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.studentaid.gov, for each year that you wish to receive financial aid. This form can be completed as early as October 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 FSA ID number to sign your FAFSA online. If a parent is required to sign your FAFSA, your parent will need a FSA ID number as well.
   
   Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA prior to February 1 to increase the possibility of receiving multiple forms of financial aid assistance.
2. Complete the NSCC Financial Aid Application Form 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. It also serves as the scholarship application for all scholarships awarded through the NSCC Financial Aid Office and the information form for Federal Direct Student Loans (in conjunction with the FAFSA).
3. Additional information may be required before a student can be awarded aid. Once the FAFSA application is received we will send out a notification via email 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 notifications via email 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. Be sure to review the Verification Deadline section below.
4. Once all requirements have been met, aid will be awarded based on eligibility and aid preference. Award information will be viewable on MyNSCC under Self-Service.

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 and register for courses applicable to their 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 given below and is also available at the Financial Aid Office.
6. Students must have a high school diploma or GED.
7. 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.
8. 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.

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

For the Summer Semester, the priority date to submit all required documents is April 1. This includes FAFSA data and any additional 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.

Verification Deadlines

It is recommended that students submit requested verification documents within two weeks of the request. However, the final federal deadline to submit verification documentation is 120 days from the last date of enrollment for the academic year, or September 18, whichever is earlier. Students who fail to complete verification forfeit all federal aid and most state aid for the academic year.

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 eligible 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 February 1 preceding an award year. Average awards are $300 per semester. Funding is limited. Eligible students must be enrolled in one or more eligible 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 February 1 prior to the award year.

Federal Work-Study: This program provides jobs for students who have financial needs. Priority is given to students who complete the FAFSA prior to February 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 and are paid an hourly rate. 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 six or more eligible credit hours. Students must also mark their interest in Federal Work-Study on the FAFSA application or by email or DE and FWS Coordinator with their interest.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan: A need-based, low-interest loan for eligible students enrolled in at least six eligible 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, sign a promissory note, and complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement. All three of these processes must be completed online at https://studentaid.gov. 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 session online prior to graduation or at the point that they drop below half-time status. Registration holds are placed on student accounts until this requirement has been satisfied.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan: A non-need-based, low-interest loan for eligible students enrolled in at least six eligible credit hours. To be considered for loans, students must minimally complete the FAFSA and the NSCC Financial Aid form. Students must also provide any additional information as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Students must attend loan entrance counseling, sign a promissory note, and complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement. All three of these processes can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov. Eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Subsidized 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 session online prior to graduation or at the point that they drop below half-time status. Registration holds are placed on student accounts until this requirement has been satisfied.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): This loan is for parents of dependent students enrolled in at least six eligible credit hours. Students must minimally complete the FAFSA and the NSCC Financial Aid form. Students must also provide any additional information as requested by the Financial Aid Office. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, and Federal Direct Unsubsidized 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 completed online at www.studentaid.gov. Parents are also required to do the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement, which may also be found at www.studentaid.gov.

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, been reviewed, and awarded. 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 QuikPay Payment Plan at https://www.nscc.edu/financial-aid-tuition/payment-and-refunds/quikpay-payment by the point fees are due.

Students may charge books and supplies at the NSCC Bookstore if they meet the following requirements:

1. The student has been awarded aid prior to the end of the fifth day of classes.
2. The student has registered for classes by the end of the fifth day of classes.
3. The student has estimated aid remaining after tuition and fees have been paid.
4. The student has completed the NSCC Title IV Authorization form and has agreed to allow coverage of miscellaneous charges with excess financial aid funds.

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 of aid remaining. The bookstore charging period is published prior to each semester. Charging will not be allowed after the charging period ends. Therefore, if you have second session classes, be sure to charge your books during the appropriate timeframe. Be aware that if you charge books and adjustments are made to your financial aid, you may owe a liability to NSCC. This would be your responsibility to cover.

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 in courses applicable to the student’s program of study at the point payment is authorized by the Financial Aid Office will determine the amount of the award. This status is determined by the hours registered for and engaged in as of the census date each term (14th calendar day of classes). 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 loans will be disbursed on or after the fourteenth day of classes each semester. Residual checks are available approximately four weeks into the 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 eligible 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 once a month on the 15th for the prior month’s hours worked. 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 has never attended 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 had never attended 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 federal 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 may be required to return a portion of your financial aid.

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. For official withdrawals, NSCC will use the date you began the withdrawal process for your last registered class to calculate this percentage. For unofficial withdrawals, we will use your latest last date of attendance as reported by your instructor(s). All aid awarded above this “earned” amount will be returned on your behalf. This may 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.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursements

If it is determined that a student is eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid funds that have not been disbursed, grant funds that the student is eligible for will be disbursed first. Federal grant aid that the student is eligible for will be credited to the student’s account for outstanding charges or refunded to the student as applicable. If it is determined that the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement of loans, NSCC will notify the student of his/her eligibility for the loans. The student must respond within 14 days of the date of the letter as to whether they want all, part, or none of the loan(s). If the student fails to respond within 14 days, no loan disbursement will be made.

Before calculating the amount of financial aid that must be cancelled, the following is taken into consideration:

• If a promissory note for a Federal Loan has not been signed and submitted by the student prior to the withdrawal date, the loan(s) is automatically cancelled.
• If an entrance loan interview has not been completed by the student prior to the withdrawal date, the Federal Loan is automatically cancelled.
• If the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgement has not been completed by the student prior to the withdrawal date, the Federal Loan is automatically cancelled
• If the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment has not been completed by the parent prior to the student’s withdrawal date, the Federal PLUS Loan is automatically cancelled.
• Students who have not completed verification are not eligible for financial aid and are not included under this policy.
• If it has been reported that a student has failed to attend any of their classes, all aid will be cancelled.

