Fill - Free fillable PCCD Student Financial Aid Handbook 2017-2018 (College of Alameda) PDF form

Peralta Community College District

2017-2018 Student Financial Aid Handbook

Peralta Community College District Board of Trustees

CY GULASSA,

JULINA BONILLA, VICE PRESIDENT

MEREDITH BROWN

NICKY GONZÁLEZ YUEN

LINDA HANDY

DR. WILLIAM RILEY, PRESIDENT

BILL WITHROW

ADRIEN ABUYEN, STUDENT TRUSTEE

BRIANNA ROGERS, STUDENT TRUSTEE

JOWELL LAGUERRE, ED.D, CHANCELLOR

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

The Peralta District, which is comprised of Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College and

Merritt College and does not discriminate in its admissions, financial aid, educational services, activities,

programs, or employment on the basis of race, age, ancestry, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual

orientation, marital status, color, national origin, creed, medical condition, disability, religious or

political affiliation.

Each College has an ADA Coordinator who can be reached by calling the main number of the college.

Each college in the Peralta District is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Accreditation information about Campus Security may be obtained from the District Office located at

333 E. 8th St., Oakland, CA 94606. Each college offers support services to make education accessible. To

obtain this publication in an alternative format, call the Disabled Students Program at your campus.

www.peralta.edu

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ............................................................................................................................................ 3

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... 4

PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL AID ........................................................................................................................... 6

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID ...................................................................................................... 6

HOW FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY IS CALCULATED ........................................................................................... 6

HOW TO APPLY ............................................................................................................................................... 8

STEPS FOR FINANCIAL AID............................................................................................................................. 11

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS ........................................................................................................................... 12

OTHER PROGRAMS ....................................................................................................................................... 18

DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID ............................................................................................................... 19

METHOD OF DISBURSEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 19

FINANCIAL AID POLICIES ............................................................................................................................... 20

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ..................................................................................................... 25

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION: ............................................................................................................ 26

INTRODUCTION

This financial aid handbook is your student guide to information about the financial aid programs and

policies at the colleges of the Peralta Community College District. Please read it carefully so you can

become familiar with the process of applying for financial aid, know what programs are available, and

understand what you must do to remain eligible to receive financial aid while you are a student.

The primary purpose of student financial aid is to ensure all students have an opportunity to obtain a

college education, and that no student will be denied that opportunity because of lack of funds. Most

financial aid is awarded to students based on how much money is needed to meet college costs.

Therefore, the financial aid application process is set up to uniformly measure how much financial

assistance each individual student needs for college based on the individual circumstances of the

student and the student’s family.

While the application process may be confusing, it’s important to remember that many of the rules

associated with applying for and receiving financial aid have been developed to make sure you, as a

student, are treated fairly and equitably, and to also guarantee that you take your share of responsibility

toward successfully completing your educational goal.

This handbook will give you an overview of financial aid and it will provide you with an understanding of

financial aid and how to receive it. The Federal, State, and College polices relating to the receipt of

financial aid require a lot of documentation from you. If, after reading the handbook you are unclear

about any information or have additional questions, the Financial Aid Office at the colleges is available

to answer your questions. The Financial Aid office provides bilingual services for non-English speaking

students. You may contact the Financial Aid office at:

College of Alameda

Building A

Welcome Center

(510) 748-2392

Laney College

Building A

Room 201

(510) 464-3414

Merritt College

Building R

Room 113

(510) 436-2465

Berkeley City College

2050 Center

First Floor

(510) 981-2807

Room 165

PURPOSE OF FINANCIAL AID

Central to the purpose of financial aid is the belief that students and their families, to the extent possible,

have the primary responsibility to pay for the student’s college education. Financial aid is made available

to assist students when family resources are not sufficient to meet college costs.

The purpose of financial aid at the colleges in the Peralta Community College District is to assist students

who have the ability to benefit from the post-secondary educational opportunities. The PCCD colleges

provide to those who have limited resources, by providing the funding to support the completion of the

student’s educational goal.

The purpose is also to provide fair and equitable treatment of all students by applying Federal, State &

District policies in the process of determining student eligibility consistently.

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AID

Eligibility to receive Federal financial aid:

• Be a U.S. Citizen , eligible noncitizen, or AB540;

• Be enrolled in an eligible program at their home college and be a regular student working

toward a degree, certificate or degree/transfer to a four-year institution;

• Have a valid Social Security Number;

• Be registered with Selective Service if required to register;

• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal student grant or

Perkins Loan;

• Have a high school diploma or GED;

• Have a valid, eligible major declared with Admissions and Records

• Achieving satisfactory academic progress;

• Have a need for financial aid as demonstrated by completion of the Free Application for

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application (AB540 students only).

HOW FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY IS CALCULATED

Financial aid comes in the form of grants (gift aid), low interest loans (that must be repaid), work-study,

and scholarships. The financial aid programs are funded and regulated through Federal, State, and local

agencies, and through the colleges themselves. Most of the financial aid available is based on need. The

process used to determine how much financial aid is initiated when a student completes the Free

Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act. The information supplied on the

FAFSA or Dream Act is processed through a formula which produces an Expected Family Contribution

(EFC) based on the unique student and/or family information provided. The EFC is the amount of money

the student and family are expected to pay toward the student’s annual college costs. The difference

between the college costs and the Expected Family Contribution is the student’s need, or eligibility for

financial aid as demonstrated below:

UNDERSTANDING THE COST OF EDUCATION

The cost of education is an estimated amount that a student will need to cover costs related to college

attendance. Nine month student budgets are constructed using surveyed costs of California students

based on their living and enrollment status as follows:

Cost of Education - Expected Family Contribution = Student’s Financial Need

Cost of Education Peralta Community College 2017-2018

Away From Home

At Home

Less Than

1/2 Time

Tuition *

$ 1,104.00

Student Fee

$ 16.00

Student

Representation Fee

$ 16.00

Health Fee

$ 36.00

Books & supplies

$ 1,854.00

Room & Board

$ 13,293.00

$ 5,247.00

Transportation

$ 1,233.00

AC Transit

$ 82.00

Personal Expense

$ 3,276.00

Total

$ 20,910.00

$ 12,864.00

$ 4,259.00

Non-California Residents must add $276.00 per semester unit plus $15.00 per unit for the Capital

Outlay fee.

