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Student Financial AssistanceTypes of Financial AidFEDERALFederal PELL Grant Students may enroll for fewer than six credits a semester, but award amounts are prorated based on enrollment status. Applications for this award must be made for each academic year by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. (FAFSA) Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Federal Academic Competitive Grant (ACG) Second year award recipients must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and must have already earned at least 30 credits. Total credits earned cannot exceed the total credits required to complete the program of study. Second year recipients must have been enrolled in college as a regular student on or after January 2, 2005. Second year awards are $1,300 for the 2009-10 academic year. No ACG award can exceed the student’s need when all other aid is taken into consideration. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans Effective with the 2009-2010 academic year, Westchester Community College will no longer be participating in the FFELP loan programs. Students and parents needing loans to finance their education will do so under the Federal Direct Loan program. All student loans must be repaid with interest, starting six months after enrollment for fewer than 6 credits. The interest rate is set each June. To be eligible students must be enrolled or accepted for admission for at least six (6) credit hours, be in good academic standing, making satisfactory academic progress, and not be in default on a previous student loan, nor owe a refund on any Title IV programs (FPELL, FSEOG or any student loans) and have satisfied all the Selective Service Act requirements. Loans cannot exceed the student’s own cost of undergraduate education. Under-graduate dependent students who have completed fewer than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan maximum of $5,500. No more than $3,500 of this amount can be subsidized. Second year undergraduate dependent students, that is, students who have completed at least 30 credits are eligible to borrow up to $6,500. No more than $4,500 of this amount can be a subsidized loan. Dependent undergraduate students are limited to an aggregate loan limit of $31,000. No more than $23,000 of this amount can be subsidized loans. Under-graduate independent students who have completed fewer than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan maximum of $9,500. No more than $3,500 of this amount can be subsidized. Second year undergraduate independent students who have completed more than 30 credits are limited to a yearly loan amount of $10,500. No more than $$4,500 of this amount can be a subsidized loan. Independent undergraduate students are limited to an aggregate loan limit of $57,500. No more than $23,000 of this amount can be subsidized loans. Effective with HR 5715 regulation, dependent undergraduate students whose parents are unable to borrow a PLUS Loan due to an adverse credit history may, upon documentation that the parent has been denied a PLUS loan, borrow up to $9,500 (no more than $3,500 in an unsubsidized loan) if a first year student (has completed fewer than 30 credits), and $10,500 (no more than $4,500 in a subsidized loan) as a second year student (has completed more than 30 credits). Interest on subsidized loans is deferred while students are in school for at least 6 credits. The interest rate on subsidized loans disbursed after July 1, 2009 will be 5.6%. Interest on unsubsidized loans is 6.8% Students are required to pay the interest of unsubsidized loans even when enrolled for six or more credits. Student’s, however, do have the option to defer this interest payment which will be added unto the principal (capitalized). It is suggested that students pay the interest while enrolled or eligible for other deferments to reduce the overall cost of the loan. The college does not automatically package students with loans. Students who feel that their need is not being met by grants may apply for a loan. Students seeking a loan must be enrolled for at least credits or the equivalent. The average loan indebtedness for students who graduated from Westchester community College in May 2008 was $7,091.96. How to apply for a Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan
Federal Direct PLUS Loans to Parents of Undergraduate Students Parents of undergraduate students may borrow up to the cost of education per year for each financially dependent student, taking into account all other financial aid received. Repayment begins within 60 days of disbursement, unless a deferment applies. The interest rate on a Federal Direct PLUS Loan is fixed at 7.9%. For further information, click Parent Federal Plus Direct Loan Process. Federal Work Study (FWS) This program provides jobs both on and off-campus for students who have additional need which cannot be met by grants or loans alone. Need, class schedule, academic progress, and health status determine the award. Students must meet all other federal eligibility requirements. The Career and Transfer Center arranges jobs, including community service jobs and jobs falling under America Reads/America Counts. Salaries generally begin at $7.70 per hour based on skill and job requirements. Students hired under the America Reads Program have a starting salary of $9.25 per hour. In any academic year, a student may work for the number of hours that earns a gross salary equal to the dollar amount of his or her award. Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis. The Career and Transfer Center provides a listing of Federal Work-Study jobs available on campus and in the community, as well as administrative procedures for student placement. Working hours should not conflict with class schedules. Students may not work for more than an average of 20 hours a week while classes are in session and 40 hours during vacation periods. The college must make employment reasonably available to all eligible students. In the event that more students are eligible for FWS than funds are available, preference is given to students who have the greatest financial need. If you find that you are not eligible for financial aid, you are encouraged to use the Career and Transfer Center (see Student Life and Services). The Center can help you locate part-time and summer jobs from which you may earn a large part of your college expenses. STATETuition Assistance Program (TAP) Part-Time TAP Award Accelerated TAP Award APTS (Aid for Part-Time Study) APTS is a campus-based program where recipients and award amounts are determined locally by the participating institution rather than as an entitlement program with fixed award schedules that are administered by a central processing agency. To be considered for an APTS award, students must:
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) World Trade Center Memorial Program Awards are made for full-time undergraduate study at approved colleges and other postsecondary institutions in New York State for studies in collegiate programs of at least one year’s duration leading to a degree, diploma or certificate; hospital programs leading to licensure or certification in nursing or other fields of medical or health technology; and for two-year programs in registered private business school. Note: New York State resident family members who were enrolled in undergraduate programs at U.S. colleges or universities located outside New York State on September 11, 2001 are also eligible for scholarship payments at that school. Awards cover up to four years of full-time undergraduate studies (or five years in an approved five-year bachelor’s program). Students at a public college or university (SUNY or CUNY) have the following included in their scholarship award: actual tuition and mandatory educational fees; an allowance for room and board; and allowance for books, supplies and transportation. The total aid a student receives is affected by other grants and cannot exceed the cost of education. Students must submit a World Trade Center application for any year in which they wish to receive payment. Students must also file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a TAP Application. Memorial Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters Flight 587 Memorial Scholarship for children, spouses and financial dependents of individuals killed in American airlines flight 587 crash in Queens, NY on 11/12/01 Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as the TAP application and the appropriate award supplement. Volunteer Recruitment Service Scholarship Recipients must have an academic average of "C" or better, must be an active volunteer, attend a college within 50 miles of the volunteer organization and be enrolled in school for the duration of the scholarship. The maximum award for attending Westchester Community College is $3,550, the annual full time tuition. Applicants must have applied for TAP. Contact your volunteer organization for further information. Deadline date is May1, 2009. Aid to Native Americans Educational Incentive Program SUNY Empire State/ Diversity Honors Scholarship New York State Lottery leaders of tomorrow Scholarship Awards are $5,000 payable in increments of $1,250 per year. Awards along with other assistance cannot exceed the recipient’s cost of attendance. Recipients must complete studies within five years after graduation. Contact your high school counselor. Recommendations for this award must be submitted by your high school counselor by March1, 2009 for the 2009-2010 academic year. Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program Applications are available from your high school Guidance Office. Deadline for 2009-10 is March 1, 2020. Scholarships for Academic Excellence Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID) VESID may pay up to the full-time tuition and fees charged at Westchester Community College and up to $675 a semester for documented room and board charges. VESID will cover up to $550 a semester for required textbooks. If additional funds are required for textbooks above the $550, students should document their need and submit to the VESID counselor. Funds for textbooks do not include expendable supplies such as paper, pencils and notebooks, unless they are uniquely related and required for participation in a specific course, or required because of limitations resulting from a disability Application Process
Submit documentation that the student has filed for all eligible state and federal financial aid grants and proof of grants received to VESID by June 1 for the Fall term and November 1 for the Spring term. For more information on eligibility requirements, students should contact the VESID area office at 914-946-1313 or TTY 914-946-4634. Veterans BenefitsNew York State Combat Veteran Tuition Award: Those veterans who served during the Vietnam Era, Operation Desert Shield/Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation Enduring Freedom are eligible to receive up to 98% of the resident SUNY, CUNY, or Community College tuition. Note that although the award is available regardless of income, students are now required to file both a FAFSA and TAP application in addition to the Veteran Tuition Award to be
