Financial Aid Rights, Responsibilities and Resources

If you are eligible for aid, you have the right to:

1. Expect your financial aid eligibility will be determined in an equitable manner consistent with federal regulations and institution policies.
2. Be considered for those programs for which you qualify, as long as money is available.
3. Receive complete information about how your financial aid eligibility was determined.
4. Obtain full information about financial aid programs and pertinent regulations, policies and procedures.
5. Receive information about your debt burden as a result of receiving loans.
6. Receive information about monthly and total repayment options available as well as debt management strategies.
7. Expect that your financial records, your parents' financial records and your award information are kept confidential in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
8. Expect notification of your financial aid offer and any adjustments to it.

Verifying your FAFSA

The federal government randomly selects a number of FAFSAs to undergo the verification process. This is a quality assurance tool utilized by the Department of Education to ensure students are consistently awarded the correct types and the correct amounts of aid.

The verification process

If you are selected for verification, Clackamas Community College will compare the information from your FAFSA to the corresponding items from your tax return, and any errors on your FAFSA will be corrected by our office. If clarification is needed, you will be contacted through your student email account.

Your role in verification

You will be notified of what documents our office needs in order to complete your verification. Generally, the documents that will be requested are:

• A copy of your and your parent(s)/spouse previous year federal tax return
• Copies of all your and your parent(s) previous year W-2's, if you are a dependent student
• If you did not file a tax return, a Verification of Non-Filing Letter from the IRS, unless you are a dependent student (your parents are listed on your FAFSA)
• A completed copy of either the Dependent Verification Worksheet or the Independent Verification Worksheet

You and your parent(s) should submit these documents to our office as soon as you can upon receiving notification that you were selected for verification. The sooner we receive your verification documents the sooner we can complete your verification and award financial aid. You will not be eligible to receive any financial aid until the verification process has been completed.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship at 503-594-6082 or email us at finaid@clackamas.edu if you have any questions.

Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Every FAFSA is subject to verification, but the time it takes can be reduced by transferring your IRS data directly to your FAFSA. You may use the Data Retrieval Tool either during the initial application or during a correction. Doing so may also reduce the amount of paperwork requested from you or your parents.

When you accept your financial aid award, you agree to fulfill your obligations as a financial aid recipient.

1. It is your responsibility to report additional resources (such as other financial assistance) and any changes to those resources to CCC's Financial Aid Office. If the receipt of additional resources results in an over award (financial aid and resources exceed your need or the cost of attendance), you may be required to pay back a portion of your financial aid received and financial aid for subsequent terms may be reduced.
2. You are responsible for supplying complete and accurate information used to determine your eligibility for aid.
3. You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
4. You must be admitted to CCC and be admitted and enrolled in a degree or certificate program, or be taking required preparatory coursework for admittance into a degree or certificate program.
5. You must not have borrowed in excess of any Title IV loan limit.
6. If you withdraw from school prior to finishing your classes, you may be expected to repay a portion of the financial aid disbursed to you.
7. You are responsible for reporting any change in your enrollment status.
8. When you have signed a promissory note for a loan, you are responsible for informing your loan servicer of changes in your name, address, Social Security Number and graduation date.
9. If you are borrowing from the Federal Direct Loan program for the first time at CCC, you must complete a loan counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note at studentloans.gov.
10. If you are awarded Federal Work Study and begin a job, you are expected to perform the work in a satisfactory manner.
11. You must sign a Statement of Educational Purpose (included on the FAFSA) declaring that any aid funds received will be used for expenses related to attendance at CCC and that you owe no refund nor are you in default of any aid received for attendance at any institution.

1. COMPLETE A FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available beginning October 1 each year for the upcoming academic year. Before you file, we recommend you set up an FSA ID.

CCC Federal School Code: 004878

Check the status of your electronic FAFSA at any time during and after the processing period. It is recommended that you check the status 1 week after submission if you used an FSA ID to sign your application, or 2-3 weeks after submission if you printed, signed and mailed a signature page.

