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Frequently Asked Questions

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FINANCIAL AID BASICS

1. How do I apply for financial aid?

   To apply for financial aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use either the paper application or the web-based application http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. We encourage you to apply via the web.

2. When should I apply for financial aid?

   Applications are available January 1 in the Financial Aid Office. If you plan to enroll during the 2007-08 academic year, you should apply for financial aid as soon after January 1, 2006 as possible (if you file taxes, it is better to file the 2005 tax return before filling out the 2006-2007 FAFSA).

3. Does San Juan College have a deadline for applying for financial aid?

   Yes. The priority date for applying for financial aid is April 1. We have a limited amount of grant and work-study funds, and priority is given to students who meet the April 1 priority date and individual program requirements. This means that students whose applications for financial aid are received at the U. S. Department of Education's Central Processing System after April 1, 2006, will be awarded campus based funds as available. We do process financial aid applications throughout the year-Fall, Spring, and Summer.

4. What is San Juan College's Federal School Code?

   San Juan College................002660

5. I applied for financial aid, but did not list San Juan College as one of the schools that should get a report. What do I do?

   If you have your Student Aid Report (SAR), send it to us. We then request the Central Processor to send us your FAFSA information. If you do not have a copy of your SAR, call the Central Processor at 1-800-4-FEDAID or 1-800-433-3243 and ask for a duplicate. Bring the duplicate SAR to our office. OR You can use your FAFSA pin number, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov, click on "Make Corrections to Processed FASFA" and add our school code to your FAFSA application.

6. What happens if I miss the SJC April 1 priority application date?

   If you miss the priority date, you may not receive additional grants (other than Pell Grant). San Juan College receives a limited amount of these funds to award, and they are awarded first to students who met the priority date. If you are eligible for a Pell Grant, work study or Stafford Loans, you receive those funds even if you miss the priority date. Financial Aid applications are processed throughout the year.

7. Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?

   Yes. You must apply every year. A FAFSA application covers FALL, SPRING, and SUMMER. You should apply by April 1 of every year for consideration for the following academic year, however, Financial Aid applications are processed throughout the year.

8. If my parents are divorced, separated, or you were supported by "another person" am I required to complete Parent information? Whose financial information should be used when I complete the FAFSA?

   If your natural parents are separated or divorced, use the natural parent with whom you lived the most in the past 12 months.

   If you lived with neither parent, or lived with each parent an equal number of days, use the parent that provided the most financial support to you over the past 12 months.

   If that parent remarried, federal regulations require that you include the step-parent's financial information on the application, and the parent and step-parent should report themselves as married on the FAFSA.

   If you were supported by another family member or "other" and you are required to use Parent information, then you must still provide the information of one of your parents (or both parents if married) in addition, report the support you received from the other family member or person on Worksheet B under "Money Received".

9. Do I have to be a US citizen in order to receive financial aid?

   You must be one of the following to receive financial aid:

   • US citizen
   • US national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain's Island)
   • US 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 have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) showing one of the following designations in order to be eligible:

   • "Refugee"
   • "Asylum Granted"
   • "Indefinite Parole" and/or "Humanitarian Parole"
   • "Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending"
   • "Conditional Entrant" (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)

   If you only have a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I-464), you aren't eligible for financial aid.

   If you're in the United States on an F1 or F2 student visa, or a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa, you are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Also, persons with G series visas (pertaining to international organizations) are not eligible for financial aid.

10. When will I find out how much financial aid I am receiving?

    In order for to mail an award letter to you, your financial aid file must be complete, and you must be admitted to San Juan College. The Financial Aid Office sends an award letter once your Financial Aid Application has been processed by our office.

11. What happens if I completely withdraw after receiving financial aid?

    You may be required to pay back some of the financial aid you received. San Juan College will notify you - by mail - of the amount you must repay. Information on the treatment of Student Withdrawal and Return of Title IV Federal Funds is located on the Financial Aid website. Exit loan counseling must also be completed, if you borrowed a Stafford Loan."

