Financial Aid frequently asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about the Application Process, Getting Your Money, About Loans, Satisfactory Academic Progress/Enrollment or Scholarships? Click on a question to get the answer.

The Application Process

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for all federal and state financial aid you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be completed online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov.

What is a priority deadline?

The priority deadline is the recommended date to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that would enable you to be considered for the maximum level of all aid available. The priority deadline at PCC is March 1 each year. If you miss the priority filing date, you may still apply throughout the academic year. Some types of aid are always available.

Is there anything I can do if I miss the priority deadline?

You should still apply as soon as possible with the understanding that some programs have limited funds and are awarded to eligible students on a first come, first served basis

What is a Student Aid Report (SAR) and do I need to send it back?

The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a report of the information you provided on the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You should review this information carefully for accuracy and any special messages from the Department of Education. If you find incorrect information or you originally used estimated information and need to report actual figures, make your changes at fafsa.ed.gov.

How can I be considered independent?

To be considered an independent student when completing the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) you must meet one of the following criteria.

be married at the time you are filing
have a child or other legal dependents for which you, personally, provide more than 50% of the support for that child or legal dependent and are able to document that support.
be an orphan or ward of the court
be 24 years old or older at the beginning of the school year for which you are applying.
be a veteran of the armed forces or currently on active duty in the armed forces.

Can I appeal my dependency status?

In circumstances of abuse, or extreme estrangement or other extenuating circumstances, a student may obtain the Appeal to Apply without Parent Information at any PCC financial aid office. Conditions that by law do not warrant approval of an appeal include:

parents’ refusal to contribute to the student’s education
parents’ unwillingness to provide information on the application or in the financial aid application process
the fact that the parent does not claim the child as an exemption on their federal taxes
the fact that the student demonstrates self-sufficiency

What is PCC's school code?

The code is 003213.

I made a mistake on my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), how do I fix it?

If you find incorrect information on your Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or you originally used estimated information and need to report actual figures, changes can be made online at fafsa.ed.gov by using your PIN. If the information is found to be incorrect after you have been awarded, you will need to contact our office for further instructions.

How do I apply for Summer term financial aid?

Summer is the last term of the year at PCC. At some colleges it is the first term of the new year. During summer term, there are several deadlines that can affect aid. Students may apply for summer financial aid if they have a current Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. The Summer Request form allows the financial aid office to know of your summer enrollment intentions, and is available at the PCC web site no earlier than May 15 each year. Summer funds are often quite limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

What is the verification process and why must I complete it?

Verification is the process to ensure the accuracy of the information reported on the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Approximately 50% of students are selected each year for verification. This process also helps to ensure the integrity of the federal student aid programs. Application information is compared with documents supplied to the financial aid office by the applicant and corrections are made, if necessary, to the federal processor. Requested documents often include tax returns as well as other verification documents. If you are selected for verification by the federal Department of Education, complete and return any requested document to PCC’s financial aid office as soon as you can. We cannot determine your eligibility until the verification materials are received and processed.

Do I have to submit my tax return to PCC?

If you have been selected for verification, you must complete and return all required documents. PCC’s financial aid office cannot determine your eligibility until the verification materials are received and processed. Please bear in mind that some types of funds are limited, making quick submission of requested documents important to getting the most aid possible.

How long does the verification process take?

Do not send anything except the FAFSA, and fill it out according to the directions. Any other paperwork sent to the federal processor will simply be shredded. Contact the PCC Financial Aid Office about unusual circumstances you'd like considered.

What is an over award?

An over award occurs when a student’s need based financial aid exceeds his or her calculated need as determined by the student’s cost of attendance and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) generated as a result of completing the FAFSA.

What is the EFC?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the calculation of the student’s ability to meet college expenses and serves as an indexing number to compare you and/or your family’s ability to meet expenses with every other student at college in the U.S.

Why is my aid different this year than last year?

Each year students must complete the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) reflecting the prior year’s tax information. Your (and/or your parent’s) income and asset information may have changed since the prior year. Even small changes can affect certain eligibility for aid. Each year the federal government reviews and modifies the formula used to calculate a family’s financial strength that is reflected in the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Can I have more aid?

PCC’s financial aid office will process your Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and award you the maximum amount of aid you are eligible to receive. You may contact our office if you have questions regarding your award. If you have not borrowed the maximum Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford loans and you are at least half-time, you can borrow additional funds.

