Financial Aid
Welcome to the Office of Student Financial Assistance
The Office of Student Financial Assistance Mission Statement
The Office of Student Financial Assistance plays a major role in providing access to post-secondary education for students by assisting them in receiving grants, work, loans and scholarships to finance their higher education. The Office of Student Financial Assistance serves as a student advocate while also advancing institutional policy and objectives within the framework of rules and regulations governing State, Federal and Private funding sources of aid to whom it must account for the expenditure of funds. Excelsior Scholarship - Free Fall 2017 tuition for eligible studentsImportant Dates
05/01/2020 Priority deadline for fall 2020 semester 10/31/2019 Priority deadline for spring 2020 semester FAFSA 2020-2021 application available on lineAbility to Benefit Financial Aid Exam Review Material
CLICK HEREFinancial Aid Workshop
Financial Aid Workshop ScheduleImportant Information
Pell grants for Students in Career Pathways Programs Alert: To order tax transcript, the online Get Transcript service is currently unavailable. You may still order transcripts using the Get Transcript by Mail service at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript- FSA ID replaces Federal PIN for all Federal Student Aid websites. Click the link, Create An FSA ID, at https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm.
- How to Create An FSA ID Step by Step (PDF)
- All federal student and parent loans will be processed under the Federal Direct effective with the Fall 09 semester. For more information, please click on one of the following links: Loan Programs
- Tutorial Guide to complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- How to check Financial aid Status on the Web
- How to View Your Financial Aid
Accepting Your Financial Aid Award $
Students are required to accept their Financial Aid award on the MyWCC portal, Student Center page.- Log-on to MyWCC.SUNYWCC.edu
- Click the word “Student Center”
- Under the “Finances” tab select (Accept/Decline Award) Located under “View Financial Aid”
- Accept the award and SUBMIT
What Is Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance?
Financial Aid is assistance in the form of grants, loans, and work. It is provided by federal, state, local or private sources to help meet college expenses. Most financial aid is based on financial need, enrollment status, satisfactory academic progress and attendance, and availability of funds. It is intended to supplement, not to replace, family and student contributions. Loans must be repaid with interest.
The information you supply on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine your (or your family’s) contribution to your college education. Financial need is defined as the difference between total college costs (tuition, fees, transportation, books, and personal expenses) and the student’s and/or family’s contribution.
How Cost of Education is Determined To determine how much financial aid you may receive, the Office of Student Financial Assistance first determines your cost of attendance. Below is a sample cost of attendance for an academic year for full time students who are dependent and independent paying resident tuition and for an independent and dependent student required to pay non-resident tuition based on 2017-2018 tuition charges.
Sample Budget Full-Time, 12 or more units
| DEPENDENT IN STATE | DEPENDENT NON-RESIDENT | |
| TUITION | 4,280 | 11,770 |
| FEES | 572 | 572 |
| BOOKS | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| ROOM | 0 | 0 |
| BOARD | 3,100 | 3,100 |
| PERSONAL | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 2,200 | 2,200 |
| TOTAL | 13,352 | 20,842 |
| INDEPENDENT IN-STATE | INDEPENDENT NON-RESIDENT | |
| TUITION | 4,280 | 11,770 |
| FEES | 572 | 572 |
| BOOKS | 2,000 | 2,000 |
| ROOM | 6,200 | 6,200 |
| BOARD | 3,100 | 3,100 |
| PERSONAL | 1,200 | 1,200 |
| TRANSPORTATION | 2,200 | 2,200 |
| TOTAL | 19,552 | 27,042 |
Note: Figures are subject to change. How need is Determined
You and your family’s ability to contribute to your education is determined by a formula set by law which analyzes the information submitted on your FAFSA. The result of this process is referred to as your EFC or Effective Family Contribution.
Your need is your total Cost of Education as determined by the institutional budget minus your EFC or Effective Family Contribution.
