PHCC Financial Aid Booklet

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Application Eligibility Helpful Hints Rights & Responsibilities Verification Academic Progress Dependent/Independent Status

YOUR GUIDE TO

FINANCIAL AID

Bright Futures Federal Aid Scholarships Student Loans Pell Grants Work Study

Read instructions carefully and complete information accurately.

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Helpful Hints APPLY EARLY. Apply before stated deadlines. If you wait too long, available money may be depleted.

Remember April 15 is our “priority” deadline, and it may take up to 3–4 weeks for the FAFSA to be processed.

You can pick up a FAFSA worksheet in any PHCC Financial Aid Office. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and can be submitted electronically.

P

asco-Hernando Community College offers many financial aid resources to students who qualify.

The Financial Aid Office is committed to making higher education as accessible as possible.

More than 60 percent of PHCC students receive some form of financial aid each year.

Read instructions carefully and complete information accurately.

Completing the FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA incorrectly

Financial aid is available in the form of grants,

may delay processing your aid.

scholarships, loans and student employment.

Complete your tax return. Filling out your

Most financial aid awards at PHCC are

tax return first will make completing the FAFSA easier.

based on demonstrated financial need—

Inaccurate information on the FAFSA may delay your

the difference between the cost of attending

receipt of federal student aid.

PHCC (tuition, fees, supplies, etc.) and the

Make photocopies of your application

amount the student and family are able to

and IRS forms. You may be asked for copies of tax forms for verification. It can take up to six weeks to get copies from the IRS. Keep good records. Make a financial aid file

contribute. Financial need is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

of photocopies of your applications and financial aid

We encourage you to apply early and to

correspondence. Make a record of the dates you mail

contact one of our campus Financial Aid

forms and documents. Keep this guide and the FAFSA

Offices if you need assistance or have

instruction booklet in your file.

any questions.

Respond quickly to requests from the Financial Aid Office and the federal processor. Follow-up is important!

Ask questions. If you have questions about the application process or need help completing the FAFSA, contact your campus Financial Aid Office or call the federal processor at 1–800–433–3243.

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and student employment.

Financial Aid Calendar January 2

Apply now for aid for the upcoming academic year.

April 15 Priority awarding begins. PHCC must receive your FAFSA analysis from the federal processor by this date for you to be considered “on time.”

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Am I Eligible for Financial Aid? If you are eligible for financial aid, you will receive an award letter or notification that explains the types and amounts of aid you have been awarded at PHCC. Your financial aid package may contain a combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study programs.

HELPFUL TIP: Activate and retain your PHCC OneCard, issued by Higher One. Go to: phcconecard.com 4

Who Should Apply for Aid? Student Rights and Responsibilities

The best way to know if you’re eligible for aid is to apply

Your rights:

college should apply even if they are only interested in

for it. Many factors are considered when awarding aid.

Everyone who needs financial assistance to attend

Be informed about applying for aid, the cost of

part-time work, a scholarship, or a federal student loan.

attendance, the aid available, how financial need

All of these are considered financial aid.

is determined, the criteria for awarding aid, how academic progress is determined, and what you must do to continue receiving aid.

Be informed of the type/amount of your assistance, how much of your need has been met, and how and when you will be paid.

Appeal Financial Aid Office decisions about your awards.

View the contents in your financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Your responsibilities: Complete applications correctly and on time.

Read and understand all materials sent to you from the Financial Aid Office and other financial aid agencies;

Eligibility Requirements The requirements for most financial aid programs at PHCC are listed below. You must: 1. Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident alien.

2. Have a standard high school diploma or GED or pass an approved ability to benefit test.

3. Be enrolled at least half time in classes toward an eligible program of study for most financial aid awards.

4. Maintain standards of academic progress for financial aid.

5. Register with the Selective Service Administration, if you are male, ages 18–25.

keep copies of all forms and materials that you mail.

6. Have a valid Social Security Number.

Know and comply with the rules governing the aid

7. Not be in default on a loan or owe a repayment on a

you receive.

Provide all documentation and information requested

previous financial aid award received at PHCC or any other academic institution.

by the Financial Aid Office.

