Financial Aid FAQs

The Office of Financial Aid FAQ page consolidates frequently asked questions by topic for ease of use and quick reference, and to provide you 24/7 access to information. Click on a topic below to learn more.

Applying for Financial Aid - Filing the FAFSA

Need Help?

Visit our Financial Aid Advisement Services webpage to learn more about our available services.

How Early Can I Apply for Financial Aid?

Each year you can file the FAFSA and New York State TAP Application for the following academic year as of October 1. For example, you can file a 2023–24 financial aid application as of October 1, 2022.

What Year Income or Tax Information Is Required for the Applications?

The FAFSA and New York State TAP application use income information from two years prior to the first year indicated in the academic year.

For example, the 2023–24 FAFSA and New York State TAP applications use 2021 income information. This means you or your parents will likely have the tax return needed for these applications already completed, saving you time and allowing you to file early.

NOTE: You and your parents (if dependent) do not need to have had an income or be tax filers in the year required to be reported on the application to be able to apply for financial aid.

What Are the Benefits of Filing the FAFSA Early?

  • Less stress: You can begin filing your FAFSA and New York State Payment application up to six months before the priority deadline and up to 10 months before the first payment deadlines for the following academic year.
  • Less waiting: You do not need to wait for your or your parents’ income or tax information to be completed in order to file, since the income used to determine your eligibility is already from two years prior. You also do not need to use estimated income on the FAFSA or New York State Payment application, making your initial application more accurate.
  • More accurate information on your application: Many students will be able to electronically import income tax return information directly from the IRS into their FAFSA application using the IRS Data Retrieval tool for FAFSA on the web. This is the most efficient and accurate way of providing income tax information on the FAFSA and is recommended by the U.S. Department of Education.

Will I See My Financial Aid Earlier Since I Can File Earlier?

Not necessarily. Pell Grant amounts are not determined by the U.S. Congress until the new calendar year, and TAP award amounts are subject to the passing of the annual New York State fiscal budget by the New York State legislature, which also does not occur until the new calendar year.

Typically, financial aid award information for the new financial aid year generally becomes available in CUNYfirst in February/March. The purpose of filing early is to provide students and/or their families more time to apply in a more convenient and less pressured manner.

Why Should I File Early?

The earlier you file the less pressure you and your family will feel during the application process. Also, the application will be made available in CUNYfirst at the earliest possible time, which means less waiting in the long run. The Brooklyn College priority filing deadline is March 1 of each calendar year, so filing earlier means getting a head start on financing your education for the next academic year.

What if My Income or My Family’s Income Has Changed?

A lot can change in two years. If you or your family have experienced significant changes in income from the calendar year that was required to be reported on your FAFSA then you may be eligible for an Income Adjustment Appeal. Learn more about this process.

What if I Need More Help?

In an effort to make certain that all aid filers better understand the FAFSA filing process, the U.S Department of Education developed a  FAFSA Filing Information webpage providing step by step guidance. Brooklyn College also offers FAFSA filing assistance through a virtual financial aid filing workshop.

Year-Round and Summer Pell

Eligible students can receive a bonus Pell grant (up to one and a half Pell grants) for an additional term within the academic year. This can help you to stay on track for graduation or even to complete your bachelor’s degree early. However, to earn your bonus Pell grant you must be registered for at least six credits within your additional term (for summer, this can be three credits in summer session I and three credits in summer session II).

Fall Spring Summer
12+ credits 12+ credits Bonus Pell—must register for at least six credits

What if I Was Not Registered Full Time in Either Fall or Spring?

While you may not be eligible for the bonus Pell, you still have left over Pell eligibility. Use the chart below to see how many credits you can register for this summer, and leftover Pell does not require a six-credit minimum to be utilized this summer.

