Financial Aid

A variety of federal, state, and local financial aid programs are available to qualified students who might otherwise find it difficult or impossible to attend Nashville State Community College. Fair and equal consideration is given to applicants without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, or disability.

Additional information concerning financial aid is available from:

Financial Aid Office
120 White Bridge Road, Nashville, TN 37209
Phone: 615-353-3250
Fax: 615-353-3202
Email: financial_aid@nscc.edu

Please note that the following information is subject to change and is based on federal regulations and institutional policies and procedures at the time of writing.

Application Process for Federal/State Programs:

In order to apply for Financial Aid at NSCC the student must complete the following steps:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at www.fafsa.gov, for each year that you wish to receive financial aid. This form can be completed as early January 1, each year for the upcoming fall, spring, and summer semesters.
   
   Be sure to include NSCC as a recipient for your FAFSA results. Our Federal School code for the FAFSA is 007534. You must have a PIN to sign your FAFSA online. If a parent is required to sign your FAFSA, your parent will need a PIN as well.
   
   Students are encouraged to file their federal tax return prior to completing the FAFSA and to complete it prior to March 1 to increase the possibility of receiving multiple forms of financial aid assistance.
2. Complete the NSCC Financial Aid Application via myNSCC in the Financial Aid section under my Self-Service. This form is available once the student has submitted a FAFSA application or has an Admission’s application processed. This form provides supplemental information to the FAFSA and serves as the Scholarship Application for all scholarships awarded through the NSCC Financial Aid office.
3. Additional information may be required before a student can be awarded aid. Once the FAFSA application is received we will send out a letter explaining any additional requirements along with any forms that might be required.
   
   Additional requirements might be added once submitted documents have been reviewed. We will send out additional letters if new items are required. You can check the status of your financial aid application at any time by logging into MyNSCC under Self-Service and checking your outstanding financial aid requirements
   
   Failure to submit requested information in a timely manner may delay receipt of your award and/or prevent students from being considered for some Financial Aid programs.
4. Once all requirements have been met, aid will be awarded based on eligibility and aid preference. Award information will be mailed to the student. It can also be immediately reviewed under on NSCC.

Basic Requirements

The following requirements generally apply to most federal and state aid programs:

1. Students must have financial need.
2. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens.
   
   Students in the U.S. on an F1 or F2 student visa, J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, or a G series visa are not eligible for Title IV Programs.
3. Students must have a valid Social Security number.
4. Students must be enrolled in an eligible program of study.
5. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as measured by the Financial Aid Office. A copy of the “Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress” is available at the Financial Aid Office and is also noted in the following pages of the NSCC catalog.
6. Students must be registered with Selective Service (if applicable).
7. Students must have a high school diploma or GED.
8. Students who are required to take remedial and developmental coursework can receive aid for up to 30 credit hours attempted in remedial and developmental coursework.
9. Students cannot be in default on a student loan or owe a federal/state grant refund.

Priority Deadlines

We recommend that you complete your FAFSA each year as soon as possible. Applications are processed and aid is awarded on a first-come, first-awarded basis until funds are expended. We continue to process financial aid applications after our priority deadlines have passed, but many types of aid (Federal Work Study, Supplemental and State Grants, Scholarships) are depleted shortly after the priority deadline due to limited funding.

For the Fall Semester, the priority date to submit all required documents is July 1. This includes FAFSA data and any additional documents, including required verification and tax documents.

For the Spring Semester, the priority date to submit all required documents is November 1. This includes FAFSA data and any additional documents, including required verification and tax documents.

Students that have submitted documents by the priority date increase the probability that the Financial Aid office will be able to review and award them in a timely manner. If you do not submit your documents by the published priority date, it may be necessary for you to pay your fees up-front. If it is later determined that you qualify for financial assistance, you will be reimbursed as applicable.

Remember that you can check the status of outstanding requirements and awards by logging into myNSCC, visiting the Self Service area and clicking on the Financial Aid tab.