TIP: Some programs have additional eligibility requirements.

Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign.

Register for the number of credit hours required for your aid disbursement.

Check the “Financial Aid Programs at a Glance” page at the back of this booklet for more info.

Maintain satisfactory academic progress based on financial aid criteria.

Notify the Financial Aid Office of all resources not listed on your award letter.

Use aid only for expenses related to attending PHCC. Get your refund and balance through the PHCC OneCard.

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How to Apply

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Complete an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1 each year.

To file online, use “FAFSA on the Web.”The online FAFSA can save you weeks in processing time and has

Renewal electronic applicants Go to “FAFSA on the Web” at www.fafsa.ed.gov Follow the instructions on the site. Be sure to read the “Before Beginning the FAFSA” section.

a built-in editing format to reduce errors. With FAFSA on

List PHCC

and Federal School Code (010652).

the Web, you apply directly to the U.S. Department of

Students can use their federal PIN to sign their FAFSA/

Education (DOE).

Renewal FAFSA, instead of printing and mailing the signature page to the federal processor. Parents of

First-time electronic applicants

dependent students must either request their own PIN

Go to FAFSA on the Web at: www.fafsa.ed.gov

or sign and mail the signature page to the processor.

Follow the instructions on the site. Be sure to read

After applying, check the status of your application and/or

the “Before Beginning the FAFSA” section.

make corrections online at the “FAFSA on the Web” site.

List PHCC

and Federal School Code (010652).

Keep your address up-to-date with the Feds

Students can use their federal PIN to sign their FAFSA/

The federal processor staff use your address to mail

Renewal FAFSA, instead of printing and mailing the

Student Aid Reports, electronic PINs, etc. Keep it up to date.

signature page to the federal processor. Parents of

The U.S. DOE does not permit PINs to be forwarded. You can

dependent students must either request their own PIN

change your address online by going to “FAFSA on the Web”

or sign and mail the signature page to the processor.

at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by using your Federal Student Aid

After applying, check the status of your application

Report (SAR), calling 1–800–433–3243, or writing to

and/or make corrections online at:

Federal Processor P.O. Box 4021, Iowa City, IA 52243

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Your Federal Pin Your PIN is your electronic signature and identifier. Keep it safe. YOU WILL USE IT YEAR AFTER YEAR. Your federal PIN identifies you to let you access personal information in various DOE systems, including applying for federal student aid. You can request a PIN, a replacement PIN, or update your PIN mailing address at the DOE’s PIN site at:

www.pin.ed.gov Use your PIN to: Access FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA on the Web Sign your FAFSA electronically or obtain a copy of your FAFSA information Make online corrections to your FAFSA Review your grant and loan history on the National Student Loan Data System

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You will receive a Federal Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor about three to four weeks after you submit a FAFSA/Renewal

FAFSA. If you provide your e-mail address on your FAFSA, you will receive online SAR information as soon as 24 hours after your FAFSA is processed. The SAR indicates your expected family contribution, which is used to determine your eligibility or ineligibility for financial aid. It also lists the information you recorded on your FAFSA—CHECK IT FOR ACCURACY. If PHCC is listed in the College Release Section of your SAR, the College will also receive your electronic application information directly from the processor. If it is not listed and you want to be considered for aid at PHCC, call the federal processor at 1–800–433–3243 or use your Federal PIN to make a correction at: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

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Your application may be selected for verification.

If so, you will be required to provide appropriate verifying documentation before aid can be disbursed

to you. Respond promptly to all requests from PHCC asking for information or documentation. You are responsible for following up on your aid application.

Ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the application process. Do not wait until class begins.

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You will receive a financial aid award letter after PHCC receives your electronic application information, the PHCC staff verify it, and you have

been admitted to PHCC. You will receive a Notification of Financial Aid Award stating the terms and conditions of aid programs awarded to you.

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Be sure to enter your Social Security Number correctly on all forms!

You must re-apply each year!