Fall Spring Summer
12+ credits 9–11 credits 1–5 credits of Pell remaining
12+ credits 6–8 credits 6–8 credits of Pell remaining
12+ credits 1–5 credits 9–11 credits of Pell remaining
12+ credits 0 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
9–11 credits 12+ credits 1–5 credits of Pell remaining
9–11 credits 9–11 credits 6–8 credits of Pell remaining
9–11 credits 6–8 credits 9–11 credits of Pell remaining
9–11 credits 1–5 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
9–11 credits 0 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
6–8 credits 12+ credits 6–8 credits of Pell remaining
6–8 credits 9–11 credits 9–11 credits of Pell remaining
6–8 credits 6–8 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
6–8 credits 1–5 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
6–8 credits 0 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
1–5 credits 12+ credits 9–11 credits of Pell remaining
1–5 credits 9–11 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
1–5 credits 6–8 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
1–5 credits 1–5 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
1–5 credits 0 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
0 credits 12+ credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
0 credits 9–11 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
0 credits 6–8 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining
0 credits 1–5 credits 12 credits of Pell remaining

How Much Will I Receive in a Summer Pell Grant?

Your award depends on three things: how many credits you register for, bonus or leftover Pell eligibility, and your EFC from your FAFSA. Check our How to Determine Your  Federal Pell Grant Award Chart for each relevant aid year to determine how much your Pell award could be from either year.

When Will I See My Pell Award in the System or Credited Toward My Summer Bill?

Once CUNYfirst system configuration for awarding Summer Pell grants has been completed (usually in April) the awards for eligible students will be posted. The Bursar’s Office will not be conducting summer course cancellations until the awarding process has been confirmed and completed.

Will I Need to Submit a Summer Pell Form in Order to Be Eligible?

No. Year-round Pell no longer requires a form.

Why Might My Summer Pell Award Be Reduced?

There is a lifetime aggregate limit of six years for Pell or its part-time equivalent. If you are close to or have reached that limit, you will not be eligible for or see a reduction in your summer Pell award.

How Can I Check My Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU)?

Check the Federal Student Aid website for more information about and how to view your Pell LEU usage.

If I Do Not Register for Summer Courses, Can I Still Get My Bonus (Must Register for at Least Six Credits) or Leftover Pell as a Refund?

The only way to earn a bonus or leftover Pell award is to register for and attend summer courses. You may register for three credits in summer session I and three credits in summer session II to meet the minimum six-credit enrollment requirement for bonus Pell.

I can only take one class, or fewer than six credits this summer, can I still receive a Pell grant?

You can enroll for fewer than six credits and get a Pell grant from the coming academic year, if you have remaining Pell LEU eligibility, have filed a FAFSA for the coming academic year, and completed all  CUNYfirst To Do List items.

What if I Withdraw From My Summer Courses?

Sometimes a situation necessitates withdrawing from courses. Review our withdrawal and financial eligibility webpage carefully for impact on your financial aid award(s).

I Will Graduate Before or at the End of the Spring semester, or Already Have a Prior Bachelor’s Degree (U.S. or Foreign). Can I Still Be Eligible?

Unfortunately, no. Pell grants are available only to first-time undergraduate students.

Additional Questions

If you have any additional questions, speak with a financial aid representative.

 

Billing and Payment

How Do I Pay My Tuition and Fees Online?

Information about how to pay tuition and fees online is available on the bursar’s webpage for Personal Payment Options.

How Can I Get Help With Making a Payment?

For questions or assistance with making payments, contact the Office of the Bursar at 718.951.5200, or visit the Enrollment Services Center in the lobby of the West Quad Center (take a ticket for bursar) or by e-mail.

Is There a Payment Plan Option?

Yes, Brooklyn College offers a monthly tuition payment plan via Nelnet. More information is available on the bursar’s webpage for Personal Payment Options.

Can I Make a Payment in Person?

Yes, Cash, check, or money order payments can be made in person at the Enrollment Services Center, located in the lobby of the West Quad Center. Credit card payments are no longer accepted in person.

My Credit Card or Debit Card Is Not Being Accepted. What Should I Do?

Contact the Office of the Bursar at 718.951.5200 for assistance.

Can I Pay by Mail?

Yes. Detailed instructions are available on the bursar’s webpage for Personal Payment Options.

Where Can I Find Information About Payment Options Other Than Those Mentioned Above?

The Office of the Bursar’s webpage for Personal Payment Options provides detailed information on the tuition payment options available and instructions for how to make use of a particular payment method.

Withdrawing From Classes

A common concern of students when withdrawing from their classes is how it will affect their financial aid eligibility. In other words, will they still be eligible for financial aid, and will they have to pay anything to the college?

If you drop before the seventh day of the term, you may not be eligible for any federal aid. Check the liability schedulefor specific information.

