Financial Aid Office

The Financial Aid Office provides grants, loans, and work-study opportunities to students who may otherwise be unable to attend college. The amount and type of aid awarded depends on the availability of funds and the student's established financial need.

Eligibility

Minimum requirements

• Demonstrate financial need, except in the cases of some loan programs
• Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent such as a General Educational Diploma or GED, or graduated from a home school secondary education
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Meet Selective Service requirements as specified by federal regulations
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements
• Not be in default of a state or federal loan
• Not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by federal student aid
• Not receive financial aid at two schools during the same semester

Transient Students and Consortium Agreements

Students who are taking classes at ACC but earning their degree from another institution are considered transient students for financial aid purposes. Financial aid must be awarded by the institution where the student is seeking their degree. A Consortium Agreement may be granted by the degree granting school. Students should contact their home institution for further information.

Application Procedures

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at www.fafsa.gov
• Complete the ACC Financial Aid Institutional Application available at the campus Financial Aid Offices or on the financial aid website
• Submit high school grade transcripts or GED certificate to the Admissions and Records Office. All college transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office
• The Admissions and Records Office must evaluate all transcripts
• Eligible non-citizens must provide proof of eligibility: I-94, I-551, I-151
• Students selected for verification must complete verification requirements as provided on the Verification Worksheet and using either the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA website or request a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS

Priority deadlines

Priority deadlines for financial aid applications are established to allow ample time for processing. Students may apply for financial aid after the priority deadlines; however, awards are made on a first-come first-served basis. Federal Pell and/or Federal Stafford Loan/PLUS applications will be processed after the priority dates. Late applicants should be prepared to use their own resources to pay for their initial expenses (tuition, fees, and books).

Return of Title IV Funds

Federal regulations require students who fail to complete the period he/she was scheduled to attend to repay a portion of their financial aid. ACC will determine the percentage of Title IV assistance a student earned up through the 60 percent point in the semester. The student will be responsible for paying back the unearned portion.

Types of Aid Available

Grants

• Federal Pell Grant — A federally funded program designed for undergraduate students obtaining their first bachelor's degree. The amount of the Pell Grant depends on the student's effective family contribution and the enrollment status. The maximum award for 2012-13 is $5,550. This grant does not have to be repaid.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)— A federally funded program established to assist students with exceptional need. Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive this grant.
• Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG)— Funded through tuition set asides. Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive this grant.
• Texas Grant Fund— A state-funded program. A student must be a Texas resident, be a graduate of a public or accredited private high school in Texas, graduated not earlier than 1998-99 school year, completed the recommended or advanced high school curriculum and have financial need. Awards are $750 per semester at a community college. Funds are limited and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive their grant.
• Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)— A state grant funded program. A student must be a Texas resident, must have an effective family contribution of $2,000 or less (based on FAFSA results), and be enrolled in at least six hours in the first 30 hours of an associate degree or certificate program at a public two-year institution of higher education. Awards are $1,200 per semester based on full-time enrollment and will be prorated based on enrollment status. Check with the Financial Aid Office for additional requirements.
• Aid for Undocumented Immigrants— Undocumented immigrants qualify as Texas residents if they have lived in Texas for at least 36 months prior to high school graduation or the receipt of the GED. These students are eligible to apply for state aid such as Texas Grant, Texas Educational Opportunity Grant, Texas Public Education Grant, or CAL Loans. Interested individuals must first contact Admissions.

Loans

Loans must be repaid.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan — Insured by the federal government. This has a fixed interest rate with a six-month grace period, and minimum monthly repayment of $50. Depending on the student's established need, up to $3,500 may be borrowed during the freshman year, $4,500 during sophomore year.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan — For students who meet all other eligibility requirements but do not qualify in whole or in part for a Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. Students will be responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan from the date of disbursement forward.

Federal Parent Loan (PLUS) — Available for parents of dependent students to help pay for school costs. The interest rate is a fixed rate. Repayment of this loan begins 60 days after disbursement of funds.

Work-Study

College work-study is a federal or state campus-based program offering students an opportunity to earn money through work. This is available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. ACC pays an hourly rate beginning at $9.25-$10.50. A work-study student may not work more than 15 hours per week except during the summer.

Scholarships

All scholarships offered at ACC are made available by private donors. For more information regarding scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office or the scholarship website at austincc.edu/foundation.

Texas Top 10 Percent Scholarship

The Top 10 Percent Scholarships encourage students who graduated in the top 10 percent of their high school class to attend a Texas public institution of higher education. Qualifying students who submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) by March 15 and have financial need are entitled to receive a $2,000 scholarship if they enroll full time for the following fall semester. Check with the Financial Aid Office for additional requirements.