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How Need is Determined The financial information you and your family provide on

Dependent vs. Independent Status

your FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA is analyzed by the federal

The U.S. government has established criteria for

need analysis processor using federal methodology.

classifying financial aid applicants as either dependent

Federal methodology is a standard expected family

or independent. To find out your staus, go to:

contribution (EFC) formula created by the U.S. Congress

www.fafsa.ed.gov.

that the federal processor uses to calculate how much individual students and their families are expected to pay for higher education.

If classified as independent, your need is evaluated on your own and (if applicable) your spouse’s income and assets.

After analyzing your financial information, the federal processor sends the results to the college or university (as listed on your federal application), indicating how much you and your family should be able to pay for your

If you are classified as dependent, your parents' assets and income AND your own are considered when determining your financial need.

education. If the cost of attendance at PHCC is greater

financial Aid packages

than the amount the processor indicates that you and

Students who complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA and

your family should be able to pay, then the College con-

list Pasco-Hernando Community College as a “college of

siders that you have financial need.

choice” on one of those forms are considered for all aid

Financial Need

programs administered by PHCC.

Cost of Attendance – Family Contribution

Financial Need

One or more of the various types of aid (scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment) are usually

Cost of Attendance includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, meals, transportation, and personal items.

offered to eligible students to make up their “financial aid package.”

Your financial aid file

Family Contribution consists of expected parental contribution and/or student contribution, depending upon the student’s classification as “dependent” or “independent.”

The federal need analysis formula used by the federal processor to determine the amount of each applicant’s

Keep the following documents for your files: Photocopies of your federal income tax return, required schedules and W-2s Photocopies of your completed FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA worksheet

expected family contribution considers the family/student

Your Federal Student Aid Report (SAR)

income and assets, employment costs, living expenses,

Photocopies of forms or information and all correspon-

taxes, family size, and the number of family members

dence with aid agencies

in college. Dependent students must also help pay their

Student copy of loan application (promissory notes)

educational costs from their resources, such as savings, prior-year income, benefits, or employment.

This brochure and your FAFSA/Renewal FAFSA instruction booklet Your Federal PIN Your State of Florida PIN and paperwork

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Verification and Correction Procedures

Verification is the process of checking the accuracy of your information when you applied for federal student aid. Verification is required only for certain applicants, but PHCC may elect to verify the information of any student's application.

The procedure for making corrections and updating information apply to all federal student aid applicants, not to just those whose applications are selected for verification. If the Student Aid Report (SAR) data contains errors, you are required to correct the data and resubmit the SAR for reprocessing. The Financial Aid Office may be able to submit the corrections electronically to the federal processor.

Failure to provide documentation necessary to complete the verification process by the established deadline may result in loss of your financial aid.

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Other Available Aid

Students are encouraged to check with the Financial Aid Office about other forms of assistance that may not be detailed in this brochure. Ask about PHCC’s:

Adult

Re-Entry Scholarships

Academic

Extracurricular

Athletic

Child

Private

Merit Scholarships Scholarships

Grants-In-Aid

Care Assistance Grants External Scholarships 10

Student Loan Responsibilities To Borrow or Not to Borrow?

Federal loan guidelines

PHCC has two requirements for application of a federally supported loan. Students must:

When you accept a loan as part of your aid package, you incur a serious financial obligation to repay the loan in

1. Have a minimum 2.0 GPA, have successfully completed

full, plus interest. It is essential that when you plan for

67 percent of all previous credit hours attempted,

your educational costs, you also plan for future repay-

and have not completed more than 150 percent of the

ment of your loans. When deciding whether to borrow

credit hours in their major program at the time of

and/or how much to borrow, you should be aware of all

their loan certification.

the requirements, interest rates, repayment options and

2. Not exceed PHCC’s established annual and aggregate loan limits:

Type of Student

Federal Stafford Loans are borrowed monies that must

Annual Loan Limits

Independent Students 1–29 successfully completed credit hours*

school. The Federal Family Education Loan Program

$3500

(FFELP) provides low interest loans for students and

Unsubsidized

1–29 successfully completed credit hours*

$6000

30 or more successfully completed credit hours* $6000 Dependent Students

Subsidized

1–29 successfully completed credit hours*

be repaid over a period of time, usually after you leave

Subsidized

30 or more successfully completed credit hours* $4500 Independent Students

schedules, and deferment options.