12. What happens if I drop hours after I receive financial aid for the semester?

    See the Satisfactory Academic Progress section under Financial Aid Basics and Student Withdrawal Return of Title IV Funds located on the Financial Aid website. Exit loan counseling must also be completed.

13. Do I have to make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid?

    Yes. Federal regulations require that students adhere to standards of satisfactory academic progress in the pursuit of their degree or certificate. For detailed information on San Juan College's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, please check Student Academic Progress (SAP).

14. Do I need to let the Financial Aid Office know if I'm receiving additional funding from other sources other than the Pell Grant?

    Yes! It is extremely important that you notify our office as soon as possible if you receive funding from any source other than our office. We must take into consideration all sources of assistance you receive. Examples include, but are not limited to: WIA (Workforce Investment Act), VA (Veterans benefits) tuition waivers, scholarships, Ameri-corps grants, etc. These types of assistance affect your eligibility for financial aid. Unreported aid could result in an over award, which you must repay immediately.

15. Why does the Financial Aid Office put a hold on my account?

    The Financial Aid Office does not put a "Financial hold" on your account. If you have a "financial" hold on your account, it means you have a bill with San Juan College. It must be settled before your account will be released. To take care of the hold, contact the Business Office at (505)566-3396

16. When will the Financial Aid Office send my San Juan College bill to me?

    The Financial Aid Office does not send bills to students. Your bill is sent to you by the Business Office. If you have questions regarding your San Juan College bill, contact the Business Office at (505)566-3396.

17. How can I find out the status of my child's financial aid file?

    According to federal regulations, we cannot give out any information over the phone regarding your student's financial aid file per FERPA unless he/she has completed a Financial Aid Records Release form Click "Forms" or you may contact the Financial Aid Office at (505) 566-3323.

18. Why was my check less than my awarded amount?

    Your award is based on full-time enrollment and pro-rated based on the amount of credit hours you are enrolled in. Your check may also be reduced because of changes in credit hours or you may have made a correction to your FAFSA creating a new estimated family contribution (EFC) which may change your eligibility.

19. What is Return to Title IV funds and how do I know if I will be required to repay this funding?

    See Withdrawals and Return to Title IV funds.

20. Do I have to claim Pell, Loans, Scholarships, or Work study wages on my Income Taxes?

    Grants and Scholarship amounts in the excess of tuition and book charges must be reported as income on your tax return. SJC Business Office will send a 1098T form at the end of the year to you reflecting this information. Loans are not required to be reported. Work Study earnings should be reported on your income taxes if you are required to file. Visit with a Tax consultant for any additional questions you may have.

21. I am transferring to San Juan College; does my financial aid automatically transfer with me?

    No-You must either bring in your Student Aid Report (SAR) to the Financial Aid Office and have our office add San Juan College (002660) to your FAFSA that has your DRN # on it OR you can go to the FAFSA website www.fafsa.ed.gov and click on "Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA" and enter the required information and scroll down to the College code area. This is where you will add SJC school code.

22. Why do I keep receiving new award letters?

    You will receive one Award letter initially. You may receive additional award letters as you receive additional awards from different programs.

23. Am I eligible to receive financial aid if I attend summer classes?

    Pell Grants will fund up to 24 credit hours per academic year. Example: Fall- enrolled in 12 credits and Spring -enrolled in 16 credits. Pell would be exhausted and there would not be any eligibility for Summer (anything above 12 credits in a semester is not used against the 24 credit hours). Example: Fall-enrolled in 6 credits and Spring-enrolled in 6 credits, there may be eligibility for Summer Pell, contact the Financial Aid Office to verify your eligibility.

24. How do I get my Pin number for the FAFSA website? SJC pin #?

    You can visit the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-4-FEDAID. For information on obtaining your SJC pin # visit the Admissions Office or call (505) 566-3300.