View the Academic Calendar for dates on withdrawing from classes with a W grade. After the first day to withdraw, you will be 100% liable for the cost of your tuition.

If you completely withdraw from all of your courses, your federal financial aid may be affected. This is in accordance with federal regulations 34CFR 668.22 e2 / Treatment of title IV funds when a student withdraws.

Note: A WN grade is given to students who never began attendance in a course. If so, the student will be considered to not have earned any Title IV aid. Students will be liable for the tuition.

How Does Withdrawing From All Classes Affect My Federal Financial Aid?

If you withdraw from all of your courses, your federal financial aid may be affected. The federal funds that will be affected are listed below in the order of how they are affected:

  • Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
  • Subsidized Stafford Loans
  • Perkins Loans
  • Graduate PLUS Loan
  • Parent PLUS Loan
  • Pell Grant
  • TEACH Grant

Financial aid is calculated based on the percentage of studies that have been completed. For example, if you have completed 30% of the days of the term, then you are entitled to 30% of the financial aid that you were scheduled to receive calculated on a pro-rated basis. The percentage of aid that you have earned is applied to your tuition and fees, but this may not cover your entire tuition obligation. If you have a balance after financial aid is applied, you must remit payment to the college immediately.

Once you have completed more than 60% of the days in the term, you will have earned all of the aid that you were scheduled to receive for that term.

What Will Happen if I Stop Attending Classes or Do Not Officially Withdraw From Classes?

If you leave school during the semester without officially withdrawing, the college will attempt to verify your last date of attendance. Once this is determined, we will determine how much aid you are eligible for based on the federal withdrawal calculation.

What if After Withdrawing From Classes I Do Not Have Enough Aid to Cover My Tuition Obligation?

You should consult with a financial aid counselor before withdrawing from classes to determine if a financial obligation will incur. You can speak to a financial aid representative by calling 718.951.5051 or by visiting the Enrollment Services Center in the lobby of the West Quad Center.

What if I Have Earned More Financial Aid Than I Initially Received?

You should consult with a financial aid counselor before withdrawing from classes to determine if a financial obligation will incur. You can speak to a financial aid representative by calling 718.951.5051 or by visiting the Enrollment Services Center in the lobby of the West Quad Center.

I Would Like to Withdraw From Classes. What Should I Do?

You should consult with a financial aid counselor before withdrawing from classes to determine if a financial obligation will incur. You can speak to a financial aid representative by calling 718.951.5051 or by visiting the Enrollment Services Center in the lobby of the West Quad Center.

What Is a WD Grade?

A Withdraw/Drop (WD) grade is assigned for official drops between (second and third weeks of classes). Financial aid will not be affected, unless all classes are dropped. R2T4 calculation will be done.

How Do I Process My Withdrawal Through CUNYfirst Student Self Service?

  1. Log into CUNYfirst.
  2. Select Self Service.
  3. Select Student Center.
  4. On the top left portion of the screen, in the Academics box, click on the “Enroll” link.
  5. On the next screen, select the “Drop” tab at the top of the page.
  6. Select the check box next to the course you are withdrawing from.
  7. Click the “Drop Selected Classes” button under the course list.
  8. You will get a confirmation page that allows you to make sure you selected the proper course.
  9. Cick the “Finish Dropping” button.
  10. You will get a message that your course has been dropped and assigned a grade of W. You are finished processing your withdrawal.

Document Submission and Cybersecurity

What Are the Cybersecurity Guidelines Affecting Document Submission by E-Mail?

Federal cyber-security guidelines do not permit colleges to solicit or request that students/parents submit Personally Identifying Information (PII) in an unsecure manner. Receiving solicited or requested PII from a student and/or parent in an unsecure manner is considered a data breach that the college must report to the federal government. E-mail is considered to be unsecure.

What Is Personally Identifying Information (PII)?

These guidelines were established to prevent fraud and identity theft, and to ensure the protection of student and/or parent information submitted to the Office of Financial Aid, which is committed to protecting the privacy of all students and parents. An alternative convenient method of acceptable document submission is by fax.

E-Mail Submission Is More Convenient. Why Do I Have to Follow These Guidelines?

These guidelines were established to prevent fraud and identity theft, and to ensure the protection of student and/or parent information submitted to the Office of Financial Aid, which is committed to protecting the privacy of all students and parents. An alternative convenient method of acceptable document submission is by fax.

