Am I Eligiable for Financial Aid?

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.
7. Enrollment in a certificate- or degree-seeking 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.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy

Students who have applied for Federal Financial Aid funds are required to make satisfactory academic progress.  Progress will be reviewed at the end of each semester.  Progress must be demonstrated each semester regardless of whether or not a student previously received aid.

Students enrolled in developmental courses are allowed a maximum of 30 attempted developmental credit hours to remain on federal aid.

The first semester a student fails to complete the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy as outlined below he/she will be placed on financial aid probation and may receive financial aid.  A student will remain on financial aid probation unless the appeals committee approves the probation appeal.  The second semester a student fails to complete the policy as outlined below he/she will be on financial aid suspension.  If a student is suspended from financial aid, he/she must attend one or more semesters without financial aid until the required standard is met. Students that receive all “F’s” for the semester are suspended from Financial Aid  The Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if they:

1. Are admitted and enrolled in a degree or certificate-granting program, or enrolled in a course of study that is directly transferable toward completion of a baccalaureate or professional degree. Full-time enrollment is required for some aid programs. Some courses/programs are not eligible for financial aid. Student’s official enrollment status will be determined on the 11th day of enrollment each semester.

2. QUALITATIVE ELIGIBILITY-CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE
   Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average consistent with CCCUA’s graduation standards to receive financial aid.  Students who are suspended because of failure to maintain the minimum GPA are not making satisfactory academic progress.  The minimum cumulative grade point required at CCCUA is a 2.00. Note: Reinstatement to class by the admissions/adjustment committee does not reinstate a student into the Financial Aid Programs.
   

3. QUANTITATIVE ELIGIBILITY-CREDIT HOURS
   Federal regulations require that students complete a course of study within 150% of the time allotted for the program.  A student may receive financial aid until the student completes an associate degree and/or accumulates a maximum of 105 credit hours, whichever occurs first.

   All semester hours count whether or not a student received aid during the semester.  All hours attempted include repeated courses, F’s, W’s, I’s and audits.
   

Transfer Students:    Transcripts from previous colleges will be evaluated in the same manner as CCCUA transcripts.  Transfer students that have an associate degree or 105 credit hours attempted will not receive financial aid.  Students not meeting the cumulative GPA and semester hours attempted will be placed on financial aid probation.

Students who are placed on probation or suspended may submit a written appeal to the Financial Aid Office if extenuating circumstances exist (illness of student, death of a family member, etc.). Appeal forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.  Appeals must be submitted within 30 days from the date semester grades are mailed.  The Financial Aid Appeals Committee who will issue the final decision will review appeals

If you need more information or have questions about your financial aid eligibility, contact us at 1.800.844.4471 or 870.584.4471 and ask to speak to a Financial Aid representative.