General - FAQ
What is the school code?
002411
What are the Financial Aid Office hours?
Monday – Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
*Excluding School Holidays*
What is the priority date?
Most institutions establish a financial aid priority date. This is the date by which all required paperwork must be submitted to the JCJC FAO. Paperwork submitted after this date may not be completed by the beginning of the semester.
When is the priority date?
At JCJC, the priority date is usually May 1 of each year.
What is the maximum credit allowed on a student’s ID card to charge at the bookstore?
$600
When can students charge at the bookstore?
Students who have been awarded financial aid can begin charging at the bookstore the first day of standard registration of each semester. However, the financial award must exceed account balances to charge at the bookstore. Consequently, we encourage students to check the JCPortal the first day of registration for bookstore credit amounts.
How can students determine if a credit (money) is on their ID card to charge at the bookstore?
If students have been awarded financial aid and have pre-registered for classes, credit (money) should be on the ID card (if the financial aid award exceeds the account balance). Consequently, we encourage students to check the JCPortal the first day of standard registration for bookstore credit amounts.
Can students who have not been awarded financial aid charge at the bookstore?
Students who have submitted all required paperwork to the FAO but have not been awarded, may charge on an estimated pell grant, if eligible. This is contingent upon submitting all required documentation to the FAO, having a valid SAR, and having met admission requirements. The information must be accurate and verified by the FAO before funds are transferred to the bookstore. Contact the FAO beginning the first day of standard registration of each semester. The estimated financial award must exceed students’ account balances to charge at the bookstore. If enrollment status changes, students may be responsible for charges incurred. Estimated financial aid amounts are subject to change.
What is a PIN?
A PIN is a 4-digit numeric code or 6-digit alphabetic code that is uniquely assigned to an individual to access U.S. Department of Education websites.
How can a U.S. Department of Education PIN be used?
A U.S. Department of Education PIN can be used for many federal student aid activities, such as to:
- Electronically sign a FAFSA
- Use Renewal FAFSA on the Web to submit an application (if student applied previous year)
- Use Corrections on the Web to make corrections to a processed FAFSA
- Check the status of a submitted FAFSA and view an electronic copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Print a copy of the electronic SAR
- Access the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) to view financial aid information, if student previously received student financial aid.
How do students apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed in order to apply for financial aid available through JCJC. Students are able to complete the FAFSA beginning January 1 of the year preceding their enrollment in college. The JCJC FAO recommends the application be completed after January 1 and before May 1. A FAFSA on the Web can be obtained from high school guidance counselors, the Financial Aid Office, or the FAFSA website.
The following tips will assist students with completion of the FAFSA:
- The Federal School Code is 002411.
- Have federal tax and income information available.
Who is eligible to apply for financial aid?
All students are encouraged to apply. For federal programs students must:
- Enroll in an eligible program of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
- Have a high school diploma, complete the GED, or meet other testing requirements before receiving federal aid.
- Not be in default on any loan nor owe repayment on grants previously received from any college.
- Be registered with Selective Service, if required.
- Demonstrate financial need (except for Unsubsidized Stafford and PLUS loans).
- Maintain the standards of satisfactory academic progress.
What are the chances of students receiving financial aid?
The only way to determine students’ eligibility for financial aid is to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The likelihood of receiving some form of financial assistance is probably better than most students and their families anticipate.
Can students receive federal financial aid as a part-time student?
Yes, if determined to be eligible based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC), cost of attendance (COA), and the number of hours enrolled.
Do students need a certain grade point average to receive financial aid?
Yes, students must comply with the JCJC financial aid policy regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress. However, some scholarships and grants may require a higher GPA.
If students have a bachelor's degree, can financial aid still be awarded?
Students with a Bachelor’s Degree are not eligible for Pell Grant. However, a student loan may be processed for students who have never been in default. Apply for the FAFSA, complete an appeal form, and fill out a loan application. Appeal forms can be printed from the website or contact the FAO. Completing an appeal does not guarantee approval of aid.
Can students receive aid if on financial aid probation?
Yes, students can receive all types of financial aid.
Can students receive aid if on financial aid suspension?
No, students cannot receive any need-based financial aid.
Do students have to be full-time to receive institutional or state aid?
Yes, for certain types of aid such as scholarships and state grants, students have to be full-time (12 hours or more).
What happens if students drop a class?
If students drop classes prior to the census date, they may be responsible for repayment of the difference between the amount of money received and the amount specified for the new enrollment status. If students drop a class, make sure the students remain in compliance with JCJC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.
What is Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)?
FERPA is a federal law that protects the rights of privacy and confidentiality of student records. Federal regulations prohibit the disclosure of a student’s financial aid information to anyone other than the student without the student’s written permission.
How can parent(s)/guardian(s) acquire information about students financial aid status?
Due to FERPA regulations, the FAO is limited to the amount of information that can be released. Students can check financial aid status through the JCPortal and relay the information to parent(s)/guardian. The FAO strongly suggest that students access accounts via the JCPortal, and if further questions exist, then contact the FAO.
What expenses can students expect financial aid to cover?
Depending on the financial aid award, it may cover all or part of the following: tuition/fees, books/supplies, transportation, personal, school, and miscellaneous expenses if authorized.
Will financial aid transfer from one school to another school?
No, financial aid does not transfer from school to school. Students planning to transfer to another school should contact the Financial Aid Office at both schools to find out what is required.
Transferring to JCJC:
If the FAFSA for the current school year has already been submitted, do not submit another FAFSA. Add JCJC to the list of schools on the FAFSA. JCJC's Federal School Code is 002411.
Cancel all financial aid at the other school previously planned to attend. Then be awarded at JCJC, if eligible.
If students live with other relatives (aunt, uncle, grandparent, etc….), should the relative's income be reported instead of parental information?
The relative’s income should only be included if the relative is the adoptive parent. Dependent students can be considered dependent only on their biological parents and must report only parental information on the FAFSA.