I Feel My E-Mail Is Secure, So Why Am I Not Allowed to Submit My Financial Aid Documents by E-Mail?

Even though e-mail has a password, it is not considered a sufficiently secure method for PII submission unless the proper federally defined file encryption is in place. We do not expect that every student/parent will have the ability to properly encrypt or will properly encrypt what they send to the office. Because the documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid contain PII, and any e-mail sent without the proper encryption is considered a data breach, the Office of Financial Aid does not allow document submission by e-mail.

I Received an E-Mail Notification to Submit Documents That Contain PII to the Office of Financial Aid. Isn’t That a Request or Solicitation?

As part of the administration of financial aid programs, there are times when the Office of Financial Aid is required by federal law to collect information to determine eligibility for federal student aid programs. The information and documentation collected almost always includes PII. Requesting that you submit required documentation to determine your eligibility for federal or state financial aid programs is not synonymous with requesting that you submit the required documentation in a manner that is not secure pursuant to federal guidelines nor approved of by the Office of Financial Aid.

NOTE: Pursuant to federal guidelines, the Office of Financial Aid will not e-mail documents containing PII to students, parents, or legally authorized third parties but can do so by fax or mail.

Because E-Mail Is Not an Acceptable Method of Document Submission/Transfer, How Do I Submit My Documents?

Documents may be submitted either in person at the Enrollment Services Center or by fax to 718.951.4778.

Federal Work-Study FAQ

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides part-time employment to help students earn money to meet their educational expenses.

What are the eligibility requirements?

To receive FWS, you must meet the eligibility requirements for federal student aid. You must:

How can I determine whether I’ll qualify for the Federal Work-Study Program?

Receiving an FWS offer is based on many factors: FAFSA information, need, enrollment and academic status, meeting the basic FAFSA eligibility criteria, other financial aid and scholarship funds awarded, and availability of FWS funds.

What are the benefits of the FWS Program?

If you have never had a job, the FWS Program can give you your first exposure to the world of work. FWS employers are often willing to give you on-the-job training. By participating in the FWS Program, you can gain valuable experience. You may learn about giving something back to the community through a community service-related FWS position. You may include your FWS job experience on your résumé. You could be offered a non-Work-Study position by the employer you worked for as a FWS student. Some students are offered part- or full-time employment based on their work performance as an FWS employee.

How do I apply?

The student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the relevant academic year. The FAFSA can be filed during the year prior to the academic year aid is desired. FWS funds can be offered as early as March; therefore, it is important to apply early because funds are offered on the basis of financial need and are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Once all FWS funds are offered, late filers would need to inquire with the Financial Aid Office about the appeal process.

If I participate in the FWS Program this year, is it guaranteed that I will get a FWS offer for next year?

Participating in the FWS Program one year does not guarantee an offer for the next academic year. The student must apply by completing the FAFSA each year in order to determine their eligibility for FWS funds.

How do I know if I have been offered Federal Work-Study, and How Do I Accepit It?

Check your CUNYfirst account to see if a Federal Work-Study offer has been posted. FWS offers are posted for the fall and/or spring semesters on the student’s CUNYfirst account for the specified academic year. It is important to accept the offer immediately if you are interested in this employment opportunity, as funding is extremely limited and competitive.

For detailed instructions on how to accept an FWS offer, review the CUNYfirst Student Financial Aid Reference Guide.

Note: If you do not indicate acceptance of your Federal Work-Study, you risk losing the offer.

I am currently receiving unemployment benefits. Do I have to report FWS earnings to the unemployment office?

Yes. If you are receiving unemployment insurance benefits and are also employed in the FWS Program, you must notify your local unemployment office that you are working in the FWS Program. The New York State Department of Labor considers it willful misrepresentation to collect unemployment benefits without revealing that you are also receiving FWS. You may want to inquire with an unemployment office to find out if your participation in the Federal Work-Study Program would impact your benefits.

How many credits do I have to take for FWS eligibility?

You must register for and maintain an enrollment status of half-time (six credits or equated credits) or greater as one of the eligibility requirements to participate in the FWS Program. If, for any reason, your course load falls below half-time, you can no longer participate in the program and must stop working. You should notify your FWS supervisor and the FWS payroll assistant in the Financial Aid Office.

Do I have to stop working if I withdraw from school?