*Tuition and Fees are subject to state changes.

Other Budget Adjustments:

FEES: Students may have additional campus fees added to their budget depending on the amount

assessed at each campus. Fees are approximately $32 per year, in addition to a $40.79 Easy Pass

purchase fee charged to all students enrolled in six or more units per semester. An $18 health fee per

semester is also assessed to all students.

Non-California resident students have enrollment fees and tuition assessed at $276 per unit.

Applicable fees are automatically added to the student budget at the home college.

CHILD CARE: Students who have child care expenses relating to their attendance may receive an

additional budget allowance based on documentation of reasonable expenses for the number and ages

of their children.

OTHER: If you have other costs (such as the documented purchase of a computer or expenses related to

a disability or additional costs directly related to your program of study) that are directly related to your

ability to attend college, you should contact the Financial Aid Administrator at your home campus to

determine if a budget adjustment can be made to include those costs.

HOW TO APPLY

All financial aid applicants must complete certain forms. Some forms must be completed each year. In

addition, some students may be required to complete and submit more forms than others depending on

their individual circumstances. A packet of supplemental application materials with instructions is

available in the college Financial Aid Office beginning in April preceding each award year.

FAFSA ON THE WEB

All applicants for financial aid must complete the Online Free Application for Federal Student Aid at

www.FAFSA.gov. A FAFSA on the Web (FOTW) Worksheet is available from any college Financial Aid

Office or high school counselor. FOTW collects your family’s financial information. When it is completed

and transmitted to the federal processor, a formula to determine eligibility and an Expected Family

Contribution (EFC) is calculated. In order to expedite processing of your financial aid award, please

submit all required documents to the home college Financial Aid Office.

CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT APPLICATION

The California Dream Act Application is used to determine the California state financial eligibility of

students who meet the qualifications of Assembly Bill 540 (AB540), AB 130 and AB 131. The California

Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will process this application. Any aid received can only be used at

eligible California institutions. The Dream Act Application is used to apply for state financial aid like the

Community College Board of Governor’s fee waivers and for Cal Grant awards. This is not an application

for federal financial aid. Students who have a Social Security Number that was issued after completing

the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process must file the Dream Act application.

FINANCIAL AID HOME COLLEGE

Your home college is your Peralta School of record at which you plan to complete degree, certificate or

degree/transfer requirements. Please be sure to update your academic major with Admissions and

Records and to list your home college first when completing the FAFSA.

Financial Aid FAFSA TITLE IV codes

Berkeley City: 014311 College of Alameda: 006720 Laney College: 001266 Merritt College: 001267

FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBLE MAJOR

In order to receive Financial Aid for courses you are taking, you must choose a major that is Financial Aid

eligible. You must officially declare your major with the Admissions and Records department. For a

complete listing of eligible financial aid majors, please visit http://web.peralta.edu/financial-aid/financial-

aid-approved-academic-programs/

IRS DATA RETRIEVAL

Students and parents are strongly urged to use the IRS data retrieval tool provided on the FAFSA,

allowing direct data on filed taxes to be transferred to the financial aid application. Using the tool may

reduce the amount of documentation a student and/or parent must provide to the Financial Aid Office.

SAR

After completing the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, the federal/state processor may take from three

days to two weeks to process your application and transmit data to the college. The Student Aid Report

(SAR/ISIR) is your notification that the FAFSA has been processed. You can log back onto your FAFSA or

Dream Act Application and print out the SAR to review for accuracy.

TRANSCRIPTS

If you have attended college(s) prior to attending the Peralta Community Colleges, whether or not financial

aid was received at the other college, and you plan to use transfer credits toward a degree/ certificate

from the Peralta Community College District, you must submit official transcripts to the Admissions and

Records department for evaluation. All recorded applicable degree/certificate transfer credits will be

computed toward the Satisfactory Academic Progress maximum time frame of 90 units for a standard 2-

year program and also to determine correct grade level. You must inform your home college if you

attended another college during the same academic year (i.e. Fall 2017 or Spring 2018 and Summer

2018).

ELIGIBLE NONCITIZEN VERIFICATION

Students who are not U.S. citizens but are eligible noncitizens may be required to supply both sides of

their immigration card (I-551, I-151, or I-94) to the home college Financial Aid Office with their initial

application.

ABILITY TO BENEFIT

Only continuing students with completed coursework prior to July 2012 and who do not have a high

school diploma, GED, or equivalent, may be able to take an assessment test to make sure they are able

to benefit from the college’s curriculum. Verifying test scores must be submitted to the Financial Aid

Office. If the Financial Aid Office notes conflicting information concerning a student’s high school

graduation status, the student may be required to submit verification of high school diploma/GED or

equivalent. As of July 1, 2012 new students without a high school diploma or GED will not be eligible to

receive financial aid except a BOG Tuition Waiver.

