Welcome to Las Positas College's Financial Aid Online Orientation
There are six sections of the Online Orientation.
Within each section, there are several articles that you should read. These articles explain the financial aid process, your rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient, and time limits for receiving aid.
By spending a few minutes navigating through this Orientation, you can empower yourself by gaining knowledge of your options for paying for college. We wish you the best of luck with your educational goals.
Sincerely,Section #1: Paying for College
Section #2: Applying for Financial Aid
Section #4: Maintaining Financial Aid Eligibility
Once you decide to go to college, you have to figure out how to pay for it. The primary responsibility for paying for college lies with you and your family.
However, the government and many private institutions recognize that a college education is not only good for you but for society as a whole. These institutions have put aside considerable amounts of money to help you pay for school.
When it comes to paying for college, you need to know your options. Don't make decisions without knowing how the process works! Otherwise, you may miss out on some help that could make your life easier.
There are many ways to pay for your college costs. Costs may include school fees, transportation, housing, and books. These are all a part of being a college student.
You can pay using your savings, help from family, earnings from working a full or part-time job, scholarships, or financial aid from the government.
After exhausting all these options, there are also loan programs to carefully consider.
Both the Federal government and State of California have put aside considerable financial aid to help people pay for a college education.
Pell Grants, for instance, can award you up to $4,050 per year. To determine what you might be eligible to receive, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, called the FAFSA.
The most appealing type of support you might receive is a grant. Grants are a terrific way to pay for college because the money you receive does not need to be paid back.
However, the only way to determine if you can receive federal and state grants is to file the FAFSA. Contact us if you need help completing this application.
The State of California also awards Cal Grants to help cover college costs. To determine your eligibility, you must file the FAFSA and send a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission. There are two deadlines; March 2nd (the spring before the current school year) and September 2nd of the current school year.
California residents who meet certain eligibility requirements may have their enrollment fees waived entirely. The BOG Waiver can be a great help if you qualify.
Some students also work part-time or full-time to help meet the costs of college. You may take advantage of "federal work-study" opportunities which allow you to work on campus in between your classes. The Career Center can help you find employment on and off campus.
Student loans are also a possible option for covering your costs after you explore other options. Just remember that they must be paid back over time with interest.
Many students find it helpful to create an anticipated budget that estimates the likely costs of attending college.
By creating a budget that estimates your costs and your likely sources of income, such as family support, jobs, savings, scholarships, grants, and loans, you will be able to make the best decisions about paying for your education.
Also, you may benefit from meeting with a school counselor to develop a Student Education Plan.
Finally, remember that if you are unsure about anything, it never hurts to ask questions. Nothing beats making "informed" decisions about money.In order to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must satisfy the following requirements:
* You have a high school diploma, GED, or have passed an independently administered ‘Ability to Benefit’ test approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
* You are working toward an associate degree, a certificate approved for Financial Aid (must require at least one year to complete) or transfer toward a bachelor's degree.
* You are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
* You have completed the required forms.
* You maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college.
* You have financial need (except in the case of unsubsidized loans).
* You are in compliance with Selective Service Registration (male students only).
* You do not owe a refund or repayment on a federal grant.
* You are not in default on a federal educational loan.
If you satisfy the eligibility requirements, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you apply, the federal processor will calculate what is known as your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is an estimate of what you and your family can afford to pay toward your college education.
Your financial "need" is the difference between the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the EFC. The cost of attendance is an average cost to attend Las Positas College for 9-months.
You are encouraged to complete a FAFSA even if you think your parents earn too much money for you to qualify for financial aid. You will never know whether you can receive support unless you apply. Students from middle income families can often qualify for a fee waiver even though their family income may be too high to receive a grant.
To apply for financial aid, you need to think about 5 letters: F-A-F-S-A. These letters stand for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing this application is the key to unlocking many sources of financial support.
To apply for both federal and state aid, you need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must apply or renew your FAFSA every school year you plan to attend.
The FAFSA is the key to unlocking possible funds, such as the Pell Grant or Cal Grant, for your fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses.
You can file a FAFSA in either one of the following ways:
* The fastest and easiest way to complete the FAFSA is online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It's free and can be accessed from home or school. You will need to request a "pin number" as your electronic signature at www.pin.ed.gov (if a parent’s signature is required, the parent must also request a pin number). If you apply online, we recommend that you first complete the Pre-Application Worksheet. Then copy the information onto the online application and follow the signature instructions. If you apply online and use pin numbers for your signatures, it takes about a week to process.
* You can complete and mail a paper FAFSA. You can pick up a FAFSA form at the Financial Aid Office. Copies are available in both English and Spanish. If you mail a FAFSA to be processed it takes about 4 weeks to receive your results.
*Repeat filers should use the Renewal FAFSA process. Renewing your FAFSA on the web is faster and easier. If you are unable to renew, just fill out a new FAFSA.
When you complete the FAFSA, be certain to use the Las Positas federal school code: 030357 so that we may electronically receive your FAFSA results. If you are still deciding which college to attend, list the federal school code for all colleges you are considering.
Be sure to keep a copy of the FAFSA for your records.After you have filed your FAFSA and submitted requested documents, your file is reviewed to determine your eligibility. You will be sent a detailed Award Notification Letter informing of this eligibility. Your eligibility is determined using the federal needs analysis calculation known as the federal methodology. The following explains the important items involved in determining your financial need and award.
Expected Family Contribution
You and your family may be expected to contribute toward your education from your own resources such as employment and assets. This amount is called your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Financial Need
Your financial need is determined by subtracting your EFC from your Budget (Cost Of Attendance or ‘COA’). We will offer financial aid awards to try to meet your financial need based on program requirements and available funds. We do not automatically award student loans or federal workstudy funds. Students may apply for a loan by completing the loan counseling procedure at the college and completing a loan request, and may apply for federal work-study through the Career Center, Building 900
Some students with unusual circumstances which affect financial aid eligibility, such as changes in income or loss of employment, should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Budget
The Student Budget (Cost of Attendance) represents an average cost to attend the college over a 9-month period. The figures are determined by using state and national surveys, in addition to local area costs. The budgets are established every school year and may change. Budgets are established based on 1) whether a student lives at home with parents, 2) whether a student lives away from the parent’s home, and 3) whether they are determined to be residents or non-residents. Budget figures are posted on our website and are indicated in a student’s award letter.
Your actual enrollment is verified and determines your check amount
There are two regularly scheduled disbursements each semester, with ‘pickup’ disbursements scheduled in between these two dates. Because the amount of financial aid you are entitled to receive is directly related to the number of units for which you are actually enrolled, your payment will differ from the amount indicated on your award letter if you are less than fulltime. The Financial Aid Office schedules actual disbursements of financial aid checks only after enrollment is verified. Students who add courses after being paid at a lower enrollment rate will receive additional funds during the next pickup disbursement after the enrollment has been added. However, during the second main scheduled disbursement each semester enrollment is ‘frozen’. Students who decrease enrollment status prior to the second scheduled term disbursement will have their semester Pell grant adjusted accordingly to reflect appropriate payment for the semester enrollment status. Students who add units after the second scheduled disbursement may not be paid for any additional units added unless their instructor documents that it was an instructor error which caused a student’s units to not be recorded at the time of the second disbursement.
