1. For Federal financial aid, am I an independent student if I do not live with my parents?

Not necessarily.  Federal regulations state that in order to be an independent student, you must have been born before 1/1/82, a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, a ward of the court, have parents who are deceased, have legal dependents, or be married.

2. What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?

These are forms you receive from the Central Processing Center after you submit the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They contain all the necessary information needed to determine your federal aid.

3. When do I get my financial aid funds?

In the middle of each semester.

4. If I am transferring to another college during the academic year, what will I do with my financial aid?

The first step is to ask the college you are transferring to what financial aid forms they require you to complete.  You may have to request a duplicate SAR (Call 1.800.433.3243 to do this). Give the duplicate SAR to the college  you are transferring to.

For TAP, you have to send a “Change Form” to Higher Education Services Corporation in Albany.

TAP change forms are available at www.HESC.com.  (Please note the NCC Disclaimer for links to third party web sites.)

You should come in to speak to a counselor.  You have to be careful that you are still meeting the “Satisfactory Academic Progress” criteria for the next semester. Withdrawals (Ws) may affect your academic progress.  If you withdraw from all classes, you will not be eligible for TAP for the following semester.  Your federal aid might be reduced for the semester in which you withdraw.

6. How often should I apply for Financial Aid?

Once every academic year. Complete the FAFSA at the time you complete your tax returns. You can apply electronically over the internet. (www.fafsa.ed.gov).

7. How much can I get from Pell and TAP?

The Federal Pell Grant depends on the Expected Family Contribution you received after you filled out the FAFSA.  The 07/08 maximum for Federal Pell Grant is $4,310.  TAP, which is a New York State Grant, depends on your 2005 NY State net taxable income.  The maximum TAP award at NCC is 100% of the full-time tuition rate.

8. What is an Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The EFC is a number that helps your financial aid counselor determine if you are able to receive one of several available forms of federal assistance.  These include Pell, Stafford Loans, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Federal Work Study (FWS).  We use this number to determine the amount of your grants, loans, or work-study award.  The EFC is derived through a congressionally-mandated formula.

9. Do I need to repay Pell and TAP?

No, they are grants.

10. What happens if I don’t receive a SAR or I need another copy of my SAR?

If you don’t receive a SAR and you are not on our database within four to six weeks after submitting your FAFSA, or you need another copy of your SAR, call 1.800.433.3243.

Give your name, address, social security number and date of birth.  Be sure to ask for another copy of your SAR.  If your address has changed since you sent in your application, be sure to give both your old and new addresses.

11. What if my financial situation changes?

See a Financial Aid Counselor.

12. How can I obtain a job on campus?

You can obtain a job on campus through the Federal Work-Study Program. Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based program.  You must fill out the FAFSA form first.  If you have the need and have indicated on the FAFSA form that you are interested in work, an award letter is sent to you indicating the amount of money you can earn from this program.

You can also go to Job Placement in Nassau Hall for non-FWS jobs.

13. I am transferring to another college. Can you help me fill out the Financial Aid Application?

Yes, we can. However, please try to complete as much of the application as you can before you visit our office.

14. What is the difference between the Grants Office and the Financial Aid Office?

The Grants Office disburses financial aid funds. The Financial Aid Office processes the financial aid application and determines how much aid we can offer you.

15. Can I get book money?

Students who have excess funds from Pell and SEOG grants after their tuition is paid are usually eligible for a bookstore credit voucher.  Their names appear on the book credit list before the semester starts. You must be processed for financial aid in order to be eligible.

16. What options do I have when paying my bill?

Students who are not eligible for federal and state grant programs to help pay their bill have several options to satisfy their tuition liability.  These include paying by credit card, payment through the web or enrolling in the Tuition Payment Plan.

Information on these forms of payment may be obtained at the Office of Student Financial Affairs (Bursar/Student Accounts), located on the fifth floor of the Tower Building (516.572.7323).

Other payment options include taking out an educational loan sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and taking out an alternative education loan through a local bank.