Financial Aid Guide What is financial aid? Financial Aid is any type of funding that assists you in paying for your educational costs. The funding sources can be federal, state, private, or institutional. Federal Student Aid provides financial assistance to students enrolled in eligible programs at participating postsecondary schools (accredited two-year or four-year public or private educational institutions, career schools or trade schools) to cover the cost of educational expenses. Educational expenses include tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Most federal aid is need-based. The three most common types of federal aid are grants, loans, and work-study funds. How do I apply for financial aid? To apply for federal student aid, you must complete the FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov. Be sure to include CCC s school code (004878) under School Information. Completing the FAFSA is the first step to applying for financial aid funds. CCC will use the information from your FAFSA to determine how much student aid you are eligible to receive. There will be additional forms that Clackamas Community College will request from you after you complete the FAFSA. Students can complete the FAFSA form starting January 1 st of each year. Apply early. Some funds have deadlines, limited funding, or are awarded based on first-come-first served. Completing the FAFSA in January is necessary to be considered for state aid, as well. Please note that additional information may be requested. For information on institutional aid, contact the institution you plan to attend. Who is eligible for financial aid? Eligible students must: Demonstrate financial need (for most programs); Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen; Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau); Be registered with Selective Service, if you re a male (you must register between the ages of 18 and 25);
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program; Be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) to be eligible for Direct Loan Program funds; Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Sign statements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant and you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes; and show you re qualified to obtain a college or career school education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law. What are the types of aid I can apply for? State and Federal Financial Aid State Funding Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) Students who are legal residents of Oregon may be eligible for the Oregon Opportunity Grant from the state of Oregon. Oregon students apply for the Oregon Opportunity Grant by completing the FAFSA. No other application is needed. Submit your FAFSA as soon as possible. OOG funding is contingent on student eligibility, FAFSA submission deadlines and availability of state funds. Federal Funding Federal Pell Grant Program The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal grant aid program available to undergraduate students. It provides assistance to eligible students and is the "foundation" of financial aid packaging. Student eligibility is based on financial need, which is determined through statutory formulas developed by the U.S. Congress. To apply for the Federal Pell Grant, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. Students must also meet other eligibility criteria established by the federal government. [Federal Aid Eligibility Criteria] Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a form of assistance to supplement the Federal Pell Grant. FSEOG provides grant assistance to make available the benefits of post-secondary education to qualified students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for this grant. FSEOG funding is contingent upon student eligibility and availability of funds. It is important that you complete your FAFSA early and submit all the required documentation to Clackamas Community College as soon as possible. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program The U.S. Department of Education has two federal student loan programs: The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program is the largest federal student loan program. Under this program, the U.S. Department of Education is your lender. There are four types of Direct Loans available: Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a college or career school. Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan. Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Direct Consolidation Loans allow you to combine all of your eligible federal student loans into a single loan with a single loan servicer. Clackamas Community College determines the amount you can borrow based on federal limits. The amount may not exceed your financial need. Your FAFSA information helps us to determine your eligibility. For a Direct Subsidized Loan, the U.S. Department of Education pays the interest while you re in school at least half-time, for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period*), and during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments). *Note: If you receive a Direct Subsidized Loan that is first disbursed between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014, you will be responsible for paying any interest that accrues during your grace period. If you choose not to pay the interest that accrues during your grace period, the interest will be added to your principal balance.
For a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, you are responsible for paying the interest during all periods. If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan). What are the maximum loans I can borrow? Dependent Subsidized Unsubsidized Combined Independent Subsidized Unsubsidized Combined Freshman $3,500 $2,000 $5,500 Freshman $3,500 $6,000 $9,500 Sophomore (45+ completed credits) $4,500 $2,000 $6,500 Sophomore $4,500 $6,000 $10,500 Note: As a result of legislation enacted in July 2012, eligibility for the Direct Loan interest subsidy will be limited for new borrowers on or after July 1, 2013. The law restricts the period of time for which a borrower may receive subsidized loans, in the aggregate, to 150 percent of the published length of the student s current educational program. Once the student reaches that limit, he or she may borrow only unsubsidized loans, and interest begins to accrue on the student s outstanding subsidized loan(s). Federal Work Study Program The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Click here to learn about the Federal Work Study Process http://www.clackamas.edu/workstudy/ Institutional Aid Tuition Waivers: Contact the Financial Aid Office for details. Emergency Grant: Allows for a one-time assistance for unforeseen circumstances; for returning students who have not received financial aid funding; and who have at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, and be in a good standing with financial aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information. Child Care Grant: Contact the Associated Student Government for information. Book Grant: Contact the Associated Student Government for information. Short Term Book Loan: Up to $500.00 for financial aid students who met the Financial Aid Recommended Deadline but are still waiting for financial aid to be processed. Contact Student Accounts for information. How long does the financial aid process take?
