Financial Aid for Aardvarks PPCC Guide to Financial Aid 2014-2015
Do you want to go to school but think paying for it is out of your reach? Is your destination graduation? By planning ahead and applying for financial aid, Pikes Peak Community College will strive to help you attain an education that might otherwise be outside your financial reach. At Pikes Peak Community College (PPCC), financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, work-study and scholarships. The purpose of financial aid is to assist the student in meeting their educational costs using student, federal, state and institutional resources. Due to limited student aid funding, PPCC is unable to meet the full demonstrated financial need of most students. Financial Aid is NOT intended to directly provide money for living expenses; but to assist the student in paying for their tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses such as laundry and personal care items. The financial aid staff at Pikes Peak Community College is committed to student success. We are here to help you and answer questions at any time in the financial aid process. For the convenience of our students, Enrollment Services is located at all four of our campuses. For one-on-one assistance and review of special circumstances, our Financial Aid Advisors are available for appointments at the Centennial Campus and our Rampart Range Campus. This guide has been designed as a way to assist you in understanding the process of financial aid, your responsibilities and to explain the different aid programs you may be eligible to receive. Everything you need to know from awarding to verification is covered in this handbook. An important note: due to federal regulations policy changes occur each year. Therefore, even continuing students must review this guide.
Pikes Peak Community College Financial Aid Office 5675 S. Academy Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (719) 502-3000 www.ppcc.edu
Table of Contents Important Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 5 Financial Aid Calendar................................................................................................................................... 5 Steps to Follow to Apply for Financial Aid .................................................................................................... 6 Step 1 — Application ................................................................................................................................ 6 Step 2 — What You Should Expect ........................................................................................................... 6 Bookstore Purchases on Financial Aid .......................................................................................................... 7 Disbursement of Financial Aid ...................................................................................................................... 8 Financial Aid Refunds to Students ............................................................................................................ 8 General Information ..................................................................................................................................... 8 Drop for Non-Payment.............................................................................................................................. 8 Federal Eligibility Requirements ............................................................................................................... 8 Consortium Agreements ............................................................................................................................... 9 Home School ............................................................................................................................................. 9 Host School ............................................................................................................................................... 9 Dependency Status ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Verification Process .................................................................................................................................... 10 Items Subject to Verification................................................................................................................... 10 Completed Process ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Tuition and Fees .......................................................................................................................................... 11 PPCC 2013-2014 Financial Aid Budgets ...................................................................................................... 12 Course Scheduling ....................................................................................................................................... 12 Enrollment Status........................................................................................................................................ 13 Academic Progress (SAP and MAP) ............................................................................................................. 13 Academic Year......................................................................................................................................... 13 SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress – ................................................................................................. 13 MAP – Measurable Academic Progress – ............................................................................................... 14 Unearned FA -(Money You Pay Back if you don't finish your semester) .................................................... 16 Financial Aid Programs................................................................................................................................ 17 Grants and Scholarships.............................................................................................................................. 17
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Federal Pell Grant ................................................................................................................................... 17 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) ............................................................ 17 Colorado Student Grant (CSG) ................................................................................................................ 17 Student Loans ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized)............................................................................................... 18 Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized) .......................................................................................... 18 Federal Direct Parent Loan for Students (PLUS) ..................................................................................... 18 How to apply for a Student Loan ................................................................................................................ 19 College Work-Study Employment ............................................................................................................... 20 Federal Work-Study ................................................................................................................................ 21 Colorado Work-Study.............................................................................................................................. 21 Colorado Work-study (without regard to need) ..................................................................................... 21 Student Rights and Responsibilities ............................................................................................................ 21 Student Rights: ........................................................................................................................................ 21 Student Responsibilities:......................................................................................................................... 22 Student Financial Aid Policy .................................................................................................................... 23 Definitions ................................................................................................................................................... 23
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Important Dates Aid Type Federal Pell Grant
Priority Deadline June 30,2014
Application Deadline June 30, 2015
Federal Campus Based Aid (SEOG/Work-study)
March 31, 2014
June 30, 2015
Funds are subject to availability and may be reduced due to federal allocation.
Colorado State Grant (CSG)
March 31, 2014
Varies depending on funding
Funds are subject to availability and may be reduced due to state allocation. Funds are awarded until exhausted.
Varies
Student loan applications must be submitted no later than 2 weeks before the end of the semester for which you are applying. These dates are posted in Enrollment Services.
Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan
Comments FAFSA is available beginning January 1, 2014 Students must submit their applications before June 30, 2015
Financial Aid Calendar The general award process for a typical student who files a FAFSA application between January 2 – March 31 is as follows:
When
What is happening behind the scenes
January 2014 - March 2014
The Department of Education processes the application and sends an electronic version to all of the schools that you listed on the FAFSA. The student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)
March 1, 2014
Summer intent forms are available - Work-study students must have the 2014-2015 FAFSA complete.
March 2014 - June 2014
PPCC reviews the application for common errors and requests any documentation necessary for the completion of verification. Applications selected for verification are commonly asked to provide copies of tax transcripts, verification worksheets and any other documentation that will clarify the information that the student provided on the FAFSA. All documentation must be signed by the student and parent (if the student is considered Dependent for financial aid purposes). All documentation is reviewed by PPCC. If errors are found on the FAFSA, a correction is submitted by the school and the student will get an email from the Dept of Education letting them know a correction was made. Common errors include transposed numbers, incorrect taxes reported and incorrect household size. Students can help eliminate the need for corrections by reviewing their Student Aid Report carefully.
April 2014 - August 2014
Once a file has been reviewed and/or verification is complete, an award is made based on financial aid eligibility. Students will be notified via an electronic email to their College assigned email address. Students may also see their awards by using the myPPCC portal. It is critical for students to get any documentation that is requested in a timely manner as to have a financial aid award prior to the start of classes.
Sept 2014 - December 2014
Financial aid funds will be disbursed into student's account based on the enrollment, eligibility and disbursement timelines. If a credit balance is created due to the payment of financial aid, the Cashier's Office will process the credit balance and the student will receive a refund. Students may apply for aid after the March 31st priority date; however funds may be exhausted by the time they are ready for awarding.
January 2015
2015 - 2016 FAFSA is available for classes beginning August 2015.
March 1, 2015
Summer intent forms are available - Work-study students must have the 2015-2016 FAFSA complete.
June 30, 2015
All 2014-2015 FAFSA corrections/applications must be complete for Fall 2014, Spring 2015 and Summer 2015
July 31, 2015
Financial Aid verification/processing deadline for 2014 - 2015. Students must submit all requested forms by this date in order to receive aid for the 2014-2015 financial aid year.