25. How do I change my Pin number for the FAFSA?

    You can visit the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov and request a new PIN or call 1-800-4FEDAID.

26. How do I change my name on my FAFSA application?

    Visit the Financial Aid Office for instructions on how to make this change.

27. How do I receive my financial aid?

    If you have been awarded Financial Aid funds, the award(s) will be credited to the student account at the beginning of each semester, as long as your FAFSA was processed before school started. Your account will then pay any tuition charges and any book charges you may have made. The remaining Financial Aid Funds will be sent to your mailing address. Make sure your address is correct in the Admissions Office at (505) 566-3300. If you do not receive your funds within 14 days of your disbursement date then contact the Business Office at (505) 566-3396. If you didn't complete the FAFSA correctly within a minimum of 3 weeks before school starts, you may not have an award posted in order to charge your tuition and books. If this is the case, you would then be responsible for paying for your tuition and books (you may also check with the Business Office to make a payment arrangement for your tuition).

SCHOLARSHIPS

1. What happens if I drop hours after I receive financial aid for the semester?

   You may be required to pay back some of the financial aid you received. San Juan College will notify you - by mail - of the amount you must repay. This information may be found under the Student Withdrawal Return of Title IV Funds located on the Financial Aid website. Exit loan counseling must also be completed.

2. What happens if I completely withdraw after receiving financial aid?

   You may be required to pay back some of the financial aid you received. San Juan College will notify you - by mail - of the amount you must repay. This information may be found under the Student Withdrawal Return of Title IV Funds located on the Financial Aid website. Exit loan counseling must also be completed.

3. Do I have to make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid?

   Yes. Federal regulations require that students adhere to standards of satisfactory academic progress in the pursuit of their degree or certificate. For detailed information on San Juan College's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, please check Student Academic Progess (SAP).

4. Do I have to claim Pell, Loans, Scholarships, or Work study wages on my Income Taxes?

   Grants and Scholarship amounts in the excess of tuition and book charges must be reported as income on your tax return. SJC Business Office will send a 1098T form at the end of the year to you reflecting this information. Loans are not required to be reported. Work Study earnings should be reported on your income taxes if you are required to file. Visit with a Tax consultant for any additional questions you may have.

5. Do I need to let the Financial Aid Office know if I'm receiving funding from a source other the Student Financial Aid?

   Yes! It is extremely important that you notify our office as soon as possible if you receive funding from any source other than our office. We must take into consideration all sources of assistance you receive. Examples include, but are not limited to: WIA (Workforce Investment Act), VA (Veterans benefits) tuition waivers, scholarships, Ameri-corps grants, etc. These types of assistance affect your eligibility for financial aid. Unreported aid could result in an over award, which you must repay.

6. When do I receive my Native American scholarship?

   Scholarship funds are credited to student accounts after they have been received. To check if we have received your scholarship, view WebAdvisor- under Financial Aid.

7. Why was my Native American scholarship returned?

   Your financial need has been met and a portion or your entire award was returned.

8. Who handles the Native American scholarships?

   The Financial Aid Office handles Native American scholarships.

9. Do I submit my Native American scholarship applications to the Financial Aid Office?

   You will complete the scholarship application and submit to the respective tribal scholarship office or organization. The Financial Aid Office will only complete the Financial Need Analysis forms.

WORKSTUDY

1. How do I apply for work-study?

   On the 2007-08 FAFSA, answer interested in Work Study to question 26. For more information on work-study at San Juan College visit our website at wwww.sanjuancollege.edu/financialaid, Click on "Work Study". You can pick up a Work study Application packet from the Financial Aid Office as long as you have filed the current academic FAFSA and placed SJC school code on the application. Contact the Work Study Office at (505)566-3579.

2. Do I have to claim Pell, Loans, Scholarships, or Work study wages on my Income Taxes?

   Grants and Scholarship amounts in the excess of tuition and book charges must be reported as income on your tax return. SJC Business Office will send a 1098T form at the end of the year to you reflecting this information. Loans are not required to be reported. Work Study earnings should be reported on your income taxes if you are required to file. Visit with a Tax consultant for any additional questions you may have.