You are scheduled to receive two pell checks each semester.
The first half of your semester Federal Pell check is disbursed to you at the beginning of the semester, and the second half approximately mid-way through the semester. Cal Grant checks are disbursed approximately the 6th week of classes and approximately the midpoint of the term. SEOG checks are disbursed once each semester, on the second scheduled disbursement date. Students who were not paid earlier in the term due to completing their files late, or not having registered in time for a payment, or having registered originally in less units but later added, will be paid in-between the two regularly scheduled disbursements during a ‘pick-up disbursement’; see the Financial Aid Office or the Financial Aid Website for pick-up disbursement dates.
Grant checks will be mailed to your home address!
All Pell, SEOG, and Cal Grant Checks will be mailed directly to the student’s home address. It is MOST IMPORTANT that you always maintain your current mailing address with the Financial Aid Office and college Admissions & Records Offices. Address changes must be made PRIOR to 10 calendar days before a check is due to be mailed. Checks are mailed to the current mailing address indicated on your official college records in the Admissions Office. You may correct your official college address through the Financial Aid Office, or the Admissions Office. Students who have an address change within 10 days of when a check is due to be mailed should contact the financial aid office to have their checks HELD and picked up, to avoid mailing to an incorrect address. There will be up to a $30 stop-payment fee charged to students whose checks are lost or not received as a result of incorrect addresses maintained with the college or as a result of post office negligence.
Release of stafford loan checks
Stafford loans are disbursed in two separate checks, generally one each semester. The Financial Aid Office will mail a letter to you notifying you that your loan check has been received and is ready to be picked up. You should receive your letter approximately 7 days after the scheduled disbursement date indicated on your promissory note and loan disclosure statement (a form which is usually forwarded by the lender directly to you once the loan is processed). PLEASE NOTE: ‘Disbursement dates’ which are indicated on a lender’s disclosure statement refer to the date the lender will mail checks to the college, NOT when checks will be available for students to pick up at the college! This letter must be brought to the financial office during drop-in hours in order to receive approval for check release. Once check release is approved, you may go to the college business office, Bldg. 100, to actually sign for and pick up the loan check. The first loan check will not be disbursed until 30 days after classes begin, to assure students have remained enrolled and in accordance with federal regulations.
College business office (building 100) hours:
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday
Students must make special arrangements to pick up their loan checks after 5:00 pm by calling 925-424-1633 in advance.
Federal workstudy checks
Federal Work-Study checks are produced by the Payroll Office once a month, based on hours worked from the 16th of the previous month to the 15th of the current month. Time sheets are due on the 15th of each month, and paychecks arrive on the last day of each month. If the last day falls on a weekend or a holiday, the check will be available the last working day before the weekend or holiday. Checks are to be picked up from the college business office, Building 100.
Required identification
You will always be asked to present one type of photo ID (such as a California driver’s license or California Identification Card) each time you pick up any kind of check at the Business Office.
Dropping to less than halftime status before the second scheduled disbursement after being paid for halftime-or-greater enrollment:
If a student receives a Pell check in any term based on initial halftime or greater enrollment, but later drops below halftime before the second scheduled Pell disbursement of the term, the student is responsible to repay the difference between the funds received and the amount the student is actually entitled to for less-than-halftime enrollment, if any, or will owe a federal overpayment.
Late Start Classes - Payment Policy
Students are not eligible for payment for a course until it has BEGUN. Therefore, if a disbursement occurs prior to a late start course beginning, your payment will not reflect enrollment for that course. Once the start date has passed, if you remain enrolled you will be paid during the following pick-up disbursement after the start date.
Payment For Variable Unit Courses - Class Add Deadline
Students who add additional units in variable unit courses after the second scheduled disbursement date for each semester (example: 11/6/06 for Fall 2006 or 4/2/07 for Spring 2007,) may not be paid for the extra units added or earned after these dates. It is the student’s responsibility to assure that additional units are added in the admissions office prior to these dates; enrollment may be verified on CLASS-WEB.
Frozen Enrollment Of Pell Payments For Late Start Or Variable Unit Courses
In accordance with federal regulations, enrollment for payment purposes will be 'FROZEN' on the date of the second scheduled disbursement of each term (example:11/6/06 and 4/2/07 for the 2006-2007 School Year), and any courses or additional units added after these dates will not receive payment. Be sure all courses are added prior to the FREEZING date to ensure payment.
Stop payment charge policy
The college is not responsible for delays due to non-notification of address changes within two calendar weeks, or for non-delivery due to post office problems. The student will be charged up to $30.00 for a stop-payment requested for a financial aid check. Stop payments will not be placed on checks until 10 days from mailing have expired. Replacement checks may take an additional 4 weeks after cancellation to be mailed.
To be classified as "independent" for federal and state financial aid purposes, you must be 24 years of age as of Jan. 1 of the academic year for which you are applying; or you are married; or you are a veteran of the US Armed Forces; or you have dependents; or you are a ward of the court (meaning a designated foster youth through social services). Students with adverse home situations should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Many resources are available to help you learn about financial aid. Applications and publications are available at the campus Financial Aid Office. In addition, the Internet is a great way to get more information.
Here are some useful Financial Aid Phone Numbers and Websites:
* US Department of Education: FAFSA on the Web, Apply for Financial Aid
Website: www.fafsa.ed.gov
* US Department of Education: Application Process and Application Status
Call: 1-800-4 FED AID or 1-800-433-3243, For TTY 1-800-730-8913
* US Department of Education: PIN Registration.
Call: 1-800-801-0576 Website: www.pin.ed.gov
* US Selective Service Registration
Call: 1-847-688-6888 Website: www.sss.gov
* US Department of Education: Financial aid information on the Internet.
Website: www.studentaid.ed.gov
* CA Student Aid Commission: Information and assistance about Cal Grants.
