Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

A: Go to the  Financial Aid Homepage  and click on “How To Apply” for details on what you need to do.

What is CCC's Title IV School Code?

A: 031004

What documents do I need to complete my financial aid file?

A: About a week after you have completed your FAFSA, we will inform you (by mail and/or email) of the documents necessary to complete your file. You can check your financial aid status on  Self Service . Click on Financial Aid> Financial Aid Status> Select Current Aid Year > view Unsatisfied Student Requirements to see what we need from you.

What is verification and why was I “selected for verification”?

A: Verification is a process initiated by the U.S. Department of Education or financial aid used to confirm that the information you entered on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is accurate. You will be required to submit other documents to financial aid and you will not be considered eligible for federal aid until this process is completed. Between 30% and 50% of all financial aid applicants are selected for verification and some students are selected due to discrepancies or missing information on their FAFSA after file review. We email students at their CCC student email address and send a secure link for students to view any documents needed to verify their file. As a courtesy, we will also send a letter to you at the address you have listed with CCC.

To find out what other documents are required if you are selected, login to  Self Service . Click on Financial Aid > Financial Aid Status > Select Current Aid Year > view Unsatisfied Student Requirements to see what we need from you. It is the student's responsibility to respond to our requests for verification documentation. Failure to respond will cause your financial aid file to not be verified, and thus not awarded.

What is Federal Work Study and how do I apply?

A: The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient's course of study. To qualify for Federal Work Study, students must have a complete and verified financial aid file with remaining need; be enrolled and be in Good or Warning SAP status according to CCC’s  SAP to be considered. Students will also go through an interview process with a prospective supervisor. To apply, FWS Applications and job openings are available at our  Federal Work Study  page.

When I register for classes will financial aid hold them?

A: Depends. If we have received your FAFSA and you have submitted all required documentation as stated on the Financial Aid Calendar  we will award your financial aid which will hold your classes. Please see the  Student Accounts page for more information.  If for any reason after your file has been verified and it is determined you are not eligible for a grant or loan you will be responsible for payment of your tuition and fees or you will be dropped for non-payment.

How do you process financial aid for summer?

A: Students who wish to receive financial aid in summer must have a complete and verified financial aid file for the current year. Once the student has registered we will automatically award financial aid as long as the student has a complete and verified FAFSA. Pell grants are automatically awarded to students the night that they enroll for summer courses. Summer loans are typically awarded the business day after the student has enrolled in summer classes, as long as the student has turned in a Loan Request Form . For more information go to Summer Financial Aid

Does CCC offer a payment plan or payment deferments?

A: Yes. CCC participates in the FACTS program, which allows students to pay their tuition in installments.  For more information on this program you may contact the Cashiering Office at 928-226-4237. You may sign up by going to  Student Accounts .

Can my parent(s) or spouse be given information on my file in person or on the phone?

A: You must sign and submit in person a Student Authorization To Release Information form, ( Financial Aid Forms ) authorizing CCC to release your specific information to the person(s) you have designated. If your parent/spouse wants information in person, their picture ID is still required to verify whom we can release information to regarding your financial aid file. We cannot identify a student/parent/spouse over the phone, which means we will not give out any detailed information on your file. We can only release general information over the phone.

Is it free to complete a FAFSA online?

A: Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is always available at no cost. For the free FAFSA, you must go to the FAFSA Website . Avoid any other websites labeled FAFSA but not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education. You do not need to pay a company to complete your FAFSA. It is free.

How do I know which FAFSA to fill out?

A: A FAFSA covers an academic year which includes the fall, spring and summer semester. Example: Completing the 2020-21 FAFSA includes Fall 2020, Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 semesters.

I received a Student Aid Report (SAR) by email (or in the mail). What do I do with it?

A: Read it to make sure all the information is correct and CCC is listed to receive your FAFSA information.  If everything is correct, keep it for your records. If something is incorrect please come see us.

How long will it take for financial aid to receive my FAFSA information?

A: Generally we receive your FAFSA a week or two after you have submitted it online. You must be admitted to CCC for us to receive your FAFSA information. Be sure you have completed all the requirements with  Enrollment Services .

