Financial Aid Guide 2008-2009
Financial Aid is available to assist eligible students by minimizing the financial burden of attending college through an assortment of state and federally funded programs. We attempt to assist as many students as possible within funding limitations. It is intended to supplement, NOT SUPPLANT, resources needed to meet the cost of education. Please review all information in this brochure that might be of assistance to you.
COST OF ATTENDANCE AND FINANCIAL NEED
Each year, colleges establish “student budgets” that take into account average costs of such things as: room and board, books and supplies, enrollment fees, personal expenses, and educational transportation costs. These budgets do not include maintenance costs for a student’s dependents; however, a standard maintenance allowance to cover dependents is included in the federal need analysis calculation.
The MiraCosta financial aid student budgets (Cost of Attendance) are used to calculate aid eligibility for most students. They do not represent the amount of aid that will be awarded. Your official Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is deducted from the assigned budget, resulting in your official financial need. Various aid programs are then awarded, based on eligibility and availability of funds. The standard formula, called “Federal Need Analysis” is used to determine your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) based on the information you report on your 2008-09 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Budgets are increased for non-resident tuition, documented non-reimbursed excessive medical costs, and other unusual expenses. Documentation is required. Budgets may be reduced for unusually low living costs, all online enrollment, additional resources, and/or other unusual circumstances. Budgets for students enrolled less-than-half-time can include only tuition and fees, allowance for books and supplies, and transportation. Less-than-half-time students are eligible for only the Federal Pell Grant and the Board of Governors (BOGW) Fee Waiver.
Specific information on the 2008-2009 student budgets is available in the Financial Aid Office, Building 3000, located on the Oceanside campus.
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HOW TO APPLY
Complete the FAFSA (paper or electronic)
Please obtain your Personal Identification Number (PIN) prior to filing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by accessing www.PIN.ed.gov. You (and your parents, if appropriate) may complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the WEB at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper applications are available if you are unable to file electronically. If you plan to attend MiraCosta College, be sure to indicate this on your FAFSA, Step Six:
MiraCosta College Title IV Code: 001239
Approximately four weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you will receive an electronic Student Aid Report (SAR). If you have listed MiraCosta College on your FAFSA, we will also receive your information electronically. A new application is necessary for each school year. A valid SAR must be on file in our office while you are still enrolled during the current aid year at MiraCosta College. If there is more than one applicant in your family, each applicant must complete an electronic FAFSA.
Cal Grant Program: California Residents Only
Students applying for a new Cal Grant should complete both the FAFSA and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification form. To apply for a new Cal Grant, your FAFSA and GPA Verification form must have been mailed by March 2, 2008. If you missed this deadline, your application will still be processed for other types of aid. An additional deadline of September 2nd each year is for community college students only.
Students who currently have a Cal Grant (including a Cal Grant A Reserve award) need to file a FAFSA each school year. No specific deadline must be met but early filing is recommended. GPA Verification form is not required for renewal Cal Grant students.
Complete Our Forms
Complete and return all forms and documents requested as soon as you receive them. If you have any questions, please contact our office.
Students selected for verification will also need to submit documents to substantiate information on their applications. This could include copies of federal tax returns, verification of non-filing from IRS if no tax return is filed, verification of untaxed income and earnings, and/or documentation of assets. Make sure your full legal name and Student ID are on all forms you submit to our office.
Students who are technically dependent but whose physical or emotional welfare would be jeopardized by contact with their parents should schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office before completing their FAFSA.
Dependent students who live with and/or are supported by a legal guardian are required to report their parent’s information not their legal guardian’s.
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DEADLINES AT MIRACOSTA
Priority Deadline: April 10, 2008
Priority consideration will be given to students who complete their aid file by April 10, 2008.
Applications will continue to be processed as long as funds are available.
