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Frequently Asked Questions

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General

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Work Study


General

What is the PCC school code and mailing address for the Financial Aid Office PCC?

The PCC school code is 001261. Our mailing address is: Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid 1570 E. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91106

Do I have to wait for admission to PCC to apply for financial aid?

No. You do not have to be admitted to PCC in order to apply for financial aid; however, you do have to be admitted and registered in at least 6 units to receive financial aid.

What types of financial aid are offered at PCC?

PCC participates in most of the Federal and state financial aid programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Student loans and Cal Grants B and C. We also offer scholarships, book grants, and loans.

How do I apply for grants at PCC?

To apply for grants, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once the FAFSA is processed, PCC will electronically receive your information and then contact you by mail.

How do I apply for loans at PCC?

Federal student loans are part of a financial aid package. To apply you must complete the FAFSA. To submit their request for a loan, students must complete a separate application. While PCC does not encourage borrowing, interested students must also educate themselves about the loan program by attending loan entrance counseling. The loan application will not be accepted until the entrance requirement has been successfully completed. For further information, please contact the financial aid office.

How do I apply for scholarships at PCC?

PCC offers a wide variety of scholarships. Scholarship applications are generally available from October through February. Students can obtain the application at the financial aid office or download a PDF version at www.paccd.cc.ca.us. Additional scholarships are also listed in the PCC "Campus Crier" publication. Most of these scholarships are offered from off-campus sources.

How do I apply for the Work-Study Program?

PCC participates in the Federal and state work-study programs. To apply you must complete the FAFSA form. Because these funds are limited, we recommend interested students apply for financial aid no later than March 2. If funds are available, you will receive a work-study offer up to the amount of your eligibility.

What types of financial assistance programs are available to International Students?

Unfortunately, PCC does not offer financial aid to foreign students. Students with a F1 or F2 student visa or only a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa or a G series visa are not eligible for financial aid at PCC.

Is there a deadline to apply for financial aid? ?

Yes! To receive consideration for campus-based and the Cal Grant Entitlement program, students should apply by March 2.

How long does it take for a Financial Aid application to be processed?

Usually, financial aid applications are processed within 3 weeks from the date all requested documents are received.

Where can I get financial aid disbursement information?

Disbursement information is mailed with your Financial Aid Award letter or can be obtained at the financial aid office.

How can I pay for registration using financial aid?

If you are a California resident and have demonstrated financial need, you may qualify for the Board of Governors Fee Waver. This waiver will allow you to register without paying the enrollment or health fee. Process the fee waiver before you register for classes. The fee waiver does not include the Associated Student's, Student Representation fee.

For how many years does PCC give financial aid?

Full-time students are limited to 6 semesters or a maximum of 3.5 years. Three-quarter time students are limited to 9 semesters. Half-time students are limited to 12 semesters.

How much does it cost to attend PCC?

California Residents: Enrollment fee: $11 per unit Health fee: $12 ($9 during summer session) Student Representation fee: $1 Non-residents: Tuition: $134 per unit Enrollment fee: $11 per unit Health fee: $12 ($9 during summer session) Student Representation fee: $1

Will I continue to receive financial aid if I fail classes?

To maintain eligibility for financial aid, you must maintain three (3) requirements: 1. A grade point average (G.P.A) of 2.0, 2. Complete the attempted units with acceptable grades (A, B, C, D, CR), 3. Complete your academic program in a timely manner. For more information regarding these requirements, refer to PCC's Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

Do I really have to repay student loans?

Yes. A loan is an obligation and usually contains a promise to repay. However, students should consider incentives offered by federal programs. These incentives can pay the loan in full or reduce the amount owed.

Can I receive financial aid from more then one school?

You cannot receive federal aid from more than one school for the same period of enrollment; however, you may still qualify for the PCC fee waiver while receiving financial aid at another school.

Do I have to re-apply for financial aid every year?

Yes. Beginning the first of every year, you must reapply for financial aid.

What is the financial aid office telephone number?

Our telephone number is (626) 585-7401. Telephone hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

How do I maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress?

To maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress you must:

  1. Maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average (this is a "C" average).
  2. Complete all the units you attempt (or the units you begin at the start of the term) by the last day of each semester. For example, a full-time student who registers for 12 units on the first day of classes must complete no less 12 units by the last day of classes. Students completing their first academic year at PCC must complete 51% of units attempted with acceptable grades. Students in their second academic year must complete 75% of units attempted with acceptable grades.
  3. Not have attempted more than 75 units or no more than a cumulative total of 90 units attempted (which is equal to 3 years of full-time enrollment in an undergraduate program). A total of 30 units (attempted or completed) of ESL and/or basic skills courses may be excluded from the 75 unit limitation. Units attempted include all transfer and previously earned units with or without receipt of financial aid. Unit limitation is not excluded if you are pursuing multiple educational objectives; e.g., students who change their major.