eligible for this award. Once TAP is processed, the TAP grant will pay the remaining 2% of the tuition. The CVTA application is available at the following site: Complete the questionnaire on line and mail a copy of your DD-214 to HESC as instructed on the questionnaire. National Guard Tuition Program
Students may receive up to $3,400/year ($1,700/semester) or tuition, whichever is less. Federal Pell and TAP awards will be deducted from tuition first, and the balance of tuition would be aid through this program. The Division of Military and Naval Affairs Educational Incentive Program Application is available from the National Guard. Students are responsible to pay the money back if they drop out of classes. Child of Veteran (CV) or Corrections Officer (CO) Military Service Recognition Scholarship for members of the armed services of the U.S or state organized militia who, while New York State residents, at any time on or after August 2, 1990, became severely and permanently disabled as a result of injury or illness incurred in a combat theatre or combat zone or during military training operations in preparation for duty in a combat theatre or combat zone of operation. Also, children spouses and financial dependents of member of the above forces who were New York State residents at any time on or after August 2, 199, who died, became severely and permanently disabled as a result in injuries suffered or incurred, or are classified missing in action as a result of military activities as described above are also eligible. Applicants must be a full time undergraduate student in an approved New York State post-secondary institution and must submit documentation supporting eligibility. In addition to applying for a TAP, award applicants must file the appropriate award supplement by May 1, 2009. Supplement may be requested from NYSHESC by calling 1-888-697-4372. New York State Educational Incentive Program Federal Vocational Rehab (Chapter 31)Commonly called Vocational Rehabilitation, this program covers those service members with a service connected disability. Those looking to qualify for this program will first need to have the VA determine both their level of disability and the appropriate remedy. Note that the program of study will need to be approved prior to enrollment, and all classes attempted must lead to the specified degree. Tuition, fees, books, and supplies will be paid by the VA to the college directly. The student is responsible for presenting the form 1905-22 to the VA certifying official to insure payment. The student is responsible for reporting any changes in enrollment and academic progress to his or her VA counselor. Survivor Benefits (Chapter 35)Survivor benefits are paid to the children or spouse of a veteran declared 100% disabled, died as a result of a service connected disability, killed action, or missing in action. The benefit is a monthly stipend paid after school certification, and the student is not required to report attendance each month. Payment is prorated if the student is less than full time, and those taking less than 6 credits will only receive partial payment for the semester. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). This program is limited to reservists and National Guard personnel who have not been called to active duty. Similar to the Montgomery GI BILL, the benefit is a monthly stipend paid after the school certifies registration. The amount paid is the same regardless of length of service; however payment is prorated for those taking less than full time study. Those taking less than 6 credits will only receive partial payment for the semester. Also, the student is required to certify attendance each month, and payment will be withheld if this is not completed. REAP This program creates a new veterans education benefits program for persons on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. It increases the maximum monthly veterans education benefits under the pre-existing Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (MGIB) from $1,101 to $1,321and allows active duty service members to transfer to family members MGIB and other veterans education benefits. Veterans will have 15 years to use the Post-9/11Bill benefits as compared to 10 under MGIB. Benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill are paid directly to the beneficiary. Who Is Eligible
Compared to the pre-existing veterans education benefits programs, which remain in effect, the Post-9/11 GI Bill generally provides a better benefits package in terms of eligibility criteria, eligibility period and financial value. However, please be aware that the best veterans education benefits program for a person who is eligible for multiple programs, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill will depend on the person’s individual circumstances. NOTE: Once a veteran selects the Post- 9/11 GI bill program, he/she cannot revert back to the MGIB.Veterans are therefore cautioned to weigh carefully which of the two programs will serve them better. For additional information, please contact the Veteran’s Counselor located in the Financial Aid Office or e-mail brian.smarsh@sunywcc.edu Additional Sources of Aid
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What is Financial Aid?
| Types of Financial Aid
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General Eligibility for Financial Aid
How and When to Apply for Aid |
Downloadable Application Forms
Eligibility Verification
| Important Phone
Numbers,
Codes, Links and Addresses
Questions?
| Financial Aid Terminology
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Changing School Plans
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