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Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act of 1965 was signed into law by President Bush on July 23, 1992. The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 included several significant changes to the Federal Financial Aid Programs. Several of these changes altered the methodology for determining students' eligibility and the administration of the programs at the campus level.
Financial aid is available to help those students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. The primary resources for meeting the cost of education are the student, the parents and/or spouse. Financial aid, however, can remove the barriers from those families who cannot afford the cost of education beyond high school and can fill in the gap for families who can afford only part of the cost.
How to Apply
The Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) must be completed
using data from the Federal Income Tax Return. This form is used to provide an analysis
of the financial need. It may be obtained from a high school counselor or from any
DCCCD Financial Aid Office. In addition, you may apply electronically through the
internet at http://easi.ed.gov/html/fafsa.html. The FAFSA is to be mailed
directly to the address indicated on the application. Six weeks should be allowed for
processing. The student should mail the FAFSA at least TWO MONTHS before the
priority deadline for the semesters for which the student is applying. In addition to the
FAFSA, students must complete the DCCCD Financial Aid Application and return it to
the Financial Aid Office of the DCCCD college the student plans to attend. Certain
DCCCD colleges may require the completion of different information forms.
The Department of Education will randomly select some applicants and require
that information reported on the FAFSA be verified for accuracy. If the student's
application is one that is selected, the student will be required to provide additional
documents before financial assistance can be awarded. Certain DCCCD colleges may
require these documents of all their student applicants.
The Higher Education Act now authorizes the use of data that matches with other
agencies such as the Selective Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and
the National Student Loan Data System. If the match with INS has not confirmed a
student's noncitizen eligibility, the college must submit the copy of the student's
document to INS so the confirmation can be completed. Additionally, the social security
number of each federal assistance applicant will be verified by the Federal Social
Security Administration. If the number listed by the applicant does not match the records
of the Federal Social Security Administration, the application will be returned to the
student unprocessed.
For students who attended other colleges (including our DCCCD colleges),
universities, vocational or trade schools, a Financial Aid Transcript may be required from
each previous institution and must be sent to the Financial Aid office of the school where
the student is applying. This procedure is required even if the student did not receive
financial assistance at the previous institution and regardless of how long ago the student
attended the previous institution.
Students born after December 31, 1960, and who are required under the Military
Selective Service Act to register for the draft, must do so before financial aid can be
approved. All students who apply for financial aid must provide their selective service
registration status before financial aid can be awarded.
Deadlines for Applying
Application for financial assistance received by the following dates will be given
first priority:
Academic Year - May 1
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THESE DATES WILL BE PROCESSED
AS TIME AND AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PERMIT. Late applicants need to be
prepared to pay their own registration and book costs until their application can be
completed. Applicants should contact the Financial Aid office at the school which they
plan to attend for additional deadlines and requirements.
The student must reapply for financial assistance once each academic year
(fall/spring). The award does not continue automatically beyond the period awarded.
Federal Pell Grants
All students applying for financial assistance through the College must apply for a
Federal Pell Grant. This is done through the FAFSA application discussed earlier. Other
types of financial aid may be awarded if the student applies and qualifies. Eligibility for
a Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need and satisfactory academic progress.
Applications and additional information concerning the Pell Grant Program are available
in the Financial Aid office and in the counseling offices of most high schools. The
application process takes approximately 6-8 weeks. In response to the Federal Pell Grant
application, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be provided to the student. Colleges that
process electronically will provide an Electronic Student Aid Report (ISIR). The student
should immediately review the SAR/ISIR to make sure it is correct, sign the certification
statement, and bring all copies to the Financial Aid office. The exact amount of the
Federal Pell Grant award will depend upon the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on
the SAR/ISIR and the number of hours for which the student enrolls.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Public Educational-State Student Incentive Grant (TPE-SSIG)
Scholarships
Miscellaneous Scholarships
Loans
The interest rate is variable with a maximum of 9%. Borrowers do not pay interest
until six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment. The U.S. Dept. of Education
pays the interest during the time the student is enrolled and during the grace period of six
months following enrollment. Repayment begins six months after the student leaves
school or drops to less than half-time enrollment. The minimum payment will be $50 per
month and the loans must be repaid within 10 years. Lenders will charge a loan
origination fee on each loan in addition to the insurance premium charged on the loan.
These charges will be deducted from the proceeds of the loan.
Due to high default rates, some colleges delay certification of loans and checks
arrive mid-semester.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)
Spring Only - October 1
Summer Sessions - April 1
The Federal Pell Grant is a federally-funded program designed to help
undergraduate pre-baccalaureate students continue their education. The purpose of this
program is to provide eligible students with a "foundation" of financial aid to assist with
the cost of attending college.
The Federal SEOG program provides assistance for eligible undergraduate students
who show exceptional financial need and are making satisfactory academic progress
toward their educational goal. The actual amount of the grant will vary depending on the
availability of funds at the school, the student's family financial condition, and other
financial aid the student is receiving. Priority is given to students receiving the Federal
Pell Grant and having very limited Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Students must
apply each academic year for the Federal SEOG.
