Dear incoming Dental Hygiene students:
Welcome to Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Dentistry. All students are eligible to apply for financial assistance to help finance their professional education. If you are interested in applying for financial aid at VCU, the following information will help you through the process:
Free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) internet address
The Internet address for completing the 2023-2024 FAFSA is https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa The sites opens for processing 2023-2024 data October 1st each year. You are encouraged to complete this application by March 1st of the year you intend to enroll to allow sufficient time for processing. You may apply after March 1, however, we are not able to guarantee that your financial aid refund will be available to you during your first week of classes.
Completing the FAFSA starts the financial aid process for the school year.
VCU's Federal School Code is 003735
Checklist once you file the FAFSA
Review the accuracy of your FAFSA data
The federal processor will send you a student aid report (SAR) or an electronic SAR acknowledgement that summarizes the information that you reported on the FAFSA and reports your expected family contribution (EFC)
You should make any necessary corrections and submit them to the VCU School of Dentistry Financial Aid Office (520 N. 12th St, Room 441 Lyons Building, Richmond, VA 23298).
Respond promptly to requests for information
If any additional information is needed to complete the processing of your financial aid application, we will send you a financial aid information request via mail.
Review your financial aid notification from VCU (Mailed after June 1)
After your financial aid application and supporting documentation have been reviewed, a financial aid package will be developed based on your financial need.
We will send you a financial aid notification (FAN) notifying you of the awards and the amounts for which you are eligible. All federal and state aid will be notated on the FAN.
Submit any other required paperwork
After your financial aid has been packaged, you will be required to complete the following items:
All three items must be completed before funds will disburse on your behalf.
Request additional aid if needed. Review the budget that has been set by the school and the aid awarded to you, to determine if you need to borrow additional funds. You can borrow additional funds via the Parent PLUS Loan or Alternative/Private Loans:
Submit a change form if you wish to reduce or decline the aid offered after you have accepted your aid online, or if you have other information (scholarship) to report, click on Financial Aid Award Change Form, located under the “Forms” tab on the VCU Office of Financial Aid website.
Sign up for direct deposit:
Direct deposit is the quickest way to receive your financial aid refund. Deposits are available within 48 hours after disbursement. Otherwise, the university prints refund checks once a week and they are mailed on Fridays of each week.
Once activated, regularly check your VCU email account
Once you are enrolled and come on board to the School of Dentistry, you will be given a VCU email account. All information regarding financial aid awards and notifications will be sent to you via your email account.
Please feel free to contact me directly with any questions or concerns regarding your financial aid awards for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Sincerely,
Karen D. Gilliam
Director of Financial Aid, School of Dentistry
520 N. 12th Street, Room 441
PO Box 980566
Richmond, VA 23298-0566
Email: kdgillia@vcu.edu