FLCC
/
OFFICE & DEPT. DIRECTORY / FINANCIAL
AID
Q:
What
is financial aid?
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 department.
This aid enables students to
attend the institution of their choice and to gain access to higher
education. An assumption underlying the goal of equal access to higher
education is that the student and his/her family shall finance the cost
of education to the extent to which they are able. While it remains
the student's and family's responsibility, it is recognized that 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 from the student and family.
Q:
What
applications do I need to file to receive financial aid?
- FAFSA – available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by contacting the High
School Counseling Office or the Financial Aid Office for a paper copy
- FLCC
Supplemental Application
 also available from the FLCC Financial Aid
Office
- TAP – available on-line at completion of FAFSA or by accessing www.tapweb.org
- Stafford Student Loan (MPN) (optional) – may be completed on-line at www.hesc.org or by contacting the FLCC Financial Aid Office for loan packet
- Parent Loan application (optional) same as Stafford
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.
Pell Grant Calculator 
New York State TAP Award Calculator
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.
Then
provide a copy of the Tax return and W2's to the Financial Aid Office as soon as
it becomes
available. We will make any corrections, that are necessary.
Q:
How
do I file the FAFSA?
There are
two options: you may send the paper application in or you can do it
electronically on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. We recommend the on-line application because it will arrive at the college within one week of submission and families will be less likely to make errors.
Q:
How
do I file my FAFSA electronically?
If you
have a federal pin number (dependent student's parent must also have a pin number),
you
may
input your family's income and asset information at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
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,
the spring semester is November 1st. You should file as soon after
January 1st as
possible.
Q:
What
happens to my applications?
1. FAFSA
is analyzed by the Federal Central Processor and sent electronically
to each College that you list approximately one week after you file online. A paper application can take up to three weeks
2. The FLCC Supplemental
Application is matched up to FAFSA information to create a complete application.
3. 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 a 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
4. acceptance to the College
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 (ETA) each
year and funding levels are dependent on the passing of the New York State Budget.
Awards currently range from $500 - $3050. These grants are available for a maximum of
six full-time semesters at a community college.
Students must be attending full-time in a degree program. After receiving 4 semesters of
TAP, students must also maintain a “2.0” average to continue their eligibility for the grant.
Students must also be taking coursework applicable to their degree, not be repeating
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 (3) credit hours but no
more than (11) eleven credit hours during the Fall and/or Spring semesters, as well as meet
additional income limits prescribed by the program that 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.
The maximum award based on full-time enrollment is $4050 and the minimum is $400. Pell
grant awards are determined by information on the FAFSA and the resulting “expected
family contribution” (EFC) of less than 3851.
Other eligibility criteria is as follows:
- 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.
4. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
On February 8, 2006, President Bush signed the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of
2005 (HERA) that created a new federal grant program entitled the Academic
Competitiveness Grant (ACG) of $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”,
receipt of a Federal Pell Grant and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) award.
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 the
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
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 $4000.
Dependent Students whose parents are denied Parent Loan (PLUS) funding may apply for
up to an additional $4000 annually.
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 $4000 available to independent students and the $4000 available to
dependent students whose parents are denied a Federal PLUS Loan 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 $4000 of Federal 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?
The FLCC
Foundation Inc. offers scholarships for incoming students.
Q:
What
scholarships are available for returning students?
The FLCC
Foundation Inc. offers scholarships for returning students.
Q:
How
is eligibility determined?
When the
FAFSA is analyzed by the Central Processor they assign an Expected
Family Contribution (EFC) to it. 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.
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cost
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EFC |
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unmet
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Q:
What
are the costs to attend FLCC?
=>
The cost of attending FLCC is detailed at www.flcc.edu/financial/costofattending.html
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.
Q:
What
is an award letter?
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: What
if I have questions about my award letter?
View/download "Understanding
Your Award Letter"
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 either on-line or by paper application. Applying on-line is simple. Access www.hesc.org and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN), then complete an entrance interview at http://www.mapping-your-future.org/. These will be automatically transmitted to FLCC for certification. Students needing paper applications should contact the FLCC Financial Aid Office for a loan packet. 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.
- Unsubsidized Loans are repayment free until six months after the student leaves
school 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 or contact the FLCC financial Aid Office for assistance in choosing a lender.
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). The application can be filed on line at www.hesc.com or by paper. Paper
applications are available from the FLCC Financial Aid Office. 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 they are applied for directly
with 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 happen 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 approximately 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.
These are applied for at the Financial Aid Office, and 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 6 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 as only 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 60% 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 (3 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 attending six credits, the loan cannot be disbursed until the student actually begins the sixth credit.
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