Financial Aid

Refunds Students withdrawing from credit course offerings are eligible for tuition refunds as follows: • 100% refund prior to the completion of 20% of the total number of weeks designated for the semester session. • No refund after completion of 20% of the weeks for the semester session. • 100% refund if class is cancelled by the College.

Refunds will be made based on tuition and fee charges. For summer sessions, the refund policy is pro-rated on the length of the term. Refunds will only be made after a written withdrawal is processed through the Director of Enrollment Services. Official date for determination of the refund is the date the withdrawal form is received by the Director of Enrollment Services. All withdrawals received during the refund period will result in no academic penalty.

Tuition Payment Plan Students taking credit courses must be enrolled in a semester or session that is at least five weeks in duration. If a student is taking courses in multiple sessions that are less than five weeks in duration, then these students will also be eligible for the program. Payment terms are: 1/3 of the total tuition and fees plus the loan program fee due the Friday of the eighth week following the beginning of the semester. Any student failing to make the final payment on or before the published date will be assessed a late payment fee. Any student with an outstanding balance will not be eligible to receive an official transcript or enroll in future courses until the outstanding balance is paid in full.

Tuition Assistance Initiative With unemployment rising and layoffs continuing within our community, CCBC has created an incentive program encouraging displaced workers to enter the College for purposes of retraining and developing new job skills.

CCBC’s Tuition Assistance Initiative is available to individuals who satisfy residency requirements in Beaver County and can document that they have been affected by a layoff or plant closing during a specific time. The program will provide a waiver of tuition for one semester. Participating students are to be responsible for payment of appropriate fees, books, materials, and supplies.

Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver Tuition for all students, age 65 years or older, will be waived for credit courses on a space available basis. Other costs (textbooks, lab, flight, and other fees, etc.) must be assumed by the individual. If a class becomes full, Beaver County senior students will have priority. Out-of-county seniors will be asked if they would like to pay for the class.

Financial Aid

The family and/or student are the primary funding source for payment of costs related to a college education. Financial aid is available for qualified students. To receive financial aid, students must: • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. • Be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. • Have a high school diploma or GED. • Demonstrate financial need, which is the difference between the cost of attending college and the amount student and student’s family can provide. • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). • Must be degree seeking and taking courses that lead to their degree.

Students are responsible for contacting the CCBC Student Financial Services Office with any questions relating to their aid benefits. Students can reach the Student Financial Services Office at 724-480-3501.

Disbursement of Aid Grant and loan money is disbursed on a semester basis and is applied directly to the student’s tuition and fees. If aid is less than the amount due, the student must pay the amount not covered by financial aid. If aid for the semester exceeds the total cost of tuition and fees, students may use the remaining balance to purchase their books in the College’s bookstore one week prior to the beginning of the fall or spring semester. If aid exceeds the total cost of tuition, fees and books, the student will receive a disbursement for the remaining balance. Aid will not be applied to the students’ accounts until the end of the drop period for each semester. Please see the academic calendar for the exact dates for each semester. Once the aid is applied, please allow at least two weeks for refund checks to be mailed.

Types of Financial Assistance Available State Sponsored Financial Aid Program

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Grant

This grant is for Pennsylvania residents only. To qualify, students must: • File the FAFSA prior to May 1st for returning students and August 1st for new students. • You must show financial need. Students and /or their parents will be required to submit information regarding their financial status. • Be enrolled at least half time. • Be in a program at least two years in length. • Take more than fifty percent of courses in the classroom. • Make academic progress according to PHEAA requirements.

Federal Aid Program Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants can provide a maximum of $5920 per academic year for eligible students who are enrolled in a degree program. The student must be registered for courses that apply to the student’s declared major.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is an institutionally administered grant to qualified students. To be eligible, a student must show exceptional financial need, including being state grant eligible. The maximum grant is $200 per academic year.

Federal Work Study

Work Study is a federally funded program that allows students to earn a paycheck while attending college. Through the Federal Work Study Program, a student may be given part-time employment at the College and be paid up to $7.25 per hour. To be eligible, one must be enrolled in a degree program, show financial need, and be willing to assume the responsibility of employment. Students can apply for work study online at www.ccbc.edu/typesofaid.

Direct Loan Program

CCBC participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program for Student as well as Parent Loans. Students or parents who are planning to apply for a student or Parent Loan are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentloans.gov.

Students must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov, submit the necessary paperwork, and be registered for at least six credits each semester.

For dependent students, loans can range up to $5,500 for the first year (3,500 subsidized plus $2,000 unsubsidized) and $6,500 the second year ($4,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized). For the independent students, loans can range up to $9,500 for the first year ($3,500 subsidized plus $6,000 unsubsidized) and $10,500 for the second year ($4,500 subsidized and $6,000 unsubsidized). A student borrower must earn at least 30 credits to progress from freshman to sophomore status.