3. What happens if I completely withdraw after receiving financial aid?

   You will not be eligible to continue in the Work Study Program.

4. What happens if I drop below the required enrollment while on Work Study?

   In order to participate in the Work Study Program, you must meet the required enrollment based on semester & funding. Requirements for Fall OR Spring : If receiving State/Federal/Departmental funding you must be in at least 6 credit hours. Summer requirements are the same as Fall/Spring if receiving Federal or State funding. If receiving Departmental in Summer: you must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 credits. Before you drop any classes and are on Financial Aid, meet with an Advisor, in the Financial Aid Office, before doing so, as it may affect other awards as well. need to let the Financial Aid Office know if I'm receiving additional funding from another source other than from Pell Grant?

5. Do I need to let the Financial Aid Office know if I'm receiving additional funding from another source other than from the Pell Grant?

   Yes! It is extremely important that you notify our office as soon as possible if you receive funding from any source other than our office. We must take into consideration all sources of assistance you receive. Examples include, but are not limited to: WIA (Workforce Investment Act), VA (Veterans benefits) tuition waivers, scholarships, Ameri-corps grants, JTPA, etc. These types of assistance affect your eligibility for financial aid. Unreported aid could result in an over award, which you must repay immediately. Don't put yourself in this predicament!

6. How many credits do I need to participate in the Work Study Program?

   You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits (if awarded Federal or State funds)in order to participate in the Work Study Program (Fall/Spring/Summer). If you are funded Departmental/Institutional then you are required to be in a minimum of 6 credit hours in Fall or Spring, but only 3 in the Summer.

7. Can I work when we are on Spring Break or the breaks between semesters?

   Yes, you may work during the breaks as long as you have been awarded enough to cover the additional hours worked plus the amount of hours that will be worked till the end of the semester. You may work up to 8 hours per each day as long as the department is in need of coverage. If you are unsure you may want to check with your supervisor or the Financial Aid Office to check your awarded amount.

8. When do we get paid for Work Study?

   You will find the schedule of pay dates and deadlines when timesheets are due in the Personnel Office at www.sanjuancollege.edu/financialaid Click on "Work Study". Most pay dates are on the 15th and the last day of the month. Holidays and weekends may change these dates, refer to schedule.

9. Where can I find a timesheet, timesheet deadlines and pay dates?

   Timesheets can be obtained from www.sanjuancollege.edu/financialaid Click on "Work Study" or from your supervisor. You will find the schedule of deadlines as when to turn in timesheets into the Personnel Office on this website. Most pay dates are on the 15th and the last day of the month. Holidays and weekends may change these dates, refer to schedule.

10. Where would I look for Job Postings?

    Job postings are located online at www.sanjuancollege.edu/financialaid Click on "Work Study" (Left) and then "Click" on "Job Postings". You may also find the listings on the Job Board outside the Financial Aid Office, located on the lower floor of the Student Services Building (Clock Tower Building).

11. Do I have to work 20 hours per week?

    No you do not have to work 20 hours per week. The amount of hours you are eligible to work is based on "Student Budget" and "Student Need". You have the right to work your eligible amount of hours or less, as you may determine based on your academic needs.

12. Do I have to make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid?

    Yes. Federal regulations require that students adhere to the standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to receive federal monies. For detailed information on San Juan College's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, please check Student Academic Progress (SAP).

LOANS

1. Does San Juan College participate in loan programs?

   San Juan College participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. This program includes Stafford subsidized, Stafford unsubsidized, and PLUS loans. Subsidized means the government pays the interest while you're enrolled at least half-time, and for up to 6 months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time. Unsubsidized means you are responsible for the interest, effective the date the loan credits your San Juan College account.

   Future Educators and Nurses who plan to work full-time in New Mexico and have their loans through New Mexico Student Loans are eligible for zero percent interest rates on Stafford loans and 1.25 percent interest rates on Consolidation loans. For more information, visit the San Juan College Loan Information section.

   PLUS loans are parent loans. Parents are responsible for the interest on PLUS loans. They are not subsidized. Nursing student loans are federal loans awarded to students enrolled in the College of Nursing.

2. How do I apply for student loans?

   When you complete your FAFSA, answer interested to question 26 on the 2007-08 FAFSA. You will also need to pick up the San Juan College Loan Application from our office. Complete the Loan application, Promissory Note and provide the confirmation page from your Entrance Counseling session and turn them into our office OR you may fill out your application, fill out your Master Promissory Note and do your "Entrance Counseling" online at www.sanjuancollege.edu/financialaid Click on "Student Loans". Once your Financial Aid Application has been processed by our office then the processing & awarding of your requested loan will begin.

3. Do I have to complete a Promissory Note in order to receive a student loan?

   Yes, the MPN is the binding legal document you sign when you apply for a student loan. It lists the conditions under which you are borrowing and the terms under which you agree to pay back the loan. It will include information on how interest is calculated and what the deferment and cancellation provisions are. It is very important to read and save this document because you will need to refer to it later when you begin repaying your loan. You have the option to electronically sign your MPN with your FAFSA PIN or you can obtain a paper application in the San Juan College Financial Aid Office.

4. What is an Entrance or Exit Counseling?

   During entrance counseling the borrower is reminded of the seriousness of taking out a loan, the terms and conditions, the repayment obligations, and the consequences of defaulting on a loan. All borrowers of a Federal Stafford Loan must complete entrance counseling before you're given your first disbursement of the loan. Entrance counseling can be completed online at: http://mapping-your-future.org/OSLCSchoolPages/?SchoolPageID=5379&SchoolID=3362.

   When a loan borrower graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status, he/she must complete Exit Counseling. During exit counseling the terms and conditions of the repayment of the loan are reviewed, along with debt management strategies. Exit counseling can also be completed online at: http://mapping-your-future.org/OSLCSchoolPages/?SchoolPageID=6806&SchoolID=3362.

5. What happens if I drop hours after I receive financial aid for the semester?

   In order to receive a student loan, you must be in 6 credit hours or more. As long as you are in 6 or more credit hours your loan will not be affected. If you drop below 6 credit hours you will not receive any loan disbursements and your lending institution will be notified of your change in enrollment status.

6. What happens if I completely withdraw after receiving financial aid?

   You may be required to pay back some of the financial aid you received. San Juan College will notify you - by mail - of the amount you must repay. This information may be found under the Student Withdrawal Return of Title IV Funds located on the Financial Aid website. Exit loan counseling must also be completed.

7. Do I need to let the Financial Aid Office know if I'm receiving funding from a source other the Student Financial Aid?

   Yes! It is extremely important that you notify our office as soon as possible if you are receiving funding from another source. Our office must take into consideration all sources of assistance you receive when awarding you Federal financial aid. Examples include but are not limited to WIA, VA, scholarships, etc. These types of assistance will affect the dollar amount you are eligible for in a student loan. Unreported aid could result in an over award, which you must repay, or a delay in processing and receiving student loan funds. As good practice, a student loan should be the last thing you apply for once all other aid is received!

8. Do I have to claim Pell, Loans, Scholarships, or Work study wages on my Income Taxes?

   Grants and Scholarship amounts in the excess of tuition and book charges must be reported as income on your tax return. SJC Business Office will send a 1098T form at the end of the year to you reflecting this information. Loans are not required to be reported. Work Study earnings should be reported on your income taxes if you are required to file. Visit with a Tax consultant for any additional questions you may have.

9. Do I have to make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid?

   Yes. Federal regulations require that students adhere to the standards of satisfactory academic progress in order to receive federal monies. For detailed information on San Juan College's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, please check Student Academic Progress (SAP).