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Steps to Follow to Apply for Financial Aid The College accepts the Federal Need Analysis Methodology as a fair and equitable means of determining the student’s or the family’s ability to contribute to the student’s educational expenses.
Step 1 — Application
Follow me to Destination Graduation!
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Apply for or request your PIN at www.PIN.ed.gov • Complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.gov . If you are a dependent student, at least one parent must sign the FAFSA. • Enter the Pikes Peak Community College School code: 008896. • Students and parents who have completed their 2013 IRS tax return will be able to use FAFSA on the Web to electronically view their tax information. With just a few simple steps, the tax information can also be securely transferred into the FAFSA. • Sign the FAFSA online using your PIN, or mail in your signature page within 3 days, so your application may be processed. • Application deadlines: The federal processor must receive the FAFSA by June 30, 2015 for the 2014-2015 school year. If you need further assistance in completing your application, contact the Financial Aid Office at the campus you attend. An appointment may be needed.
Step 2 — What You Should Expect
After completing the FAFSA, you will receive the following responses: From the Federal Student Aid Center •
Student Aid Report (SAR) — All applicants who apply for financial aid will receive an e-mailed SAR if an email address was provided. If you didn’t include an email on your FAFSA application, you will receive a paper SAR. Please review the report for accuracy, and make corrections if necessary. Please keep a copy of your SAR for your records!
From the Pikes Peak Community College Financial Aid Office •
• • •
Welcome Letter — You will receive a letter from the Financial Aid Office acknowledging the receipt of your financial aid application. This is the only mailing you will receive. Your welcome letter contains vital information regarding further communication from the financial aid office and explains how to access your college assigned email. You MUST activate your college assigned email and read your email from the financial aid office. Some students forward their email from the College to their personal email so that they do not miss any important messages. Higher One – You will receive an email regarding Higher One. All students should activate their Higher One Debit card (aka CCCS Refund Card) that is mailed to them. This is one of the easiest ways for you to receive any refunds from the College – whether you are a financial aid recipient or not. Financial Aid Handbook (known as Financial Aid for Aardvarks) – The handbook you are currently reading. You, as the student, are required to read and understand the rights and responsibilities contained in the PPCC handbook. Missing Information Letter —You will receive notification of any requirements you need to complete. – see steps to verification on page 10.
Packaging Policy PPCC awards most funds on a First-Come, First-Served model. This means that we award students in the order in which applications are received. FSEOG funding is awarded by identifying the population of eligible applicants that are Pell eligible (this is the first selection group – or sub-population). Within the new sub-population FSEOG is awarded to the neediest students first
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(with a 0 EFC) and to non-residents first – since CSG is provided to Colorado residents. If there is any funding left over, Colorado students are then considered.
Bookstore Purchases on Financial Aid
Did you know that if you have been awarded financial aid and it exceeds what you owe for tuition & fees, you can go straight to the PPCC bookstore to get your books? No need to stand in line at the Enrollment Services Center.
The Financial Aid Office makes every attempt to assist the students at PPCC and not create barriers that might not help them be successful. Most students, once awarded, will go to the Bookstore where there will be an account already created for them. There are times when the student may not have an account at the bookstore and would like to apply for a bookstore authorization. For example, the student may have to take out a loan for additional funding and have just applied for the loan. It may take up to two weeks to certify the loan, therefore creating a need for financial aid authorization. In order to be eligible to apply for authorization, the following must be applicable: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Student must have a valid Student Aid Report. Must have a complete financial aid file. If selected for verification, verification documents must be turned in, complete and signed. Student must have enough money on their account to cover all tuition/fees and potential bookstore charges. If resident, must have COF applied and authorized. Must be in good standing with Satisfactory Academic Progress & Measurable Academic Progress. Student has enough funds to cover additional costs at the bookstore such as art supplies, have more than $700 in books to purchase, a lap top computer, etc. Students may not purchase more than two (2) electronic items per academic year (defined as only one laptop and/or only one tablet). 8. Authorizations are for essential books and supplies that student’s need for class as not to prohibit them from success. (Remember that this is only if you have not yet been awarded financial aid!)
There are many reasons the FA office is not able to authorize financial aid purchases. Some examples may be: 1. Residency has not been resolved and student does not have enough funds to cover. At this point, COF would not apply towards the account. 2. Student is pending the results of a FA appeal. 3. Student has not even applied for the FAFSA. 4. Financial Aid file is incomplete and/or has conflicting data. 5. Green Sheet for Active Duty Military and/or military dependents is not turned in and student does not have enough aid to cover tuition/fees, supplies, etc. 6. Student has a balance due from a prior term. 7. Student used FA funding at a prior school and there is not funding left to award them. 8. Students that have already received a bookstore authorization for that same term. Ultimately, students need to get their financial aid complete in a timely manner and cannot expect to enroll and get their books using financial aid funding in a matter of days. Students need to allow the financial aid office time to process their applications. NOTE: If the student’s file needs verified and has been waiting longer than 7 working days, the financial aid office will make every attempt to get that file verified that day for the student. If the student submitted a loan request that has been waiting for longer than 15 working days, the financial aid office will make every attempt to get that loan awarded and an authorization may be given to the student.
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Disbursement of Financial Aid Financial aid awarded in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans will first be applied towards the payment of outstanding tuition and fee charges owed to the College by the student. If a student should choose to have their financial aid applied toward any other charges on their account, they must sign a Title IV Authorization form. Refunds will be generated by the Student Accounts office each Monday and the funds will be available to the student the following Friday. Students are strongly encouraged to set up a direct deposit account in order to utilize their funds immediately. Students also have the option to choose a Debit Card or have a paper check mailed to them. The option for a paper check could take up to 4 weeks after disbursement to receive.
Financial aid is paid on the students account after the main census (drop/add) date, although loans may pay 30 days into the term for first time loan recipients. Refunds are generated by the Student Accounts office each Monday and the student will receive their refund on the following Friday. Students are encouraged to research and/or contact the Student Accounts office for more information regarding obtaining their refunds. Tip from Arnie – Please do not spend your refund before you actually receive it! You need to learn to budget your refund!
