Frequently Asked Questions
- What is financial aid?
- What applications do I need to file to receive financial aid?
- Can I estimate federal and state grant eligibility before I apply for financial aid?
- What if my parents (or I) haven't filled out our tax returns yet?
- How do I file the FAFSA?
- How do I file my FAFSA electronically?
- What if I forgot my pin number?
- When should I apply for aid?
- What happens to my applications?
- What does it mean to be selected for verification?
- What happens if I didn't keep copies of my tax returns?
- How do I make corrections to my FAFSA after it has been filed?
- When will I hear about my awards?
- What aid is available at FLCC?
- What scholarships are available for incoming students?
- What scholarships are available for returning and graduating students?
- How is eligibility determined?
- What are the costs to attend FLCC?
- Does FLCC participate in the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship?
- What is an award letter?
- Can I use my financial aid to pay the College tuition bill?
- What do I do if the aid offered to me isn't enough to cover my expenses?
- What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
- How do I know what lender to use on my loans?
- Are there other funding options beyond the stafford loan?
- When do students receive tuition bills?
- When is aid distributed to students?
- Can I charge my books at the Book Store?
- What if I have an emergency expense?
- What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
- Is there a limit on the number of semesters that I can receive aid?
- How do I apply for JanPlan or summer financial aid?
- Can I receive aid if I am an Early Admit Freshman?
- Can I receive aid if I do not have a high school diploma or GED?
- Does FLCC offer Veterans Benefits?
- What happens if I withdraw from College during a semester?
- Is the financial aid determined differently for students taking late starting classes?
Financial aid comes from many sources, but basically has only three forms: grants/scholarships, work, and long-term educational loans. Grants and scholarships are free and do not need to be repaid. Grants are awarded based on need and scholarships are based on merit. Both student and parent loans will need to be repaid. Work is offered to students as part-time employment in college offices and departments.
This aid enables students to attend the institution of their choice and to gain access to higher education. The degree to which a student and family can pay for educational expenses varies from family to family; thus, financial aid is awarded to supplement funds that the student and family are able to pay.
Q: What applications do I need to file to receive financial aid?
- FAFSA - available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by contacting the high school counseling office or the FLCC Financial Aid Office for a paper copy
- FLCC Supplemental Application - also available from the FLCC Financial Aid Office
- TAP - available online at completion of FAFSA or by accessing www.tapweb.org
- Stafford Student Loan (MPN) (optional) - may be completed online at www.elmselect.com
- Complete the Parent Pre-Qualification form
Q: Can I estimate federal and state grant eligibility before I apply for financial aid?
If the numbers that you use are accurate, you can calculate your eligibility for TAP (state grant) and Pell (federal grant) by following the links below.
Q: What if my parents (or I) haven't filled out our tax returns yet?
Give the best estimates that you can for the income of the year requested. After you file you can make corrections to your application.
Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for file online.
Q: How do I sign my FAFSA electronically?
You will need a federal pin number (dependent student's parent must also have a pin number).
If you or your parents need a pin number, visit www.pin.ed.gov first to register for a pin number.
Q: What if I forgot my pin number?
Visit www.pin.ed.gov and click on "Frequently Asked Questions."
Q: When should I apply for aid?
Our recommended filing deadline for the fall semester and summer is April 1st, and for the spring semester it is November 1st. You should file as soon after January 1st as possible.
Q: What happens to my applications?
1. The FAFSA is analyzed by the Federal Central Processor and sent electronically to each College that you list approximately one week after you file online.
2. The FLCC Supplemental Application is matched up to FAFSA information to create a complete application.
3. The TAP application is analyzed by the State Processor (HESC) and an award letter is sent to you showing the award amount. FLCC will be sent the award amount electronically.
Q: What does it mean to be selected for verification?
It means that you must complete an independent verification or dependent verification worksheet that FLCC will send to you. This is returned to us along with income documentation. Until this information is received, your award cannot be finalized.
Q: What happens if I didn't keep copies of my tax returns or W2 forms?