2. REVIEW YOUR STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR)

The U.S. Department of Education will send you information on how to access your Student Aid Report after your FAFSA is processed. The SAR will summarize the information you reported, will contain comments that will alert you if further information is required to process your FAFSA, and will state your preliminary EFC, Expected Family Contribution.

Review your SAR carefully. Be sure that Clackamas Community College (004878) is listed to receive your information.

The SAR will instruct you on how to make any needed corrections.

3. COMPLETE A VERIFICATION OF INFORMATION IF NECESSARY

Approximately 30% - 50% of all applicants are selected for federal verification. If you are selected, you must submit all requested documentation in order for CCC to process your application. Requirements may be viewed on your Financial Aid - Self-Service.

The information collected may affect your financial aid offer and, in some cases, repayment of funds already received. No disbursement of financial aid funds will be given until the verification process is complete.

4. COMPLETE THE ADDITIONAL CCC REQUIREMENTS

After submitting your FAFSA, we will receive your FAFSA data and begin to determine your financial aid eligibility. You can expect the following processing steps:

Financial Aid Information Sheet: CCC will request this form indicating that we have received your application. Returning the form indicates that you intend to seek financial aid from CCC.

Initial Review: 2-3 weeks (8-12 during peak times such as the start of a new academic year). Once we have completed the initial review, we may notify you of additional required documents needed to complete your application. Please respond as quickly as possible. Your file will be on hold until all required documents are submitted.

Final Review: After all required documents are returned to our office, your file will move into the final review process. Once the review has been completed an award offer will be placed on your Financial Aid - Self-Service and you will be notified via your CCC student email account.

Whenever you receive a request for additional information from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, return the requested documents as quickly as possible.

5. REPORT ANY CHANGES IN YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION

If the information provided on your FAFSA has changed significantly for reasons beyond your control since you applied, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to find out if you are eligible to submit a Change In Financial Situation appeal. Appeals must include appropriate documentation to be considered.

Changes may include:

• Loss of employment
• Loss of untaxed income
• Death of a parent
• Unusual medical/dental expenses not covered by insurance

We do not accept or review Change in Financial Situation appeals until after your current year financial aid eligibility has been determined.

Return completed paperwork to:

Clackamas Community College
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
19600 Molalla Ave.
Oregon City, OR 97045
503-594-6082
503-744-5864 (Fax)

Questions? Contact us!
finaid@clackamas.edu

HOW TO APPLY FOR STUDENT LOANS

1. Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

You must take 6 or more credits and be registered in a degree or certificate program, not owe a repayment on an over-award or be in default on Federal Direct Loans.

2. Review your award letter and accept any loans you wish to borrow

Complete the Entrance Counseling requirement if you're a first time borrower, submit a Master Promissory Note (one time requirement every 10 years).

3. Loan Changes?

To request a partial or full cancelation, submit a Change in Loan Status to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships within 14 days of funding applied to your student account.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS

CCC participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, which offers student loans through the federal government.

When you accept an offered Federal Direct Loan at CCC, you will borrow from the federal government and receive funds directly through CCC.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans help cover the cost of higher education, up to certain annual and aggregate limits, at participating four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, and trade, career, and technical schools.

It is important that you carefully assess how much - or whether - you need to borrow since these loans must be repaid.

New Borrowers

First-time borrowers must wait 30 days for their first Federal Direct Loan disbursement. Your loan funds will be available as of the 31st day of the first term that you receive loans. Disbursement dates are listed on the Annual Disbursement Schedule.

Single Term Borrowers

Single-term borrowers must have their loans split into two equal disbursements. The first disbursement is scheduled for the beginning of the term (except first-time borrowers, see above) and the second disbursement is scheduled for the 50% point of the term. Disbursement dates are listed on the Annual Disbursement Schedule.

Subsidized Loan Limit

If you are a first-time borrower on or after July 1, 2013, there is a limit on the maximum period of time (measured in academic years) that you can receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans. This time limit does not apply to Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

If this limit applies to you, you may not receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans for more than 150 percent of the published length of your program. This is called your "Maximum Eligibility Period." This information can be found in the CCC Catalog.

If you are enrolled in a two-year associate's degree program, the maximum period for which you can receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans is the equivalent of three years (150 percent of 2 years = 3 years).

Because your maximum eligibility period is based on the length of your current program of study, your maximum eligibility period can change if you change to a program that has a different length. Also, if you receive Federal Direct Subsidized Loans for one program and then change to another program, the loans you received for the earlier program will generally count toward your new maximum eligibility period.

Certain types of enrollment may cause you to become responsible for the interest that accrues on your Federal Direct Subsidized Loans when the U.S. Department of Education usually would have paid it. For more information, go to www.studentaid.ed.gov.

EXIT COUNSELING

When you graduate from CCC, leave school, or cease to be enrolled at least half-time, you must complete a Web-based Exit Counseling session with important information about your loan obligations.

It is your responsibility to complete the session. CCC will notify you when it's time to complete the exit counseling session.

Exit Counseling Guide for Federal Student Loan Borrowers

FEDERAL CONSOLIDATION LOANS

Federal Consolidation Loans allows you to consolidate (combine) multiple federal education loans into one loan. The result is a single monthly payment instead of multiple payments.

• Interest rate: A fixed rate for the life of the loan based on a weighted average of the interest rates on the loans being consolidated.
• Application Fees: None
• Origination Fees: None
• Prepayment Fees: None

As of July 1, 2010, all new consolidation loans are originated under the Direct Consolidation Loan program. Student borrowers can consolidate their qualifying federal education loans during grace, repayment, deferment or forbearance periods. Parent borrowers can consider consolidation at any time once each loan being included in the Consolidation loan has been fully disbursed.

Direct Consolidation Loan Application Processes

Department of Ed currently has two Direct Consolidation Loan application processes. Use the information below to determine which process you would use.

Direct Consolidation Loans Website

Use this process if one of the following applies to you:

• You have one or more defaulted federal education loans that are assigned to ED for collection.
• You need to take action on an application that you submitted via the Direct Consolidation Loans Website prior to, on or after January 2, 2014.

StudentLoans.gov Website

Use this process if one of the following applies to you:

• You have no defaulted federal education loans.
• You have one or more defaulted federal education loans, none of which are assigned to ED for collection.
• You need to take action on an application that you submitted via StudentLoans.gov on or after January 2, 2014.

PRIVATE LOANS

Private loans are designed to meet the gap between the student's financial aid package and the cost of attending college. These loans are offered by private lenders and may be more expensive than the Federal Direct Loan programs. You should always apply for federal student loans before using private lenders.

Compare the terms of the loans from several private lenders before choosing.

To apply for a private educational loan, you must provide all documentation requested by the lender and follow their application instructions. All private loan programs will do a credit check and/or an income-to-debt ratio check on either the borrower or co-signer or both.

Private loans are appropriate when:

• You have applied for the maximum amount of all federal loans suggested to you and still have a difference between the cost of attendance and the total financial aid you have received.
• You're ineligible for a federal loan. You may still qualify for a private loan because such programs are not bound by the same federal restrictions. For example, if you are not making Satisfactory Academic Progress, are in default on a federal loan, did not respond to verification requests, are enrolled for less than 6 credits, or are ineligible for federal loans for other reasons, you may be eligible for private loans instead.
• You are in arrears for a term prior to the current term. You may be able to receive a private loan for an earlier loan period.

Options and Restrictions

Some private loans do not have full deferment options. It is best to borrow only the amount that you absolutely require.

Private loans are for educational purposes only, which means you must be a registered student and the amount you borrow cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus other financial aid.

There are no maximum income restrictions. Individual lenders will evaluate credit history. Application fees are not refundable.

Private Loan Self Certification Form

Note: Clackamas Community College does not endorse or recommend any specific lender for Private Loans. Please make sure you do your research so that you can make the best decision for your education.

