Financial Aid

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

What Happens or May Be Requested After Submitting the FAFSA

What will I receive after submitting the FAFSA?
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After you submit the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) by e-mail or U.S. mail. You should review it carefully to be sure that you listed Southwest Tennessee Community College and that all of the information is correct. Do not submit the SAR to our office.

What if I had an unusual circumstance that prevented me from meeting the College's standards for satisfactory academic progress for financial aid?
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Students who fail to meet these standards and lose eligibility for financial aid can appeal the decision. The appeal must be prepared in writing and must be accompanied by supporting documents. Appeals should be submitted to one of the Financial Aid Offices. The appeals that can be evaluated by the Student Financial Aid Appeals Committee for mitigating circumstances are:

• serious illness or accident to the student that prevented classroom attendance
•  death, accident or serious illness in the student's immediate family that prevented classroom attendance
• Change in the student's academic program that led to the student exceeding the maximum number of credits allowed for financial aid
• other documented extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from attending the class

Appeal forms are available in both Financial Aid Offices, or you can click on the Financial Aid Forms Link of the website.

I received "F" and "W" grades this semester. Will this effect my financial aid eligibility?
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"F" and "W" grades count in the calculation of your satisfactory academic progress for financial aid. If you have too many "F" or "W" grades you fail these standards. Although you may submit an appeal as stated in question 3 on Satisfactory Academic Progress appeals, your circumstances must be very unusual and have prevented you from completing you course. We recommend that you talk with your instructor before withdrawing from a course to see if you might be able to complete it. Also, it is a good idea to meet with a counselor if you are uncertain you are prepared to take a course rather than withdraw or fail it.

When will I receive my financial aid money?
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A check will be generated for any remaining financial aid that is available AFTER paying your tuition and fees. During registration periods, there will be designated locations where checks can be picked up. After registration periods, checks can be picked up at the Cashier's Office.

Will financial aid HOLD my course enrollments?
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When you receive an official financial aid award letter from the Financial Aid Office, your courses will be maintained by the offer of financial aid. Also, if you have completed a FAFSA and are eligible for federal aid and all admissions and financial aid requirements have been met, you can meet with your financial aid counselor to determine if you are eligible to sign a hold agreement and secure your classes for a specific term of enrollment.

What happens if I want to DROP a course before the last day to add/drop?
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You must be sure to drop your course over the web or in person at the Records Office. Otherwise, your financial aid will hold your course and you will be charged the tuition and fees. There may also be some financial implications in dropping the course.

What happens if I withdraw from ALL of my courses?
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If you withdraw from ALL of your courses before 60% of the time has elapsed in the semester, we will determine if you "earned" all the financial aid you received from federal programs. If you have not, you will be contacted and told the amount that you must repay.

What happens if I never attend some of my courses?
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When you are awarded financial aid, it is intended to be used for attending your courses. It is important that you attend all class meetings including the first day. If you are reported by your instructor or by yourself as NEVER HAVING ATTENDED at least one class of each course, you may be required to repay a portion of your financial aid. If this occurs, you will be contacted to repay the money. A "hold" will be placed on your record preventing you from receiving any services at the College. If you fail to repay the overpayment, you may be sent to Collections.

Is financial aid available to pay for my books at the bookstore?
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Currently, financial aid is not available to pay for your books at the bookstore. When you receive your financial aid check, you should cash it and then go to the bookstore to purchase your books.