The federal and state financial aid process can take up to 12 weeks during peak times. Following our financial aid Recommended Deadlines is strongly recommended. If you miss the recommended deadlines for financial aid, you are responsible for all your expenses until your aid is processed. Can I use estimates when completing the FAFSA? Yes. You may estimate but you must log back in and correct your information when actual amounts are known. How do I obtain an IRS Tax Transcript? To obtain a 2014 IRS Tax Return Transcript, Go to www.irs.gov, under the Tools heading on the IRS homepage, click "Get Transcript of Your Tax Records." Click Get Transcript ONLINE or Get Transcript by MAIL. Make sure to request the IRS Tax Return Transcript and NOT the IRS Tax Account Transcript. Alternatively, students may call 1-800-908-9946. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What do I do if I want to transfer? If you are receiving federal financial aid, and you want to transfer to CCC, log on to your FAFSA online and add CCC (0048478) to the school information section. Don t forget to submit the correction for processing. When will I receive my award letter? After the student has submitted all of their requested forms/documents in their My Documents link, the processing for an award letter may take up to 12 weeks. Students must continue checking their myclackamas email account and My Documents link weekly during the processing time as additional forms may be requested. Once the award letter has been completed, the student will be notified in their myclackamas email account. The student must then accept/reject their offer of aid online. When will I receive my financial aid money? Generally, funds may be disbursed 1-2 weeks after the student accepts their award online. Funding for a new quarter/term begins on the first day of the term. Note: First-time loan borrowers are subject to a 30-day delay before their first disbursement. In addition, one-term loans must have split disbursements. The 1 st half disburses at the beginning of term, and the 2 nd half at the midpoint of the term. How long does it take to evaluate my official transcripts?
The evaluation of your official transcript(s) may take up to 8 weeks. Does financial aid pay for the purchase of a computer? You may use your financial aid refund to purchase a computer. Will I still be eligible for financial aid if I have already received an associate degree at CCC? No, you are not eligible. An extension request is required from students who have already earned an associate s degree at CCC, a bachelor s degree, or have reached their financial aid credit limit. Will I still be eligible for financial aid if I have already received a certificate at CCC? Students who have earned one certificate at CCC are permitted to continue on toward completing a second certificate or associate s degree without having to file for an extension. An extension is required from students having two or more certificates at CCC. How will the credits I take in high school affect my financial aid eligibility? Credits taken while in high will be counted towards your financial aid eligibility at CCC. The credits will be counted towards determining your pace towards completing your degree, grade point average, and the length of time it takes to complete your degree. Obtaining college credits while in high school is a great accomplishment, and it may help you earned your degree sooner. Click below to view the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. http://www.clackamas.edu/satisfactory_academic_progress_standards.aspx How will my Advanced College Credits (ACC) affect my financial aid eligibility? Advanced College Credits are counted toward a student s Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards (pace, cumulative GPA, and 150 percent time frame). Click below to view the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. http://www.clackamas.edu/satisfactory_academic_progress_standards.aspx What is Co-Enrollment/Dual enrollment/degree Partnership/Co-admission? These terms are used to describe our partnerships with three Oregon Universities: Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State, or Portland State. Each follows the same process which allows students to attend both institutions simultaneously. If your goal is a four-year degree, these partnerships can help you get there, saving time and money in the process. For more information: http://www.clackamas.edu/degreepartnerships/ For information on Dual Enrollment with OIT go to: http://www.oit.edu/academics/academic-agreements/dual-enrollment FAQ - http://www.oit.edu/academics/academic-agreements/dual-enrollment/faq
For information on Degree Partnership Program (DPP) with OSU go to: http://oregonstate.edu/partnerships/students FAQ - http://oregonstate.edu/partnerships/faq For information on Co-Admission with PSU go to: http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/co-admission-applicant FAQ - http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/faqs Once I receive financial aid, what is my obligation to maintaining financial aid eligibility? Financial aid students need to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to continue receiving aid. Your pace toward completing a degree/certificate must be 67% or better. Pace is calculated by dividing total completed credits by total attempted credits. You must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. You must take classes that are applicable toward the degree/certificate you are seeking. You must complete all classes paid for by financial aid. Audit courses are not eligible for federal financial aid. If you change a course for which you were paid to an audit, your aid will be recalculated and you will be required to return funds. If you receive a Y grade for a funded course, your aid will be recalculated and you will be required to return the funds as unearned aid. Funding for remedial coursework is limited to 45 credits. You are expected to complete your degree, certificate or transfer program within a specific time-frame limit (150 percent credit limitation). This time frame is measured in credit hours. When a student reaches the time-frame limit, they will not be eligible for financial aid unless a Request for Financial Aid Extension is submitted and approved. All attempted credits are counted toward the time-frame limit. This includes all courses for which you have received passing, non-passing, or audit grades, and courses recorded as withdrawals; regardless if they were paid for by financial aid or the student. Courses you drop after the add/drop period or courses that you stop attending are recorded as withdrawals. Click here to view the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress. http://www.clackamas.edu/satisfactory_academic_progress_standards.aspx What are a few tips for being a successful financial aid student? Complete all of your classes. Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Maintain at least 67% progression toward completing your degree (pace).