The TPEG Program was enacted by the 64th Texas Legislature to assist needy
students attending state supported colleges in Texas. To be eligible students must show
financial need and be making satisfactory academic progress toward their educational
goal. The actual amount of the grant will vary depending on the availability of funds at
the school, the student's family financial condition and other financial aid the student is
receiving. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. This grant is available
to students enrolled in credit and certain continuing education courses. Students must
apply each academic year for the TPEG.
The TPE-SSIG Program is a state grant that is matched with federal funds to
provide financial assistance to needy students attending state supported colleges in
Texas. No more than 10% of the funds may be awarded to non-resident students. To
qualify students must make satisfactory academic progress toward their educational goal
and have financial need. The actual amount of the grant award will depend on the
availability of funds and the degree of financial need. Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must apply each academic year for the TPE-SSIG.
DCCCD Foundation Scholarships
The DCCCD Foundation provides a scholarship program for students who attend
the colleges of the DCCCD. These funds are made available through the colleges to
needy students who also meet additional criteria of the scholarship funds. Application
forms for these Foundation scholarships and information concerning other requirements
and deadlines are available in the Financial Aid office at each college.
Several of the colleges have a limited number of scholarships available as a result
of gifts from individuals, private industry, and community organizations. Generally, the
eligibility criteria is the same as noted for the DCCCD Foundation Scholarships, and
application forms are available in the Financial Aid office.
Federal Stafford Loans (formerly GSL)
The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, provided for student loans from
private commercial lending agencies such as banks, savings and loan associations, credit
unions, and insurance companies. To be eligible, students must now have financial need,
make satisfactory academic progress toward their educational goal, and be enrolled for at
least six (6) credit hours. As an undergraduate, the student may borrow up to $2,625 per
year for the first year and $3,500 for the second year, with a maximum of $23,000 for all
years of undergraduate study. The actual loan amount may be limited to less than this,
depending on the cost of attendance, other financial aid, and family financial condition.
The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program was created by the Higher
Education Amendments of 1992 and is available for all students regardless of income.
The interest rate and loan limits are the same as the Federal Stafford Loan Program.
Interest payments begin the day the loan is disbursed and the student is responsible for
interest accrued during in-school and deferment periods. Repayment of principle begins
6 months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Under the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, parents may now
borrow up to the cost of education, less other aid, per year for each dependent
undergraduate student. The interest rate is variable with a cap of 10%. Repayment of
principle and interest begins within 60 days after disbursement of the loan. The parents
credit rating will be checked to determine eligibility and disbursement checks will be
made co-payable to the parent and the institution.
Employment
Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)
Each campus will utilize a percentage of the Federal Work-Study funds for
community service activities.
Student Assistants Employment Program (Non-Work Study)
Off-Campus Employment
Tuition Exemption Programs
The State of Texas and DCCCD offer a number of exemptions from tuition and fee
charges. These exemptions are often overlooked simply because of their unusual nature.
They are not related to family income or "financial need," nor do they require completion
of a regular financial aid application. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
(512-427-6340) has information concerning tuition exemption programs and the criteria
for eligibility. The exemptions are listed below:
Vocational Rehabilitation
The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and fees to
students who are vocationally challenged as a result of a physically or mentally disabling
condition. This assistance is generally limited to students not receiving other types of
aid. For information, contact the Metrocrest Texas Rehabilitation Commission, 1735
Keller Springs, Suite 150, Carrollton, Texas 75006 (972) 446-3505, FAX (972) 446-2395.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs offers educational benefits to American
Indian/Native American students. Students need to contact the regional Bureau of Indian
Affairs Office regarding eligibility.
Veteran's Benefits Programs
The Veterans' Benefits Programs are coordinated by the Veterans Affairs Office of
the college. The function of the Veterans Affairs Office is to assist students with the
completion of proper forms and coordinate the certification procedures for monthly
benefits. The office will also counsel veterans concerning VA educational benefits, and
if possible, other areas related to the veteran's general welfare, counsel students
concerning the enrollment procedures at the college, arrange for tutoring services, and
administer the Veterans' Work-Study Program on campus.
Veterans regulations require that a student receiving veterans educational benefits
select a degree objective and make satisfactory progress towards completion of that
objective. Veterans must provide official transcripts of all previous colleges attended in
order to apply prior credit towards the educational degree plan the veteran has selected.
Standards of Progress For Veterans
Guidelines For Veterans
Hazlewood Act
In most instances, proof of ineligibility for federal financial aid grants will require
the submission of a Student Aid Report. A student must apply for financial aid in order
to receive a Student Aid Report. Applications for financial aid may be obtained in the
Financial Aid Office and will take a minimum of eight weeks to process.
Academic Progress Requirements
To comply with applicable laws and accreditation standards, the Dallas County
Community College District has developed a policy describing satisfactory progress for
both applicants and recipients of student financial aid.
STUDENT FINANCIAL AID STANDARDS OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for students
with financial need who are making satisfactory academic progress toward their
educational goal. The rate is minimum wage per hour and most students work 15 to 20
hours per week. Students will be paid on the last work day of the month. The amount
students can earn in a school year is determined by the amount of their financial need and
other aid awarded as part of their financial aid package. The majority of the students are
employed on campus; however, some off-campus employment is also available. Students
must apply each academic year for Federal Work-Study.
