12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 16:00:00 GMT

There’s so much information available about financial aid that it can be hard to tell the facts from fiction. We’ve got you covered! Here are some common myths—and the real scoop—about financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA®) form.

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

FACT: The reality is there’s no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It doesn’t matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income are taken into account. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2: The 2026–27 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2026–27 FAFSA form launched on October 1, 2025. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2025 tax information to fill out the 2026–27 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2024 tax information to complete the 2026–27 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2025 taxes yet because the 2026–27 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2025 taxes either because 2024 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine dependency status. (https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency) If you’re independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you’re dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

If you are a dependent student go to https://studentaid.gov/help/who-is-parent to determine which parent(s) should be included. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Don’t wait. You can start now! You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. You can add up to 20 schools at a time. If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in at www.studentaid.gov and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

FACT: You still have options! If you’ve received federal, state, and college aid but still find yourself having to fill the gap between what your financial aid covers and what you owe your school, consider scholarships, part-time work, and payment plans.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

FACT: No, you’ll have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid, so they won’t be able to tell you what you’ll get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2026 semester is June 18, 2026. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents (contributor)

An FSA ID is a username and password that you use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites and is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Don’t give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA form. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft and could cause delays in the FAFSA process!

If you’re a dependent student, your parent will need his or her own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form electronically. If your parent has more than one child attending college, he or she can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications. You’ll need a unique email address for each FSA ID.

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

FACT: While a high grade point average will help you get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, at Vernon College financial aid recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and have a successful pace of completion rate that is at least sixty-seven (67%) percent of all courses attempted at VC.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to www.studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

FACT: The VC Financial Aid Office is available to answer your questions. Please call or come by and we will be happy to assist you. We want to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Get Your Pell On

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive a full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2026 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 or 10 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Student Aid Index (SAI) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Summer 2026
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student B has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Summer 2026
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$1,849 (25%)

Student C has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled 9hrs (three-quarter time) for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Summer 2026
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$2,773 (37%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student D has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for three credit hours during the summer semester. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a less than half-time disbursement in SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2025	Spring 2026	Summer 2026
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	3 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$924 (25%)

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2025-2026 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

You Don’t Have to Pay for Help with Your Student Loans!

You’re at home about to start cooking (or microwaving, no judgment here) dinner when you get a phone call from an unknown number. The person on the other end of the line is promising to help you pay off all of your student loans. All they’re asking for is some of your personal information and an upfront fee. It sounds too good to be true, right? It probably is.

Even if you haven’t gotten a phone call exactly like that, you have probably seen the countless ads on social media offering to help you manage your student loan debt. While the U.S. Department of Education (ED) does offer some legitimate student loan forgiveness programs and ways to lower your student loan payments, they are all free to apply for through your official loan servicer. Don’t pay for help when you can get help for free!

Here are some signs that you’re talking to a student loan debt relief company instead of ED:

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

A student loan debt relief company asks you for some form of payment in order to help you with your student loans. However, there’s nothing they are charging you for that you can’t do on your own (or with the help of your loan servicer). If you’re having a hard time making your monthly payments, your loan servicer will work with you to switch to a more affordable repayment plan at any time for free!

Your loan servicer is a company that works on behalf of ED. They provide the following services:

Collect your loan payments.
Answer any questions you have about your loans.
Help you decide which repayment plan best suits you.
Help you switch to a new plan at no cost!
Manage other tasks related to your loans.

Not sure how to contact your loan servicer? Find out here.

Here is a list of official student loan services that work with the Department of Education:

Loan Servicer: Contact:

Edfinancial 1-855-337-6884

MOHELA 1-888-866-4352

Aidvantage 1-800-722-1300

Nelnet 1-888-486-4722

ECSI 1-866-313-3797

CRI 1-833-355-4311

Default Resolution Group 1-800-621-3115 (TTY: 1-877-825-9923 for the deaf or hard of hearing)

Before you contact your servicer, check out the Repayment Estimator to get an idea of plans available and see estimated monthly payments.

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

No one can promise immediate and total loan forgiveness or cancellation. A company may claim to get rid of your loans quickly, but most government forgiveness programs require many years of qualifying payments and/or employment in certain fields before your loans can be forgiven.

You can find out whether you qualify for loan forgiveness due to your job, disability, the closure of your school, or other circumstances. Your loan servicer also can help you determine if you qualify for loan forgiveness… at no cost!

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

ED or your loan servicer will never ask you for your FSA ID password. Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Do not give your FSA ID password to anyone or allow anyone to create an FSA ID for you.

If you share this information or sign a Power of Attorney, you’re giving a debt relief company the authority to take any action they choose, make decisions for you, and act on your behalf.

And if the debt relief company collects fees from you, but never actually makes any payments on your behalf, you will still be responsible for those outstanding payments and late fees.

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Here’s a list of the student loan debt relief companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against:

View the FTC’s list of companies and people banned from debt relief.

If you have already turned over your personal information or paid a student debt relief company, consider one or all of the following options:

Log in and change your FSA ID. Do NOT share your new FSA ID password with anyone!
Contact your loan servicer to revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization agreement that your servicer has on file. You should also make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.
Contact your bank or credit card company, and request that payments to the company be stopped.
File a complaint with the FTC.
File a report of suspicious activity through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 09:00:00 GMT

There is so much information available about financial aid for college that it can be hard to tell the facts from fiction. We’ve got you covered! Here are some common myths—and the real scoop—about financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: Do not wait. You can start now! As a matter of fact, you can start as early as your senior year of high school. You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you are considering even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. If you do not end up applying or getting accepted to a school, the school can just disregard your FAFSA form.

You can add up to 20 schools at a time on the 2026-27 FAFSA.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

FACT: You still have options! If you have received federal, state, and college aid but still find yourself having to fill the gap between what your financial aid covers and what you owe your school, check out these 7 options: https://studentaid.gov/articles/financial-aid-not-enough/

MYTH 5:

I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

FACT: No, you will have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid so they won’t be able to tell you what you will get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

FACT: Nope! There are at least two deadlines you need to check: your school, and federal deadlines. You can find the federal deadline at www.studentaid.gov. You will need to check your school’s website for their FAFSA deadline. If you are applying to multiple schools, make sure to check all of their deadlines and apply by the earliest one. Also, if you are applying to any scholarships that require the FAFSA form, they might have a different deadline as well! Even if your deadlines are not for a while, we recommend you fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss out on any aid.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then each contributor (parent) will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
Your parent (and/or any other required contributor)

If you are a dependent student, your parent and/or other required contributors will need his or her own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form electronically. If your parent has more than one child attending college, he or she can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications. You will need a unique email address for each FSA ID.

Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Do not give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA form. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft and could cause delays in the FAFSA process!

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

FACT: While a high grade point average will help you get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most federal student aid programs do not take grades into consideration when you first apply. Keep in mind that if you want to continue receiving aid throughout your college career, you will have to maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by your school.

So What’s Next?

Go to www.studentaid.gov and fill out the application. If you applied for admission to a college or career school and have been accepted, and you listed that school on your FAFSA form, the school will calculate your aid and will send you an electronic or paper financial aid offer telling you how much aid you’re eligible for at the school. Vernon College wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education.

SAP Isn't Just for Trees

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 15th. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Unsatisfactory - Financial aid suspension, eligibility lost

Maximum Time Frame - Program cannot be completed within the maximum time allowed, eligibility lost

Approved Maximum Time - Maximum time frame is approaching and at risk of losing eligibility

Probation - Student has successfully appealed financial aid suspension for one semester

Academic Plan - Student has successfully appealed financial aid suspension and must follow an academic plan set by the student with their student success specialist, but at risk of losing eligibility

Notification of a student's SAP status is posted in MyVC/Financial Aid. If you have questions regarding your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Good luck on your finals!

Don't Wait to Fill Out the 2026-27 FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The FAFSA is the application that students must complete to apply for federal student aid. This includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, federal student loans, and work-study.

There is no need to wait to file your 2026-27 FAFSA. It opened November 1, 2025!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2026–27 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2025, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2026. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2026–27 FAFSA, students (and parents/spouse, as appropriate) must report their 2024 income information, rather than their 2025 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2025-2026	December 1, 2024–June 30, 2026	2023
2026-2027	October 1, 2025–June 30, 2027	2024
2027-2028	October 1, 2026-June 30, 2028	2025

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026-27 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you will not need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to transfer your tax information directly from the IRS into your FAFSA.

How will my tax information be provided?

Your federal tax information will be transferred directly from the IRS into your FAFSA form. All contributors (students, parents, or spouse) must provide consent and approval for their information to be shared on the FAFSA.

Will my 2025-26 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2026-27 FAFSA?

No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there is no way to predict what might be different, so you will need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option (if available) when you start your application at studentaid.gov, some basic information from your 2025–26 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2026–27 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2025 information if my family's income has dropped significantly since we filed 2024 taxes?

No. You must report 2024 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2024 tax and income information on the 2026-27 FAFSA now, and then update it once I have filed my 2025 taxes?

No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2026–27 FAFSA asks for 2024 tax information.

What if my parents' (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2024 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it is filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but was not in 2024 (and therefore did not file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2024 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2024 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there is a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?

No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools (up to 20) to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Dr. Johnston wants to hear from you!

Holly Scheller — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Please complete the short questionnaire to help us plan for the future.

Click Here to Begin a Short Survey

Eight Easy Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create a StudentAid.gov account. (FSA ID)

Every contributor—anyone (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form—needs a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing their section of the online form. We strongly recommend you and your contributor(s) create StudentAid.gov accounts before starting your FAFSA form. When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. Contributors can access their StudentAid.gov account by using their FSA ID (account username and password).

Note: Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.

IMPORTANT: Some of the most common FAFSA errors occur when the student and contributor mix up their FSA IDs. If you do not want your financial aid to be delayed, it is extremely important that each contributor and each student create his or her own FSA ID and that they do not share it with ANYONE.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The 2026–27 FAFSA form is open as of October 1, 2025. Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2026–27 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 26, Spring 27 or Summer 27.
2025–26 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 25, Spring 26 or Summer 27.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2025–26 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, then go back in and complete the 2026–27 FAFSA form.

TIP: If you are given the option to complete a “renewal” FAFSA form, choose that option. When you choose to renew your FAFSA form, your demographic information from the previous year will roll over into your new application, saving you some time. Remember, the FAFSA form is not a one-time thing. You must complete a FAFSA form for each school year.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

This is information such as your name, date of birth, etc. If you have completed the FAFSA form in the past or if you log into the FAFSA form with your FSA ID, a lot of your personal information will be prepopulated to save you time. Make sure you enter your personal information exactly as it appears on your Social Security card. (That is right, no nicknames.)

Contributors: Remember that the FAFSA form is the student’s application, not yours. When the FAFSA form says “you” or “your,” it is referring to the student. Pay attention to whether you are being asked for student or parent/spouse information.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

In the School Selection section, you can add up to 20 schools so add every school you are considering, even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. The school code for Vernon College is 010060.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

The FAFSA form asks a series of questions that determine whether you are a dependent or independent student for purposes of applying for federal student aid. If you are a dependent student, you must report parent information, as well as your own information, on your application. If you’re curious, you can find out now whether you’re a dependent student.

The dependency guidelines are set by Congress and are different from those used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Even if you live on your own, support yourself, and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are determined to be a dependent student, you will be required to report information about your parent(s). If you are determined to be an independent student, you will not have to provide parent information and you can skip the next step.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

This is where your parent(s) will provide basic demographic information. Remember that it does not matter if you do not live with your parent(s); you still must report information about them if you were determined to be a dependent student in the step above.

7. Supply your financial information.

Your contributor’s federal tax information will be transferred from the IRS into your FAFSA form.

All contributors must provide consent and approval for the U.S. Department of Education to

disclose their personally identifiable information provided on the FAFSA form to the IRS to match their information with their tax information;
obtain their federal tax information from the IRS and include with the FAFSA form;
use their federal tax information to determine your Student Aid Index and Pell Grant eligibility
share their federal tax information with colleges, career/trade schools, and state higher education agencies for use in awarding and administering financial aid; and
reuse their federal tax information on another FAFSA applicant's form (e.g., if a parent has multiple dependent students or for a parent's own FAFSA form as an aid applicant).

NOTE: Even if contributors don't have an SSN, didn't file taxes, or filed taxes outside of the U.S., they will still need to provide consent and approval.

IMPORTANT: If a required contributor doesn't provide consent and approval to have their federal tax information transferred into the FAFSA form, you (the student) will not be eligible for federal student aid—even if the contributor manually enters tax information into the FAFSA form.

To ensure the information is secure, the federal tax information won't display on the FAFSA site or the FAFSA Submission Summary.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

After you complete your required section of the FAFSA form online, you’ll acknowledge the terms and conditions of the form and electronically sign your section. You can then submit your section of the FAFSA form. However, your FAFSA form won’t be considered complete until all required contributors provide their information on the FAFSA form, give their consent and approval to transfer federal tax information into the form, and provide their signatures.

After you and your parent (and/or any other required contributor) sign and submit the FAFSA form, the form will be considered complete and will be submitted for processing.

If you submit the FAFSA form, you’ll see a confirmation page that displays your completion date, data release number, and next steps. You’ll also see your estimated Student Aid Index (a number used by college and career/trade schools to determine your eligibility for federal student aid), estimated Federal Pell Grant eligibility, and information about other federal student aid for which you may be eligible. This confirmation page is emailed automatically to you for your records.

Note: The Student Aid Index on the confirmation page is only an estimate. The official Student Aid Index will appear on the FAFSA Submission Summary.

I am finished. What is next?

Congratulations on finishing your FAFSA! Once you’ve completed your FAFSA form, there are more steps you have to take before you receive financial aid. Make sure you know what happens after you submit your FAFSA form. Now monitor your status on MyVC and turn in any required paperwork ASAP! The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Constitution Day

Christie Lehman — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 is Constitution Day! For more information about this national holiday, visit http://www.constitutionday.com today.

You are here..now what?

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 GMT

You are registered and bought your books...…now what? The next logical step is to set goals for your semester. Semester goals are the small steps needed to get to your college goals - GRADUATION!! To end up with a successful academic semester, you’ll need to:

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management skills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving for College

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMT

Summer is coming to an end. Before you know it, you’ll be loading up your belongings in the family SUV and heading off to college. You are so ready, right? Well, maybe not. Here are some tips for things to do this summer before you head off to college.

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should have already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College, this information is available 24 hours per day on MyVC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

You will also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been offered a student loan, that does not mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan and complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial and https://www.vernoncollege.edu/How-to-Complete-The-Entrance-Counseeling-and-Sign-Your-MPN.

If you are using student loans to help you pay for college, make sure you are borrowing only what you need and keeping track of what you are borrowing. These are student loans and they must be paid back.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you will not have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast, and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework, and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you do not manage your time well. You are worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 01 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMT

So, you’ve filed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and you’ve checked your FAFSA Submission Summary to be sure all your information is correct, and now you’re wondering how that data is used to come up with the financial aid for which you are eligible. Vernon College will use several pieces of information to calculate your aid.

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Student Aid Index (SAI).
We subtract your SAI and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
food and housing;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses;
loan fees.

What’s the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

Your SAI is an index number that Vernon College financial aid staff uses to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend VC. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your SAI.

The SAI is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula.

Your SAI is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by Vernon College to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Student Aid Index (SAI)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You cannot receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your SAI is 12,000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

Non-need-based aid is financial aid that is not based on your SAI. What matters is your COA and how much other assistance you have been awarded so far. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and you have been awarded a total of $4,000 in need-based aid and private scholarships, you can receive up to $12,000 in non-need-based aid.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Federal PLUS Loan

If you have any additional questions, please call our office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support needed to afford your education!

New Opportunities

Holly Scheller — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College is cutting costs on textbooks by 20%-60% for students through Inclusive Access or Open Educational Resources!
Students receive electronic textbooks at the start of the term through Canvas, ensuring they have everything they need from day one!

Inclusive Access:
-Global and Content-Specific Search
-Text-to Speech options
-Audio Playback
-Speed Reader
-ADA and WCAG Complaint

Textbook fee is automatically charged to student bill and is not covered by Vernon College for FAST students.
*FAST students are those who have been deemed eligible under HB8 and do not incur any costs for their dual credit coursework, including tuition, fees, books, and other supplies.

Open Education Resources (OER):
-Teaching and Learning materials
-OER is FREE to the student!!
*Not all sections will incorporate Inclusive Access or OER*

All students who are in courses that are utilizing Inclusive Access will receive an email regarding their opt-out options.

Eligible Courses for OER and IA:
ART 1301
ART 1303
BIOL 1308
BIOL 1311
BIOL 2320
CHEM 1305
CHEM 1311
CHEM 1312
DRAM 1310
ECON 2301
ECON 2302
EDUC 1100
EDUC 1301
EDUC 2301
ENGL 1301
ENGL 1302
ENGL 2322
ENGL 2323
ENGL 2327
ENGL 2328
MUSI 1306
PHYS 1315
PSYC 2301
PSYC 2314
SPCH 1315

Textbook is FREE!
Lab Access Code Needed
SPAN 1411
SPAN 1412
MATH 1342

Open Educational Resources:
BIOL 1313
GOVT 2305
GOVT 2306
MATH 1314
MATH 1316
MATH 1332
MATH 1342
SOCI 1301

Textbook Fee Applicable if taken separate semester
BIOL 1108
BIOL 1109
BIOL 1111
BIOL 1113
BIOL 2120

The Fall 2025 Financial Aid Priority Deadline is Approaching

Jeanne Ballard — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:00:00 GMT

Father's Day is approaching, and you may be feeling the pressure to find that perfect gift for your dad. In my head, important dates are just like deadlines, so I rush around to get everything done before time is up. That same pressure is also there when applying for financial aid. Just like other schools, Vernon College has a priority deadline for each semester. Although I'm pretty sure your dad will forgive you if your present is late, financial aid offices will not be as forgiving. As a matter of fact, if you miss the priority deadline it could cost you money. It's as simple as that.

The priority deadline for the Fall 2025 semester is Thursday, June 18, 2025.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 18, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and an offer ready prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on MyVC/Student Finance. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee an offer of financial aid funds.

So...get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 07 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT

It is hard to believe the semester is almost over. You may be graduating, and/or entering the work force. If you have student loans, this guide will help you find the right repayment plan, learn how to make payments, get help if you can’t afford your payments, and see what circumstances might result in a loan being forgiven, canceled, or discharged.

Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

The Repayment Estimator can help you figure out which repayment plan is best for you. Log in, and Federal Student Aid will pull relevant information such as your loan amounts, loan types, and interest rates. Just enter some additional information, such as your income and family size, and your results will show what your payments would be under each repayment plan.

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

Your loan servicer handles all billing regarding your student loan, so you’ll need to make payments directly to your servicer. Each servicer has its own payment process and can work with you if you need help making payments. To help you never miss a payment, if you sign up for automatic debit through your loan servicer, your payments will be automatically taken from your bank account each month.

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

If the options above don’t work for you and you simply can’t make any payments right now, you might be eligible to postpone your payments through a deferment or forbearance. However, depending on the type of loan you have, interest may still accrue (accumulate) on your loan during the time you’re not making payments.

Beware: Private companies may contact you with offers to help you with your student loans for a fee. Remember, you never have to pay for help with your student loans. The U.S. Department of Education and our loan servicers will help you for free. Learn more about avoiding paying for help with your student loans.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

There are some circumstances that may result in your no longer having to repay your federal student loan. For instance, some or all of your loan could be forgiven in exchange for your performing certain types of service such as teaching or public service. Or the obligation to make further payments on your loan might be discharged based on specific factors such as your school closing or your becoming totally and permanently disabled. Take a look at all the possibilities: Find out what circumstances qualify your loans for forgiveness, cancellation, or discharge.

For additional information and guidance to help you understand how to manage your student loan debt and repay your loans, please see www.studentaid.gov.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2025–26 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2025–26 FAFSA form launched on December 1, 2024. However, beginning 2026-27 the FAFSA will go back to opening October 1st. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2024 tax information to fill out the 2025–26 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2023 tax information to complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2024 taxes yet because the 2025–26 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2024 taxes either because 2023 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you are a dependent student go to https://studentaid.gov/help/who-is-parent to determine which parent(s) should be included. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2025 semester is June 18, 2025. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to www.studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

Get Your Pell On

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2025 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Student Aid Index (SAI) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2024	Spring 2025	Summer 2025
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student B has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2024	Spring 2025	Summer 2025
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$1,849 (25%)

Student C has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled 9hrs (three-quarter time) for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2024	Spring 2025	Summer 2025
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$2,773 (37%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student D has a zero SAI and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for three credit hours during the summer semester. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a less than half-time disbursement in SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2024	Spring 2025	Summer 2025
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	3 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
SAI	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$924 (25%)

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2024-2025 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:00:00 GMT

You Don’t Have to Pay for Help with Your Student Loans!

Here are some signs that you’re talking to a student loan debt relief company instead of ED:

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

Your loan servicer is a company that works on behalf of ED. They provide the following services:

Collect your loan payments.
Answer any questions you have about your loans.
Help you decide which repayment plan best suits you.
Help you switch to a new plan at no cost!
Manage other tasks related to your loans.

Not sure how to contact your loan servicer? Find out here.

Here is a list of official student loan services that work with the Department of Education:

Loan Servicer: Contact:

Edfinancial 1-855-337-6884

MOHELA 1-888-866-4352

Aidvantage 1-800-722-1300

Nelnet 1-888-486-4722

ECSI 1-866-313-3797

Default Resolution Group 1-800-621-3115 (TTY: 1-877-825-9923 for the deaf or hard of hearing)

Before you contact your servicer, check out the Repayment Estimator to get an idea of plans available and see estimated monthly payments.

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

If you share this information or sign a Power of Attorney, you’re giving a debt relief company the authority to take any action they choose, make decisions for you, and act on your behalf.

And if the debt relief company collects fees from you, but never actually makes any payments on your behalf, you will still be responsible for those outstanding payments and late fees.

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Here’s a list of the student loan debt relief companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against:

View the FTC’s list of companies and people banned from debt relief.

If you have already turned over your personal information or paid a student debt relief company, consider one or all of the following options:

Log in and change your FSA ID. Do NOT share your new FSA ID password with anyone!
Contact your loan servicer to revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization agreement that your servicer has on file. You should also make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.
Contact your bank or credit card company, and request that payments to the company be stopped.
File a complaint with the FTC.
File a report of suspicious activity through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

You can add up to 20 schools at a time beginning with the 2025-26 FAFSA.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 5:

I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then each contributor (parent) will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
Your parent (and/or any other required contributor)

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

SAP Isn't Just for Trees

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 16th. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Unsatisfactory - Financial aid suspension, eligibility lost

Maximum Time Frame - Program cannot be completed within the maximum time allowed, eligibility lost

Approved Maximum Time - Maximum time frame is approaching and at risk of losing eligibility

Probation - Student has successfully appealed financial aid suspension for one semester

Academic Plan - Student has successfully appealed financial aid suspension and must follow an academic plan set by the student with their student success specialist, but at risk of losing eligibility

Notification of a student's SAP status is posted on his or her MyVC. If you have questions regarding your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Good luck on your finals!

Don't Wait to Fill Out the 2025-26 FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:00:00 GMT

The FAFSA is the application that students must complete to apply for federal student aid. This includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, federal student loans, and work-study.

There is no need to wait to file your 2025-26 FAFSA. It will be available on or before December 1, 2024!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students normally would have been able to file a 2025–26 FAFSA as of Oct. 1, 2024, rather than beginning on Dec. 1, 2024. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year. The 2025-26 FAFSA has been delayed until December 1, 2024 due issues encountered with the 2024-25 FAFSA.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2025–26 FAFSA, students (and parents/spouse, as appropriate) must report their 2023 income information, rather than their 2024 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2024-2025	January 1, 2024–June 30, 2025	2022
2025-2026	December 1, 2024–June 30, 2026	2023
2026-2027	October 1, 2025-June 30, 2027	2024

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025-26 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you will not need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

How will my tax information be provided?

Will my 2024-25 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2025-26 FAFSA?

No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there is no way to predict what might be different, so you will need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option (if available) when you start your application at studentaid.gov, some basic information from your 2024–25 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2025–26 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2024 information if my family's income has dropped significantly since we filed 2023 taxes?

No. You must report 2023 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2023 tax and income information on the 2025-26 FAFSA now, and then update it once I have filed my 2024 taxes?

No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2025–26 FAFSA asks for 2023 tax information.

What if my parents' (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2023 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it is filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but was not in 2023 (and therefore did not file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2023 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2023 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there is a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?

No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Eight Easy Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create a StudentAid.gov account. (FSA ID)

Note: Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The 2025–26 FAFSA form will have a soft launch on October 1, 2024 and a full opening on or before December 1, 2024. Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2025–26 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 25, Spring 26 or Summer 26.
2024–25 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 24, Spring 25 or Summer 25.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2024–25 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, then go back in and complete the 2025–26 FAFSA form in late December.

TIP: If you are given the option to complete a “renewal” FAFSA form, choose that option. When you choose to renew your FAFSA form, your demographic information from the previous year will roll over into your new application, saving you some time. Remember, the FAFSA form is not a one-time thing. You must complete a FAFSA form for each school year.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

In the School Selection section, you can add up to 20 schools so add every school you are considering, even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. The school code for Vernon College is 010060.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

Your contributor’s federal tax information will be transferred from the IRS into your FAFSA form.

All contributors must provide consent and approval for the U.S. Department of Education to

disclose their personally identifiable information provided on the FAFSA form to the IRS to match their information with their tax information;
obtain their federal tax information from the IRS and include with the FAFSA form;
use their federal tax information to determine your Student Aid Index and Pell Grant eligibility
share their federal tax information with colleges, career/trade schools, and state higher education agencies for use in awarding and administering financial aid; and
reuse their federal tax information on another FAFSA applicant's form (e.g., if a parent has multiple dependent students or for a parent's own FAFSA form as an aid applicant).

NOTE: Even if contributors don't have an SSN, didn't file taxes, or filed taxes outside of the U.S., they will still need to provide consent and approval.

To ensure the information is secure, the federal tax information won't display on the FAFSA site or the FAFSA Submission Summary.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

After you and your parent (and/or any other required contributor) sign and submit the FAFSA form, the form will be considered complete and will be submitted for processing.

Note: The Student Aid Index on the confirmation page is only an estimate. The official Student Aid Index will appear on the FAFSA Submission Summary.

I am finished. What is next?

You are here..now what?

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving for College

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:00:00 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should have already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov ASAP!

You will also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 12:00:00 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Student Aid Index (SAI).
We subtract your SAI and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
food and housing;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses;
loan fees.

What’s the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Student Aid Index (SAI)

= Financial Need

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Federal PLUS Loan

If you have any additional questions, please call our office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support needed to afford your education!

The Fall 2024 Financial Aid Priority Deadline is Approaching

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 15:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2024 semester is Thursday, June 20, 2024.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 20, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on MyVC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee an offer of financial aid funds.

So...get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 May 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

Your loan servicer handles all billing regarding your student loan, so you’ll need to make payments directly to your servicer. Each servicer has its own payment process and can work with you if you need help making payments. To help you never miss a payment, if you sign up for automatic debit through your loan servicer, your payments will be automatically taken from your bank account each month.

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account in My Federal Student Aid.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

For additional information and guidance to help you understand how to manage your student loan debt and repay your loans, please see www.studentaid.gov.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form & Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

FACT: The reality is there’s no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It doesn’t matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are taken into account. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2: The 2024–25 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2024–25 FAFSA form launched on December 31, 2023. However, beginning 2025-26 the FAFSA will go back to opening October 1st. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2023 tax information to fill out the 2024–25 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2022 tax information to complete the 2024–25 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2023 taxes yet because the 2024–25 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2023 taxes either because 2022 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you are a dependent student go to https://studentaid.gov/help/who-is-parent to determine which parent(s) should be included. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2024 semester is June 20, 2024. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to www.studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

Get Your Pell On

Jeanne Ballard — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2024 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2023-2024 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2023	Spring 2024	Summer 2024
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2023-2024 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2023	Spring 2024	Summer 2024
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$1,849 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2023-2024 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2023	Spring 2024	Summer 2024
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$2,773 (37%)	$3,697 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2023-2024 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2023	Spring 2024	Summer 2024
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,698 (50%)	$3,697 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2023-2024 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMT

You Don’t Have to Pay for Help with Your Student Loans!

Here are some signs that you’re talking to a student loan debt relief company instead of ED:

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

Your loan servicer is a company that works on behalf of ED. They provide the following services:

Collect your loan payments.
Answer any questions you have about your loans.
Help you decide which repayment plan best suits you.
Help you switch to a new plan at no cost!
Manage other tasks related to your loans.

Not sure how to contact your loan servicer? Find out here.

Here is a list of official student loan services that work with the Department of Education:

Loan Servicer: Contact:

Edfinancial 1-855-337-6884

MOHELA 1-888-866-4352

Aidvantage 1-800-722-1300

Nelnet 1-888-486-4722

ECSI 1-866-313-3797

Default Resolution Group 1-800-621-3115 (TTY: 1-877-825-9923 for the deaf or hard of hearing)

Before you contact your servicer, check out the Repayment Estimator to get an idea of plans available and see estimated monthly payments.

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

If you share this information or sign a Power of Attorney, you’re giving a debt relief company the authority to take any action they choose, make decisions for you, and act on your behalf.

And if the debt relief company collects fees from you, but never actually makes any payments on your behalf, you will still be responsible for those outstanding payments and late fees.

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Here’s a list of the student loan debt relief companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against:

View the FTC’s list of companies and people banned from debt relief.

If you have already turned over your personal information or paid a student debt relief company, consider one or all of the following options:

Log in and change your FSA ID. Do NOT share your new FSA ID password with anyone!
Contact your loan servicer to revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization agreement that your servicer has on file. You should also make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.
Contact your bank or credit card company, and request that payments to the company be stopped.
File a complaint with the FTC.
File a report of suspicious activity through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.

1098T Tax Form

Holly Scheller — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

If you were a Vernon College student during the 2022 year you may be eligible for a 2022 1098T tax form. You can access the form at www.1098Tforms.com (Please use Google Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser)

Closed Wednesday Morning

Holly Scheller — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed the morning of January 10, 2024, for professional development.
All offices and departments will reopen at 2pm.

First Day of Class

Holly Scheller — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Spring and Spring I classes will start Wednesday January 17, 2024.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

You can add up to 20 schools at a time beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 5:

I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then each contributor (parent) will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
Your parent (and/or any other required contributor)

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

Holiday Closure

Holly Scheller — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

All Vernon College offices and departments will be closed from December 16 through January 1, 2024.
We will reopen January 2, 2024.
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a very happy New Year!

SAP Isn't Just for Trees 2023

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 15:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 11th. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Unsatisfactory - Financial aid suspension, eligibility lost

Notification of a student's SAP status is posted on his or her MyVC. If you are currently on suspension, it is your responsibility to notify the financial aid office if you believe you have regained your eligibility. Good luck on your finals!

Spring Registration Open

Holly Scheller — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Starting Tuesday, November 7, 2023 registration will be open to all students (new and returning) for the Spring Semester!

Log into your MyVC account to register for classes that will start Tuesday January 16th (VC will be closed January 15th in Observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day).

If you are are new to Vernon College please meet with your Student Success Advisor.

Make an appointment with your advisor with the Calendar link below:

Christian Ford at CCC	https://calendly.com/cford-/student-success
Mark Cisneros at CCC	https://calendly.com/mcisneros-10/student-success
at Skills (Monday afternoon)	https://calendly.com/mcisneros-10/skills-center
Delilah Fowler at CCC	https://calendly.com/dgfowler/ssuccess
Stephanie Mescher at CCC	https://calendly.com/smescher106/student-success
Jacqueline Bone at Vernon	https://calendly.com/jbone-3/student-success
Kelli Lehman at Vernon	https://calendly.com/klehman-student-success/ssuccess
Melissa Moore Dual Credit	https://calendly.com/vcdc-mmoore/30min
Jason Makepeace Veterans Affairs	https://calendly.com/jmakepeace/success

Don't Wait to Fill Out the 2024-25 FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 11:00:00 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2024-25 FAFSA. It will be available in December 2023!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students normally would have been able to file a 2024–25 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2023, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2024. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year. The 2024-25 FAFSA has been delayed until December 2023 due to the redesign of the form.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2024–25 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2022 income information, rather than their 2023 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2023-2024	October 1, 2022–June 30, 2024	2021
2024-2025	December, 2023–June 30, 2025	2022
2025-2026	October 1, 2024-June 30, 2026	2023

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024-25 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you will not need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

The IRS DRT is a great tool that is available to simplify the FAFSA application process. If you use the IRS DRT you do not have to find your tax records, and you do not have to worry about making mistakes entering your tax information on your FAFSA.

Will my 2023-24 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2024-25 FAFSA?

No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there is no way to predict what might be different, so you will need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at studentaid.gov, some basic information from your 2023–24 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2024–25 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2023 information if my family's income has dropped significantly since we filed 2022 taxes?

No. You must report 2022 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2022 tax and income information on the 2024-25 FAFSA now, and then update it once I have filed my 2023 taxes?

No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2024–25 FAFSA asks for 2022 tax information.

What if my parents' (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2022 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it is filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but was not in 2022 (and therefore did not file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2022 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2022 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there is a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?

No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Eight Easy Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you do not have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

IMPORTANT: Some of the most common FAFSA errors occur when the student and parent mix up their FSA IDs. If you do not want your financial aid to be delayed, it is extremely important that each parent and each student create his or her own FSA ID and that they do not share it with ANYONE.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The redesigned 2024–25 FAFSA form will be available at the end of December 2023. Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2024–25 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 24, Spring 25 or Summer 25.
2023–24 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 23, Spring 24 or Summer 24.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2023–24 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, then go back in and complete the 2024–25 FAFSA form in late December.

TIP: If you are given the option to complete a “renewal” FAFSA form, choose that option. When you choose to renew your FAFSA form, your demographic information from the previous year will roll over into your new application, saving you some time. Remember, the FAFSA form is not a one-time thing. You must complete a FAFSA form for each school year.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

Parents: Remember that the FAFSA form is the student’s application, not yours. When the FAFSA form says “you” or “your,” it is referring to the student. Pay attention to whether you are being asked for student or parent information.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

In the School Selection section, you can add up to 10 schools so add every school you are considering, even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. The school code for Vernon College is 010060.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you will be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

Here is where you and your parent(s) (if applicable) will provide your financial information. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA form with just a few clicks. Using this tool also may reduce the amount of paperwork you need to provide to your school. So if you are eligible, use it! To access the tool, indicate that you have “already completed” taxes on the student or parent finances page. If you are eligible, you will see a “LINK TO IRS” button. Choose that option and follow the prompts.

Note: The information transferred from the IRS will no longer be displayed, but you will get a confirmation message letting you know that the transfer was successful. You will also know which items have been transferred from the IRS because you will see “Transferred from the IRS” in place of the answer fields. Please make sure to answer all other questions.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You are not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it is extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it is the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I am finished. What is next?

Congrats on finishing your FAFSA! Now monitor your status on My VC and turn in any required paperwork ASAP! The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Dr. Johnston Wants to Hear from You!

Holly Scheller — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Please complete the short questionnaire to help us plan for the future.
Use this link to aid Vernon College in its improvement efforts:
https://vernoncollege.evaluationkit.com/Respondent/Survey?ida=HjwS3awO2QC21JyIXG%2fkBr7glO5zHe%2biIISnDXhyuCpB0AYRQZyUJM3GV8hwrRFeA%2b1c5ywH5yRt7WID3%2fZbUw%3d%3d

You are here....now what?

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need to Do BEFORE Leaving for College

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 15:00:00 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should have already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov ASAP!

You will also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT

So, you’ve filed your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and you’ve checked your Student Aid Report to be sure all your information is correct, and now you’re wondering how that data is used to come up with the financial aid for which you are eligible. Vernon College will use several pieces of information to calculate your aid.

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
food and housing;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

Your EFC is an index number that Vernon College financial aid staff use to determine how much financial aid you would receive if you were to attend VC. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your EFC.

The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by law. Your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college during the year.

Your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. It is a number used by Vernon College to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You cannot receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your EFC is 12,000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

Non-need-based aid is financial aid that is not based on your EFC. What matters is your COA and how much other assistance you have been awarded so far. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and you have been awarded a total of $4,000 in need-based aid and private scholarships, you can get up to $12,000 in non-need-based aid.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Federal PLUS Loan

If you have any additional questions, please call our office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support needed to afford your education!

Closed for Juneteenth

Holly Scheller — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed Monday June 19, 2023 in celebration of Juneteenth.
All offices and departments will reopen Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 8am.