Not attending full-time? For any term you are not attending full-time (12 credits), you must submit a Change in Aid form to the Financial Aid Office (accepted only if funds have not been disbursed). Check your myclackamas email account weekly, especially if you are still waiting for an award letter. Take at least a credit class; do not take all P/NP classes in one term. Be aware that financial aid does not pay for audit classes. Contact Financial Aid by email (this is the best way to communicate with the Financial Aid Office). Apply early and submit all your required documentation by the recommended deadline. Link to the IRS when completing your FAFSA. Contact Us Email: Financial Aid: finaid@clackamas.edu Scholarships: scholarships@clackamas.edu Federal Work-Study: workstudy@clackamas.edu Financial Aid Drop-in Hours at the Oregon City Campus: Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Note: The College is closed on Fridays during the summer). Minimal services are available at the Wilsonville and Harmony campuses. FAFSA Lab Drop-in Hours at the Oregon City Campus: Need help completing the FAFSA? Visit our FAFSA Lab in Roger Rook Hall. Dropin hours are Monday through Thursday, 10:00a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call: The Cougar Call Center is open during normal business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone Number: 503-594-6100 Mailing Address: Clackamas Community College The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships 19600 Molalla Ave. Oregon City, OR 97045 FAX: 503-722-5864 Terminology for Financial Aid A glossary of commonly used terms and acronyms:
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - This is the application used to apply for federal aid. Many scholarships and institutional aids are requiring the completion of this form as well. This form is the foundation for grants, loans, scholarships, etc. SAR (Student Aid Report) - A summary of the information reported on the FAFSA and sent to the student. CCC does not require a copy of your SAR. COA (Cost of Attendance) - An estimate of the costs incurred while attending CCC. Every institution has different COA. EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - The amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. The EFC is determined by the Federal Processor. Your EFC minus your COA at CCC determines your Financial Need. Federal Processor - The Department of Education s organization for processing FAFSA application data. The portal/myclackamas - CCC s secure self-service web portal. This is where you can access your CCC email, register for classes, view missing documents, view your balance, make a payment, accept/reject your financial aid award, etc. Pell- The Federal Pell Grant program is the largest need-based student aid program. For many students, these grants are the foundation of their financial aid package. Pell Grants are only awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. Awards depend on program funding. You can receive only one Pell Grant in an award year. FWS (Federal Work Study) - Provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student s course of study. The Federal Work- Study Program emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to your course of study, whenever possible. SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) - The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants program is one of three federal campus-based programs. The program provides grants to undergraduates with exceptional financial need (students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions) and gives priority to students who receive Federal Pell Grants. Students are automatically considered when they submit a FAFSA. Students can be awarded between $100 and $4,000, depending on when they apply, their level of need, and the funding level of the school the student is attending. Recipients must be U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited college or university. Nearly one million students receive Federal SEOG grants each year. OOG (Oregon Opportunity Grant) - The Oregon Opportunity Grant is Oregon's largest statefunded need-based grant program for students planning to go to college. Opportunity Grants are funded primarily by Oregon taxpayers. Oregon students apply for the Opportunity Grant by completing the FAFSA, by February 1, which is also the application for most federal student aid
programs. Students must complete a FAFSA each year to ensure access to both federal programs and the grants and scholarships that OSAC administers. SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) - A measurement of your academic progress based upon GPA and completion rate (pace) and credit-limit. Pace - All full-time and part-time students who receive financial aid must stay on pace to graduate on time. Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of credits a student successfully completed by the attempted number of credits. When this calculation falls below 67%, a student is no longer on pace to graduate on time and becomes disqualified. Transfer credits that count toward a student's program are considered within this calculation as credits attempted and credits earned. If you have attended other institutions, you must request for an official transcript to be sent to the Graduation Services Office. All transcripts must be evaluated before your financial aid can be processed. 150% credit limitation - Students are expected to complete their degree, certificate or transfer program within a specific time-frame limit. This time frame is measured in credit hours. When a student reaches the time-frame (credit hour) limit, they will not be eligible for financial aid unless a Financial Aid Extension Appeal is submitted and approved. All attempted credits are counted toward the time-frame (credit hour) limit. This includes all courses for which you have received passing, non-passing, or audit grades, and courses recorded as withdrawals; regardless if they were paid for by financial aid or the student. Courses you drop after the add/drop period or courses that you stop attending are recorded as withdrawals. Please refer to the Clackamas Community Catalog issued the year you first began your program at CCC to determine your program s minimum credits. Multiply the minimum credits by 150% to determine hour maximum timeframe (credit hour) limit. Example: Minimum Credits to Complete an AAOT: 90 credits Multiply 90 credits by 150% Maximum time frame to complete AAOT: 135 credits LEU (Lifetime Eligibility Used) - The Department of Education keeps track of your LEU by adding together the percentages of your Pell Grant scheduled awards that you received for each award year. A student attending full-time, may not receive more than six years (600%) of Pell Grant.