As it turns out, it's not actually FAFSA that I wasn't qualifying for. It's apparently the school's acceptance of the money the government is loaning me.
They explained that they only examine previous time in their own school when determining if I've passed at least 66% of my classes. My first and only year at Scottsdale Community College was difficult due to medical reasons, and although I passed my first semester, my second semester I had to withdraw before failing because of all the time I was spending at the hospital.
They also explained that the due date I was given is actually the final date allowed to file as a brand new student to the system. There was, apparently, an earlier date that previous students where supposed to use to submit all necessary paperwork. This date I did in fact miss.
They are allowing me to file an appeal which, if approved, will still get me the financial aid, but as a reimbursement for the tuition that I've had to pay out of pocket. It's better than nothing I suppose, but definitely a pain. I have to go to the hospital and acquire medial records proving I was unable to make it to a bulk of my classes. I also have to meet with an advisor and work out my classes for the next 5 years and sign something saying I commit to abide by all Satisfactory Academic Progress regulations in order to get my money at the end of the term. I also have to write a letter to the financial aid department explaining why I didn't get my forms in on time.
So basically, I'm learning a valuable lesson here. How to deal with the red tape in the education system. Also, that the red tape is pointless.
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