| WHAT FORMS DO I NEED TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
Students applying for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for any need-based federal, state or institutional aid. Students need to apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
WHAT IS LA ROCHE COLLEGE 'S FEDERAL SCHOOL CODE?
The college code for La Roche College is 003987.
WHAT IF I NEED HELP COMPLETING THE FORMS OR HAVE UNUSUAL CIRCUMSTANCES?
The Financial Aid Office staff is here to assist you in completing the forms if you have questions or need help. You should bring to the attention of the Financial Aid Office any unusual or unique circumstances (i.e., divorce, separation, unemployment, etc.), that you may have now or may have later.
WHY DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A COPY OF MY AND/OR MY PARENTS' FEDERAL TAX RETURN?
The Department of Education randomly selects approximately 35% of all financial aid applications for verification. Written documentation (tax returns, copies of W-2 forms) to support the accuracy of your request for financial aid, including the Stafford Student Loan program, may be requested from the Financial Aid Office before the award process begins. Students selected for verification will be notified by the Financial Aid Office of what is needed to complete your request for financial aid. All requested information must be provided within 10 days from the date of the request. Information received after the 10-day period will be considered late and processed in the order of date received.
WHEN DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
You should apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1 for the upcoming academic year. The priority deadline for the submission of complete applications is May 1 for Fall. Applications CAN be filed after the deadline but will be processed according to the date received. You must reapply for financial aid every academic year (July 1 - June 30) , not every semester.
DO I HAVE TO BE FULL-TIME TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
No. However, to qualify for most aid programs you do have to enroll at least half-time (6 or more credits). Most La Roche College merit scholarships require you to enroll full-time.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID IF I AM CURRENTLY IN DEFAULT ON A STUDENT LOAN?
No. You are not eligible for financial aid if you are currently in default. If you have paid off your student loan or have made satisfactory repayment arrangements, you will need to provide proof of this to the Financial Aid Office at the campus you are attending.
HOW WILL I KNOW HOW MUCH MONEY I AM ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE?
The Financial Aid Counselors will evaluate your request for financial aid and determine if you are eligible for the many programs offered at the college. You are automatically considered for all grants or scholarships administered at the college if you meet the application deadline and financial aid criteria for these funds. You will be sent an award letter indicating the type and amount of aid you are eligible to receive.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR A PHEAA STATE GRANT?
PHEAA will send you an award notice telling you the amount and conditions of the grant. The Financial Aid Counselors will review all PHEAA state grant awards and will determine if you meet the conditions of the award. If you are eligible, the award will appear on your award letter.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN?
Students are automatically packaged with a Federal Stafford Loan. Sign and return the Reply Form included with your award letter that you accept the loan. First-time borrowers are required to participate in an Entrance Interview on-line at www.aessuccess.org. AND must also sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) electronically with their PIN on-line at www.aessuccess.org. If at any time you have questions on loan processing or your ability to receive loan funds, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN?
Students are automatically considered for a Federal Perkins loan when their financial aid application is reviewed. If the student is eligible, a Federal Perkins loan will be listed on the award letter. First year borrowers will need to complete a promissory note.
WHAT IS "WORK-STUDY" AND HOW DO I APPLY?
Work-study is an employment program available to students who demonstrate financial need. If you indicated that you were interested in work-study when you filed your FAFSA, work-study will be listed on your award letter, if you are eligible. If you did not indicate that you were interested in work-study on your FAFSA, contact the Financial Aid Office.
HOW AND WHEN WILL I GET MY MONEY?
Any grant or scholarship you receive will be credited against the amount of tuition and fees that you are charged for the term. Any outstanding balance not covered by financial aid is your responsibility and non-payment could result in the loss of your classes.
Loan funds are sent directly to La Roche College by your lender. La Roche College will notify you when the loan funds are received. The loan proceeds will be credited to your semester student account. The Student Accounts Office will refund to you any excess loan funds to cover other educational expenses you may have.
Work-study funds must be earned. You will be paid once a month. Work-study checks are sent to the Department where the student worked.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID FOR THE SUMMER?
Availability of funds for the summer session is contingent upon remaining funds and the financial need of the student as determined by the current year financial aid application. Students must have a completed current year FASFA on file in order to be considered for financial aid. Students must also complete a Summer Financial Aid Application (available on-line and in the Financial Aid Office) and return it to the Financial Aid Office by April 1.
IS THERE AN INCOME CUT-OFF FOR FINANCIAL AID?
There are many factors besides income that determine a student's eligibility for financial aid. Factors should as household size, number in college, and taxes paid are just a few of the items taken into account in the determination. There are also several allowances that off-set the income. All students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA, regardless of their income.
IS THERE FINANCIAL AID IF I AM PURSING A SECOND BACHELOR"S DEGREE?
Students who already have a bachelor's degree can receive Federal Stafford Loans as long as they have not already borrowed the aggregate amount for undergraduate students ($23,000 for dependent students; $46,000 for independent students). Students may also qualify for a Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Work-Study.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I CHANGE MY HOUSING STATUS?
A student's financial aid award will be reviewed if a student's housing status changes. Your financial aid awards may increase, decrease or stay the same. Contact the Financial Aid Office regarding your specific situation as each situation must be reviewed separately . Please note that if your are a dependent student and move off-campus, you must provide the Financial Aid Office with a signed copy of your lease.
DOES BECOMING A RESIDENT ASSISTANT AFFECT MY FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE?
A student's financial aid is not always affected if a student wants to become a Resident Assistant. Contact the Financial Aid Office regarding the status of your award.
CAN I RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID IF I STUDY ABROAD?
Students must complete the necessary financial aid paperwork and study through an approved program in order to receive federal and state funding. Students who study abroad are not eligible to receive any La Roche College funding.
IS THERE FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATE PROGRAMS?
Yes. Students are eligible to borrow through the Federal Stafford Loan program for graduate studies. Students may also qualify for a Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Work-Study. Students must submit the FAFSA. You may also secure grants and scholarships from outside the college.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO ADD OR DROP A CLASS?
Always check with the Financial Aid Office before you add or drop any classes to see if your financial aid will be affected.
WHAT DO I DO IF I WANT TO COMPLETELY WITHDRAW FROM CLASSES?
If you completely withdraw from La Roche College and you have received any Federal Title IV aid, including a Federal Stafford Student Loan, you may only have "earned" a portion of that aid, based upon the date you withdraw or cease to attend classes. That portion of "unearned" financial aid must be repaid according to regulations enacted for Federal Title IV aid recipients. It is important that you understand that if you completely withdraw and have received a refund for textbooks and other expenses, you may have to repay some or all of that refund before being eligible for further Federal Title IV assistance. Please notify the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from classes so that you may be made fully aware of your responsibilities with regard to repayment of funds received. Funds will be returned in the following order:
1) Unsubsidized Stafford Loan; 2) Subsidized Stafford Loan; 3) Federal PLUS;
4) Federal Pell Grant; 5) Federal ACG 6) Federal SMART 7) Federal SEOG; 6) Other Title IV Aid.
OTHER QUESTIONS?
If you have other questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office directly at 412-536-1125 or email us at finaid@laroche.edu.
|