$3500

30 or more successfully completed credit hours* $4500

parents. There are three loan programs under the FFELP. A separate online application is required.

The Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan allows students with “demonstrated financial need” to borrow up to $3,500 during their first academic year and up to $4,000 the second academic year. Independent students who apply for the maximum Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan may be eligible for an additional $6,000 Federal Unsubsidized Stafford loan.

Dependent Students

Unsubsidized

1–29 successfully completed credit hours*

$2000

The Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are loans that are available for parents of

30 or more successfully completed credit hours* $2000

dependent students. Parents can borrow up to the cost

* Remedial courses are not included toward

of education minus other student aid. A satisfactory

grade progression.

credit history is required, and interest begins to accrue on the day the loan is disbursed.

Disbursement—Higher OneCard Effective August 2009, students will receive all financial refunds and financial aid balances via the PHCC Higher OneCard. This card will be mailed to students' home addresses (current mailing address on file with the College). Students must VERIFY the accuracy of their address online through WISE to ensure receipt of the card.

Registered credit students will receive Higher OneCards. To receive refunds or financial aid balances, students must acivate their Higher OneCards. During activation, students will choose how to receive their funds. For faster access to funds, students may choose to have funds deposited directly into their personal bank accounts or into their Higher One Accounts.

DO NOT DISCARD THE CARD. The cost to replace the Higher OneCard is $20.00.

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Standards of Academic Progress for Financial Aid

A

ll students will be evaluated for

Standards of Academic Progress Terms

academic progress at the end of

Attempted All credit hours for which the student is

each term. In determining

enrolled after the drop/add date for course enrollment.

academic progress, college credit,

Transfer courses will be used to determine academic

technical credit and preparatory

credit will be considered. Transfer courses, withdrawal courses, and courses taken for audit will also be used to determine academic progress.

progress for financial aid also.

Good Standing A student is in good academic standing when the requirements listed at left are met.

Financial Aid Warning A student will be placed on academic warning at the end of the first term in which

Satisfactory progress means that all students are

the standards outlined at left have not been met.

required to complete 67 percent of the courses

Financial Aid Probation A student will be placed

they have attempted with at least a cumulative

on academic probation at the end of a consecutive term

2.0 GPA. Additionally, students are required to

if, after being placed on academic warning, the standards

complete their degree program by the time they

outlined at left have not been met.

have attempted 150 percent of their program’s

Financial Aid Suspension A student will no

required credit hours. If this is not accomplished, the student will automatically be placed on suspension without a warning or probation.

longer be eligible to participate in federal or institutionally funded aid programs unless an approved appeal with documentation is on file for the term in which he or she plans to enroll or until such time that he or she is reinstated into good academic standing.

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Financial Aid Student Repayment and/or Refund Policy A 100 percent refund of fees, not including the special

Appeals based on the exceptions at left must be in

additional fees, will be granted for a course a student

writing and submitted to the Assistant Dean of Student

drops before the end of the designated drop/add per-

Development at your home campus.

iod. Financial services will begin issuing these refunds through the Higher OneCard after the drop/add period.

Exceptions to the 100 percent refund

All refunds to students will be reduced by or applied to

provision are subject to federal

any outstanding balance owed to the College.

Refunds after the end of the drop/add period may be authorized, with sufficient documentation, as follows:

1

Death of the student or of an immediate family member of a student (spouse or children), as documented

regulation for Title IV repayments. All financial aid students who withdraw or stop attending classes prior to

by the student or his/her estate, which prohibits the

completion of 60 percent of the

student’s ability to complete current semester classes;

term will be subject to a repayment

2

Illness, injury, or accident of the student of such a severity or of such a duration, as documented by a

licensed physician, that it would preclude a student from being able to complete current semester classes;

3

Mandatory military service, such as necessitated by a

of all or a portion of their financial aid award as determined by Federal Title IV regulations.

declared national emergency, or authorized military

call to action, which would preclude the student from being able to complete the current semester classes;

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Additionally: The fee for late registration shall not be refunded, except when the only course(s) in which the student

Course/class cancellation by the College;

is enrolled is/are canceled by the College.

