Cares Act

Apply for Financial Aid

Federal student aid programs such as grants, scholarships, work-study, or student loans are available to assist students with direct educational costs. The entire financial aid process can take several weeks.

In order to be eligible for financial aid at CEI, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
CEI's Federal School Code is 011133.

Create an FSA ID

An FSA ID is used to complete and sign your FAFSA, create an FSA ID. If you are a Dependent student and your FAFSA requires parent information, a parent will also need to create an FSA ID.
The FSA ID is required to log back in to the FAFSA to make corrections and to renew your FAFSA each year. The FSA ID will allow you and your parent to sign the FAFSA electronically and it will allow you and your parent to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to access your Federal Tax information.
It is important to remember your FSA ID and do not share it. This is also used to log into certain U.S Department of Education Websites.
If your FSA ID is locked or you have forgotten your username or password, FSA ID Retrievalmethods are available.

What documents do I need to complete the FAFSA?

Collect the required documents needed to complete the FAFSA.

Student Federal Tax Information. Use your 2021 tax year information for the 2023-2024 FAFSA. Note* Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
Parents’ Federal Tax Information, if you are a dependent student. Use parent 2021 tax year information for the 2023-2024 FAFSA. Note* Use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool
Your driver's license (if any)
Your Social Security Number
Your untaxed income records
Your current bank statements
Your current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records
Your alien registration or permanent resident card (if you are not a U.S. citizen)

Apply for Financial Aid

CEI's Federal School Code is 011133.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

When do I apply for financial aid?

The FAFSA Application opens every October 1st for the next academic year. Students complete the FAFSA annually.

For the 2022-2023 academic year- You can apply between October 1, 2021 and June 30,2023 ; however, there are federal student aid programs that have limited funds, so be sure to apply as soon as you can, we recommend completing the FAFSA by February or March 1st to meet state and scholarship deadlines.

For the 2023-2024 academic year- You can apply between October 1, 2022 and June 30,2024.

CEI Priority Deadlines for the FAFSA.

Fall Semester - June 1*
Spring Semester - November 1*
Summer Semester - February 1*

*NOTE:

Students who have completed FAFSA by the Priority Deadline will have their aid by the first day of classes.
Students can still apply for federal aid after the Priority Deadline, applications will still be processed, however, award offers are not guaranteed by the fee deadline. Students that do not have their financial aid ready by the fee deadline, will be required to pay their fees out of pocket.

How do I make Corrections to my FAFSA?

If you have completed the FAFSA but need to make corrections, you can make them at their website FASFA, or contact our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

What happens after I complete the FAFSA?

Submitting the FAFSA is not the last step.
Your financial aid application will not be considered complete until ALL required forms or requested documents have been received.
You can log into your Self-Service account, under the Financial Aid Counseling, and check your Required Documents. Or you can contact our Financial Aid Office for assistance.

Why am I asked to submit documentation? Why am I getting “Missing Information” emails?

We may request additional documentation to assist in preparing your financial aid award. If this is required, you will receive an email to your student email and you can view the requests on your Self-Service account.
Submit requested documents and forms to the Financial Aid Office at CEI.

How do I check the status of my Financial Aid?

Check your Self-Service account, and email periodically to monitor the progress of your application and your financial aid.
Once you have completed all requests, we will use your application and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), to determine how much aid you can get.
You will receive an email when your financial aid application is complete.
We will provide a financial aid offer for you to review and accept the aid you want.