Financial Aid Refunds to Students
There may be a chance you will receive a financial aid refund. Once your aid pays onto your account, the cashier’s office will take the amount of tuition & fees you owe. They will also look to see if you have charged any books towards your account. If there is any money left over, a refund will be generated. The cashier’s office calculates all refunds, not the financial aid office. Refunds are generated each Monday (unless Monday falls on a holiday) and will be available to the student by direct deposit or a Higher One Debit Card within 7-14 days. PPCC strongly urges students to use the direct deposit option. Your personal bank may put a hold on your funds and you may want to consider using Higher One as your bank as they offer excellent services to our students. This card must be activated by the student whether they choose direct deposit or the debit card option. Students that ignore this mailing will not receive a timely refund. Instead, they will have to go to the cashier’s office to activate their card. There will be a cost to the student to do this. STUDENTS MUST KEEP THEIR PHYSICAL ADDRESS UPDATED otherwise their refund may take weeks to receive. If the student chooses not to activate their Higher One card, a paper check will be mailed to the student. This process takes at least 4 weeks after you could have received your refund via Higher One. Note: Disbursement of student aid is when the funds are applied to the student account. This is NOT when students receive their refund. Refunds to students may take up to 10 business days AFTER the funds are applied to the student's account. Important: If you receive a refund and then choose to drop late starting classes, this could result in you having to repay financial aid that was already awarded – as your awards are prorated based on actual enrollment.
General Information Drop for Non-Payment
To avoid being dropped for non-payment, you must apply for financial aid, pay for your classes in full, or have a payment plan in place before the Drop for Non-Payment deadline (usually the full-semester Census date). If you decide not to attend PPCC for any reason, it is your responsibility to drop your classes otherwise you will still owe tuition, fees and other charges to the college.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
In order to receive assistance from student financial aid funds, a student must be a U. S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen. You must have a valid Social Security Number (unless you're from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.) Note: There are restrictions of the type of aid some students may receive if they are eligible non-citizens. Please speak to a financial aid advisor on these restrictions. •
You must be registered with Selective Service if you are male and 18-to 25 years of age.
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•
You must have a high school diploma (this includes the graduation from a homeschool program), or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate. Colleges are NO LONGER allowed to accept the Ability to Benefit (ATB) test as conditions to receive federal financial aid.
•
You must be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
•
You must not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid (such as grants, loans, or student employment). Students should still complete and submit the FAFSA because you may be eligible for federal aid after completing an additional series of questions.
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You must not owe an overpayment on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.
•
You must demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized Stafford Loans and/or Parent PLUS loans).
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Students must be at least 17 years of age, not enrolled at a secondary educational institution, enrolled as a regular student in a degree program, maintain satisfactory and measurable academic progress and attend the College on a full-time or parttime basis. Students that are still working on their high school diploma are not eligible for financial aid.
A non-citizen is considered eligible if he/she is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and is, or intends to become, a permanent resident. Documentation in the form of an alien registration receipt card or an approved notice from the Department of Homeland Security will be required to verify permanent resident status.
Consortium Agreements Home School
When Pikes Peak Community College provides the financial aid package and the student is seeking his/her degree at PPCC; PPCC is considered the ‘home’ school. You must speak to a financial aid advisor to determine if you will be eligible to do a consortium agreement. You must put in writing: what other college you will be attending, the name and course number of the course(s), the course description, and, the number of credits per class. A contract is then initiated by the financial aid advisor. You must sign and the contract is then faxed to the host college for signature. The financial aid advisor at PPCC is the last to sign on the contract. It is recommended that you take as many credits at PPCC as you do the host school; however some students will not be able to do this, such as dual enrolled nursing students. The PPCC Financial Aid Office does not support study abroad programs. At the end of the term, the Host college is obligated to contact PPCC (via email) with final grade(s). The contract and correspondence will go into your permanent financial aid file. If PPCC does not receive the final grade, all aid could be cancelled and you would need to contact the Host college to get a copy of the transcript. Until the transcript is received, you will need to make payment arrangements with the Student Accounts Office.
Host School
When PPCC does not provide any financial aid, they are considered the ‘host’ school. You may take as many credits as allowed by the home school. The cashier's office will be notified so that you are not dropped for non-payment. When PPCC is the host school, you are unable to charge books at PPCC's bookstore on your financial aid.
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Dependency Status An important step in establishing financial aid eligibility is determining whether a student can apply as a self-supporting student (independent student). Students I am so confused. I am not 24 yet, but I who meet one of the conditions below will be considered independent: haven’t lived with my parents for years! • Students who were born before January 1, 1991. How can I be considered dependent? • Students who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. • Students who are active duty military for purposes other than training. • Students who are orphaned or who were wards of the court since age 13. • Students who were an emancipated minor as determined by a court. • Students who have legal dependents other than a spouse. • Students who are graduates or professional students. • Students who are married. Students who do not qualify as independent students must provide parental information on the FAFSA application or their application will not be processed by the Department of Education. Students with special circumstances who are unable to provide parent information should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Verification Process The U.S. Department of Education (ED) requires a percentage of financial aid applicants to complete a process called “Verification.” This process is used to check the accuracy of information the student gave when applying for federal financial aid. The Financial Aid Office will notify students who are selected by ED to complete this process. Items Subject to Verification
Adjusted Gross Family Income (AGI) U.S. taxes paid Household Size Number in college W2 forms
Statement of Educational Intent
Child support paid and the names of the children that it was paid High School completion Assets Untaxed income/benefits (i.e.: BAS, SNAP (food stamps)– not the amount, but the receipt of benefits, Untaxed pensions, Untaxed IRA distributions, Education Credits, IRA deductions, tax exempt interest)
In order to verify the student’s tax information, the student must file his/her 2013 Federal Income Tax Return. PPCC recommends students use the IRS data retrieval tool. If you or your parent(s) (if dependent) are unable to use the IRS data retrieval tool, you will be required to provide a Tax Transcript from the IRS. Instructions on how to obtain your transcript are available here http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html. Students or parents who filed a joint return but are divorced, separated, or widowed when the application is signed won’t be able to copy the information from the tax forms or transfer data using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Instead, they must figure out how much of the income and taxes paid is attributable to them and not their spouses. A financial aid advisor can help you with this, if you need. If you and/or your parent(s) filed a tax return using something other than a common IRS form, such as a foreign or Puerto Rican tax form, you need to report on the FAFSA the amounts (converted to U.S. dollars) from the lines of the form that correspond most closely to those on the common IRS form. Additional documentation may be required when conflicting or missing information is found in the student’s record. You will receive an e-mail to your college assigned email requesting additional information if needed. You can also see any requested documents on PPCC’s Portal.
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Completed Process Once the financial aid office has reviewed and processed your completed application and/or verification information you may receive one of the following:
Award letter – received via college assigned email (of course, you are also able to view this on the Portal site) If you do not see any award, please contact our office.
Tuition and Fees Financial aid applicants are responsible for the full amount of tuition and fees charged by the college. Students who register for classes and who have not declined a financial aid offer will have their account credited for the amount of the grant and/or scholarship. Should a student decide not to attend after they have registered, they must officially drop their classes. Failure to drop will result in the student being charged for the tuition and fees. Tuition Rates Per Credit Hour for 2014-2015.