Loan Deadline: April 10, 2009
No Stafford Loan applications will be processed after April 10, 2009
Final Deadline: May 22, 2009
Your 2008-2009 Student Aid Report (SAR) must be on file in our office before the end of the aid year (May 22, 2009) and while you are still enrolled.
If we receive your 2008-2009 application after the mid-point of Spring 2009, you will have limited time to complete your file. Contact the Financial Aid Office.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID
To be eligible for federal financial aid, a student must:
(1) Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or resident-alien with an appropriate visa.
(2) Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent, or be 18 years of age and able to demonstrate an ability to benefit from a college education. (Please ask for more detailed information in the Financial Aid Office.)
Note: a postsecondary student is not permitted to receive aid (excluding BOGW) while he or she is simultaneously enrolled in an elementary or secondary school.
(3) Be enrolled in an eligible educational program for the purpose of obtaining a certificate, associate degree, or completing requirements to transfer to another college. Certificate programs must provide at least 16 units of instruction and offered during a minimum of 15 weeks of instruction.
(4) Be enrolled in and attend the appropriate number of units. Some programs may require 12 or more units, others require at least half-time enrollment. Pell funds may be available for any number of units.
(5) Be making satisfactory academic progress. Prior unsatisfactory academic progress may require a probationary term or satisfactory completion of a term without receipt of federal aid.
(6) Be in compliance with Selective Service Registration. Federal law requires men, 18 through 25 years old, to be registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). Females are excluded from the requirement. The law applies to male citizens and immigrant aliens, but not to foreign students who hold valid student visas. Men must be registered before they can receive federal or state financial aid for school, including loans and grants. Registration forms are available at any post office or on campus. You can also register on-line at: www.sss.gov.
(7) Demonstrate financial need each school year. Students selected for verification by the Department of Education must meet this requirement within a specified period of time.
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(8) Not owe a refund or repayment on a federal grant.
Federal Refund and Repayment calculations must be performed if you receive any Title IV aid (Pell, ACG, FSEOG, and Stafford Loans) and officially withdraw from all units, drop out of all units, are expelled, or take a leave of absence prior to the 60% date of the term. All unearned aid must be returned to the federal aid programs as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
Once you have maintained enrollment for at least 60% of the payment period (term), you have earned 100% of the Title IV funds disbursed. Therefore, it is in your best interest to maintain attendance and complete at least one class each term that you receive federal aid to avoid repayment of funds. (Different requirements apply to maintain financial aid satisfactory academic progress, please refer to policy.) You may also be subject to this calculation if you receive all grades of F’s and/or W’s in a term.
How The Calculation Works
1) Number of days attended ÷ days in a term = % of term completed
2) Total $$ disbursed X % completed = Earned $$
3) Total $$ disbursed - earned $$ = $$ to be returned
Once it is determined that you owe money back to any of the federal aid programs, you will be ineligible to receive further federal aid until this debt is cleared.
(9) Not be in default on a federal educational loan.
(10) Not have been convicted under federal or state law of possession or sale of drugs. If you have been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid your eligibility may be affected. You can regain eligibility by successfully completing an approved drug rehabilitation program. If you have questions, call 1-800-433-3243.
To Determine Financial Aid Enrollment Status
To Determine Financial Aid Enrollment Status
| Number of weeks |
Full Time units |
¾ time units |
Half Time units |
Less than half time units |
| 3 weeks |
3 |
2.5 |
1.5 |
<1.5 |
| 4 weeks |
4 |
3 |
2 |
<2 |
| 5 weeks |
4 |
3 |
2 |
<2 |
| 6 weeks |
5 |
4 |
3 |
<3 |
| 7 weeks |
6 |
4.5 |
3 |
<3 |
| 8 weeks |
7 |
6 |
4 |
<4 |
| 9 weeks |
8 |
6 |
4 |
<4 |
| 10 weeks |
8 |
6 |
4 |
<4 |
| 11 weeks |
9 |
7 |
5 |
<5 |
12 weeks and over =
standard semester (Fall or Spring |
12 |
9 |
6 |
<6 |
Steps:
- Determine total number of weeks enrolled in for summer.