Yes. If you withdraw from school for any reason, you lose your eligibility for FWS and must stop working immediately.

Where would I work?

Where you work depends on the amount of your offer, class schedule, and job skills. To the maximum extent possible, select a position that complements or reinforces your educational program, career goals, and/or provides an opportunity to enhance your skills. You may work at either an approved on-campus job site or off-campus organization affiliated with CUNY.

Note: Job placement is not guaranteed.

Can I choose where to work on campus or off campus?

You may apply for various positions. Students can select from the available job postings for which positions they would like to request an interview. The FWS supervisor will notify them if they are going to offer the student an opportunity to have an interview for the specific position. After the interview(s), the site supervisor will notify you if they want to hire you for the position. Note that job placement is not guaranteed. You can decide which offer to accept. Select one position best suited for you, as that will be your job site for the entire placement period provided you continue to meet all FWS Program requirements. Once you are approved to be hired, you and your Work-Study supervisor will receive an approval by e-mail from the Work-Study placement office. You may then begin to work as of the date indicated in the hire approval e-mail.

Where can I learn about the FWS Placement Process?

The placement process is outlined in detail in the FWS Orientation for Students. (Scroll down to the FWS Program Information for Students header.)

Can I earn as much money as I want?

No. Your FWS offer represents the maximum amount you may earn for each semester during the academic year. How much of the total offer you actually receive depends upon your rate of pay, the total number of hours you work each week, and the number of weeks you work during the approved placement period. Once you have earned your maximum FWS offer, you will have to stop working. You must maintain a minimum of six credits each semester. Should you withdraw or stop attending classes, you must stop working immediately, contact the FWS payroll assistant in the Financial Aid Office, and notify your FWS supervisor.

Can I work as many hours as I want?

The FWS Program allows you to work between six and 20 hours per week. If there is any change in the maximum hours a student can work per week, an e-mail will be sent to the FWS supervisor and student with the details. Otherwise, students may not work more than 20 hours per week.

What are the requirements for taking a break?

After six consecutive hours of work, it is mandatory that you take at least a half hour unpaid break.

Can I work if my class is canceled?

No. A student may not work during a time their class is scheduled to meet, according to CUNYfirst. This rule still applies if the class has ended early.

Can I work during winter break?

All students must stop work at the end of the fall semester, even if they still have unearned FWS funds remaining for the fall. Your FWS supervisor will need to send an e-mail request to FWS@brooklyn.cuny.edu requesting a review of your record to determine if you are eligible to work for the winter and the date you may resume work. We will notify the FWS supervisor and student as to the decision via e-mail.

Can I work during the summer?

Federal Work-Study offers are only made for the fall and spring semesters. Some eligible continuing students have requested to use their fall FWS offer during the summer. Students offered FWS for the following fall semester should contact the Financial Aid Office at the beginning of July to find out more about this option.

What is the pay rate for Federal Work-Study employees?

The pay rate will be indicated on the job description.

How will I be paid?

Each payroll period is usually two weeks. Your FWS supervisor submits your time sheet for each pay period via TimeheetX for processing. Refer to the Federal Work-Study Payroll Schedule for pay period dates, when the time sheet is due, and scheduled payment dates. Time sheets received late after the due date are processed with the following pay period.

What is the most secure form of payment of my Work-Study wages?

If you have not already done so, you can receive your Federal Work-Study payments electronically by signing up for direct deposit.

The benefits of direct deposit are:

  • Safety: You don’t have to worry about lost/stolen checks.
  • Convenience: No need to wait in line to cash your check.
  • Quickness: Your money is deposited to your bank account as soon as it is ready.

If I am unable to earn my entire offer, will I be able to receive the rest of the money?

No. Students are paid only for the hours they have worked. If you do not earn your entire FWS offer before the end of the placement period, the unearned portion of your offer is returned to the program.

Are FWS earnings taxable?

Yes. FWS earnings are considered taxable income by both federal and state governments. Students who participate, work, and receive FWS wages will receive a Form W-2 for those earnings.

Why do I have to fill out a FORM I-9?

According to federal law, the identity and work eligibility of all individuals being hired must be verified before beginning an FWS employment assignment. You will have to complete a Form I-9 and present certain unexpired documents at the time of being hired. You may not participate in the on-campus FWS Program until you have completed a Form I-9 with your supervisor, be it on or off campus. After completing it with the supervisor, students must upload the completed Form I-9 with appropriate documents to Dynamic Forms for FWS staff to review.