How many semesters can I receive financial aid?

The number of semesters you can receive financial aid is determined by your overall enrollment status and the number of units you attempt each semester; for example, if you are a:

  • HALF-TIME student, attempting at least 6 to 8.5 units overall, you are limited to 12 semesters.
  • THREE-QUARTER TIME student, attempting 9 to 11.5 units overall, you are limited to 9 semesters.
  • FULL-TIME, student attempting 12 units or more (overall), you are limited to 6 semesters.

What are acceptable and unacceptable grades?

These are the grades we use to calculate how you are progressing in your educational objective.

Acceptable grades are: A, B, C, D, CR, P, RD
Unacceptable grades are: F, I, W*, NP, NC

*Includes no record drops


What is financial aid probation?

A student is on financial aid probation if:

  1. He/she did not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress for prior term(s) of enrollment.
  2. While on probation, your academic performance is being monitored by a financial aid advisor. If during the probationary period you fail to maintain progress, your financial aid will be suspended.
  3. While on probation your request for a student loan certification is postponed.

What I can do to improve my academic performance?

To structure your course load, we recommend that all students seek tutorial assistance, establish a Student Educational Plan developed by an academic counselor and participate in time management and study skills guidance programs.

What is financial aid disqualification?

You are disqualified when you receive:

  • A notice about Satisfactory Academic Progress Disqualification at PCC
  • You did not earn acceptable grades while on probation
  • You have reached the second academic year at PCC and your GPA is less than a 2.0
  • You did not meet conditions of a previous Satisfactory Academic Progress petition
  • You have an A.A., A.S., B.A. or higher degree

How can I regain my financial aid eligibility?

Submit a petition to the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid. There are two (2) levels of petition. The first level is a committee of student services personnel. The second level is an appeal to the Assistant Dean of Scholarships & Financial Aid. The petition must include a statement, your most recent Student Educational Plan and documentation to support exceptional circumstances beyond your control (i.e. illness, family emergency, etc.). If you have attempted more than 75 units, explain why you need more time to complete your educational goal, what circumstances prevented you from reaching your educational goal and how long it will take you to complete that goal. Only an appeal denied at the first level is submitted to the second level.

Why is it important to know about Satisfactory Academic Progress?

Satisfactory Academic Progress is an eligibility requirement for federal or state financial aid. It will apply even if you never received financial aid. To achieve satisfactory academic progress, students are expected to complete their objective (degree, certificate, or transfer) in a timely manner. Since academic progress rules can occur at any point during your education, failing to meet these requirements could lead to termination of your financial aid at PCC.
/studentservices/financialaid/

Work Study

What is Federal Work-Study?

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for PCC students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while they are in school. The program encourages community service and work related to your course of study.

How much will I make?

Your Federal Work-Study wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage, but it may be higher, depending on the type of work you do and the skills required. At PCC, the minimum Federal Work-Study hourly wage is $9.00 per hour. The maximum hourly wage is $11.00 per hour. (off campus) Your total Federal Work-Study award depends on when you apply your level of need, and the funds available at PCC.

How will I be paid?

As a Federal Work-Study employee, you'll be paid by the hour. At PCC you are paid twice a month according to the Payroll Schedule. Students are paid directly by mail. Work-Study funds must be used to pay for your educational expenses; i.e., tuition, fees, room and board, transportation and other school-related expenses.

Are Federal Work-Study jobs on campus or off campus?

Yes, the work-study jobs may be on or off-campus. If you work on campus, you can choose to work for a variety of PCC offices, departments or organizations. On-campus employment includes but is not limited to the Shatford Library, Engineering and Technology Department or the Office of Admissions and Records. If you work off-campus, your employer will usually be a private nonprofit organization or a public agency, and the work performed must be in the public interest. Each employer has a job description that explains the duties and the work schedule.

Can I work as many hours as I want?

No. Federal law says student workers are limited to 20 hours per week. However, the amount you earn can't exceed your total Federal Work-Study award. When determining work hours, you and your supervisor should create a work schedule based on your class schedule, total Work-Study Award and hourly pay rate.

How do I qualify for Federal Work-Study at PCC?

It's simple! All you do to apply for Federal Work-Study is complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you apply by March 2nd you may be *considered for Federal Work-Study funds. *Additional qualifications include: financial need, US Citizenship or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident), half-time; enrollment (6 units) satisfactory academic progress and you may not be in default on a student loan or owe a grant repayment.

How do I obtain a Work-Study job?

You can view on and off campus Work-Study job opportunities at the website below. After you find a job you are interested in, speak to the Work-Study coordinator at the Office of Scholarships & Financial Aid (L-114). At this meeting, you will be given information to refer you to the employer. You cannot start work until you receive a signed referral from the work-study coordinator.
http://www.pasadena.edu/studentservices/careercenter/online_career.cfm