Federal Student Aid

Award letter

The award letter is an offer of the amount of funding you are eligible to receive, and is based on federal eligibility requirements, fund availability, and for some types of aid, your enrollment level, dependency status and year (first or second) in college. CCC’s award offer may include federal and state grants, federal student loans and federal work study. Awards may be subject to change in case of file updates.  

Clackamas Community College (CCC) may adjust your award if:

• Your enrollment level changed
• You received an outside scholarship or other external funding
• There was a change in your Cost of Attendance
• You have not maintained Satisfactory Academic Progress
• You received or are receiving aid at another school
• There are regulatory changes in the aid programs

For the requirements of each type of aid, see Grants, Loans and Work Study

Students accept awards through their myClackamas Self Service portal. Aid is disbursed the week before term begins for students whose aid is accepted and who are enrolled in the correct number of credits. Students who have a remaining credit balance after all charges are paid by aid will receive a refund check mailed to them, usually the last business day of the week. Students can also opt to receive their refund via direct deposit. CCC does not hold a credit balance on behalf of students. If a credit balance exists after financial aid is disbursed, a refund will be issued within the same week.

Additional criteria to receive a refund check

• First-time borrowers of Federal Direct Loans are subjected to a mandatory 30-day waiting period.
• Single term loans must be disbursed in two equal disbursements. The first half at the beginning of the term and the second half at the midpoint of the term. Enrollment is verified at the time of each disbursement and you must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) degree applicable credits.
• Financial aid disbursement are processed weekly.
• Credit balance refunds are provided to students in the form of a check mailed to their current address in the system or by direct deposit if the student has completed the direct deposit process.
• Funding listed on the award letter is based on full time enrollment status (minimum 12 credits). If your enrollment level (number of credits) for any term does not match your current award level, your funds may be delayed. Providing a Change in Aid form to the Office of Financial Aid and scholarships prior to the start of term can help you avoid delay.
• If your award is not enough to cover all term charges, you must pay the difference immediately or fees may be assessed.

How are refunds processed?

The Accounts Receivable Office issues refunds to students as follows:

• Financial aid disbursements are first applied to outstanding charges on the student’s account.
• If the credit is the result of a payment by check or cash, a check is issued in the student's name.
• If the credit is the result of a bank card payment, the refund will be applied to the original bank card.

Withdrawals and return of Title IV funds (federal student aid)

It is the policy of Clackamas Community College to determine the amount of earned and unearned portions of Title IV aid as of the date the student ceases attendance in accordance with federal regulations and the Return of Title IV Funds process as dictated in Volume 5 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook. This policy applies to all students receiving Title IV funds who do a complete withdrawal on or before the 60% date of each term. For students who completely withdraw after the 60% date, CCC will still need to determine if they’re eligible for a post‐withdrawal disbursement according to federal regulations and the Federal Student Aid Handbook.

Title IV Refunds

Federal regulations require the college to have a fair and equitable refund policy for students receiving financial aid who officially or unofficially withdraw from all classes. Withdrawing or stopping attendance may result in financial debt for the student and may also make the student ineligible for future financial aid, including loans. We strongly urge students to consult with an academic advisor and/or financial aid staff to help them with decisions about withdrawing.

If a financial aid recipient withdraws from CCC before completing at least 60% of the term, federal regulations require that the "unearned" portion of any federal financial aid received be returned to the appropriate federal aid source. For example, a student who withdraws on the 24th day of the term will have "earned" approximately 31.2% of their aid (completed 24 days of a 77 day term). The remaining 68.8% must be repaid. Federal rules specify that repayment first apply toward federal loans, then federal grants. The return of state aid follows federal regulations.

Depending on the withdrawal date, the student may incur charges from CCC, the repayment of which the student is responsible. The unearned portion of financial aid that must be repaid has no relationship to any refund of tuition or fees that might be credited to the student's account.  