Website: www.csac.ca.gov
E-mail: custsvcs@csac.ca.gov
Call: 1-888-CA-GRANT or 1-888-224-7268
After you apply for the FAFSA, the federal processor will notify you and the college of the preliminary outcome. The college continues the process and will contact you if you need to submit any additional documentation. When this process is complete you will receive an Award Notification Letter detailing your eligibility for federal and state financial aid. Here are descriptions of the major types of financial aid you may qualify for:
Federal Pell Grant
Pell Grants provide financial assistance to eligible part-time and full-time students based on your EFC. Awards range from $400 to $4,050. Taking full-time coursework of 12 units or more will maximize your Pell eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a limited grant fund for students who meet the eligibility criteria of exceptional need. Pell Grant recipients with ‘0’ EFC, who have completed their files by June 30th are given priority. Las Positas students must be enrolled FULLTIME to receive an SEOG grant. Currently LPC offers SEOG grants of $500/year for qualified students
Federal Subsidized Student Loans
The Federal Subsidized Student Loan is a need-based student loan program designed to assist students with their educational expenses during a period of enrollment in an eligible program of study. This student loan is insured by the federal government and guaranteed by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
The subsidized student loan is available to students based on their remaining need and student loan request. The interest is subsidized or paid by the government for the student while the student is enrolled in at least a minimum half-time status. The interest is also paid for the student six months after their completion date or their last date of attendance.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loans
Your eligibility for subsidized student loans will be reviewed first. The unsubsidized student loan can be need-based or non-need based. Another important difference is you are responsible to pay the interest on this loan while you are in school. You can pay the interest during school or have it added to your loan amount by capitalization.
Federal Work-Study (FWS)
Federal Work-Study is a program that provides jobs for students who demonstrate financial need. Eligible students are placed into work-study jobs, usually on campus.
Cal Grants are state-funded cash grants given to California college students to help pay for college expenses. The awards do not have to be paid back.
To be eligible, in addition to meeting federal aid requirements, a student must:
Cal Grant B
This is for students from disadvantaged or low-income families who otherwise would not be able to pursue a higher education. For community colleges, students are eligible for $1551 maximum and must be enrolled at least half-time
Cal Grant B Entitlement Award: Every graduating high school senior who has a grade point average of at least 2.0, meets the Cal Grant financial income, asset and GPA eligibility requirements is guaranteed this award if they apply by the March 2nd deadline of the senior year. Students who missed this deadline may still be considered for an Entitlement grant if they apply by March 2 of the year immediately AFTER high school graduation.
Cal Grant B Competitive Award: Other students who meet the basic Cal Grant eligibility requirements and who have at least a 2.0 grade point average may compete for this award. (Selection is based on a composite score that takes into account a variety of factors such as family income, parents' educational level, etc.).
Cal Grant C
Helps vocationally oriented students acquire marketable job skills. Full or half-time training must lead to a recognized occupational goal: diploma, associate degree or certificate. Cal Grant financial need criteria must also be met.
California Community College Transfer Entitlement Award
This is either a Cal Grant A or B. High school seniors who graduated after June 30, 2000, attend a California community college and then transfer to a 4-year school may be eligible for this award. Eligible students must have at least a 2.4 grade point average, meet the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, and be under 24 years of age as of December 31 of the award year.
Cal Grant A
This grant is for students from low and middle income families. The grant assists with tuition and fees at a four-year college or university. If you are awarded a Cal Grant A, you will have your award placed on reserve for up to three years until you transfer. The award is renewable
California residents who attend community colleges may be eligible to have their Enrollment Fee paid for by the State of California. There are three ways to qualify. Use the Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver application for Method A or B. Use the FAFSA for
Method C.
Method A
For families who are receiving TANF/CalWorks, SSI/SSP or General Assistance. Verification of benefits dated within 60 days is required. The following special classifications are also eligible for fee waivers. Some dependents of Veterans or National Guard; recipient or the child of a recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor or a dependent of a victim of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack; or a dependent of a deceased law enforcement officer or fire suppression personnel killed in the line of duty. Documentation of eligibility for these special classifications is required.
Method B
For families who meet the INCOME CRITERIA. Dependent students must use the Parent’s income (do not include the student’s income). Income includes adjusted gross income, wages not reported on a tax return, all untaxed income and cash received or any money paid on your behalf (See chart). We may require documentation of income.
Family Size | 2006 Income |
|---|---|
1 |
$14,700 |
2 |
$19,800 |
3 |
$24,900 |
4 |
$30,000 |
5 |
$35,100 |
6 |
$40,200 |
7 |
$45,300 |
8 |
$50,400 |
Each Additional Family Member $5,100
The income standards chart is adjusted each year. These standards are for the 2006-07 academic year and are to be used to determine BOG B eligibility effective Summer Term, 2006.
Are you, or is your parent in a Registered Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State under Section 297 of the Family Code?
If yes, you are required to include your domestic partner’s income and household information or your parent’s partnership income and household information on the BOG Fee Waiver application. These new provisions apply to state-funded student financial aid only, and not to federal aid.
Method C
COMPLETE THE FAFSA APPLICATION. The Financial Aid Office will determine unmet need after an Expected Family Contribution has been established. A Board of Governor’s Enrollment Fee Waiver will be issued to anyone with at least $1 of unmet need (Student Budget minus the EFC equals the amount of unmet need).
In order to receive financial aid at Sacramento City College, students must fulfill certain responsibilities and obligations.
These articles explain the various requirements financial aid recipients at Sacramento City College must satisfy in order to continue to receive aid.
You have the right to:
You have the responsibility to:
This policy applies to all forms of federal Title IV student aid (Pell Grants, SEOG Grants, Federal Work-Study and Stafford Student Loans), and the Cal Grant Program. These standards do not apply to the California Board of Governors Fee Waiver Program. Although a student should enroll in a minimum of 15 units each semester to make normal progress toward the completion of degree requirements in two years, enrollment in a minimum of 12 units is required if the student is to be funded as a full-time student. Federal regulations require that the standards applied to students receiving financial aid also apply to those students during periods when they are not receiving aid. To measure satisfactory academic progress, the Financial Aid Office uses the following “SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS’ policy.
Academic Standards And Grading:
The Las Positas College standards outlined in the "Academic Probation and Dismissal" section of the College Catalog apply to all students. For the purpose of determining eligibility to receive financial aid, overall quality and quantity of performance (as measured by grade point average and number of units completed) is reviewed and evaluated by the Financial Aid Office. Satisfactory Progress is assessed prior to the student’s first disbursement of the school year, and again at the end of each semester once grades are available.
Evaluation Of Progress During Terms When Student Did Not Receive Aid
In accordance with federal regulations, satisfactory academic progress for all students must be evaluated whether or not financial aid was received or applied for.
Students with no previous academic history at Chabot/Las Positas Community College District are assigned a ‘PROGRESS’ status.
Students who have attended Chabot/Las Positas Community College District previously without the benefit of financial aid are held to the same Academic college standards indicated in the official college catalog, as follows:
*Students in good standing will be given a Financial Aid PROGRESS’ status.
*Students on ‘Progress Probation I’ will be placed on Financial Aid ‘WARNING’ status.
*Students on ‘Progress Probation II’ will be placed on Financial Aid ‘SUSPENDED’ status.