Course Type On Campus PPCC Internet (*N*) CCCOnline (C**) ITV/VC Aviation Flight Aviation Maintenance NUR Courses Campus NUR Courses Internet
Resident rate without COF $199.90 $295.75 $295.75 $208.35 $371.65 $320.00 $257.85 $360.55
Resident rate with COF $124.90 $220.75 $220.75 $133.35 $296.65 $245.00 $182.85 $285.55
Non Resident Rate $512.35 $336.50 $336.50 $512.35 $512.35 $512.35 $512.35 $357.55
COF Stipend: $75.00/credit hour Tuition and Fees are subject to change by the State Legislature and Governing Board. Also, tuition and fees at off-campus locations may vary according to operational costs. Some courses have additional fees ranging from $4 to $400.00 per course while some courses also charge a higher tuition rate.
Tip from Arnie: Keep all financial aid records together. Be aware of your total student loan debt!
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WUE Rate $187.35 $336.50 $336.50 $195.80 $359.10 $307.45 $245.30 $357.55
PPCC 2014-2015 Financial Aid Budgets (Estimated -based on nine month academic year) The Colorado Community College System accepts the responsibility for developing realistic student cost allowances which are based upon the Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) survey, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), and PPCC student survey information. Each budget that is established for student cost allowances seeks to reflect an accurate cost of living and direct educational cost estimates. The College will adjust budgets yearly to remain within the budget parameters established by CDHE. Resident at Home Tuition and Fees** Books and Supplies Room and Board Transportation Personal, Medical, Loan fees Total
$3,437 1,800 4,320 1,296 3,546 $14,446
Resident Not at Home Tuition and Fees** Books and Supplies Room and Board Transportation Personal, Medical, Loan fees Total
$3,437 1,800 9,072 1,296 3,690 $19,342
Non-resident at Home Tuition and Fees** Books and Supplies Room and Board Transportation Personal, Medical, Loan fees Total
$12,870 1,800 4,320 1,296 3,546 $23,879
Non-resident Not at Home Tuition and Fees** Books and Supplies Room and Board Transportation Personal, Medical, Loan fees Total
$12,870 1,800 9,072 1,296 3,690 $28,775
** Tuition and Fees rates are subject to change.
Child-Care Allowance: The actual amount paid cannot exceed $1,061.00 per month for infants and $348 per month for school age. In order to increase a student’s budget, documentation of these charges must be provided to your financial aid advisor. Medical Expenses: With documentation, may add actual expenses up to a maximum of $262 per month. Computer Allowance: With documentation, may add actual cost up to a maximum of $1,800. The total allowance amount may be added to the budgets stated above. Any enrollment status other than budgeted for above may cause a prorated change in the financial aid offers. Military / dependents: Room and Board will be adjusted down since military/dependents receive a housing allowance.
Course Scheduling Students are strongly encouraged to register early on-line at www.ppcc.edu. Students who register early can ensure that their financial aid appears on their bill if they have a complete financial aid file. All students need to check the Portal (myPPCC) on a weekly basis. Federal regulations will not allow federal financial aid to pay for a class that is at the "030" level (for example - MAT030, ENG030, and REA030). If you tested at this level, you need to contact the CP&A (Advising office) immediately to discuss your schedule.
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Why didn’t I get all of the money that was on my award letter?
Enrollment Status PPCC awards all financial aid at full-time status, which is 12 or more credit hours per semester (including the summer semester). If a student takes less than 12 credits, their award disbursement may be prorated. Enrollment Status
Disbursement Proration
Funds that
Of
do not prorate
Original Award
min. 6 credit enrollment
Credits
Full-time
12 or more
100%
Loans, Work-study
¾ time
9 – 11
75%
Loans, Work-study
½ time
6–8
50%
Loans, Work-study
Less than 1/2 time
1–5
Pell is only award that may pay less than ½ time depending on the EFC/award.
Academic Progress (SAP and MAP) Students must maintain academic progress in their selected course of study to receive federal aid. This section describes the standards of satisfactory academic progress, which must be met by an aid recipient. The financial aid standard is the same or somewhat stricter than the institution’s standards for a student enrolled in the same educational program who is not receiving Title IV aid. Financial aid recipients are subject to all Pikes Peak Community College academic policies. Academic progress is evaluated at the beginning of the award period and again at the end of each semester of attendance. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and complete 67 percent of all courses attempted. In addition, students must complete their academic program within 150 percent of the published length, expressed in units, needed to graduate, including units transferred from another instruction.
Academic Year
For the purposes of this policy, the academic year shall consist of the fall, spring, and summer semesters respectively.
SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress – Qualitative Requirement (GPA) and Completion Rate The qualitative aspect of academic progress is the student’s overall grade point average and completion ratio. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and complete a minimum of 67% of the credits they attempt. All coursework attempted at Pikes Peak Community College, transfer credit and remedial credit hours are included in the calculation of Satisfactory Academic Progress. (Credits Completed / Credits Attempted) x 100 = Completion Ratio Examples: (25 credits completed / 30 credits attempted = 0.8333) x 100 = Completion ratio of 83.3% (Satisfactory) (15 credits completed / 24 credits attempted = 0.625) x 100 = Completion ratio of 62.5% (Not Satisfactory)
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MAP – Measurable Academic Progress – Quantitative Requirements (Progress toward graduation) Measurable academic progress is defined as a reasonable length of time for students to complete their educational objectives. Since students enrolled at Pikes Peak Community College pursue different degree programs, the number of credits and the length of time to complete each degree program will vary, but students are limited to no more than 150 percent of the published credits for their declared degree.
SAP and MAP Statuses
Good Standing – you are meeting both SAP & MAP requirements successfully. Alert – you have attempted more than 110% of the credits required for your degree program. Be careful as you are only funded for up to 150% through financial aid (MAP). Warning – you have fallen below a 2.0 GPA and/or below 67% completion ratio. This will happen if you fail or withdraw from classes or do not maintain a “C” average. Ineligible (formally known as Suspension) – you have not met either the SAP and/or MAP conditions and are no longer eligible to receive federal or state funds. Remember that student loans ARE considered financial aid. You will become ineligible if you completely Fail and/or Withdraw from all your classes during a period of enrollment or your cumulative GPA has been between .10 and 1.99 and/or your completion rate has been between 1 and 66% for 2 consecutive semesters. You will receive an email from the financial aid office giving you instructions on how to appeal if you have mitigating circumstances. Probation – if your financial aid appeal has been approved, you will be placed on probation. You may have conditions that are required by the financial aid office that you must adhere to in order to remain on financial aid. Academic Plan – you may be placed on a contract with the financial aid office for both SAP and/or MAP. It is important that you keep a copy of your contract and follow the conditions outlined. Remember that this is a contract and if you do not follow the conditions, your financial aid will be revoked.
