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Financial Aid Policies
Award Package
The recommended student financial aid package is the end result of counter balancing
those anticipated educational expenses and those anticipated financial resources,
including family and student contribution, which the student will legitimately experience
while in attendance at FBCC. The recommended award package is the decision of the
Financial Aid Office and based on institutional calculations, total fund availability and
those fund management practices observed by FBCC.
The recommended award package may be contested or rejected by the individual student
in which case it becomes the dual responsibility of the Financial Aid Office and the
individual student to settle any differences and modify the award package with any
feasible adjustments. Unresolved differences surrounding the recommended award package become the
decision-making responsibility of the FBCC Financial Aid Committee.
Disbursements
Most financial aid awards are calculated and disbursed following the 10th week of
classes. These awards are calculated on the basis of financial need and the number of
credit hours that a student is registered for as of that date.
Higher Education Grants and Federal Work Study (FWS) awards are calculated on the
basis of financial need and are disbursed on a bi-weekly schedule throughout the
semester. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded and disbursed
after the last day to withdraw. All students must maintain minimum Satisfactory
Academic Progress (SAP) to continue eligibility for all Title IV and other aid.
Award letter
The FBCC award letter is the complete documentation indicating all such federal
financial assistance an individual student may receive during a single given semester
while in attendance at FBCC as calculated by the Financial Aid Office.
The amounts itemized on the award letter are subject to total or partial institutional
withdrawal due to changes in student registration status.
Scholarship Selection Criteria
FBCC is a Tribally Controlled Institution; the majority of the students are Native
American. A majority of scholarships disbursed by FBCC will be made available to that
population. Other scholarships that have specific criteria set forth such as merit,
need/non-need, male/female; GPA, class standing, etc. will be awarded and disbursed
according to those criteria by the FBCC Financial Aid Committee. Preference will be
given to students who are working on their first degree.
Federal Pell Grant Award (FPG)
- The Federal Pell Grant Award is calculated via Student Aid Report (SAR)/
Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) information, institutional variables
and Department of Education guidelines specifying the actual amounts to award to
the individual student.
- The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) number taken from the SAR/ISIR provides
an assigned degree of Federal Pell Grant eligibility, the exact value of which ranges
according to enrollment status (less than ½, ½ time 3/4 time or full time) and annual
cost at FBCC.
- For the dependent student the total average institutional cost of education is derived
by the sum of tuition, fees, a standard allowance of $4470.00 for books, supplies,
miscellaneous, and for room and board since the institution does not contract for
room and board services.
- For the independent student the total average institutional cost of education is derived
by the sum of tuition, fees, and a standard allowance of $5570.00 for books, supplies,
miscellaneous, and for room and board since institution does not contract for room
and board services.
- The final Federal Pell Grant award is calculated per the Estimated Family
Contribution (EFC) number, total institutional cost of education as determined by the
Department of Education formula and guidelines, and enrollment status.
- All students must maintain minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
to be eligible for any financial aid.
- The Federal Pell Grant Award constitutes the final calculated institutional amount,
which a duly registered student at FBCC shall receive during a single given semester.
The Federal Pell Grant payment often differs from the Federal Pell Grant Award
amount since the institution reserves the right to deduct all educational expenses
owed to FBCC prior to any Federal Pell Grant payments
- Title IV monies for Federal Pell Grant (FPG) will be disbursed after 60% (10 weeks)
of the semester is completed. FPG will be dispersed to eligible students based on their
enrollment at that time (less institutional charges for tuition, fees and books).
- Students need to apply annually for a Federal Pell Grant , because of changes in
household income, family size, etc. Students need to apply as early as March 15th for
the Federal Pell Grant as this application determines eligibility for other financial aid
programs they may be deemed eligible for.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Award constitutes a calculated
institutional amount, which a duly registered student at Fort Berthold Community
College shall receive during a single given semester.
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Award is disbursed after the
last day to officially withdraw from classes in two equal payments per academic year and
is contingent on the student maintaining registration status at the time of disbursement.
All Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Award considerations are also
based on fund availability and those fund management principles practiced by the
Financial Aid Office. A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Award at
the Fort Berthold Community College typically ranges from $100 to $1,000 per academic
year. Priority is given to students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
and by date the Student Aid Report (SAR)/ Institutional Student Information Report
(ISIR) is on file in the Financial Aid Office.
Federal Work Study/Community Service (FWS)
The Federal Work Study Award is calculated at the institutional level and is generally
designed to assist any student reflecting the greatest financial need. The exact amount of
a Federal Work Study Award will vary according to the individual student employment
schedule; therefore, FBCC computes an estimated maximum award authorization, which
may be adjusted during a given semester. All Federal Work Study Award considerations
are also given based on fund availability and those fund management practices observed
by the Financial Aid Office (Students must submit a formal application to the FBCC
Financial Aid Office for FWS eligibility.)
The Federal Work Study Award monies are disbursed in bi-weekly payments and are
contingent on the student maintaining minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
and at least a half-time (six credit hours) registration status at the time of such
disbursement.
The Federal Work Study Award disbursement occasionally differs from the Federal Work
Study Award amount since the institution reserves the right to deduct all educational
expenses owed to FBCC prior to any Federal Work Study Award payment.
Such acceptance of the Federal Work Study Award is evidenced by the signature on the
award letter, the Federal Work Study Award Authorization and student’s signature
authorizing FBCC to deduct institutional charges incurred by that student.
Wage rates for the Federal Work Study Award Program will be set by the Financial Aid
Office in light of federal and state legislation. Most Federal Work Study Award positions
are paid a minimum of $6.00 per hour wage at FBCC.
Student eligibility- Students enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester in an
approved course of study and in academic good standing at FBCC and who have their
SAR/ISIR results from the FPG application in the FBCC Financial Aid Office, and
demonstrated financial need, and a completed FWS application may be eligible to
participate in the FWS Program. Students must apply for and establish FWS Program
eligibility through the FBCC Financial Aid Office.
Limited Funds- Due to the limited amount of FWS funds, written requests for FWS
employees need to be in the Financial Aid Office prior to classes starting.
The FBCC library is the only college reservation library, it is open to the public and is
also open on weekends, for local and surrounding communities to utilize, therefore it
serves as a community services. FWS students placed there.
Other Types of Financial Aid (Grants/Scholarships)
The following types of financial aid are available at Fort Berthold Community College:
grants, employment, and scholarships. FBCC does not participate in any federal student
loan programs. Listed are the major financial aid programs available at the College.
- 477 Demonstration Project
P.L. 102-477, the “Indian Employment, Training and Related Services Demonstration
Act of 1992” enabled the Tribe to consolidate certain formula funded employment,
training and related services programs into a single program.
The 477 Program monies are based on satisfactory progress and attendance. You may
be eligible for these services provided you are in a two year vocational program, a
full-time student, meet income guidelines and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.
Disbursements will be for educational and transportation allowance per semester,
based on your attendance certification. Your attendance certification must be signed
by the Instructor of the class and will determine if you are maintaining satisfactory
progress and attendance.
- American Indian College Fund
Scholarships are awarded to Native American students who are enrolled at Tribal
Colleges and Universities, which are accredited or candidates for accreditation by the
appropriate accreditation agency. Scholarships funds will be allocated based on the
Indian student count from the previous year.
Students must meet general eligibility requirements for the grant. This may be
according to the donor’s restrictions on scholarships and the discretion of the AIHEC
member institution.
- Fort Berthold Community College Scholarships
FBCC has several scholarships available for students enrolled at the college.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, and other
criteria as directed by the various donors. To apply for a FBCC Scholarship, contact
the FBCC Financial Aid Director at (701) 627-4738.
- North Dakota Student Financial Assistance Grant (SSIG)
This grant is awarded to North Dakota residents who demonstrate financial need. To
apply complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and give permission for
the results to be sent to the State Agency. The priority deadline date is March 15th.