You may request copies by calling the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and asking for a transcript of the return and/or W2 forms.
Q: How do I make corrections to my FAFSA after it has been filed?
You may use your pin number and go online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or you may take the student aid report (SAR) that you received from the Federal Processor and make the corrections manually. Manual corrections can either be mailed back to the Federal Processor or to the FLCC Financial Aid Office.
Q: When will I hear about my awards?
FLCC creates awards for students as the following four things happen:
1. receipt of FAFSA
2. receipt of Supplemental Application
3. receipt of independent verification or dependent verification materials, if necessary
Q: What aid is available at FLCC?
1. Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)
TAP is a grant for New York State residents. It does not have to be paid back. Awards are based on New York State net taxable income and tuition charges. Final determination of awards is made as a result of the completion of the Express TAP Application (www.tapweb.org). Each year funding levels are dependent on the passing of the New York State Budget. Awards currently range from $500 - to full tuition. These grants are available for a maximum of six full-time semesters at a community college.
To be eligible for TAP, students must be enrolled in a full-time degree program. After receiving four semesters of TAP, students must maintain a "2.0" average and take only course work applicable to their degree. They may not repeat coursework, and at least one class must span the 15-week semester.
2. Aid for Part-Time Students
Eligibility for APTS is determined by the Financial Aid Office based on specific criteria. In order to be eligible, the applicant needs to complete a separate APTS application available from the Financial Aid Office, be enrolled for a minimum of three credit hours but no more than eleven credit hours during the Fall and/or Spring semesters, and meet additional income limits prescribed by the program (these are attached to the APTS application).
Early application for APTS is critical, as there is limited funding. Award amounts may range from $375 to $1000. Students must be matriculated into a degree program, all coursework must be applicable to that degree, no coursework can be repeated and at least one class must span the 15-week semester.
3. Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree. For many students, Pell Grants provide the foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added.
To determine if you are eligible, the US Department of Education uses a standard formula, established by Congress, to evaluate the information you report when you apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The formula produces an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number.
In order to be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, the student must:
- make satisfactory academic progress.
- be either a U.S. citizen or meet a citizenship requirement.
- have no debt from a defaulted education loan.
- not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant of Federal SEOG.
- demonstrate compliance with any applicable Selective Service requirements.
- be a matriculated student.
4. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
On February 8, 2006, President Bush created a new federal grant program, the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), which provides $750 for the first year of academic study and $1300 for the second year of academic study.
Eligibility for the ACG includes graduating from a U.S. high school with a passing grade in a rigorous program, full-time matriculation and Pell Grant eligibility. Receipt of a second-year grant also includes a minimum GPA of 3.0.
5. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. This is a grant and does not have to be paid back. Eligibility is determined based on a federally calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of "0" and receipt of a Federal Pell Grant.
Funding is very limited, so early application using the Free application for Federal State Aid (FAFSA) is encouraged. Awards at FLCC range from $200 to $400.
6. College Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduates with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service.
Eligibility is determined each year as a result of early application of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the financial need of a student. Funding level and number of positions are limited, so positions are not guaranteed from one year to the next. Application must be made each year by the April 1st recommended deadline. Students at FLCC are awarded funds to cover approximately 10 hours per week of employment.
Notification of a Work Study Award is made through an award letter from the Financial Aid Office. If a Work Study award is listed, you will receive a letter from our office with further instructions in August. If a Work Study award is not listed, it means either you are not eligible or funding has been depleted. If you are still interested, you can request that the Financial Aid Office add your name to the Work Study Waiting List. If a position becomes available, the waiting list is used to fill that position and the student is contacted by our office.
7. Educational Opportunity Program Fund (EOP)
Educational Opportunity Program Fund (EOP) is financial assistance available to students who are determined eligible by the FLCC Admissions Office for admission to the college under the Educational Opportunity Program. Participation is limited to students who are New York State residents and both economically and educationally disadvantaged.
Award amounts depend on New York State funding allocations and vary from year to year. A Free Application for Federal Aid or Renewal Application must be completed each year.
