Financial Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I receive financial aid if I did not graduate from high school?

A student must have either a standard high school diploma or be a GED graduate in order to be eligible for financial aid. A student will not be eligible for financial aid until the transcript reflects their graduation date.

What is an Ability to Benefit (ATB) documentation?

The term “ability to benefit” refers to your ability to benefit from a college education. ATB documentation is dependant somewhat on the student’s circumstances.

You may satisfy ATB by providing your high school transcripts with a graduation date. Transcripts turned in prior to actual graduation can not be considered. If you have a general diploma your transcript will be used to satisfy ATB. If you have a special diploma (you did not pass FCAT for instance) your transcript can not satisfy ATB. For these reasons all transcripts must be submitted and evaluated by the college before it can be determined if a student is eligible to receive financial aid.

Score high enough on the College Placement Test (CPT). Required scores: Reading comprehension (55), and Sentence Skills (60) and Arithmetic (34). All three scores must be met.

How does my previous college transcripts affect my financial aid?

It is required that all previous accredited college transcripts be evaluated. GPA’s from those transcripts will be transferred as well as successful and unsuccessful courses.

How does my program of study (POS) affect my financial aid?

The program of study that you choose is important because not all programs are eligible for financial aid. Any of the A.S. degrees or A.A. degree are eligible programs for financial aid. If you are choosing a technical certificate or a vocational program requiring less than 600 clock hours/24 credits, you should check with your financial aid office. The financial aid office will be able to inform you if the program you have chosen is an eligible program.

If I graduated with a degree can I apply for financial assistance?

If you already have a four year degree or higher and all your credits transfer then you will exceed the 150 percent standard of academic progress (SAP). This will make you ineligible for financial aid unless you qualify for an appeal.

If you are attempting to receive two degrees at FCCJ then it is possible to complete two programs. For example, you may be getting an A.A. degree and an A.S. degree that require all the same general education requirements (math, English, humanities etc). You have used some of your elective hours toward classes needed for an A.S. degree then you may actually receive both degrees without exceeding the 150 percent standard of progress therefore eligible to receive financial aid throughout both degrees. In order to accomplish this goal you must make sure not to take any unnecessary classes. It is advised that you see your academic advisor at least every other semester to be assured that all classes are within one of your programs of study.

Does financial aid cover non-degree seeking programs?

No, for general purposes financial aid requires that a student be degree/certificate seeking. A student can be in a vocational program, teaching certificate or in a technical certificate that is an eligible program and still receive financial aid.

What programs of study are eligible for financial aid funding?

A.A., A.S. and A.A.S. degrees are eligible for Title IV financial aid. Technical certificates with a minimum of 24 credit hours and vocational programs with 600 or more hours are also eligible for Title IV financial aid.

Am I eligible for financial aid if I am on academic warning or probation?

Students meet with academic advisors if they are on academic warning or probation. If the student is allowed to register then they will be eligible to receive financial aid. The only exception is if the student is not meeting satisfactory academic progress. An appeal process is in place if the students have extenuating circumstances.

What is verified attendance?

Verified attendance takes place after the initial add drop period. Students have the opportunity to attend each class one time before the drop period. Some scholarships such as child care verify attendance.

My financial aid appeal was denied. Are there any other funding sources available?

Check with your financial aid office to learn of any possible funding. Some options are available and can be reviewed on an individual basis.

How do I transfer my financial aid from one institution to another?

Financial aid is not transferable, however, students may go on-line with their federal pin number and add the school code of the new institution they are transferring to. The student may also call 1.880.4.FED.AID if they have the DRN# from their student aid report. Students transferring during spring or summer sessions that have Stafford loans will want to contact their lender to cancel the second disbursement of their loan so they can reapply at the new school.

What happens if I completely stop attending all of my classes?

You must officially withdraw from school. The College is required to return a portion of your financial aid to Federal Student Aid Programs. FCCJ will calculate the appropriate amount to be returned based on a federally mandated formula. As a result, you may be responsible for a portion of your bill and/or repayment of some financial aid funds that were already disbursed to you, unless you complete more than 60 percent of the semester. If you unofficially withdraw (stop attending) or your academic transcript reflects unsuccessful completion of all courses, FCCJ will have your aid calculated based on completing 50 percent of the term. As a result, you will be required to return a portion of the aid you received, and you will be responsible for your unpaid educational expenses. Documentation of an academic related activity may be used to calculate the last date of attendance. A detailed statement on the refund policy is on file in the campus enrollment services/financial aid office.