Unlocking the Mysteries of Financial Aid and Paying for College

1. Unlocking the Mysteries of Financial Aid and Paying for College • Presented by – Kathy Degn EOPS/CARE Coordinator Cosumnes River Collegedegnf@crc.losrios.edu (916) 691-7419 • Planting for the Future • California Special Populations Conference • December 4, 2008

2. Basic CCC Enrollment Information • Must be a High School Graduate or • At least 18 years of age • Enrollment Fee for California Resident is currently $20 per unit (at semester based schools)* Other Fees at CRC • Universal Transit Fee $5-15 per semester • Allows student to use Sac RT free of charge during the semester • Parking Permit $30 per semester *Subject to change

3. Basic CCC Information • Currently 110 CCC – Serving over 2.6 million students • Some have dormitory facilities • Web Sites • www.cccco.edu (System site) • www.icanaffordcollege.com (financial aid site) • www.cccapply.org (to apply and find information about all 110 CCC)

4. Financial Aid • Federal Aid • Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • www.fafsa.ed.gov (this is FREE service) OR www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov • Methods of Filing a FAFSA • FAFSA on the Web • Renewal FAFSA on the Web • Paper FAFSA • School (FAO have access to CPS online)

5. What is a FAFSA?? • Department of Education’s FREEapplication for Title IV aid • All students must complete a FAFSA to receive financial aid unless PLUS aid is requested only

6. Financial Aid (Continued) • Federal Aid Includes - • Pell Grant (2007-08 amount varies from $400 - $4310 per year) • Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (2007-08 amount varies from $100 - $4000 per year) • Federal Work Study (amount depends on individual student need – students earn the money at an hourly rate through employment) • Guaranteed Student Loans (amount depends on individual student need, eligibility and school participation) • Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) (1st year $750, 2nd year $1,300 • National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART Grant) (up to $4,000 for each of the third and fourth year of study)

7. Financial Aid (Continued) • State Aid • Community College Fee Waiver (BOGFW) • Cal Grants • EOPS/CARE • Chafee Grant for Foster Youth • Institutional Aid • Scholarships • Students can receive multiple types of financial aid simultaneously (often referred to as a financial aid package) • IMPORTANT TIP – STUDENTS MUST REAPPLY EACH YEAR FOR ALL TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID and SOME SCHOLARSHIPS

8. BOGFW (Fee Waiver) • Available at all CC in California • Waives all enrollment fees for CA residents (amount per unit or number of units does not matter) • Three different ways to qualify • Method A – TANF/CalWORKS, SSI/SSP or General Assistance • Method B – Income Based – i.e. 2008-09 income for one person must be less than $15,315 • Method C – Financial Need, as determined from filing the FAFSA • Student may have to pay “other fees”, i.e. health fee, parking, or transit, etc. • At many CCC students may apply on line

9. California CHAFEE Grants • Foster Youth Grant • Can be used at ANY eligible California School AS WELL AS schools in other states • Students can qualify up to $5,000 per year • Must submit the FAFSA AND a Chafee Grant Application each year • www.chafee.csac.ca.gov • www.fosteryouthhelp.ca.gov • www.orphan.org • www.orangewoodfoundation.org

10. Cal Grants • March 2nd deadline (each year) ANDSeptember 2 for CCC • Cal Grant A – Tuition and fees • Cal Grant B – Living allowance and tuition and fees • Cal Grant C – Tuition and training for Occupational or Career programs • www.csac.ca.gov • www.calgrants.org

11. What is Financial Aid ? • Money given, paid or loaned to help pay for college - • Gift Aid • Grants • Scholarships • Self-Help Aid • Work-Study • Loans

12. Scholarship Scams • Check with the Better Business Bureau or State Attorney General Office BEFORE using any Private Scholarship Search Service • You can search for scholarships for free at www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov • Beware if: • Money is guaranteed • “You can’t get this information anywhere else” • “I just need your credit card to hold this” • “You’re a finalist” in a contest you NEVER entered

13. Basic Equation of Need Cost of Attendance(COA) • Expected Family Contribution(EFC) Student Financial Need

14. Cost of Attendance • Tuition & fees • Room & board • Books & supplies • Transportation • Miscellaneous personal expenses • May also include other expenses

15. Expected Family Contribution (EFC) • EFC is the measure of a family’s financial strength • Need Analysis is the formula used in determining a family’s EFC • Financial Aid Administrator uses the EFC to determine the student’s overall need for financial aid

16. Calculating Eligibility • Federal EFC will be the same at all schools - awarding of all federal aid must be based on the federal EFC • Federal Financial Aid eligibility varies because COA varies • Some schools may use institutional methodology to award their own institutional funds

17. Dependency Status • Dependent Students • Parents and student income and asset information is taken into consideration when determining student’s EFC • Independent Students • Only the student’s and the student’s spouse’s income and assets are taken into consideration when determining student’s EFC