Since family financial strength and EFC is based on prior prior years’ income and family situation (e.g. 2015 information is used to determine your EFC for 2017-2018) circumstances could have changed such as loss of job, death etc. If you or your family experience dramatic changes in their financial situation form one year to the next, you should collect all appropriate documentation and make an appointment with your financial aid counselor to have your circumstances re-evaluated.
Codes, Government Websites and Telephone Numbers
Codes:
- FAFSA Code: 002881
- TAP Code: 2160
Government Websites:
Federal
- Department of Education: www.ed.gov, 1-800-872-5327
- Federal Student Aid: www.studentaid.ed.gov, 1-800-433-3243/TTY 1-800-730-8913
- FAFSA on the web: www.fafsa.gov, 1-800-433-3243/TTY 1-800-730-8913
- FSA ID: https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm, 1-800-433-3243/TTY 1-800-730-8913
- Direct Loan Entrance Counseling: www.studentloans.gov.
- Direct Loan Master Promissory Note: www.studentloans.gov.
- Direct Loan Exit Interview: http://mappingyourfuture.org/, 1-800-374-4072
- Direct Loan and Pell grant national data system: www.nslds.ed.gov, 1-800-433-3243 TTY 1-800-730-8913
- Loan Ombudsman Group: www.ombudsman.ed.gov, 1-877-557-2575
- Selective Service: www.sss.gov, 1-888-655-1825, 1-847-688-6888
- Tax Transcripts: http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript, 1-800-829-1040
- Veteran's Benefits or status: www.benefits.va.gov, 1-800-827-1000
NY State
- HESC/TAP https://www.hesc.ny.gov : , 1-888-697-4372,
- New York State Department of Taxation: www.tax.ny.gov, 518-457-5181
- The New York State Advocacy Unit, 1-888-215-0196
Financial Hold/Student Loan Exit Counseling
A Financial Hold will prevent your aid from being processed through our system.
It is because you borrowed a Federal Direct Student Loan or a FFELP loan to help finance your college education at Westchester Community College and/or another college. Our records indicate that you fall into one of the following categories:- Not registered in this current semester
- Not registered at Westchester Community College, but are registered at another college
- Enrolled for less than 6 credits
- Scheduled to graduate at the end of this semester
- Indicated on your loan application that you would graduate this semester
- Withdrew or dropped out of school
- Select Complete Online counseling (menu on left)
- Select Exit Counseling
- Select Direct Loan Exit (previously Stafford exit)
- Begin Exit Counseling.
If you have any questions or comments you may reach the Financial Aid Office at (914) 606-6615.
Contact Us
Administration Building, Room 120 Phone: 914-606-6773 Fax: 914-606-7807 finaid@sunywcc.eduFinancial Aid Office Hours
Monday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.Tuesday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday – 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Thursday – 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Friday – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Financial literacy courses are available through SUNY Smart Track Financial Literacy where you can learn about a wide variety of financial matters such as budgeting, smart borrowing, and identify theft. First time users will need to create an account.
When Do I Apply
To ensure timely processing of your financial aid, all applications should be submitted at least three months prior to the date you intend to register. We urge all students to apply for aid soon after April 15 or earlier, after their taxes have been filed. The recommended Priority Packaging Date for the fall semester is May 1. For the spring semester it is October 30. Priority is given to students who not only successfully completed their FAFSA but also submitted all necessary information to the college by the respective priority processing dates.How Do I Apply
- Federal aid
- Federal Loans
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan
- TAP (New York State Residents Only)
- APTS (Aid for Part Time Study)
- Scholarship
Video
7 Easy Steps to Complete FAFSAWho is Eligible?
To be eligible for federal student aid you must at least:
- Be matriculated in a degree program or certificate program of 24 or more credits*. In some cases, less-than-half-time students may be eligible for FSEOG, FWS and/or FPELL aid programs, depending upon appropriation and funds availability.
- Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- 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 evaluated to have need. Need is defined as the cost of education (tuition, fees, books, etc.) minus the expected student and/or family contribution.
- Not owe a refund for any federal aid received at Westchester Community College or any other college.
- Possess a HS diploma or GED. Transcripts or other official proof of completion must be submitted to the Office of Admissions before aid can be disbursed.