Should I retain copies of my FWS placement and payroll documents?

Yes, you may need that information in the future to document your work history and earnings.

Online Forms FAQ For Students

Welcome to our Dynamic Forms FAQ where you can learn more and enhance your Dynamic Forms experience.

The information on this page applies only to Dynamic Forms, which, beginning with the 2022–23 academic year, the Office of Financial Aid uses for electronic loan requests, Federal Work-Study forms, and non-FAFSA–related document submission.

How do students access a Dynamic Form?

Go to the Brooklyn College Financial Aid webpage and click on “Online Financial Aid Forms.” Then click on the link for the form that needs to be completed. Students will access the form by logging in with their BC WebCentral username and Password.
How do students access a Dynamic Form?

How do I complete the 2021–22 Verification Worksheet after I tried to get an IRS non-filing letter but could not?

Step 1: Complete your online 2021–22 Verification Worksheet, in place of uploading the letter of non-filing, upload any documentation or screenshot showing that you are unable to order a transcript online.

Step 2: Complete the online 2021–22 Student Confirmation of Non-Tax Filing Status online form.

How can I confirm when I submitted a Dynamic Form?

After you submit a form you will receive a confirmation page indicating that it was submitted. You will also receive an e-mail (sent to your preferred e-mail listed in BC WebCentral) confirming the submission. You can also log in to your Dynamic Forms Dashboard using your BC WebCentral username and password, and click on the “Forms History.” A new page will appear listing all the documents you have completed, sorted by date with the most recently completed at the top. You will be able to also view your completed form by clicking on the link provided.

I completed the financial aid items on my CUNYfirst To Do List, why is it still listed as “initiated”?

Unlike the Student Forms platform, Dynamic Form submission does not automatically update your CUNYfirst To Do List. After your Dynamic Form is submitted and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office, your CUNYfirst To Do List will be updated and the item removed. Keep in mind that forms may take several weeks to be reviewed and processed.

What happens after I submit my 2020–21 Verification Worksheet form online?

  • If you are a dependent student, your parent must complete their portion of the 2021–22 Verification Worksheet before it will be reviewed by a financial aid representative.
  • After you submit your online form (or, if you are dependent, from when your parents submit their portion of the worksheet), within three business days your Verification To Do List item in your CUNYfirst student center will be updated to a “Received” status.
  • If you (or your parents if dependent) were required to upload tax return documents or other documents with the verification worksheet To Do List items related to those documents will only be flipped to received after they have been reviewed by a Financial Aid representative.
  • If additional documentation is needed you will receive an e-mail either to your preferred e-mail or to your BC Student E-mail with the appropriate year “BC Additional Document Upload/Request Form” notifying you which document(s) to upload or information to provide.
  • If your Verification worksheet is rejected back to you due to missing information or insufficient documentation (or any other reason), you will receive an e-mail at your BC Student E-mail notifying you what you need to correct. Your CUNYfirst To Do List item will show that the Verification Worksheet is in a “returned” status.
  • If everything is correct with your form, a Financial Aid representative will complete the processing of your Verification within three to four weeks from the day that the completed form and all required documents were received.

I completed a form but it isn’t listed in my forms history. Why?

If you do not complete a form in its entirety (through the signature stage) and click on the “SUBMIT FORM” button at the bottom of the page, it will not be included in forms history. Rather, it will be found within the “Pending Forms” section of your Dynamic Forms Dashboard. One way to verify you have completed the form is to look for the automated confirmation message and confirmation e-mail after a form is successfully completed.

I have not received any communications regarding my submitted forms. Why?

In general, communications from the Dynamic Forms system will be sent to your preferred BCWebCentral e-mail address (this may be your Brooklyn College e-mail or any other e-mail you provide in BC WebCentral).

If you are having trouble accessing your student e-mail, visit the BC Student E-mail page on the Brooklyn College website. We do, however, recommend monitoring both your preferred e-mail and Brooklyn College student e-mail to ensure that you review all relevant communications from the Office of Financial Aid.

How do I make corrections and/or adjustments to a form that has been electronically signed?