Note: Students who do not meet the requirements as stated above will be ineligible to receive federal student aid.
Complete and Incomplete Credits / Repeats / Remedial Courses Grades of A, B, C, D, S, S/A, S/B, and S/C earned during the Fall, Spring and Summer will be considered acceptable for courses completed and Satisfactory Academic Progress consideration. Grades of F, U, I, W, AW, Z, U/D, U/F, SP, and AU earned during the Fall, Spring, and Summer will not be considered acceptable for Satisfactory Academic Progress. Courses repeated by students are counted for all qualitative and quantitative measurements, as is coursework removed from the permanent transcript through the Academic Second Chance option. Financial aid regulations stipulate that only 30 credits of remedial courses can be counted for enrollment when disbursing Title IV funds (Federal PELL Grant, Direct Loans and Federal SEOG.) Students who are receiving federal funding cannot be funded for any remedial credits beyond 30 attempted. A student can receive Title IV aid for a previously passed course only once as long as the student is again receiving credit for the course.
Grade Changes Students are responsible for notifying the Financial Aid Office of all grade changes that might affect current or future financial aid eligibility. A reevaluation of a student’s status will be performed by the Financial Aid Office once the grade change has been communicated to the Financial Aid Office.
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Financial Aid Appeals
Students who are ineligible for aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress may submit a Financial Aid Appeal, personal letter and documentation to the Financial Aid Committee (FAC) if there are mitigating circumstances which caused the student to be unsuccessful. The committee attempts to approve or deny appeals in a fair and equitable manner, taking into consideration each student’s situation. The committee communicates its decision to the students via email sent to the student’s college assigned email address. If the student does not agree with the committee decision, the student may appeal to the Director of Financial Aid. The Director’s decision is final. Important: Students whose appeals are approved for Measureable Academic Progress may only take a leave of absence for up to 2 years. After a 2-year leave of absence, the student must submit another appeal or an updated degree evaluation form depending on the circumstances. Your financial aid advisor will assist you in what you might need to do. In addition, any credits above what was approved will not be counted as credits eligible for Title IV funding.
Appeal Deadlines In order to provide you with a timely response to your appeal and assist in your academic success, the Appeals Committee has instituted a deadline for each semester. Appeals must be turned in with supporting documentation by the deadlines below. Appeals submitted after the deadline will be considered for the next semester. Since you are notified of your financial aid status via college assigned email – it is imperative that you keep your physical address up-to-date and monitor all of your emails.
The appeal deadline for each semester will be one week before the full semester Census Date/Drop for NonPayment date. Standards of Financial Aid Committee Decision The FAC will review appeals and make a decision based upon the situation and documentation provided. Valid reasons for lack of academic progress include: • Medical problems (family illness) • Family emergency (death of a family member) • Other documented extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control
Tip from Arnie: Documentation must be provided for all appeals!
Appeals must include the following information: • Why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress • What has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory academic progress at the end of the next term Students may also appeal on the basis of: • Extension of the maximum allowable credit hours for the currently enrolled program, or • Funding for an additional degree and/or certificate Appeals for measurable academic progress will require the student to meet with an academic advisor to discuss the number of attempted credit hours beyond the degree requirements and/or the educational purpose of a subsequent degree and/or certificate. A degree completion evaluation signed by an academic advisor or counselor must be submitted with the appeal. This evaluation must list only the courses needed for the student to complete the degree. Since this evaluation is a contract between you and the financial aid office, it is important that you keep a copy of it so that you may be able to keep track of the courses and conditions needed for graduation and funding.
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Notification of outcome of appeal: Students will be notified of the outcome of their appeal via college assigned email. If classes are in session, the student with a successful appeal will be placed on probation for the current term. For appeals approved between terms, the student will be placed on probation for the next current term. Under no circumstances can probation be assigned to a prior term.
Reinstatement of aid: Students who lose financial aid eligibility because they are not meeting the school’s satisfactory academic progress standards will regain eligibility by successfully appealing a determination that they were not making satisfactory progress or by meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards after attending without financial aid. Upon successful reestablishment of eligibility, the student will be awarded financial aid based on the availability of funds at the time of reestablishment. Students may, or may not, receive all funds awarded prior to the loss of eligibility.
Unearned FA -(Money You Pay Back if you don't finish your semester) When a student receives Title IV funds, either directly or by credit to their account, and they terminate their enrollment prior to the end of the semester, the financial aid they received is subject to repayment. Repayment is calculated based upon the number of days the student actually attended classes compared to the total number of days in the term. Calculation of Return to Title IV Funds is required for all students who receive Federal Title IV funds who withdraw, stop attending or fail any classes attempted, prior to completion of more than 60% of the term. Example: A student received a Pell Grant for $2,007 for full time enrollment of 12 credit hours. Student charges for the term totaled $2004.96. The student completed 41 calendar days of the 107 days of the term. Original Pell Award ...................... $2007.00 Student withdraws after attending 41 calendar days (41/107) Percentage of Title IV aid earned 38.3% Amount of Title IV aid earned ........ $768.68 Pell award-Amount of Title IV aid unearned If you withdraw or fail any of your (Title IV aid to be returned)......... $1,238.32 classes, there is a chance you Institutional Charges incurred will have to pay some financial By student .................................. $2,004.96 aid back! Work hard at staying Percentage of Title IV aid unearned . 61.7% and passing all of your classes! Institutional Charges unearned .. $1,237.06 Pell funds to be returned to the Department of Education by the institution .... $1,237.06 (Student will be required to pay PPCC and/or the Department of Education.) Please note that a student must repay these funds. Failure to repay requires the College to report the student to the U.S. Department of Education causing ineligibility of future Title IV funds at ANY educational institution. Students may not use future financial aid to repay this debt.
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Financial Aid Programs Grants and Scholarships Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be paid back. It is the Federal Government’s largest student aid program and is the starting point for most students seeking financial assistance. Pell awards range from $200 to $5,730 for the 2014-2015 academic year. A student must enroll in a minimum of 1 credit hour each term to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Students may apply for a Federal Pell Grant until June 30, 2015. The grant can be awarded retroactively to students for successfully completed courses throughout the academic year provided the student is still enrolled. Students who have received BS/BA degrees are not eligible. Every student that is Pell eligible is awarded 100% of their grant for two (2) semesters; for instance fall and spring. If they attend full time for both terms, they will have used 100% of their grant. If they do not use 100% of their Pell for Fall and Spring, there will be a certain percentage left over for summer.