First time borrowers of the Federal Direct Loan Program must complete entrance counseling before a loan can be processed by CCBC. The entrance counseling can be completed online at www.studentloans.gov.

Repayment of subsidized loans does not begin until a student reduces the course load per semester (below six credits), withdraws from college, or graduates. Quarterly interest payments are required with the unsubsidized loan.

For students wanting to apply for alternative loans, information is available online at www.privatestudentloans.com.

Students who wish to receive a loan for the summer term must submit a request in writing and the loan officer will determine if the student has any eligibility remaining for the summer semester.

Direct Plus Loans (Parent Loans)

The Federal Direct PLUS Loans are for parents of dependent students whose educational costs are greater than what is permitted under the Direct Loan program. The application for these loans is available online at www.studentloans.gov. To qualify for a Direct PLUS Loan, parents must meet credit approval. The parent of a dependent student may borrow up to the cost of education minus other aid per student each year.

Financial Aid Academic Progress Requirements CCBC is required by federal regulations to establish and maintain a standard for academic progress for students who receive Title IV funds. Programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Direct Loan, and Direct PLUS. In addition, CCBC will not certify alternative loans for students who are not making academic progress.

A student’s permanent academic record will be reviewed after each semester of enrollment to determine academic progress. A student must maintain a 2.0 QPA, and successfully complete a minimum of 75% of all credits attempted. Withdrawal (W), Incomplete (I), and Failure (F) will be considered attempted credits for financial aid purposes. Any student who does not maintain the minimum standards as defined in this section will be placed on financial aid warning for the next enrollment period. The student will be notified of his/her warning status. The student is eligible to receive aid during the period of warning, but his/her academic record will be evaluated at the end of the enrollment period to determine future eligibility. Student Financial Services can reduce the number of hours worked per week of any work study student who is placed on financial aid academic warning.

Any student who does not reach the minimum standards stated after a semester on warning will not be eligible for financial aid for future enrollment until the standards are met at the student’s expense.

All students receiving financial aid will be expected to attend class on a regular basis. Failure to do so could jeopardize future disbursements or considerations for financial aid. Students denied aid due to non-academic progress may appeal in writing, listing justification for the appeal. Appeals should be made in writing and to the Student Financial Services office within 45 days of denial of aid.

In addition to the requirements outlined above a student must complete their program of study within 150% of standard completion time. Student who exceeds the maximum time frame for completion will not be eligible to receive Title IV funds. Completion time is measured in credit hours (i.e., a 66 credit Associate Degree has a maximum completion time of 99 credits).

Academic Progress for State Programs A full-time student may receive a maximum of four semesters of PHEAA (State) grants at CCBC. PHEAA State Grants require successful completion of 12 credits per term if full-time and 6 credits per term if part-time.

Re-Establishing Satisfactory Academic Progress Students not meeting the satisfactory academic progress requirements may be reinstated for financial aid once they have enrolled at their own expense and successfully completed enough courses to bring their cumulative completion rate and their cumulative GPA to the required standards.

Total Withdrawals from the College & Title IV Refund Policy Students who are planning to completely withdraw from the College must notify the Student Financial Services Office of their intentions. If a student completely withdraws from the College (either officially or unofficially) before completing 60% of the semester, the College must calculate according to a specific formula the portion of the total scheduled financial assistance the student earned and is therefore entitled to receive. If a student received (or the College received on their behalf) more assistance than he/she earned, the unearned excess funds must be returned to the Department of Education. This means that a student may have to repay federal monies that have already been disbursed to them. Once a student has completed more than 60% of the semester, they have earned all (100%) of their assistance. Students who do not officially withdraw, but stop attending may be considered as unofficially withdrawing, and have their aid for that semester prorated as required under the Department of Education guidelines.

Unofficial Withdrawal A student is deemed to have unofficially withdrawn if the student has not successfully completed any courses. The midpoint of the semester will be used to calculate the Title IX refund.

Veterans Benefits Students who are eligible for Veterans benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill® (including Chapter 30, Chapter 1606, or Chapter 35) or the Post 9/11 GI Bill® can apply online at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/. Once the application is completed, a certificate of eligibility that outlines qualified benefits and the amount of time available to use those benefits is received. Students should bring their certificate of eligibility to the Veteran Services Office, located in the library.

Students will be asked to complete a Veterans Enrollment Form for each semester they are registered for courses and using their benefits. The Veteran Services Office will use this information to certify your enrollment with the VA. Students who are eligible for other VA benefits including Federal Tuition Assistance or Education Assistance Program should contact their unit to apply for these benefits. Once a student is approved for other VA benefits, she/he should contact the Veterans Services Office and provide documentation of his/her eligibility.

Students who are receiving VA benefits must adhere to the following guidelines: • All veterans must complete the Veterans Enrollment Form every semester they attend. Veterans must immediately report any change in their enrollment status to the Veteran Services Office. Failure to provide any enrollment information will cause a delay in receiving benefits.