*All students who have attended Chabot/Las Positas Community College District who have less than a 2.0 cumulative GPA after four terms of attendance are placed on Financial Aid ‘GPA SUSPENSION’ status in accordance with federal regulations, until their cumulative GPA is brought up to a minimum 2.0.
*Students who received financial aid at Chabot/Las Positas College in the past who had a break in either attendance or in receiving financial aid will have their current satisfactory academic progress status evaluated as follows: a term by term evaluation applying current SAP standards will be performed starting with the last official financial aid SAP status calculated on the student’s records.
Minimum Cumulative GPA Requirement:
Any student who has completed prior units at Chabot/Las Positas Community College District who has a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of less than 2.0 will be placed on Financial Aid ‘GPA WARNING’ status. Students may receive financial aid while on warning, but must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements each term in order to continue eligibility. Such student with less than 2.0 GPA will continue on GPA WARNING until their cumulative GPA is brought above 2.0. Such students who subsequently fail to meet satisfactory academic progress in any term while on GPA WARNING will be suspended after that term. Students must have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible for the Stafford loan program.
Any student who has attended two or more years (6 quarters or 4 semesters) at Chabot/Las Positas Community College District who has a cumulative GPA of less than 2.0 is ineligible for financial aid and will be placed on a ‘GPA SUSPENDED’ status. Students may not receive financial aid while suspended. Such students with less than 2.0 GPA will continue on SUSPENDED status until their cumulative GPA is brought above 2.0, in accordance with federal regulations.
Maximum Time Frame Allowed:
With respect to the college’s "satisfactory academic progress" policy, a student must complete his or her program in a period of time no longer than 150% of the school’s published program length. Las Positas College will measure the progress of all students in attempted semester units taken at the Chabot/Las Positas Community College District.
An ‘attempted unit’ is defined as any unit the student remains enrolled in AFTER the add/drop period.
Using the 150% limit, students pursuing an A.A./A.S. degree or transfer program are ineligible for financial aid after 90 attempted units. A student enrolled in a Certificate program may attempt a maximum of 150% of the published length of that individual program (measured in units) according to the college catalog. Up to 30 units of remedial basic skills courses and all ESL courses may be excluded from the 150% limit. Once this limit has been reached, no further financial aid can be received.
The maximum time frame includes units attempted within the Chabot/Las Positas Community College District during all periods of enrollment in which the student did or did not receive financial aid. The maximum time frame also includes evaluated units from prior colleges, which meet program requirements of the student's current academic objective as determined from official transcripts. This is required if the student has requested inclusion of prior academic credit for any purpose within the college, and is required for all students with a prior bachelor’s degree seeking loan eligibility. If the student’s total units equal or exceed the maximum time frame of 150% (equivalent to 90 attempted units for an A.A./A.S. or transfer), his/her eligibility for financial aid will be terminated. If there are extenuating circumstances, the student may appeal for an exception to this policy by submitting a Petition for Excessive Units to the Financial Aid Officer.
Formula To Determine A Student’s Total Units For Financial Aid
Total attempted units within the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District
LESS up to 30 Basic Skills and all ESL units
PLUS Units transferred in from prior colleges which meet program requirements of the student’s major
EQUALS TOTAL UNITS TO BE COUNTED TOWARD MAXIMUM TIME FRAME
- At 30 Units the student must complete a Student Education Plan with a counselor.
- At 90 Units the student is no longer eligible for financial aid except by petition.
Student Education Plans And 30 Unit Requirement:
Students are highly encouraged to meet with a college counselor to prepare a Student Educational Plan as soon as possible and to assure that s/he understands the requirements necessary to reach his/her academic objective. However, once a student has attempted 30 units (according to the formula in the box above), s/he must meet with a counselor to complete a Student Education Plan. Additionally, all students intending to transfer units from prior colleges must request for official transcript(s) to be sent to Admissions & Records Office and make a 1-hour appointment with a counselor to obtain a Student Education Plan so that prior units from all submitted transcripts of previous colleges are evaluated to determine the number which will apply to the student’s current major; this number is used to determine the student’s total financial aid units to be applied to the 150% limit.. The student may meet with an EOPS counselor, DSPS Counselor, or may make an appointment in General Counseling, Building 700, 424-1400. The purpose of the Student Education Plan is to assure that the student is fully aware of the courses remaining which are required to meet his/her graduation or transfer requirements, so as to assure the student can plan to complete his/her coursework within the limited remaining time allowed for receiving financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to follow the correct program requirements so that they can complete their program within the allotted financial aid timeframe. The student and counselor complete a 'Financial Aid Student Education Plan Certification' form and submit it to the financial aid office to document that an SEP has been completed. For students with prior bachelor’s degrees seeking a student loan, please see below.
Prior College Units/Degrees:
For policy regarding credit for units earned at previous colleges, refer to the “Transcripts from Other Colleges” section of the college catalog. Students wishing to borrow a Stafford loan for the first time at Las Positas who have previously borrowed at other colleges MUST submit official transcripts from their prior colleges where loans were borrowed. Students who have received a bachelor’s degree from any college or university, whether inside or outside the United States are ineligible for Title IV grant programs. Students with a prior bachelors degree MUST submit an official academic transcript from the institution which granted their degree, and must obtain a Financial Aid Student Education Plan Certification prior to loan or federal workstudy approval. Loan approval for students with a previous bachelors degree requires that the student enroll into courses which are needed for completion of a new academic objective.
Minimum Number Of Units And GPA Which Must Be Earned Each Semester:
Satisfactory academic progress for all financial aid programs is based on earning 67% of the total number of units attempted each semester with a minimum 2.0 GPA. ‘Attempted units’ are defined as any units you remain enrolled in after the add/drop period each term. Units “earned” or "completed" with satisfactory progress are those courses in which a grade of A, B, C, D, or CR is received. The number of units you complete with a grade of “I”, “W”, “F”, “WF”, “WP”, “NC” and for audited classes will not count toward your minimum satisfactory academic requirement of 67% of units completed.
Example Chart
Status |
Attempted Units |
Completed Units (67%) |
Full-Time |
18 |
12 |
Full-Time |
15 |
10 |
Full-Time |
12-13 |
9 |
¾ Time |
11 |
7.5 |
¾ Time |
9 |
6 |
½ Time |
8 |
5.5 |
½ Time |
7 |
5 |
½ Time |
6 |
4 |
Less Than ½ Time |
5 |
3.5 |
Less Than ½ Time |
3 |
2 |
Term GPA must be 2.0 with 67% completion rate to make satisfactory academic progress.