The Fall 2023 Financial Aid Deadline is Approaching

Jeanne Ballard — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 15:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2022 semester is Thursday, June 15.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 15, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on MyVC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So...get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Graduation Day

Holly Scheller — Thu, 11 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

All graduates need to be at the MPEC for line-up at 4pm.

We are so excited to see you walk the stage tonight. Here are a few things to remember.

1. Your family will not be able to join you at the Mpec in the line-up area.
2. You will not be allowed to leave anything behind in the line-up area. That area will be locked after you depart for Kay Yeager.
3. You will be standing still for a period of time in a line-up before we lead you over to the ceremony, please wear shoes that can handle it.
We know it's been a long road, and we are so proud of you for reaching your goal!

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Fri, 05 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Secretary of Education has continued to extent the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education. These flexibilities are currently extended until the Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. IF not resolved by June 30, 2023, payments will resume 60 days after that. We recommend you start planning now. Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account in My Federal Student Aid.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

For additional information and guidance to help you understand how to manage your student loan debt and repay your loans, please see www.studentaid.gov.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form & Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

FACT: The reality is there’s no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It doesn’t matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are taken into account. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2: The 2023–24 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2023–24 FAFSA form launched on Oct. 1, 2022. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2022 tax information to fill out the 2023–24 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2021 tax information to complete the 2023–24 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2022 taxes yet because the 2023–24 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2022 taxes either because 2021 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you are a dependent student go to https://studentaid.gov/help/who-is-parent to determine which parent(s) should be included. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Don’t wait. You can start now! You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. You can add up to 10 schools at a time. If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in at www.studentaid.gov and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2023 semester is June 16, 2023. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to www.studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

Get Your Pell On

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2023 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2022-2023 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2022	Spring 2023	Summer 2023
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,448 (50%)	$3,447 (50%)	$3,447 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2022-203 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2022	Spring 2023	Summer 2023
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,448 (50%)	$3,447 (50%)	$1,724 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2022-2023 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2022	Spring 2023	Summer 2023
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,448 (50%)	$2,585 (37%)	$3,447 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2022-2023 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2022	Spring 2023	Summer 2023
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,448 (50%)	$3,447 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2022-2023 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Six Things to Know About Current Repayment Flexibilities and Your Federal Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

On December 22, 2021, the secretary of education extended the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education (ED) until May 1, 2022. These relief measures began on March 13, 2020.

Below, we have answered questions about these COVID-19 emergency relief measures and the resulting flexibilities for federal student loans.

Which loans qualify for the COVID-19 suspension of payments and the 0% interest rate?

The suspension of payments and 0% interest rate applies to the following types of federal student loans, but only if they are loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

Defaulted and nondefaulted Direct Loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted FFEL Program loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted Federal Perkins Loans
Defaulted HEAL loans

If my loans are owned by ED, do I need to do anything to suspend my payments or for the interest on my loans to be set at 0%?

No, ED has automatically adjusted your account so that your payments are suspended and interest does not accrue (i.e., accumulate).

How long will the suspension of payments and 0% interest rate last?

These flexibilities are currently extended until the U.S. Department of Education is permitted to implement the debt relief program or the litigation is resolved. Payments will restart 60 days later. If not resolved by June 30, 2023 payments will resume 60 after that.

Tip: If you can afford to make payments during this period, you will pay off your loan faster and lower the total cost of your loan over time.

I am currently in school. How does the 0% interest rate impact my loans?

Direct unsubsidized loans normally accrue interest while you are in school. However, from March 13, 2020, through the end of the COVID emergency relief period, the interest rate on all ED-owned loans has been temporarily lowered to 0%, even while you are in school. That means your student loans will not accrue (i.e., accumulate) interest during this time.

When the COVID emergency relief period ends, regular loan interest rates will apply.

How will I know when I will have to start making payments again?

The 0% interest period and suspension of payments are currently scheduled to end no later than 60 days after June 30, 2023. Both Federal Student Aid and your servicer will contact you ahead of time to remind you that you will need to start making payments again. Make sure your contact information is up to date in your loan servicer account profile.

What if I want to continue making payments?

Continuing to make payments during the payment suspension could help you pay down your loan balance more quickly because the full amount of a payment will be applied to principal once all interest accrued prior to March 13, 2020, is paid.

As long as your payments are suspended, you can make a payment that is less than your usual monthly payment. Any payment you make on your loan will make progress toward reducing your balance. Contact your loan servicer or visit your servicer’s website to make a payment or to find out how you can continue or start auto-debit payments.

REMEMBER, there is no fee for this payment suspension or 0% interest period—not from the federal government and not from your loan servicer. Some companies may charge a fee to give you repayment help for federal student loans during the COVID-19 emergency. These companies are not affiliated with or endorsed by ED. If someone asks for money for either of those reasons, it is a scam. Your loan servicer provides free help with your questions or concerns about your loan payments. There is no coronavirus-related loan forgiveness for federal student loans. Learn more about avoiding student aid scams.

Weather Closures

Holly Scheller — Sun, 29 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

All Vernon College locations will close at 3:00pm today, Jan. 30, 2023. No evening classes will be held today.

All Vernon College locations will be closed Jan. 31, 2023.

Evening Classes 1/24/23

Holly Scheller — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College evening classes that begin after 5pm will transition to an online format. Please be in touch with your instructors.

Onsite Final Registration

Holly Scheller — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Onsite Final Registration for Spring 2023

If you would like to register for classes (first day of class is January 17, 2023) please come to Onsite Registration at either of our locations.

Vernon Campus - January 10, 2023 - 8:30am-5:30pm
Wichita Falls/Century City Center - January 11-12, 2023 - 8:30am-5:30pm

This is a walk in registration, if you are new to college or are somewhere in the process we will be there to help you at Onsite Final Registration. We can answer all of your questions and help you get on the path to education, or register you for classes which start January 17.

Closed for Training

Holly Scheller — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

All Vernon College offices and departments will be closed for training Monday, January 9th.
Offices will reopen at 8am January 10th for onsite final registration.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 10:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

FACT: The reality is there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It does not matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are taken into account.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

You can add up to 10 schools at a time.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 5:

I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

FACT: No, you will have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid so we won’t be able to tell you what you will get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

If you are a dependent student, your parent will need his or her own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form electronically. If your parent has more than one child attending college, he or she can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications. You will need a unique email address for each FSA ID.

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

SAP Isn't Just for Trees 2022

Jeanne Ballard — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 12th. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Notification of a student's SAP status is posted on his or her Campus Connect account in My VC. If you are currently on suspension, it is your responsibility to notify the financial aid office if you believe you have regained your eligibility. Good luck on your finals!

Operation Gratitude Letter Writing

Holly Scheller — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

In honor of Veterans Day November 11^th Vernon College is partnering with Operation Gratitude to write letters to deployed US Service Members.

Operation Gratitude has sent over 3.5 million care packages to active duty military deployed all over the world since 2003! Although soldiers love the care packages, it is the handwritten letters inside that make the most impact. We are asking every Vernon College employee and student to write a simple, handwritten letter that can be included in care packages. Here are tips for writing a letter:

Start with a salutation such as “Dear Hero”, “Dear Service Member” or “Dear Fellow American”
Thank them for their service, commitment and sacrifice
Please don’t date your letter or mention holidays – sometimes if can take awhile to get the letters packaged and the packages delivered – we are hoping our letters can be included in Christmas care packages but aren’t 100% sure the packages will make it on time
Avoid politics completely
Avoid religion in excess; however, saying you are praying for them or praying for their safe return is wonderful
Include your name and email address if you would like the recipient to have an opportunity to reply – you do not have to do this
Please do not put letters or card in envelopes
Letters can be written on any paper – Vernon College Student Services will provide you paper if you need it!
You can write more than one letter if you want!

Vernon College Student Services/Veterans Affairs will collect the letters and mail all of them to Operation Gratitude on November 14^th. There are several places to drop off your letter(s):

VERNON CAMPUS – Student Services Office to April Maldonado or Jesse Dominguez in the Housing Office

CENTURY CITY CAMPUS – Testing Center – open for letter drop off Monday –Thursday 8 am to 6 pm and Friday 8 am to noon

SKILLS TRAINING CENTER – Debbie Richards in the front office

https://www.operationgratitude.com/volunteer/anywhere/letters/

Thank you for helping us provide support to our US military!!!!!!

Questions? – contact Kristin Harris kharris@vernoncollege.edu or Chelsey Henry chenry@vernoncollege.edu

Do Not Wait to Fill Out the 2023-2024 FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 19:00:00 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2023-24 FAFSA. It is available now!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2023–24 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2022, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2023. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2023–24 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2021 income information, rather than their 2022 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2022-2023	October 1, 2021–June 30, 2023	2020
2023-2024	October 1, 2022–June 30, 2024	2021
2024-2025	October 1, 2023-June 30, 2025	2022

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023-24 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you will not need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

Will my 2022-23 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2023-24 FAFSA?

No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there is no way to predict what might be different, so you will need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at studentaid.gov, some basic information from your 2022–23 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2023–24 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2022 information if my family's income has dropped significantly since we filed 2021 taxes?

No. You must report 2021 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2021 tax and income information on the 2023-24 FAFSA now, and then update it once I have filed my 2022 taxes?

No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2023–24 FAFSA asks for 2021 tax information.

What if my parents' (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2021 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it is filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but was not in 2021 (and therefore did not file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2021 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2021 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there is a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?

No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Volleyball Post Season

Holly Scheller — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Chaps have qualified for post-season play and we are hosting the first round of play-offs tomorrow evening, 11/01/22.
GO CHAPS!

Skill Training Center Closure

Holly Scheller — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Skills Training Center ONLY: Day classes moving online due to a power outage.
Afternoon and evening classes will take place today, Oct. 24, 2022, since power has now been restored.

Sports Day on the Vernon Campus

Holly Scheller — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be CLOSED on Tuesday, October 25th for SPORTS DAY in Vernon, Texas.

The college will reopen at 4:30pm for night classes and will run as scheduled.

All current VC students are encouraged to come to the Vernon Campus to participate in Sports Day, free t-shirt pick up starts at 8:30am, and opening ceremony starts at 9:30am.

Eight Easy Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you do not have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

IMPORTANT: Some of the most common FAFSA errors occur when the student and parent mix up their FSA IDs. If you do not want your financial aid to be delayed, it is extremely important that each parent and each student create his or her own FSA ID and that they do not share it with ANYONE.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The 2023–24 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2023–24 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 23, Spring 24 or Summer 24.
2022–23 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 22, Spring 23 or Summer 23.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2022–23 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait for one to three days until it processes, then go back in and complete the 2023–24 FAFSA form.

TIP: If you are given the option to complete a “renewal” FAFSA form, choose that option. When you choose to renew your FAFSA form, your demographic information from the previous year will roll over into your new application, saving you some time. Remember, the FAFSA form is not a one-time thing. You must complete a FAFSA form for each school year.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

Parents: Remember that the FAFSA form is the student’s application, not yours. When the FAFSA form says “you” or “your,” it is referring to the student. Pay attention to whether you are being asked for student or parent information.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

In the School Selection section, you can add up to 10 schools so add every school you are considering, even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. The school code for Vernon College is 010060.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you will be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You are not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it is extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it is the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I am finished. What is next?

Admissions Office Closed

Holly Scheller — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

The Admissions and Records office will be closed Monday, October 3, 2022. The office will reopen October 4, at 8am.

Please feel free to email Admissions@VernonCollege.edu and they will respond to your question when the office reopens on the 3rd.

50th Anniversary Golf Scramble

Holly Scheller — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for the Vernon College 50th Anniversary Golf Scramble!

The Scramble will be held at the Hillcrest Country Club in Vernon, TX, on October 1, 10am.

In honor of our 50 years four person teams are only $50 per person.

Contact Chelsey Henry to register your team, chenry@vernoncollege.edu

50th Celebration

Holly Scheller — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Join us on the Vernon Campus to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Vernon College!

Where: King Gym on the Vernon Campus, Vernon, TX

When: September 9, 2022 1:30pm-4pm

The public is welcome to join us for the ceremony!

You Are Here....Now What

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMT

You are registered and bought your books......now what? The next logical step is to set goals for your semester. Semester goals are the small steps needed to get to your college goals - GRADUATION!! To end up with a successful academic semester, you’ll need to:

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Closed Monday

Holly Scheller — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

We are closed Monday, August 15, 2022 for Staff Development.

All offices will reopen Tuesday, August 16, 2022.

Final Registration (In person)
Aug 16 - Vernon Campus
Aug 17-18 - CCC Wichita Falls

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving for College

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should have already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/ ASAP!

You will also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that does not mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan and complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial and https://www.vernoncollege.edu/How-to-Complete-The-Entrance-Counseeling-and-Sign-Your-MPN.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
room and board;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You cannot receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your EFC is 12,000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

If you have any additional questions, please call our office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Closed for the Fourth

Holly Scheller — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed for the 4th of July.

All offices and departments will reopen July 5, 2022.

Closed for Juneteenth

Holly Scheller — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed June 20, 2022, in observance of Juneteenth. All offices and departments will re-open on June 21, 2022.

Chaparral Days!

Holly Scheller — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Open to all new or returning students coming to Vernon College this fall! 
Chaparral Days are your chance to; apply to Vernon College, take the TSI placement test, register for Fall 2022 classes, and/or check your Financial Aid status, all with help from a Vernon Guide who will take you through the process. 
Stop in now through July 28th any time from 8am-4pm Monday-Thursday! 

If you're half way through the process, or stuck at step one, come see us! 

 
Email us  with any questions, admissions@vernoncollege.edu 

The Fall 2022 Financial Aid Deadline is Approaching

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 10:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2022 semester is Wednesday, June 22.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 22, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So...get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Sun, 01 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Even though on January 20, 2021 the secretary of education extended the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education (ED) until August 31, 2022, once that suspension is lifted you will have to start making payments. We recommend you start planning now. Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account in My Federal Student Aid.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.


CornerStone	MOHELA
FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA)	Navient
Granite State – GSMR	Nelnet
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.	OSLA Servicing
HESC/Edfinancial

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

For additional information and guidance to help you understand how to manage your student loan debt and repay your loans, please see https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action or www.studentaid.gov.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form & Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Sat, 12 Mar 2022 14:39:57 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

FACT: The reality is there’s no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It doesn’t matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are taken into account. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2: The 2022–23 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2022–23 FAFSA form launched on Oct. 1. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2021 tax information to fill out the 2022–23 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2020 tax information to complete the 2022–23 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2021 taxes yet because the 2022–23 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2021 taxes either because 2020 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you’re independent, you won’t need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you’re dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Don’t wait. You can start now! You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. You can add up to 10 schools at a time. If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in at www.studentaid.gov and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

FACT: You still have options! If you’ve received federal, state, and college aid but still find yourself having to fill the gap between what your financial aid covers and what you owe your school, consider scholarships, part-time work, and payment plans.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

FACT: No, you’ll have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid, so we won’t be able to tell you what you’ll get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2022 semester is June 22. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

FACT: While a high grade point average will help you get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, at Vernon College financial aid recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and have a successful pace of completion rate that is at least sixty-seven (67%) percent of all courses attempted at VC.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

FACT: The VC Financial Aid Office is available to answer your questions. Please call or come by and we will be happy to assist you. We want to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Get Your Pell On

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2022 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2021-2022 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2021	Spring 2022	Summer 2022
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,248 (50%)	$3,247 (50%)	$3,247 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2021-2022 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2021	Spring 2022	Summer 2022
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,248 (50%)	$3,247 (50%)	$1,624 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2021-2022 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2021	Spring 2022	Summer 2022
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,248 (50%)	$2,435 (37%)	$3,247 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2021-2022 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2021	Spring 2022	Summer 2022
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,248 (50%)	$3,247 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2021-2022 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Friday Closure

Holly Scheller — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed on Friday 2/25/22 due to weather.

Six Things to Know About Current Repayment Flexibilities and Your Federal Student Loans

Jeanne Ballard — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Below, we have answered questions about these COVID-19 emergency relief measures and the resulting flexibilities for federal student loans.

Which loans qualify for the COVID-19 suspension of payments and the 0% interest rate?

The suspension of payments and 0% interest rate applies to the following types of federal student loans, but only if they are loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

Defaulted and nondefaulted Direct Loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted FFEL Program loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted Federal Perkins Loans
Defaulted HEAL loans

If my loans are owned by ED, do I need to do anything to suspend my payments or for the interest on my loans to be set at 0%?

No, ED has automatically adjusted your account so that your payments are suspended and interest does not accrue (i.e., accumulate).

How long will the suspension of payments and 0% interest rate last?

These flexibilities are currently scheduled to last through May 1, 2022.

Tip: If you can afford to make payments during this period, you will pay off your loan faster and lower the total cost of your loan over time.

I am currently in school. How does the 0% interest rate impact my loans?

When the COVID emergency relief period ends, regular loan interest rates will apply.

How will I know when I will have to start making payments again?

The 0% interest period and suspension of payments are currently scheduled to end on May 1, 2022. Both Federal Student Aid and your servicer will contact you ahead of time to remind you that you will need to start making payments again. Make sure your contact information is up to date in your loan servicer account profile.

What if I want to continue making payments?

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Jeanne Ballard — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 12:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

If you are a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

You can add up to 10 schools at a time.
If you are applying to more than 10 schools, here’s what you should do.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 5:
I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

FACT: Nope! There are at least two deadlines you need to check: your school, and federal deadlines. You can find the federal deadline at StudentAid.gov. You will need to check your school’s website for their FAFSA deadline. If you are applying to multiple schools, make sure to check all of their deadlines and apply by the earliest one. Also, if you are applying to any scholarships that require the FAFSA form, they might have a different deadline as well! Even if your deadlines are not for a while, we recommend you fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss out on any aid.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

Go to StudentAid.gov and fill out the application. If you applied for admission to a college or career school and have been accepted, and you listed that school on your FAFSA form, the school will calculate your aid and will send you an electronic or paper financial aid offer telling you how much aid you’re eligible for at the school. Vernon College wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education.

Closed for the Holidays

Holly Scheller — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College offices and buildings will be closed for the holidays.

Closed December 17- January 2, 2022.

Offices will reopen January 3, 2022.

Respondus Monitor (webcam), LockDown Browser and Canvas down

Holly Scheller — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

There is currently an issue with Amazon Web Servers. The AWS outage is affecting Respondus Monitor (webcam), LockDown Browser and Canvas.

