.
• Make sure that your parents complete their section and you complete yours. Any errors will significantly delay processing!
• Complete your FAFSA early! There are certain grants that are first-come first-serve. In addition, paperwork turned in 2-3 weeks prior to the start of a term will have high processing timelines. The earlier you get your award letter the better!
• Turn in all financial aid documents to the Anoka-Ramsey (Anoka Tech for ATC) Financial Aid office as soon as possible so that receipt of your award letter is not delayed.
• Students may only receive federal and state aid for one school per semester. If you plan to attend other Minnesota State schools at the same time, please contact the financial aid office to complete a consortium agreement.

Back To Top

After the Anoka-Ramsey Financial Aid office receives your FAFSA Application, you may check the status of your financial aid application by following these steps:
1. Go to your eServices
2. Enter your STAR ID and Password
3. Choose Financial Aid

Back To Top

You will receive an email from the federal processor with a website link to your Student Aid Report (SAR). If you do not provide an email address to the federal processor, you will receive a paper SAR in the mail. Review the SAR to make sure that everything is correct. If all the information is correct, keep the SAR for your records. If not, corrections should be submitted to the federal processor. Your email will state that your FAFSA has been successfully processed and will provide you with an estimated award amount - this does not mean that you are approved. You may still need to turn in a variety of documents to the financial aid office at Anoka-Ramsey. Ultimately, the school makes the decision on what you are awarded.

In the event that your Social Security number is incorrect at the school, we recommend that you contact the records department. If your social security number is incorrect on your FAFSA you will need to make updates to your FSA ID, please see the financial aid office for assistance.

If your SAR indicates that it has been rejected or that more information is needed before further processing can occur, please follow the instructions listed on the SAR, or contact the Anoka-Ramsey Financial Aid Office for assistance.

The Anoka-Ramsey Financial Aid Office will receive a copy of your FAFSA in three (3) to five (5) business days. Once you receive notification from FAFSA that your application has been processed it usually takes about three (3) additional business days to arrive at Anoka-Ramsey.

If additional documents are required, the Financial Aid Office will send you an email that additional information is needed. A status letter will be available in your eServices account in the financial aid section.

Back To Top

1. Go to your eServices account, and accept your award when you receive the notification. Financial Aid is applied to student accounts beginning the 3rd Tuesday of each term. If your billing statement shows that you owe more for tuition and fees than your financial aid award, you are responsible for paying the remaining balance.
2. Look for your billing statement in your eServices account, under “Bills and Payment.” (You won’t receive a tuition bill in the mail.) Students are financially responsible for their courses and fees. You can pay your tuition online through your eServices account, in person at the business office or by mail – or you can make arrangements for a payment plan with Anoka-Ramsey. Learn about your options at Pay Your Tuition.

Back To Top

To receive financial aid, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you are a non-citizen and would like to determine your eligibility status, please visit the Financial Aid Office. 
• Have a valid Social Security number or for non-citizens, an A-number.
• Be enrolled at Anoka-Ramsey as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program effective the term in which you wish to receive aid. You must be a degree-seeking student in order to receive aid. 
• Have no current default status on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal student grant.
• Comply with the verification process. Students are selected for this process by the Department of Education. If you are selected, Anoka-Ramsey is required to verify the information reported on your FAFSA. If you do not provide the information needed to complete the verification process, you will not be eligible to receive aid. All notifications regarding required information will be sent to your student email address.
• Provide information to resolve any discrepancies identified by the Department of Education, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security or the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).
• Meet financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. There are differences in these standards between the Academic Advising Office and the Financial Aid Office, so it’s important to check with both. More info is available at the Anoka-Ramsey Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy webpage and the Minnesota State Policy 2.9.
• Submit all requested academic transcripts.

Back To Top

Financial aid will disburse to Anoka-Ramsey beginning the third Tuesday of the term. If the amount of financial aid received exceeds institutional charges, the credit balance overage will apply via direct deposit or mail beginning the 14th day of the term. If your financial aid award is not complete by the initial disbursement, the financial aid office disburses funds every Tuesday. If the institutional charges exceed your financial aid, the funds will be credited to your account and you must pay the remaining balance.

Your Permanent Address: Make sure your permanent address is current with the Records Office (763-433-1400) of Anoka-Ramsey. Change your Address in eServices or bring the physical form to the Records Office.

Direct Deposit: To have any excess financial aid funds direct deposited to your checking or savings account, complete the Direct Deposit Authorization form through eServices.

With direct deposit all student payroll checks, refunds and financial aid overage amounts are automatically deposited to your specified bank account using electronic funds transfer. Students who have signed up for direct deposit will no longer be issued paper checks. Direct deposit funds are available before any checks are issued.

You will need your bank routing number and account number. You can find this information on the bottom of your check or your savings deposit slip.