OTHER FORMS

A certain number of students are required each year to verify the information they supplied on the

FAFSA. Those students will be required to submit additional information including a verification

worksheet after the SAR/ISIR is received and reviewed by the Financial Aid Office. If a student is selected

for Verification of income, student and parent (when Applicable) will be required to produce an IRS tax

transcript. Copies of personal tax forms will not be accepted. It is strongly advised that students and

parents indicate, when filing the FAFSA, permission to access IRS data match. Tax information will be

directly imported to the FAFSA, and eliminate the need for verification of a separate IRS transcript.

Students will be able to go to their FAFSA data and allow this permission after initial application is

submitted.

The Financial Aid Office will provide a checklist of documents on your Peralta Passport account. You may

be required to submit for verification purposes. These documents may include:

 Student/Parent IRS tax transcript (Not a copy of filed 1040) /Unemployment Benefits

 Signed Social Security card

 Valid Photo I.D.

 Verification of Eligible Non-Citizen Status

 Citizenship Documentation

 Verification of Ward of Court (Foster Youth)

 High School Diploma; Final High School Transcript or GED Certificate Academic

Transcripts (When Applicable)

 Educational Goal Plan

 Verification of Child Care Expenses

 Verification of Dependent Care Expenses

 Verification of Selective Services Registration

 Verification of Food Stamps

 Verification of Child Support Paid

 Statement of Educational Purpose

Students may be required to verify specific item based upon selection by the Department of Education

Please note financial aid will not be finalized or disbursed until all documents are received and

verification is complete.

Documents may be printed from your home college Financial Aid website or The Peralta College District

Financial Aid website, www.peralta.edu

DEADLINES

Financial aid funds are limited for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) and

the Federal Work-Study (FWS) programs. To ensure that your application is considered for SEOG and

FWS, the FAFSA should be completed no later than April 1st preceding the award year for which you are

applying for financial aid. If funds remain after awarding students who have met those deadlines, the

colleges will continue to make awards on a first-come, first-serve basis.

March 2 is the deadline for filing a FAFSA and submitting the GPA Verification Form to the California

Student Aid Commission if you are applying for a Cal Grant (Dream Act students may file for March 2nd

GPA). A second GPA Verification period has been added by the California Student Aid Commission for

Community College students, (excluding Dream Act students) requiring GPAs be submitted by

September 2nd. Check with your home college to verify that your GPA has been electronically submitted

to the California Student Aid Commission for Cal Grant Eligibility.

Applications for financial aid funds that is not limited, such as Pell Grants and Direct Loans, can be filed

at any time through the spring term of the award year. The absolute deadline for filing a FAFSA to

receive Pell Grant for the 2017-2018 award year is June 30, 2018.

The Board of Governor’s Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOGFW) applications must be submitted during the

current academic year. Retroactive fee waivers cannot be issued for prior year fees. A request for a

refund of fees already paid with personal resources and documentation supporting BOGWFW eligibility

must be filed at the home college Bursar’s Office.

STEPS FOR FINANCIAL AID

1. Fill out the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. For AB540 students, complete the Dream Act

application at dream.csac.ca.gov. It usually takes 5-7 business days for the process to upload

your FAFSA information into our computer system.

2. In 5-7 business day’s students must check their Peralta Passport accounts to see if their tuition

fees have been waived, otherwise they must come to the Financial Aid office.

3. Log onto your Peralta Passport account to view any outstanding financial aid items on your To-

Do list. Please carefully review the instructions and bring in required documentation to your

financial aid home college

4. Fill out the paperwork requested, and submit it to the home campus financial aid office.

5. After submitting all required documents, your file will be reviewed and processed by your

financial aid home college.

6. Activate your PCCD (Peralta) email; this is how the Financial Aid office will communicate with

you. Please ensure that your email account is active.

7. Continue to check your Peralta Passport regularly for updates to your financial aid “To-Do”

items, financial aid awards, and holds

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

BOG ENROLLMENT FEE WAIVER

The state of California offers a Board of Governor’s Enrollment Fee Waiver (BOGFW) for students who

are residents of the state of California. BOGW-A is available to students who are receiving

TANF/CalWORKs, General Assistance or SSI. BOGW-B covers students whose income falls below state

levels as listed below. BOGW-C is awarded to students who are eligible for financial aid or who

demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA. Please contact your Financial Aid Office for further

information. The BOGW Waiver pays all enrollment fees for each term once eligibility has been

determined. The BOG Waiver does not cover fees for Student Campus Use, Health, AC Transit,

Representation, fee based courses or any other non-tuition based fees.

Students who do not apply through the FAFSA may still qualify for a BOGFW if they meet the income and

other eligibility requirements through the paper BOG Fee Waiver application. The paper BOG Fee Waiver

applications are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Beginning fall 2016, all students must meet income, academic, and residency requirements to be

eligible for the BOG Fee Waiver.

BOG Income Requirements

BOGW B Income Criteria for 2017-18 INCOME 2016

Number in

Household

2017 – 2018 Maximum Income Standards

$17,820

$24,030

$30,240

$36,450

$42,660

$48,870

*Add $6,240 for each additional family member. (Future income levels are subject to change)

Note: We strongly urge all students to complete a FAFSA in order to qualify for additional Federal Aid.

By completing the FAFSA, students must demonstrate financial need exceeding the average cost of

tuition indicated in the chart on page 5 of this manual ($1104).