Part-time employment for students who do not have financial need is available on
campus. The wage rate and the average hours worked per week are the same as the
Federal Work-Study Program.
Students who need help finding a job off-campus should apply at the Placement
office of the college they plan to attend. The wage rate varies with each job and financial
need is not a requirement of employment.
Oklahoma Area Education Office
4149 Highline Blvd., Ste. 380
Oklahoma City, OK 73108
(405) 945-6051 or 6052
Acceptable scholastic performance is the maintenance of a grade point average,
based on GPA (1), of 2.0 or better. Students who earn a cumulative grade point average
of less than 2.0 will be placed on probation. Once on probation, failure to obtain a 2.0
grade point average will result in suspension of benefits. Once suspended, the veteran
must obtain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to re-establish eligibility. The student
must receive academic advisement concerning his/her suspension and receive permission
to enroll for classes from a suspension academic advisor. An explanation of how grades
are interpreted, how grade points are determined, and how a grade point average is
calculated can be found in this catalog.
The veteran student should be aware of regulations enforced by the Department of
Veterans Affairs:
Under the Hazlewood Act, certain Texas veterans who have exhausted remaining
educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs can attend Texas state
supported institutions and have tuition and some fees waived. To be eligible, students
must have been residents of Texas at the time they entered the service, have an honorable
discharge, must now be residents of Texas, be ineligible for federal financial aid grants,
and not be in default on any federal educational loans. Beginning with Fall, 1995, a
person may receive benefit under the Act for a maximum of 150 credit hours. Classes
taken or attempted prior to the 1995 fall semester are not counted towards this limit. This
limit is on hours attempted, not hours completed. To apply, students must submit a copy
of their discharge papers, a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs stating
ineligibility for VA educational benefits, a Hazlewood Act application, a bill for tuition
and fees, and proof that the student is not eligible for federal financial aid grants.
| SEMESTER REQUIREMENTS | CUMULATIVE GPA REQUIREMENTS | ||
| Hours Attempted | Hours Required to Complete | Hours Attempted | Minimum CPGA Required |
| 12 or more | 9 | 0 to 14 | 1.50 |
| 9 to 11 | 6 | 15 to 29 | 1.70 |
| 6 to 8 | 6 | 30 to 44 | 1.90 |
| 5 or less | All | 45 or more | 2.00 |
III. Failure to Meet the Standards of Academic Progress
IV. Appeal Process
V. Maximum Time Allowed for Completion of Educational Objectives
a. Financial Aid will not be provided for:
DCCCD Catalog:
DCCCD Colleges' Home Pages, Addresses, and Maps
In these provisions, probation or suspension refers only to financial aid probation
or suspension.
a. Following the first semester in which the above standards of academic
progress are not met, the student will be placed on probation for the next semester of funding.
b. The student may be allowed to receive financial aid funds while on
probation, but must complete the subsequent term by meeting all of the minimum requirements
at the close of that term.
c. The student who fails to meet the Standards of Academic Progress during
the semester of attendance while on probation will be placed on suspension and denied further
funding for one semester.
d. During the first period of suspension, the student must enroll at least half-time (6 credit hours) for one semester at a District college, pay the expenses related to that enrollment, and pass the semester with a GPA of 2.0 or better. It is the student's responsibility to inform the Financial Aid Office
of the completion of this requirement to facilitate reinstatement.
e. If failure to meet satisfactory progress in a second semester (or any
subsequent) results in suspension from financial aid, the student must enroll in at least 6 credit
hours and complete the semester with a GPA of 2.0 or better.
f. Students who have been reinstated from any suspension status may
continue only on a probationary status for at least one term, regardless of their CGPA at the
time of reinstatement.
g. Students placed on probation or suspension will be notified in writing of
their status at the end of the semester.
h. If failure to meet Satisfactory Progress results in a third suspension from
Financial Aid, no additional aid will be awarded.
A student who has been denied financial aid because of a failure to meet any of the
criteria of the standards may petition the Director of Financial Aid to consider any
mitigating circumstances. The student's appeal must be in writing and supporting
documentation regarding special circumstances must be provided. Should the
Director deny a reinstatement of aid, the student may appeal the Director's decision
by following the same procedure of written appeal to the appropriate vice president
overseeing the aid office.
All financial aid recipients will have a maximum time frame in which to complete
their educational requirements of 90 credit hours.
Additional Information
b. Grades of "W", "WX", "E" or "I" will not be treated as completed
coursework.
c. Any "F" grade is a completed grade and will be taken into consideration
when calculating the number of hours completed and Cumulative Grade
Point Average (CGPA).
d. Developmental remedial coursework may receive funding up to a
maximum of "30 credit hours" according to Federal Regulations.
e. Support Services: Many services are available at each District college to
help students attain academic success. The services include Counseling,
Testing, Tutoring, Health Services, Placement, the Career Development
Center, and the Learning Resource Center. Information on such services
shall be made available to all financial aid students.
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