Do I have to fill out the FAFSA again next semester

A: No, you complete the FAFSA once for every Academic Year (Fall, Spring & Summer). You can complete your FAFSA as early as January 1st which is eight months prior to the start of the upcoming Fall semester.

What is this IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA?

A: When FAFSA asks for income you are given the option to complete it using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool will display your filed tax information from the IRS and allow you to import it into the FAFSA. Using this tool will insert accurate information and could reduce the likelihood of being “selected for verification” (General Financial Aid Questions). For more on IRS Data Retrieval Tool information please visit our  Financial Aid Tax Information  page.

Who's my parent when I fill out the FAFSA?

A:  Check out this  guide  to determine whose information should be included on your FAFSA.

If I drop a class will it affect my financial aid?

A: Probably. Your financial aid may be reduced or canceled and you may owe money back. Talk to us before you drop any classes, for more information on how your aid may be affected go to  Award Adjustments . You may also be jeopardizing future financial aid by dropping classes. Please review our Satisfactory Academic Progress  (SAP) policy and talk to us before you drop any classes.

What happens to my financial aid if my class gets canceled?

A: You may enroll in another class if classes are available to replace the canceled class. If you do not enroll in a replacement class your financial aid will be adjusted accordingly.

How does the 100% refund deadline and deadline to add affect my financial aid?

A: The "100% refund deadline" and "deadline to add" are both normally the 5th business day of the semester. If you drop a class before this date, your tuition gets refunded, and per federal regulations we typically need to decrease or cancel your financial aid. Click here for more information on financial aid  Award Adjustments . These deadline dates are posted online on the Academic Calendar, located on the Enrollment Services page . Dropping classes can jeopardize your future financial aid. Please consult our  Satisfactory Academic Progress  (SAP) page for more information.

Can I change my major and still get financial aid?

A: Changing a major is a normal thing. Financial Aid requires that you be working toward a degree or certificate. If you change your major too many times and start to accumulate too many credits (150% of the credits required for your current degree or certificate), you will lose financial aid eligibility because you have exceeded a normal time frame to complete a degree. For more information, please visit our  Satisfactory Academic Progress  (SAP) page. We recommend that you visit a counselor in Student Support Services to decide as early as possible on a major. You may contact them at  928-226-4323 .

Am I dependent or independent?

A: You are considered an Independent student if at least one of the following situations describes you:

• You were born before January 1, 1998 (2021-2022) / January 1, 1999 (2022-2023).
• You’re married as of the date you complete the FAFSA.
• You have obtained a Bachelors degree.
• You are currently serving on active duty in the U.S.Armed Forces (for purposes other than training).
• You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces and were released under a condition other than dishonorable.
• You have children who receive more than half their support from you.
• You have dependents other than your spouse or children who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you.
• You are an emancipated minor, as determined by a court in your state of residence. 
• You are or were in foster care or were a ward or dependent of the court at any time when you were 13 or older.
• You are a self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness.

You may also visit  StudentAid.gov  for more information on how to determine your status.

With the exception of your birth-date, we typically ask for documentation to validate that any of the above statements are true. We will notify you of any documents necessary to determine if you are dependent or independent. You can see these required documents by logging in to  MyCCC > click on Financial Aid (the piggy bank)> Financial Aid Status> Select Current Aid Year > view Student Requirements. You will see the "Unsatisfied Requirements" list that you are required to submitt.

I’ve answered NO to all of the independency questions, but I think I should be considered independent.

A: If you cannot answer yes to any of the independency questions but have extenuating circumstances you may submit a Request for Independent Status Appeal, click on the appropriate year Financial Aid Forms page for this document. If you do not meet the criteria for this appeal, you will be required to provide parental information on the FAFSA.

I live on my own and my parents do not support me at all. Am I an “Independent” student for Financial Aid?

A: Not living with your parents and parents not supporting you does not classify you as an independent student. Per federal regulations, the FAFSA has criteria that determine if you are dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. These regulations are not the same as tax law or health care law. The determination on the FAFSA of your dependency status may not concur with what you think it should be. To be considered independent for financial aid purposes you must be able to answer yes to at least 1 of 13 questions in Step 3 on the FAFSA. Use the  Dependency status work sheet  to assist you in determining if you are dependent or independent. If your answers to the all of the questions is no, then you are dependent and must report your parents' information. If you are independent, our office may be required to collect supporting documentation from you proving your status.You may also visit  StudentAid.gov  for more information to determine your status.