18. Independent Student Definition • At least 24 years old by December 31st of the award year covered by the FAFSA; • Graduate or professional student; • Married; • Has legal dependents other than a spouse;

19. Independent Student Definition (cont’d) • Currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training; • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; or • Determined to be independent by the financial aid administrator • Both parents deceased or student is a ward of the court;

20. Getting Ready Before starting the FAFSA, gather: • *Student driver’s license and Alien Registration Card (*if applicable) • Student and Parent • Social Security cards • W-2 Forms and other records of money earned • Federal income tax form (even if not completed) • Records of untaxed income • Current bank statements • Business, farm and other real estate records • Records of stocks, bonds and other investments **Create a file for copies of all financial aid documents submitted

21. FAFSA on the Web www.fafsa.ed.gov

22. Paper FAFSA

23. Getting Started • Read all application instructions • If planning to submit the paper FAFSA: • Use pen with black ink • Print clearly in CAPITAL letters • Fill in ovals completely • Do not leave blanks (unless directed by instructions) • Do not write comments or notes anywhere on form • Do not use correction fluid or tape

24. A Seven-Step Process One-- is about the student Two-- asks for student income and assets Three -- determines student dependency status Four-- requires parental information for dependent students Five-- is for independent students only Six-- allows the student to list up to 4 schools on paper; 6 online Seven-- Certification Statement asks for signatures and submission date of the FAFSA

25. #13 E-mail Address • Fill in the student e-mail address that will be valid at least until the student starts college

26. #21 & #22 Selective Service Males who are not registered with Selective Service can do so by indicating “Yes” to question #22

27. #31 Drug Conviction Question DO NOT SKIP THIS QUESTION The student should answer “YES” if the student has been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while the student was receiving federal aid (such as grants, loans, and work-study). Drug conviction question only applies if the offense occurred while the student was receiving federal student aid. Convictions that have been removed from the student’s record or occurred before the student turned 18 (unless they were tried as an adult) do not count. Interactive Drug Conviction Worksheet can be found at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/q31wksht78.pdf

28. Step Three: #48-55 Determination of Dependency Status

29. Step Four:Parent Information • See Page 3 of FAFSA instructions about who is considered a parent • Biological or adoptive parent(s) • Stepparent • Regardless of any prenuptial agreements • Applies if parent is remarried at time of application

30. Step Six: #97a. – 97h School Information • For faster and more accurate processing, write in both the Title IV school code and the school name • Check with each college’s financial aid office, the student’s high school counselor, or the U.S. Department of Education’s website (www.fafsa.ed.gov) for a listing of federal school codes of the colleges to which the student is applying • Select the housing plan that best describes the type of housing the student expects to live in while attending each listed school

31. Step Six: School Information (cont.) Strategies for Listing Colleges • In Question #97, list those schools with the earliest financial aid deadlines, regardless of whether they are in-state or out-of-state • Initial school should be the most likely to attend • If the student is applying to more schools than what is initially listed, wait for the processed SAR and add additional schools via the Web or by phone

32. Step Seven #98-99 (signature and date) • Sign and fill in the date the student and parent completed the FAFSA • Student and at least one parent must sign the FAFSA • If submitting FAFSA on the Web, the student and at least one parent must provide their own individual PINs

33. Application Filing TipsPaper FAFSA • File early and meet all deadlines • Check the FAFSA for completeness and accuracy • Sign and date FAFSA • Make a copy of the FAFSA before mailing • Mail the FAFSA and stamped self-addressed postcard in the envelope provided • Do not write any comments on the FAFSA • Do not include letters, tax forms, or worksheets • Use regular mail (not Registered or Certified) • Obtain a U.S. Postal Service Certificate of Mailing (cost is only $1.05)

34. Student Aid Report (SAR) • Regardless of whether student uses FAFSA on the Web or submits a paper FAFSA, a SAR will be sent to the student • An electronic SAR will be sent if student provides an email address • A paper SAR will be mailed if no student e-mail address is provided • An electronic copy will be sent to each college or university listed by the student in Step Six

35. What Happens Next? Students and colleges receive Student Aid Report (SAR) from federal processor ê Students who complete FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form receive California Aid Report (CAR) ê Students and families review SAR and CAR for important information and accuracy of data ê Colleges match admission records with financial aid applications and determine aid eligibility ê Colleges mail notices of financial aid eligibility to admitted students who have completed all required financial aid forms

36. Special Circumstances • Contact the Financial Aid Office if there is: • Loss or reduction in parent or student income or assets • Death or serious illness • Unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance • Reduction in child support, social security benefits or other untaxed benefit • Financial responsibility for elderly grandparents • Any other unusual circumstances that affect a family’s ability to contribute to higher education

37. Frequent FAFSA Errors • Divorced/remarried parent information • Income earned by parents/stepparents • Untaxed income • U.S. income taxes paid • Household size • Number in postsecondary education • Real estate and investment net worth

