FAFSA on the Web

A. Procedure and forms for applying for this program: 1. FAFSA applications are completed online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. 2. Your file will be transferred electronically to Polk Community College. If you have not heard from our office within two weeks of receipt of the SAR, come to our office immediately. 3. If your file has been selected for verification, you will be required to provide additional information including but not limited to the verification worksheet, proof of tax filing or information regarding dependents, marital status or citizenship. The majority of these requirements will be listed in the letter accompanying the SAR. There may be other requirements. 4. If your SAR needs corrections it is important to report at once to the financial aid office. Corrections can take up to 60 days during peak processing times and significantly delay your application. 5. Files completed prior to May 31st will be sent an award letter. Please sign and return a copy of the award letter within 5 days. If this is completed, you may utilize Pell funds to pay your tuition during the registration period and purchase books.  Students whose Pell applications have been processed and the student has been notified with an award, will be allowed to charge books the week prior to school beginning and also during the first week of school.  If the book is not available at the time, you must have the bookstore order the book and charge it to your grant.  Bookstore charges are only permitted during these two weeks. The balance of the award will be paid no later than the last day of the semester. B. Student Eligibility Standards: 1. Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. 2. Must demonstrate a financial need. 3. Must be accepted for return or enrollment at PCC. 4. Have not received a bachelor's degree. 5. Have not defaulted on any previous aid. 6. Must pass 67% of attempted courses for the year and overall. 7. Must maintain a 2.00 GPA for the academic year and overall. 8. Must be in a degree seeking program at PCC.  Pell will not pay for courses at a secondary institution. 9. Must have a standard high school diploma or GED. Ability to Benefit - Students with a Certificate of Completion: Students who did not earn a “standard” high school diploma or GED are required to pass an approved Ability-to-Benefit test to qualify for Federal Financial Aid Programs under the U.S. Department of Education “Ability-To-Benefit” guidelines.  Students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent and were not home-schooled may qualify for federal financial aid by passing an approved ATB test. These Students should be referred to the campus testing office. C. Criteria for selecting grant recipients: 1. Selection is based on student's eligibility determined by need. D. Criteria for determining the amount of the awards: 1. Pell supplies the student’s EFC (Estimated Family Contribution). 2. Actual cost of the student's education. 3. Students are paid based on full time, 3/4 time or 1/2 time enrollment. Students withdrawing prior to mid-term will have their award calculated at a daily rate. This will require a student to repay all or a portion of their award. E.  Bookstore Charges Students whose Pell applications have been processed and the student has been notified with an award, will be allowed to charge books the week prior to school beginning and also during the first week of school.  If the book is not available at the time, you must have the bookstore order the book and charge it to your grant.  Bookstore charges are only permitted during these two weeks.