Sources of Federal/State Assistance

Federal Pell Grant: A need-based, non-repayable grant for undergraduate students. Eligibility is based on the student’s expected family contribution (EFC), cost of attendance, enrollment status, and whether or not the student attends a full academic year. The maximum annual award each year is dependent on Federal funding. Depending upon their EFC, eligible students may receive this grant if enrolled in one or more credit hours.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): A non-repayable grant given to students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contribution (EFC). Priority is also given to students who complete the FAFSA prior to March 1 preceding an award year. Average awards are $300 per semester. Funding is limited. Eligible students must be enrolled in one or more credit hours.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA): A non-repayable grant to Tennessee residents. Students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours. Priority is given to students whose FAFSA is processed by March 1 prior to the award year.

Federal Work-Study: This program provides jobs for students who have financial need. Priority is given to students who complete the FAFSA prior to March 1 preceding an award year and have a minimum financial need of at least $1,000. Students work an average of 15 hours per week at a pay rate of $7.50 per hour. The average annual award for the 2011-12 award year was $3,600. Funding is limited. Though most jobs are on campus, some jobs are available off campus in community service positions. A higher rate of pay is provided to assist with transportation expenses related to off-campus positions. Eligible students must be enrolled in one or more credit hours.

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan: A need-based low-interest loan for eligible students enrolled in at least six credit hours. To be considered for loans, students must minimally complete the FAFSA and the NSCC Financial Aid Application. Students must also provide any additional information as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Students must complete loan entrance counseling and sign a Promissory Note. Both processes must be completed via the Web. Maximum awards are based on financial need, whether the student is classified as a freshman or sophomore and whether a student is classified as dependent or independent. Students are subject to annual and aggregate loan limits. Interest on this loan does not accrue while the student is in school. Both interest accrual and repayment begin six months after graduation or when a student is no longer enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours). There are a number of deferment and forbearance options available to students. Students must attend an exit-loan workshop prior to graduation or at the point that they drop below half-time status. Registration and transcript holds are placed on student accounts until this requirement has been satisfied.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: A non-need-based low-interest loan for eligible students enrolled in at least six credit hours. To be considered for loans, students must minimally complete the FAFSA and the NSCC Financial Aid Application. Students must also provide any additional information as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Students must attend an entrance-loan workshop and sign a promissory note. Both processes can be completed via the Web. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan must first be established. Maximum awards are based on whether the student is classified as a freshman or sophomore and whether the student is classified as dependent or independent. Students are also subject to annual and aggregate loan limits. Interest on this loan accrues while students are in school. Students have the option to make payments on the interest or to allow it to capitalize. Repayment begins six months after students drop below half-time enrollment status. There are a number of deferment and forbearance options available to students. Students must attend an exit-loan workshop prior to graduation or at the point that they drop below half-time status. Registration and transcript holds are placed on student accounts until this requirement has been satisfied.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students: This loan is for parents of dependent students enrolled in at least six credit hours. Students must minimally complete the FAFSA and the NSCC Financial Aid Application. Students must also provide any additional information as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Subsidized and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan must first be established before we can determine the amount of PLUS eligibility. Maximum awards cannot exceed a student’s cost of attendance less other financial aid received. PLUS Applications may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Payment of Registration Fees and Books/Supplies

Students who intend to use financial aid to pay tuition and fees must complete all financial aid processes before the billing due date. Financial aid awards appear as anticipated aid on your billing statement once you have completed all financial aid requirements. You will need to ensure that you have enough financial aid to cover your entire balance. Any remaining balance that will not be covered by your financial aid MUST be paid by the due date to avoid cancellation of your schedule.

If you have completed all financial aid requirements AND your financial aid award is sufficient to cover your balance, you should not have to make payment on your bill. If you are unsure as to the status, please contact the Financial Aid office well in advance of your bill due date. It is your responsibility to ensure that your balance is paid to avoid cancellation of your schedule.

If financial aid is not processed by the bill due date, students should be prepared to pay their registration fees in full or apply for the Deferred Payment Plan with the Business Office by the point fees are due.

Starting Summer 2011, students may charge books and supplies at the NSCC Bookstore if they meet the following requirements:

1. The student has been awarded aid 10 days prior to classes.
2. The student has registered for classes 10 days prior to classes.
3. The student has estimated aid remaining after tuition and fees have been paid.

