Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Application Process
• Enrollment/Academic Status
• Award Letter/Summary
• Loan Process
• Purchasing Books
• Disbursement
• Scholarships
• Student Employment
• Veterans Benefits

Award Letter/Summary

1. How does financial aid determine the amount of money I can receive?
   
   Cost of education, minus (EFC) Expected Family Contribution, minus other aid/benefits, equals financial need. Once eligibility is established, aid may be adjusted based on enrollment.
   
   

   A.	Financial need is the difference from cost of education, minus EFC and other aid.
   B.	Cost of Education: Educational budget used to calculate the cost of education. This budget includes items such as tuition, fees, books, transportation, room/board and personal/miscellaneous items.
   C.	Information provided on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to calculate your EFC. EFC is the amount you/your family are expected to contribute to the cost of your education.
   D.	Other aid/resources: Include such benefits as veterans benefits, scholarships, work- study, loans and sources other than awarded by FCCJ.
   E.	Aid will be adjusted based on number of enrolled credit hours.

   
   

   For a free EFC calculator, visit the SallieMae® CollegeAnswer.com® Web site.
   
   A free Pell estimator is available online through FCCJ’s Artemis/Connections (student portal) under “financial aid.”

2. How can I view the status of my award letter?
   
   Student can log on to Artemis/Connections (student portal) student account, select “current academic year,” then select “financial aid” to see the status of their financial aid award along with other important financial aid information, and forms.
   
   An award letter is also mailed to students; therefore, having a current address on file is very important.
   
   
3. How can I reject one or all of my awards?
   
   Return your award letter only if you are decreasing or decline your award. Initial the appropriate aid being decreased or declined and submit letter to the student success office on campus.
   
   
4. What are the available resources?
   
   All sources of aid and/or assistance offered to the student to assist with their educational needs.
   
   
5. What is financial aid need?
   
   Cost of education, minus (EFC) Expected Family Contribution, minus other aid/benefits, equals financial need.
   
   
6. Can I use financial aid and the Bright Futures scholarship at the same time?
   
   Yes, Pell Grants and Bright Futures can be awarded at the same time. Other aid, such as loans, work-study, scholarships and other grants may be adjusted as the financial need is meet.
   
   
7. Will my financial aid pay for my tuition and books?
   
   

   The student aid office will notify the business office of your financial aid award. The aid will automatically be applied against your bill. For Stafford Loan recipients, loan funds will not be available for coverage to pay for your tuition and fees until FCCJ has a record of your signed promissory note and completion of the entrance loan counseling requirement.

   If the combined aid (Pell Grant, SEOG, FSAG, Star Opportunity Grant (formerly Institutional Needs Fund), Stafford Student Loan, PSAV Grant and other scholarships) is not enough to cover your tuition and fees, you must pay the difference from your own resources by the final payment deadline date. Your classes will be cancelled if the bill is not paid in full.