1. Login by entering your Id and password.
2. Select either "Financial Aid" or "Student Payroll" from the left-hand menu.
3. Select "Direct Deposit Setup".
4. Select "ADD Direct Deposit Account".
5. Enter your bank account type, routing number and account number.
6. Re-enter your password and select "Save".

Back To Top

Book Charging is a process of adding the cost of books and required supplies to your account (in addition to tuition and fees). At Anoka-Ramsey Community College you may charge up to $600 without additional approval.

Who is Eligible? You may be able to charge your books starting the week prior to course start up until the last day to add/drop a course if:

• You are registered for the term for which you are purchasing books AND
• The total financial aid you will be receiving at your registered credit level exceeds your tuition and fees. If your Direct Loans are needed to exceed your tuition & fees, they must be accepted in order to have the ability to charge books to your student account. You can view your awards and loan status by logging into eServices with your Star ID, password, then clicking on Financial Aid on the left-hand side of the screen.

NOTE: Your approved amount could change depending on your registered credit level or your financial aid eligibility. Changes in your registered credit levels could result in your approved amount being reduced or you could become ineligible for book charging. You may also become ineligible for book charging if you are placed on Financial Aid Suspension due to not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. You are still required to pay book and/or required supply charges even if your financial aid eligibility changes.

Back To Top

Federal Pell Grant, Minnesota State Grant, Minnesota Childcare Grants, loans and work-study may be available for summer semester. If you did not reach your annual grant or loan limits over fall/spring a separate award letter will be generated for summer semester AFTER you register for summer courses

Changing Your Schedule - Aid Adjustments

• If you decide to add a course or if you drop a course and add another course that is the same number of credits after the 5th day of the term start, your Pell Grant CANNOT be adjusted for the increase in credits unless you complete a Pell Grant Appeal located on the Financial Aid forms. .
• If you drop any courses after the 5th day of the term start, you may be required to repay part or all of your summer aid.
• Canceled courses can also affect your financial aid eligibility.
• Your class schedule must be firm, and you should not make any changes after the 5th day of the term, or risk aid reductions.

You are required to be enrolled in at least six (6) credits (not including W's) at the time of any loan disbursement. If you are not enrolled in at least six (6) eligible credits, loans cannot be disbursed.

Transfer Students: If you are transferring to Anoka-Ramsey Community College this summer and you have already completed the FAFSA for another school, you will need to go the Federal Financial Aid website to add Anoka-Ramsey Community College's school code 002332. Your summer financial aid will be determined based on the financial aid used fall and spring semester up to annual and/or aggregate loan limits.

Summer Book Charging: For those students who have a completed FAFSA, Anoka-Ramsey supports a summer book charge process:

1. Bring your student ID and your class schedule to the bookstore to charge books to your student account.
2. Bookstore charges are added as a charge on your student account. If the books you charge are not fully covered by financial aid awards, you are responsible for all of the charges. Review your summer award letter to confirm what financial aid you have available based on your registered credits.

Summer Financial Aid Process: Complete the FAFSA form and provide all requested documents to the Financial Aid Office.

Register for summer courses (course registration triggers Financial Aid to review students for summer financial aid).

1. Last day to accept summer loan requests: August 1, 2025. Exceptions do apply; please contact the Financial Aid Office.
2. You will receive an email to your school email address alerting you when your summer award letter is completed. Check eServices to view your Financial Aid Status online.

Back To Top

You have the right:

• to know your financial aid award is based on calculated financial need. As defined by the U.S. Department of Education, financial need is the difference between Anoka-Ramsey's cost of attendance (COA) and your ability to contribute towards your education (Estimated Family Contribution).
• to know the cost of attending the college, use this net price calculator.
• to know the deadlines for submitting applications.
• to know the university’s refund and repayment policy.
• to know the university’s satisfactory academic progress policy
• to receive your financial aid award as long as you are eligible and meet your responsibilities.
• to be informed of details of each aid program that you are offered.
• to be informed of the terms of any loan program that you are offered.
• to be informed of the terms of any work program that you are offered.
• to accept, reject or seek adjustments to your financial aid award without prejudice.
• to know how much financial aid you will receive each term and when financial aid payments will be disbursed.
• to privacy of information regarding your financial aid files. Information from your file will not be released to anyone without your permission.
• to seek financial aid counseling.

You have the responsibility:

• to complete an application for financial assistance annually to demonstrate continued need.
• to provide accurate and factual information on all financial aid forms. You must notify the Financial Aid Office of any change in information submitted including your withdrawal from school, your reduction in number of credits, your change in address, name or marital status and your change of financial information provided on application form.
• to accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign.
• to read and understand all financial aid forms and keep copies of them.
• to repay all loans according to the terms outlined in your truth-in-lending and promissory note forms.
• to use your financial aid award for educational purposes and to carefully manage the funds that you receive.
• to refund a portion or all of your financial aid upon full withdrawal from school.
• to maintain a satisfactory level of academic progress.
• to submit forms by the deadlines and to keep your financial aid appointments.
• to work during the summer to supplement your financial aid awards and meet total educational costs.