If a student withdraws before the first day of classes, 100% of aid received must be returned to the appropriate source. If a student withdraws at any point in the term and the college determines that the student never attended classes, 100% of the aid received must be returned and college charges may be incurred.

At the time withdrawal documents are submitted, the student will be counseled about potential repayment obligations. The student will also be formally notified in writing of the amounts to be repaid by program and who is responsible for making the payment. Repayment of federal grant funds must be made to Clackamas Community College within 45 days of notification. If payment is not made, the student will need to establish a repayment plan with the Department of Education. Eligibility for additional aid is dependent upon the student repaying the grant(s) in full or abiding by the repayment plan. Loan funds are repaid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the promissory note.

If a student does not officially withdraw and fails to earn a passing grade in at least one enrolled course during the term, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will verify if the failing grades were earned or were the result of non-attendance. If non-attendance is determined, the "unearned" calculation will be applied based on the last date of a documented academically related activity or the mid-point of the term.

Financial Consequences of Withdrawing or Not Passing Classes

Students receiving a “Y” (non-attendance) grade in any course will have their enrollment level revised and the portion of aid that included the non-attended course will be returned to the Department of Education and the student will be responsible for repayment in full. Loan recipients may lose all eligibility due to a non-attendance grade dropping their enrollment level below 6 credits as mandated by loan regulations.

Students receiving all “W” grades (unofficial withdrawal) will have their financial aid recalculated to the 50% mark of the term if no last date of attendance is submitted with grades.

Federal regulations assume that students earn financial aid over the course of a term by attending and participating in classes. Students cannot earn all of the funds unless they maintain attendance and class participation for more than 60% of the term. This calculation counts all calendar days including the first and last day of each term, weekends and holidays. If the student completely withdraws from all classes, receives all W, NP, F, I or Audit grades before 60% point in the term, the student may have to repay any unearned financial aid funds that were already disbursed.

In general, federal regulations assume that students “earn” federal financial aid in direct proportion to the percentage of the term they complete. If students completely withdraw during a term, the College calculates, according to a federally‐mandated formula, the portion of the total scheduled financial assistance earned, and therefore entitled to receive, up to the time of withdrawal. If the student or college receives more assistance than is earned, the unearned excess funds must be returned to the US Department of Education. On the other hand, if less financial assistance is received than the amount earned, additional funds may first be applied toward outstanding institutional charges and any excess paid to the student.

The portion of the Federal student aid the student is entitled to receive is calculated on a percentage basis by comparing the total number of days in the term to the number of days completed before withdrawing. For example, if 30% of the term is completed, the student earns 30% of the assistance scheduled to be received.

If a withdrawal occurs after the 60% date, the student will have earned all of the financial aid received and no Return of Title IV funds will be required.

If the student completely withdraws, earned aid will be calculated based on the percentage of the term completed, resulting in possible repayment of any unearned aid. Students are encouraged to search for resources to assist them in completing even one class, such as free tutoring.

Unearned financial aid will be applied and returned in the following order:

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan*
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan*
3. Federal Pell Grant**
4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant**
5. Iraq Afghanistan Service Grant**
6. Other (excluding Federal Work Study)

*Student repayment according to the terms and conditions of the promissory note

**No more than 50% of the amount received by the student.

The student will be notified in writing showing that portion of unearned aid the school will refund from institutional costs and that portion they will be responsible to repay.

The student will have 30 days from the date of the bill from CCC to pay the full amount owed. If the student fails to pay the amount shown the balance will be turned over to collections.

Withdrawal date

The date the student officially withdraws from all credit courses, which may be different than last date of attendance.

Unofficial withdrawal

When the student stops attending without officially withdrawing and receives a “W”, “F”, “NP” or “I” grade. At the end of each term, Financial Aid staff review last date of attendance records for students who did not officially withdraw. If this date is earlier than the official withdrawal date, it will be used in the Return of Title IV funds calculation.

For more information about the Return to Title IV Funds Policy, contact the CCC Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.