All students who want to be considered for financial aid, even those only applying for loans, must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Atlantic Cape’s code number is 002596.
Students can file the FAFSA online and should file early. Visit fsaid.ed.gov to create your legal electronic signature and file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA application will determine eligibility for grant, loan and work assistance. This determination is based on a federal methodology that processes application data, such as family income and asset information, and calculates an Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
Students may apply as early as October 1 every year. Students are strongly encouraged to file by March 1, if applying for the fall semester, or by September 1, if applying for the spring semester. Continuing students must re-apply each year by the above stated deadlines. Students not seeking a degree or enrolled in eligible clock hour program are not eligible for financial aid. For information, visit www.atlantic.edu.
General Eligibility Requirements
Students must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED*
- Be enrolled in a degree or approved 600+ clock hour program.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Submit all required documentation within the specified deadlines.
When a student is awarded financial aid, their award letter is based on the current enrollment status. Financial Aid awards are reviewed and adjusted for changes in enrollment status nightly, as credit load changes, through the 10th day (add/drop period) of the term.
Total Withdrawals
A student’s award may be adjusted if the student chooses to totally withdraw, officially or unofficially, from a term. The student’s financial aid award would be prorated to reflect the time the student attended. If the student has not earned all the financial aid originally awarded they may incur a bill. Awards can also change due to funding levels, but this is rare.
NA Grades
NA means that the student never attended their class. For online courses, attendance is defined as performing an academically related activity. This information is reported from faculty approximately four to five weeks into the term. If a student receives a grade of NA their awards will be adjusted down to the credits they attended, if any. Financial aid will not pay for courses where a student receives a NA grade. Students may appeal only by having the instructor write or email the Financial Aid Office stating that the grade was submitted in error.
Total F Grades
When a student fails to earn a passing grade in any of their classes in which the student was enrolled, the student’s grades do not provide evidence that the student did not officially withdraw. Students who fail to earn a passing grade in one or all classes may be subject to a return of aid calculation.