Erie Community College, State University of New York

• Federal PELL Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
• Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized & unsubsidized)
• Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)

• Enrolled at least part-time for any grant, loan, or work- study program.
• Matriculated, that is, accepted into a program through the admissions process.
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Demonstrate financial need. Filing of FAFSA form is required to determine need.
• Making satisfactory progress in his/her course of study.
• Not in default on a Perkins Loan (NDSL), Federal Stafford Student Loan (formerly GSL), or Federal PLUS/SLS Loan.
• Does not owe a refund on a Federal PELL Grant or a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
• Males must have registered with Selective Service when required.

Verification

If selected for “verification,’’ the student must submit additional data to the Financial Aid Office to document information stated on FAFSA application. Prior year tax returns, verification worksheet, documentation of social security benefits, child support, and proof of independence (if applicable) are some of the items the student may be asked to provide. Verification must be completed before any federal funding will be disbursed.

Special Condition Application

When students apply for federal student financial aid, income information from the preceding year (referred to as base year income) is used to calculate eligibility. For the 2009-10 award year, 2008 income information is used. However, if the family’s income changes drastically for the worse after 2008 due to unemployment, a loss of non-taxable income or benefits, separation or divorce, or death, students may be eligible to file for a special condition calculation. See the Financial Aid Office for details. Applies to federal aid programs only.

Return of Title IV Federal Aid

Return of Title IV federal funds for students who completely withdraw from College.

Federal Title IV funds (Pell, SEOG, Stafford & PLUS loans) are based on the premise that a student will remain in school for the entire semester. If a student completely withdraws from college prior to completing at least 60% of the semester, the college must calculate the portion of federal aid the student has earned (therefore entitled to retain) until the time that the student withdrew. The portion unearned must be retuned to the federal programs - even if grants/loans have been credited to the student’s account.

For example, if you (the student) complete 30% of the semester, you earn 30% of your approved federal aid that you were scheduled to receive (or the college received on your behalf) for the semester. This means that 70% of your scheduled or disbursed aid remains unearned and must be returned to the federal programs or your lender. If Stafford loan monies are returned to the lender, it will reduce the amount of loan you are obligated to repay to your lender; however, this may result in you owing money to the college. See the Financial Aid Office for details.