The application fee will not be refunded unless the

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only course(s) for which a student is registered is/are

Cases of administrative or College error;

canceled by the College.

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Other circumstances as may be approved by the College President or a designee.

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Financial Aid Programs at a Glance Programs and how to apply

Who is Eligible

Amount of Award guidelines

Federal Pell Grant

Students must be taking classes toward an eligible program of study; be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen; establish financial need; be making satisfactory progress; not be in default or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award; register with the Selective Service if you are male, ages 18–25.

A need-based federal grant. Maximum awards are dependent upon federal appropriations. Awards range from $400–$4731 per academic year.

Students must be taking classes toward an eligible program of study; be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen; establish financial need; be making satisfactory progress; not be in default or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award; register with the Selective Service if you are male, ages 18–25.

A need-based federal grant. Awards range from $200–$1000 per academic year. The Financial Aid Office selects recipients based on financial need and priority deadline.

Students must have outstanding high school academic achievement; be planning to attend an eligible Florida institution; be enrolled at least part time as a degree-seeking undergraduate; and be at least a one year Florida resident. Renewals must maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 for FL Academic and 2.75 for FL Medallion and FL Gold Seal per semester.

Florida Bright Futures awards are a flat rate per credit hour as determined by the Florida Department of Education.

Students must be Pell eligible, at least half time; working toward an AA/AS degree; demonstrate financial need; be at least a one year Florida resident; and maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 24 credit hours per academic year.

A need-based State of Florida grant program.

Awards range from $200–$1808 per academic year, if fully funded. Selections based on financial need and priority deadline.

Unsubsidized: Students must be taking classes toward an eligible program of study and enrolled at least half time; be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen; be making satisfactory progress; not be in default or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award; register with the Selective Service if you are male, ages 18–25.

Subsidized: All of the above, plus establish financial need.

The subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is based on need. Certain annual and aggregate limits apply to PHCC borrowers.

Stafford Grade Level I: up to $3500 Stafford Grade Level II: up to $4500 Unsubsidized Independent Student Grade Level I & II: up to $6000 Unsubsidized Dependent Student Grade Level I & II: up to $2000

Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. In addition, the student must: be taking classes toward an eligible program of study at least half time; be making satisfactory progress; not be in default or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award; register with the Selective Service if you are male, ages 18–25.

The Federal PLUS is a non need-based federal loan available to parents of dependent students through private lenders. Awards range up to the cost of attendance per academic year, minus other aid.

Students must be working toward an eligible program of study at least half time; be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen; establish financial need; be making satisfactory progress; not be in default or owe a repayment on a previous financial aid award; and register with the Selective Service if you are male, ages 18–25.

This is a need-based federal student employment program. Students are paid the current state minimum wage rate and may work up to 15 hours per week during the semester or more hours during semester breaks. Pay is bi-weekly and earnings cannot exceed the amount of the award.

Students who the Department of Veteran's Affairs have determined eligible under chapters 30, 31, 32, 34, 35 or 1606. Must be taking classes toward an eligible program of study.

Amount varies according to enrollments and current rates of entitlement.

Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship A State of Florida Program which includes: Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, and Florida Gold Seal. Students must apply through their high school guidance department.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online.

Federal Stafford Loan Program (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA. Complete a PHCC Federal Family Education Loan request online at www.phcc.edu.

Subsidized Loan: Government pays interest while you are in school.

Unsubsidized Loan: Interest accrues or must be paid while you are in school.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Complete the Federal PLUS application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. Applications are available from banks, savings and loans, and credit unions.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA online.

Veterans Services Complete a Dept. of Veteran's Affairs Education Benefit Application form available at PHCC or the Dept. of Veterans Affairs. (See Campus VA advisors for applications and certification.)

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East Campus

36727 Blanton Road Dade City, FL 33523-7599 352.567.6701

North Campus

11415 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Brooksville, FL 34601-8698 352.796.6726

West Campus & District Office

10230 Ridge Road New Port Richey, FL 34654-5199 727.847.2727

Spring Hill Center

11245 Spring Hill Drive Spring Hill, FL 34609 352.688.8798

www.phcc.edu 25M 05/09