Stafford Student Loan Additional Minimum Enrollment Requirement:
In addition to completing a minimum of 67% of the units attempted with a 2.0 GPA, a loan recipient must maintain enrollment in a minimum of 6 units in accordance with federal regulations, and at least 6 units of classes must have begun prior to release of a loan check. A loan student who drops below 6 units at any time will be ineligible for any further loan funds for that academic year, and all future previously approved loan disbursements will be canceled. The student’s reduced enrollment status will be reported to his/her Guarantor, and his/her grace period for repayment will begin effective the last day the student was enrolled in 6 units. Should the student return to college and take more than six units the following term, s/he will need to notify their lender of their status change and file a subsequent enrollment deferment form in order to avoid repayment or possible loan default. A student may appeal for reinstatement if there are extenuating circumstances involved. If the appeal is approved, eligibility will be reinstated but the amount of loan eligibility is subject to recalculation per federal and state regulations.
Grade Changes After Final Grades Are Issued:
It is the student's responsibility to notify the financial aid office of any official grade changes that would affect the student's satisfactory academic progress status.
Failure To Make Satisfactory Academic Progress:
The Financial Aid Office will send letters at the end of each semester, after grades are evaluated, to students who fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Summer session is considered a semester and grades are evaluated in the same manner as fall and spring semesters.
WARNING: If the student fails to complete 67% of the units attempted with a 2.0 GPA s/he will be placed on WARNING status.
The student will continue to qualify for financial aid. Grant funds will continue to be paid on the first scheduled disbursement date each semester while a student remains on warning.
The student’s Warning status will be cleared when s/he completes at least 6 units and at least 67% of the total semester units attempted with a 2.0 GPA, or earns 6 units and 67% of the units attempted during the summer term with a 2.0 GPA.
Suspension:
A student will be placed on SUSPENDED status if the student:
A STUDENT WHO WITHDRAWS OR RECEIVES ANY COMBINATION OF ALL “F”s, “NC”s, “W”s or “IW”s (Instructor Withdrawal) IN ALL HIS/HER CLASSES WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE SUSPENDED, AND MAY BE SUBJECT TO REPAYMENT OF A PORTION OF THE FUNDS RECEIVED IF THE STUDENT WITHDRAWS PRIOR TO THE 60% POINT IN THE TERM (see “Return to Title IV Repayment Policy”).
Students receiving any combination of all F and/or NC grades are assumed to have unofficially withdrawn and are treated in accordance with Return to Title IV regulations, unless it can be documented that the student remained in one course for the entire term and completed with a failing grade. It is assumed that the student remained in class for 50% of the term and earned 50% of the eligible award.
A student who is suspended a second time after reinstatement is automatically terminated from all financial aid eligibility and is ineligible for reinstatement except by appeal.
Reinstatement Of Financial Aid Eligibility:
Reinstatement of eligibility for financial aid is possible after suspension due to lack of satisfactory progress by doing one or more of the following, based on the reason for lack of progress:
Appeal Procedure
To appeal an unsatisfactory progress status, a student may complete and submit to the financial aid office a Petition For Reinstatement Or Continuation Of Financial Aid, or may write a letter of petition. The disqualified student must include a written explanation of reason for petition along with corrective action to be taken as applicable, and attach documentation to support his/her case. Subsequent review and a determination will be made based upon several factors, including Federal and State regulations, the student’s academic and financial aid history and the student’s clearly stated and documented extenuating circumstances. Examples of extenuating circumstances are death of an immediate family member, injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstances as appropriate. The student will be advised in writing of the decision. If dissatisfied with that decision, the student may request that his/her Petition be submitted for further review by the Student Services Appeals Committee by submitting the request in writing to the Vice President of Student Services, Building 700.
Once determined, the Appeals Committee’s recommendation is referred to the Vice President of Student Services, whose decision is final. The student will be notified in writing of the final decision regarding the appeal.
Students who believe their status (WARNING OR SUSPENSION) has been determined in error should contact the Financial Aid Office as immediately as possible to discuss their situation and to determine if an error has been made.
A federal law requires students to repay a portion of the funds received if they withdraw before the 60% point of the term, as measured in calendar days, not school days.
The 60% date for Fall term 2006 is November 1, 2006
The 60% date for Spring term 2007 is March 30, 2007.
Students who completely withdraw after these dates will not owe a repayment.
According to the day of withdrawal, the Financial Aid Office must calculate the percentage and amount of the grant that the student has “earned”, and the percentage and amount of the grant that was "unearned", based on the number of days attended compared to the number of days in the complete term. The institution must repay part of this debt on the student’s behalf based on the value of the enrollment fees assessed for the student’s classes. The student must repay the institution the amount that was paid on the student’s behalf. The remaining amount the student must repay to the federal government. Students who are thinking of withdrawing are highly encouraged to visit the Financial Aid Office first to discuss the situation, and to receive advice regarding their potential repayment liability.
What happens to my awarded grant funds if I withdraw from all my classes?
Do I need to notify the Financial Aid Office if I withdraw from school?
Repaying the Institutional Portion of an overpayment
The amount of institutional funds the college pays the federal government on the student’s behalf will be immediately posted on the student’s account and a college hold will be placed. The hold will be lifted only upon full repayment of the institutional portion of funds to the college, or upon execution of an agreement between the student and the financial aid office with satisfactory repayment arrangements. The hold will be reinstated if the repayment terms of the agreement are not upheld. As with all debts to the college, any portion of the institutional portion of the repayment due directly to the college which is unpaid at the end of the school year may be referred to the state COTOP collection program, which repays the debt (in additional to a 25% collection fee) by retaining funds from the student's state income tax refund.
Repaying the Federal Portion of an overpayment
The student will be responsible for repaying the federal government 50% of the unearned amount of financial aid received (minus the amount the College paid on the student’s behalf). A student who completely withdraws will be notified by letter by the Financial Aid Office. The student will have 45 days from notification to repay the unearned federal amount to the College, which will then return the repayment to the federal government. If not repaid within 45 days, the overpayment will be reported to the federal government, and a nationwide “HOLD” will be placed on the student’s eligibility. The student will lose eligibility for all federal aid at every college nationwide until satisfactory repayment arrangements are made directly with the federal government, or until the funds are repaid in full. Students may pay the federal portion of their debt directly to the college before August 31, 2006, after which it will be referred to the Department of Education for collection, and the college will no longer be involved in the collection process.
Students who receive all ‘F’ or ‘NC’ grades are also equally subject to Return to Title IV procedures per federal regulations, unless the student can document that s/he remained in attendance in at least one course throughout the semester. If the instructor or the student cannot document the last day the student was in attendance, the 50% point in the term is to be assumed, and the student will owe an overpayment based on having earned only 50% of the award. If the student is able to document that s/he remained in a class throughout the term, Return to Title IV will not apply. It is the student’s responsibility to provide documentation.
Repayments are credited in the following order:
·to outstanding loan balances (which reduces the student's principal due) for the payment period or period of enrollment for which a return of funds is required in the following order:
· Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans.
· Subsidized Federal Stafford loans.
· If funds remain after repaying all loan amounts, requires those remaining funds to be credited in the following order:
· Federal Pell Grants for the payment period for which a return of funds is required.
· Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) for the payment period for which a return of funds is required.
Repaying the federal portion of an overpayment
The federal portion of the student’s overpayment is reported to the Department of Education 45 days after the student’s notification, if the student has not repaid their overpayment to the college within that time. However, if a student wishes to repay the entire federal portion of their debt within the same school year in which the debt was incurred, they may do so through the financial aid office. The financial aid office will then forward the funds to the federal government and the national hold will be lifted.
To repay the federal portion of an overpayment after August 31st, 2006 a student must make full payment to the Department of Education or make satisfactory repayment arrangements as follows:
ED COLLECTIONS: 1-800-621-3115
U.S. Department of Education
Federal Student Aid Programs
P.O. Box 4222
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
Policy Regarding Outstanding Fees Or Debts Owed To The College
Enrollment, Non Resident tuition, Mailing, Student Activities, and Student Representation fees will be deducted directly from a grant check or a scholarship check. If a student has not authorized approval for other fees or debts (such as bookstore holds or library fines) to be deducted directly from his/her financial aid grant check, the check will not be mailed, but will be held until the debt is repaid to the college business office. The business office will release the check once the debt is paid in full. Debts cannot be deducted from Stafford loan checks since they are issued by the lender. Loan checks will be held by the business office until outstanding debts to the college are paid in full.
Repeat Policy
Las Positas only pays for a repeated class if the student previously earned a "D", "F", or "NC" grade for the course. A class may only be repeated once, in accordance with the Repeat policy stated in the College Catalog.
Refund Of Registration Fees
Students who officially withdraw from LPC who have paid for their courses may apply for refunds of registration fees and tuition paid in accordance with the college’s Refund Policy as stated in the college catalog. Students who have received financial aid and apply for a refund after withdrawing, may have all or a portion of the refund returned to the original financial aid program account. Students who receive a fee waiver after paying for enrollment fees may apply for a refund of enrollment fees at the Admissions Office. Refunds due to fee waivers may be made retroactively for the entire year until the last day of classes during spring semester.
Policy Regarding Repayment Of Financial Aid Over-Awards
An over-award results when a student receives more aid than he or she is eligible to receive. In the event of a financial aid overpayment the student is required to repay the funds received regardless of the cause of overpayment, even if the overpayment was due to a college error. Students who receive Title IV funds but never attend a class are ineligible to receive any aid, and must repay all funds received. When a student withdraws from LPC prior to the 60% point in the semester after receiving a financial aid payment, s/he will be subject to repayment of some of the funds received in accordance with the RETURN TO TITLE IV POLICY stated above. A hold will be placed on all academic records and registration for future semesters for students who have overpayments. The hold may be temporarily lifted if satisfactory repayment plans are made and payments are received accordingly. If the student plans to return to school the following semester, financial aid will not be paid until the over-award amount is paid in full or after 60% of the term has been completed with satisfactory progress. Students may not have a prior year’s overpayment repaid by current year’s Title IV funds.
Unpaid debts due the college are subject to be sent to collections through the California Community College Chancellor's Office COTOP Program; a 25% collection fee is added. Such debts would be collected through seizure of future California income tax refunds due the student.
Policy Regarding Retroactive Financial Aid Payments
Retroactive payments will not be made for any semesters during which academic progress (2.0 term GPA) was not earned. Retroactive payments are based on the number of units completed, not attempted.
Policy Regarding Students Taking Courses Concurrently At Las Positas And Chabot
As a general rule, a student should receive financial aid from Las Positas if s/he is taking 6 or more units at Las Positas and less than 6 units at Chabot, and vice versa. Las Positas and Chabot Colleges operate under a consortium agreement whereby cross-enrolled students may receive aid at either college, but must remain with the same college for financial aid purposes for the entire academic year. For any semester in which courses are taken concurrently at Las Positas and Chabot colleges grades and units will be combined and reviewed to determine if progress standards were met.
Policy Regarding Consortium Agreements With Other Colleges
Effective June 1, 2005, Las Positas College, as a student’s home institution, will not allow payment of financial aid for courses taken concurrently at other colleges outside of the Chabot/Las Positas Community College District.
Las Positas will, however, agree to a consortium agreement issued by another college acting as a student’s home institution, which allows the student payment at the home institution for courses taken at LPC. Such agreement necessarily disallows financial aid payments directly from LPC, but does allow a fee waiver.
Policy Regarding Fraud
A student who attempts to obtain financial aid by fraud will be suspended from financial aid for unsatisfactory conduct. The college will report such instances to local law enforcement agencies, the California Student Aid Commission, and to the Federal Government, Office of Inspector General. Restitution of any financial aid received in such manner will be required, and federal fines and possible imprisonment imposed.
Policy Regarding Dropping Classes After Receiving Financial Aid
Students who completely withdraw prior to the 60% point in a semester owe the federal government a refund of a portion of the aid received. Refer to the section 'RETURN TO TITLE IV AID' for detail. Such students are placed on suspension status for future financial aid at Las Positas per the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
Students who withdraw from some of their classes will be affected if they do not complete 67% of the units attempted in a semester. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy section on the previous pages for details.
Students who were initially paid a Pell Grant based on a halftime or great enrollment status, but who later dropped below halftime before the second scheduled disbursement date of the term, will owe a partial (or possibly full) refund of their grant funds. Student’s grant eligibility is based on enrollment on the second scheduled disbursement each term, also known as the ‘frozen enrollment date’. Please refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy section on the previous pages for details.
Family Educational Right To Privacy Act (Ferpa) Policies And Procedures - Financial Aid Office
Academic information related to admissions, enrollment, grades and the like is protected under FERPA by the Office of Admissions and Records. Inquiries made anywhere on campus related to academic information contained on the admissions application or academic transcript must be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records.
The Financial Aid Office adopts the following policies and procedures regarding release of financial aid information in relation to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/actguid/infshare.html
Much of the information disseminated in the Financial Aid Office is general in nature and would be made readily available in printed material, in person, over the telephone, via email or any other media. No identification is required to obtain this information and no consent is required to obtain general information. General information about financial aid, scholarships, and student employment includes eligibility criteria, deadlines, hours of operation, policies and procedures, cost of attendance, satisfactory progress, selection criteria for scholarships, awarding priorities, and other related topics.
In general, financial aid and scholarship records pertaining to an individual student are confidential. Requests for information regarding financial aid and scholarship confidential information are honored for agencies* who have legal access to those records without consent of the student.
A complete list of agencies or individuals to whom an institution may release personally identifiable information from an Educational Record of a student without consent is available in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act statute, (Public Law 93-380 s438). Access to student records is generally given to:Third party individuals or agencies who do not have legal access to individual student financial aid or scholarship records without consent will be required to show written consent of the student. Third party individuals include, but are not limited to, parents of students over 18 years of age, spouses, siblings, friends, and betrothed. Third party agencies include, but are not limited to landlords, social services, creditors, and potential employers. Written consent must include the student's signature and date. A written consent that is faxed must include photo identification as well. Third parties will be required to identify themselves and inquiries will be logged into the student's file.
