Simple steps and important information about obtaining financial aid.

Some Things You Should Know

• Do not assume you don’t qualify for financial aid. In fact, one out of two applicants receives financial assistance.

• Applying for financial aid is free! Simply complete the form online or pick up a copy from the college.

• For maximum financial award, apply by March 2.
But you can still apply after that date and anytime throughout the year.

• Need help? We’re here for you. Call us at 805 922-6966 ext. 3216

• Important differences:

Grants: funds for college, based on financial need, that do not require repayment.

Loans: money, borrowed at a low interest rate, that requires repayment after leaving college.

Scholarships: funds for college, based on academic merit or program of study, that do not require repayment.

• Financial aid grants could provide up to $8,000 annually to Allan Hancock College students. These free funds can be used for college costs such as enrollment fees, books, transportation costs, living expenses and more.

Think college is out of reach?

The truth is, just about everyone who wants to go to college can afford it. Nationwide, seven out of ten full-time college students receive financial aid.

At Allan Hancock College, California residents pay the lowest community college tuition in the nation. However, financial aid is still available for those Allan Hancock College students who qualify. In fact, last year, more than $4 million in grants, scholarships, and loans was awarded to Allan Hancock College students.

College is possible!

7 Easy Steps to Financial Aid Success!

1. Make the right choice---say yes to college!

2. Obtain the financial aid application (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or get one from your high school guidance counselor or at the AHC financial aid office.

3. Obtain the California Community College Board of Governor’s fee waiver (BOG) form. The simple, one-page application is in the
AHC schedule of classes and at the AHC financial aid office and all college centers or online HERE.

4. Complete the FAFSA and BOG applications (we will help you!). If you submit the FAFSA online your results will be provided in about three days; via mail, your results will be provided in six weeks. BOG eligibility can usually be determined in minutes right at the AHC financial aid office.

5. Follow up with the AHC financial aid office staff to complete the financial aid process. This could involve providing specific paperwork, as needed.

6. Check with the AHC financial aid office staff about available scholarships. More than $150,000 is available each year from the Allan Hancock College Foundation for Allan Hancock College students!

7. You are done! Your efforts could pay off with up to $8,000 dollars annually to help with college costs.

What is Allan Hancock College's Title IV code?
AHC's TITLE IV Code is 001111. (If you want FAFSA information sent to other colleges, Title IV codes for other colleges are available in the Financial Aid Office.)

Are tax forms submitted to AHC or to the FAFSA processor?
DO NOT submit tax forms with your FAFSA. If tax information is needed, it will be requested by the Financial Aid Office.

What financial aid programs are covered by the FAFSA?
You will be considered for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver, and Federal Work Study (FWS). The FAFSA is also used to determine your eligibility for Cal Grants (if the GPA verification and FAFSA are mailed by March 2 for the next academic year). To be considered for loan eligibility, the FAFSA is also required.

Do I have to submit a FAFSA if I want to apply for a Board of Governors(BOG) fee waiver or a scholarship?
There are separate applications (and deadlines) for these programs. Submitting a FAFSA may determine your eligibility for the BOG or a separate BOG application may be used. Applying for scholarships is a separate process which is not dependent on submitting the FAFSA.

The deadlines for these programs are:

BOG Fee Waiver - None EXCEPT for REIMBURSEMENT if you paid your fees prior to eligibility determination. There can be no reimbursements for the semester after the last day of instruction. Your original registration receipt with cashier's tape attached is required for reimbursement.

Scholarships Applications - The General Scholarship Application is usually in the Financial Aid Office each fall for the FOLLOWING academic year. Additional scholarships are offered throughout the year and are announced in the AHC BULLETIN which is posted in various campus locations including the Financial Aid Office. Deadlines vary depending on donor requirements.

What if I have questions or problems filling out the FAFSA?
Complete as much of the application as possible. If you still have questions or problems bring it in or call us so we can help you. You should have tax forms and income information available (and parent's information if you are considered a dependent).

Why is federal financial aid based on both my parents' and my income if I don't live with them?
Where you live does not determine independence. If you do not meet the INDEPENDENT criteria which has been determined by Congress, both incomes must be used to determine your financial aid eligibility. If you are unsure as to whether you are considered an INDEPENDENT student, refer to the 'Student Status' section of the FAFSA.

Why is financial aid not based on current income?
Using a prior year's financial information allows us to accurately verify an entire year's income.

What if my circumstances have changed?
You must complete and mail the FAFSA using last year's accurate income information. After you receive your Student Air Report (SAR) you may request an appointment with your AHC Financial Aid Advisor to review your situation. Documentation of your changed circumstances will be required before your financial aid eligibility can be recalculated.

How much financial aid can I receive once my file is complete, and how is my eligibility determined?
There are varying levels of eligibility. You will receive a letter notifying you of your award amounts. the information you provided on the FAFSA is processed through a series of calculations standardized by the federal government. The result is your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is on your SAR. This, along with your enrollment status, will determine the amount of your financial aid.

Do I have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid?
Eligibility for financial aid may vary. Some students are eligible while enrolled less than half time and others are not eligible unless enrolled full time. (BOG Fee Waivers are available for any level of enrollment if you are considered a California resident and meet eligibility requirements.)

How many units are considered full time for financial aid?
12 or more units: Full time
9-11 units: 3/4 time
6-8 units: 1/2 time
(Less than 6 units may be eligible for funding in certain cases.)

Why do I have to fill out so many forms?
We have tried to eliminate as much paperwork as possible while still complying with the federal regulations. Some students need only one or two forms to complete their file while others may need several. It
is to your advantage to complete and return all forms promptly.

Do I reapply for financial aid every year?
YES! You MUST reapply by submitting a FAFSA (or RENEWAL FAFSA) for each academic year. You should apply as early as possible but
not before January 1 for the following academic year.