Note: If you are enrolled in courses that are NOT the same length, use the larger length to determine number of weeks enrolled.
- Determine the total number of units you are enrolled in.
- Refer to the chart to find your enrollment status.
Generally, enrollment status is determined based on the number of units you are officially enrolled in according to the Admissions and Records Office as of the Last Day to Drop With No Grade on Permanent Record. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of your Adds have been posted by the Admissions Office by the Last Day to ADD full-length semester classes (even if you are adding a short-term class). It is also your responsibility to make sure all of your Drops have been posted by the Admissions Office by the Last Day to Drop With No Grade on your Permanent Record. For financial aid purposes, the dates listed below also apply to late start classes.
Last Day to Drop with No Grade on Permanent Record
| Summer 2008 |
See Summer 2008 Class Schedule |
| Fall 2008 |
September 6, 2008 |
| Spring 2009 |
January 31, 2009 |
Please use caution when dropping classes. Removal of units from your permanent record may result in a financial aid overpayment.
Your “financial aid enrollment status” is your eligibility level established for payment purposes and can be affected by many things. It is possible that the number of units your aid is based on will be different than the number of units reflected on your permanent record.
If your valid financial aid application (paper Student Aid Report or electronic Student Aid Report) arrives in our office after the Last Day to Drop With No Grade on Permanent Record, your financial aid enrollment status will be determined as of that later date.
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Any class removed from your permanent record, for which you have already received payment, may cause an overpayment. For example, if you enroll in a short-term class that begins in the middle of a semester and the class is included in your payment status, you may have received an overpayment if you fail to attend that class, or if the class is cancelled. No further aid can be received until the overpayment is repaid.
Once you have attempted 30 units of remedial course work (whether successfully completed or not), we will not include any more remedial units toward your enrollment status for payment of financial aid. However, these units will still be included in your academic progress evaluation.
Warning: We are unable to increase your award for classes added after the date your payment status is established, regardless of the effective date of the Add. However, we must collect back any funds paid to you if an overpayment results from a retroactive drop.
FINANCIAL AID SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
HOW ACADEMIC PROGRESS IS MEASURED
Federal and State student financial aid regulations require colleges to establish a policy to determine whether students are making satisfactory progress in their program of study. Minimum standards are established in both UNIT COMPLETION RATE and GPA. In addition, students are limited to a maximum number of total units, which can be attempted toward their declared educational goal. Initial Satisfactory Progress determination is made based on overall GPA of at least 2.0 and 75% unit completion rate of all units attempted at MiraCosta College and/or any other colleges attended. Continued Satisfactory Progress determination will be made at the end of each term at MiraCosta College.
A. UNIT COMPLETION RATE: Each term (Summer 2008, Fall 2008, Spring 2009), you will be expected to successfully complete 75% of the units attempted. Any class that shows on your permanent record will count as units attempted.
Example:
- If you attempted 18 units in a term, you must successfully complete at least 14 units.
- If you attempted 12 units in a term, you must successfully complete at least 9 units.
- If you attempted 9 units in a term, you must successfully complete at least 7 units.
- If you attempted 6 units in a term, you must successfully complete at least 5 units.
NOTE: If 75% of your attempted units result in a fraction, we will always round up.
Successfully Completed means a grade of A, B, C, D, or CR.
Grades such as F, W, NC, IP, RD or I are not considered successfully completed.
B. GRADE POINT AVERAGE: must achieve a GPA of 2.0 each term.
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C. MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME: Depending on your declared educational goal, the total number of units ATTEMPTED
from all schools will be limited to the following Maximum Timeframes. These maximums represent 150% of the actual number of units required. Once a student has accumulated the maximum number of attempted units, he/she is no longer eligible to receive federal financial aid at MiraCosta College.
| Program |
Units |
| Transfer Program/Associate Degree |
90 degree-applicable units (150% of the required units) |
| Certificate Programs |
150% of the required units* |
*Refer to Current Course Catalog for Major or Certificate Program requirements
WHEN ACADEMIC PROGRESS WILL BE CHECKED
All students’ academic progress will be checked at the end of each term (Summer 2008, Fall 2008, and Spring 2009).
NOTIFICATION PROCESS
Students who have not met either the unit completion or the GPA requirements will be notified in writing of their academic disqualification. Eligibility can be reestablished by successfully completing a term of at least half time study, without receiving financial aid, following the same criteria outlined in this policy. The student must then contact the Financial Aid Office at the end of his/her successful term for a review of his/her academic progress.
PETITION/APPEAL PROCESS
Unsatisfactory Progress: If there were extenuating circumstances (i.e. serious illness, severe injury, death in the family) which affected your academic progress, you have the right to petition for a probationary term. Petitions should include an explanation of the contributing factors, documentation of those circumstances, and should outline corrective or preventative measures you have taken to ensure satisfactory progress in the future.
Petitions must be submitted prior to the 75% Withdrawal Deadline of a term in order for that term to be considered for a probationary period.
Petitions will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Director, and you will be notified in writing of approval or denial. If denied, the reason will be provided.
Generally, no more than two probationary terms will be approved.
Effective 6-1-08, students who did not make satisfactory progress and want to petition for reinstatement, are required to complete the MiraCosta College SAP WORKSHOP, including the quiz with a score of 100%.
The workshop may be completed by attending a session (contact our office), listening to the SAP CD (available at the MCC FAO), or logging on to the website at http://www.miracosta.edu/satprog.
Please attach the completed quiz to your petition and submit to the Financial Aid Office for consideration of reinstatement to financial aid.
Maximum Timeframe: The number of units you attempt may not exceed 150% of the declared educational goal, per federal guidelines; therefore, no extensions or exceptions will be made. Students who have attempted 75% of their Maximum Timeframe will be given the option to petition for additional aid for a period of no more than two terms or the remaining number of units left to reach 150%, whichever is less.
Maximum Timeframe Petitions must include a statement outlining those circumstances which prevented completion of your educational goal within the guidelines and documentation of those circumstances. Approval must be made prior to the end of the applicable term and while you are still enrolled at MiraCosta College. No retroactive approvals can be made.
PROBATIONARY TERM
Students placed on a probationary term will receive their scheduled financial aid for that term. A probationary term must consist of at least half-time study. At the end of the term, grades will be checked for both successful completion of units as well as grade point average for that term. If both elements of academic progress have been met, the student will have successfully completed his/her probationary period and will receive his/her scheduled financial aid for the following term. If either of the requirements were not met, the student will not receive any subsequently scheduled financial aid.
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SATISFACTORY PROGRESS: OTHER INFORMATION
Academic Transcripts from All Prior Colleges: Official academic records from all prior colleges, universities, and any other school past the high school level must be received before any financial aid eligibility can be determined. Coursework from prior schools is reviewed for satisfactory progress as well as total units attempted towards the Maximum Timeframe. A determination of whether or not you have been making satisfactory progress in the past must be made before assistance can be awarded for any term. If we are unable to establish whether or not you have been making satisfactory progress until after a term has ended, regulations do not allow us to make retroactive payments. Mid-year transfers must include final grades for the enrollment period just completed.
Remedial Units: A maximum of 30 attempted remedial (pre-college) units are allowed in addition to the timeframe unit limitations indicated above. Any remedial units exceeding the 30-unit limit will NOT be included in financial aid payment status; however, they will count toward the overall timeframe maximum, and will still be included in your academic progress evaluation.
Self-Paced/Open Entry-Exit Courses: When enrollment in these courses involves more than one term, it will count as a separate enrollment in each term. Note that this can negatively affect your successful unit completion rate, as well as resulting in rapid accumulation of units. Reminder: “IP” is not considered a successfully completed grade.