Students (and former students) have a right to inspect their own financial aid records. Students must identify themselves to access their own financial aid records. In person, photo identification would be required. Valid photo identification includes, but is not limited to, a valid Las Positas College Identification Card, a valid driver's license, a valid DMV identification card, or a valid passport.
Additional procedures related to student records in the Financial Aid Office are explained below:
Parents of federally "dependent" students provide essential information to the student's financial aid application and therefore are part of the same application and would not need written consent to access the student's aid application information. Again, academic information would be protected under the policies of the Admissions and Records Office.
There are a tremendous number of resources available if you take the time to seek them out.
Here are some programs - some government sponsored, some privately funded - that can help you pay for school.
Las Positas scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic achievement, community service, and may be financial need based or non-need based. A special application is required for scholarships. For more information visit the Las Positas Financial Aid website. The application period begins early February and ends mid-March.
Las Positas also maintains a ‘Current Outside Scholarship List’ of local, regional and other types of scholarships of interest to our students, posted on the financial aid webpage.
Some additional online scholarship search engines students might consider include:
| FastWeb | www.fastweb.com |
| ScholarSite.com
|
www.scholarsite.com |
| Scholarships.com | www.scholarships.com |
| SRN Express | www.srnexpress.com |
| Scholarship Search Engine | www.edupass.org/finaid |
| College Board | www.collegeboard.com/pay |
| CollegeNet's Database | www.collegenet.com |
| Wired Scholar Scholarships | www.wiredscholar.com/paying |
| Fast Aid Scholarship Search | www.fastaid.com |
| Broke Scholar | www.brokescholar.com |
| eduPASS | www.edupass.org |
Other good scholarship references include:
| Gates Millennium Scholarship | www.gmsp.org |
| Governor's Scholarships | www.scholarshare.com |
| Hispanic Scholarship Fund | www.hsf.net |
| Military Scholarships | www.myfuture.com |
| Peterson's College Quest | www.collegequest.com |
| United Negro College Fund | www.uncf.org |
| Financial Aid for Health Professions | www.bhpr.hrsa.gov |
| UCLA Scholarship Resource Center | www.college.ucla.edu/up/src/ss.htm |
| Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund | www.thurgoodmarshallfund.org |
| Presidential Freedom | www.nationalservice.org/scholarships |
| International Students Scholarships | www.iefa.org |
| Discover Nursing | www.discovernursing.com |
| East Bay Consortium | www.eastbayconsortium.org |
| Scholarships for Students with Disabilities | www.laspositascollege.edu/financialaid/caped_scholarships.php |
| Scholarships for Minorities | www.free-4u.com/minority.htm |
| 100 Minority Scholarship Gateway List | www.blackexcel.org/100minority.htm |
| Minority Scholarship Guide | www.minority-scholarships-guide.com |
| MG James Ursano Scholarship Fund | www.aerhq.org/education_dependentchildren_mgjames.asp |
Important Note: Be aware of scholarship scams that ask you to pay for financial aid and scholarship information. Financial aid information is Free. Before you pay for information, contact the Financial Aid Office or go to the Federal Trade Commissions website, Scholarship Scams at www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams.
Chafee Grant For Foster Youth
The Chafee Grant Program gives up to $5,000 annually of free money to foster youth and former foster youth to use for college expenses. The application process is easy. Just contact www.chafee.csac.ca.gov or call 1-888-224-7268, option #3 or contact the Las Positas Financial Aid Office.
Las Positas EOPS is a student support program for educationally and economically disadvantaged students. It is designed to provide opportunities in higher education for students with academic potential that, historically, would not have attended college. EOPS also has a Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program. It is designed to assist EOPS students who are single head of household, have at least one child 13 years old or younger, currently receiving CalWORKS/TANF benefits, and will pursue an educational program which leads to a certificate, degree or transfer objective. Contact EOPS at (925) 424-1590 or the Las Positas website.
CalWORKs (California Work Opportunities and Responsibility to Kids) is a state funded Welfare-to-Work Program designed to help individuals on public assistance become self-sufficient. Las Positas’ CalWORKs Program is working together with other community agencies and on-campus programs to provide comprehensive services that promote self-sufficiency and lifelong learning. The program includes education, training and support services, as well as employment opportunities related to the individual goal of each participant. Any one receiving TANF is eligible for services, call (925) 424-1432 for more information.
In order to make the first two years of college accessible to all students, taxpayers can take advantage of the Hope Scholarship tax credit in the amount of up to $1,500. The credit is available on a per-student basis for the net tuition and fees (less grant aid) paid for college enrollment.
The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for college juniors, seniors, graduate students, and working Americans who are pursuing learning to upgrade skills. The credit is also available for students who have already completed the first two years of general education at a community college, and who are attending more than part-time to improve or upgrade job skills.Members or close descendants of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or Nation may be eligible for grants to help pay for school. To learn more, contact the Office of Indian Education Programs at (916) 978-6058 or go to www.oiep.bia.edu.
All branches of the U.S. Armed Forces offer a variety of support for college. To learn more, visit the local recruiting office or call toll free (800) USA NAVY, (800) USA ARMY, (800) MARINES or (800) 522-0033, ext. 2091, for the Air Force..
Some employers will pay for part or all of your college expenses in exchange for a commitment to continue working there while you go to school or return after you are finished. Ask your employer.
As you figure out how to pay for college, remember that you are not alone, and that you are not the first student to deal with this challenge. It may seem daunting at first, but as you learn more about your options, the process will become clearer.
Check out these tips and helpful hints that have been compiled by students who have already successfully navigated the process.
Award Notification Letter: A letter notifying financial aid applicants of the types and amounts of aid offered, as well as the responsibilities and conditions of each award. The letter will include the method of payment and dates of payment.
BOG Fee Waiver: California residents who meet certain eligibility requirements may be eligible to have their entire enrollment fees waived by the Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver. All California residents should apply for this waiver. The BOG Waiver is not based on academic performance.
Cal Grants: Cal Grants are state-funded cash grants given to California college students to help pay for college expenses. Cal Grants are the largest source of free money funded by California. The awards do not have to be paid back.
Cost of Attendance (COA): The total cost of college for the school year, also called student budget; includes tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, food, housing, and personal expenses.
Default Loan: Failure to make loan payments or otherwise honor a loan's terms; reported to credit bureaus and can influence future credit and ability to receive financial aid.
Dependent Student: A student under 24 years old as of January 1, who doesn't qualify as an independent student by federal guidelines is a dependent student. Dependent students are required to include parental income and asset information on the FAFSA, which is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution.