Anything that uses AWS will have issues and will not work until the Amazon Web Servers are back up. There is no ETA on when it will be fixed but they have identified the cause and are working on it.

Here is the link to follow the news:

Respondus: https://support.respondus.com/support/index.php?/News/NewsItem/View/337/respondus-monitor-service-notice

Canvas: https://status.instructure.com/

SAP Isn't Just for Trees 2021

Jeanne Ballard — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 13th. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Finals Schedule

Holly Scheller — Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

ALWAYS VERIFY FINAL EXAM DATES AND TIMES WITH YOUR COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Finals Schedule

Do Not Wait to Fill Out the 2022-2023 FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2022-23 FAFSA. It is available now!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2022–23 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2021, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2022. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2022–23 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2020 income information, rather than their 2021 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2021-2022	October 1, 2020–June 30, 2022	2019
2022-2023	October 1, 2021–June 30, 2023	2020
2023-2024	October 1, 2022-June 30, 2024	2021

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2022-23 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you will not need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

Will my 2021-22 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2022-23 FAFSA?

No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there is no way to predict what might be different, so you will need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at studentaid.gov, some basic information from your 2021–22 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2022–23 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2021 information if my family's income has dropped significantly since we filed 2020 taxes?

No. You must report 2020 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2020 tax and income information on the 2022-23 FAFSA now, and then update it once I have filed my 2021 taxes?

No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2022–23 FAFSA asks for 2020 tax information.

What if my parents' (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2020 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?

Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it is filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but was not in 2020 (and therefore did not file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2020 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2020 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there is a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?

No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Eight Steps to Filling out Your FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2022-23 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you do not have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The 2022–23 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2022–23 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 22, Spring 23 or Summer 23.
2021–22 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 21, Spring 22 or Summer 22.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2021–22 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait for one to three days until it processes, then go back in and complete the 2022–23 FAFSA form.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you will be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You are not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it is extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it is the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I am finished. What is next?

You Are Here...Now What

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Dr. Johnston wants to hear from you!

Holly Scheller — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

We want to be continuously improving at Vernon College. Your input is needed to help build a successful future for Vernon College. The best way I have of discovering how to improve our services is to provide opportunities for people to share their thoughts and opinions. I would really appreciate you taking a few minutes to go to the following website and complete a very short questionnaire.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VCEffectiveness

The questionnaire can be finished in approximately 5 minutes and is designed to protect anonymity. Should you have any questions or other comments please contact Betsy Harkey, Director of Institutional Effectiveness (bharkey@vernoncollege.edu) or me (drj@vernoncollege.edu).

Thank you in advance for your assistance.

Top Three Things College Students Need to do BEFORE Leaving for College

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should have already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/ ASAP!

You will also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Payment Deadline

Holly Scheller — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Summer II Payment Deadline is Wednesday, July 7th at 5:30 p.m.

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
room and board;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You cannot receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your EFC is 12,000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

If you have any additional questions, please call out office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

4th of July

Holly Scheller — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT

VC Is Closed July 2nd and July 5th.
The college will reopen July 6th.

The Fall 2021 Financial Aid Deadline is Approaching

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2021 semester is Wednesday, June 23.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 23, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So...get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

RN Pinning Ceremony

Jon Michael Jones — Thu, 13 May 2021 09:32:50 GMT

RN Pinning Ceremony

Join us either via livestream or via webinar for the RN Pinning Ceremony on Friday, 5/14/2021 at 11:00 a.m. CST.

Livestream link:

https://www.facebook.com/VernonCollege

Webinar link:

https://zoom.us/j/91452124208?pwd=TEdLeDdVZG1OM3lwQnQ0QjNPSXJXdz09

Meeting ID: 914 5212 4208

Passcode: 76384

Meeting ID: 914 5212 4208

Passcode: 76384

Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/adUqcg493e

Click Here for the Ceremony Program

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

Melissa Elliott — Sat, 01 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Even though on January 20, 2021 the secretary of education extended the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education (ED) until September 30, 2021, once that suspension is lifted you will have to start making payments. We recommend you start planning now. Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account in My Federal Student Aid.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.


CornerStone	MOHELA
FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA)	Navient
Granite State – GSMR	Nelnet
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.	OSLA Servicing
HESC/Edfinancial

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2021–22 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2021–22 FAFSA form launched on Oct. 1. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2020 tax information to fill out the 2021–22 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2019 tax information to complete the 2021–22 FAFSA form. It does not matter if you or your parents have not filed 2020 taxes yet because the 2021–22 FAFSA form does not need that information. You will not have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2020 taxes either because 2019 information is what is required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2021 semester is June 23. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to studentaid.gov. If you are paying a fee, you are not on the official government website.

Need more help?

VC Closed Friday, April 2, 2021

Holly Scheller — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 13:28:27 GMT

All VC locations are closed April 2-3, 2021.

Happy Easter!

Get Your Pell On

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 01 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2021 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2020	Spring 2021	Summer 2021
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,173 (50%)	$3,172 (50%)	$3,173 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2020	Spring 2021	Summer 2021
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,173 (50%)	$3,172 (50%)	$1,587 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2020	Spring 2021	Summer 2021
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,173 (50%)	$2,379 (37%)	$3,173 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2020	Spring 2021	Summer 2021
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,173 (50%)	$3,172 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2020-2021 academic year are encouraged to complete and submit a Summer Pell Grant Review form Summer Pell Review 2021.docx. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Delayed Start

Holly Scheller — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 14:07:45 GMT

Thursday, January 27, 2022, Vernon College will start at 10am - all locations.

Six Things to Know About Current Repayment Flexibilities and Your Federal Student Loans

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT

On January 20, 2021, the secretary of education extended the 0% student loan interest rate and suspension of payments on federal student loans owned by the Department of Education (ED) until September 30, 2021. These relief measures began on March 13, 2020.

Below, we have answered questions about these COVID-19 emergency relief measures and the resulting flexibilities for federal student loans.

Which loans qualify for the COVID-19 suspension of payments and the 0% interest rate?

The suspension of payments and 0% interest rate applies to the following types of federal student loans, but only if they are loans owned by the U.S. Department of Education (ED):

Defaulted and nondefaulted Direct Loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted FFEL Program loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted Federal Perkins Loans
Defaulted HEAL loans

If my loans are owned by ED, do I need to do anything to suspend my payments or for the interest on my loans to be set at 0%?

No, ED has automatically adjusted your account so that your payments are suspended and interest does not accrue (i.e., accumulate).

How long will the suspension of payments and 0% interest rate last?

These flexibilities are currently scheduled to last through September 30, 2021.

Tip: If you can afford to make payments during this period, you will pay off your loan faster and lower the total cost of your loan over time.

I am currently in school. How does the 0% interest rate impact my loans?

When the COVID emergency relief period ends, regular loan interest rates will apply.

How will I know when I will have to start making payments again?

The 0% interest period and suspension of payments are currently scheduled to end on September 30, 2021. Both Federal Student Aid and your servicer will contact you ahead of time to remind you that you will need to start making payments again. Make sure your contact information is up to date in your loan servicer account profile.

What if I want to continue making payments?

Nine Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

FACT: The reality is there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. It does not matter if you have a low or high income; most people qualify for some type of financial aid, including low-interest federal student loans. Many factors besides income—such as your family size and your year in school—are taken into account.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you are also automatically applying for state funds. Do not make assumptions about what you will get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: This is not necessarily true. Even if you support yourself, live on your own, or file your own taxes, you may still be considered a dependent student for FAFSA purposes. The FAFSA form asks a series of questions to determine your dependency status. If you are independent, you will not need to include your parents’ information on your FAFSA form. But if you are dependent, you must provide your parents’ information.

If you are a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: Do not wait. You can start now! As a matter of fact, you can start as early as your senior year of high school. You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you are considering even if you have not applied or been accepted yet. If you do not end up applying or getting accepted to a school, the school can just disregard your FAFSA form.

You can add up to 10 schools at a time.
If you are applying to more than 10 schools, here’s what you should do.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

FACT: You still have options! If you have received federal, state, and college aid but still find yourself having to fill the gap between what your financial aid covers and what you owe your school, check out these 7 options.

MYTH 5:
I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

FACT: No, you will have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid so we won’t be able to tell you what you will get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

FACT: Nope! There are at least two deadlines you need to check: your school, and federal deadlines. You can find the federal deadline at StudentAid.gov. You will need to check your school’s website for their FAFSA deadline. If you are applying to multiple schools, make sure to check all of their deadlines and apply by the earliest one. Also, if you are applying to any scholarships that require the FAFSA form, they might have a different deadline as well! Even if your deadlines are not for a while, we recommend you fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to make sure you do not miss out on any aid.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you are in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you are a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

FACT: While a high grade point average will help you get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most federal student aid programs do not take grades into consideration when you first apply. Keep in mind that if you want to continue receiving aid throughout your college career, you will have to maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by your school.

So What’s Next?

SAP Isn't Just for Trees 2020

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 01 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 14. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Don't Wait to Fill Out the 2021-2022 FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2021-22 FAFSA. It is available now!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2021–22 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2020, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2021. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2021–22 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2019 income information, rather than their 2020 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2020-2021	October 1, 2019–June 30, 2021	2018
2021-2022	October 1, 2020–June 30, 2022	2019
2022-2023	October 1, 2021-June 30, 2023	2020

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020-21 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Because the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information, you will already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, and you won’t need to estimate your tax information and then go back into the FAFSA later to update it. Also, because you’ll already have done your taxes by the time you fill out your FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

The IRS DRT is a great tool that is available to simplify the FAFSA application process. If you use the IRS DRT you don’t have to find your tax records, and you don’t have to worry about making mistakes entering your tax information on your FAFSA.

Will my 2020–21 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2021–22 FAFSA?
No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there's no way to predict what might be different, so you'll need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at fafsa.gov, some basic information from your 2020–21 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2021–22 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2020 information if my family’s income has dropped significantly since we filed 2019 taxes?
No. You must report 2019 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires.

Do I report my 2019 tax and income information on the 2021–22 FAFSA now, and then update it once I’ve filed my 2020 taxes?
No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2021–22 FAFSA asks for 2019 tax information.

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2019 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?
Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it’s filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but wasn’t in 2019 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2019 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2019 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there’s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?
No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

8 Steps to Filling out the FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Do you need to fill out the 2021-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but do not know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you do not have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

The 2021–22 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline is not for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Do not wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to studentaid.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you would like to complete:

2021–22 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 21, Spring 22 or Summer 22.
2020–21 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 20, Spring 21 or Summer 21.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and have not completed your 2020–21 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait for one to three days until it processes, then go back in and complete the 2021–22 FAFSA form.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you will be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You are not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you are a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it is extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it is the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I am finished. What is next?

You're Here...Now What?

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving For College

Melissa Elliott — Sat, 01 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Summer is coming to an end. Before you know it, you’ll be loading up your belongings in the family SUV and heading off to college. You’re so ready, right? Well, maybe not. Here are some tips for things to do this summer before you head off to college.

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should’ve already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College, this information is available 24 hours per day on My VC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that doesn't mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan, complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial

If you’re using student loans to help you pay for college, make sure you’re borrowing only what you need and keeping track of what you’re borrowing. These are student loans and they must be paid back.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast, and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you do not manage your time well. You’re worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I’ll get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
room and board;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You can’t receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your EFC is 12,000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Work-Study
State Work-Study
Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG)

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

Non-need-based aid is financial aid that is not based on your EFC. What matters is your COA and how much other assistance you’ve been awarded so far. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and you’ve been awarded a total of $4,000 in need-based aid and private scholarships, you can get up to $12,000 in non-need-based aid.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

If you have any additional questions, please call out office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

The Fall 2020 Financial Aid Deadline is Approaching

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2020 semester is Wednesday, June 24.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 24, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So......get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Covid-19 Impact to Your Student Loans

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 01 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

On March 27, 2020, the president signed the CARES Act into law, which, among other things, provides broad relief for federal student loan borrowers.

Your payments will automatically stop from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020.

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until Sept. 30, 2020, but you can still make payments if you choose.

If you’re concerned about your loan repayment, below the Department of Education (ED) has answered questions to help you understand what to do in certain circumstances.

Questions About the 0% Interest Period

Interest is being temporarily set at 0% on federal student loans. Which loans does the 0% rate apply to?

From March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020, the interest rate is 0% on the following types of federal student loans owned by ED:

Defaulted and nondefaulted Direct Loans
Defaulted and nondefaulted FFEL Program loans
Federal Perkins Loans

Who can tell me if my loans will have their interest rate temporarily reduced to 0%?

Contact your loan servicer online or by phone to determine if your loans are eligible. Your servicer is the entity to which you make your monthly payment. If you do not know who your servicer is or how to contact them, visit StudentAid.gov/login or call us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913) for assistance.

If my loans are owned by ED, do I need to do anything for the interest on my loans to be set at 0%?

No, ED will automatically adjust your account so that interest doesn’t accrue (i.e., accumulate). The account adjustment will be effective March 13, 2020.

If I make loan payments during the 0% interest period, how will they be applied?

During the period of 0% interest (March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020), the full amount of your payments will be applied to principal once all the interest that accrued prior to March 13 is paid.

Are private student loans eligible for the 0% interest benefit?

No. ED does not have legal authority over private student loans, and they are not covered by the CARES Act.

Questions About the Forbearance (Temporary Suspension of Payments)

I understand that my loans will be placed in administrative forbearance, temporarily suspending my monthly payments. How long will the administrative forbearance last?

The administrative forbearance will last from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020.

Someone contacted me to pay a fee to suspend my payments. Is this a scam?

Yes! The federal government will not ask for a fee to suspend your payments. There is no action required of you. If someone asks for money to process this information, it is a scam and you should report them to the FTC’s complaint assistant

If I’m currently in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, will my suspended payments count toward IDR forgiveness?

Yes.

Will suspended payments count toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)?

If you have a Direct Loan, were on a qualifying repayment plan prior to the suspension, and work full-time for a qualifying employer during the suspension, then you will receive credit toward PSLF for the period of suspension as though you made on-time monthly payments.

What will happen to my regular auto-debit payments if I do nothing?

Auto-debit payments are suspended during the administrative forbearance. Any auto-debit payments processed between March 13, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2020, can be refunded to you. Contact your loan servicer to request that your payment be refunded.

If you don’t want an administrative forbearance and want to continue making payments, contact your loan servicer to opt out of the administrative forbearance, and your auto-debit payments will resume.

You also have the option to remain in the administrative forbearance and make manual (i.e., not auto-debit) payments during the administrative forbearance period. Visit your loan servicer’s website to make a payment, or contact your loan servicer for more information.

If I made a payment after the president signed the CARES Act on March 27, 2020, can I receive a refund?

Yes; any payment you made during the administrative forbearance period (March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020) can be refunded. Contact your loan servicer to request that your payment be refunded.

If I’m trying to rehabilitate my defaulted student loan, will my suspended payments count toward my rehabilitation?

Yes.

How will I know when I will have to start making payments again?

The 0% interest period and administrative forbearance is currently set to expire on Sept. 30, 2020. Your servicer will contact you, no later than in August, to remind you that you will need to start making payments again. Make sure your contact information is up to date in your loan servicer account profile.

What if I want to continue making payments?

If you wish to continue paying your loans during the administrative forbearance period, or to pay more or less than your regular payment amount, you are free to do so. Contact your loan servicer or visit your servicer’s website to make a payment or to find out how you can continue or start auto-debit payments. Continuing to make payments during the administrative forbearance could help you pay down your loan balance more quickly because the full amount of a payment will be applied to principal once all interest accrued prior to March 13, 2020, is paid.

If you continue making regular payments but then experience a change in income, please contact your loan servicer as soon as possible to discuss options, such as enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan to lower your payments or opting in to the administrative forbearance that ends Sept. 30, 2020.

What if I want to continue making a partial payment while my loan is in forbearance?

As long as you are in forbearance, you will not be penalized for making a payment that is less than your usual monthly payment. Meanwhile, you still have the option to make a payment on your loan to make progress toward reducing your balance. Contact your loan servicer or visit your servicer’s website to make a payment or to find out how you can continue or start auto-debit payments.

Questions About Defaulted Loans

On March 25, 2020, ED announced that my federal tax refund would not be withheld to repay my defaulted federal student loan debt. My refund has already been taken. Will I get it back?

Yes, but only if your federal tax refund was in the process of being withheld—on or after March 13, 2020, and before Sept. 30, 2020—for the repayment of a defaulted federal student loan.

Your federal tax refund will not be returned to you if the process to withhold your refund was completed before March 13, 2020.

If you have questions about whether your federal tax refund was withheld, call ED’s Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115 (TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-877-825-9923).

On March 25, 2020, ED announced that a portion of my Social Security payment, including disability benefits, would not be withheld to repay my defaulted federal student loan debt. My Social Security payment has already been taken. Will I get it back?

Yes. The portion of your Social Security payment that was taken will be returned to you if your payment was in the process of being withheld—on or after March 13, 2020, and before Sept. 30, 2020—for the repayment of a defaulted federal student loan.

The portion of your Social Security payment that was withheld will not be returned to you if the process to withhold it was completed before March 13, 2020.

If you have questions about whether your Social Security payment was withheld, call ED’s Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115 (TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-877-825-9923).

On March 25, 2020, ED announced that my wages would not be garnished, but money is still being taken from my paycheck. What should I do?

Your human resources department will receive a letter from ED instructing them to stop your wage garnishment. If ED receives funds from a garnishment between March 13, 2020, and Sept. 30, 2020, we will refund your garnished wages.

On March 25, 2020, ED announced that Department-contracted private collection agencies stopped making collection calls and sending letters or billing statements. What should I do if I want to continue the payment arrangements I started before ED’s announcement?

You can continue your payment arrangement related to your defaulted federal student loan. Private collection agencies have been instructed to not make collection calls and not accept auto-debit payments from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020. However, private collection agencies are available to assist you if you reach out to them during this period. To be connected to your private collection agency to continue your current payment arrangement, call ED’s Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115 (TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-877-825-9923).

On March 25, 2020, ED announced that Department-contracted private collection agencies stopped making collection calls and sending letters or billing statements. What should I do if I want to consolidate my defaulted federal student loans or start a loan rehabilitation arrangement now?

To consolidate, or to start a loan rehabilitation arrangement related to your defaulted federal student loans, call ED’s Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115 (TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired 1-877-825-9923) for assistance.

Will my defaulted loan accrue interest?