- Not be convicted of any offense involving the possession or sale of a controlled substance while receiving federal aid.
- 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
- Meet federal Satisfactory Progress Standards. (SAP).
- Meet the college’s academic standards.
- Not have a college Financial Aid Hold.
To be eligible for TAP you must at least:
- Be a legal resident of New York State (that is, you must have lived in the State for at least one year prior to the first term for which you are seeking payment).
- Be a US citizen, permanent resident or hold an I-94 visa as a refugee, paroled refugee or conditional entrant.
- Have a US high school diploma, GED, or received a passing score on an approved ability-to-benefit test.
- Be matriculated in a degree program or certificate program of 24 or more credits*. Be enrolled full-time, that is, must have 12 credits or more--which includes at least one 15 week course--all of which must be registered before add-drop period of the 15 week course is over.
- Remain in good academic standing for New York State financial aid programs by meeting Academic Progress requirements and demonstrating Program Pursuit each semester you receive TAP.
- Meet the economic criteria.
- Not be in default of a Federal Student Loan (see eligibility for federal student aid above)
*Certificate programs that require less than 24 credits are not eligible either for federal or state financial aid. These include:
- Computer Programing
- Medical Billing and Coding --for any requirement term prior to Fall 2016
- Teaching Assistant
Types of Financial Aid
Federal (Westchester Community College Federal school code 002881)
Grants Loans Federal Work StudyNY State (Westchester Community College NYS school code 2160)
Grants Scholarships and AwardsPrivate
Scholarships Private Student loans VETERANSOTHER
Viking Dining Dollars Rent Textbooks in the FSA BookstoreAbility to Benefit
ATB Study Guide and Materials for Financial Aid TAP Eligibility (Foreign Diplomas)
The Ability to Benefit (ATB) testing requirement is for students who are seeking financial aid awards under the state's Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and do not have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED) from a United States high school. In order for you to be considered for a New York State grant, such as the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), you must successfully complete the Ability to Benefit (ATB) Test. Do not use this page/form if you are applying to take the 24 Credit GED Program.
This test is separate and in addition to the College placement test you may have already taken. Please be aware, the ATB test is not the sole determinate in the distribution of these awards.
All testing will take place in coordination with the Testing and Assessment Center. You must schedule your ATB exam below. ATB tests are scheduled separately from regular placement exams. They will be offered multiple times per month at both the Valhalla Campus and extension sites.
Please Sign Up for the ATB Exam HereQuestions regarding the ATB test can be directed to the Placement Testing Office at Testing.Center@sunywcc.edu or 914-606-6969.
How Federal Verification Works
Around 30% of all students who file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form are selected by the US Department of Education to confirm the accuracy of the information submitted.FAFSA Verification Selection Process & How to Respond
WCC has no control over either the selection process or the extent of data required for Federal Verification. Please go to MYWCC, Student Center to check your status 3-4 business days after successfully submitting your FAFSA. You will also receive notification that you have been selected for Federal Verification and you will need to read through the documentation requests, gather and complete the required paperwork within a short period of receiving your notification. Students who are selected will not receive their award until all verification documents have been submitted and reviewed.The priority deadline for fall semesters is May 1st, for spring semesters is October 30
All required forms for verification purposes are downloadable from our web site.What needs to be verified?
Here's a list of the 2014-2015 information may be required to be verified for students and parents. In order to verify the financial data supplied on your FAFSA we must receive confirmation of your tax data directly from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Due to changes implemented by the federal government, we are now required to collect tax transcripts and can no longer accept copies of tax returns.- Adjusted gross income and taxes paid
- Deductible IRA and SEP payments
- Tax-exempt interest income
- Untaxed portions of IRAs & pensions (excluding rollovers)
- Number of members in the household
- Number attending college
- Child support paid
- Receipt of Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Statement of education purpose
How to Provide Tax Information-Data Retrieval or Tax Transcript?