Repeated Coursework: Courses that are repeated in which you previously received a grade of D or better are not acceptable for financial aid payment purposes and repayment of aid may be required. Be sure to notify the Financial Aid Office prior to enrolling in any coursework that you want to repeat to avoid an overpayment.
Credit by Exam: Units earned through Credit by Exam cannot be counted for federal aid payment purposes. These units will still count toward Satisfactory Progress determination and Maximum Timeframe limits.
Cosmetology Program: Students must achieve an attendance rate of at least 75% (an average of 30 hours per week) to be considered making satisfactory academic progress, as well as maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average.
Units Added and Dropped: The 75% unit completion rate is based on all classes that appear on your permanent record, regardless of the date they were added, or whether or not you received financial aid for them. If you have coursework removed from your permanent record which affects your payment status for aid already received, you may be determined to have an overpayment.
ACADEMIC YEAR DEFINITION
The U.S. Department of Education requires that each institution notify students how the school's Academic Year is defined for the purpose of the federal financial aid programs. MiraCosta College's Academic Year is defined as the minimum allowable of 30 weeks although there are actually more weeks during which instruction takes place.
Students are required to be enrolled in and attending at least 12 units each semester to be considered a full-time student. This means a full-time student is expected to complete 24 units per school year.
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TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AWARDED
Once we determine your financial need, you will be awarded aid in the following order until your need has been met or until no additional funds are available. The aid year for 2008-2009 at MiraCosta College covers Summer 2008, Fall 2008, and Spring 2009. All fee waivers expire at the end of Spring 2009. You must reapply using the 2009-2010 application for terms after Spring 2009. If you are awarded BOGW A or B, you may be eligible for the EOPS program.
Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW): Must be a California resident to be eligible. Your Enrollment Fee and fees in excess of $20.00 of your Fall and/or Spring Parking Fee will be waived if you can verify that you meet the eligibility requirements. Public Assistance recipients (TANF/CalWorks, SSI, and General Relief) will also have their Student Center Fee waived. Verification of program or income is required. The applications are available in the MiraCosta College Credit Class Schedule, the Financial Aid Office, Building 3000 on the Oceanside Campus, and in the Admissions and Records Office on the San Elijo Campus.
If a Board of Governors Waiver (BOGW) is listed on your Award Letter, please check below to see what fees will be waived for you:
BOGW A: Enrollment Fee, Student Center Fee, Parking Fees in excess of $20.00 for Fall and Spring
BOGW B & C: Enrollment Fee, Parking Fees in excess of $20.00 for Fall and Spring
If you receive the fee waiver for a semester you have already paid for, you will receive a refund. Allow approximately six (6) weeks for your refund to be processed. No fees will be refunded after the 75% date of the semester.
NOTE: The Health Fee will no longer be waived effective Summer 2006.
Federal Pell Grant: Your Pell Grant award is based on your Financial Aid Enrollment Status. Pell Grant awards must be recalculated if your Financial Aid Enrollment Status has changed from what is printed on your Award Letter. All calculations are based on the 30-week Academic Year definition.
Note: Effective 7-1-08, Pell Grant awards will be limited to 18 semesters for any student receiving a Pell Grant for the first time on or after 7-1-2008.
Pell Grant checks will be mailed to the address on file for you. Address changes must be given to us at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the disbursement date shown on your Award Letter. Whenever you change your address, you should also notify the U.S. Postal Service.
It is your responsibility to notify us if you have not received a check within two weeks from the date it was mailed. After the two weeks have passed, you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office on the Oceanside campus to request a replacement check.
If you have a Pell Grant award and you want to use those funds to purchase books, you may apply for a Pell Advancement. A Pell Advancement will authorize credit in the Bookstore at the beginning of each term (Fall and Spring only) for up to half of your term's Pell award up to a maximum of $500.00. Contact the Financial Aid Office for the specific dates each term. Advancement forms may be completed ahead of time. The amount of your charges on the Advancement will be deducted from your Pell check and paid to the Bookstore on your behalf.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG): ACG is a federal program for full time students that meet GPA and high school requirements. You will receive additional forms to complete if you are possibly eligible for this program.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA): BIA is a scholarship for students that are a member of, or at least one-quarter degree Indian blood descendent of a member of an American Indian tribe and demonstrates financial aid need.
Chafee: Chafee is available to eligible students who can document that they are current or former foster youth with financial need.
Cal Grants: Cal Grants A, B, and C are for undergraduate students who meet the financial and academic eligibility requirements. Awards may be used only at qualifying colleges in California and do not need to be paid back.
Cal Grants B and C are the only programs that are offered at MiraCosta College. You must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this award.
All students may apply for Cal Grants A, B, and C for school year 2008-2009 by filing the 2008-2009 FAFSA and the California Student Aid Commission’s GPA Verification Form no later than the postmark deadline of March 2, 2008. If you are in high school, you may apply in your senior year. An additional deadline of September 2, 2008 is for community college students only.
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Federal Work Study (FWS): Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally subsidized program which enables eligible students to work part time while in school and earn money to help pay school costs.
If you indicated you were interested in this program on your financial aid application AND if we have funds available in this program, you will see the total amount of money you are eligible to earn for each term that you are eligible to work. If funds are not available at the time of awarding, you will be placed on a wait list and notified if funds become available at a later date.
You must maintain at least HALF-TIME enrollment throughout any term that you work. If you drop to Less-Than-Half-Time, you lose your remaining work study for that term. (Refer to “Enrollment Status” section.)
You must accept this offer to work by the deadline on your award letter. Contact the Financial Aid Office to let us know you want your work study. If you do not respond by the deadline, the offer is cancelled. If you do not get placed in an assignment within three weeks after your deadline date, you may lose your award. It is important to contact our office if you are still in the process of selecting an assignment.
Contact the Student Employment Office – (760) 757-2121 Extension 6493 – Oceanside Campus, for selection of assignment and completion of the required hire paperwork. You are not legally permitted to work any hours on campus (whether it is work study or not) until all required forms and documentation have been submitted to Human Resources. You must complete this process in person through the Student Employment Office.
As a student employee, you are permitted to work no more than 19.5 hours per week during periods of enrollment. If you want to work during a break period, check with the Financial Aid Office before you work. The earliest date that FWS can be used during an award year is July 1st of that year. Your actual start date will be assigned at the time of hire. The last date that FWS can be used during an award year is commencement. Your actual ending date may be different, depending on eligibility, number of hours already used, or other factors.
The current hourly rate for student employment on campus is $9.00 per hour.
Timecards must be completed and signed by both you and your supervisor and submitted to the Payroll department by the 5th day of the following month. Late timecards may result in a late paycheck for you and incorrect charges to your supervisor’s department. Paychecks are mailed to students on the last working day of each month. Payment is for hours worked the previous month.
If you have any questions regarding your federal work study award, please contact the Financial Aid Office in Oceanside, at (760) 757-2121 Extension 6478.
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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): FSEOG funds must be awarded to Pell-eligible students who have the lowest family contribution. You must be enrolled in at least six (6) units to receive FSEOG funds (see Enrollment Status).
FSEOG checks will be sent to the mailing address on record with MiraCosta College. Address changes must be given to us at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the mailing date shown on your award letter. Whenever you change your address, you should also notify the U.S. Postal Service.
It is your responsibility to notify us if you have not received a check within two weeks from when it was mailed. After the two weeks have passed, you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office on the Oceanside campus to request a replacement check.