In order to charge books at the NSCC bookstore the student must present a valid NSCC Student ID and must have a minimum of $15.00 of aid remaining. Students who are only eligible for student loans and who will have received their total loan refund on the first day of classes will not be eligible to charge books.

Disbursement of Federal/State Funds

If Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TSAA, and scholarship awards exceed the amount owed for registration fees, students will receive a residual check approximately four weeks into the semester. Residual checks are mailed to the student’s local address, unless the student has signed up for direct deposit with the Bursar’s Office. Enrollment status at the point payment is authorized by the Financial Aid Office will determine the amount of the award. Example: If a student is enrolled in 12 credit hours on the first day of class but subsequently drops to nine credit hours prior to authorization for payment, the Financial Aid Office will authorize payment based on nine credit hours. If a student totally withdraws from classes prior to picking up the residual check, it will be canceled and refunded back to the appropriate Title IV account(s). A revised residual check will be issued to the student if appropriate.

Student loan proceeds will be disbursed on or after the first day of class each semester. As an exception, federal law specifies that freshmen, first-time borrowers cannot receive their first disbursement until after 30 days into the payment period. All loan proceeds are disbursed in at least two payments. Students must be attending at least six credit hours at the time they receive their student loan proceeds. Student loan checks are mailed to the student unless they have signed up for direct deposit. Students who are employed in the Federal Work-Study Program are paid every two weeks. It should be noted that if a student unofficially withdraws from class (quits attending) and it is later discovered that Title IV funds were paid to the student for credit hours the student was not attending at the point Title IV funds were authorized to the student’s account, an overpayment may exist. In such cases, the student will be billed for the overpayment.

Overpayments

Overpayments occur for several reasons. In some cases, students receive financial aid assistance in an amount that exceeds their “need” for financial aid. In other cases, students are inadvertently overpaid Federal Pell Grant funds. No matter what the reason, overpayments must be resolved. In some cases, the college is able to resolve overpayments by reducing awards for subsequent semesters during the same award year. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student of an amount that must be repaid to a specific program. If the overpayment cannot be resolved by reducing subsequent awards during the same award year, students will be required to make immediate repayment. If the overpayment is due to student error, and if the student fails to repay the overpayment, the student will be ineligible for future financial aid assistance at all post-secondary schools. If the error is a result of fraud, it will be reported to the Office of the Inspector General.

If the overpayment is a result of institutional error and if the student fails to make repayment by a specified date, the college will be responsible for making the repayment. In such cases, the college will then bill the student and will place a “hold” on future registration. It should be noted that if a student unofficially withdraws from class (quits attending) and it is later discovered that Title IV funds were paid to the student for credit hours the student was not attending at the point Title IV funds were authorized to the student’s account, an overpayment may exist. In such cases, the student will be billed for the overpayment.

Return of Title IV Funds

Title IV aid is any aid that was awarded to you as a result of your completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Title IV recipients who partially withdraw from classes through the official withdrawal process on or after the first day of class may be eligible for a maintenance fee/tuition refund based on NSCC’s refund policy. Title IV recipients are allowed to receive such refunds except in cases when they totally withdraw (officially or unofficially) from classes.

If you have been awarded Title IV aid and subsequently withdraw completely on or before the 60% completion date for the semester, NSCC will be required to return a portion of your financial aid. This means that you will be required to return a portion of your financial aid if you with draw on or before these dates:

Once you have withdrawn NSCC will calculate the amount of financial aid that you earned based on the percentage of the semester that you actually completed. All aid awarded above this “earned” amount will be returned on your behalf. This will likely cause you to owe a balance to NSCC. You will be billed for this balance by the Bursar’s Office. Owing a balance may prevent you from registering for upcoming semesters.

The following example is reflective of a student who totally withdrew at the 40% point of the semester.

*It is assumed that Title IV assistance paid the student’s account even when institutional charges were paid by cash or another non-Title IV source of assistance.