Defaulted loans owned by ED will not accrue interest from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020. That includes Direct Loans and FFEL Program loans owned by ED. Read the Q&As above to learn more about the 0% interest period.

General Loan Questions

I’m currently on an income-driven repayment plan. I’m unemployed because of the coronavirus outbreak and don’t know when my income will return to the same level. What can I do?

You are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance that allows you to stop making your payments from March 13, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2020.

If you are on an IDR plan and your income has changed significantly, you can update your information and get a new payment amount based on your current income. To do so, visit StudentAid.gov/idr, click on “Apply Now,” and then start the application by clicking on the button next to “Recalculate my monthly payment.” After the administrative forbearance ends on Sept. 30, 2020, your monthly payments will resume at the new amount.

If you would like to enroll in an IDR plan for the first time, visit StudentAid.gov/idr, click on “Apply Now,” and then start the application.

This Q&A contains general statements of policy under the Administrative Procedure Act issued to advise the public prospectively of the manner in which the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Federal Student Aid (FSA) propose to exercise their discretion as a result of and in response to the lawfully and duly declared COVID-19 pandemic national emergency. ED and FSA do not intend for this Q&A to create legally binding standards affirmatively determining any member of the public’s legal rights and obligations for which noncompliance may form an independent basis for action.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2020–21 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2020–21 FAFSA form launched on Oct. 1. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2019 tax information to fill out the 2020–21 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2018 tax information to complete the 2020–21 FAFSA form. It doesn’t matter if you or your parents haven’t filed 2019 taxes yet because the 2020–21 FAFSA form doesn’t need that information. You won’t have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2019 taxes either because 2018 information is what’s required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 2020 semester is June 24. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you’re a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form. Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Don’t give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA form. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft and could cause delays in the FAFSA process!

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to fafsa.gov. If you’re paying a fee, you’re not on the official government website.

Need more help?

Get Your PELL On!

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2020 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the year-round Pell state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU).

To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

Student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
Student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
Student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 19-20 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2019	Spring 2020	Summer 2020
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$3,098 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 19-20 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2019	Spring 2020	Summer 2020
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$1,549 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 19-20 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2019	Spring 2020	Summer 2020
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$2,323 (37%)	$3,098 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 19-20 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2019	Spring 2020	Summer 2020
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2019-2020 academic year are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office and complete a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

Melissa Elliott — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT

You Don’t Have to Pay for Help with Your Student Loans!

Here are some signs that you’re talking to a student loan debt relief company instead of ED:

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

Your loan servicer is a company that works on behalf of ED. They provide the following services:

Collect your loan payments.
Answer any questions you have about your loans.
Help you decide which repayment plan best suits you.
Help you switch to a new plan at no cost!
Manage other tasks related to your loans.

Not sure how to contact your loan servicer? Find out here.

Here is a list of official student loan services that work with the Department of Education:

Before you contact your servicer, check out the Repayment Estimator to get an idea of plans available and see estimated monthly payments.

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

If you share this information or sign a Power of Attorney, you’re giving a debt relief company the authority to take any action they choose, make decisions for you, and act on your behalf.

And if the debt relief company collects fees from you, but never actually makes any payments on your behalf, you will still be responsible for those outstanding payments and late fees.

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Here’s a list of the student loan debt relief companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against:

A1 DocPrep, Inc.
American Student Loan Consolidators (ASLC)
Alliance Document Preparation
Student Aid Center
Strategic Student Solutions
Student Debt Doctor (SDD)
Student Debt Relief Group (SDRG)

If you have already turned over your personal information or paid a student debt relief company, consider one or all of the following options:

Log in and change your FSA ID. Do NOT share your new FSA ID password with anyone!
Contact your loan servicer to revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization agreement that your servicer has on file. You should also make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.
Contact your bank or credit card company, and request that payments to the company be stopped.
File a complaint with the FTC.
File a report of suspicious activity through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

There’s so much information available about financial aid for college that it can be hard to tell the facts from fiction. We’ve got you covered! Here are some common myths—and the real scoop—about financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Won’t Qualify For Any Aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you’re also automatically applying for state funds. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Don’t Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I’m Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

FACT: Don’t wait. You can start now! As a matter of fact, you can start as early as your senior year of high school. You must list at least one college to receive your information. You SHOULD list all schools you’re considering even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. If you don’t end up applying or getting accepted to a school, the school can just disregard your FAFSA form.

You can add up to 10 schools at a time.
If you’re applying to more than 10 schools, here’s what you should do.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I Didn’t Receive Enough Money For School. I’m Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 5:
I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

FACT: No, you’ll have to contact your school. Federal Student Aid does not award or disburse your aid so we won’t be able to tell you what you’ll get or when you’ll get it. You will have to contact the financial aid office at your school to find out the status of your aid and when you should expect it. Just keep in mind that each school has a different timeline for awarding financial aid.

MYTH 6:
There’s Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That’s Not Until June.

FACT: Nope! There are at least two deadlines you need to check: your school, and federal deadlines. You can find the federal deadline at StudentAid.gov. You’ll need to check your school’s website for their FAFSA deadline. If you’re applying to multiple schools, make sure to check all of their deadlines and apply by the earliest one. Also, if you’re applying to any scholarships that require the FAFSA form, they might have a different deadline as well! Even if your deadlines aren’t for a while, we recommend you fill out the FAFSA form as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss out on any aid.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

FACT: Nope, if you’re a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Don’t give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA form. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft and could cause delays in the FAFSA process!

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

SAP Isn't Just For Trees 2019

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 16. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Don't Wait to File Your 2020-2021 FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2020-21 FAFSA. It is available now!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2020–21 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2019, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2020. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2020–21 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2018 income information, rather than their 2019 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2019-2020	October 1, 2018–June 30, 2020	2017
2020-2021	October 1, 2019–June 30, 2021	2018
2021-2022	October 1, 2020-June 30, 2022	2019

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020-21 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

Will my 2019–20 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2020–21 FAFSA?
No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there's no way to predict what might be different, so you'll need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at fafsa.gov, some basic information from your 2019–20 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2020–21 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2019 information if my family’s income has dropped significantly since we filed 2018 taxes?
No. You must report 2018 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires. If your family’s financial situation has changed dramatically since then, you should complete the FAFSA questions as required, submit the FAFSA, then contact the school you plan to attend and discuss your situation with the financial aid office.

Do I report my 2018 tax and income information on the 2020–21 FAFSA now, and then update it once I’ve filed my 2019 taxes?
No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2020–21 FAFSA asks for 2018 tax information.

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2018 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?
Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it’s filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but wasn’t in 2018 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2018 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2018 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there’s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.
The help text in fafsa.gov will discuss all these situations.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?
No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Sports Day

Holly Scheller — Sun, 06 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Vernon College will be closed Tuesday, October 8th for Sports Day in Vernon, TX.

All classes scheduled at 5:30pm or later will meet as usual.

Thank you and see you at Sports Day!

8 Steps to Filling out the FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Need to fill out the 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but don't know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

IMPORTANT: Some of the most common FAFSA errors occur when the student and parent mix up their FSA IDs. If you don’t want your financial aid to be delayed, it’s extremely important that each parent and each student create his or her own FSA ID and that they do not share it with ANYONE.

2. Start the FAFSA at fAFSA.gov.

The 2020–21 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline isn't for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to fafsa.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you’d like to complete:

2020–21 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 20, Spring 21 or Summer 21.
2019–20 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 19, Spring 20 or Summer 20.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and haven’t completed your 2019–20 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait for one to three days until it processes, then go back in and complete the 2020–21 FAFSA form.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

Parents: Remember that the FAFSA form is the student’s application, not yours. When the FAFSA form says “you” or “your,” it’s referring to the student. Pay attention to whether you’re being asked for student or parent information.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

In the School Selection section, you can add up to 10 schools so add every school you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. The school code for Vernon College is 010060.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you’ll be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

The dependency guidelines are set by Congress and are different from those used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Even if you live on your own, support yourself, and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are determined to be a dependent student, you’ll be required to report information about your parent(s). If you’re determined to be an independent student, you won’t have to provide parent information and you can skip the next step.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

This is where your parent(s) will provide basic demographic information. Remember that it doesn’t matter if you don’t live with your parent(s); you still must report information about them if you were determined to be a dependent student in the step above.

7. Supply your financial information.

Here is where you and your parent(s) (if applicable) will provide your financial information. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA form with just a few clicks. Using this tool also may reduce the amount of paperwork you need to provide to your school. So if you’re eligible, use it! To access the tool, indicate that you’ve “already completed” taxes on the student or parent finances page. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a “LINK TO IRS” button. Choose that option and follow the prompts.

Note: The information transferred from the IRS will no longer be displayed, but you will get a confirmation message letting you know that the transfer was successful. You’ll also know which items have been transferred from the IRS because you’ll see “Transferred from the IRS” in place of the answer fields. Please make sure to answer all other questions.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You’re not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you’re a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it’s extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it’s the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I’m finished. What’s next?

You're Here...Now What?

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 27 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving For College

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should’ve already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College, this information is available 24 hours per day on My VC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that doesn't mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan, complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have a tutorial available to help you at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast, and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you don’t manage your time well. You’re worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I’ll get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
room and board;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

If you have any additional questions, please call out office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

The Fall 2019 Financial Aid Deadline is Approaching

Melissa Elliott — Sun, 02 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2019 semester is Wednesday, June 26.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 26, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So......get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

A Guide To Repaying Your Student Loans

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 01 May 2019 10:00:24 GMT

Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding The Right Repayment Plan For You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

Use the Repayment Estimator

ESTIMATE YOUR PAYMENTS

How To Make A Payment

If you don't know who your servicer is, check your account in My Federal Student Aid.

Know who your servicer is? Visit their site to make a payment.


CornerStone	MOHELA
FedLoan Servicing (PHEAA)	Navient
Granite State – GSMR	Nelnet
Great Lakes Educational Loan Services, Inc.	OSLA Servicing
HESC/Edfinancial

What To Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight.

3 Ways you Can Keep on Track with Loan Payments

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your loan servicer and ask whether you’d be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income-driven repayment plan that’ll base your monthly payment amount on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan—allowing you to combine all your federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, And Discharge

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 29 Mar 2019 08:44:21 GMT

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2019–20 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

FACT: The 2019–20 FAFSA form launched on Oct. 1. You should submit a FAFSA form as soon as possible.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2018 tax information to fill out the 2019–20 FAFSA® form.

FACT: You must use your 2017 tax information to complete the 2019–20 FAFSA form. It doesn’t matter if you or your parents haven’t filed 2018 taxes yet because the 2019–20 FAFSA form doesn’t need that information. You won’t have to update your FAFSA form after filing 2018 taxes either because 2017 information is what’s required.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

FACT: Nope! You should also be aware of your school deadline. The Vernon College financial aid priority deadline for the Fall 201 semester is June 26. Submitting all required documents by this date ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you’re a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

FACT: Absolutely not! You NEVER have to pay to complete the FAFSA form when you go to fafsa.gov. If you’re paying a fee, you’re not on the official government website.

need more help?

Get Your PELL On!

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 10:36:22 GMT

Did you know that an eligible student can receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2019 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters? Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this opportunity to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 18-19 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2018	Spring 2019	Summer 2019
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$3,098 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 18-19 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2018	Spring 2019	Summer 2019
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$1,549 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 18-19 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2018	Spring 2019	Summer 2019
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$2,323 (37%)	$3,098 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 18-19 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2018	Spring 2019	Summer 2019
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$3,098 (50%)	$3,097 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2018-2019 academic year are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office and complete a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

3 Ways to Spot a Scam

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 06 Feb 2019 08:40:10 GMT

You Don’t Have to Pay for Help with Your Student Loans!

Here are some signs that you’re talking to a student loan debt relief company instead of ED:

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

Your loan servicer is a company that works on behalf of ED. They provide the following services:

Collect your loan payments.
Answer any questions you have about your loans.
Help you decide which repayment plan best suits you.
Help you switch to a new plan at no cost!
Manage other tasks related to your loans.

Not sure how to contact your loan servicer? Find out here.

Before you contact your servicer, check out the Repayment Estimator to get an idea of plans available and see estimated monthly payments.

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

If you share this information or sign a Power of Attorney, you’re giving a debt relief company the authority to take any action they choose, make decisions for you, and act on your behalf.

And if the debt relief company collects fees from you, but never actually makes any payments on your behalf, you will still be responsible for those outstanding payments and late fees.

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

Here’s a list of the student loan debt relief companies that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken legal action against:

A1 DocPrep, Inc.
American Student Loan Consolidators (ASLC)
Alliance Document Preparation
Student Aid Center
Strategic Student Solutions
Student Debt Doctor (SDD)
Student Debt Relief Group (SDRG)

If you have already turned over your personal information or paid a student debt relief company, consider one or all of the following options:

Log in and change your FSA ID. Do NOT share your new FSA ID password with anyone!
Contact your loan servicer to revoke any power of attorney or third-party authorization agreement that your servicer has on file. You should also make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.
Contact your bank or credit card company, and request that payments to the company be stopped.
File a complaint with the FTC.
File a report of suspicious activity through the Federal Student Aid Feedback System.

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

There’s so much information available about financial aid for college or career school that it can be hard to tell the facts from fiction. We’ve got you covered! Here are some common myths—and the real scoop—about financial aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

MYTH 1:
My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

TIP: When you fill out the FAFSA form, you’re also automatically applying for state funds. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out!

MYTH 2:
I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

If you’re a dependent student, find out who is considered your parent for FAFSA purposes. (It’s not as obvious as you might think.)

MYTH 3:
I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

You can add up to 10 schools at a time.
If you’re applying to more than 10 schools, here’s what you should do.
If you want to add another school after you submit your FAFSA form, you can log in and submit a correction.

The schools you list will use your FAFSA information to determine the types and amounts of aid you may receive.

MYTH 4:
If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 5:
I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 6:
There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

MYTH 7:
I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

FACT: You have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid.

MYTH 8:
I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

FACT: Nope, if you’re a dependent student, then two people will need their own FSA ID to sign your FAFSA form online:

You (the student)
One of your parents

MYTH 9:
Only students with good grades get financial aid.

So what’s next?

SAP Isn't Just For Trees! 2018

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 03 Dec 2018 17:47:03 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 17. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Don't Wait to File Your 2019-20 FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 15:36:28 GMT

There is no need to wait to file your 2019-20 FAFSA. It is available now!

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2019–20 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2018, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2019. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2019–20 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2017 income information, rather than their 2018 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2018-2019	October 1, 2017–June 30, 2019	2016
2019-2020	October 1, 2018–June 30, 2020	2017
2020-2021	October 1, 2019-June 30, 2021	2018

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018-19 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

Will my 2018–19 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2019–20 FAFSA?
No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there's no way to predict what might be different, so you'll need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at fafsa.gov, some basic information from your 2018–19 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2019–20 FAFSA.

Can I choose to report 2018 information if my family’s income has dropped significantly since we filed 2017 taxes?
No. You must report 2017 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires. If your family’s financial situation has changed dramatically since then, you should complete the FAFSA questions as required, submit the FAFSA, then contact the school you plan to attend and discuss your situation with the financial aid office.

Do I report my 2017 tax and income information on the 2019–20 FAFSA now, and then update it once I’ve filed my 2018 taxes?
No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2019–20 FAFSA asks for 2017 tax information.

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2017 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?
Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it’s filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but wasn’t in 2017 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2017 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2017 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there’s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.
The help text in fafsa.gov will discuss all these situations.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?
No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

8 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA Form

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 11 Oct 2018 15:54:52 GMT

Need to fill out the 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but don't know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

2. Start the FAFSA at fAFSA.gov.

The 2019–20 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline isn't for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to fafsa.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you’d like to complete:

2019–20 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 19, Spring 20 or Summer 20.
2018–19 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 18, Spring 19 or Summer 19.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and haven’t completed your 2018–19 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait for one to three days until it processes, then go back in and complete the 2019–20 FAFSA form.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you’ll be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

The dependency guidelines are set by Congress and are different from those used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Even if you live on your own, support yourself, and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are determined to be a dependent student, you’ll be required to report information about your parent(s). If you’re determined to be an independent student, you won’t have to provide parent information and you can skip the next step.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

Here is where you and your parent(s) (if applicable) will provide your financial information. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA form with just a few clicks. Using this tool also may reduce the amount of paperwork you need to provide to your school. So if you’re eligible, use it! To access the tool, indicate that you’ve “already completed” taxes on the student or parent finances page. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a “LINK TO IRS” button. Choose that option and follow the prompts.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You’re not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you’re a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

If you or your parent forgot your FSA ID username or password, you can retrieve it.
Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it’s extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it’s the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I’m finished. What’s next?

You're Here.......Now What?

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 11 Sep 2018 08:44:54 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving For College

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 13:28:54 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should’ve already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College, this information is available 24 hours per day on My VC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that doesn't mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan, complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have a tutorial available to help you at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast, and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you don’t manage your time well. You’re worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 10 Jul 2018 16:06:17 GMT

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I’ll get?

Here’s the short answer:

The financial aid office at Vernon College will determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

The VC financial aid staff starts by determining your cost of attendance (COA).
We then consider your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
We subtract your EFC and other financial aid from your COA to determine the amount of your financial need and therefore how much need-based aid you can get.

If you’d like the long answer, keep reading!

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

Your COA is the amount it will cost you to go to Vernon College for the school year (for instance, for the fall semester plus the spring semester).

If you're attending at least half-time, your COA is the estimate of

tuition and fees;
room and board;
books and supplies;
transportation expenses;
personal expenses;
miscellaneous expenses.

What’s the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College first determines whether you have financial need by using this simple formula:

Calculating Your Financial Need

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

= Financial Need

Need-based aid is financial aid that you can receive if you have financial need and meet other eligibility criteria. You can’t receive more need-based aid than the amount of your financial need. For instance, if your COA is $16,000 and your EFC is 12000, your financial need is $4,000; so you aren’t eligible for more than $4,000 in need-based aid.

The following are the need-based federal student aid programs:

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I’ll get?

Vernon College determines how much non-need-based aid you can get by using this formula:

Calculating Your Non-need-based Aid

Cost of Attendance (COA)

– Financial Aid Awarded So Far*

= Eligibility for Non-need-based Aid

*includes aid from all sources, such as the school, private scholarship providers, etc.

The following are the non-need-based federal student aid programs:

If you have any additional questions, please call out office. The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

A Guide to Repaying Your Federal Student Loans

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 02 May 2018 14:57:40 GMT

Posted By: Melissa Elliott - 12/7/2017 6:06:34 PM

Understanding how to repay your federal student loans can save you a lot of time and money. Federal Student Aid is here to help you manage repayment and answer any questions you have along the way.