Federal Stafford Loans (FSL): A federally guaranteed loan, which must be repaid, with interest. The maximum eligibility for grade level 1 (freshmen) is $3,500 per academic year, and the maximum eligibility for grade level 2 (sophomores) is $4,500 per academic year. Students receiving loan funds for one semester at MiraCosta in order to complete their educational program may receive prorated amounts. Grade level is based on how many units you have completed at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.
You will not be required to make principal payments while you are in school at least half-time. Six months after leaving school, dropping below half-time or graduating, you will begin to make regular monthly payments on both the principal (the amount you borrowed) and the interest (the amount charged to you for borrowing the money). Depending upon the total amount you borrowed, it may take up to ten years to repay your loan(s).
Be sure to enter "2" on question #26 of your FAFSA if you are interested in borrowing loan funds. ALL loan applicants MUST complete an in-person Loan Entrance Counseling Session (attendance will be verified) before a loan application will be accepted at the Financial Aid Office. All applicants are also required to complete an on-line Loan Exit Counseling Session. Loan recipients will be notified in writing when a Loan Exit Counseling Session is needed.
Per MiraCosta College Policy: A student requesting a loan who has borrowed $12,500 from any educational loan program will be required to follow the appeals process. The process includes an appointment with the Director of Financial Aid, a completed budget worksheet documenting expenses and resources, as well as a plan for repayment based on the student’s educational goal.
If a recalculation of your file is required, it may take as long as 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the number of applications we have received and other workload factors.
No loan checks will be released under any circumstances prior to the thirtieth day of a semester or summer session. ALL loan checks will be mailed to students.
As part of MiraCosta College’s Default Prevention Policy and in an effort to reduce the debt burden of our students we will award only one loan program during the school year. Any student who desires to borrow additional loan funds will be required to document that his/her income and benefits during school from all sources including financial aid are not sufficient to meet the recognized MiraCosta cost of education. A petition for additional loan funds can be picked up at the Financial Aid Office. San Elijo students can obtain the petition by calling us on the Hotline located in the SEC Admissions Office.
You must maintain half-time enrollment for loan eligibility.
No loan applications will be processed after April 10, 2009.
Fall 2008-only applications will not be processed after December 5, 2008.
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DISBURSEMENT INFORMATION
Pell, FSEOG, ACG, and Cal Grant payments are made once each semester by check, payable and mailed to the student or disbursed by Direct Deposit.
Federal Work Study (FWS) payment is made on the last working day of each month for the hours worked during the previous month. Checks are mailed to the student's mailing address.
Stafford Loan funds are disbursed in equal payments throughout the entire loan period and are mailed to the student.
OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Enrollment Fee Deferments: If you are not eligible for a BOGW and are new to MiraCosta, you may apply for a brief deferment of the Enrollment Fee. Deferments must be paid no later than the refund deadline of each term. Returning and continuing students are not eligible for this deferment.
Non-resident Tuition Deferments: A deferment of Non-resident Tuition may also be granted with payment re-quired no later than the refund deadline of the term. Students deferring Non-resident Tuition must pay all other fees from their own resources when registering.
Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS): A state funded program to provide special support services to students with educational disadvantages and extreme financial need. Enrollment in 12 units or more and Board of Governors (BOGW) Fee Waiver Method A or B eligibility are generally required. Program eligibility is determined by the EOPS Office.
Scholarship information is available in the Financial Aid/Scholarship Office, the Counseling Office, the EOPS Office, and the San Elijo Campus Administration Building.
Student employment information can be obtained in Building 3700 on the Oceanside campus. Job listings include on-campus and off campus employment opportunities.
Information for student health, dental, and vision insurance plans is available through the Health Services department, located in Building 3300.
MiraCosta provides a full range of services to its students: academic and personal counseling, a child care center, disabled student services, health services, student employment, testing, and free tutoring.
The Department of Health and Human Services may provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); (food stamps, or MediCal); the Department of Rehabilitation provides aid for the physically disabled.