If I get married after I completed the FAFSA, should I complete a new one with my spouse’s information?

A: No. You complete the FAFSA with your marital status as of that day you are filling out your FAFSA. There are circumstances where we can correct your marital status on the FAFSA if you get married at a later date. Please contact our office so that we can better understand your situation.

What is an EFC, and what is it for?

A: EFC stands for Expected Family Contribution. An EFC is calculated when you submit a FAFSA. Based on the information you reported on the FAFSA, the Department of Education uses a formula to calculate how much you and your family are expected to be able to pay towards your education. Your eligibility for federal and institutional aid is based on your EFC.

What is the maximum amount I can make and still receive financial aid?

A: That is dependent on how the Department of Education classifies you.  If you are independent your eligibility is determined from your income and/or your spouse's income from the previous tax year. If you are dependent your eligibility is determined from your income and your parent’s income from the previous tax year. Fill out the  FAFSA  to find out.

Can I receive financial aid at CCC and another school?

A: You may not receive Pell Grant or loans at two schools at the same time. You may be able to enter into a consortium agreement, which allows you to count the credits taken at both schools towards the school that is providing the financial aid. Visit Consortium Agreements  for more information on Consortium Agreements.

How many credit hours must I be registered in to receive financial aid?

A: You can take as few as 1 credit hour per semester and still receive financial aid if you have been determined to be eligible by the Department of Education and CCC. If you are approved for a loan you must be enrolled and attending for at least 6 credit hours per semester.

How will I know if my classes count towards my degree or certificate?

A: Students can: 

1. Meet with an academic advisor by visiting the Lone Tree campus or calling 928-226-4323. OR 
2. Sign-in to myCCC > Click on Degreeworks > On your Degreeworks worksheet, look at the classes you have registered for. If your classes do not apply to your degree, they will fall into the section that reads “Not Degree Applicable.” If a class shows up under the “Not Degree Applicable” section, then financial aid cannot be used to pay for it with the exception of any developmental/ remedial coursework (coursework below 100 as well as MAT 111, 121, 122) which is fundable with financial aid.

I want to take a couple of classes at CCC so that I can transfer them somewhere else. I don't want to get a degree from CCC. Can I get financial aid at CCC?

A: No, not from CCC, but possibly from the other College. Per federal regulations, in order to receive financial aid, you must be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate from the college you are receiving financial aid from. If you are at CCC taking a few classes to transfer to another college, but are not seeking a degree, you are not eligible for financial aid. If you are in this situation, we recommend that you contact the financial aid office at the college that you are pursuing a degree at and ask about your options for being funded financial aid using a consortium agreement from that school in partnership with CCC. You must be seeking a degree or certificate at CCC in order to receive financial aid.

What is a Cost of Attendance and Financial Need?

A: A standard Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of your educational expenses for the period of enrollment. The COA includes tuition & fees, allowance for books & supplies, housing & food, transportation and personal expenses. Financial need is then calculated by taking your COA minus your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) to total your financial need (COA - EFC = NEED). We use your "need" to determine your eligibility for need based aid such as grants, Federal Work Study and Federal Subsidized loans. Click here to see CCC’s Cost of Attendance.

How many times may I repeat a course and still receive financial aid?

A: Students who fail or withdraw from a class may repeat the class and receive financial funding again if, and only if they have not been suspended due to Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students who pass a course (A,B,C,D or S) and wish to take it again may do so one time with financial aid funding.  If a student attempts to take a passed class for the third time, they will be denied financial aid funding for it. For example, a student earns a grade of D, then repeats the course and earns a grade of F, the student is not eligible to receive financial aid funding a third time in an attempt to improve their grade.

What is the Pell Grant Eligibility limit (Pell LEU)?

A: Beginning in Fall 2012, students are now limited to 600% Lifetime Eligibility of Pell Grant or 12 full-time semesters (or its equivalent). Students that are currently receiving Pell Grant and would have reached or exceeded their Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU of 600%) will no longer be eligible to receive Pell Grant. This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Pell Grant.