Finding the Right Repayment Plan for You

There are several repayment plans available, providing the flexibility you need. Here are some things you should know:

You'll be asked to choose a plan. If you don’t choose one, you will be placed on the Standard Repayment Plan, which will have your loans paid off in 10 years.
You can switch to a different plan at any time to suit your needs and goals.
Your monthly payment can be based on how much you make. Learn about the income-driven repayment plans.

How to Make a Payment

Your loan servicer handles all billing regarding your student loan, so you’ll need to make payments directly to your servicer. Each servicer has its own payment process and can work with you if you need help making payments. Not sure who your loan servicer is, log in and find out https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/?login=true To help you never miss a payment, if you sign up for automatic debit through your loan servicer, your payments will be automatically taken from your bank account each month. As an added bonus, you get a 0.25% interest rate deduction when you enroll!

What to Do If You Can't Afford Your Payments

If you’re having trouble making payments, don’t ignore your loans. Federal Student Aid offers several options that can help keep your loans in good standing, even if your finances are tight. 3 ways you can keep on track with your loan payments are:

Change your payment due date. Do you get paid after your student loan payment is due each month? If so, contact your servicer and ask whether you'd be able to switch the date your student loan payment is due.
Change your repayment plan. What you ultimately pay depends on the plan you choose and when you borrowed. If you need lower monthly payments, consider an income driven payment plan that'll base your monthly payment on how much you make.
Consolidate your loans. If you have multiple student loans, simplify the repayment process with a Direct Consolidation Loan - allowing you co combine all you federal student loans into one loan for one monthly payment.

Student Loan Forgiveness, Cancellation, and Discharge

Get Your PELL On!

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:01:29 GMT

Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, an eligible student may now receive full Federal Pell Grant for summer 2018 even if they received a full Federal Pell Grant during the fall and spring semesters. Year-round Pell allows students to receive up to 150 percent of a regular grant award over the course of the academic year so that they can continue taking classes in the summer and finish their degrees faster than they would otherwise.

With careful planning, Pell Grant recipients may take advantage of this new regulation to earn their degree faster. However, students should keep in mind that the summer term is shorter (5 1/2 or 11 weeks) than fall and spring semesters (16 weeks). Students should consult with their academic advisor to develop a manageable course load for the shorter summer term. Just because students may be eligible for full-time Pell Grant funds DOES NOT mean students are required to carry a full-time load.

Note: The provisions of the new law state that any additional Pell Grant received will be included in the student’s Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). To be eligible for additional Pell Grant funds:

student must be otherwise eligible to receive Pell Grant funds for the payment period
student must be enrolled at least half-time in the payment period(s) (6 credit hours) during the summer term
student must be maintaining satisfactory academic progress

How much may I receive in Year-Round Pell?

Student A has a zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 17-18 academic year. Student A was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With the new implementation of YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 1	Fall 2017	Spring 2018	Summer 2018
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$2960 (50%)	$2960 (50%)	$2960 (50%)

Student B has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 17-18 academic year. Student B was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters and received full Pell disbursements. With the new implementation of YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a half-time disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in six credit hours.

Scenario 2	Fall 2017	Spring 2018	Summer 2018
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	6 credit hours Half-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$2960 (50%)	$2960 (50%)	$1480 (25%)

Student C has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 17-18 academic year. Student C was enrolled full-time for the fall semester and received a full disbursement and was enrolled three-quarter time for the spring semester and received a three-quarter time disbursement. With the new implementation of YEAR ROUND PELL, the student will now be eligible to receive a full disbursement in SUMMER if enrolled in twelve credit hours.

Scenario 3	Fall 2017	Spring 2018	Summer 2018
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	9 credit hours Three Quarter-time	12 credit hours Full-time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$2960 (50%)	$2220 (37%)	$2960 (50%)

Student D has a zero EFC and is eligible for a full Federal Pell Grant for the 17-18 academic year. Student D was enrolled full-time for the fall and spring semesters but only enrolls for four credit hours during the summer semester. Student D is not enrolled at least half-time and therefore is not eligible for additional Pell Grant funds for SUMMER.

Scenario 4	Fall 2017	Spring 2018	Summer 2018
Enrollment	12 credit hours Full-Time	12 credit hours Full-time	4 credit hours Less Than Half-Time
EFC	0	0	0
Pell Awarded	$2960 (50%)	$2960 (50%)	$0

Students that have been awarded Pell Grant for the 2017-2018 academic year are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office and complete a Summer Pell Grant Review form. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

SAP Isn't Just For Trees! 2017

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 05 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the fall semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the fall semester we will complete this review during the week of December 11. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Good luck on your finals and have a Merry Christmas!

8 Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 03 Oct 2017 16:03:58 GMT

Need to fill out the 2018-19 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but don't know where to start? We are here to help! Let's walk through the process step by step.

1. Create an account (FSA ID).

Student: An FSA ID is a username and password you need to sign the FAFSA form online. If you don’t have an FSA ID, get an FSA ID here ASAP. It takes about 10 minutes to create an FSA ID.

Parent: If your child is required to report parent information on the FAFSA form, you need to create your own FSA ID in order to sign your child’s FAFSA form online. Create an FSA ID here.

2. Start the FAFSA at fAFSA.gov.

The 2018–19 FAFSA form is now available! Even if your school's deadline isn't for a while, you should complete the FAFSA form as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to apply!

Go to fafsa.gov to get started.

Choose which FAFSA form you’d like to complete:

2018–19 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 18, Spring 19 or Summer 19.
2017–18 FAFSA form if you will be attending college Fall 17, Spring 18 or Summer 18.
Both: If you will be attending college during both time periods and haven’t completed your 2017–18 FAFSA form yet, complete that first, wait one to three days until it processes , then go back in and complete the 2018–19 FAFSA form.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

In the dependency status section, you’ll be asked a series of specific questions to determine whether you are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA form.

The dependency guidelines are set by Congress and are different from those used by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Even if you live on your own, support yourself, and file taxes on your own, you may still be considered a dependent student for federal student aid purposes. If you are determined to be a dependent student, you’ll be required to report information about your parent(s). If you’re determined to be an independent student, you won’t have to provide parent information and you can skip the next step.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

Here is where you and your parent(s) (if applicable) will provide your financial information. This step is incredibly simple if you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT). The IRS DRT allows you to import your IRS tax information into the FAFSA form with just a few clicks. Using this tool also may reduce the amount of paperwork you need to provide to your school. So if you’re eligible, use it! To access the tool, indicate that you’ve “already completed” taxes on the student or parent finances page. If you’re eligible, you’ll see a “LINK TO IRS” button. Choose that option and follow the prompts.

Note: Beginning with the 2018–19 FAFSA form, the information transferred from the IRS will no longer be displayed, but you will get a confirmation message letting you know that the transfer was successful. You’ll also know which items have been transferred from the IRS because you’ll see “Transferred from the IRS” in place of the answer fields. Please make sure to answer all other questions.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

You’re not finished with the FAFSA form until you (and your parent, if you’re a dependent student) sign it. The quickest and easiest way to sign your FAFSA form is online with your FSA ID.

Sign and Submit Tips:

Make sure you and your parent don’t mix up your FSA IDs. This is one of the most common errors we see, and why it’s extremely important for each person to create his or her own FSA ID and not share it with anyone.
Make sure the parent who is using his or her FSA ID to sign the FAFSA form chooses the right parent number from the drop-down menu. If your parent doesn’t remember whether he or she was listed as Parent 1 or Parent 2, he or she can go back to the parent demographics section to check.
Here’s what you should do if you get an error saying that your FSA ID information doesn’t match the information provided on the FAFSA form.
If you have siblings, your parent can use the same FSA ID to sign FAFSA forms for all of his or her children. Your parent can also transfer his or her information into your sibling’s application by choosing the option provided on the FAFSA confirmation page.
We recommend signing the FAFSA form with an FSA ID because it’s the fastest way to get your FAFSA form processed. However, if you and/or your parent are unable to sign the FAFSA form electronically with an FSA ID, you can mail in a signature page. From the sign and submit page, select “Other options to sign and submit” and then choose “Print A Signature Page.” Just keep in mind that your FAFSA form will take longer to process if you go this route.

I’m finished. What’s next?

You're Here.....Now What???

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Classes start Monday!

Holly Scheller — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Classes start Monday, August 21!

Get lots of rest, come prepared and get ready to start the 2017-2018 school year!

Vernon College is committed to your success, if you ever feel like you're losing your way, please take advantage of our Student Services Department. We have amazing counselors on staff, Peer to Peer Mentors and Academic Coaches. There are a lot of resources to help you along the way, so don't hesitate to reach out. You are not a number, you are a member of the Vernon College Family and we are here for you.

Have a great semester!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving For College

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 08 Aug 2017 09:01:03 GMT

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should’ve already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College this information is available 24 hours per day on My VC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that doesn't mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan, complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have a tutorial available to help you at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast, and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you don’t manage your time well. You’re worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you soon! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

The Financial Aid Priority Deadline is Approaching

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 17:05:08 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2017 semester is Wednesday, June 21. That is 2 weeks away.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

If you do not complete all three steps by June 21, we can not guarantee you that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded prior to the payment deadline. That means you will have to pay your tuition, fees and books out of your own pocket or sign up for an installment plan that is available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file, and does not guarantee the award of financial aid funds.

So......get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

SAP Isn't Just for Trees!

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 04 May 2017 10:08:04 GMT

Can you believe the end of the semester is just days away? As the spring semester winds to a close, there are a few things you should be aware of. As required by federal regulations, all students must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP). SAP will be evaluated at the end of each long semester. That means for the spring semester we will complete this review during the week of May 15. There are three standards for SAP: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

Qualitative - Financial aid cumulative GPA

Quantitative - Cumulative successful pace of completion

Maximum Time Frame - Maximum time allowed for program completion

SAP Status Descriptions

Satisfactory - All requirements met, no limits to financial aid

Warning - Requirements not met, no limits to financial aid, but at risk of losing eligibility

Suspension- Financial aid eligibility lost

Good luck on your finals and have a fantastic summer!

Spring 17 Financial Aid Times

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 11 Apr 2017 16:35:51 GMT

WELCOME to the Spring edition of the Financial Aid Times. Be sure to follow us on FACEBOOK! https://www.facebook.com/Vernon-College-Financial-Aid-199315716065/.

2017-18 FAFSA - The time to apply for financial aid for the 2017-18 school year (Fall 17 – Summer 18) is now!!! Complete a 2017-18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov

SUMMER PELL - Students who enrolled full-time during the 2016-17 year have already received their scheduled Pell award and are not eligible for additional Pell funds. Students who attended less-than-full-time during the 2016-17 year, could possibly have remaining Pell eligibility from their first scheduled Pell award. For more information, see the VC homepage and complete a Summer 2017 Pell Grant Review Form at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/financial-aid-forms.

TEXT MESSAGING – Did you know the financial aid office offers text messaging? Don’t miss out on important messages. Sign up today! https://www.vernoncollege.edu/Text-Messaging

FINANCIAL AID BLOG – We want to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education and utilize various methods to keep you informed. Check out our latest blog at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/Financial-Aid-Blog

STUDENT EMAILS - See the VC homepage for information on how to activate your account. Award notifications and status letters are sent to your VC email account. Instructions can be found at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-email.

HELP US HELP YOU – Over 4,300 students have applied for financial aid for the current school year and over 2,100 for the 17-18 school year. How can you help? If you have a question, access Campus Connect 24 hours per day at your convenience to check your financial aid status, view awards, etc. at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

DATE TO REMEMBER - June 21, 2017– Fall 17 Financial Aid Priority Deadline. For more information see https://www.vernoncollege.edu/financial-aid-calendar

GOT QUESTIONS…..WE’VE GOT ANSWERS! – Check out Chap Assistance TV, Financial Aid 101 or Why I Chose VC videos on the VC Financial Aid homepage. You can also find out your processor contact information, announcements, disbursement dates, and other helpful information etc. at https://www.vernoncollege.edu/financial-aid-home-page

DON’T BE A SAP - Federal regulations require that students who receive financial aid make satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Vernon College students must maintain a financial aid cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, a cumulative successful pace of completion rate that is at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of all courses attempted at VC, and not exceed the maximum time-frame limit. The student’s Financial Aid Transcript that is located in Campus Connect under the Account Information option, and not the VC academic transcript, is the transcript used for all satisfactory academic progress calculations. The financial aid cumulative GPA and the number of hours attempted and earned could be different than the student’s academic cumulative GPA and number of hours attempted and earned. This includes all periods of enrollment, even semesters in which the student did not receive financial aid. If you fail to meet any of these standards, you will lose your eligibility for financial aid. For more information, see the Financial Aid homepage https://www.vernoncollege.edu/satisfactory-academic-progress.

R2T4…..WHAT IS THAT?? If a student withdraws prior to completing 60% of the semester, a Return to Title IV calculation must be completed that determines how much aid the student actually earned. This could result in the student owing money to VC, the federal government or both! Contact the financial aid office prior to dropping classes or withdrawing.

HAVE YOU BEEN TO COUNSELING…….exit counseling that is! If you received a student loan you must complete this requirement before you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, transfer to another school, or withdraw from VC. Failure to do so will result in a hold against your record. This requirement can be completed 24 hours per day at your convenience at https://www.studentloans.gov.

Good luck on your finals!!!

5 Myths about the 2017-18 FAFSA Debunked

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 09 Mar 2017 13:51:40 GMT

Don’t fall for these myths about federal student aid and the application process!

To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Completing and submitting the FAFSA is free and easier than ever, and it gives you access to the largest source of financial aid to pay for college. Don't fall for these myths about financial aid and the application process.

MYTH 1:
I used 2015 tax information last year and didn’t get any aid, so it’s pointless to fill out the FAFSA again.

FACT: Not pointless! Your aid award could be different this year.
If you filed a 2016–17 FAFSA and received an award letter from your school, don’t assume that next year’s financial aid award will be the same. The Department of Education asks you to complete the FAFSA annually because the factors used to calculate your aid could change each year. Things like your year in school, family income, and cost of attendance at your school are just a few factors used to determine your aid. You never know what aid you may get if you don’t complete the FAFSA, so don’t let last year’s award deter you from potential aid you may receive this year. Even if you did not get the Federal Pell Grant last year, you could still be eligible for other types of aid this year. This includes work-study and low-interest loans.

MYTH 2:
I have to update my 2017–18 FAFSA with 2016 data after I file taxes.

FACT: Nope! You won’t need to update your FAFSA since you will be using your 2015 tax information.
Unlike the FAFSA in the past, you won’t have to use estimates or make updates after filing taxes. The 2017–18 FAFSA will ask for 2015 income and tax information which you should already have. Moving forward, the FAFSA will always ask for older tax information. For instance, the 2018–19 FAFSA will ask for 2016 income and tax info.

MYTH 3:
I can choose which year’s tax information I provide on the FAFSA.

FACT: No, you won’t be able to choose.
The FAFSA has always asked for one specific tax year to be reported. The 2017–18 FAFSA will ask for 2015 tax information, and that’s what you have to provide. You can’t choose to provide 2016 information if you feel it’ll benefit you in some way.

MYTH 4:
I can re-use my 2016–17 FAFSA since my 2015 income and tax information will be the same.

FACT: No, you still need to submit a renewal or a new 2017–18 FAFSA.
But, there’s a bonus this year! You will be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to electronically import your 2015 taxes right away. If you’re eligible to use the IRS DRT, this will speed up your FAFSA completion process.

MYTH 5:
I can’t file my FAFSA because I haven’t applied to any schools.

FACT: You can still file as long as you list at least one school on your FAFSA.
It’s OK to complete your FAFSA before turning in college applications. On the FAFSA, add every school you’re considering, even if you haven’t applied or been accepted yet. If you’re on the fence about a particular school, add it anyway. Doing so will hold your place in line for financial aid in case you end up applying for that school. You can also add or remove schools to your FAFSA later.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education and hopes these debunked myths were helpful! Please contact our office if you have more questions,

Vernon College Foundation Online Auction

Holly Scheller — Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:00:00 GMT

The 20th annual Vernon College Foundation Online Auction starts Tuesday March 10th at 8 a.m.

This year’s auction has over 480 items to bid on including: a VIP tour of the Dallas Cowboy’s stadium, 2 tickets for a Texas Ranger’s game, a skeet shooting day, a Bahama Bucks party pack, Michael Kors purse, Vernon College surplus, gift certificates to local restaurants/business, Kendra Scott Earrings, vintage collectibles, and many more great items.

https://secure.maestroweb.com/default.aspx?OrgID=580

It Is Never to Early to Plan Ahead

Melissa Elliott — Mon, 30 Jan 2017 14:01:32 GMT

2016 was a year of changes in financial aid. The biggest being the introduction of the early FAFSA which is now available in October instead of January. Because of this, students and parents began adjusting their college and financial aid application timeframes.

While 2016 was a year of getting over new road bumps, 2017 will be a year of settling in. Current and future college students need to acclimate themselves to these changes. Vernon College will start awarding 2017-18 applicants next month! Here are some things to be aware of regarding financial aid in the coming year:

• Students need to think way ahead: We are currently working on the FAFSA for the 2017-18 academic year. Anyone who plans to be in college during the 2107-18 academic year (Fall 2017, Spring 2018 or Summer 2018) , should complete the 2017-18 FAFSA as soon as possible. Keep in mind, though, that the next FAFSA is on the horizon for 2018-19. Students who are currently juniors in high school should already be planning for this date.

• Tax years can get confusing: Although the idea is to make it easier to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, or DRT, to complete the FAFSA, it does get a little confusing when thinking about which tax year to use. Be aware of these guidelines:

· If you plan to attend college in 2016-17, you can submit the 2016-17 FAFSA until June 30, 2017 using tax information from the 2015 tax year.

· If you plan to attend college in 2017-18, you can submit the 2017-18 FAFSA until June 30, 2018, also using your 2015 tax information.

· If you plan to attend college in 2018-19, you can submit the 2018-19 FAFSA between October 1, 2017 and June 30, 2019, using your 2016 tax information.

• Keep your documentation: Because of the use of PPY information, some families’ financial circumstances change before they complete the FAFSA. Be prepared to complete the FAFSA using the timeframes required, and then contact the VC Financial Aid Office.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

FAFSA....It's Really Not That Difficult

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 14:45:06 GMT

There are two exciting changes coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process this year.