How is financial need determined?

A student’s financial need is determined by using the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) derived from the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and federal law. The EFC takes into account the number of people in the household, the number of people in college, the state the student and/or parent resides in, the age of the student and/or parents, as well as the student’s and/or parents’ income and assets. The cost of attendance is determined by the PCC financial aid office each year in conjunction with federal guidelines and actual per credit tuition.

Can I adjust my budget?

A student’s budget or Cost of Attendance (COA) consists of standard costs for tuition and fees, room and board, personal, transportation, personal expenses and books and supplies. If a student incurs more costs in one particular area it may be possible to increase the budget. Use the Additional Expense Request form available at any PCC financial aid office. Increasing a student’s budget does not necessarily result in more aid, but may increase loan eligibility.

What is the maximum income limit for financial aid?

PCC’s financial aid office uses the results of the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine a student’s eligibility for need-based federal and state aid. Although there is no maximum income limit for financial aid, students with a lower Expected Family Contribution (EFC) are typically eligible for more financial aid. Certain loans are available regardless of income. There are many factors besides income that determine the EFC such as the size of the student’s household, number of people in the household attending college, the age of those in the household, and the state of residence.

When will I get an Award Letter?

You can anticipate receiving an award letter in 6 to 10 weeks from the date your application and file at PCC are complete. This time certainly varies depending on the time of year and how early your application is received after January 1. All applicants completing the FAFSA and any additional requirements for aid at PCC will be notified formally of eligibility. A signed and returned Award Letter ensures your aid will be held until school begins.

How long does it take to get awarded?

Who is eligible for aid?

To receive Title IV federal/state aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant or Oregon Opportunity Grant) a student must file the Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a U.S. citizen, a national, or permanent resident of the U.S., comply with Selective Service registration requirements, be admitted to PCC in an eligible degree program, be making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the financial aid office of PCC, not be in default on any federal loan, not owe any repayment on any Title IV funds received from any college, and have a valid Social Security Number. Some types of aid are not available when you have achieved a bachelor’s degree.

Is there aid at PCC for international students?

The Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) web site discusses international student financial aid eligibility. It states that only citizens and eligible non-citizens may receive financial aid. An eligible non-citizen is someone who is a U.S. permanent resident and has an Alien Registration Receipt Card, a conditional permanent resident or other eligible non citizen card with an Arrival-Departure Record stamped with refugee, asylum granted, indefinite parole, humanitarian parole or Cuban-Haitian entrant. If you have only an F1, F2, J1 or J2 student or work visa you are not eligible for federal student aid. There may be scholarships that you could be eligible for outside of PCC. International students may be eligible to receive private Alternative loans from banks. This often requires a co-signer that is a U.S. citizen with excellent credit history.

Why is the aid offered by PCC different than the aid I received at another college?

Financial aid offers can be different from one college to another for many reasons. Some types of financial aid are awarded based on criteria established by the institution. Though federal law assigns rules as to how aid should be distributed, the college is expected to maintain a more specific set of rules as to how limited funds are given to students. Additionally, there are some types of funds that are quite limited and are awarded on a first come, first served basis to eligible students. Programs such as Federal Work Study, SEOG and Perkins loan are exceptionally limited. While you might receive them at one school, you may not receive them at another. Cost of attendance (COA) also varies from college to college and is a factor in how much aid you may receive. Some loan limits are higher at four year colleges as compared to community college.

I am going to transfer to/from PCC, what do I need to do?

If you wish to transfer to PCC, you need to add PCC’s school code (003213) to your Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can do this by going online to fafsa.ed.gov and make a correction to your processed FAFSA. If you know your Data Release Number (DRN) which is located at the top of your Student Aid Report (SAR), you may call the Central Processing System (CPS) at 1-800-433-3243 and add PCC’s school code over the phone. We cannot process your request for aid until we have received your FAFSA data from the CPS. You must be admitted to PCC. You may contact PCC at 503-977-8888 to determine you admission status. Once you are admitted to PCC and your FAFSA data is received, we are able to begin processing your application for aid. If you are transferring from PCC to another school, you should contact our office by using the Revision Request form to insure that all remaining aid can be released allowing the other college to award you. It is also advised that you be familiar with and in contact with the financial aid office of the college you are transferring to.

I got a Pell Grant and/or Oregon Opportunity Grant last year. Why did I not get the same thing this year?