- One-Time Assistance
Tribal Social Services students can receive assistance on a one time basis under
special circumstances as determined Student Success Committee.
- Three Affiliated Tribes Higher Education Grant Program
The Three Affiliated Tribes Higher Education Grant Program is administered by the
tribes and is a separate entity from FBCC. This grant is available to enrolled members
of the Three Affiliated Tribes.
Students must be a high school graduate or a GED recipient and be enrolled as an
undergraduate student in an academic program of study.
Application deadline is March 15th for the Fall Semester and October 15th for
Spring Semester. Students can obtain an application by contacting:
To apply contact: The Three Affiliated Tribes Higher Education Grant Program,
Bureau of Indian Affairs Building, New Town, ND. Phone 627-4112 or Higher Education Grant Program
Three Affiliated Tribes
HC3 Box 2
New Town, ND 58763
Or call: (701)627-4112
- Three Affiliated Tribes Job Training Partnership Act (477)
This grant provides assistance for tuition, books, fees, childcare, and travel expenses for eligible enrolled members of the Three Affiliated Tribes who are pursuing a vocational program. To apply contact: Three Affiliated Tribes Employment Training,
New Town, ND. Phone 627-4756.
- Veteran’s Benefits
Veterans who meet eligibility criteria may be entitled to certain educational benefits.
To apply contact the Registrar’s Office at (701) 627-4738.
- Vocational Rehabilitation
Students with health problems or physical disabilities may be entitled to assistance for
tuition and other related college costs. To apply to the Vocational Rehabilitation
Program contact the local Vocational Rehabilitation Office
Financial Aid Refunds
Once a student has registered and paid for classes at FBCC the following refund will
apply for reimbursement or changes in enrollment:
- During the first week of classes, 75% refund on charges.
- During the second week of classes, 50% refund of charges.
- During the third week of classes, 25% refund of charges.
- After the fourth week of classes, 100% of charges are due FBCC.
When a student has received a financial aid award and decides to withdraw from the
institution, the amount of the refund due is refunded to the financial aid programs, which
awarded the funds to the student. The student does not receive the refund. In addition, the
student is required to repay any money that he or she has not used for educational
purposes. Federal regulations state that students who owe repayments on grant funds
previously received or in default on a loan is ineligible to receive future financial aid.
At FBCC most financial aid (except Higher Ed and FWS) is not awarded until after the
tenth week of classes, therefore, limiting any refunds due to students. Students who drop
from classes after the tenth week will not be required to refund financial aid monies,
because they will have used their monies for direct and indirect educational expenses.
Title IV Funds Earned and Unearned
If a student receives Title IV assistance greater than the amount of institutional charges
and withdraws prior to completing more than 60% of the semester, the student will most
likely be subject to a refund of some of those funds. If a student withdraws after
completing more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, then it is
assumed that the student utilized 100% of the Tile IV Aid they received for that period as
of the day the student withdrew. The amount the school must return is the lesser of; the
unearned amount of Title IV assistance; or the institutional charges incurred for the
payment period or period of enrollment, multiplied by the unearned percentage. The
student returns the difference, if any exists, between the amount of unearned assistance
and the amount the school must return.
Over Awards
Federal regulations restrict the total amount of funds, which a student may receive in a
designated period of time. If a student receives more financial aid than he or she is
eligible to receive, an over award occurs and the excess amount must be repaid. Over
awards may be cited in respect to grant funds, loans, and scholarships. Federal Work
Study Award earnings, Social Security, VA benefits and other types of financial aid. To
avoid an over award situation:
Notify the Financial Aid Office when receiving assistance from any outside
source:
- Make sure to list all resources on the Federal Pell Grant Application Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Check with the Financial Aid Office before seeking additional assistance to
determine what effects the additional funds will have on the financial aid
package.
Professional Judgment
At FBCC the Financial Aid Director will note in the student’s records any unusual
situation that explains any special consideration given to the student when awarding
financial aid. A Professional Judgment Worksheet will be completed, with appropriate
documentation attached, and placed in the student’s file.
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