Back To Top

Your class schedule must be firm and you should not make any changes after the 5th day of the semester or you risk aid reductions.  It is expected that you will attend your registered courses. If you decide to add a late start course after the 5^th day of the semester or if you drop a class and add another class that is the same number of credits after the 5^th day of the semester, your Pell Grant will not be adjusted for the change in credits unless you complete a Pell Grant Appeal.

Back To Top

For students receiving state financial funding, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education refund policies will apply.

Back To Top

Federal Student Aid funds are awarded to a student based on the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which assistance is awarded. A student who stops attending class(es) must immediately withdraw from class(es), and is responsible for understanding the impact of such action on his/her student account.

Financial aid recipients who totally withdraw or stop attending classes prior to the 60% point of the term are subject to the federal Return of Title IV calculation for federal aid. The amount of unused aid to be returned is calculated by dividing the number of remaining business days by the total number of business days in the semester. Breaks of more than five consecutive business days are excluded. Examples of both calculations are available in the Financial Aid Office at the student's request.

The responsibility to repay the unearned financial aid is shared by the institution and the student. The institution's share is allocated among the Title IV programs before the student's share, in the following order: Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant and Federal SEOG. The student share of remaining unearned aid is collected from the student and allocated in the same order indicated above.

Return of financial aid calculations are performed no later than 30 days after determining the student withdrew or stopped attending classes. Funds need to be returned to the Department of Education no later than 45 days after determining the student withdrew or stopped attending classes. Students return their share of unearned aid attributable to a loan under the terms and conditions of the promissory note. Grant repayment is made to the college under the repayment guidelines identified in a notice sent to students after the recalculation is complete.

The Financial Aid Office tracks attendance/last date of activity on financial aid recipients. If it is determined a student received financial aid for a course he/she did not attend, his/her financial aid will be recalculated at the lower enrollment status.

Back To Top

Anoka-Ramsey Community College will verify ALL student applications selected by the FAFSA processor. Verification documents will be requested of the student upon receipt of the FAFSA.  Documents must be received, and verification performed before any disbursement of financial aid is made. If there are errors, we will update your application, recalculate your aid eligibility, and send a current award letter to you.  Any documents received 180 days after the last date of enrollment (or date published by the Department of Education, whichever is earlier), will not be processed.

 

Back To Top

About Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Official Policy for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Back To Top

Students can receive federal financial aid for developmental work (below 1000 level) up to a maximum of 30 credits.

• Students must declare an eligible major and degree intent at Anoka-Ramsey to receive financial aid.
• Students may receive financial aid from no more than one college during each term or period of enrollment.
• The loan pro-ration requirement applies to students who plan to complete a degree program or certificate program in an enrollment period that is shorter than an academic year at Anoka-Ramsey.
• Financial aid is awarded to eligible students who have completed the financial aid application process and who are seeking a valid degree, diploma or certificate at Anoka-Ramsey. Applicants are awarded on the basis of financial need using data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which must be completed annually.
• Students must be accepted into a program of study (major) that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students who have not declared a major or have not been accepted into a program of study are not eligible for financial aid. In addition, ineligible majors or courses include, but are not limited to, customized training courses and any programs that are less than 16 credits.
• Applications are evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in spring of the calendar year prior to the fall semester start and on a rolling basis thereafter. Summer session is considered a trailer or the third semester of the academic year. Financial aid is awarded after the student registers for summer courses.
• Anoka-Ramsey reserves the right to change awards based on availability of funds, changes in enrollment, academic progress, and/or changes in student eligibility.
• In compliance with federal regulations, our office is annually audited by an independent third-party auditor. Our office also completes self-auditing of our programs to ensure accuracy in our processing.
• Due to federal regulations, students may only repeat a passed course once and still be covered by financial aid. 
• If a student or parents’ (for dependent students) financial situation changes after the completion of the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office may be able to help. Please see the Financial Aid Office for additional information. It is our policy to select all students applying for a consideration of special circumstances for verification. You will be notified after a decision has been made.
• A student who does not meet the federal criteria for independent status as listed in the FAFSA may have his/her status changed under extreme circumstances. If the student feels that the parent information is not relevant or the parents are unable to be located, the student may apply for a dependency override with proper documentation. Minimum documentation includes:
• A detailed letter explaining the situation, including why the student feels s/he is unable to obtain parental information. The letter should contain any other information that may be relevant such as when the student last lived with the parent and/or received any financial support from the parent.
• A written statement from two individuals who have first-hand knowledge of the situation, such as clergy, school administrator, social worker, or counselor. Letters from family members may be accepted but only if accompanied by a second letter from a non-family member.

None of the following conditions, either singly or in combination, will qualify a student for a dependency override:

• Parents refuse to contribute to child’s education.
• Parents are unwilling to provide information on the financial aid application or for verification purposes.
• Student demonstrates self-sufficiency.

You will be notified after a decision has been made.

Back To Top