The Duration of eligibility for the Pell grant was reduced from 18 full-time semesters to 12 full-time semesters. There is no grandfathering of this new law, so your timeframe has already begun if you have ever been a Pell Grant recipient. Be sure to take classes that apply to your program of study. New: Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used -The amount of federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his/her lifetime is limited by a new federal law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%, the six-year equivalent is 600%. Therefore, once you have reached 600%, you will never be eligible for Pell no matter what school you attend.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant ranges from $100 to $4,000 per academic year and is available to students with exceptional financial need who are eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant. Students must typically be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours to be awarded this grant. Priority order for FSEOG recipients is based on Pell eligibility and lowest EFC's. Students who have received a BS/BA degree are not eligible. You must be eligible for Pell to receive the FSEOG; therefore, students that have maxed out their eligibility of Pell with 600% or more used will not be eligible for FSEOG either.
Colorado Student Grant (CSG)
This grant is available to all first time freshman students who are Colorado residents, demonstrate financial need as indicated below, and are enrolled in six or more credit hours. To ensure that State need-based dollars are directed to eligible Colorado resident students who have the least ability to pay for their education. CDHE policy defines our funding levels. Using Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the institution will award need-based dollars to the neediest applicants. Reasonable administrative practices, such as application deadlines, are recognized as realistic and appropriate. Students who have received a BS/BA degree are not eligible. Students with the Least Ability to Pay Students with an EFC between zero and 7736 are eligible to receive CSG. The minimum undergraduate award for this category of students is $500 or the maximum amount of unmet need, whichever is less. The maximum award is $5,000 and priority is given to full-time students. It is PPCC's policy to only fund the neediest students CSG.
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Student Loans All Colorado Community Colleges participate in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program which includes the Stafford Subsidized Loan; the Stafford Unsubsidized Loan; and the Parent Loan for Students. Eligibility for these loans requires students to be enrolled in an eligible program at least half time. Students are required to complete the FAFSA to determine their eligibility and have a complete financial aid file prior to having a loan processed by the Financial Aid staff. Borrowers will always need to complete loan entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note. Loan proceeds will not be drawn from Direct Loan prior to thirty days after the first day of classes for first time borrowers. Student Loans are a supplement to other federal, state, institutional and private student financial aid programs, and you must pay them back with interest regardless if you don't complete your program of study, can't find employment, or are dissatisfied with the education that you received. In order to assist students with their financial plan to pay for tuition, fees and books; the financial aid office only allows students to apply for fall/spring loans. If the student wants additional loans for summer, a loan adjustment form needs to be submitted. While all of the loans individually and collectively have annual and cumulative loan limits, PPCC has the right to limit the number and amount of loans a student can receive while at PPCC based on the Financial Aid Officers professional judgment (this means on a case-by-case basis). Students with extremely high loan debt may be asked to explain their loan needs prior to PPCC certifying the loan. Students who are placed on financial aid warning or probation may have a portion or all of their succeeding loans cancelled. Students who attend less than six credits during the term will not be eligible for any future un-disbursed loans for that term. The maximum loan limit for an Undergraduate (Bachelor's degree not earned yet) is $57,500. PPCC will review all loans submitted; however if the student has high loan debt, the student will be required to appeal and may be required to meet with a financial aid advisor for loan counseling. The Department of Education mandates the $57,500 therefore it is PPCC's responsibility to assist the student in their loan debt management efforts.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized)
This loan is available to students who have demonstrated financial need. A student may obtain a loan up to $3,500 for freshman status and $4,500 for sophomore status (students who have completed 30 credit hours or more), based on documented need. Cumulative subsidized loan limits for a four-year degree program are $23,000. There is no loan payment or interest charged while the student remains in school at least half-time. If a student exceeds this cumulative loan limit; they are no longer eligible for ANY financial aid assistance. Students must begin repaying the loan at a fixed rate six months after they graduate, leave school, or are enrolled less than halftime. The interest subsidy during the 6 month grace has been eliminated for any loans originated after July 1, 2012. Repayment still begins 6 months after the student is no longer enrolled in 6 credits or more, but interest during the 6 month grace period will accrue or must be paid by the student (as opposed to being subsidized by the government.)
Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Unsubsidized)
This loan is not based on financial need. Students may receive both a subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loan, but the total may not exceed Stafford loan limits. Repayment may be made monthly or quarterly; or interest may be capitalized no more frequently than quarterly.
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Students (PLUS)
This loan is for the parents of dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance per child (minus other aid). Repayment typically begins sixty days after the final disbursement for the period of enrollment for which you borrowed. Fixed rates are based on when the loan starts repayment.
Master Promissory Note (MPN) If you are a first-time Direct Stafford Student Loan borrower at PPCC, you will be required to complete an MPN at the Direct Lending website, www.studentloans.gov.
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Student Loan Entrance Counseling If you are a first-time student loan borrower at PPCC, you will be required to complete an in-person Loan Entrance Counseling session. The purpose of the entrance counseling is to give you an opportunity to review the disbursement policies, your borrowing limits, and to help you understand your repayment responsibilities as a student borrower. The Financial Aid Office will receive electronic notification that you completed your entrance counseling.
Sample Loan Repayment Schedule Federal Direct Stafford Loan Comparison Chart
Original Loan Balance Capitalized Interest Current Loan Balance Interest Rate Maximum Term Level Repayment Schedule Installment: 119 months 1 month Total Repayment Interest Total Repayment Amount
With Interest Capitalization (i.e., Interest not paid while in school)
$10,000.00 $4,800.00 $14,800.00 6.8% 120 Months
Without Interest Capitalization (i.e., interest paid while in school)
$170.32 $169.09 $5,637.17 $20,437.17
$10,000.00 **$0.00 $10,000.00 6.8% 120 Months $115.08 $114.24 **$3,808.76 $13,808.76
**It is beneficial for borrowers to make their interest payments because the loan will disclose at a lower balance. In this comparison, the monthly installment is $55.24 less and the total repayment at the end of the life of the loan is a savings of $1,828.41 in interest.
How to apply for a Student Loan If you wish to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, you must first complete the FAFSA form (and all verification or other items, if necessary) and be awarded. If eligible, PPCC will award you the base amount of student loans ($3,500 for Freshmen and $4,500 for Sophomores per academic year), after which you can accept the amount offered or less (or even decline entirely) on the PPCC Portal under the Student Finance tab, Financial Aid awards. You must also complete the following steps: 1. 2.
Attend an in-person Entrance Loan Counseling session. Complete your Master Promissory Note (MPN) online at www.studentloans.gov. A Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document that states the terms and conditions under which you agree to repay the loan.
Additional Loan Requests for the additional/extra Direct Unsubsidized Loans (up to $2,000 for Dependent Students and up to $6,000 for Independent students per academic year) above the base amount are only available in paper form from the Enrollment Services Office or on the web after you have completed your file, been awarded, and accepted the base amount on the PPCC Portal.
Loan Default Pikes Community College takes pride on educating students about the importance of Financial Literacy including loan repayment and prevention of loan default.
Know What You Owe!!!
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If you do not make your loan payments, you can go into Loan Default after being delinquent for 270 days or more. Defaulting on your student loan can have a number of serious consequences including: • • • •
The national credit bureaus are notified and your credit rating can be affected. The Internal Revenue Service can withhold your tax refund. Your employer can deduct payment from your paycheck. You will be ineligible to receive federal or state aid if you return to college.
Be aware: Student loans are generally not dischargeable in bankruptcy! In an effort to decrease the number of student loan defaults, PPCC has implemented the following student loan policies for students who take out Direct Loans: Students who are on Warning Status, Probation Status, Ineligible Status, planning to graduate, drop below half-time status (6 credit hours), or cease attendance may be required to meet with a financial aid advisor. Loan recipients will be required to complete a Loan Exit Interview upon leaving PPCC or dropping below half-time status to learn about repayment and deferment information regarding the loan.
College Work-Study Employment The term "work-study" refers to part-time employment; it does not mean that students will be given the opportunity to study during work hours. All student staff supervisors consider student employment (work-study) positions as actual job experience and will expect students to contribute to the work environment. All college student employment awards are based upon the availability of funds and may be revised during the school year without prior notice. In that event, every reasonable effort, through student loans, non-student employment jobs, etc., will be made to assist students for the remainder of the year. A completed FAFSA must be submitted to be eligible for student employment (work-study) funding. Students who have been awarded work-study and wish to accept employment through the College must look for a position on the website at www.ppcc.edu which lists all positions currently available at any of the PPCC campuses and any off-campus nonprofit agency. It is the intention of PPCC to provide employment opportunities through funds provided by both the Federal and State programs which are beneficial financially and experientially to awarded students. Students must remain enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours. NOTE: If a student changes their enrollment status to less than half-time during the semester, their eligibility to participate in any student employment program ceases immediately. It is the student's responsibility to let their supervisor and the Financial Aid office know when they have dropped below half-time status (this includes withdrawals). Prior to beginning work, students must look at the College website to receive a contract and then complete the hiring process by submitting all required documents (I-9 Form, copies of original driver’s license and social security cards, withholding information, etc) to the Human Resource Service Office and payroll. Direct deposit of earnings to a bank or credit union account is required of all employees of the College. A background check is mandatory for all employees of the College, including work-study staff. Each student who accepts employment through the work-study program is expected to know and abide by the following policies and procedures: 1. A student should clearly understand his/her duties and responsibilities, as defined by the supervisor. Students will be held accountable for maintaining established days of work or hours. This is a job and it
Arnie says that work-study is a real job!
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is inappropriate to do homework while working. 2. If a student is ill or unable to report to work, they need to contact the supervisor in advance to notify him/her of illness, and/or to rearrange work hours. 3. When at work, it is inappropriate to have friends visit or to make personal phone calls. 4. Students are to dress appropriately when reporting to their working assignment. 5. The supervisor must submit each student’s work-study time sheet electronically in accordance with their deadlines. Electronic time sheets must be electronically approved by the designated supervisor (or proxy) and must accurately represent hours worked during that time period. Falsification of a time sheet will be reported to the Federal Office of the Inspector General for prosecution. Students are not allowed to work past their award. 6. All students are paid bi-weekly on Fridays via direct deposit. Students may work an average of 20 hours per week during the semester. Studies show that working 15 hours per week yields the best academic performance.
Federal Work-Study
Federal funds are made available to assist students with their college financing through part-time campus employment. Students approved for this program can be eligible to work an average of 20 hours per week when school is in session and more on breaks (depending on the position and the student’s unmet financial need).
Colorado Work-Study
State funds are made available to assist Colorado resident students with their college financing through part-time campus employment. Students approved for this program can be eligible to work an average of 20 hours per week when school is in session and more on breaks (depending on the position and the student’s unmet financial need). Students who have earned a Bachelor's degree are not eligible for this funding.
Colorado Work-study (without regard to need)
State funds are made available to resident students even though they show no need for financial assistance with their college financing. This program gives students without a documented need an opportunity to receive job experience that is helpful when looking for employment after graduation. These positions have the same requirements as the other work-study positions but are not limited by need. Students must submit a federally approved need analysis to qualify for this program. Students who have earned a Bachelor's degree are not eligible for this funding.
Student Rights and Responsibilities Student Rights:
You have the right to: 1. Know what financial assistance is available from PPCC, including information on federal, state, and other financial aid programs. 2. Know the deadlines for submitting applications for each of the financial aid programs available. 3. Know the cost of attending PPCC, the refund policy and the repayment policy. 4. Know the criteria used by PPCC to select financial aid recipients. 5. Know how the College determines financial need. This process includes how costs for tuition, room and board, books and supplies, travel, and miscellaneous expenses are considered in establishing your budget. 6. Know what resources (such as parental contribution, scholarships, financial aid, income and assets, and other resources) are considered in the calculation of your need. 7. Know what portion of your financial need, as computed by PPCC, has been met. 8. Request an explanation of the various programs included in your financial aid package, and to appeal for a review of your award if you feel that it does not adequately meet your needs. 9. Know what portion of your financial aid package is a loan that must be repaid. If your award package does contain a loan, you have the right to know the interest rate, the total amount that must be repaid, repayment procedure, length of time you have to repay the loan and when payments are scheduled to begin.
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10. Know what portion of your financial aid package is from part-time student employment, the conditions of employment, and how and when you will be paid. 11. Know how the College determines whether you are making satisfactory progress in your course of study and what happens to your financial assistance if you do not make satisfactory academic progress.
Student Responsibilities: You have the responsibility to:
Have you moved? Don’t forget to tell me! Keep your information up to date using the Portal or go to the Enrollment Services Office! If you are expecting a refund, you may not get it if we don’t have your updated address!
1. Keep your physical address updated at all times. 2. Complete all application materials on time and submit them to the appropriate agency or office. 3. Activate your college assigned email account and monitor it at least once a week. This is critical to receive important information regarding awards or missing documentation. 4. Pay special attention to and accurately complete your application for financial aid. Errors can result in long delays in your consideration for financial assistance and may result in your inability to receive assistance due to the lack of funds. Intentional misreporting of information on applications for federal financial aid funds is a violation of the law and is considered a criminal offense subject to penalties under the U.S. Criminal Code. 5. Promptly return all additional information, documentation, verification, and/or corrections requested by the Financial Aid Office. 6. Read and understand all documents you are asked to sign, and keep copies for your personal records. The Financial Aid Office at PPCC should not be used as a holder for a student’s permanent records. Documents turned in to the Enrollment Services Office are for office use only and copies of documents previously turned in will not be made. 7. Read and accept full responsibility for all agreements you sign. 8. Notify your student loan lender(s) of changes in your name, address, and/or student status if you have a loan or loans. 9. Perform the work you have agreed to in accepting a College Work-Study award. 10. Know and comply with the refund/repayment policies and procedures of PPCC. 11. Understand the conditions under which each element of your financial aid package is offered and comply with the criteria for retention of your financial aid awards. 12. Notify the Financial Aid Office if you receive assistance of any kind, from any source, that was not reported on your application for financial aid. Any such additional sources of assistance may cause your aid package to be reduced or canceled. This includes but is not limited to: • Private scholarships/Foundation scholarships/grants • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Awards • Work Force Center Assistance • Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) 13. Report financial aid received, with the exception of loans, to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as income if the aid received is greater than the tuition and fees charged plus the amount paid for books and supplies. Students are strongly encouraged to contact the IRS for specific details. Students are advised to keep records of tuition and fee charges, books, supplies, etc., for all semesters that you attended during a calendar year. 14. Enroll for classes that apply towards your degree. Classes taken by audit or portfolio do not qualify as financial aid hours attempted and will be considered as non-completion of a course. 15. A drug related conviction while receiving federal financial aid will disqualify you for aid for one year or more. 16. To review PPCC’s website regarding crime statistics at http://www.ppcc.edu/services/public-safety/crime-stats/.
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Student Financial Aid Policy 1. The primary purpose of PPCC’s financial aid program is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid,
2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
could not attend college. Financial assistance consists of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment. This assistance may be offered to a student singularly or in various combinations, referred to as a “financial aid package.” Selection of a student to receive financial aid at PPCC is the result of a student’s demonstrated financial need, and/or academic achievement, without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, veteran’s status, national origin, or individual handicaps. Each student’s financial need must be determined by the federal processor. Applications for this analysis are available on the web at www.fafsa.gov. Need Analysis Systems evaluate a student’s (and, if dependent, parent’s) income, assets, and other available resources to determine what can reasonably be contributed toward the cost of education. A student who receives financial aid should provide a reasonable part of the total amount required to meet college costs by accepting employment, a loan, or both. All students are expected, either on their own, (if self-supporting), or in conjunction with their parents, (if dependent), to contribute to the cost of their education. Students may only use federal & state financial aid at one college at a time. If not reported, the student’s package will be canceled and the student will need to repay the College. Pikes Peak Community College does accept consortium agreements with other colleges; however, aid can still only be paid at one college at a time.
Definitions Academic Advisor: All students receiving financial assistance have an academic advisor and should consult with this advisor when preparing class schedules (this includes students in the general studies program). Inappropriate selection of classes will not be an acceptable excuse for failure to make satisfactory and measurable academic progress. Academic Year: For the purposes of this policy, the academic year shall consist of the fall, spring, and summer semesters respectively. Course of Study: Students must be admitted to an eligible program of study that leads to an Associate Degree or an eligible Certificate in order to receive any financial aid. Courses that end after the term. There are a number of courses offered that end more than a week after the normal term has ended. While such courses may be eligible for financial aid, grades will not be provided at the end of the term when the financial aid office reviews progress for all students who received aid during the term. It is possible that students enrolling in these courses will be placed on financial aid warning, probation and/or suspension. In cases of warning or probation, there is no impact on the financial aid already awarded for the next term of enrollment. In cases where suspension has occurred, students must contact the Enrollment Services Center to seek possible exceptions. Students are strongly encouraged to consider courses offered in this format before enrolling. Courses that are not assigned a grade: Occasionally, grades are submitted after the established deadline. In such cases, no grade will be entered into the College’s student information system. The lack of a grade has an adverse effect on the student when progress is determined at the end of the term. When the instructor submits the earned grade to the records office, the student is notified of the grade change. In cases where the student has been placed on probation /suspension, the student must contact the Financial Aid office to have their progress status updated. Incompletes: An incomplete (I) grade is given for which no credit was earned and as such will not count in hours completed for financial aid purposes until an actual grade has been assigned. Release of Information: Federal and State regulations require all post-secondary institutions to secure student’s financial aid records at all previously attended institutions before they consider the individual for aid. The release of this information is necessary for students who transfer between schools. All recipients of federal, state, and private aid at PPCC should be aware that financial aid award information will be released to state and federal agencies, and to all post-secondary institutions that request this material regardless if financial aid was received or not. Repeats: A student receiving financial assistance may repeat a class if they did not pass the class on the previous attempt. All repeats will
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count in the student’s measurable academic progress calculation. Students should not repeat a class if they have an incomplete grade in that class, but are instead advised to finish the course. On July 1, 2010 – the Department of Education implemented mandatory changes about retaking courses. Citation (CFR) 668.2 specifies that students enrolled in term based programs will not be eligible to receive Title IV funds (Federal Pell grant, Federal SEOG, Work-study, Student loans) for any course they have previously taken and passed more than two times. Self-Help: Self-help awards consist of long-term student loans and part-time employment. Students are expected to make a commitment, from both current and future earnings, to the financing of their education. The implications and responsibilities inherent in the acceptance of such student aid shall be clearly explained to each student. Transfer Students: A student from another post-secondary institution who enrolls at PPCC for the first time shall be assumed to be making satisfactory progress without submitting transfer transcript. The policies of satisfactory progress at PPCC shall apply to such a student after his/her enrollment. This student may, however, deem it necessary to provide the College with a copy of a transfer transcript. NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: Pikes Peak Community College does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, veteran’s status, or disability in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in its educational programs or activities. Inquiries may be referred to Carlton Brooks, AA/EEO/ADA Officer, Pikes Peak Community College, 5675 S. Academy Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80906, (719) 502-2300; the Director of Affirmative Action for the Colorado Community College and Occupational Education System, 9101 E. Lowry Blvd., Denver, CO 80230, (303) 620-4000; or the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO 80294, (303) 844-5695. (NOTE: Other resources are the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.) Questions: If you have further questions regarding financial aid, please contact: Enrollment Services – Financial Aid Office Pikes Peak Community College 5675 South Academy Boulevard Colorado Springs, CO 80906-5498 (719) 502-3000 or 1-800-456-6847 ext. 3000 Internet: finaid@ppcc.edu
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