FINANCIAL AID



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS



How do I apply for financial aid?



To be considered for any type of federal, state, or need-based financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or the Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can submit the FAFSA or renewal FAFSA anytime between January 2 and June 30 of the following year. However, in order to be considered for state aid, the FAFSA or renewal FAFSA must be received by the federal processor by March 15.



Do I have to reapply for financial aid each year?



Yes. Financial need is determined each academic year. Therefore, you must complete a new FAFSA or renewal FAFSA each academic year.



Can I get financial aid if I attend less than full-time?



Yes. All Pell Grant awards are based on full-time status (12 credit hours or more). However, if you attend less than 12 credit hours your Pell Grant will be prorated down to the number of hours you are attending. Some students could be eligible for a small Pell Grant if they are enrolled less than six credit hours (depending on eligibility). You may also be able to receive Work-Study and SEOG if you attend less than full time.



When will I get my financial aid funds?



If you have aid in excess of your tuition/fees, a check will be written to you for the balance. Pell Grant checks should be picked up at the Business Office unless you request otherwise, or unless you have any outstanding balance with the College.



How do I qualify for summer financial aid?



Summer aid is mainly limited to students who have remaining federal Pell Grant eligibility from the current academic year because of less than full-time enrollment during the previous fall and spring terms. You can also apply for a part-time scholarship. These are available on a limited basis.



Why do I have to report my parent(s)'s income?



Financial aid is based on the principle that students and their parents have the primary responsibility for paying for their postsecondary education. This is why you may be required to report your parents(s)'s income. However, the federal government will consider a student independent of their parents if the student meets one of the following requirements: 24 years old; married; enrolled in a graduate program (master's or doctorate); has legal dependents other than spouse; is an orphan or ward of the court; or is a veteran.



How does withdrawing from classes affect my financial aid?



Federal and state regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain satisfactory academic progress. One requirement is that each student must complete at least 75 percent of the total cumulative credit hours attempted (e.g., for 50 attempted credit hours, student must complete at least 38). Therefore, withdrawals and failing grades will count against you. Also, if you completely withdraw from college before the 60 percent point of the semester, you may be required to return all or part of the aid awarded to you. You will also be responsible for repayment on any class you withdraw from before the 10% unless you notify the Financial Aid office to adjust your remaining Pell check balance before it is issued.



Can I apply for financial aid if I haven't applied for admission?



Yes. Since applying for financial aid is a very extended process you need to begin applying as soon as possible. You should apply for admission and work on any requirements for acceptance at the same time. We cannot award your financial aid until you have been fully accepted into a degree or diploma seeking program.



Are all programs of study eligible for financial aid?



No. A program must lead to a degree or diploma in order to be eligible for financial aid. Special credit and undecided students are not eligible for financial aid.



Are adult high school students able to receive a Pell Grant?



No. To be eligible for any type of financial aid, including a Pell Grant, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED.