Pell Grants
I am new to Financial Aid. What is a Pell Grant?
Pell Grants are grant monies issued directly from the federal government. Pell Grants are not loans and are not required to be paid back unless a student reduces his/her course load, never attends class, quits attending class or withdraws from school prior to the completion of the semester. At North Central Texas College, Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students pursuing most Certificate Programs as well as Associate Degrees offered at the college.
What Forms and Documents will I need to apply for the Pell Grant?
Apart from the information on your income tax return (and possibly your parents'), the form needed to apply for a Pell Grant is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once completed you may be required to submit copies of various income documents, if requested. Some of these may include: income tax returns from you, your spouse, and/or your parents, documentation regarding other untaxed income, such as Social Security, TANF, Food Stamps, and Child Support Payments. However, in order to be awarded a Pell Grant, there are other requirements, forms or documents specific to NCTC.
What other Requirements?
In order to be awarded a Pell Grant at NCTC, you need to complete an Admissions Application and have your High School transcript or G.E.D., as well as all other college (or trade school) transcripts, on file at the Registrar's office. Your Admissions Application must also indicate that you are a degree or certificate seeking student.
Use of Funds
Financial Aid funds, both grants and student loans, must be used to pay for the educational expenses at the school that is disbursing the funds. Education expenses include school charges such as tuition and fees, room and board, as well as other indirect expenses such as books, supplies, equipment, dependent child care expenses, transportation and/or the rental or purchase of a personal computer.
Does the NCTC Financial Aid Office review my NCTC grades and/or transcripts?
Yes! Students receiving financial aid must show satisfactory academic progress.
Where can I get a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
It is available on the web at the FAFSA website.
How soon should I apply for the Pell Grants and/or student loans if I want to attend NCTC in the Fall?
As soon as you have completed your income tax return--the sooner, the better.
What if neither I nor my parents will file an income tax return?
You may submit your FAFSA application starting on January 1 of each new year. (There is a space for you to indicate that you will not be filing an income tax return.)
How often do I have to apply for the Pell Grant?
Just once a year. Starting January 1, 2012 you should apply for the 2012-2013 FAFSA. The 2012-2013 Financial aid award year begins in August of 2012 and goes through July of 2013.
How long does it take to get my financial aid awarded?
Well, that depends on you. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner you will know about your awards. We suggest you apply online at the FAFSA website instead of mailing a paper application. It's easier for you and usually cuts your waiting time by several weeks.
Wait time? What am I waiting for?
You're waiting for a Student Aid Report. The SAR report is sent to you and the schools you select once you have successfully submitted your FAFSA application. The Student Aid Report (SAR) is used to determine your eligibility to grants, student loans, or both.
The SAR provides you with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number. The EFC is what the federal government has determined you can contribute to your own education. Your award will be based on this EFC number.
So, now that I have my SAR with my EFC on it, now can i get my awards?
Well, not just yet. At this point there may be other forms to fill out, specific to NCTC. You may also be requested to supply copies of other documents before being awarded. The whole process could take quite a bit of time, so the sooner you start, the sooner you will be awarded your grants and/or loans.
What if I forgot to list NCTC as one of the institutions to receive my SAR or I need to change my address on my SAR?
You may make these changes or check on the status of your SAR on the FAFSA website or you may call 1-800-433-3243. NCTC must be listed in the school section. Our school code is 003558.
What is full-time enrollment?
Any student who is enrolled in 12 or more hours in a semester is considered a full-time student.
That sounds like a lot of work -- is it really worth it?
Definitely. We are here to help you in any way we can. So, apply early and don't hesitate to call us for any help you need!
One more question -- I am transferring from another college and I have Pell Grant. Will my Pell Grant transfer, too?
If you are eligible for a Pell Grant at another institution, chances are that you will be eligible for a Pell Grant at NCTC. However, you must submit a Student Aid Report to NCTC, as well as the other paperwork required to process a Pell Grant at NCTC.
Where do I call if I have more questions?
For questions concerning Veteran's Benefits, please call Ashley Tatum at (940) 668-4242 ext. 3323 or Stanja Zylowski at (940) 498-6294 ext. 6302.
For any other questions concerning Financial Aid, please call the Financial Aid office in Gainesville at (940) 668-4242, in Corinth at (940) 498-6294, in Bowie at (940) 872-4002, or in Flower Mound at (972) 899-8422.
Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
SEOG Grants are available to students who receive the maximum Pell Grant. It is an award of $200 per semester. However, NCTC receives a limited amount of funds - so APPLY EARLY. We award on a first-come, first-serve basis. This grant is not available during the summer.
NOTE: Both the Pell Grant and SEOG will prorate based on the number of hours you are taking. If you are enrolled less than full-time, the amounts will prorate.