Eligible Non-citizen: An Eligible non-citizen is one of the following: a U.S. permanent resident who has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551 or I-151), a conditional permanent resident (I-551C) or a non-citizen with a Departure record (I-94) from the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services with one of the following designations: "Refugee", "Asylum Granted", "Indefinite Parole", "Humanitarian Parole" or "Cuban-Haitian Entrant". Other eligible non-citizens include U.S. nationals who are natives of American Samoa and Swain's Island. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further explanation and assistance.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): This is an estimate of what a student and his/her family can afford to pay for the student's college education. A federally approved formula is used to calculate EFC.
Eligible Program: Students must be enrolled in an eligible program as defined by federal regulation to receive financial aid. Most programs at Las Positas are eligible, but a few certificate programs are not. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specifics.
Financial Aid Need: The difference between your expected family contribution (EFC) and the cost of attendance (COA) equals your need.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): The FAFSA is the official financial aid application used to determine federal and state aid. There is no charge to have your FAFSA process...it's free.
FAFSA on the Web: The electronic FAFSA on the Internet that allows you to complete and file the application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It's faster and easier.
Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program: Consists of the federal Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, which provide low interest loans to qualified students who are enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Work-Study (FWS): This program provides employment opportunities to students who have financial need and want to pay a part of their educational expenses through work. Community service work opportunities are also available through the Federal Work-Study Program.
Grant: A grant is a form of financial aid that does not have to be paid back. It is the best type of aid you can receive. Apply as early as possible since some grant funds are limited.
Independent Student: A student who is 24 years old or older, or who is not 24 but is an orphan; a ward of the court; a veteran; married; or has legal dependents other than a spouse; or has unusual circumstances which must be explained to the Financial Aid Office.
Loan: A loan is a form of financial aid that must be re-paid with interest over a period of years.
Renewal FAFSA: This application simplifies the process of reapplying for financial aid. Some information from the previous application is preprinted on the Renewal FAFSA making the application process faster.
Residency: This is a determination of a student's status as a California Resident or an out of state student, or a foreign student. This determination is made by the Admissions Office and will affect which financial aid programs a student may be eligible to apply for.
Return of Title IV Funds: If a student receives federal student aid funds, including grants, and withdraws from all classes or does not successfully complete any of their classes; they could owe money back to the federal government. Contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from classes.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): To be eligible to receive federal and state financial aid at Las Positas College, a student must be progressing adequately toward completion of an approved educational program.
Scholarships: There are numerous local and national scholarship opportunities available in the form of free money.
Selective Service Registration: By law, certain students are required to register, or arrange to register, with the Selective Service in order to receive federal student aid. This includes males born on or after January 1, 1960, who are at least 18 years old, citizen or noncitizen, and not currently on active duty in the Armed Forces
Student Aid Report (SAR): The report summarizing the information you provided on your FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office will receive this same information electronically and begin the process to determine your eligibility.
Verification: A federal process in which the college checks the accuracy of the information you submitted on the FAFSA. Documents may be requested, such as tax returns. Quick response to any request for documentation will help expedite the process.
Tip # 9: KNOW YOUR OPTIONS. If you do not qualify for aid under FAFSA, you should still consider your parents, scholarships and possibly a part-time job to help cover your costs.
Tip # 8: COMPLETE THE FAFSA EARLY. It will make your life a lot easier because you will get the process moving and have a better sense of how much help you can get.
Tip # 7: BE WARY OF DEBT. Only borrow as much as you need. If you need to take out loans, be prudent. Don't take on debts that you may regret later.
Tip # 6: KEEP COPIES of everything you file. You should also keep a record of the date you file forms like the FAFSA so that you can reference it in the event things get delayed or misdirected.
Tip # 5: LIMIT YOUR LATTES. If you are going to drink coffee everyday before classes, buy a coffee maker. You can easily spend over $1,000 a year at coffee shops if you buy coffee every day. Instead, save some money by buying a coffee maker and making your own.
Tip # 4: READ THE FINE PRINT on credit cards. Know what fees and penalties can be assessed. If you have a credit card, be on the lookout for one with a lower interest rate that won't charge you a fee for transferring your current balance to it.
Tip # 3: PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME to maintain a solid credit rating. A bad credit rating can hurt you when applying for an apartment or a loan.
Tip # 2: DEVELOP AN EDUCATION PLAN AND BUDGET. List your expected monthly expenses and your income. Are you bringing in more money than you are spending? If not, find ways to cut back.
Tip # 1: CUT UP THOSE EXTRA CREDIT CARDS! They will only bury you in debt. Resist the temptation to spend money you do not have.Enrollment Fee Waivers: Must be applied for the current year either by receiving a qualifying processed FAFSA or a Board of Governors Fee Waiver Application by the last day of the Spring Term. Refunds will only be made if applied for prior to the last day of the school year for terms falling within the current school year only.
Pell Grants: FAFSAs must be processed by the federal government by the last day of the final term of attendance each school year or by June 30th, whichever is earlier. Students remain eligible for payment for 90 days after the final day of the last term of attendance each year or by September 15th, whichever is earlier.
Cal Grants: A FAFSA and a GPA verification should have been filed by March 2nd to qualify for a Cal A, B or C, but if that deadline was missed, there is a second opportunity for community college students to apply, which is September 2nd. Apply by March 2nd for the next school year to optimize your possibilities.
FSEOG Grants: Priority deadline is June 30th. Students must have a processed FAFSA with an official ‘0000’ EFC and have a complete file by June 30th to be automatically offered an FSEOG Grant. After that date, FSEOG funds remaining will be awarded on a first come, first served basis based on file completion date.
Federal Work-Study: Offered on a first-come first served basis once files are complete. Contact the Career/Transfer Center, Building 900, for current job openings. Openings may occur throughout the year.
Stafford Student Loans: Loan deadlines vary each year. Check with the financial aid office for the current year’s loan submission deadlines. FAFSAs must be processed, files must be complete, and loan forms must be submitted by these established dates.
Las Positas Scholarship Program: Applications available beginning of February on the Financial Aid website, submission deadline is mid-March. All information is posted on the LPC Financial Aid Website.3033 Collier Canyon Rd.
Livermore, CA 94551-7650
Building 1500
Phone: (925) 424-1580
Fax: (925) 449-6038
The Mission of Las Positas College is to foster growth and success, both in its students and in its community. The College strives to fulfill this Mission by offering high-quality, comprehensive educational programs and services. It augments and strengthens its Mission by partnering with local businesses and organizations to promote the welfare of its students and the economic and social health of its service area.
Las Positas College:
Las Positas College offers its students a strong instructional foundation for its students and aims to cultivate in them:
Las Positas College thrives as a teaching and learning community committed to integrity and excellence. To nourish this environment and the communities served, we: