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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

UA Cossatot FAFSA School Code:  012432

Financial Aid Deadlines

Institutional and Foundation Scholarships:  April 1

Pell Grant:
Fall Semester (Priority Deadline):  May 1
Spring Semester (Priority Deadline):  November 1
Summer Semester Deadline:   April 15

SEOG:
Fall Semester:  May 1
Spring Semester:  November 1

Title IV/Pell Grant Program

The Federal Pell Grant Program is designed to assist eligible students in their postsecondary education. The Pell Grant provides a foundation of financial aid to help defray the costs of education. The maximum yearly award is determined by the Department of Education. All undergraduate students may apply for Pell Grant assistance. Student eligibility is based on financial need and is determined by a formula that is applied consistently to all applications. 

Lifetime Eligibility for Federal Pell Grant

New regulations effective July 1, 2012 limits the receipt of a Pell Grant to a lifetime limit of up to 6 full-time years (600%) which is equal to 12 full-time semesters. This regulation applies to all institutions that award Federal Pell grant funds: community colleges, vocational schools, and four-year public and private universities. The U.S. Department of Education will track the limits for students’ eligibility. The consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 provided changes to the Federal Pell Grant eligibility and reduced the lifetime limit for students. The bill reduced the number of semester a student is eligible to receive Pell funds from 18 semesters to 12 semesters.

Regardless of the Pell Grant amount (i.e. maximum or minimum Pell eligibility), if a student received the full year amount then he/she has received 100%.

For example, if a student’s Pell Grant for the year is $5,000 and the student receives $2,500 in fall and $2,500 in spring, the student has received the entire $5,000 or $100% for the year.

Fall $2,500
(50%)

Spring $2,500 (50%)

=100% Eligibility
(2 semesters at full time)

For example, if student’s Pell Grant for the year is $5,000 and the student receives $1,250 in fall and $1,250 in spring, the student has received 50% for the year.

Fall $1,250
(25%)

Spring $1,250 (25%)

=50% Eligibility
(2 semesters at part time)

The 600% total eligibility applies at all schools and colleges. However, once the student has earned a Bachelor’s Degree, he/she is no longer eligible for a Pell Grant even if he/she has not received the entire 600% eligibility. In addition, a student must also meet and maintain satisfactory academic progress standards to remain eligible each year.

Students that have questions about their eligibility should contact their UA Cossatot Financial Aid Office. To read more about Federal Pell grant lifetime limits visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell/calculate-eligibility

Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This program makes funds available to qualified students who have the greatest need, as determined by the Financial Aid office. A limited amount of funds is available for this program:  therefore, the funds are awarded based on student need. When the money for the program is gone, no more awards can be made from that program for that year.

Loans

UA Cossatot does not participate in Federal Loan Programs.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work Study Program is a campus-based program that provides part-time employment for students who have financial need. This program provides employment opportunities to assist students in earning the funds necessary to meet the cost of postsecondary education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for financial need to be determined. Upon completion of the FAFSA, students may contact the UA Cossatot Financial Aid Office to see which jobs are available for Work Study. The available positions usually consist of employment opportunities in an office or lab on the UA Cossatot campus. Eligibility is restricted to those students having need, as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Hours of work will be determined by each department at the beginning of each academic year.  Checks are disbursed on the fifteenth and the last working day of the month.

Federal Student Aid Guide

For further information in regards to the planning, preparing, and paying for college, please see the Pay For College section of our website and link to the Federal Student Aid Guide under the Federal Grant Programs dropdown, or go to https://studentaid.ed.gov.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Various types of financial aid are available to students who need assistance to continue their education. A student begins the financial aid process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This application is used to provide a standardized objective analysis of the student’s and/or his/her family’s ability to pay for the education. The student’s financial aid package is based on his/her Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the Department of Education through the FAFSA, the student’s cost of attendance as determined by UA Cossatot, and the student’s enrollment status. Students must reapply each year for assistance. Once the FAFSA has been completed, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which will be used to determine eligibility for the programs mentioned above  Regardless of the type of financial aid desired (grants, scholarships, or federal work study), all applications and requests for information should be addressed to the Office of Financial Aid at UA Cossatot, 183 College Drive, De Queen, Arkansas 71832. See our website for a list of available grants.

There are several general eligibility requirements that must be met in order to receive federal financial aid. Other sources of aid may also apply these requirements:

  1. Evidence of financial need as determined by the federal government
  2. Be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
  3. Have a high school diploma or a High School Equivalency Certificate (GED).
  4. Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan.
  5. Be registered with the Selective Service (if required).
  6. Meet admissions requirements and have all admission documents on file with Student Services.
  7. Enrollment in a certificate or degree program that meets the federal requirements for financial aid.
  8. Meet all satisfactory academic standards as stated in the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 

Note: All financial aid funds received will be credited to the student’s account. After all charges to the student’s account have been satisfied, remaining funds will be disbursed to the student. Refunds from financial aid awards will be available approximately 14 days after the census date. After initial disbursement dates, student refunds continue to be made as monies are received and are available as determined by the Business Office.

Note: High School students enrolled at UA Cossatot are not eligible to receive federal and state financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

Federal Regulations require students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while working towards an approved degree or technical certificate program at CCCUA. All hours attempted at or transferred into CCCUA will be counted as part of the student’s Satisfactory Academic Progress. Academic Progress will be reviewed prior to a student’s initial enrollment period and at the end of each semester.

To be in good standing for Financial Aid, a student must:

  • Not Exceed Lifetime Eligibility for Pell Grant
  • Successfully complete at least 67% of all attempted credit hours
  • Have not received an Associate Degree*(Refer to Appeal Process on page 2 and 3)
  • Maintain a 2.00 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA)
  • Be on track to complete degree plan within the maximum time frame

Financial Aid Warning:  Students will be placed on Financial Aid Warning if they do not complete 67% of attempted credit hours and/or do not maintain a 2.00 CGPA.  The first semester a student fails to meet SAP, the student will be placed on financial aid warning and may receive financial aid.  If the student does not meet SAP the following semester, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension. 

How does Financial Aid Warning affect my financial aid?  Students may still receive federal (Pell, SEOG and Federal Work-study) funds.  Students are eligible under the Warning status for one semester.  At the end of the semester, the student must be in Good Standing.

Financial Aid Suspension:   

If you do not attain the required cumulative GPA and/or credit hour completion ratio during your warning period, or exceed your maximum credit hour timeframe required to complete your program, you will be placed on financial aid suspension. While on suspension you are not eligible for financial aid programs. You may attend CCCUA, at your own expense, until you attain the cumulative GPA and cumulative credit hour completion requirement. To regain financial aid eligibility, your record must reflect that you have met these requirements at CCCUA (transferring to another college and transferring back to CCCUA does not remove your suspension status).

How does Financial Aid Suspension affect my financial aid?  Students on Financial Aid Suspension are not eligible to receive federal (Pell, SEOG and Federal Work-study) funding.

How can I be removed from Financial Aid Suspension?

Being reinstated to Good Standing once the student’s CGPA and overall course completion rate meet the Good Standing minimum standards.  Students may be reinstated to Financial Aid Probation status with an approved Financial Aid Appeal.

Maximum Time Frame to Complete Program:  Students are expected to complete degree requirements after attempting a certain number of credit hours.  The maximum attempted credit hours allowed for degree/certificate completion will be up to 150% of the credit hours needed to complete that type of degree.   All credit hours count whether or not a student received aid.  All hours attempted including repeated courses, F’s, W’s, I’s P’s, and audits count toward the student’s maximum time frame.  Students who change their degree and/or majors or who are pursuing a second degree are subject to the maximum number of hours.  Changing your degree may suspend your financial aid if you cannot mathematically complete the degree within the maximum time frame.

Students must complete the requirements for a degree within the following time frames:

Cosmetology Certificate                               2250 Clock Hours
Technical Certificates                                      60 Credit Hours
LPN Certificate                                                90 Credit Hours
Associate Degrees                                          92 Credit Hours
PTA Associate Degree                                  116 Credit Hours
OTA Associate Degree                                  128 Credit Hours
LPN to RN Associate Degree                        185 Credit Hours

Transfer Students:  Transcripts from previous colleges will be evaluated in the same manner as CCCUA transcripts.  Transfer hours accepted toward completion of student’s program will count as hours attempted and completed. Students must submit complete official transcripts.  If a transcript is received with “in progress” grades, a student will be required to submit a second official transcript with completed grades.

Repeated Courses:  Students may repeat a previously passed course once.  Students may repeat a failed course until it is passed. All repeated courses will be counted against the maximum number of hours allowed.  The highest grade received will be calculated in the student’s CGPA.

NR = For Institutional and Financial Aid purposes, these students have not passed the course and must repeat the course in order to advance to next course offered for student’s program of study.

Remedial Coursework:  Financial Aid will be awarded for up to 30 credit hours of remedial coursework.   Remedial courses are not counted in the maximum timeframe allowed for your degree.

Financial Aid Appeals Process

Students whose aid is canceled may appeal this decision ONLY if there are EXTENUATING circumstances.  To appeal, the student must complete and return the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form to the CCCUA Financial Aid Office in writing within the designated timeframe indicated on the student’s notification letter. The appeal should include a statement explaining the request for financial aid reinstatement and an explanation of the reasons for the request and what has changed that will now allow the student to be successful in meeting the SAP standards.  The Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form and all required supporting documentation must be submitted to the CCCUA Financial Aid Office by the first day of classes for the current semester.  Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Forms are available from the Financial Aid Office or you can download one from the Financial Aid Forms webpage.

*If you have completed a two-year degree within published credit hours and lack one semester (15 credit hours) to complete a second degree, you only need to provide an appeal form, degree audit, and explanation of how an additional two-year degree will benefit educational intent.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.  The committee meets as needed.  Their decision is final and the student will be sent a response to their CCCUA email account or by mail. 

Financial Aid Warning and Financial Aid Suspension notifications are emailed to the student’s CCCUA email or by mail once academic transcripts are reviewed.  Notice of Financial Aid Warning or Suspension may be issued for past semesters based on an evaluation of student’s previous academic transcripts.

Financial Aid Probation:  Student may be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one payment period after an approved appeal. After Financial Aid Probation a student must be making SAP or must be successfully following an academic plan.

Once a degree or certificate has been earned, a student must commit to another degree or certificate program before financial aid can be awarded. Students seeking multiple Associate Degrees or Certificates are required to submit a degree audit with the Financial Aid Appeal Form. All hours attempted for previous degrees or certificates earned will be included in evaluating SAP for your chosen degree or certificate.

Withdrawal and Financial Aid

Recipients of financial aid, who withdraw before the 60% point in time of the period of enrollment, calculated using calendar days, will be required to return a portion of Title IV funds awarded in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Title IV funds to be refunded include Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, but not Federal Work Study. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to the college and/or the federal government. Students who intend to return will have their eligibility evaluated under the applicable satisfactory academic progress policy. For additional information, contact the Financial Aid Office. Students receiving other forms of aid and scholarships will have their refund calculated using UA Cossatot refund policy unless the scholarship/grant stipulates differently.

Financial Aid SAP Credit Hour Requirements

Return of Title IV Funds

This requirement applies to students who receive federal student aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, but not Federal Work-Study) and completely terminate enrollment prior to completing 60% of the enrollment period. 

Termination of enrollment can be the result of any of the following actions:

  • Student initiates an official withdrawal from UA Cossatot
  • Student is administratively dropped by instructors from all courses due to non-attendance.
  • Student is administratively withdrawn from all courses as a result of disciplinary action.
  • Students receiving all F’s are considered to have unofficially withdrawn. The drop date is determined by your last day of attendance.

The amount of Title IV aid an institution must refund to the federal aid programs is determined by the federal return to Title IV funds formula as specified in Section 484B of the Higher Education Act. UA Cossatot utilizes software provided by the U.S. Department of Education to calculate the amount of aid that must be refunded, which was initially used to pay institutional charges. The drop date provided by your instructors will be utilized to document the last date of enrollment.  

UA Cossatot returns unearned aid used to pay institutional charges in the following order within 45 days of the withdrawal determination:

  1. Federal Pell Grant
  2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
  3. Other Title IV Programs.

A repayment may also be required of the student when a refund check has been issued to a student from financial aid funds in excess of the amount used to pay institutional charges that the student fails to earn by maintaining enrollment. If the student owes a repayment, the student has 45 days to repay the funding. If the student does not pay the funding within 45 days, UA Cossatot will notify the U.S. Department of Education that the student is in overpayment.

Students are notified by letter if the student owes funding to UA Cossatot or the U.S. Department of Education. 

If a student earns more aid than was disbursed, the student may be eligible to receive a post withdrawal disbursement. Students are notified by mail of their eligibility for such a disbursement. A post withdrawal of grant funds is automatically credited to the student’s account for outstanding charges.

Veterans Affairs Benefits

UA Cossatot has been approved by federal and state agencies governing Veterans Affairs to provide training to veterans. Veterans and their dependents may be entitled to educational assistance programs from the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay their tuition for the approved training. Veterans should apply for admission to the college and visit with the VA representative in the Financial Aid Office prior to enrolling in classes to apply for benefits. To apply for benefits please visit the G.I. Bill® website at www.benefits.va.gov. If veterans’ benefits are not available at the deadline for payment due each semester, the veteran should make other arrangements to pay the tuition and fees. VA rehab payments must be documented at the time of the deadline or the veteran will be required to make payment. VA students need to be aware that there is a Military 50% Tuition Waiver that is available to them and a new waiver must be submitted each semester to receive the discount.

State Grant Programs and Scholarships

Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) is a state agency that administers the financial aid programs for the State of Arkansas.

Scholarships and grants include:

  • Arkansas Academic Challenge (traditional and non-traditional students)
  • AR Future Grant (traditional and non-traditional students)
  • Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship
  • Military Dependents Scholarship  (MDS)
  • Single Parent Scholarship

http://scholarships.adhe.edu/scholarships-and-programs/a-z/ for more information and application requirements. All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their ADHE accounts online through the YOUniversal website. When an applicant’s account is updated, the change is reflected in the respective account. However, it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all required documentation is properly submitted to ADHE.

Career Pathways

Career Pathways is a grant-funded program that provides financial and instructional assistance to adults with minor children for their educational and career training needs. Career Pathways is need based with its participants falling at or below 250% of the poverty level.  Students that are on public assistance may also qualify for the program  Career Pathways offers assistance with tuition, fees, books, transportation, and childcare as well as any other required materials for courses. This assistance is available for college, adult education and technical certificate seeking students. 

Note: Career Pathways is funded on a year-to-year basis, so please check with the Career Pathways office at 1-877-790-2323 for program availability.

Foundation and Institutional Scholarships

UA Cossatot students are eligible to apply for a variety of scholarships through the UA Cossatot Foundation and UA Cossatot as an institution. Scholarships, criteria, application information is available at www.cccua.edu/scholarships. The deadline for scholarships is April 1 each year. Early application is recommended.

Arkansas Rehabilitation Services

UA Cossatot cooperates with the Arkansas Rehabilitation Services offices in placing students in approved training programs. Area rehabilitation counselors determine the benefits that students receive from this program. Arkansas Rehabilitation Texarkana office serves the following counties:  Howard, Hempstead, Lafayette, Little River, Miller, Nevada, Polk, Pike, and Sevier.  Contact the Arkansas Rehabilitation Counselor at 870.773.2807.

American Indian

UA Cossatot collaborates with the American Indian Center offices in placing students in approved degree programs. American Indian Center counselors determine the benefits that students receive from this program. Contact the AIC Office 1.800.441.4513 or visit American Indian website at www.arindianctr.org.

Single Parent Scholarship

The purpose of the Single Parent Scholarship is to provide supplemental financial assistance to those single parents living in Arkansas who are pursuing a course of instruction that will improve their income-earning potential. Single Parent Scholarships are listed by county. Applications and deadlines are available online at www.aspsf.org/students_spscholarships.html

Workforce Investment Act

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a program that can help people find employment and/or training in preparation for employment. WIA of Southwest Arkansas has funding available for adult students, 18 and up, who are currently enrolled and are in one or more of the following categories.  

  • Students with outstanding balances
  • Students who have reached their maximum time to receive federal financial aid
  • Students seeking funding for summer school
  • Students who have been laid off, received notice of lay off or termination, or have been dislocated (dislocated workers)
  • Spouses (displaced homemakers) totally dependent upon the income of persons who have lost their income (dislocated workers)

WIA staff has a list of approved programs to discuss when students call. Students are encouraged to call WIA staff to see if they meet eligibility requirements. A person does not have to be unemployed to qualify, but there are income guidelines that will determine eligibility for all applicants.

Residents of the following counties should call the appropriate case manager:

  • Ouachita, Dallas, Calhoun – 870.837.6910
  • Hempstead, Sevier, Nevada – 870.777.0810
  • Little River, Howard, Miller – 870.777.0804
  • Columbia, Lafayette, Union – 870.864.6911

Interested students should leave a voicemail for the appropriate WIA case manager if they are unavailable. If a student’s phone call is not returned within 24 hours, students may call 870.235.7507. 

Tuition Waivers

UA Cossatot has many waivers available for students, employees, and employee members. Waivers include:

  • UA Cossatot Employee Dependent Waiver   
  • Military Tuition Waiver
  • Senior Citizen Waiver         
  • Out of State Tuition Waiver
  • Waiver of Non-Resident Tuition for Native Americans
  • Educational Assistance Plan for UA Cossatot employees
  • Waiver of Non-Resident Tuition for Native Americans Educational Assistant Plan for UA Cossatot employees

All Tuition Waiver forms are available in the Financial Aid Office or on the Financial Aid Forms website. All forms must be completed before the 11th class day of each semester.