Most likely your or your parents’ income increased. In some cases, the household size or number in college has changed reducing or eliminating eligibility.

What happens if school starts and my financial aid award is not ready yet?

No financial aid is disbursed to any PCC student until the third week of each term. After this point, if your aid has not disbursed, you will be charged a late fee. You will not be dropped from classes because of non-payment. The charging of a late fee will allow an additional 30 days which often is enough time to finish your aid and provide disbursement of funds to your student account.

What if my parents won't submit their tax return information?

If tax information is required from your parents by PCC’s financial aid office, it must be submitted before PCC will be able to continue processing you application for aid. If it is not received, you cannot receive aid.

How do I request a copy of my taxes from the IRS?

Call the IRS 1-800-829-1040 to request a copy of your taxes.

ACCEPTABLE FEDERAL TAX DOCUMENTS (must be signed) INCLUDE:

Form 1040 or 1040A, pages 1&2
Form 1040EZ
Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ on-line filing printout
Form 1040X with original 1040 (pages 1 & 2 of both forms
IRS Tax Return Transcript

THE FOLLOWING TAX DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

Tax documents that are not signed
IRS Tax Account Transcript
IRS Tax Statement

I do not have a copy of my tax return. What should I do?

If a tax return is requested by PCC’s financial aid office, you should call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to request a copy of your taxes.

ACCEPTABLE FEDERAL TAX DOCUMENTS (must be signed) INCLUDE:

Form 1040 or 1040A, pages 1&2
Form 1040EZ
Forms 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ on-line filing printout
Form 1040X with original 1040 (pages 1 & 2 of both forms
IRS Tax Return Transcript

THE FOLLOWING TAX DOCUMENTS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE

Tax documents that are not signed
IRS Tax Account Transcript
IRS Tax Statement

When is the last date to apply for aid?

There technically is a deadline at the end of each school year, but students may apply anytime during the year until that date. Earlier applications often receive consideration for certain limited funds. Some funds, including Pell Grants and Stafford/Unsubsidized loans are always available to eligible students.

Do I have to wait until I file taxes to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?

No, you should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 of each year. You may use estimated tax figures by indicating on the FAFSA that you will file, but have not yet done so. Remember that some financial aid funds are quite limited and are awarded to eligible students on a first come, first served basis.

What is the status of my financial aid application?

You may obtain information about your financial aid status on MyPCC. Click the College Business tab. Click financial aid status (upper right). Select appropriate aid year. Your financial aid status should appear.

I received confirmation that my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was processed. What is my status?

When you have received notification that your FAFSA has been processed, PCC will also have received the record from the Central Processing System. If you have an active admissions record your file will begin to be reviewed by our office when this occurs. PCC has a two level review. The intake review determines what documents are needed to make your file complete. We will automatically notify you of any additional documents needed to complete your file. This notification will be sent to the current mailing address that PCC has for you. The second review is a more complete review to ensure that your aid meets all of the federal laws related to financial aid eligibility. Your status may also be reviewed on MyPCC. Click the College Business tab. Click financial aid status (upper right). Select appropriate aid year. Your financial aid status should appear.

My friend applied the same time I did. He was awarded. Why has my award not come yet?

Awards are completed in the order the application is received. Some applications require much more review than others. Verification, for example, is required of about half of all applications. This involves collecting documents, reviewing and correcting any errors. Several other types of review can add some time to the review of a particular file.

My siblings attends another school. Why is my aid different?

It is possible your sibling is eligible for different forms of aid. Universities often have institutional aid that a community college does not have. Stafford Loan limits increase as a student move to third and fourth year levels. Your sibling may have a different EFC. This could be because they earned a different amount of income during the year than did you. Your aid may be different because, though there are federal guidelines for certain funds, each school must have a specific process for awarding these funds. These school-specific practices are within the federal guidelines, but often differ from other college’s practices. Certain funds are quite limited. If a student is an early applicant at one school and the sibling is a later applicant at another school, award levels can be quite different. Additionally, each school establishes a set of common student budgets based on actual and expected costs of going to school. This serves a somewhat of a ceiling to the total amount of aid a student may receive in a year of school. Elements of this budget can be quite different depending on the costs of the college each student is attending.

Why has my aid been cancelled? What can I do?