Using this scenario, the college would be required to refund $420 (60% of $700) back to Title IV programs, first to loans and then to grants (as applicable). The student would be required to repay $1,380 (60% of $2,300) back to Title IV programs. The following qualifiers to the amount the student must repay should be noted. If the amount owed by the student could be applied to the remainder owed to loans disbursed during the period, the student would not be required to make immediate repayment but would follow the normal repayment process related to the loans. If the amount owed by the student is greater than the remainder owed to loans disbursed during the period, the student would be required to make repayment to federal grant programs. However, as related to federal grants, the student is only required to make payment of 50% owed to the federal grant programs. If, in this example, the entire $3,000 of Title IV aid for the Period was through the Federal Pell Grant, the student would only be required to repay 50% of $1,380 ($690) to the Federal Pell Grant. Within 45 days of notice, the student must make full payment of the amount owed to federal grants. Otherwise, the college will report the overpayment to the Department of Education (ED) and the student will be required to make payment arrangements with ED before being eligible to receive future Title IV assistance at any school.

Financial Aid Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal and state regulations require students maintain good progress towards receiving a degree in order to maintain eligibility for Title IV financial aid programs.

Effective Fall of 2011, Federal regulations have changed requiring us to update our previous policy.

This new policy contains three measurements that are performed at the end of each semester.

1. Students who do not meet all three requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. Students in this category can continue to receive aid but will only have one additional semester to repair their progress.
2. After the next semester they attend, if the student still does not meet all three requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Probation (suspension). Students with this status cannot receive any additional Financial Aid until they repair their measurements by taking classes at their own expense or successfully appealing the probation.

The following measurements apply, whether or not a student receives financial aid.

2. Class Pass Rate
   
   Students must also pass at least 67% of all classes attempted. This rate is based on all classes taken at NSCC. It includes college, remedial, developmental and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. There is no rounding of the class pass rate, in order to maintain this rate a student must pass greater than two out of three classes attempted.
   
   Grades of W, I, X, F, WF, FA, FN and AU do not count as passed grades.
    
3. Maximum Time frame (MTF)
   
   By law, students can receive aid up until 150% of the hours required to complete your degree before they exhaust their eligibility. For example, if the program requires 60 hours before a degree is received then a student can receive aid up until the 90^th college level hour attempted (institutional combined via myNSCC). Students who have exceeded this limit will no longer be eligible for aid at NSCC.
   
   Transfer Credit is counted in attempted hours.
   
   Grades of W, I, X, F, WF, FA, FN and AU count as attempted hours.
   
   Students can receive aid for up to 30 hours of remedial and developmental classes.
   
   Students can also receive an unlimited number of hours towards English as a Second Language classes (ESL) that are required to complete an eligible program of study.

Re-establishing Eligibility for Financial Aid:

Students who do not meet measurements “A” and/or “B” and thus become ineligible for financial aid, may re-establish their eligibility by enrolling during a subsequent semester at their own expense and meeting the above standards. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office at which point they meet the above requirements. Students who have exceed MTF cannot re-establish eligibility by this method.

Right to Appeal:

If your eligibility for federal or state financial aid has been suspended because you do not meet satisfactory academic progress standards and if you have experience unusual circumstances that affected your ability to meet those standards, you may submit a letter of appeal to the Director of Financial Aid.

Documentation must be provided to substantiate the reason for appeal.

In order to successfully appeal a loss due to GPA or Class Pass Rate. The student must:

1. Provide a reasonable explanation of the causes of their past performance over the last two semesters. The student must provide documentation (doctor’s notes or death certificates for example) when explaining the situation.
2. They must state how they have corrected the issues or list the steps they are taking to insure that they do not reoccur.
3. The student must also be in a situation where it is mathematically possible that an additional semester would allow them to meet SAP Standards.

A student who has exceeded MTF may only successfully appeal if they have transfer credit work that does not apply to their program of study. In order to appeal MTF a student must:

1. Ask an advisor, teacher, or departmental staff familiar with your current program to evaluate an unofficial NSCC transcript and highlight any classes which do not apply to your current program of study. They will need to sign off on the transcript and state that they have highlight classes which do not apply toward your program.
2. Provide a statement to the financial Aid Office requesting that we “disregard any transfer credit work that does not apply” to your current program of study.

