The Office of Student Financial Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study to those students who may otherwise be unable to attend college. The amount and type of aid a student may receive depends on the availability of funds and the student’s established financial need.

Minimum Requirements for Eligibility

Must have a high school diploma or GED.

Must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen.

Must be meeting satisfactory academic progress, as defined in the Financial Aid Handbook.

Must be attending ACC for the purpose of obtaining a degree or program certificate, or be enrolled in a transfer program leading to a bachelor’s degree.

Must be enrolled for at least six hours each semester.

Check with the Campus Financial Aid Office for Pell Grant eligibility based on less than half-time status.

Male applicants who are at least 18 years old and born after December 31, 1960, must be registered with the Selective Service as required by federal regulations.

Transient students attending ACC for the summer semester only are not eligible for financial aid.

Applicants cannot be in default of a state or federal loan/or in repayment of a state or federal grant.

Application Procedures

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid paper application or file electronically on the web: www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Complete the ACC Financial Aid Institutional Application available at the Campus Financial Aid Offices or on the web: www.austin.cc.tx.us - Click on the Student Services/Financial Aid link then Financial Aid Forms.

Submit high school grade transcripts or GED certificate to the Admissions Office. Copies of all college transcripts must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office and the Admissions and Records Office.

All hours attempted (including transfer hours) will be counted towards the maximum 85-hour time frame at Austin Community College; and the Admissions and Records Office must evaluate all transcripts.

Transfer students entering during the Spring or Summer semesters, must submit a Financial Aid Transcript for each postsecondary school attended whether financial aid was received or not.

Eligible noncitizens must provide proof of eligibility: I-94, I-551, I-151.

Students selected for verification must provide signed copies of federal income tax returns (Parents, Student/Spouse).

FAFSA workshops are offered at the campuses for students needing assistance in completing the form electronically. More information is available at the campus Financial Aid Offices.

Additional information is available in the Financial Aid Handbook.

Deadlines                        Priority Date to
                                          Complete File

Summer Session                                March 15

Fall/Spring Semesters                        April 1

Spring Semester Only                        October 15

Students can still apply for financial aid after the priority deadlines. These deadlines are established to allow ample time for processing. Awards are made on a first-come first-served basis. Federal Pell and/or Federal Stafford Loan/PLUS applications will be processed after the priority dates. Late applicants should be prepared to meet initial expenses (tuition, fees, and books) from their own resources.

New Refund Policy—Beginning
Fall 2000

What happens if I withdraw from all my classes?

As a result of the Reauthorization Act of 1998, a new federal refund policy will require a student to repay a portion of their financial aid that the student received but didn’t earn due to their withdrawal. The new law focuses on the return of Title IV funds (PELL, FSEOG, FFEL Loans, Perkins Loans) received for the time period during which the student was enrolled. The school will determine the percentage of Title IV assistance the student earned up through the 60 percent point in the semester. The student will then be responsible for paying back the unearned portion. If the student withdraws after the 60 percent point in the semester, there is no federal refund required. Check with the Financial aid office for more details.

Types of Aid Available

Grants

Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program designed for undergraduate students obtaining their first bachelor’s degree. The amount of the Pell Grant depends on the student’s effective family contribution and the number of hours for which the student enrolls. The award will vary from $400 - $3,300. This grant does not have to be repaid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federally funded program established to assist students with exceptional need. Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive this grant.

Austin Community College Student Grant (ACCSG) is funded through tuition payments. Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive this grant.LEAP Grant is a combination of state and federal funds. Funds are limited, and there is no guarantee that every eligible student will be able to receive this grant.