Submitted Dynamic Forms that are incomplete or missing information will be returned by the Office of Financial Aid and a “form returned” e-mail will be sent to your Brooklyn College Student E-mail. The student (and parent if dependent or spouse if independent and married) must take action on the returned form as applicable.

The returned form e-mail outlines the next steps that must be taken by the student (and parent if dependent). The returned form will need to be electronically signed again by each user (student and/or parent or spouse if applicable). Dynamic Forms and/or supporting documents cannot be submitted by e-mail attachments or faxed.

My form was returned to me electronically, what do I do now?

Submitted Dynamic Forms that are incomplete or missing information will be returned by the Office of Financial Aid and a “form returned” e-mail will be sent to your Brooklyn College Student E-mail. The student (and parent if dependent or spouse if independent and married) must take action on the returned form as applicable.

The returned form e-mail outlines the next steps that must be taken by the student (and parent if dependent). The returned form will need to be electronically signed again by each user (student and/or parent or spouse if applicable). Dynamic Forms and/or supporting documents cannot be submitted by e-mail attachments or faxed.

After I complete my form, do I logout??

Yes. If you have completed your required document(s), for your security be sure to log out of the system.

How do I convert files (.gif, .jpg, .png, .svg) to .PDF format for upload?

Uploaded documents for Dynamic Forms will be accepted only in .PDF format. There are multiple ways to convert files to .PDF. (NOTE: we do not recommend doing this on a public computer. If you do use a public computer, for your security, you must make sure to delete any files that you may have created or saved.)

  1. In Microsoft Word, files can be copied and pasted into a blank document. Click on “File”, “Save As,” choose your desired destination folder to save the document into, and select “PDF (*.pdf)” as the file type.
  2. There are a number of websites and mobile applications available to scan a documents and save it as a PDF file. For iOS users, you can visit the Apple App Store. For Android users, you can visit the Google Play Store.

Note: Dynamic Forms will prevent you from uploading documents that are not in an acceptable file format or files in excess of 25MB.

Online Forms FAQ for Parents

Welcome to our Dynamic Forms FAQ where you can learn more and enhance your Dynamic Forms experience.

The information on this page applies only to Dynamic Forms, which, beginning with the 2022–23 academic year the Office of Financial Aid uses for electronic loan requests, Federal Work-Study forms, and non-FAFSA–related document submission.

I am trying to complete a Dependent form. why am I being asked to supply contact information for my parent, and where is the form?

A dependent form requires information from both the student and the parent(s). The student and parent(s) must complete their respective sections of the form and each sign electronically. The parent will be sent a link to complete the parent section of the dependent form and to sign the form electronically only after the student has completed their portion of the form. The first time Dynamic Forms is accessed by the parent, they will need to create an account, if they do not already have an account.

How does my parent access their portion of a Dynamic Form?

After the student completes their portion of the form, their parent will be sent a link (based on the e-mail provided by the student on the form). The parent will be prompted  to complete the parent section of the form and to sign the form electronically. The parent will be able to complete their portion of the form only after the student has completed their portion of the form. The first time Dynamic Forms is accessed by the parent, they will need to create an account, if they do not already have an account.
How does my parent access their portion of a Dynamic Form?

How does my parent complete 2021–22 Verification Worksheet after they tried to get an IRS non-filing letter but could not?

Step 1: In the parent section of your 2021–22 Verification Worksheet, in place of the letter of non-filing, your parent should upload any documentation or screenshot showing that they are unable to order a transcript online.

Step 2: Complete the student and parent portions of the online 2021–22 Parent Confirmation of Non-Tax Filing Status form. All online forms are loaded on the Financial Aid Forms page.

Why do I have to provide my parent(s) contact information?

Parental information is required for dependent students to complete the 2021–22 Verification process in Dynamic Forms. Your parent will receive an e-mail with directions that will allow them to complete and electronically sign their part of the dependent form. The first time Dynamic Forms is accessed by the parent, they will need to create an account, if they do not already have an account.

I misspelled my parent’s name and/or e-mail address on the Dependent form. how can I fix it?

The parent’s name and the parent’s e-mail address are the only items that can be adjusted within a submitted form, before processing. After logging into your Dynamic Forms Dashboard using your BC WebCentral username and password, select Pending/ Draft Forms, then click on Manage Co-signers. Here you will be able to edit the parent’s name and/or e-mail address.