The maximum amount of Pell Grant funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100%. Each full-time semester equates to 50% of your total LEU which yields a maximum percentage of 600% for 12 semesters. This means that:

If you received a full-time federal PELL award for both the fall and spring semesters, you have used 100% of your 600% lifetime maximum;

If you received a half-time award in the fall semester and a full-time award in the spring semester, you have used 75% of your 600% lifetime maximum;

If you received a half-time award in the fall semester and a half-time award in the spring semester, you have used 50% of your 600% lifetime maximum;

The Department of Education keeps track of your LEU by adding together the percentages of the Pell Grant awards that you received for each award year.

To view your LEU, log on to the  NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) Student Access Web Site  using your Federal Student Aid PIN. The LEU will be found on the Financial Aid Review page.

For more information about Pell Lifetime Eligibility visit the  Federal Student Aid  website.

I see my financial aid is awarded so when will I receive it and how?

A: First disbursement of financial aid funds are released based on confirmed enrollment, attendance and participation in your classes which occurs about three weeks from the first day of class. Same rule applies for late start classes. We recommend you sign up for direct deposit so that you do not have to wait for your check to arrive in the mail. Checks will take a few more days to arrive in the mail. Please visit our  Disbursement page  for more information.

I am separated from my spouse (parents are separated if you are a dependent student) so do I have to count my spouse’s information on the FAFSA?

A. It depends. In most cases, documentation of a legal separation is required.  A document from the court that the separation was filed will suffice, it must show the submission date and have court signatures. In situations where divorce paperwork has been filed with the court but not finalized, our office requires a copy of the paperwork showing the submission date to the court.  This documentation will be accepted for one academic year, the following academic year the student must submit final divorce paperwork that includes the court signature(s).

In extenuating circumstances, when a legal separation is not possible, a documented informal separation may be accepted. To prove informal separation our office requires evidence that you and your spouse (parents for dependent students) were living apart continuously for the last 6 months of the last calendar year by requesting at least two forms of documentation, such as: rent checks, copies of leases from both parties, copies of utility bills, photocopies of driver's licenses showing different addresses, a letter from a third party certifying that the spouse was living with them, etc. The proof of maintenance of separate households is a key concept in determining informal separation. Students submitting documentation for an informal separation must resubmit current documentation each year.

Are Pell Grants available in Summer?

Yes, students may receive Federal Pell Grant for a summer term even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters. Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150% of a regular Pell grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this regulation to earn their degree faster. Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds does not mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

To be eligible for year-round summer Pell Grant funds:

• students must be eligible to receive Pell Grant funds after verification of the FAFSA information.
• students must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
• students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) during the summer term if they have already received a full-time Pell Grant for both the preceding fall and spring semesters.

What does it mean to have to maintain SAP to remain financial aid eligible?

A: Per Federal regulations, a student receiving Title IV Federal funds (financial aid) must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is checked at the completion of every semester by monitoring grade point average (GPA), total credit hours earned and total credit hours attempted (150% rule).

Financial aid recipients must:

1. Maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.0 or better
2. Complete credit hours at a cumulative rate of 66.66% and,
3. Not exceed 150% beyond the total credit hours required to complete their program/major.

What does SAP Check Pending in my Self Service Banner status mean?

A: This means Financial Aid will be checking your academic progress at the end of the current semester to determine your eligibility for the upcoming semester.  Semesters that haven’t occurred yet will usually have this status listed. Pay special attention to the current semester to ensure you’re aware of your status.

If I'm on 'Warning' or 'Probation' am I still eligible to receive Financial Aid?

A: Yes. but you will need to meet certain criteria to be removed from Warning or Probation and placed into Good standing. Visit our  Satisfactory Academic Progress  (SAP) page on how to maintain Good financial aid status.

What is Academic Plan?

A: You are allowed to receive financial aid, but we have placed restrictions and terms that you are required to follow to receive it. We work with academic advisors to ensure your success. As part of an academic plan we may require you to take certain courses, a reduced course-load or require you to meet with advisors throughout the year. You are placed on academic plan so that we can assist you in being successful.

What is Suspension?