38. FAFSA Processing Results • By paper if no e-mail address or if not electronically signed • Paper Student Aid Report (SAR) • By e-mail if student’s e-mail provided on paper FAFSA or FAFSA on the Web • E-mail notification containing a direct link to student’s SAR online if • Can also view SAR online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/FOTWWebApp/studentaccess.jsp

39. Student Support Services at CCC • EOPS/CARE • CalWORKS • Health Services • Job Connections • Library • Math Center • Reading/Writing Lab • Veterans Office

40. Student Support Services at CCC • Tutoring & Learning Support Center • Career/Transfer Center • Cooperative Work Experience/Internships • Counseling Center • Assessment Testing Center • Child Development Center • Computer Lab • Disabled Student Programs and Services

41. Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS) • Available at all CC in California • Variety of Services: • Intensive Counseling (minimum of 3 contacts each semester • Book Service • One-on –One Tutoring • Priority Registration • Transfer Information • Must meet eligibility requirements • BOGFW eligible, Full time student, basic skills, first generation college, etc.

42. Steps to Enrollment at CRC Getting Started at CRC If you are a New Student this is the place to start. Step 1: Application(If you have already Applied to the college go to Step 2)online: Apply Onlinein person: College Center (Info Desk)for questions call: (916)691-7388 Step 2: AssessmentThe Assessment Instrument is used to identify your skill level for English or ESL & Mathematics course placement. To find schedule of times offered:online: Schedulein person: L-106C or College Center - Info Deskby phone: (916) 691-7332 Step 3: Online OrientationLearn about CRC.online: Online Orientationfor assistance: College Center - Info Deskfor questions call: (916) 691-7316 Step 4: Course Planning SessionChoose your first semester of classes with a counselor. The Counseling Office will contact you by the following business day after completing the Orientation to schedule a session, or you can call: (916) 691-7316Read this if you are undecided about your major Step 5: Register for Classesonline: e-Servicesin person: Admissions Office (College Center)by phone: (916) 286-4400 (800) 700-4144 (Telephone Enrollment Service) Step 6: Financial Aid (optional)online: Financial Aidin person: Financial Aid Office (L-106)by phone: (916) 691-7325 

43. Understanding Assessment • Not a Pass/Fail exam • Used to determine appropriate level of placement in English, ESL, Math and sometimes reading courses (Can take 2 within six months) • Offered free to all students • Some schools offer on-line internet based assessment, some require students to go to the campus • Encourage all students to take the Assessment test • ATB* – Separate test required for Federal FA, if student does not have a HSD/GED *New Regulation exempts student’s who have completed 6 units of college level course work from ATB

44. Degree and/or Certificates Programs available at CRC Construction(C&D) Construction Management Technology(C&D) Culinary Arts Management(C&D) Digital Media(C&D) Early Childhood Education(C&D) Economics Education/Teaching Emergency Medical Technology(C&D) Engineering English English as a Second Language Family & Consumer Science Film and Media Studies Finance Fire Technology(C&D) General Education Geography(C&D) Geology Accounting(C&D) Advertising/Public Relations Agriculture(C&D) Agriculture Business(C&D) Allied Health Animal Science Anthropology Architectural Design Technology(C&D) Architecture Art Automotive Mechanics Technology(C&D) Biology Broadcast Journalism Building Inspection Technology(C&D) Business(C&D) Chemistry Communication Studies(C&D) Computer Information Science (C&D)

45. Degree and/or Certificates Programs available at CRC Physical Education & Athletics(C&D) Physics, Physical Science & Astronomy Plant Science Political Science Psychology Radio, Television, & Film Production(C&D) Real Estate(C&D) Science Sign Language Studies Social Science Sociology Spanish Student Government Theatre Arts Veterinary Technology(C&D) Vietnamese Welding(C&D) Health Education Health Information Technology(C&D) History Honors Horticulture(C&D) Human/Career Development Human Services(C&D) Humanities Interdisciplinary Studies Journalism Library Management(C&D) Management Information Systems(C&D) Marketing Mathematics & Statistics Medical Assisting(C&D) Music Nutrition and Foods(C&D) Philosophy Photography(C&D)

46. Certificates Requirements at CRC • Unit Requirements Vary • As few as 10 units (Accounting, Certificate in Taxation) • As many as 40 units (Agriculture Business Certificate) • Must pass each course with a “C” or better • No Math or English Competency required

47. AA/AS Degree Requirements at CRC • Minimum of 60 units of collegiate work with a “C” or better GPA (2.0) • Includes completion of a minimum 21 units of General Education Courses • Must meet competencies in Math, Reading and English (either through assessment or courses successfully competed) • Minimum of 12 units in residence

48. Questions?? Los Rios CC Websites www.crc.losrios.edu www.arc.losrios.edu www.scc.losrios.edu www.flc.losrios.edu www.losrios.edu Thank you for your time and attention.