8. FLCC Scholarships
Visit www.flcc.edu/scholarships for information on available scholarships.
9. Federal Stafford Loans
To apply for a Federal Stafford Loan, go to www.elmselect.com
A Stafford Loan is a form of self-help aid. It is a loan and it must be repaid. To be eligible, a student must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours in a degree-seeking program. Freshman may apply for a maximum of $3500 annually. Sophomores (32 credits or more) may apply for $4500 annually. Independent Students may ask for an additional $6000. Dependent Students may apply for up to an additional $2000 annually. These additional funds are always unsubsidized.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
If you have financial need remaining after your Federally calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC), Federal Pell Grant eligibility, and aid from other sources are subtracted from your cost of attendance, you can borrow a Subsidized Stafford Loan to cover all or a portion of that remaining need. The government will pay the interest on your loan while you're in school, for the first six months after you graduate or fall below six credit hours, and when you qualify to have your payments deferred.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
If you don't have financial need remaining after your EFC and need based aid are subtracted from the cost of attendance, you may borrow an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. This Unsubsidized Stafford Loan can equal the amount of your EFC or the annual Stafford Loan Borrowing limit for your grade level, whichever is less. You will be responsible for paying all of the interest on this loan.
The repayment of your Stafford Loan will begin six months after you graduate or drop below half-time attendance (half-time is defined as 6 credit hours). Payments are usually due monthly.
The additional $6000 available to independent students and the $2000 available to dependent students are always unsubsidized.
The interest rate is currently 6.8% on loans disbursed after July 1, 2006
10. Federal Parent's (PLUS) Loan
A Federal Parent Loan is also considered self help. It is a loan and must be repaid. Unlike the Federal Stafford Loan it is in the parent's name and is always unsubsidized. If the parent is denied PLUS loan funding by the lender, the student may apply for up to an additional $6000 from a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.
The annual limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid (including Federal Stafford Loan) being received by the student. The interest rate is currently 8.5% on loans disbursed after July 1, 2006.
Q: What scholarships are available for incoming students?
Visit www.flcc.edu/scholarships for information on available scholarships for incoming students.
Q: What scholarships are available for returning students?
Visit www.flcc.edu/scholarships for information on available scholarships for returning students.
Q: How is eligibility determined?
When the FAFSA is analyzed by the Central Processor, it is assigned an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). That amount is used by FLCC to determine the unmet need of the applicant. To do this, FLCC totals its costs, including tuition, fees, room and board, books, personal expenses, and transportation, and subtracts the EFC.
cost of attendance - EFC
= unmet need or aid eligibility
Q: What are the costs to attend FLCC?
The cost of attending FLCC is detailed at www.flcc.edu/costs/
Q: Does FLCC participate in the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship?
Yes, for victims who were severely disabled, or children or spouses of victims who died or were severely disabled in the attacks and rescue/recovery efforts including emergency medical services workers. Recipients are required to be enrolled as matriculated, full-time, undergraduate students. SUNY WTC Scholarship will pay the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, and transportation. Contact the FLCC Financial Aid Office for more detailed information.
An award letter is sent to every student by FLCC when they are awarded financial aid. The award letter will indicate if the awards are estimated or actual. In the case of TAP, students must receive an actual award certificate from the state before the award is real.
Q: Can I use my financial aid to pay the College tuition bill?
If your aid is actual prior to receiving a bill for tuition and fees, the bill will list grants and loans that you are receiving as a credit. You only need to pay the difference.
Q: What do I do if the aid offered to me isn't enough to cover my expenses?
Students may apply for loan funding if the aid received from FLCC isn’t enough to cover their expenses.
- Federal Stafford Loan
At FLCC, a student can apply for a Stafford Loan on-line. Go to www.elmselect.com and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN), then complete an entrance interview at http://www.mappingyourfuture.org/. These will be automatically transmitted to FLCC for certification. Dependent students may apply for up to $3500 annually if they have completed less than 32 credits. At 32 credits or higher, the loan limit goes to $4500 annually. Independent students may request up to an additional $4000.