BOG Academic Requirements

Students who have not met the college’s Academic Progress standards for two consecutive terms will no

longer qualify for a BOG waiver the following term. Current or former Foster Youth age 24 and are

exempt from this requirement. Students must meet the following standards to maintain eligibility for the

BOG Fee Waiver:

Academic — Sustain a GPA of 2.0 or higher

If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive primary terms (fall/spring semesters, or

fall/winter/spring quarters), you may lose your fee waiver eligibility.

Progress — Complete more than 50% of your coursework

If the cumulative number of units you complete is not more than 50% in two consecutive primary terms

(fall/spring semesters, or fall/winter/spring quarters), you may lose your fee waiver eligibility.

Any combination of two consecutive terms of cumulative GPA below 2.0, and/or cumulative unit

completion of not more than 50% may result in loss of fee waiver eligibility. Students who are disqualified

for academic reasons will be notified via email within 30 days after the term has ended. Students who

lose BOG academic eligibility will have the opportunity to petition for reinstatement.

LOSS OF BOG PETITION PROCEDURE

A student may petition the loss of Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver for a term due to failure of sustaining a

GPA of 2.0 or higher and/or not completing more than 50% of their coursework.

The petition form can be picked up from your home campus financial aid office or students may

download it from their college’s website. The student is responsible for providing sufficient information

in the written statement to substantiate the existence of extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the

student statement must address what steps he/she has and will take to prevent a similar circumstance in

the future. The student must meet with an academic counselor to complete a full Student Education Plan

(SEP) outlining the program of study and the courses required to complete the program of study.

A BOG petition committee will review the petition and make a decision on whether to approve or deny

the BOGW petition. The student will be notified of the decision by email and/or formal letter. The petition

process is final and cannot be appealed.

BOG Residency Requirements

Students applying for the BOG Fee Waiver must either be California Residents or meet AB540 status in

order to meet eligibility requirements.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

Pell Grant is gift aid that is awarded to students with the highest need. Students are automatically

considered for Pell Grant when they file the FAFSA application. Students who receive an Expected Family

Contribution (EFC) of 5235 or less on the Student Aid Report (SAR) are eligible for a Pell award. Students

may receive a Pell Grant for enrollment in one or more units, however, awards for students enrolled less

than full-time (12 units) are pro-rated based on their enrollment status. Beginning with the 2012-13

award year, duration of eligibility is reduced to the equivalent of 12 full time semesters for all new and

continuing students. FAFSA application deadline: June 30, 2018. Awards range from $532 - $5920

SUMMER PELL Grants

Students may receive a full semester Pell Grant for summer 2018. Full-Time enrollment for summer is

12 units. Summer Pell is available providing there are remaining funds from the 2017-2018 awards.

When applicable May/June intercession classes will be considered part of the summer payment period.

CAL GRANTS

Cal Grants are awarded to California state residents. Cal Grant A Entitlement and Competitive awards

assists students with tuition and fees at UC, CSU and Independent 4-year colleges. Community College

students cannot utilize a Cal Grant A, but can reserve it until transfer to a four-year college.

As of Fall 2013 AB540 students (Dream Act Students) may apply & receive a Cal Grant. GPA verification

for Dream Act students must be submitted by March 2nd. Cal Grant B Entitlement and Competitive

awards provide a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance to very low-income students. Students

attending a community college can receive only the living allowance portion of Cal Grant B. Cal Grant C

assists with books, tools and equipment for occupational or vocational programs.

Graduating High School seniors must have GPA verification data submitted by their high school. GPA

data will be submitted through a Peralta College once a student has completed 24 degree applicable

credits. Reestablished GPAs may be submitted for Community College competitive Cal Grant B awards

once a student has completed 16 degree applicable credits.

There are two deadlines, March 2nd for both Entitlement and Competitive grants, and a second

deadline of September 2nd, to apply for a Competitive Cal Grant-B at a community college. All students

must complete a FAFSA prior to March 2nd in order to be considered for eligibility for Cal Grant awards.

Each of the four Peralta Community Colleges transmits eligible GPA’s electronically to the Student Aid

Commission before the March 2

and September 2

deadline. Inquire at your home high school

concerning the paper GPA form. Most students will not need to submit a paper form.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) in order to receive a Cal Grant. Awards for less

than full-time (12 units) are prorated based on enrollment status.

Maximum Cal Grant Award: Cal Grant B = $1670 Cal Grant C = $547

FULL-TIME SUCCESS GRANT (FTSSG)

The Full-time Student Success Grant (FTSSG) is a grant that is given to eligible Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C

students that are enrolled full-time (12 or more units). Students can receive $300 during the fall and

$300 during the spring if eligible.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)

SEOG is a grant award made by the college to students with exceptional need. Due to limited funds

students who apply early and are eligible for Pell Grant receive first priority consideration for SEOG.

Students are considered for SEOG when they complete the FAFSA by April 1 or the college priority

deadline. Awards vary depending on home college enrollment and the amount of funding available at

each college.

Average awards range from: $300 - $1,500. Priority application deadline: April 1, 2017

EXTENDED OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMS AND SERVICES (EOPS): EOPS is a state funded program which

may provide grants, books, vouchers, employment and support services to high need, educationally

disadvantaged students who are California residents including Dream Act eligible students. Students

must be enrolled full time at the home college and must complete the FAFSA to apply. Final eligibility is

determined by the EOPS Office. Types and amounts of awards vary depending on funding available at

each college.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY (FWS)

FWS is employment financed primarily with federal funds. Students who apply for financial aid

demonstrate a financial need for FWS and indicate they will accept work will be considered for Federal

Work Study. Students receive a monthly check for hours worked and the amount a student may earn

depends on the amount of the student’s award which is determined by the college Financial Aid Office

based on the funds available to the College. Students should be enrolled at least half time (six or more

units). There may also be off-campus jobs available with non-profit organizations.