Each appeal will be review by a three person committee. The committee will notify you of it decision by mail.

Special Note:

Scholarships and other third party sources of financial aid may have individual guidelines regarding satisfactory academic progress. Please refer to the guidelines of the particular scholarship or third party source of aid you are receiving.

Scholarships

The information regarding scholarships is presented in a brief manner and is subject to change. Additional scholarship opportunities are posted at the Financial Aid Office. Students are encouraged to the review guidelines below for individual scholarships. The NSCC Financial Aid application available via myNSCC is the single application for all scholarships awarded by the Financial Aid office. The priority date to make application for all scholarships is March 1, proceeding each award year. The number of awards in each category is contingent upon funding.

Academic Service Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to Tennessee residents who are classified as full-time students. First-year students must graduate with at least a 2.9 high school grade point average. NSCC or transfer students must have earned at least 12 credit hours with a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Further priority will be made in the following sequence: (a) Renewal applications and incoming high school graduates, and (b) currently enrolled or transfer students not presently receiving this scholarship at NSCC.

After March 1, all eligible applicants will be considered based on the date of application. The amount of the scholarship will be equal to required registration fees (maintenance fee and technology access fee) based on twelve credit hours. Recipients are required to work 75 hours per semester on campus. Students can review scholarship requirements on the Financial Aid website.

Cathy O’Bryant Memorial Scholarship: Applicants must be pursuing an Associate Degree in Visual Communication with a concentration in Photography. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must have completed at least one semester at NSCC with a minimum of six credit hours completed within their concentration in Photography. Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credit hours, with at least three credits related to their concentration in Photography. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25 in college-level coursework is required. Applicants must submit a 200-word essay and a portfolio including at least five images. Recipients will receive an award of $500.00. Final selection for the scholarship will be made by the members of the Cathy O’Bryant Scholarship Committee.

Nashville State Architectural Engineering Technology Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in the Architectural Engineering Technology Associate’s degree program. Freshman, entering from high school, must have a minimum 2.75 high school grade point average. Previously enrolled/currently enrolled students must have completed at least one semester at NSCC with a minimum of six credit hours earned in college-level courses and have a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Recipients will receive an award of $400.

Nashville State Diversity Scholarship: The Diversity Scholarship is limited to first-time freshmen. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, enroll within twelve months of graduation from high school, and must be first-generation college students (neither parent attended college). Applicants must be enrolled in an Associate’s Degree program or eligible technical certificate program (as determined for Title IV programs) at NSCC. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide all necessary information needed to complete their financial aid file as requested by the NSCC Financial Aid Office. They must also have a defined need for financial assistance. The amount of the scholarship will be equivalent to registration fees based on the student’s enrollment status (maximum of twelve credits) at the rate of in-state assessment. The additional charge for Regents Online Degree Program classes is not  included.

Nashville State Environmental Scholarship: Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time status in an Associate Degree program. Depending upon the applicant’s enrollment status, there is an on-campus work obligation ranging from 45 to 75 hours per semester related to an environmental activity. The amount of the scholarship is equivalent to in-state registration fees (maximum of twelve credit hours).

Nashville State Community College Foundation Scholarship: Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time in an Associate’s Degree or technical certificate program. Applicants must have already completed at least six credit hours at NSCC in college-level courses with a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants must complete the FAFSA and must have an EFC beyond Federal Pell Grant range. Applicants must also have a need for financial aid assistance as measured by the Financial Aid Office. Recipients will receive a maximum award of $1,000. The NSCC Foundation provides funding for this scholarship.

Nashville State Community College Foundation Culinary Arts Scholarship: Applicants must be pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and attending a minimum of six credit hours during the semester the award is received. Applicants must have completed at least 45 credit hours within the Culinary Arts program with a 2.75 cumulative GPA. Applicants must have completed ten or more hours in community service related to culinary arts through a charitable or professional non-profit organization. The scholarship amount is $500 for a one-semester award.

Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program (TELS): For information regarding TELS, visit the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation Web site at http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/mon_college/lottery_scholars.htm