Q: What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?
- Subsidized Loans are interest- and repayment-free until six months after the student leaves school or drops below 6 credit hours.
- Unsubsidized Loans are repayment-free until six months after the student leaves school or drops below 6 credit hours but accrue interest during the time of enrollment.
Q: How do I know what lender to use on my loans?
Students may use any lender that participates in the Stafford or PLUS Loan programs. For a list of recommended lenders, go to www.elmselect.com.
Q: Are there other funding options beyond the Stafford loan?
- Parent Loan (PLUS)
Students who need to borrow more have two options.1) Dependent student parents can borrow under the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Student Program (PLUS). Parents should complete the Parent Pre-Qualification form. PLUS Loans are available in amounts up to the cost of education minus any financial aid already being received by the student. If a parent is denied a PLUS loan, the student may apply for additional Stafford Loan funding.
2) Students may borrow Alternative Education Loans. These loans, unlike Stafford Loans, are not regulated by the federal government. They are commercial loan products, sponsored by lenders to pay college costs. Most major lenders have an alternative loan product and families apply directly to the lender. These loans are available in amounts up to the cost of education minus any financial aid already being received by the student.
Q: When do students receive tuition bills?
For the fall semester, bills are generated in the beginning of July with a due date in late July or early August.
For the spring semester, they arrive in late November with a due date of late December.
For JanPlan and summer semesters, tuition is due at the time you register.
Q: When is aid distributed to students?
Any aid that is left over after the student's tuition bill is settled will generally be distributed from the Bursar's Office around the middle of October and March. Student loans are disbursed as they arrive at FLCC, but not before the 4th week of classes.
Q: Can I charge my books at the Book Store?
If you have actual financial aid in excess of your tuition and fees during the fall and spring semester you may charge at the Book Store beginning the week before school starts for 4 weeks. This service is not available during JanPlan or summer sessions.
Q: What if I have an emergency expense?
Emergency loans are available to students who have financial aid due to them. To apply, visit the FLCC Financial Aid Office. There is a $15 finance charge. This service is only available during the fall and spring semesters. Students may apply for a maximum of $250 and can only receive one emergency loan a semester.
Q: What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
All students must make progress towards their degree. If you do not, financial aid can be denied. Visit the Academics Standards page for more details.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of semesters that I can receive aid?
Students may only receive six semesters of TAP as a Community College student
Students may receive federal aid until they have completed the equivalent of six semesters of attendance toward a degree.
Pell Grants and SEOG are not available to students who have previous undergraduate degrees.
Q: How do I apply for JanPlan or summer financial aid?
If you are thinking of attending the JanPlan or summer semester, contact the Financial Aid Office. Limited aid is available.
Q: Can I receive aid if I am an Early Admit Freshman?
Early Admits are not eligible for aid as the federal government considers them to be simultaneously enrolled in high school and College.
Q: Can I receive aid if I do not have a high school diploma or GED?
Students who have not graduated from high school or received a GED must take and pass an Ability to Benefit Test before they can receive financial aid.
Q: Does the College offer Veterans Benefits?
Yes, the veteran's counselor is housed in the Financial Aid Office.
Q: What happens if I withdraw from College during a semester?
If a student withdraws from FLCC prior to the point where sixty percent of the semester has passed, the College is obligated to recalculate the aid for that semester. It is best for students to check with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing. For more information, go to the Bursar's Office Web page.
Q: Is the financial aid determined differently for students taking late-starting classes?
Some of the courses that the college offers do not begin on the first day of the semester.
TAP – full time students can receive TAP if at least one of their classes spans the 15 week semester.
Pell – if all of the courses being taken during the semester begin after the census date (three weeks into the semester) the Pell award must be determined using a formula based on the number of weeks that the students is attending.
Stafford Loan – since students are not eligible for a Stafford Loan unless they are taking six credits, the loan cannot be disbursed until the student actually begins the sixth credit.