Awards Range From: $300 - $6,000. Priority Application Deadline April 1, 2017

CHAFEE GRANT

The Chafee Grant provides up to $5000 annually in free money to foster youth and former foster youth

for vocational school training or college courses. To be eligible, students must have been in foster care

between their 16th and 18th birthday and not reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award

year. Students may apply for the Chafee Grant at www. chafee.csac.ca.gov or call 1-888-224-7268.

OSHER Scholarship

OSHER scholarships are intended to support those students with the most financial need who have

demonstrated success and commitment in their coursework. To qualify, students must have completed

24 units of degree-applicable study, be enrolled in at least six units for the ensuing semester, and qualify

for a Board of Governor’s fee waiver. More information about the scholarship is available by visiting the

College Financial Aid Office or the Peralta College Foundation website

$1000 per year for full time enrollment (prorated for part-time study), and funds are limited to each

college. Applications are distributed by Scholarship and Financial Aid Offices each fall with instructions

and deadlines. A selection committee reviews all applications. Dream Act eligible students may apply.

LOANS

Loans are financial aid funds that are borrowed and repaid after a student completes their academic

program or stops attending school. Educational loans have a low interest rate and an extended

repayment period, making them easier to repay than most non-educational loans. Peralta District

Colleges recommend that students use all other possible resources first and borrow only when it’s

absolutely necessary because loans must be repaid from future earnings. If you are planning to transfer

to a four year college/university, be aware that loans are usually the largest portion of a financial aid

package at four year institution. You should consider your total educational indebtedness before

borrowing at a community college.

Inquire at the Financial Aid office at your home college for information about loan forbearance and

consolidation or visit www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Students who do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements will not receive a second loan

disbursement for the academic year. Loans are for school-related expenses only. We are required to

assist students in meeting the elements in the published student expense budget only.

Note: Student will be certified as second year students if 30 degree applicable units have been earned.

These units may include units earned at institutions outside the Peralta District. Transcripts must be

submitted and evaluated by the Admissions and Records department.

Students who wish to apply for the Student Loan must complete a FAFSA and be enrolled in six units and

maintain attendance in a minimum of six units for the entire loan period. To ensure students are aware

of all the provisions and responsibilities of borrowing from the educational loan programs, new Direct

loan students must complete a Loan Entrance interview before receiving the initial loan disbursement,

and complete the Loan Exit Interview if they withdraw from the college or drop to below six units.

Students can complete both Entrance and Exit Counseling at www.studentloans.gov .

Inquire at your home college for information about loan forbearance and consolidation or visit

www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN

Direct Loans are originated through the Department of Education and disbursed directly to the

student by the home college. Students who are enrolled at least half-time and who demonstrate

financial need through the financial aid application process can have the interest paid (subsidized)

on Direct loans by the federal government while they are in school.

Students who are at least half-time but who do not demonstrate need for a subsidized Direct may still

obtain the loan, however, interest will be unsubsidized and start to accrue while the student is in

school. Students are advised to repay on this interest while still attending school.

Direct loan interest changes annually and is based on the federal Treasury Bill rate. Interest will never

exceed 9%, However, monthly payments, which begin six months after enrollment stops or drops

below half-time, are based on the total amount borrowed but will never be less than $50 per month.

In addition to the FAFSA, these loans require a separate loan application (available in the Financial Aid

Office at your home college).

Sample Direct Repayment Chart

Loan Amount

Monthly Payment

Total Interest

Total Repaid

5 year Period

$3000

$62

$728

$3728

10 year period

$6000

$74

$2736

$8736

10 year period

$8000

$98

$3774

$11774

10 year period

$12000

$147

$5662

$17662

10 year period

$20000

$245

$9437

$29437

Direct loans have a minimum repayment rate of $50 per month for a maximum of 10 years. This chart

shows sample repayments for amounts borrowed at 8.25% interest on a standard repayment Plan.

Enrollment information for loan deferment is submitted by each college to the National Student

Loan Clearinghouse. Students requiring a deferment for service in the Peace Corps; under the

Domestic Volunteer Service Act; or comparable community service as a volunteer for a tax-exempt

organization, should inquire at the home college Loan Office.

Direct Loans have origination and insurance fees of 1.068% for loans before 10/1/2017 and

1.069% for loans after 10/1/17 and before 10/1/18. The loan fee amount is deducted from the

loan proceeds before the loan is received. These fees must also be repaid.

(NOTE: The Direct Loan Interest Rate on loans is 3.76% for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized

Loans and 6.31% for PLUS loans made on or after July 1, 2017 and before July 1, 2018)

Direct Subsidized Loan 150% Maximum Limit

The Subsidized Direct Annual Maximum is $3500 until completion of first year; $4500 after

completion of first year.

If you are a first-time borrower who borrows on or after July 1, 2013, you may only receive Direct

Subsidized Loans for 150% of the published length of your program (Example: A 2 year associate

degree program would have a maximum period of 3 years, which is equivalent to 150% of 2 years).

Review information in the Peralta catalog to determine the length of your program.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Annual Maximum Unsubsidized Direct Loan is $6,000 for independent students; $2000 for

dependent students. Application Schedules and Deadlines are posted in the Financial Aid Office of the

home college.