Aid may be cancelled if the student has not signed and returned the Award Letter. Lack of enrollment may also result in cancellation. Federal Work Study (FSW) may be cancelled, if a student is eligible and does not attend the FWS orientation or obtain a job within the first few weeks of school. Aid can also be cancelled if the student is not Making Satisfactory Academic Progress and has not successfully appealed. Loans must be cancelled if there is a period of non-enrollment (not counting summer). In each of these cases, aid can usually be reinstated by contacting the financial aid office and completing the missing part.

I can get food stamps if I can get even one hour of Federal Work Study (FWS). Can you award me FWS?

Federal Work Study is the smallest fund awarded at PCC. Usually by March 1, PCC is out of FWS funds for the coming year. If you did not receive FWS, though some additional awards may be made throughout the year based on established priorities, PCC cannot award additional FWS after all funds for the year are committed

How can I get Federal Work Study (FWS)?

At PCC, a student must be an early Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applicant (January or February) and indicate an interest on the Work Study question on the FAFSA.

If the aid I am getting is not enough, are there other options?

Some students may be able to borrow additional funds from alternative sources. If you are interested in an alternative loan, contact the loan coordinator at PCC to determine if you have eligibility to do so. In no case will a student be able to borrow alternative loan funds until they have borrowed the entire amount of less expensive loan funds available.

Getting Your Money

I received my Award Letter. What do I do now?

Sign the white copy of the Award Letter. Keep the yellow copy for your records. If you will want to be able to be considered for charging books against the proceeds of your financial aid, you must also sign the bookstore authorization on the back of the Award Letter. This signature is good for the entire academic year. If you wish to obtain a loan (Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford) you must complete and return the Loan Request form. If you have not already done so, you must complete loan Entrance counseling before your loan can be approved.

How do I charge books at the college bookstore?

In order to be able to charge books at any PCC bookstore against the proceeds of your financial aid, a student must

Be enrolled for a minimum of six credits,
Not owe a repayment or overpayment on a federal grant,
Be making satisfactory academic progress,
Not be in default on a federal student loan,
Have signed your Award Notification and Authorization form allowing PCC to deduct Bookstore charges from your financial aid.
Have sufficient financial aid award to cover tuition, fees, and the amount of your bookstore charge.

Charging is generally allowed only for a period lasting from two weeks before the beginning of each term until two weeks after school has begun. Before making your purchase, go to the Customer Service Desk to verify your eligibility. If you are eligible, your name will appear on the eligibility database in the Bookstore. Generally, you may charge required books and supplies up to $480. You must have sufficient financial aid awarded to cover tuition, fees and any book charges. You may not charge general merchandise. Charged books may be returned according to return book policy no later than the last date to return for each term listed above. NO CASH REFUNDS may be given for charged books and supplies. Credit will be applied to your student account for books returned during the allowable return period. (Students attending Columbia Gorge or Tillamook Bay Community Colleges are not eligible unless taking PCC distance education courses).

I did not sign the Authorization on my Award Letter, but now I want to be able to charge books. What can I do?

Come to any PCC financial aid office (or on-line) and complete a Bookstore Authorization form. Remember that charging is allowed for limited periods prior to the beginning of each term and until the end of the second week of each term. The authorization form is also available on line

How do I pay for books if I am not awarded before the term begins?

Each major PCC campus has emergency loan funds that often can be obtained until your financial aid is complete. These funds are administered by either the ASPCC or Campus Dean depending on the campus. Emergency funds are extremely limited and must be repaid with financial aid dollars when available. If your aid is not yet available, resolve to apply earlier next year.

Can I charge books the same day as I turned in my Award Letter?

It takes a full work day to get your name included on the eligibility list for the bookstore.

When will I get my money?

Generally, financial aid funds are credited to your PCC student account beginning the third week of each term according to the disbursement schedule. If your enrollment for any term does not match your current award letter, your funds will be significantly delayed. Notification to the financial aid office prior to the third week of each term can help you avoid delay. Notify the financial aid office of any change in enrollment by calling (503-977-4934) or completing a Revision Request [pdf] form.

How do I get my refund?

For most students, the quickest way to get a refund is to have it deposited directly to your checking or savings account using FA Direct Deposit. Refunds by direct deposit are typically available at least one day in advance of refunds by check. If you do not sign up for direct deposit, you may pick up a refund check at any campus business office by presenting your current PCC ID and an unexpired state or federal picture ID. If you do not sign up for direct deposit or pick up your check in-person, a check will be mailed to you within 14 days.

About Loans

How many credit hours do I need to take to be eligible for loans?

