Pell Grants

I am new to Financial Aid. What is a Pell Grant?

A Pell Grant is a grant from the federal government. Pell Grants are not loans and do not have to be paid back unless the 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 Certificates or an Associate's Degree.

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). You should also be prepared to provide NCTC with copies of various 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 and TANF. However, in order to be awarded a Pell Grant, there are other requirements specific to NCTC.

What other requirements?

In order to be awarded a Pell Grant at NCTC, you will 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. You must also indicate to the Admissions Office that you are seeking a degree or certificate offered at NCTC.

Does the NCTC Financial Aid Office look at 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 http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How soon should I apply for the Pell Grant 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?

Then you may send in your FAFSA as soon as you wish. (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. The 2008-2009 Pell award year will extend from Fall 2008 through Summer 2009 semesters.

How long does it take to get a Pell Grant?

Well, that depends on you. The sooner you complete your application, the sooner you will know about your grant. We suggest you apply over the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov instead of you mailing your application to the government yourself. It's easier for you and usually cuts your waiting time by several weeks.

Waiting time? What am I waiting for?

You're waiting for a Student Aid Report. That's what the government sends to you and NCTC once you have submitted your application. The Student Aid Report (SAR) lets us know if you may be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. On the SAR is 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 Pell Grant?

Well, not just yet. At this point there are some other forms to fill out, specific to NCTC. You may also be requested to supply us with copies of other documents. The whole process could take quite a bit of time, so, the sooner you start, the sooner you may receive a PELL Grant.

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 over the Internet at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov 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) 498-6302. For any other questions concerning Financial Aid, please call the Financial Aid office in Gainesville at (940) 668-4242, in Corinth at (940) 498-6302 or in Bowie at (940) 872-4002.

 

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.