1. The 2017–18 FAFSA will be available earlier.

The 2017–18 FAFSA is ready NOW. You do not have to wait until Jan. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date will be a permanent change, enabling you to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as October 1 every year.

2. You’ll use earlier income and tax information.

Beginning with the 2017–18 FAFSA, you’ll be required to report income and tax info from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2017–18 FAFSA, you—and your parent(s), as appropriate—will report your 2015 income and tax info, rather than your 2016 income and tax info.

The following table provides a summary of key dates as we transition to using the early FAFSA submission timeframe and earlier tax information.

We know you probably have some questions. Here are some we’ve been hearing from students:

How will the changes benefit me?

You might find that the FAFSA process is easier than you expected.

From now on, the FAFSA will ask for older income and tax information that you will already have. This change means you won’t have to use estimates anymore, or log in later to update your FAFSA after you file taxes!
Because you’ll already have done your 2015 taxes by the time you fill out your 2017–18 FAFSA, you may be able to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) to automatically import your tax information into your FAFSA.
Having the FAFSA available three months earlier will give you more time to meet most deadlines (although some will be early, so fill out the FAFSA right away just in case) and to explore and understand your financial aid options.

Since the 2017–18 FAFSA asks for the same tax and income information as the 2016–17 FAFSA, will my 2016–17 FAFSA info automatically be carried over into my 2017–18 renewal FAFSA?

No. Too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there’s no way to predict what might be different, so you’ll need to enter the information again. However, keep in mind that many people are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to automatically import their 2015 tax information into the FAFSA, making the process of reporting tax info quick and easy.

Do I have to update my 2017–18 FAFSA with my 2016 tax information after I file my 2016 taxes?

No. The 2017–18 FAFSA asks for 2015 tax info, and only 2015. No updating necessary. (Hooray!)

But what if my family’s financial situation has changed since our 2015 taxes were filed? Can we report our 2016 tax information instead?

No. You must report your 2015 tax info on the 2017–18 FAFSA. You do not have the option to report your 2016 tax info. If your family has experienced a loss of income since the 2015 tax year, talk to the financial aid office at your school.

Note: The FAFSA asks for marital status as of the day you fill it out. So if you’re married now but weren’t in 2015 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), you’ll need to add your spouse’s income to your FAFSA.

Similarly, if you filed your 2015 taxes as married but you’re no longer married when you fill out the FAFSA, you’ll need to subtract your spouse’s income.

Where can I get more information about—and help with—the FAFSA?

Visit StudentAid.gov/fafsa/filling-out; and remember, as you fill out your FAFSA at fafsa.gov, you can refer to help text for every question and (during certain times of day) chat online with a customer service representative

Please let us know if you have any questions. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

The BIG FAFSA Changes for 2017-18

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 18:01:19 GMT

Starting with the 2017–18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the following changes have been put in place:

Students are now able to submit a FAFSA earlier. Students have been able to file a 2017–18 FAFSA since Oct. 1, 2016, rather than beginning on Jan. 1, 2017. The earlier submission date is a permanent change, enabling students to complete and submit a FAFSA as early as Oct. 1 every year.

Students now report earlier income information. Beginning with the 2017–18 FAFSA, students are required to report income information from an earlier tax year. For example, on the 2017–18 FAFSA, students (and parents, as appropriate) must report their 2015 income information, rather than their 2016 income information.

The following table provides a summary of key dates for FAFSA submission and reporting of earlier tax information.

When a Student Is Attending College	When a Student Can Submit a FAFSA	Which Year’s Income Information Is Required
2016-2017	January 1, 2016–June 30, 2017	2015
2017-2018	October 1, 2016–June 30, 2018	2015
2018-2019	October 1, 2017–June 30, 2019	2016
2019-2020	October1, 2018-June 30, 2020	2017

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017-18 FAFSA

How will the changes benefit me?

Why should I use the IRS DRT?

Will my 2016–17 FAFSA information be carried over onto the 2017–18 FAFSA?
No; too much could have changed since you filed your last FAFSA, and there's no way to predict what might be different, so you'll need to enter the information again. If you choose the Renewal FAFSA option when you start your application at fafsa.gov, some basic information from your 2016–17 FAFSA will be prepopulated in your 2017–18 FAFSA. However, your tax and income information will not.

Can I choose to report 2016 information if my family’s income has dropped significantly since we filed 2015 taxes?
No. You must report 2015 tax and income information, as the FAFSA requires. If your family’s financial situation has changed dramatically since then, you should complete the FAFSA questions as required, submit the FAFSA, then contact the school you plan to attend and discuss your situation with the financial aid office.

Do I report my 2015 tax and income information on the 2017–18 FAFSA now, and then update it once I’ve filed my 2016 taxes?
No. Do not update after filing your taxes. The 2017–18 FAFSA asks for 2015 tax information.

What if my parents’ (or my) marital status has changed since we filed 2015 taxes? How do we supply tax and income information on the FAFSA?
Here are some tips for this type of situation:

The FAFSA asks for marital status “as of today” (the day it’s filled out). So if the student or parent is married now but wasn’t in 2015 (and therefore didn’t file taxes as married), the spouse’s income will need to be added to the FAFSA.
Similarly, if the student or parent filed 2015 taxes as married but is no longer married when filling out the FAFSA, the spouse’s income will need to be subtracted.
And if the student or parent was married when filing 2015 taxes, then got divorced and is now married to someone else, there’s a bit more math to do: Subtract the ex’s income, then add the new spouse’s income.
The help text in fafsa.gov will discuss all these situations.

Do I have to apply for admission to a school before I list it on my FAFSA?
No. On your FAFSA, list all the schools to which you have applied or might apply.

Good luck and let us know if you have any questions. We want to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Campus Carry Survey

Holly Scheller — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The campus carry taskforce is seeking your input for the Vernon College campus carry policy which will go into effect August 1, 2017. The clear intent of Senate Bill 11 is that starting August 1, 2017 concealed hand guns will be allowed on community college campuses. However, they have recognized that there are some areas of campuses that can be off limits to concealed handguns.

Your input is very important to Vernon College, please take a few minutes to complete the following survey at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/conceal

I'm Here......Now What?

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 17:04:35 GMT

Attend class. Obvious, right? Skipping class will be tempting at times, but avoid the temptation. Regular class attendance is a must! Besides learning the material by attending classes, you’ll also receive vital information from the instructors about what to expect on tests, changes in due dates, etc. Also, be aware of each instructor’s attendance policy. Missing class can adversely affect your grade and in some instances can result in you being withdrawn from the class.
Take advantage of the PASS Department. You can receive tutoring services for most programs offered at Vernon College. They also offer assistance with study skills, time management sills, test-taking strategies and various life and coping skills.
Meet with your instructors. Probably the most underutilized resource at college is the office hour. All instructors have posted office hours to meet with students and help them with the course. Your tests and grades will be better if you’ve had a chance to ask about things you’re confused about.
Don’t be anonymous. Introduce yourself to your instructors and participate in class. We are not saying you have to sit in the front row and answer every question, just don’t hide in the back of the classroom and be invisible. Moreover, don’t hesitate to ask questions in class; if you are wondering about something, chances are that someone else is too!
Stay on top of your work. Try not to procrastinate. “Plan ahead” should be your mantra for your college career. Nobody ever says “Oh no, I started on that too early!"
Know that you are not alone. If you need support, ask for it. Those of us who have made education our life’s work want to see you succeed; let us know how we can help.

The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education! Have a great semester!!

Volleyball Alumni Game Day

Christie Lehman — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 16:45:00 GMT

Join Us for this years Volleyball Alumni Game Day! Our Volleyball Alumni Game will be Saturday, August 13th at 2:00 p.m. in the King Center at the Vernon Campus. ALL alumni are welcome!!! Please RSVP by email with Tatiana at tbooth@vernoncollege.edu OR Lashaunda at lspurgeon@vernoncollege.edu. Please feel free to tell your friends and come join the fun!

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving For College

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 10:14:10 GMT

Summer is coming to an end. Before you know it, you’ll be loading up your belongings in the family minivan and heading off to college. You’re so ready, right? Well, maybe not. Here are some tips for things to do this summer before you head off to college.

1. Make sure your school has your financial aid ready for you

By now, you should’ve already applied for financial aid. If not, you need to complete the 2016-17 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://fafsa.gov ASAP!

NOW is the time to check with the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend to make sure your financial aid is ready and all paperwork is complete. This will help you avoid any unnecessary surprises or financial aid delays when you arrive on campus. At Vernon College this information is available 24 hours per day on My VC. For your convenience, we have provided step-by-step instructions at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/how-to-check-your-financial-aid-status.

You’ll also want to make sure you have enough money to cover any gaps between the cost of your school and the financial aid you’ve been offered.

2. Complete the student loan process

Just because you have been awarded a student loan, that doesn't mean the money is sitting at your school. You must complete 3 additional steps so your loan funds will be available. You will need to accept your loan, complete entrance counseling and a master promissory note. If you are not sure how to do that, we have a tutorial available to help you at http://www.vernoncollege.edu/student-loan-tutorial.

3. Register for classes and prepare for a whole new world of time management

Make sure you are registered for classes that count toward your degree plan or certificate, and that you understand your class schedule. One of the biggest challenges for a lot of you will be time management. When you head off to college, you won’t have somebody there to wake you up, make you breakfast and send you out the door in clean clothes with completed homework in hand. You need to know deadlines for registration, papers, financial aid, coursework and everything in between. Your chance of succeeding academically will rapidly evaporate if you don’t manage your time well. You’re worth the investment–manage it well.

Good luck and we look forward to seeing you in August! The VC Financial Aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education!

The Financial Aid Priority Deadline is Approaching

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 15:21:01 GMT

The priority deadline for the Fall 2016 semester is Wednesday, June 22. That is 2 weeks from today.

To meet the financial aid priority deadline, you MUST:

1. Have submitted a FAFSA to the federal government with the results received by VC;

2. Have provided all documents requested by the financial aid office;

3. Have applied for admission to VC.

So......get busy shopping for Father's Day and completing your financial aid file! We want to provide you the financial aid support you need to afford your education and are here to help!

Satisfactory Academic Progress Changes

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 10 May 2016 15:33:50 GMT

Due to changes in federal regulations, changes have been made to our satisfactory academic progress policy. Review the updated policy below and let us know if you have any questions. All changes are in red.

Students who receive federal and/or state funds administered by the Vernon College (VC) Office of Financial Aid, must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. The VC Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is separate and stricter than VC Admissions and Records academic standards. Coursework attempted and grades earned in semesters forgiven through the state of Texas’ “Academic Fresh Start” program will be included in the satisfactory academic progress calculation. The student’s Financial Aid Transcript that is located in Campus Connect under the Account Information option, and not the VC academic transcript, is the transcript used for all satisfactory academic progress calculations. The financial aid cumulative GPA and the number of hours attempted and earned could be different than the student’s academic cumulative GPA and number of hours attempted and earned. All periods of enrollment at VC must be counted, including any semester in which the student did not receive financial aid. Students who do not have a VC academic history (first time college enrollment or incoming transfer students) will be assumed to be making satisfactory progress at the time of first enrollment. There are three standards for satisfactory progress: qualitative, quantitative and maximum time frame.

QUALITATIVE – The qualitative measure evaluates the quality of academic work using standards measureable against a norm.Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Grades of A, B, C, D, F and WF contribute toward the GPA.Grades of W, P, I, AU and U do not.All grades, including developmental coursework and repeated courses, are included in the student’s GPA.Transfer grades are not included in the GPA calculation.

QUANTITATIVE – The quantitative measure is the pace of completion required to make sure the student completes within maximum timeframe. Students must have a successful pace of completion rate that is at least sixty-seven (67%) percent of all courses attempted at VC. This includes both developmental and college-level coursework.Successful completion is measured by grades of A, B, C, D, and P.Grades of F, W, WF, U, I, and AU are counted toward the total hours attempted but not successfully completed.Repeated courses are included in the pace of completion calculation. Pace of completion is calculated by dividing the cumulative number of hours the student has successfully completed by the cumulative number of hours the student has attempted.The VC Office of Financial Aid will use standard rounding rules when calculating percentages under the quantitative measurement.

MAXIMUM TIMEFRAME – Federal regulations specify that the maximum time frame for program completion may not exceed 150 percent (150%) of the published length of the program.Time frame is measured by the number of credit hours attempted.If the student switches degree or certificate programs, Vernon College will not count toward the one hundred fifty (150%) percent maximum time frame the credits attempted in the old major.However, any courses that apply to the new program must be counted.For transfer students, Vernon College will count accepted transfer credits that apply toward the new or current program in the maximum timeframe calculation.Students who exceed the one hundred fifty (150%) percent maximum time frame limit will no longer be eligible for financial aid.Developmental classes do not count toward the one hundred fifty (150%) percent maximum time frame.Credits that have been repeated will be counted toward the one hundred fifty (150%) percent maximum time frame.Once it is determined that it is mathematically impossible for the student to complete his/her program within the maximum time frame, the student immediately becomes ineligible for aid.
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SATISFACTORY PROGRESS:
FINANCIAL AID WARNING - Students who fail to meet one or more of the satisfactory academic progress standards will be placed on financial aid warning status for their next semester of enrollment. A student on financial aid warning will be eligible to receive financial aid. If the satisfactory academic progress standards are met at the end of the warning semester, the warning status will be removed.If at the end of the warning status semester the satisfactory academic progress standards are not met, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.Students cannot appeal a financial aid warning status.

FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION - Financial aid suspension occurs when the student does not meet the satisfactory academic standards for two consecutive semesters. Financial aid suspension also occurs if the student receives all F’s or a combination of all F’s and W’s for attempted classes in a semester.The Director of Financial Aid also reserves the right, through professional judgement, to place a student of financial aid suspension.Students will not receive financial aid, including student loans, while on financial aid suspension.Students placed on financial aid suspension may continue to enroll at Vernon College, but must pay for their coursework and expenses from their own funds. Enrolling and paying for courses as well as successfully completing courses can assist in regaining the student’s eligibility. Financial aid suspension will last a minimum of one semester. Students can regain eligibility by reenrolling at Vernon College and having a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, a cumulative successful pace of completion of at least 67%, and remain within the 150% maximum timeframe. When this is accomplished, the student will be removed from financial aid suspension and therefore eligible for financial aid.STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTIFYING THE OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID WHEN THEY BELIEVE THEY HAVE REGAINED ELIGIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.

FINANCIAL AID PROBATION – Students who successfully appeal their financial aid suspension status will be placed on financial aid probation for one semester.Vernon College can require that a student on financial aid probation fulfill specific terms and conditions, such as taking a reduced course load or enrolling in specific courses. A student on financial aid probation may receive financial aid. At the end of that semester, the student must meet Vernon College's satisfactory academic progress standards or the requirements of the established individual academic plan. Failure to do so will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension.

MONITORING:

Student progress will be reviewed at the end of each long semester (December for students enrolled in the Fall, Fall I and/or Fall II semester[s]; May for students enrolled in the Spring, Spring I and/or Spring II semester[s]; and August for students enrolled in the Summer, Summer I and/or Summer II semester[s]). Notification of a student’s satisfactory academic progress status will be posted on his or her Campus Connect account. Students should access Campus Connect to verify their status.

APPEAL PROCEDURE:

Students placed on financial aid suspension due to lack of satisfactory progress may appeal the denial of financial aid due to an unusual or extraordinary situation that affected the student’s progression toward the successful completion of his or her program of study. Examples of unusual circumstances include: injury or illness of the student or family member, death of a relative of the student, maximum time limit exceeded, or other special circumstances. The appeal must be submitted in writing to the Financial Aid office and must include supporting documentation to support the appeal. Appeals submitted without supporting documentation will be denied. The appeal must address why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress. This includes, if applicable, the semester the student was placed on warning, and what has changed in the student's situation that would allow the student to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress at the next evaluation. An appeal may be approved only if the Financial Aid office has determined that the student will be able to meet satisfactory academic progress standards after the subsequent semester. The Financial Aid office also has the option to develop an academic plan with the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet satisfactory academic standards by a specific point in time. Students, who are appealing the maximum time frame limit, must be meeting the requirements for 67% completion and a 2.0 cumulative GPA in order for this appeal to be approved. The Financial Aid office will notify students in writing of the results within 30 business days after submitting all requested documentation. Students whose appeal is denied may submit a second appeal in writing to the Scholarship Committee. The second appeal should also be submitted to the Financial Aid office who will, in turn, submit it to the Scholarship Committee. The Scholarship Committee's decision will be final and will be reported to student in writing within 30 business days after receipt of the second appeal.

Manage Your Student Loan Borrowing

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 16:55:03 GMT

For parents of high school seniors who are heading off to college in the fall, springtime can be both ecstatic and exciting! When your student receives their acceptance letters and decides on a college to attend, you can certainly be proud of all that you have accomplished together. But, then you get the financial aid award notifications and the knots start to form in the pit of your stomach. Are you really going to be able to afford all of this?

As you read the financial aid award notifications, you notice that a portion of the package is going to be federal student loans. You make a mental note of this as you realize that there will still be an amount outstanding, even after those loans are applied toward expenses. This is called the “gap amount” – the difference between anticipated costs and expected aid. Many families consider filling this gap with private student loans. Before you take that step, though, you will need to discover a plan that will help you manage your student loan borrowing:

• Check the math twice: The first rule of student loan borrowing is to be sure that you only borrow exactly what you need. Extra money that is available after college expenses are paid tends to get spent, and then you are back in the same position of borrowing that amount again for the next semester. Be aware that interest can build up over time, and make those day-to-day purchases quite expensive. Add up exactly what your costs are going to be, and then only borrow enough to meet those expenses. If you come into some unexpected money, think about setting it aside and using it for next semester’s tuition instead of borrowing more money.

• Start planning for repayment now: Two to four years down the road is not when you want to start thinking about how you are going to repay any student loans you take out now. Sit down with your student and thoroughly discuss the situation. Use student loan calculators to estimate repayment costs, and determine who will be responsible for making those payments. Look at the salaries graduates from your child’s college can expect to earn, and determine if there will be enough money to make those payments.

As the high school seniors get set to embark on their college careers, there is a March madness to get all of the college financial aid and financing into place. One helpful component of this process can be college student loans, but it can be somewhat confusing to understand all of the variables involved. Learn now and be prepared to manage your student loans responsibly!