A: Students on financial aid suspension are not eligible to receive Title IV aid, which includes grants, loans, federal work study and some scholarships. To return to Good standing you must complete the suspension requirements listed in our  Satisfactory Academic Progress  policy. If you have extenuating circumstances that led to your suspension status, you may submit a  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal .

Why am I on suspension and what can I do to get my financial aid back?

A: Financial aid suspension results when a student does not satisfy the financial aid requirements. Students who meet all the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards will be eligible for financial aid. Please visit our  Satisfactory Academic Progress  (SAP) page to read about financial aid SAP standards. To resolve your suspension status, please read “ Resolving Financial Aid SAP Suspension ” to begin the process for completing the suspension requirements. If you have extenuating circumstances that led to your suspension status, you may submit a  Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) appeal, which is located on our Forms page..

What is a scholarship?

A scholarship is an award offered to students to help pay for college tuition and other college expenses. Students who meet a specific scholarship's criteria are able to apply for the award and are chosen based on the criteria set. Scholarships do not need to be paid back.

What are the requirements to get a scholarship?

The requirements of a scholarship are entirely up to the scholarship provider. Scholarships are often limited by GPA and other factors.

Does the amount I receive in scholarships affect my eligibility for financial aid?

Sometimes. If the amount of scholarships exceeds your cost of attendance (uncommon) and you also have financial aid such as student loans, your financial aid may be reduced accordingly.

Does community service increase my chances for receiving a scholarship?

Yes. Not only is community service experience a common essay topic, but your involvement in community service can distinguish you from other applicants. Scholarship providers often look for this quality because they are looking to assist in funding the education of someone who gives back to their community and values making contributions of time and service for its benefit.

What is the difference between a Foundation Scholarships, Institutional Scholarships and External Scholarships?

Foundation Scholarships are awarded from CCC’s Foundation Office and donors. Institutional Scholarships are awarded by CCC. External Scholarships are awarded from third party members of the community or other organizations.  

What are some good tips for finding scholarships in my community?

Scholarships can be found through churches, high schools, and private organizations. You can learn about these opportunities and utilize free web searches that we list on our External Scholarship page . You may also want to be in direct contact with companies in your area or your parent's employer or other organizations with whom you have a connection. In some cases, you may not have to be directly associated with an organization to qualify for a scholarship.

I've been contacted by companies offering to help me find scholarships for a fee. Is it worth it?

No. Be wary of scholarship scams. If you have any doubts about a scholarship organization, avoid it. You should never have to pay for a scholarship. If you receive unsolicited offers to assist you in finding scholarships that seem too good to be true, they probably are.

How many scholarships can I apply for?

There is no limit. As a convenience, CCC has one scholarship application that we use to match you with scholarships. As far as external scholarships go, you are welcome to apply for as many as you want.

Do I have to fill out a FAFSA to get a scholarship?

Not always, but you should anyway. Colleges base their financial aid decisions on your FAFSA information, and many scholarships take this information into account. You do need to fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for government grants such as the Pell Grant.

Can I get scholarships if I took a break from school?

Yes. While some scholarships are only available to high school seniors or incoming college freshmen, many scholarships are open to anyone attending college, regardless of age or time off.

My immigration/citizenship status is complicated. Can I get financial aid?

It depends on your specific status. Undocumented and DACA students are not able to access federal or state grants, but individual colleges and private scholarship providers may be able to help. We have more information on our DACA eligibility page .

What are Direct Loans?

A: Loans made through a program called the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program are referred to as Direct Loans. These loans are borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Direct Loans include subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans and Direct PLUS Loans.

How do I apply for a loan?

A: Please visit our  Student Loan Information page for the steps to apply for a loan.

How much can I request for loans?

A:

* These amounts are for an academic year (Fall + Spring + Summer).
Loans requested for one semester only must be prorated (or reduced) and will be awarded in two equal disbursements: one at the beginning of the semester, and one at the mid-point of the semester, per Federal Regulations. If you borrow the maximum academic year amounts for which you are eligible in the fall and spring semesters, you will not have any eligibility left for the summer semester. If you are considering summer attendance, budget accordingly.

What are the interest rates for Direct Loans and Direct PLUS Loans?

A:

What is a subsidized and unsubsidized loan?