My parent’s name is incorrect on the electronic signature. can it be changed?

Your parent must log in directly to Dynamic Forms at: dynamicforms.ngwebsolutions.com using their username and password. The parent can change the name on the account by using the “Update Profile” function located in the upper right section of the page. Be sure the changes are saved once complete. After the name change is complete, the parent will be able to sign the form with the appropriate name.
My parent’s name is incorrect on the electronic signature, can it be changed?

How do I know if or when my parent has completed their portion of the form?

In general, you should receive an e-mail to your BC Student E-mail confirming that the parent completed their portion of the form. A student can also check the status of a form by logging into their Dynamic Forms Dashboard using their login credentials and click on the “Pending Forms” link. The first box listed represents forms the student has outstanding to complete. The second box represents documents needing to be completed by a parent. A confirmation e-mail when the parent portion is completed will also be sent to the parent’s e-mail address and student’s Brooklyn College e-mail address.

COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

The COVID-19 Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was authorized under three different and successive laws indicated below. Eligibility requirements and grant methodologies differ for each program type. CUNY has made the methodologies available and the FAQ for each type of HEERF program.

Unusual Enrollment History

What is Unusual Enrollment History?

The U.S. Department of Education utilizes the Unusual Enrollment History (UEH) Flag to identify instances of potential fraud and abuse of the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan Programs. This will appear on your Student Aid Report (SAR) in the comments section of the report under comment 359 or comment 360.

Why was UEH implemented by the U.S. Department of Education?

While some students have legitimate reasons for unusual enrollment histories, unfortunately there have been  students who enroll in post-secondary schools long enough just to receive credit balance payments, leave the institutions, and repeat the process at other schools. This practice is considered to be an abuse of the Federal Student Aid programs.

How is UEH Identified on a Record?

Students with a UEH Flag will have one of the following UEH comments and C code indicator on their Student Aid report (SAR). They will also have a to do list item for UEH in their CUNYfirst Student Center to do list item section.

UEH Flag Value C Code Comment Code Flag Description School Action to Reslove Flag
 N No None Enrollment pattern
not unusual
No school action required.
 2 Yes 359 Possible enrollment
pattern problem
School must review enrollment/academic and financial aid records for past four academic years.
 3 Yes 360 Questionable enrollment pattern School must review enrollment/
academic and financial aid records for past four academic years.

What is the Process for Determining Eligibility?

Your financial aid adviser will review the type of UEH Flag that you have to determine if additional documentation is needed or if there is sufficient information already available to make a determination. Brooklyn College has established policies and procedures to determine whether the information available and any obtained documentation demonstrates that the student did not enroll only to receive a Title IV credit balance payment. Sometimes your financial aid adviser may need to obtain academic transcripts from prior institutions the student attended to determine their eligibility. Brooklyn College must document its decision in the student’s file, and the student cannot appeal the decision to the U.S. Department of Education.

How Do I know if the Determination is Approved?

If the documentation supports that the student did not enroll in multiple schools/programs solely to obtain the credit balance payment, then the student is eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Brooklyn College must document its determination in the student’s file and process the student’s Federal Financial Aid accordingly.

When could my Eligibility be Denied?

The student loses eligibility for all Title IV aid if both of the following are true:

  • The student did not earn academic credit at one or more of the prior schools.
  • After reviewing a student’s submitted UEH Appeal Form, Brooklyn College determines that the documentation fails to disprove that the student enrolled in multiple programs solely to obtain the credit balance payment.

Brooklyn College will document its determination in the student’s file and provide the student with an opportunity to question and appeal the decision. The Brooklyn College Office of Financial Aid will also provide students with information about regaining eligibility.

If my Eligibility is Denied, can it be Reinstated?

All students who have lost eligibility Federal Aid Eligibility and would like to appeal for reinstatement must complete a UEH Appeal Form. If granted, students must adhere strictly to all conditions of their reinstatement.

Note: The U.S. Department of Education indicates that it expects the school’s policies to require that the student complete academic credit as at least a part of the basis for an UEH appeal and potential reinstatement of Title IV aid.

When a student regains eligibility under these provisions, eligibility for Pell Grant and campus-based aid begins in the payment period during which the student regained that eligibility. For Direct Loans, eligibility begins with the period of enrollment during which the student regained eligibility.

Brooklyn. All in.