Q. How do I apply for financial aid at East Arkansas Community College?
A. Four Steps
Q. When can I complete my Financial Aid application (FAFSA) form?
A. FAFSAs will be accepted beginning January 1 of each year for the academic year beginning in the next fall.
Q. I applied for Financial Aid last year and completed my file in the Financial Aid Office. When do I have to complete another file?
A. A new application and file must be completed for each academic year. The application process can be started as early as January 1st.
Q. I can't afford to pay for my classes and buy my books. Is it too late for me to apply for financial aid?
A. Financial aid can be applied for at any time during the semester; however, students are required to have their financial aid files complete at the time of registration unless they plan to pay for the classes themselves.
Q. When will I get my financial aid refund check?
A. Student refunds are divided into two parts. The first half is released to students during the 7th week of classes. The remaining amount is released during the 12th week of classes.
Q. What documents are necessary to complete my financial aid file?
A. All completed files must contain an EACC data form. If your SAR has been selected for verification, you must also complete the verification form and provide a copy of the tax returns to the Financial Aid Office.
Q. What grade point average do I need in order to qualify for financial aid?
A. Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Q. Will academic suspension affect my financial aid?
A. Yes. Students cannot receive financial aid if they are on academic suspension.
Q. What does EFC mean?
A. Expected Family Contribution (EFC) measures the student's family's financial strength, and is used to determine the student's eligibility for federal student aid during one school year. The student's EFC will be mailed to him or her as part of the Student Aid Report (SAR) after the student's FAFSA is processed.
Q. How many semesters can I receive PELL or other federal financial aid?
A. A student can receive PELL for 150% of the course of study. At EACC, a student is eligible to receive PELL until he or she has attempted (not necessarily completed) 96 credit hours OR 7 semesters at any post-secondary education institution.
Q. What is the yearly maximum amount that I may borrow on a guaranteed student loan?
A. Maximum for freshmen is $2,625. Maximum for Sophomores is $3,500.
Q. What is the maximum amount that can be received from a PELL grant each academic year?
A. The maximum Pell Grant award for 2007-2008 is $4,310. The amount you get, however, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your cost to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Q. I need to drop a class. How will that affect my PELL?
A. The amount of Pell you receive is based upon the number of hours you are enrolled in and attending. To receive 100% of your Pell, you must be enrolled in and attending 12 credit hours or more; 75% is 9-11 credit hours; 50% is 6-8 credit hours.