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FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I apply for Financial Aid?

On-line application process: Go to www.pin.ed.gov where student and parent each apply for a PIN number. Then go to www.fafsa.ed.gov, complete the 2008-2009 FAFSA and sign it electronically using your PIN numbers.

 

2. Should I apply for aid even if I probably won't qualify?

Yes. The application is free and some sources of aid (unsubsidized Stafford loan and Parent PLUS loans) are available regardless of need.

 

 3. Do I have to wait until I am admitted before I apply for financial aid?

Students do not have to be admitted to BCTC in order to file the FAFSA. However, a financial offer will not be made until you have been fully admitted into a degree-seeking program. Students applying for aid for the spring and summer semester must be registered for classes in order to be awarded financial aid.

 

4. What is BCTC School Code?

      005244

5. Where can I find information about BCTC

scholarships?

Review our  Scholarship webpage for frequent scholarship postings and links to free scholarship search websites. 

 

6. How do I become an independent student for federal aid purposes?

You may be considered independent if you meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • were born before January 1, 1985,

  • are a veteran of the US Armed Forces or currently serving on active duty,

  • are married,

  • are an orphan or ward of the court, or were a ward of the court until age 18,

  • have a child or legal dependent for whom you provide more than half of their support, or

  • are enrolled in a graduate or professional program.

7. I am international student, can I apply for financial

aid?

The following information is from the Department of Education's publication 'The Student Guide.'

You must be one of the following to receive federal student aid:

·       U.S. citizen

·       U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain's Island)

·       U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I-551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)

If you're not in one of these categories, you must be an eligible noncitizen, and you must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:

·       'Refugee'

·      'Asylum Granted'

·      'Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending'

·       'Conditional Entrant' (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)

·       'Parolee' (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year, and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and intend to become a citizen or permanent resident.)

·       If you have only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I-464), you aren't eligible for federal student aid. If you're in the United States on certain visas, including an F1 or F2 student visa, or a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, you're not eligible for federal student aid.

·       Also, persons with G series visas (pertaining to international organizations) are not eligible. For more information about other types of visas that are not acceptable, check with your school's financial aid office.

·       Citizens and eligible noncitizens may receive loans from the FFEL Program at participating foreign schools. Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are eligible only for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, or Federal Work-Study. These applicants should check with their schools' financial aid offices for more information.

 

8. How many credit hours are required to receive aid?

·      Generally, students must be enrolled at least half time (6 credit hours for undergraduate and graduate students) in required coursework to receive most types of aid including Stafford Loans. However, a student may receive a Pell Grant for less than half-time enrollment. Summer enrollment requirements can vary.

 

9. My FAFSA was rejected because it is missing a signature. What do I do?

     When you file the FAFSA, you can sign the form by using your US Department of Education PIN or by printing off the signature page and mailing it to the address listed on the printed page. If you (or your parents, if you are a dependent student) failed to sign the FAFSA, you can go back to the FAFSA website and sign the form electronically. Or, if you have a copy of the Student Aid Report, you can sign that form and turn it into our office. If you do not have a SAR, you can call 319-337-5665 to receive a new copy.

10. I was selected for verification. What is that and what do I have to do?

      Approximately thirty percent of the student population that applies for student aid is randomlyselected for the verification process. It is the federal government's way of making sure students are correctly reporting their information on the FAFSA.You will need to fill out the verification form and submit a signed copy of your federal tax forms to theFinancial Aid Office. If you are having difficulty printing or accessing these forms, please contact us at (859)246-6300.

 

11. How much aid will I receive?

    The amount of aid you are eligible to receive is determined by the information reported by your family on the FAFSA. The US Department of Education uses a formula to determine each student's EFC (estimated family contribution). The EFC is the amount of money the government has determined that a family can contribute to the student's educational costs. The EFC determines grant and loan eligibility. To qualify for a PELL or CAP grant a student must have an EFC of 4110 or below.

 

12. Is there aid available for summer school?

    The availability of summer aid is dependent upon how much aid a student used during the school year and the student's grade level. Contact the financial office to find out if you have summer aid eligibility.

 

13. How many credit hours must I enroll in order to receive a Pell grant?

     Full time enrollment (12 credit hours) is required to receive the full Pell Grant award. Students with a semester course load of 1-11 credit hours may be eligible for a prorated portion of their Pell Grant.

14. What is the difference between a Federal Subsidized/Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?

     For the need-based Subsidized Stafford Loan, the federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time (six semester hours). However, for the non need based Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, interest does accrue while the student is enrolled and must be paid by the student upon graduation or ceasing enrollment of half time status. Both types of Stafford loans have an interest rate that is capped at 8.25% Repayment begins six months after you graduate or you cease to be enrolled at least half-time (six semester hours).

15. What is a Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)?

     The PLUS Loan allows a parent of a dependent student to borrow funds to meet the cost of attendance not met by other financial aid. The amount a parent is eligible for equals cost minus other aid. The repayment on these loans begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed. The interest rate is not to exceed 9%.

16. What can I do if the PLUS loan is not approved?

    The student may contact our office to request an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. ($4,000 per academic year for freshmen/sophomores).

17. What is a CAP (College Access Program) Grant?

    The Pell Grant is need-based grants ranging from $400 to $4310 per year. The Pell Grant is available to degree seeking undergraduate students with an EFC of 4110 or less (as determined on the FAFSA).

18. What is the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)?

     The FSEOG is a need-based grant. Students must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant (EFC of 4110 or less) and have a completed FAFSA.

19. When is KEES disbursed?

    The KY KEES is usually received in late September for the fall and mid February for the spring term. Until disbursement this scholarships isconsidered anticipated aid towards your bill. Visit KHEAA's KEES FAQs webpage for more information.

20. I have financial aid at another school, but I want to transfer to BCTC. Can I transfer my aid?

  • Aid does not transfer. You must confirm that BCTC’s school code (005244) is on your FAFSA so that we can determine your financial aid eligibility. You will not have to fill out a second FAFSA. Once you have completed your application with the Office of Admissions, we will review your FAFSA. If any additional information is needed we will notify you as soon as possible. To update your FAFSA with BCTC’s school code:

  • Go to the FAFSA website and click on Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA under FAFSA Follow-up.

  • Use your U.S. Dept. of Education PIN to submit a FAFSA correction that lists BCTC’s school code 005244.