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What is DCCC's Title IV Code?
002919
What kinds of aid are available?
There are two main types, gift aid and self-help aid.
Gift aid consists of grants and scholarships. This gift money usually does not have to be repaid as long as the requirements placed on the student are met.
Self-help aid includes loans and work-study. Students are responsible for repaying funds borrowed or working for wages through a campus-designated position.
Is all aid based on need?
No, even though by definition aid is based on need, some aid may be merit based. Often assistance may be awarded for academic achievement, special talents, or an affiliation with some business, industry or civic group.
Is there a limit to the amount of money I (my family) can earn and I could still qualify for aid?
For need-based aid yes, however, it is not as simple as a flat dollar amount and anything above that disqualifies you. Eligibility is determined by several factors. The main elements include student and family income, assets, family household size and number in college. A formula is applied to those factors based on each individual’s responses to determine eligibility for the various federal and state programs.
Are there scholarships or grants for specific programs of study?
Yes, programs such as Nursing, Education, Law Enforcement, Accounting, etc. Those opportunities can be found in the Financial Aid Office.
Can I get help with childcare?
DCCC receives a grant from the Department of Community Colleges (agency) to assist students who have demonstrated exceptional need for assistance with childcare expenses. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints we are only able to assist an average of 15 students each school year. Therefore, we recommend all of our applicants apply with their local agency Department Of Social Services for childcare assistance. To be eligible for childcare assistance students must have completed the FAFSA first and then an Application for Child Care Assistance
What are the Hope Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit?
These income tax credit reduce your or your family's federal taxes. They are based on your college tuition and fee charges, minus grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance. The Hope Tax Credit can be claimed during the first two years of college, up to a maximum of $1,500. The Lifelong Learning Tax Credit is available for any level of post secondary study up to a current maximum of $1,000. Note that only one type of credit may be claimed for the student in any given year. For more information about tax credits, you can visit the IRS web site at www.irs.gov. (This link will take you off the DCCC website).
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How do I apply for Financial Aid (Federal--Pell)?
The first step is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.govEligibility for federal funds, some DCCC Foundation scholarships, federal student loans and state funds are determined by information provided on the FAFSA.
How long does the federal application process take?
If students complete the FAFSA electronically, they should receive an electronic acknowledgement within one week after submission.
1. Student submits FAFSA.
2. Student receives an electronic acknowledgement.
3. DCCC notifies student for required documentation
or ineligibility status.
Does it cost to apply for aid?
No, both the federal and institutional applications are free.
What documents do I need to apply for aid?
Generally speaking, the prior year’s federal income tax return with W2s for the student, parents and/or spouse if married are needed.
Who’s information must I provide for my application?
This varies for each student depending on age and family status and level of education.
1. Are you age 24 or will you be this calendar year?
2. Do you have your first bachelor's (4-year) degree?
3. Are you married?
4. Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
5. Are you an orphan or ward of the court or were you at age 18?
6. Do you have children who receive more than half of their
support from your household?
7. Are both of your parents deceased?
8. Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces?
If you answered no to all of the 8 questions above, you must provide both yours and your parent(s)' information to apply for aid. If you answered yes to one or more of the questions, you must provide both your income/asset information and that of your spouse, if applicable.
When and how often must I apply for aid?
Students must re-apply for financial aid each year. It is best to renew the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st for the upcoming academic year. Ideally, applications should be renewed before March 30th of each year.
Can I get help filling out the FAFSA application?
Yes. The Financial Aid staff at DCCC can assist you with completing the federal application worksheet. You may also call 1-800-4-FED-AID for additional basic information.
Should I pay someone to help me apply for financial aid?
No, most information provided by "scholarship or financial aid search" companies should be available free on the internet. These companies only provide a listing of resources and do not actually help you neither obtain nor complete the necessary applications. There are several reputable free search engines as well as resources to assist you with your financial aid search. See our LINKS page for further information.