Discover Ways to Fill the Gap Between College Costs and Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:43:49 GMT

February is a time to look ahead. Residents of cold areas of the country anxiously look ahead to spring, and hope that darn groundhog is right. Newly-engaged couples dream about a lifetime of love and togetherness. The nation looks ahead to the upcoming presidential elections. And high school seniors can’t wait to get on a real college campus in the fall.

Those are all great wishes, but sometimes we have to work a little bit to make our dreams come true. One thing that often stands between excited students and their college dreams is money. They have applied for admissions to appropriate colleges and diligently completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For some, disappointment is in the air as they realize that the amount of financial aid they have been awarded is not sufficient to cover the costs of attending a particular college. This is often referred to as the “gap amount.” If you are facing a gap between college costs and financial aid, here are a few steps you can take:

• Make sure there were no mistakes: If there is a significant difference in what you were anticipating and the actual award, take another look at your FAFSA and Student Aid Report (SAR) to make sure the information is correct. If you made an error, talk to the financial aid office to determine if it can be corrected.

• Search for alternative sources of income: Look for additional ways your family might be able to come up with the needed funds. You might consider getting a part-time job, and should always search for scholarships.

It is always fun to dream and look forward with hope, but look forward with reality, too. Always carefully review your award notifications, and make the college choice that is best for your family and you. The VC Financial Aid Office wants to provide the financial support you need to afford your education!

Don't Fall for These Myths About Financial Aid

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 11:32:12 GMT

"I'm not going to bother filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid because..."

"… my parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid."

Reality: Free Application for Federal Student Aid There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income—from the size of your family to the age of your older parent—are taken into account. Your eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by your parents’ income alone. Don’t make assumptions about what you’ll get—fill out the application and find out.

"… only students with good grades get financial aid."

Reality: While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, most of the federal student aid programs do not take a student’s grades into consideration. Provided a student maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study, federal student aid will help a student with an average academic record complete his or her education.

"… I'm too old to get financial aid."

Reality: Funds from federal student aid programs are awarded on the basis of financial need, not on the basis of age. Adult students can get financial aid, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.

"… the form is too hard to fill out."

Reality: The FAFSA is easier than ever, especially if you fill it out online at www.fafsa.gov. There are detailed instructions for every question, and the form walks you through step by step, asking only the questions that apply to you. If you need help, you can access real-time, private online chat with a customer service representative. If you’re filling out the paper FAFSA, you can get help from a high school counselor, from the financial aid office at the school you plan to attend, or from our toll-free number: 1-800-4-FED-AID. And remember, the FAFSA and all these sources of advice are FREE.

So what do I do now?

Go to www.fafsa.gov, fill out the application, and see what you get!

For more information about federal student aid, contact the Vernon College Financial Aid Office, see StudentAid.gov or contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center:

1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)

We want to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education.

The Second Annual WALK FOR WARRIORS held by Vernon College.

LeAnn Scharbrough — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Please join us in a celebratory event honoring our Veterans and Military Community. Thursday, November 10 at the Vernon College Century City Center location beginning at 5:00 pm.

Vernon College wants our military and veteran students and their family members, as well as those within our community to know we value their service and we honor their sacrifices. All proceeds from Walk for Warriors will go to The Veterans Programs of Catholic Charities.

The event consists of a symbolic walk, followed by a program of celebration, and a meal for the attendees.

The walk is one of 2 routes – the shorter one is around the Vernon College Century City Center property. The longer route is around Sikes Lake. To register for this event please click:

http://www.vernoncollege.edu/Documents/walk4edit.pdf

Don't Get Caught Making an Error on Your FAFSA!

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 17 Jun 2015 16:09:03 GMT

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a gateway to money for college. Not only is it used to apply for federal student aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Stafford Loans, but it is also used to apply for student financial aid from state governments and most colleges and universities.

But, applying for financial aid can be complicated. Financial aid involves an alphabet soup of acronyms, like FAFSA, EFC and SAR, and is like speaking a foreign language. The FAFSA itself has more than 100 numbered questions, presenting many opportunities for potential errors. Some of the most common errors involving the FAFSA that affect financial aid eligibility include:

Failing to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. You can’t get aid if you don’t apply. Unfortunately, many students disqualify themselves by failing to file the FAFSA. In 2011-12, about 2 million students would have qualified for a Federal Pell Grant, if they had only filed the FAFSA. Of these, 1.3 million would have qualified for the maximum Federal Pell Grant.

Filing the wrong year’s FAFSA. The FAFSA has an 18-month application period, running from January 1 to June 30 of the following year. From January to June of each year there are two versions of the FAFSA that could be filed, the FAFSA for the current academic year and the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year. About 90 percent of the applicants should be filing the FAFSA for the upcoming academic year. But, sometimes applicants get confused and file the previous year’s FAFSA instead. The 15-16 FAFSA is the required application for any applicant that wants to apply for financial aid for the Fall 2015, Spring 2016 and Summer 2016 semesters.

Missing financial aid deadlines. The priority deadline for Fall 2015 is June 25, 2015. Submitting all required documents prior to the priority deadline ensures that we will have your financial aid file completed and awarded, prior to the payment deadline. Failure to provide the required documents including their FAFSA, tax documents (if required), and other documents requested by the Financial Aid Office by the priority deadline could result in your aid not being ready to pay towards your bill on the payment deadline. Students must also have received an Admission Permit from the Vernon College Admissions and Records Office prior to the priority deadline. Failure to meet these requirements will mean you must make other finance arrangements such as cash, credit card, etc. with the business office or use the installment payment plan available on My VC. Simply completing the FAFSA by the deadline is not considered a complete file because more information is required beyond the FAFSA application. Students turning in documents after the priority deadline date must be prepared to pay their tuition and fees, books and other educationally related expenses using personal funds. Once files are complete, eligible students will receive payment in accordance with the VC disbursement of awards policy. Since funds are limited in some programs and awards are assigned as applications are completed, early application for aid is essential.

Transposing digits in numbers and dollar amounts or inserting extra digits. Last year, several hundred thousand applicants temporarily lost eligibility for need-based financial aid because they tried entering cents in the online FAFSA, causing their income to appear much higher than it really was. Income and tax figures should be entered as whole dollar amounts, without cents. Double-check to make sure the numbers are correct and that you’ve entered them in the correct field. A $10,000 error in income might lead to as much as a $5,000 reduction in student aid eligibility.

Using the wrong Social Security Number (SSN). The name, date of birth and Social Security Number must match the information on the student’s Social Security card. Use your full legal name, not a nickname. Any discrepancies will lead to a database mismatch, which could add delays to processing your FAFSA.

Reporting the wrong student or parent marital status. The student and parent marital status should be reported as of the date the FAFSA is filed. Do not anticipate a future change in marital status.

Submitting the wrong parent’s financial information. When a student’s parents are divorced or separated and do not live together, only one parent is responsible for filing the FAFSA. The student will need to use the household and income information of the parent that the student lived with the most during the past 12 months, or, if the student lived equally with both parents, the parent who provided the most financial support to the student.

Not including a stepparent’s income and assets. If only one parent is responsible for filing the FAFSA, but this parent has remarried, the stepparent’s income and assets must also be reported on the FAFSA, regardless of any prenuptial agreements. This can cause a significant reduction in the student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid, depending on the stepparent’s income and assets.

Incorrectly claiming head of household status. Families sometimes incorrectly file federal income tax returns as head of household because it leads to a lower tax liability, even though they do not satisfy the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax requirements.

The Vernon College Financial Aid Office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education. Please let us know if you have any questions.

Exit Counseling: What, How and Why

Melissa Elliott — Thu, 14 May 2015 14:32:36 GMT

As the semester winds down, you probably have a lot on your mind. No doubt you’ve got finals looming and you’re probably deep in job-hunting mode, not to mention the fact that you probably have to pack up and move in the next few weeks. And there’s one more pesky item that should be on your to-do list if you have a federal student loan: complete your exit counseling session.

If you have a federal student loan, completing your exit counseling session is a requirement. I had federal student loans, and when I was a graduating senior, students had to attend these exit sessions in person. This was B.I., of course (Before Internet).

Today, you can sit in the comfort of your dorm or apartment and whiz through your exit counseling while in your jammies. And in an effort to cross one more thing off your list, you may be tempted to get it done quickly, without paying much attention to the content.

But please don’t.

Trust me, there will come a day, maybe only a few months down the road when you’ll wish you knew a little more about your student loan. Repaying your student loan is a big responsibility—this time it’s critical to pay attention to the details.

But the exit session is not just about what you have to do. You also have rights as a borrower, and it’s important that you understand them. What if you need to postpone your payments and want a deferment or forbearance on your federal student loan at some point? Is loan consolidation right for you? (Remember that you may not be able to get the same repayment plans, deferment options, loan forgiveness, etc. with private student loans as you do with federal student loans.)

These are just some of the questions that exit counseling can answer for you. So take the time to walk through it carefully and pay close attention. It’s information that you’ll want to know.

Complete exit counseling at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action. You will need to provide the name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number for your closest living relative, two references who live in the U.S., and current or expected employer (if known).

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

How to Update Your FAFSA After Filing Your Taxes

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 15:17:27 GMT

April 15 is the deadline to file a 2014 federal income tax return; however, the 2015-16 FAFSA was available January 1, 2015. Did you submit your 2015-16 FAFSA before you (or your parents, if you are a dependent student) filed your 2014 taxes? If so, don’t forget you should return to your application to update the information you originally estimated with the updated numbers from your 2014 tax return.

The easiest way to update your tax information is by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT). It allows you to transfer your tax information directly into your FAFSA! Check to see if your tax return is available and if you are eligible to use the tool, but keep in mind, you generally have to wait a few weeks after filing your taxes before you can use the IRS DRT.

To update your FAFSA:

Log on to www.fafsa.gov.
Click Make FAFSA Corrections.
Navigate to the “Finances section.”
Change your answer from “Will file” to “Already completed.”

At this point, if you are eligible to use the IRS DRT, you will see a Link to IRS button. If you are not eligible to use the IRS DRT, you can manually enter the data from your completed tax return.

Click Link to IRS and log in with the IRS to retrieve your tax information.

Enter the requested information exactly as it appears on your tax return.
Review your information to see what tax data will be transferred into your FAFSA.
Check Transfer My Tax Information into the FAFSA, and click Transfer Now to return to the FAFSA.

Review the data that was transferred to your FAFSA and click Next.
Sign and submit your updated FAFSA.

Once you’ve made updates at fafsa.gov, your changes will be processed in three to five days. You’ll receive a revised Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating the changes made to your application. Each school you listed on your FAFSA can access the revised information one day after it’s processed.

Well, what are you waiting for? Let the updating begin!

FSA ID to replace PIN in April

Melissa Elliott — Tue, 24 Mar 2015 15:10:06 GMT

Announced in late 2014, FSA will be replacing the PINs that students and parents have used to sign in to complete the FAFSA, MPN, and other financial aid forms. This change is supposed to officially take place on April 26, 2015.

If you sign in to any FSA site (including StudentAid.gov, FAFSA on the Web, StudentLoans.gov, NSLDS student access, etc.) after that date, then you will be redirected to a new FSA ID page. On this page, you will be directed to pick a username and password for sign in purposes, but just like with the PIN, you will have to wait 1-3 days for the Social Security Administration to verify for identity. (Currently, you are allowed a "conditional PIN" for the 1-3 days in order to complete the verification process.)

Students who already have a PIN will be given an option to link their PIN to their new FSA ID. This will allow them to use their new FSA ID with full functionality without having to wait the 1-3 days on a conditional basis. Also, this will be much quicker of a process since completing application of a new FSA ID is estimated to take about seven minutes.

In mid-April, there is expected to be a new page on StudentAid.gov with more information about the transition, so keep on the lookout for it.

As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the financial aid office. We want to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education.

Why should I fill out the FAFSA?

Melissa Elliott — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 16:37:18 GMT

If you don’t fill out the FAFSA, you could be missing out on a lot of financial aid! We’ve heard a number of reasons students think they shouldn’t complete the FAFSA. Here are a few:

“I (or my parents) make too much money, so I won’t qualify for aid.”
“Only students with good grades get financial aid.”
“The FAFSA is too hard to fill out.”
“I’m too old to qualify for financial aid.”

Don't fall for these myths!

Myth # 1 - " I (or my parents) make too much money, so I won't qualify for aid."

Reality: There is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid. Many factors besides income - from the size of your family to the age of your older parent - are taken into account. Your eligibility is determined by a mathematical formula, not by your parents' income alone.

Myth #2 - "Only students with good grades get financial aid."

Reality: While a high grade point average will help a student get into a good school and may help with academic scholarships, if a student maintains satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of student, federal student aid will help a student with an average academic record complete his or her education.

Myth #3 - "I'm too old to get financial aid."

Reality: Funds from federal student aid programs are awarded on the basis of financial need, not on the basis of age. Adult students can get financial aid, so be sure to fill out the FAFSA.

Myth #4 - "The form is too hard to fill out."

The FAFSA is easier than ever, especially if you fill it out online at www.fafsa.gov. There are detailed instructions for every question, and the form walks you through step by step, asking only the questions that apply to you. If you need help, you can access real-time, private online chat with a customer service representative. The average completion time is 21 minutes!! Remember, the FAFSA is FREE!!

The reality is, EVERYONE should fill out the FAFSA!

Does my enrollment status impact my financial aid?

Melissa Elliott — Fri, 09 Jan 2015 11:04:51 GMT

Yes! The amount of financial aid a student receives is based on his or her enrollment status on the day after the census date, and awards will be adjusted accordingly.

Enrollment status will be determined according to the following: full-time, 12-semester hours or more; three-quarter time, 9 to 11-semester hours; half-time, 6 to 8-semester hours; and less-than-half-time, 1 to 5-semester hours. Courses the student enrolls in for the second compressed semester (Fall II, Spring II, or Summer II) will be excluded from the student’s enrollment status until balance checks for the Fall, Spring, and/or Summer semester have been disbursed. There is a 30-semester hour limit for remedial course work for any individual student. Remedial hours attempted beyond the 30 hour limit will not be included in course load for determining enrollment status. Repeated courses will be included in determining course load as long as the repeated course is not the result of more than one repetition of a previously passed course. Courses that do not count toward a student’s degree plan or certificate, with the exception of remedial courses, cannot be included to determine his or her enrollment status. If the student enrolls in a compressed semester (Fall I or Fall II, Spring I or Spring II, or Summer I or Summer II) or in a minimester that is included as part of the previous semester (December or May mini) the student’s final enrollment status for determining grant eligibility that semester, is the day after the census date for the semester of the last course taken. If a student drops, withdraws from or adds a class on or before the census date, the student’s enrollment status will be adjusted and the student’s grant aid recalculated. Recalculations will include both increases and decreases in enrollment up to the day after the census date of the student’s last class.

Have a great semester. Please let us know if you have any questions. The financial aid office wants to provide you the financial support you need to afford your education.

Vernon Campus Santa Visit

Christie Lehman — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 10:48:23 GMT

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the

Vernon Campus

Tower of Knowledge

On Tuesday,

December 6th from 4:00pm-5:30pm

Please bring your camera to enjoy a unique photo opportunity.

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2026–27 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2025 tax information to fill out the 2026–27 FAFSA® form.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

Need more help?

Get Your Pell On

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

MYTH 1: My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

MYTH 2: I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 3: I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 4: If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

I Should Call “The FAFSA® People” (Federal Student Aid) To Find Out How Much Financial Aid Money I’m Getting And When.

MYTH 6: There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7: I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

MYTH 8: I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

MYTH 9: Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

So What’s Next?

SAP Isn't Just for Trees

Don't Wait to Fill Out the 2026-27 FAFSA

Dr. Johnston wants to hear from you!

Eight Easy Steps to Filling Out the FAFSA

1. Create a StudentAid.gov account. (FSA ID)

2. Start the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

3. Fill out the Student Demographics section.

4. List the schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent.

5. Answer the dependency status questions.

6. Fill out the Parent Demographics section.

7. Supply your financial information.

8. Sign and submit your FAFSA form.

Constitution Day

You are here..now what?

Top Three Things College Students Need To Do BEFORE Leaving for College

Are You Wondering How the Amount of Your Financial Aid is Determined?

If I meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal student aid, who decides how much money I will get?

What does cost of attendance (COA) mean?

What’s the Student Aid Index (SAI)?

What is need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

What is non-need-based aid and how does my school figure out how much I will get?

New Opportunities

The Fall 2025 Financial Aid Priority Deadline is Approaching

Guide to Repaying Your Student Loans

12 Myths About the FAFSA Form and Applying for Financial Aid

MYTH 1: My parents make too much money, so I won’t qualify for any aid.

MYTH 2: The 2025–26 FAFSA® form launched on Jan. 1.

MYTH 3: I should use my 2024 tax information to fill out the 2025–26 FAFSA® form.

MYTH 4: I support myself, so I don’t have to include my parent’s info on the FAFSA® form.

MYTH 5: I should wait until I’m accepted to a college before I fill out the FAFSA® form.

MYTH 6: If I didn’t receive enough money for school. I’m just out of luck.

MYTH 7: I should call “the FAFSA® people” (Federal Student Aid) to find out how much financial aid money I’m getting and when.

MYTH 8: There’s only one FAFSA® deadline and that’s not until June.

MYTH 9: I only have to fill out the FAFSA® form once.

MYTH 10: I can share an FSA ID with my parent(s).

MYTH 11: Only students with good grades get financial aid.

MYTH 12: It costs money to submit the FAFSA® form.

Need more help?

Get Your Pell On

3 Ways to Spot a Student Loan Scam

1. You Have to Pay an Upfront Cost or Monthly Fees

2. You’re Promised Immediate Loan Forgiveness

3. You Have to Provide Your FSA ID Password

Think You’ve Already Been Scammed?

9 Myths About the FAFSA and Applying for Financial Aid

MYTH 1: My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

MYTH 2: I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 3: I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 4: If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.

MYTH 1:
My Parents Make Too Much Money, So I Will Not Qualify For Any Aid.

MYTH 2:
I Support Myself, So I Do Not Have To Include My Parent’s Info On The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 3:
I Should Wait Until I Am Accepted To A College Before I Fill Out The FAFSA® Form.

MYTH 4:
If I Did Not Receive Enough Money For School, I Am Just Out Of Luck.

MYTH 6:
There Is Only One FAFSA® Deadline And That Is Not Until June.

MYTH 7:
I Only Have To Fill Out The FAFSA® Form Once.

MYTH 8:
I Can Share An FSA ID With My Parent(S).

MYTH 9:
Only Students With Good Grades Get Financial Aid.