The choice is yours. The Department of Education requires the information you supplied on your application to be confirmed with the actual tax return you and your parents filed with the Internal Revenue Service. You can do this in one of two ways.- IRS Data Retrieval Tool
- IRS Tax Transcript
- Contact the Identity Protection Specialized Unit (IPSU) toll free number at 800-908-4490 to request an alternate paper tax return transcript known as TRDBV (Tax Return DataBase View) transcript. Submit the TRDBV in place of the tax return transcript for each parent, as appropriate.
- submit a statement signed and dated by the tax filer indicating that he or she was a victim of IRS tax-related identity theft and that the IRS has been made aware of the tax-related identity theft.
- A signed copy of the original tax return that was filed with the IRS;
- An IRS Tax return Transcript (which does not have to be signed), or acceptable IRS alternative, such as Record of Account Transcript, a Return Transcript for Taxpayer (RTFTP), or an Information Returns Processing Transcript Request--Wages (IRPTR-W); and
- A signed copy of the IRS Form 1040X that was filed with the IRS.
- Submit signed copy of that income tax return-with income converted into U.S. dollars for each parent, as appropriate.
Sending Verification Documents to Our Office
We strongly recommend that you submit all documents within 14 days of your notification. Make photocopies for your records. Print your name and WCC student ID number on each page of the documents you submit.Submit all documents in person, fax, or mail
Fax: (914) 606-7807
Mail:
Westchester Community College
Office of Student Financial Assistance
Administration Building, Room 120
75 Grasslands Road
Valhalla, NY 10595
Students receiving financial aid must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to continue to receive assistance. In other words, you have to get good grades and complete enough credit hours to keep you moving toward the successful completion of your degree in an acceptable time period. The standards for financial aid eligibility are not necessarily the same as the College’s requirements for Academic Standing. It is possible to be on probation for academics but not for financial aid (and vice versa).
Financial aid rules and regulations are subject to change. Students are strongly urged to meet with a Financial Aid Counselor to discuss any concerns regarding eligibility for aid.
Federal and state aid each have different progress requirements. It is possible to be eligible for one and not the other.
TAP Academic Progress Requirements
Federal Aid Academic Requirements
Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS) Progress Standards
How is Withdrawals, Incompletes, Failures,Repeated Courses and Transfer credits affect my SAP?
See SUNY Smart Track for Details
Scholarship Eligibility
In order to be eligible for scholarship, students must file for either FAFSA, TAP, or the NYS Dream ACT to be automatically eligible for Westchester Community College Foundation scholarships.- US Citizens and Permanent Residents: FAFSA: www.fafsa.ed.gov or TAP: www.tapweb.org
- Dreamers, DACA or Undocumented: NYS DREAM Act: www.hesc.ny.gov/dream/
- International Students: Click Here
To Fill Out the FAFSA For Fall 2019 and Spring 2020
Please Note: Workshops start PROMPTLY, NO LATE ENTRIES. Times indicated and may last two hours. Report to the Administration Building, Office of Student Financial Assistance, Room 120 at least 10 minutes before the workshop begins. Children WILL NOT be admitted to the workshop. Bring a pen/pencil, eraser. These will not be supplied.Here is what you need to do:
- You MUST apply for a FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov for you and your parents, if applicable, before you attend a workshop.
- Bring complete 2017 income tax and W2 forms for you, your spouse and your parents, if applicable, and make copies of these forms.
- Collect proof of all non-taxable income received by you and your family members for 2017 (e.g. budget sheets, workman’s compensation, child support, social security SSA1099, unemployment, etc.)
- Bring copies of 2017 income tax forms and proof of non-taxable income received in 2017 to one of the following Financial Aid Workshops:
Financial Aid Workshop Schedule
| Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | October 30 | 10:00 AM |
| Thursday | October 31 | 5:00 PM |
Check with the Office of Student Financial Assistance for additional workshop dates. 914-606-6773.
Video Gallery
7 Easy Steps to Complete FAFSA
Net Price Cost Calculator
See Visit the Net Price Calculator HereImportant Policies Affecting Financial Aid
FERPA (The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
Return of Title IV Policy/Withdrawing from Classes
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)