• All certified courses must apply to a student’s major and be necessary for graduation.

• Veterans must notify the VA and the school in writing of all changes in their schedule and must include the last date of attendance. If a change in schedule results in overpayment, the veteran is liable to repay that amount to the

Veterans Administration.

• Veterans may not receive payment for any courses repeated if they received a “D” or better that first time. In any event, they may not repeat a course more than twice.

• Veterans must maintain progress in all their academic work. The school is required to report to the VA all veterans who do not maintain standards of academic progress. Students receiving VA benefits are required to remain in good standing with the institution and are subject to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy outlined in the Academic

Information Section of this catalog.

• Veterans are responsible for notifying the VA in writing of any changes of address or changes in the number of dependents.

• Any veteran who receives a deferment for tuition is reminded that educational benefits are paid to defray the cost of your education. Tuition must be paid as soon as checks are received. • Any monies accepted by a veteran that result in an overpayment may constitute fraud, a punishable offense. The ultimate responsibility to keep the VA informed resides with the veteran.

• Whenever a veteran changes a program, he or she must apply for change of program before receiving further benefits.

• Once a veteran has completed a program for which he or she has VA approval, the veteran must apply for a change of program before receiving further benefits.

All questions regarding VA benefits or guidelines presented above should be directed to the Veteran Services Office. Veterans who have questions regarding their benefits can contact the VA at 1-888- GIBILL-1, online at http://www.gibill.va.gov or visit the Veteran Services Office. These guidelines are developed to implement VA regulations and are subject to change.

Financial Aid Checklist Each student must secure, complete, and submit the appropriate applications for financial assistance. The following checklist may be used as a guide in completing the application process. Each student’s financial aid file must be complete before any financial aid will be awarded.  File a 2017-2018 FAFSA/Renewal Application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.  File a CCBC Financial Aid Student Information Form.  If required, submit additional information to PHEAA.  Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) received from Pell Grant for accuracy. If required, complete the verification process. Forms are available online.  Review award notice received from PHEAA.  Review a financial award letter received from CCBC.

Federal Aid Programs

Type of Aid Source Federal Pell Grant Federal Government

FSEOG (Federal Supplemental Educ. Opportunity Grant) Federal Government

FWSP (Federal Work Study Program) Federal Government

Federal Direct Loan Program (Subsidized, Unsubsidized) Federal Government

FPLUS (Federal District Loan for Parents) Up to cost of education. Award Amounts Who Can Apply How to Apply Yearly award may range from $606 to $5,920 as determined by a federal formula. Yearly awards up to $200 based on financial need and available funds. Any student intending to enroll at CCBC in a degree program. (++) Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible (++) noncitizen and have documented financial need. (++) Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (++) Must re-apply each year. (++) Note: Students must also complete separate FWSP applications. (++)

Students can work up to 20 hr. per week at $7.25/hr. based on financial need and available funds. $5500 maximum first year $6500 maximum second year. Note: Amounts and type subject to approval by Student Financial Services Office. Additional $4000 for independent students. A student must be enrolled on at least a half-time basis and must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non- citizen. Complete FAFSA Complete loan applications online at www.studentloans.gov. Must re-apply each year. Online at www.studentloans.gov

Students enrolled at least half-time who pass the necessary credit approval.

State Aid Programs

Type of Aid Source Award Amounts Who Can Apply How to Apply

PHEAA Grants (PA Higher Education Assistance Agency) State of PA Yearly awards range from $200 to $4,200 at CCBC A student must be at least a half- time undergraduate student in a twoyear associate degree program and a U.S. citizen, PA resident, highschool graduate or GED recipient. Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

State Vocational Rehabilitation Education Assistance State and Federal Government

VariableDetermined by Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

Must show presence of mental, physical, or emotional disability. Variable: Determined by Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) Contact local OVR for application forms 10-12 weeks prior to enrollment.

Veteran Benefits

Type of Aid Source GI Bill Benefits Veterans Award Amounts Who Can Apply How to Apply Vary depending on Veterans of the Veterans Affairs

(Chapter 33 Post 9/11) Administration on length of Armed Forces Regional Office in

active duty who served active Pittsburgh service. duty after 9-1101.

Dependents Veterans

VariableVeterans Benefits Administration determined by (Title 38, Chapter 35) the Veterans Dependents of deceased and disabled veterans. Reservists from eligible programs.

VA Chapter 106 Veterans Administration.

Education Benefits Administration (++)

Montgomery GI Bill (Chapter 30) Veterans Administration

VA Vocational Education Benefits (Chapter 31) Veterans Administration Tuition, fees, and living allowance Persons entering military service on or after July 1, 1985, or individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements under the old GI Bill (Chapter 34). Disabled veterans with a serviceconnected disability.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.