OTHER PROGRAMS

EMPLOYMENT

In addition to the Federal Work-Study program, colleges in the District have non-work-study positions

for students who are either not eligible for financial aid or who don’t have Federal Work-Study as part of

their financial aid award. Students are hired by various departments on campus and paid an hourly

wage. Individual campuses also provide placement services for students seeking part-time employment

off-campus or those looking for summer employment.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships are made available from local and business organizations, community and service

organizations, employers, foundations, and any number of other sources. Scholarships are usually based

on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, need, or a combination

of those factors. Each college posts information about scholarships when application materials or

information is made available to the college. Consult the Transfer Center, Office of the Dean of Student

Services and Associated Student's Union for information about scholarships. Information on the Peralta

Community College District Chancellor's Trophy is posted in the Student Services Office at each campus

and at the Peralta College Foundation website at http://web.peralta.edu/foundation/.

BIA

American Indian students may receive educational grants from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).

A student must be able to prove that he or she is a member of a federally recognized tribe. BIA requires

applicants first to apply for a Federal Pell Grant. Applications for BIA grants for California tribes are

available by writing to the Bureau’s Office, Office Indian Education 2800 Cottage Way Sacramento, CA,

95825 (916) 978-6000.

VETERANS

Students who qualify for Veteran’s Benefits for college attendance should contact the Veteran’s Office

at their home campus. Veteran’s Office phone numbers are listed in the Peralta District’s Class Schedule.

DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID

Federal Pell is disbursed in three installments during the term. The first Pell book installment is usually

available the week before the start of classes. The second is disbursed during the first week of courses

and the remaining 50% is disbursed at the Midpoint of the term. An anticipated disbursement calendar

is included with your award notification and also on your Peralta Passport account. Please note that the

disbursement dates are anticipated and may not reflect actual disbursement dates depending on the

time of your financial aid evaluation. Please contact your home college financial aid office for further

clarification.

Federal SEOG, Full-Time Success Grant and Cal Grant are disbursed at the mid-point of the term.

Direct loan awards are scheduled by the home college and disbursed through BankMobile. The first loan

check of the year for first-time borrowers will not be disbursed until 30 days after the beginning of the

first term of the year.

Federal Work Study checks are disbursed by the home college Bursar at monthly intervals based on the

amount of time worked and reported on the time sheet for the prior month. You must present student

ID in order to pick up your check.

Federal and State funds are disbursed through BankMobile.

METHOD OF DISBURSEMENT

New Financial Aid applicants will receive a personal code from BankMobile in the mail. You must have a

valid mailing address, completed a FAFSA or California Dream Act application and are enrolled at

Peralta. Please review your address to ensure it is up-to-date on your Peralta Passport account. Failure

to have a valid address may delay your personal code delivery and your financial aid disbursement.

Once you receive your personal code, go to refundselection.com to choose a method to receive your

funds.

Students will have 3 choices to receive their disbursement:

1. Bank Mobile Vibe account– Same-day deposits to students’ BankMobile account (Debit Card). If

you choose this option, BankMobile will send you a Peralta Debit Card within 5-7 business days

2. Direct deposits to another bank account (i.e. Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Credit Union, etc.)

(refunds available in 2-3 business days)

3. Paper check - mailed to the student home (refunds available in 5-7 business days).

Students who elect to use the BankMobile Vibe account will be sent a debit card in the mail. Students

can use the debit card to withdraw funds from ATM machines. Please note there are fees associated

with electing the Bank Mobile debit card. You can review fees by going to peraltacard.com

Students will be able to withdraw money from the ATM Machines (located on campus) as well as any

ATM machine from the AllPoint Network without a fee (If students withdraw money from any other

ATM or outside bank, they will be charged $2.50 per transaction). There is also a $10 replacement fee

if you lose your BankMobile card. Students can find any fee-free Allpoint ATM across the nation by

visiting allpointnetwork.com

College ATM Locations

 College of Alameda – 2

Floor of the F building

 Berkeley City College – 5th floor in the Student Lounge.

 Laney College – Student center in the dining hall.

 Merritt College – R building next to Admission and Records and Financial Aid entrance.

FINANCIAL AID POLICIES

PERALTA CONSORTIUM AGREEMENT

If you are attending more than one college in the District you can use combined Peralta units in

calculating aid, however, you may receive financial aid only from your home college. This is the college

at which you intend to complete your program of study.

FINANCIAL AID CENSUS DATE

Each term the Financial Aid Office establishes a census date after which no adjustments will be

calculated on funds paid for that term for units added or dropped. Please check your home

campus financial aid for the Financial Aid Census dates for the 2017-2018 award year.

LATE START CLASSES

If you register for late-start classes, your Financial Aid for that course will be awarded and disbursed to

the student after the late-start classes begin. Loan disbursement will be released after you have started

classes totaling at least six credits.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)

In accordance with Federal and State regulations, to qualify for and receive Financial Aid, students are

required to make progress toward completion of their educational goals to continue to receive Financial

Aid.

Eligibility

To become eligible to receive financial aid at Peralta Community College District (PCCD), students must

submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Department of Education to

establish eligibility, complete a Financial Aid File, and adhere to the following requirements:

1. Enroll in a Title IV eligible program for the purpose of completing an Associate Degree, an

eligible certificate program, or transfer requirements.

2. Maintain a Peralta Community College District cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.

3. Complete 66.6% of the total number of units attempted each semester at PCCD, regardless

if financial aid was received.

