Financial Aid
CCC uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for Federal Financial Aid programs. The data is transmitted to CCC as an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) after completing the FAFSA. If the ISIR is selected for verification, a Federal Income Tax Return for the parent and student may be required, in addition to verification forms that the Financial Aid office will provide. All the necessary documents must be returned to the Financial Aid office before the student can be packaged for Federal Aid.
The Financial Aid office processes scholarships but does not award scholarships. They will answer scholarship questions and refer students to the appropriate entity for scholarship concerns.
The Financial Aid office does not perform billing functions. Billing inquiries other than those directly related to issuing Federal Financial Aid or Disbursable Scholarships must be handled through the Student Accounts office.
General Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Federal financial aid, a student must:
- possess a high school diploma or equivalent
- be a degree or eligible certificate seeking
- be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States
- be enrolled in courses that qualify for financial aid (audited classes and repeats beyond a second attempt do not qualify)
- no enrollment holds
- be enrolled in at least six credit hours to maintain Federal loan eligibility
- complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid for each school year
- maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
- not be receiving Federal aid from more than one school at a time
Grants
The Federal Government funds the Federal Pell Grants (PELL), which does not have to be repaid assuming course completion. The PELL program is designed for undergraduates who do not have a Bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on need. A federal funding formula determines the amount of the PELL grant, the student’s cost of attendance, and the number of credit hours in which the student enrolls each term. PELL grants are available to students who meet all eligibility requirements and are enrolled in an eligible program.
Campus-Based Aid
Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides employment opportunities that enable students to earn money to help fund their education. FWS offers are based on documented need and availability of funds. This program encourages community service employment and work related to the student’s course of study. Students should seek employment that complements and reinforces their educational and vocational career goals. FWS salaries will be at least the Federal minimum wage, paid twice a month, and will not exceed the amount listed in the Financial Aid Offer.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are grants funded by the Federal Government and CCC. Eligibility is based on need and availability of funds.
FWS and FSEOG are campus-based, and therefore limited funds are available.
Loans
CCC offers Federal Stafford Loans. Loan eligibility is allocated based on the student’s cost of attendance. Loans must be repaid upon completion of the student’s program when the student ceases to attend at least half-time (6) credit hours or if the student withdraws from school.
The Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan is offered according to need. First-year students may qualify for up to $3500, and second-year students may qualify for up to $4500. Because these loans are subsidized, the U.S. Department of Education pays interest on the loan while the student is in school and during grace periods. Students must attend at least half-time (6 credits) and have a demonstrated financial need to qualify. The interest rate is fixed (set annually) for new borrowers. It begins accruing after the six-month grace period immediately following graduation, completion, withdrawal, or less-than-half-time status.
The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is not need-based, and the borrower is responsible for all interest. A dependent first-year student may be eligible to borrow up to $5500 less any subsidized amounts received in the same period. A first-year independent student may be eligible to receive up to $9500 less any subsidized payments received for the same period. Students must be attending at least half-time (6 credits). The interest rate is fixed and set annually for new borrowers. Interest charges begin immediately upon disbursement.
The Direct Plus loan is not need-based and is designed for parents of dependent undergraduate students who must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits). The maximum amount a parent may borrow is the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. The interest rate is fixed and set annually for new borrowers. Interest charges begin immediately upon disbursement. Additionally, PLUS loans require the parent to apply and undergo a credit check facilitated by the Department of Education. CCC Financial Aid does not make the final eligibility determination.
Satisfactory Academic Progress and Financial Aid (SAP
The standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress measure a student’s performance in three areas: cumulative completion rate, cumulative grade point average, and maximum time frame. Satisfactory Academic Progress will be evaluated at the end of each payment period and upon transfer from another institution. Notification of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress will be emailed to the student’s Trojan email account and mailed to the student’s permanent address.
Veterans
Veterans applying to CCC who plan to use their VA Education Benefits should apply for benefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov. Veterans should meet with the School Certifying Officer to receive the required campus-based documents to begin the certification process. Per VA and CCC standards, satisfactory academic progress will be monitored using the same criteria approved for all financial assistance programs at CCC. VA, not the school, determines eligibility.
Cumulative Completion Rate
The cumulative completion rate is calculated by dividing the number of cumulative credit hours earned by the number of cumulative credit hours attempted. Students must earn 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted.
A student failing to complete 67% of their attempted hours will be placed on warning for the following payment period for which the student is enrolled. A subsequent payment period of unsatisfactory progress will result in suspension.
Attempted hours include any course the student remained enrolled in past the refund period. Earned hours include any hours for which the student earned an A, B, C, D, or P. Failures, withdrawals, audits, and incompletes are considered attempted but not earned hours. Failing grades in pass/ fail courses are considered attempted but not earned. Repeated and remedial classes are included in the attempted and earned hours calculation.
Any grades not posted during the SAP review will be considered as hours attempted but not earned. You must contact the Financial Aid Office to resolve any discrepancies related to classes with grades posted after the review.
Some cases may be handled individually with consideration given by the Director of Financial Aid and the Vice President of Student Affairs.
