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Who Can Apply?
All students or prospective students who have a high school diploma or GED may apply. Basic requirements are listed for specific programs on the program page.

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.

How To Apply?
Obtain a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is required for all Federal and State aid. This form is also required if applying for the Stafford Loan. Forms are available in the Financial Aid office at Polk Community College or from high school guidance counselors. The (FAFSA) form can also be filled out online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

When To Apply?
The deadline for priority consideration of funds is May 15th for the next academic year.

What Am I Applying For?
Polk Community College participates in the:
Federal PELL GRANT Program,
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program,
College Work-Study Program,
Florida Student Assistance Grant Program and the Stafford Loan Program.

FAFSA forms must be filed to be considered for these programs. The aforementioned programs and additional programs are described in this booklet.

Transfer Students
If you have attended another post-secondary institution since January of the current academic year, financial aid will not be awarded until a financial aid transcript is received from each school previously attended whether or not you received financial aid.

Verification
If your Federal PELL GRANT is selected for verification, no payment will be made until all income is documented and all additional information is complete. Thirty percent of all Federal PELL GRANT are selected for verification. Six items will be verified. They are adjusted gross income of the applicant and parent, federal income tax paid, number in household, number in post-secondary institutions, independent student status, and untaxed income and benefits.

U.S. tax returns and other documentation to prove that your information is correct may be required. It is important that you keep these financial records. If your school or the Department of Education asks you for these records and you do not provide them, you will not receive an award. * If you get Federal student aid by giving incorrect information, you will have to pay it back. If you purposely give false or misleading information on your application form, you may receive a $10,000 fine, a prison sentence, or both.