4. Complete an educational program within the maximum timeframe (150%) of the published

program’s required units at PCCD.

Pace of Progression:

Student must complete 66.6% of units attempted each semester in order to complete their program

within the maximum time frame, or 150%. A guideline to assist you is as follows:

The Financial Aid Office will review each student’s record at the end of each academic semester.

Students who do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements at the end of their first

semester will be notified by the Financial Aid Office that they have been placed in Financial Aid Warning

status. If while on Financial Aid Warning Status, students fail to meet the SAP standards for the second

time they will place on Financial Aid Disqualification Status and all aid for the term will be cancelled.

(with the exception of the BOG Fee Waiver). Students may reinstate eligibility by complying with

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards in a term without receiving Financial Aid.

Students should complete their educational objective within a maximum time frame of 150%, or 90

attempted semester units for a standard two-year program. Programs shorter than two (2) years will be

monitored for completion of the same 150% unit maximum time frame. Note: All completed and

accepted transfer units are also counted in the 90 units attempted when used toward a degree or

certificate at a Peralta College.

1. Students receiving financial aid must maintain a cumulative 2.00 grade point average (GPA).

2. Grades of “W”, “F”, “FW”, “CR”, ”NC”, ”P”, ”NP” and “I” will be monitored and included toward

calculation of the 150% unit maximum time frame.

3. The completion of a course grade of “I” (Incomplete) will not be included for purposes of

determining enrollment status in a subsequent term.

4. A student may repeat a course one time for which a grade of “D” or higher is received.

5. A student may repeat a course for which an earned grade of “F” or “W” is received in order to

achieve a passing grade.

6. Instructors are strongly urged to use the “FW” grade for students who fail due to late term

withdrawal.

7. A student with a grade of “F” who is being processed for payment by the Financial Aid Office

may be required by the financial aid office to provide documentation from the grading

instructor that the grade was earned by the student. The student must have attended class for

the term and earned a failing grade by such measure as determined by instruction that qualifies

a grade of “F”.

8. A student may repeat but not exceed the allowed number of repeats for courses listed in the

class schedule. These repeated classes will be included in the student’s enrollment status and a

grade for each class must be received. Financial aid payments will not be issued for

unauthorized repeated coursework, even if financial aid was not paid for the class the first time

it was repeated.

9. A student who uses transfer credits from college(s) outside the Peralta District must submit

transcript(s) for evaluation by an academic counselor or Admissions and Records Office. Those

units will be included in the calculation of the 150% program maximum time frame.

10. The pace of a student’s program completion will be evaluated when a student has reached 60

attempted units. If it is determined by the financial aid office that the student will be unable to

complete his/her program of study within the maximum time frame allowed, all financial aid will

be terminated.

11. Students with a Baccalaureate (Bachelor’s) or other graduate degree are considered to have

surpassed the maximum time frame and will be required to complete a financial aid

petition/appeal to be considered for a student loan. Note that filing an appeal may not qualify a

student for financial aid eligibility. The decision of the college on appeals is FINAL and may not

be contested.

12. Students who fail to meet term grade point average (GPA), unit completion, allowance of 50% or

less for “W”, “I”, “NP” grade notation, or time-frame requirements will be placed in financial aid

Warning status and will be removed from this Warning status only if minimum academic

progress requirements are met in the subsequent (Warning) term.

13. Failure to meet minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements by the end of the

Warning semester will result in termination of financial aid and be placed on Disqualification

status.

14. A student may reinstate eligibility for financial aid by complying with Satisfactory Academic

Progress standards in a term without receiving financial aid.

15. A student may lose eligibility for financial aid by NOT complying with Satisfactory Academic

Progress standards in a term the student did not receive financial aid.

16. Students may also remove deficiencies for prior academic years during the Summer session

without receiving financial aid. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office when this option is

used.

REMEDIAL COURSEWORK

If a student receives financial aid for remedial coursework, and completes one year or 30 units, no

further aid will be paid for remedial study. The student may continue to enroll in remedial classes, but

financial aid payments will be calculated only for degree-applicable coursework. Satisfactory academic

progress is monitored each term.

ESL COURSEWORK

Students who enroll in excessive ESL coursework (over 45 units) without enrolling in classes leading

toward their stated educational major or goal will be notified by the Financial Aid Office and requested

to meet with an academic counselor to determine proficiency to enroll in at least one class leading

toward the declared major. ESL students will be strongly urged to enroll in coursework that will assist

them in completing their educational goal.

ESL and remedial coursework will count toward the 2.0 GPA and 67% units completion requirements

(SAP Standard). However, all ESL and 30 units of Remedial coursework will be subtracted in the

calculation of the maximum time frame allowed.

FINANCIAL AID APPEAL PROCEDURES

A student may appeal for failure to meet the GPA standard, the term unit requirement, or pace of

progression.

The appeal form can be picked up from your home campus financial aid office. The student is

responsible for providing sufficient information in the written statement to substantiate the existence of

extenuating circumstances. Additionally, the student statement must address what steps he/she has

and will take to prevent a similar circumstance in the future. The student must meet with an academic

counselor to complete a full Student Education Plan (SEP) outlining the program of study and the

courses required to complete the program of study.

An appeals committee will review the appeal and make a decision on whether to approve or deny the

financial aid appeal request. The student will be notified of the decision by email and/or formal letter.

The appeal process is final and cannot be appealed. Students are subject to a two appeal limit.

However, special exceptions can be made by the financial aid supervisors at each college on a case-by-

case basis to allow additional appeals beyond two.