KEEP US INFORMED
Do we have your current mailing address? If not, please come in to our office and complete a Change of Information form NOW. Complete a new form any time your residence and/or mailing address changes.
Note: Your change of Mailing Address must be received in the Financial Aid Office at least 15 working days prior to a scheduled disbursement date to ensure the check is mailed to your current address.
Legal Name is Required: If your name is different than shown on this letter or if you change your name in the future, please complete a Change of Information form for our office and provide documentation of your new legal name.
Other Assistance Received: The following kinds of assistance should be reported to our office as soon as you know you will receive them:
- Veteran's Benefits - if you become eligible but
did not report benefits on your aid application
- Military Tuition Assistance
- Americorp Benefits
- State Rehabilitation benefits
- TANF/CalWorks
If you are overpaid because you neglected to report additional assistance, you will need to repay that overpayment and will be ineligible for any additional federal funds until repayment has been made.
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IS FINANCIAL AID TAXABLE?
Scholarships and financial aid grants must be included as taxable income on your tax return, except for the amounts used for tuition/fees, books, supplies and equipment required for courses. Keep track of the funds you receive and your expenditures in these areas. See IRS Publication 508.
Federal Work Study earnings are taxable. Student loan funds are not taxable.
Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits: Hotline number at MiraCosta College for Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits is 760 795 6780.
IRS Taxpayer Advice by Telephone: 1-800-829-1040
IRS Web Site: www.irs.ustreas.gov
IMPORTANT PRIVACY INFORMATION
Access to your file is restricted by the federal privacy act. If you want to obtain information on the status of your file by telephone, you must provide us with a Personal Identification Code (PIC). PIC forms are provided to all applicants when we begin processing the application and are available in our office. Without a PIC on file, you will not be able to obtain any personal information on the phone. There is some information that will not be given over the phone, so be sure to read the PIC form carefully before you turn it in to us.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
You can receive federal financial aid from only one institution for each term of enrollment. If you will be enrolled in two schools at the same time, you must decide from which institution you want to receive aid and advise our office.
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, MiraCosta Community College District will provide equal opportunities in its educational programs and employment for all persons, regardless of but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital or parental status, disability, age, sexual orientation or status as a Vietnam-era veteran.
Para obtener informacion en espanol para ayuda financiera estudiantil, comuniquese con nuestra oficina.
IS THIS ALL I NEED TO KNOW?
The regulations and policies governing financial aid are complicated and lengthy. It would be impossible to include them all in a publication of this size. Here, we have attempted to outline the basic financial aid requirements. This brochure is as accurate as possible as of the date printed. Federal, state, and institutional policies and procedures may change after this document is printed.
MiraCosta College Financial Aid Fraud Policy
Fraud
There are difficult situations where students and/or parents purposefully misrepresent information in hopes of obtaining financial aid assistance. The Financial Aid Office is required to have a policy of referral when confronted with actual or suspected cases of fraud and abuse [668.53(a)(5), 668.14(g)].
1. Policy for Fraud
Students and/or parents who willfully submit fraudulent information and/or alter documentation to obtain financial aid funds will be investigated to the furthest extent possible. All cases of fraud and abuse will be reported to the proper authorities.
2. Procedures for Fraud
If an Aid Administrator determines intentional misrepresentation of facts, false statements, or alteration of documents which resulted or could result in the awarding or disbursement of funds for which the student is not eligible, the case shall be referred to the Director for further review and possible disciplinary action. If the Director determines fraud exists, all information will be forwarded to the Vice President of Student Services, the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Education, and/or the local law enforcement agency.
Processing of the application or disbursement of funds shall be suspended until the Director has determined that fraud is evident.
Evidence of fraud will be reported to the Office of Inspector General.
Regional Office and Telephone Number: Long Beach, CA (562) 980-4141
Inspector General's Hotline: 1-800-MIS-USED
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/hotline.html
Office of Inspector General
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-1510
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