Return of Funds

Federal Title IV financial aid is returned in the order mandated by the U.S. Department of Education. No program can receive a refund if the student did not receive aid from that program. Return calculations will be performed within 30 days from the date the Financial Aid Office became aware a student totally withdrew from classes. Grant funds must be returned within 45 days after the date of withdrawal determination. Return of loans is returned (repaid) in accordance to the terms of the loan on the promissory note. The order aid is return is as follows:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Direct Subsidized Loans
3. Direct PLUS
4. Pell Grant
5. FSEOG

Financial Aid Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal and state regulations require students to maintain good progress towards receiving a degree in order to maintain eligibility for Title IV financial aid programs. A student’s progress is measured using the following three measurements below. Students who do not meet the 1st or 2nd requirements only will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. While in this status students can continue to receive aid but will only have one additional semester to repair their progress. After the next semester, they attend, if the student still does not meet these requirements they will be placed on Financial Aid 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 suspension. Students who do not meet the 3rd requirement or who cannot mathematically complete their program within the 150% will automatically be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. The below policy is effective beginning the end of fall 2021 for all students.

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

1. GPA
   
   The GPA requirement for maintaining aid eligibility is the same that is required by the NSCC Records Office to remain in good standing with the college. The requirement is based on the number of hours completed at the school. The GPA Hours do not include transfer work.
   
   Students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA for overall Combined GPA hours.
   
   Students placed on Academic Probation with the Records Office are still considered ineligible for Financial Aid even after they have completed their Academic Suspension or Academic Probation.
     
2. Class Completion Rate (PACE)
   
   Students must also pass at least 67% of all classes attempted. This rate is a cumulative measure and therefore is based on all classes taken at NSCC and all accepted transfer classes. It includes college, remedial, developmental and English as a Second Language (ESL) classes. There is no rounding of the class pass rate.
   
   Grades of W, I, X, F, WF, NR, 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 end of the semester in which the 90^th college-level hour is attempted (institutional combined via myNSCC). Students who have exceeded this limit will no longer be eligible for aid at NSCC. By federal law, students who can no longer mathematically complete their program within the 150% timeframe must also be removed from aid.
   
   Transfer Credit is counted in attempted hours.
   
   Grades of W, I, X, F, WF, NR, 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 class (ESL) that are required to complete an eligible program of study, as long as otherwise eligible.
    

Re-establishing Eligibility for Financial Aid

Students who do not meet measurements “1” and/or “2” and thus become ineligible for financial aid, may re-establish their eligibility by enrolling during subsequent semester(s) 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 exceeded MTF cannot re-establish eligibility by this method; they may only be reinstated through a successful appeal.

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 experienced any extenuating circumstances that affected your ability to meet those standards, you may submit an appeal to the Financial Aid Office.

Documentation must be provided to substantiate the reason for appeal. Appeals submitted with no documentation will be denied.

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

1. Click on the SAP requirement in the Financial Aid Requirements section of their MyNSCC account.
2. Complete the SAP appeal form
   • Provide a thorough explanation of their circumstances.
   • Provide relevant supporting documentation.
   • Provide a clear plan of action to prevent continuing issues with their GPA and/or Class Pass Rate (completion rate/PACE)

In order to appeal MTF. The student must:

1. Click on the SAP requirement in the Financial Aid Requirements section of their MyNSCC account.
2. Complete the SAP appeal form.
   • Provide a thorough explanation of their circumstances - please note if the student has a prior degree, they MUST explain why a new degree is needed.
   • Provide relevant supporting documentation.
   • Provide a clear plan of action to ensure timely completion if the appeal is approved.
   • NOTE: MTF appeals are not considered if the student is not accepted into the program for which they plan to graduate from NSCC.

Students are notified of the outcome of any appeal by email and on their MyNSCC portal. Please note extensions of MTF will not exceed the number of hours needed to graduate in the current program of study.

Academic Plans

A student who has successfully appealed a suspension of aid will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. Depending on the situation, the Appeals Committee will place conditions on the granting of an appeal. These conditions are meant to aid in the successful completion of the student’s program. Typical plans may include but are not limited to an increased completion rate, increased GPA requirement, or a specific course plan. The specific plan will be determined as a part of the appeals process and is at the discretion of the Financial Aid Office. If a student appeal is granted contingent on an academic plan, the student can continue to receive aid as long as they fulfill those conditions or they repair their overall SAP measurements back into required values.

Repeating a Previously Passed Course

Students may only receive financial aid on a previously passed course one additional time. The clock for this begins with the first successfully completed attempt (D or above). Once the course is repeated after the first successful attempt, any further attempts at retaking the class cannot be counted for Financial Aid purposes when determining enrollment level. If the student is receiving a Pell Grant then they will receive a reduced amount. If they are applying for a student loan, then we cannot use that course when determining if they are enrolled at least half time (student loans regulations require that a student be enrolled in at least six eligible credit hours to receive the loan). Repeats of passed courses can impact a student’s completion rate, as a student may only earn hours for the course once.

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 NSCC Financial Aid form available via myNSCC is the single application for all scholarships awarded by the NSCC Financial Aid office. The priority date to make an application for all scholarships is February 1, proceeding with each award year. The number of awards in each category is contingent upon funding.

For an up-to-date list of scholarships available from the Financial Aid Office, visit the Financial Aid website. For information regarding Tennessee Lottery Scholarships, Tennessee Promise Scholarship, or Tennessee Reconnect Scholarship, visit www.tn.gov/collegepays/.