A: A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. You will not be charged any interest until your enrollment drops below 6 credits or you graduate or leave school. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest while you are enrolled in school in at least 6 credit hours. 

An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If you allow the interest to accumulate, it will be capitalized; which means the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher (capitalized) amount. You do have an option to pay the interest only while you are enrolled in school which will then lessen the amount you will have to repay. 

My parent was denied a PLUS loan. What do I do now?

A: If a parent is denied a PLUS loan due to credit, the parent borrower may want to reapply with an endorser who would be willing to cosign. If this is not an option, the student may request to be considered for additional unsubsidized loan.

I received Direct Loans at another school and signed an MPN (Master Promissory Note), do I have to sign another MPN?

A: If your MPN has not expired, no, you do not have to sign a new MPN. Direct Loan MPN’s expire 10 years from the day you sign it online. If you are unsure about if your MPN will work, we recommend that you complete a new one. Please visit our  Student Loan Information page.

When will I receive my loan money?

A: First loan disbursement of funds is based on confirmed enrollment, attendance and participation in your classes which is about three weeks from the first day of class. If you are a first-time, freshman borrower CCC must wait at least 30 days from the first day of class to disburse loan funds, per Federal Regulations. We recommend you sign up for direct deposit so that you do not have to wait several extra days for your check to go through the mail. Please visit the  Financial Aid Disbursement page for more information.

Why do first year students need to wait 30 days to get their loan money?

A: If you are a first-time, freshman borrower, CCC must wait at least 30 days from the first day of class to disburse loan funds, per Federal Regulations.

I’ve received my loan check but I don’t need that much. Can I return some?

A: Yes, you have 14 days to return all or part of your loan. Within the 14 days you are able to return the amount directly to CCC and financial aid will then send that amount back to the Department of Education. 

Why does my loan come in two disbursements? When will I get the second disbursement?

A: Fall and Spring loans must be awarded in two equal disbursements: one at the beginning of fall semester and one at the beginning of spring semester. Single semester loans (fall only, spring only or summer only) must be awarded in two equal disbursements: one at the beginning of the semester, and one at the mid-point of the semester. We do this per federal regulations.

If I want to start repaying my loan while I’m still in school, do I pay the school?

A: No, once your loan has been disbursed to you it is now in the hands of the Department of Education. You need to contact the  Direct Loan Servicing  at the Department of Education if you would like to start making payments towards your loans.

How do I defer loan repayment?

A: In order to delay repaying your loan, your lender needs to verify that you are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at a post-secondary institution. To complete the enrollment verification process, you must login to  Self Service > Student Services> Student Records> Enrollment Verification> choose the current Aid Year and continue to read the instructions.

What is a Lifetime (or Aggregate) limit?

A: An Aggregate is a limit of the total amount, or total sum, of Stafford loans a student can borrow throughout their entire college experience. The total that an independent undergraduate student can borrow while enrolled in college is $57,500 ($23,000 of that may be in a subsidized loan). A dependent undergraduate student can borrow a total of $31,000 ($23,000 of that may be in a subsidized loan).

How do I keep track of my loan history?

A:  The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) , is the U.S. Department of Education’s database for student financial aid records. NSLDS allows students to manage their student loans and grants online.

What is loan default and how will it affect me?

A: Loan default occurs when you fail to repay a student loan according to the terms you agreed to when you signed the Master Promissory Note (MPN). You will go into default on your loan if you do not make a monthly payment for 270 days. If you default on your student loan:

• You lose eligibility to defer payments
• You could be charged collection costs
• You may lose federal and state income tax refunds
• You lose other federal or state payments
• Your Social Security benefits could be garnished
• Your wages could be garnished
• You lose eligibility for other student aid and assistance under most federal benefit programs
• The Department of Education could take legal action
• You may lose a professional license
• Your credit rating will suffer- anybody who pulls your credit score will see the default
• You interest rates may increase

What is loan consolidation?

A: The combining of a number of loans into a single new loan. Consolidation may lower your monthly payment with different interest rates and typically extends your repayment period. However, there could also be some disadvantages. To consolidate, you must be in your six-month grace period or in repayment of your loans. Please visit  Direct Consolidation Loans  for more information.