FINANCIAL AID REPEAT COURSE POLICY

Effective July 1, 2011, the Department of Education required colleges to limit how many times students

can repeat a course and still receive financial aid for that course. Once a student earns a passing grade

for a course that student can only repeat the course one more time and still receive financial aid. A

passing grade is defined by the college as a D or better. If a student enrolls in a previously passed course

for a third time, this course will not count for financial aid purposes.

WITHDRAWING FROM COURSES, REFUNDS AND RETURN TO TITLE IV REPAYMENT

A student who receives financial aid and then completely withdraws from classes prior to completion of

60% of the semester will be assessed a percentage of unearned financial aid. The return of Title IV will

be calculated to determine the unearned portions of Title IV aid that need to be repaid by the student.

You earn aid as you progress through the semester. For example: if you complete 30% of the semester

you earn 30% of your aid awarded for the term.

Students will be required to repay the institutional portion of assessed refunds; failure to repay will

result in a hold on academic records and any future registration at Peralta. Any federal portion due will

be referred to the U.S. Department of Education and failure to make satisfactory repayment

arrangements or failure to make any of these payments will make you ineligible to receive further aid at

all colleges.

If a portion of aid received is from a Loan, the assessed repayment will be made according to the

conditions indicated on the Loan Promissory Note.

Any aid received under the Federal Work Study Program will not have to be repaid.

If you completely withdraw after you have attended 60% of the semester, you will have earned all

financial aid for that semester.

If you withdraw and have not received all earned financial aid, your home college will calculate a post-

withdrawal refund that may be disbursed to you.

When a student is paid an initial Pell disbursement (usually 50% of the term award), and then drops

enrollment to less than six units, the Pell grant will be recalculated to less-then-half-time status. The

student will be required to repay the calculated balance to the Department of Education.

Assessed repayments will be refunded to the financial aid programs from which they were paid in the

following order:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan

2. Subsidized Direct Loan

3. Pell Grant

4. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

FERPA - Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 applies to the education records of persons

who are, or have been in attendance in postsecondary institutions. The Peralta Community Colleges will

not release student information without the written consent of the student unless specifically allowed

according to FERPA regulations. A detailed and complete PCCD FERPA policy can be read at

http://web.peralta.edu/admissions/verificationsrelease-of-information/ferpa-2/.

As a Financial Aid Student, you have the right to:

 Know what financial aid programs are available;

 Know the deadline for submitting applications for the programs available;

 Be informed of financial aid policies and procedures;

 Know how your financial need was determined and what resources (such as your income,

assets, parental contribution and other financial aid) were considered in the calculation of need;

 Know how much of your financial aid eligibility has been met as determined by the Financial

Aid Office;

 Know what portion of your financial aid must be repaid, and what portion is gift or aid received

from work;

 Know how the Financial Aid Office determines whether you are making satisfactory academic

progress and the what consequences are if your are not;

 Access student right-to-know information consisting of campus security statistic, graduation and

completion rates and institutional demographic statistics.

 Request an explanation of the various programs in your financial aid package;

 Know the terms of any loans you receive, your deferment, cancellation, and forbearance rights

You have the responsibility to:

 Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time;

 Provide correct information. Misrepresentation of information on financial aid applications are

a violation of federal law and may be a criminal offense;

 Return all documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either

the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which you submitted your application in a timely

manner;

 Read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign and keep copies of them;

 Accept responsibility for all agreements that you sign;

 Repay all loans including the interest on those loans;

 Perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study award in a satisfactory

manner;

 Be aware of refund and repayment procedures;

 If you are a recipient of a student loan, notify your lender, the Financial Aid, and

 If you have a loan, complete a loan Entrance Interview prior to receiving the first disbursement

of your loan(s) and an Exit Interview prior to graduation or prior to leaving your college for any

other reason;

 File all required student loan deferment or cancellation forms on time;

 Report any change in the information used to determine your eligibility, including name, family

size, or financial resources;

 Notify the Financial Aid Office immediately if you withdraw from school or reduce enrollment.

OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION:

BANKMOBILE CUSTOMER CARE

For questions on your BankMobile account or your Financial Aid refund, users call 1-877-327-9515

FEDERAL STUDENT INFORMATION CENTER

For questions about federal student financial aid: Box 84 Washington, D.C. 20044 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern

Time (800)-4-FEDAID 1-800-433-3243 TTY Users Call 1-800-730-8913

CALIFORNIA STUDENT AID COMMISSION

For questions and information about Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C: P. O. Box 419026 Rancho Cordova, CA

95741-9026 (888) 224-7268 http://www.csac.ca.gov

DIRECT LOANS/ECMC (Formerly EDFUND) Educational Credit Management CORP

(800)-867-1589 http://www.ecmc.org

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (Regional Office)

For policy information about the federal student aid programs: 50 Beale Street San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 486-5708 http://www.ed.gov

FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS

http://www.studentloans.gov

NATIONAL STUDENT LOAN DATA SYSTEM

http://www.nslds.ed.gov

FAFSA ON THE WEB (FOTW)

http://www.fafsa.gov

CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT

http://dream.csac.ca.gov

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY IMMIGRATION & NATURALIZATION SERVICE (INS):

Appraised Bldg., Room 300 630 Sansome Street San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 293-1234

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

http://www.fastweb.com

PERALTA DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS:

http://web.peralta.edu/foundation/scholarships-and-grants/available-scholarships/

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION- BORROWER SERVICES- COLLECTIONS DEPARTMENT

For Loan Defaults and Overpayments, call: 1-800-621-3115

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