Eligibility

 
Not all programs are eligible for all types of financial aid.  Many certificate programs and some diploma programs are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. 

Click here to view the list of programs that are only eligible for Lottery Tuition Assistance (PDF).


Memorandum of Understanding 

Students are responsible for reading and understanding this document.  

 Avoid Owing Money Back

WITHDRAWING FROM CLASSES

• If student withdraws from classes, money will likely be owed to the College and to the Department of Education.
• Contact Financial Aid office before you withdraw from classes.
• If student owes any federal funds as a result of withdrawing from classes, financial aid will be suspended at any college (including Tri-County) until the debt is paid.

DROPPING FROM CLASSES

• Dropping classes is permitted during the drop/add period. This is usually during the first week of class.
• After drop/add period, student must withdraw from classes.
• If student is to receive a refund, this is handled at the Business Office in the Ruby Hicks building room 107.
• There is a $25 administrative fee when processing refunds.

PAYING BACK FEDERAL FUNDS

• Recipients of Federal Title IV funding such as Pell grant, ACG grant, SEOG grant, Stafford loans, etc. who withdraw from all classes before 60% completion of the term are federally obligated to pay back these funds.
• Students also are required pay back funds if they stop attending all classes or fail to pass any of their classes.
• Financial aid is suspended until the debt is paid.

  Satisfactory Academic Progress 

In order to receive financial aid students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Federal Guidelines.  No financial aid is awarded as long as a student is under loss of financial aid.  Students are allowed two appeals during their enrollment at the College.  See Appeal Form (attach link) for more information.

 Required Standards for SAP - ALL three (3) must be met to remain in good standing.

·         Grade Point Average (GPA) - Students are required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0.

·         Completion Rate - Students are required to maintain a 67% cumulative completion rate.

 ·         Maximum Timeframe (MTF) Eligibility Length - Students are required to complete their degree/diploma/certificate within 150% of the published length of their program of study.  Example: a student enrolled in a 60 credit hour program is eligible until 90 credit hours are attempted (60 x 1.5 = 90).

 Status Levels

 ·         Good Standing - Student is maintaining a cumulative 2.0 GPA.  Student is successfully completing a minimum of 67% of all cumulative coursework attempted.  Student has not exceeded MTF program eligibility.

 ·         Warning - Student did not meet one or more of required standards.

 ·         Loss of Financial Aid - Student did not meet one or more of required standards after warning status.  Student aid is terminated immediately.

Appeal Outcomes

 ·         Probation - Financial is reinstated for one semester with an approved appeal.

 ·         Academic Plan - If appeal is approved the student must meet academic plan set by the review committee every semester to regain a financial aid status of 'good standing.'

 ·         Approved Extension of MTF Hours - Financial aid is extended for approved hours.  Students must continue to meet SAP requirements and/or academic plan set by the review committee.  Students must adhere to the degree plan set on the appeal by their academic advisor.

 ·         Appeal Denied - Student must pay out of pocket for any future classes.

 Major Changes

 ·         Students are allowed to change their major two (2) times.  An appeal will be required to justify further major changes.

 Repeat Classes

 ·         Students who receive a failing grade in a class can repeat that class but it will affect the student's completion rate.  Number of repeat classes is considered by the review committee when a student is submitting an appeal for loss of financial aid. 

·         Classes repeated to improve a passing grade may be repeated one (1) additional time only.

 For SAP Policy information click here (SAP Policy- PDF)

 Appeal Form (PDF)            

  Loan Defaults

Defaulting on Student Loans

• Students are not eligible to receive any financial aid when their student loans are in default status.
• This includes loans as well as Federal and State grants.

"I'm in default on a student loan! What to do?"

• Check the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for more information.
• Contact your lender.
• If you do not know the lender, contact the Dept. of Education at 1-800-621-3115.