You must be enrolled for at least six credit hours to be eligible for loans.

If I decline loans now, and later decide I need a loan, can I obtain one?

Yes, complete the loan request form (available at any PCC financial aid office and submit it to the financial aid office.

Is Stafford or Unsubsidized loan money mailed to me from my lender?

Loan funds are received electronically and posted to your student account. If you have Direct Deposit, your funds will be electronically deposited from your student account to your own bank account. Forms for Direct Deposit are available at the PCC web site. If you do not have direct deposit, and your funds are disbursed to your student account, but are not picked up at the business office, a check will be mailed to the current address on file at PCC. Students attending TBCC or CGCC receive paper checks.

If I am in default on my student loan, what can I do?

You must resolve defaulted loans to be eligible for aid. Often this means making an agreement with the lender. You should contact the holder of the loan. This often is a secondary market which has purchased the loan from your original lender. If you have received written inquiries from the holder, contact information is on that letter. If you are not sure, you may contact your financial aid advisor at PCC. Your advisor, assigned to you by the last three digits of your Social Security Number, will be able to help you identify who to contact regarding your loan.

If I take two terms off from school, will I go into repayment?

Yes, you will be contacted by the lender to begin repayment. If you subsequently enroll in school, you can obtain an in school deferment by providing enrollment information to the lender. This can be done by going to the PCC Records web site and requesting enrollment verification. You will have to provide information indicating where the verification should be sent.

What is the difference between a Federal Stafford Loan and a Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan? Which should I choose?

Under federal law, you must receive all of the Federal Stafford loan you are eligible for before you may receive any Unsubsidized loan. Both loans are similar, but technically the Unsubsidized becomes due and payable while you are still in school. This repayment is automatically deferred until after you are no longer enrolled, but because some interest payments were due while you were in college, having been set aside until you are not enrolled, some interest is added to your loan making it a little more expensive than the federal Stafford loan.

I do not want a loan. Do I have to take one?

Students do not have to take a loan. You may be eligible for a loan but no actual loan will exist until you submit the Loan Request Form and specify the amount you wish to borrow. If you have sufficient funds to meet your expenses, a loan may not be necessary. Always borrow only what you must have. Repayment can be difficult with large aggregate loan amounts.

Do I have to complete Entrance (debt management) counseling for my Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

All Stafford/Unsubsidized loan applicants must complete Entrance counseling at least once during enrollment at PCC. Entrance counseling at another college cannot meet this requirement. It may be done on line, by watching a video in the library, or at scheduled in-person group sessions. Entrance counseling is a requirement of federal law for receiving this type of loan. The on-line access to Entrance counseling can be found at the PCC financial aid web site under “loan counseling.”

Why do I have complete Exit Counseling?

PCC is required to provide student loan borrowers with additional loan counseling before they graduate, drop below half-time status, leave PCC, or transfer from PCC. You are required to complete this exit process which will review your rights and responsibilities regarding your loan. If you have been notified of the required exit counseling, and you plan to be enrolled additional terms at PCC, contact the financial aid office. You may be exempted until you actually separate or drop below half-time enrollment.

I did Entrance counseling for my Stafford/Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Do I have to do a separate Entrance Counseling for the Perkins Loan?

Yes, contact the Perkins loan office at 503-977-4439

Why hasn't my Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) disbursed yet?

Your loan may not have disbursed for one or more of the following reasons.

Your enrollment has changed since your loan was certified

You have not signed and returned your Award Letter
You have not completed the Loan Request form (sent with the Award Letter if you indicated interest in loans)

You have not completed Entrance Counseling
Your Loan Request form was submitted, but sent back to you because it is incomplete
You are not enrolled or enrolled for less than half-time
You are currently in “Disqualification” status based on grades or non-completion of credits
You have not signed the Master Promissory Note (often can be done on-line) if you are a first-time borrower
You are a first year borrower and are subject to a 30 day delay in your first disbursement
PCC has received your loan request, but because at certain times of year there are hundreds of loan requests received, your application may not yet have been certified.

Your loan has been certified by PCC, but electronic funds from the lender have not yet arrived

Why hasn't my Perkins loan disbursed?

You are not enrolled at least half-time
Your enrollment has changed since your original expected enrollment
You have not competed the Perkins loan counseling
You have not signed your Perkins Promissory Note (must sign each quarter awarded)

My parents cannot take a PLUS loan because of a negative credit history. Is there anything I can do?

Dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan because of credit worthiness, may borrow from the Unsubsidized Stafford loan program up to the level of an independent student, but no more than their total costs. Parental qualification documents must be submitted along with a Loan Request, or Loan Adjustment form.

I need more Stafford/Unsubsidized loans than I originally applied for? I had additional eligibility (that I may have originally declined). Can I increase my loan?

Submit the Loan Adjustment form available at any PCC financial aid office. The total amount of aid cannot exceed your eligibility for the academic year.

What is the highest amount available in the Stafford loan program each year?

Amounts are limited based on your status and costs. Students may borrow no more than $3500 for year one and $4000 for year two. “Year Two” is defined as at least 45 credits passed toward your major. Independent students may borrow up to an additional $4000 in unsubsidized loan. In no case may a student borrow more in loans than their costs justify.

Satisfactory Academic Progress/Enrollment

What is my "enrollment status," and how is it determined?: Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Which classes are not eligible for financial aid?: Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
I said I was going to be full-time this term, but I am not going to complete all of those credits. What's going to happen?: Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Which grades count (and which don't) in regard to "satisfactory academic progress?": Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
What if my GPA is going to be below a 2.0 for the term?: Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
What if I have to drop out of ALL my classes, and I already received my financial aid?: You will be subject to the Policy on Return of Title IV Funds and may have to repay part of your aid. If this happens, the Financial Aid Director determines your last date of attendance and applies the regulations accordingly. You must also successfully complete a "Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal" in order to be considered for aid at PCC in future terms.
What do I do if I am not done with my classes at PCC before my financial aid Time Frame Limit is reached?: You will have to successfully complete a "Time Frame Extension Request" if you want to be considered for aid at PCC in future terms. Otherwise, you must pay your educational expenses on your own. For more information refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Why did I get disqualified? I never received aid at PCC. I paid for those classes on my own.: Under the federal laws regarding Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), all terms of a student’s college experience at PCC must be reviewed. Non-aid recipients cannot be treated with any less severity than aid recipients when assigning SAP status.
I have been enrolled full-time but I only want to attend part-time. Will this change my award?: Pell grants are prorated to ¾, ½ and ¼ of a full-time award. Oregon grants, SEOG, and Perkins Loans are also affected by less than full time enrollment and are not available to less than half-time eligible students. Federal Work Study and Stafford loans often are not changed by enrollment changes (though in some cases they could be changed slightly) but require at least half-time enrollment.
How many credit hours do I need to take to receive my full grant amounts?: In order to receive the full amount of your Pell Grant you must be enrolled in at least twelve credit hours. The Pell Grant will be prorated for less than full-time enrollment. Be aware that courses below Math 20, PE 10 and Nurse 9420 cannot count for financial aid enrollment. You must be enrolled for at least six credit hours to be eligible for loans.

Scholarships

How can I find out about scholarships?

The Portland Community College Foundation annually awards over $250,000 in scholarships to students who have earned 15 credits or more at PCC. The application deadline is in May.

The PCC Financial Aid office has some information about other scholarship opportunities. You may check with us periodically, particularly during the winter and spring terms prior to the school year for which you are applying, to find out about such opportunities. You may also research private scholarship opportunities through web-based scholarship search services such as FASTWEB and ExPAN. Don't forget to check with local organizations, the department in which you major, libraries and the PCC Women's Resource Center on your campus.

I applied for a PCC Foundation scholarship. When will I know if I get it?

Applications are reviewed during the summer and students are notified. If you receive a scholarship your aid can be reduced, usually in the loan area, to keep you within the limits of your Student Budget.

What if I get a private scholarship from a source outside PCC?

Scholarships from non-PCC agencies are often disbursed based on the donor’s request. This often requires verification of enrollment. Usually outside funds are sent to the college to be posted as a credit to your student account. You may check your account by going to MyPCC. Click the College Business tab. Click financial aid status (upper right). Select appropriate aid year. Your financial aid status should appear. If your scholarship does not appear as a credit, contact the agency that awarded you the scholarship to determine when it will arrive. If you receive a scholarship from an outside source that comes in the form of a check made out to you, and does not go through PCC, you are obligated to notify the PCC financial aid office that you have received it and the amount of the award. . If you receive a scholarship your aid can be reduced, usually in the loan area, to keep you within the limits of your Student Budget.

How do I apply for the OSAC scholarships?

Refer to the OSAC web page.