What programs are eligible for federal financial aid?
Currently all Associate Degree and Diploma programs are eligible, but only certain certificate programs meet the eligibility criteria.
Click here to see a listing of those programs.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
The FAFSA will be used for need-based DCCC Foundation Scholarships. Students who complete the FAFSA by March 30th of each academic year will be given priority consideration for scholarships. You may obtain an application directly from the Financial Aid Office for scholarships which have specific restrictions. These applications are available throughout the year, but the priority filing date for each new school year is March 30th of that year. Community scholarships may have specific filing criteria and dates, which are posted to the DCCC website as the Financial Aid Office becomes aware of them.
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If I qualify what can my aid pay for?
It may pay for tuition, fees, book, & supplies and perhaps some additional living expenses and child care.
Are there deadlines to apply for financial aid in order to charge tuition, fees, books and supplies on his or her Pell Grant?
Yes, both your financial aid and the admissions process should be completed at least 6-8 weeks prior to the first day of the semester you wish to begin.
How will I know how much aid I have been awarded?
Once your admissions and financial aid processes are complete, you should receive an award letter in the mail specifying your amount and type of financial aid awarded.
When and how is aid disbursed?
Generally funds are disbursed after classes have started for the semester. Pell refunds and scholarship checks are disbursed approximately 30 days after the 1st day of classes of each semester.
If I am awarded a Pell Grant, what must I do to receive my Pell check?
In order to receive a Pell refund check, a student must attend all semester classes. Class attendance is verified via class rosters submitted by instructors. After class attendance has been verified the Financial Aid Office will process a student’s award and the Business Office will deduct outstanding charges.
How much will I receive on my Pell check?
A week prior to the scheduled disbursement date the Financial Aid Office will run a report to reflect the required credit hours for a student. The award amount will be based on the credit hours and will be deducted. If there are available funds left, they will be mailed to the student in a refund check.
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What if my files are incomplete by the time the semester starts?
The Financial aid Staff will exert every effort to complete student financial aid files prior to the start of the semester. All students who wish to apply for financial aid should start the process at least eight weeks prior to the start of the semester.
How long does the financial aid process take?
After DCCC has received your FAFSA results the screening process takes place immediately. Because the screening process is very tedious and involves manually reviewing all required documents submitted to the financial aid office, students should start the process at least eight weeks prior to the start of the term. If students fail to return required documents in a timely manner this also further delays the screening process. This process can take up to eight weeks to complete.
What maybe required to complete the financial aid process?
The student maybe required to submit tax returns with W2s for the prior tax year include their tax returns, spouse and/or parent(s) if required. Students may also be required to complete a verification form and an informational form and other specific documents to resolve discrepancies. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT SUBMIT TAX RETURNS UNLESS SPECIFICALLY REQUESTED TO DO SO BY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE.
Can I attend my classes and/or charge textbooks at the DCCC Book store if my files are incomplete?
Students may still be able to start their classes and charge at the DCCC book store with incomplete files. If the Financial Aid Office has your FAFSA results on file, students maybe eligible to start school without the “official award letter”
The Financial Aid Office in collaboration with the Business Office will work with students provided we can estimate your eligibility for funding. This means a student whose EFC “estimated family contribution” falls within the range of federal and state aid eligibility may have their tuition cost delayed and maybe eligible to charge at the DCCC bookstore. Students with incomplete files should still attend all classes. If a student drops, withdraws or is dropped due to attendance violation prior to the completion of their financial aid paperwork will be responsible for tuition cost and textbook expenses incurred at DCCC.
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Are there academic standards for students on Financial aid?
Yes, please click here to read our standards.
What happens if I don’t finish a term in which get Financial Aid?
This will most likely place you on Financial Aid Probation because all students are expected to complete 67% or 2/3 of the hours they begin each term. Dropping all classes may also cause you to repay some of the Pell funds you received.
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