Cumulative GPA
A student must also maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. A student failing to meet the cumulative GPA standard will be placed on warning for the following payment period for which the student is enrolled. A subsequent payment period of unsatisfactory progress will result in suspension. Total withdrawal or failure in one semester will result in suspension.
Financial Aid Academic Progress
Refer to the CCC Academic Progress Complete policy for standing, warning, probation, and suspension.
Academic Standing
A student whose cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 2.00 or above is considered in good academic standing. All attempted coursework at CCC determines academic standing. Attempted coursework is defined as any course that has received a grade of A, B, C, D, or F. Courses that have received a grade of W are not included in attempted coursework.
Academic Probation
A student placed on academic probation shall not enroll in more than twelve (12) credit hours without permission from the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Academic Suspension
Academic suspension should not be viewed as punishment. It is based on the philosophy that a student may continue to enroll as long as satisfactory progress toward an educational goal is being made.
When progress is unsatisfactory, the student is given time to reconsider goals and career plans outside the educational setting. A student placed on academic suspension at CCC may appeal to the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
Scholarships
CCC and the CCC Foundation Association and friends of the College sponsor a strong scholarship program on campus. The primary purposes of the scholarship program are to promote academic excellence, develop student leadership, and improve talents in both the arts and athletics.
To apply, visit the scholarship page found on the website. Students should note that some scholarships, including the Presidential Scholarship, require additional information and forms to complete. Please contact 785.460.4678 for more information.
Veterans
Veterans applying for admission to CCC who plan to use their Educational Benefits should provide all service records and other documents necessary for the admissions process. The Department of Veterans Affairs at CCC interprets Veterans Assistance programs as a financial benefit to aid students with educational expenses. Satisfactory academic progress will be monitored using the criteria approved for all financial assistance programs at CCC. Credit for military schools and experience, as recognized by the American Council on Education “Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services,” will be evaluated and approved by the College upon completing 12 credit hours at CCC. All documentation of previous education and experience should be given to the Registrar and Veterans Coordinator. Students may contact the Veterans Coordinator at 785.460.4612 for the proper enrollment procedures.
Veterans Assistance
Veterans Assistance is located in the Student Services Department in the Robert Burnett Memorial Student Union. To receive Veterans Assistance, the Veteran must contact the Veterans Campus Representative to complete the proper forms.
Veterans Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
At CCC, Veterans Assistance is interpreted as a financial benefit to aid students with educational expenses. Therefore, satisfactory academic progress will be monitored using the criteria approved for all financial assistance programs.
Tuition Assistance and Active Duty Tuition Assistance
Tuition Assistance and Active Duty Military Tuition Assistance (TA is located in the Student Account office in the Robert Burnett Memorial Student Union. To process a student’s TA, they must submit all paperwork to the Student Accounts office. Students may contact the Student Accounts Manager at 785.460.4664.
Tuition and Fees
Please review tuition and fees on the college website at www.colbycc.edu. Rates are subject to change by the CCC Board of Trustees.
Payment of fees provides students with a student ID which may be used at most campus athletic events. Additionally, full-time students have access to student health services. A full-time student is enrolled in 12 or more credit hours.
Charges for Room & Board
Please review room and board costs on the College website at www.colbycc.edu. Rates are subject to change by the CCC Board of Trustees.
Meal punch cards are available through the cafeteria for students who live off campus and wish to eat on campus.
Incidental Expenses
Students should allow approximately $1050 per semester for books and supplies. Individual costs such as transportation, clothing care, personal care, and entertainment should be considered as the costs of attendance are calculated.
Returned Check Policy
The return of a check issued to CCC will result in a $30.00 returned check fee for each returned check being placed on the student’s account on whose behalf the check was presented. Persons who submit checks to the College for payment that are subsequently returned for insufficient funds stopped payment or the inability to locate could have their semester classes voided. A student whose check is returned for tuition will be dropped from their course.
All returned checks are processed by the bank twice before being deemed insufficient. When the bank returns a check, the Controller will contact the department or individual who accepted the check. That business unit or person will notify the student or individual first by telephone. If there is no reply within 24 hours, a registered letter will be sent to the person as notification of insufficient funds. If no action has resulted in 7 business days, the check will be turned over to collections. If the returned check was written by a student or on behalf of a student, that student’s account will be placed on hold until payment is made for the check and the returned check fee.
A person will be allowed two returned checks, but after that, payment by check will not be accepted. Return checks must be paid by cash, money order, cashier’s check, or credit or debit card. In writing, the Controller will notify the appropriate campus personnel not to accept checks from students who have violated this policy.
Student Billing and Payments
All students are responsible for the payment of their bill. Colby Community College students agree to the financial responsibility agreement prior to enrolling and attending classes. Many students set up a payment plan to pay their bill over time.
Secure payments or enrollment into payment plans can be managed electronically on TrojanWeb or utilizing CashNet (https://commerce.cashnet.com/colbyccpay).
Accounts with no payment arrangements will be placed on hold. Outstanding balances must be paid in full to be eligible for future enrollment. Please contact the Student Account office for questions and more details.
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