1. Do I need to apply for admission to the College before I apply for financial aid?
No, it’s not required that you apply for admission before filing for aid; however, it is strongly suggested so we have your current name, address, and phone number. Also, to be issued a KCC student e-mail, you will need the admission application and financial aid application on file. (All financial aid correspondence will be sent via the KCC student e-mail. It is highly recommended that you understand how to access that e-mail while you are going through the financial aid process.)

2. I applied for financial aid last year. Do I need to reapply?
Yes, you will need to reapply every academic school year for financial aid.

3. How do I apply for financial aid?
There are two ways to apply for financial aid: 1) File it electronically over the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov; this can take two to four weeks to process; 2) Fill out the FAFSA and mail it in; this can take four to six weeks to process.

4. My parents are divorced. Whose income information do I use?
Use the income of the parent for your current residence or the parent who is most responsible for you.

5. I don’t live with my parents or my parents don’t claim me on their tax returns. Do I still need to use their information on the FAFSA?
Yes. It does not matter if you live with them or not. If you do not meet the federal definition of an Independent Student, you are required to supply parent information on the FAFSA.

6. My parent is remarried. Do I need to use my step-parent’s income/ tax information on the FAFSA?
Yes.

7. I am separated from my spouse now. How do I file for financial aid?
If you bring in your federal tax return, along with your W-2s, we can help you fill out your FAFSA form. If you become separated after filing the FAFSA, please check with our office for correcting the information.

8. I applied for financial aid at a different school, but now I want to attend KCC. What do I do?
You can call 1-800-433-3243 and request that KCC’s school code is added: 002276. Or, add KCC's school code on your record at www.fafsa.ed.gov using your PIN#.

9. I’m attending another school for fall, but I want to transfer to KCC in the spring. What do I do?
You can list KCC as a school choice on the FAFSA so we receive the information electronically. If you do not list KCC, you can call 1-800-433-3243 and request that KCC's school code is added: 002276. Or, add KCC's school code on your record at www.fafsa.ed.gov using your PIN#.

10. Is there a deadline for filing for financial aid?
Students can apply no sooner than January 1, 2008 and no later than June 30, 2009 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

11. Why do I have to answer question 35 about drug convictions?
Under a new law, some students who have drug-related convictions may be ineligible for federal student aid. For help on answering question 35 on the 2006-2007 FAFSA, please call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or go to www.fafsa.ed.gov.

12. I lost my job, I am cutting my hours at work so I can attend school, or I am working a different job and making less money. How does this affect my aid?
The FAO has a special consideration form for students to fill out when there is a dramatic change in income. It can have a significant affect in the amount of aid a student receives. Please contact our office for more information.

13. How long does it take for my financial aid to get on my account?
The student’s file must be complete and awarded before aid can be applied to a student’s account. Available aid is applied at the beginning of each semester. Direct loan payments may be disbursed at a later date. See Disbursement of Financial Aid at geninfo.html#disbursement.

14. If I’m selected for verification, do you need my state and city income tax returns?
We do not need your state and city income tax returns. Copies of the Federal tax returns signed by the student are required for the verification process. Additional documents will be requested that are needed to complete the student’s file.

15. What is an award letter and what do I do with it?
The award letter notifies you as to what aid you receive and the dollar amount. Unless you are declining aid or decreasing a loan amount, you do not need to return the award letter to our office.

16. What is my promissory note? What do I do with it?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is the legal document you sign stating you will repay your William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan. You will receive an electronic notification to fill out the MPN and submit it to the DOE. You will want to print the confirmation and a copy.

17. How much money can I borrow?
A student with less than 24 credit hours completed may borrow $3,500, if eligible. A student with more than 24 credit hours completed may borrow $4,500, if eligible. Independent students may borrow up to an additional $4,000, if they have eligibility.

18. What’s the difference between subsidized and unsubsidized loans?
A subsidized loan is the type of loan where the student makes no payments as long as they are enrolled in six credit hours. The interest and principal are deferred. An unsubsidized loan works the same way except the student is responsible for paying the interest while attending classes.

19. How does my loan get credited to my account?
All loans are disbursed in two payments. For a one-semester loan, one half is disbursed at the beginning of the semester and the second half at mid-semester. A one-year (two-semester) loan is disbursed half in the first semester and half in the second semester.

20. What is the interest rate on my loan?
The interest rate is capped at 8.25%.

21. What is a Disclosure Notice?
A Disclosure Notice is mailed directly from the Loan Servicing Center to notify the student of anticipated disbursement dates and the amounts. Contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center at 1-800-848-0979.

22. When can I charge books and supplies in the bookstore?
If you have been awarded your financial aid, you may charge your books and supplies two weeks before through two weeks after the beginning of the semester. (Actual dates may very depending on the semester)

23. How do I get my Michigan Merit Award?
Students must go online at treas-secure.state.mi.us to certify the Michigan Merit Award. Once the school receives roster with student’s name, the award is put on KCC’s system.

24. If I receive financial aid, can I still get the Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits?
Check with your tax preparer for more information regarding this.

25. I’m in default on my student loans. Can I get a Federal Pell Grant?
Students in default on a federal student loan are not eligible for any federal or state financial aid. Students must make six consecutive payments on a defaulted loan and make satisfactory payment arrangements with the Department of Education to regain eligibility for aid. Students must present the Financial Aid office with official notification from the Department of Education that they are no longer in default and may receive Title IV aid.

26. What is Kellogg Community College’s Federal School Code?
002276