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Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  1. To apply for financial aid such as grants, student loans, A+, work-study, and some scholarships, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at StudentAid.gov. School Code: 002468
    • The FAFSA requires income tax data from two years prior. For example, a student attending college in fall 2023 will submit the 2023-24 FAFSA using 2021 tax information.
  2. We highly recommend using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to transfer tax information directly from the IRS.  
  3. If you, your spouse, or parents are unable to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and cannot locate the appropriate IRS Form 1040(s) needed to complete your FAFSA, you can request an IRS Tax Return Transcript.
    • Visit IRS.gov -In the Tools section, click “Get a Tax Transcript”- Choose “Get Tax Transcript by Mail” or submit a Paper Request using IRS Form 4506-T.
  4. Once the U.S. Department of Education has processed your FAFSA, they will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR).

Verification Process

  1. The U.S. Department of Education may select your FAFSA for a process called verification. If selected, you are required to complete this process prior to receiving any federal or state financial aid for which you may be eligible, including A+.
  2. The Financial Aid Office will notify you via your JEFFCO email account of any verification requirements. Be sure to regularly check your JEFFCO email including before the start of each semester!
  3. Students selected for verification complete the process online at JEFFCO.PROED.org.

Federal Direct Student Loan Application

  1. To apply for a student loan, you must complete all FAFSA steps listed above. If selected for verification, you must complete that process prior to requesting a student loan.
  2. You must complete online Entrance Loan Counseling and sign a Student Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) at StudentAid.gov.
  3. Submit a Student Loan Request to the Financial Aid Office indicating how much you wish to borrow. The Student Loan Request Form is available online at JEFFCO.edu under Financial Aid.
  4. Once your student loan is processed, you will receive an official student loan award notification in the mail.

The Scholarship Application

  1. Many institutional and Foundation scholarships are available. To apply, submit the Jefferson College Scholarship Application located online at JEFFCO.edu.
    • High school seniors must apply by April 1st.
    • Continuing, returning, GED/HiSet, and adult learners must apply by June 1st.
  2. A+ program participants must complete the FAFSA and submit a final high school transcript with the A+ seal.

The Federal Work-Study Program

  1. To participate in the federal work-study program, you must complete the FAFSA.
  2. Student worker job openings are listed online at JEFFCO.edu under Human Resources.
  3. To apply for a position, create a PeopleAdmin account at JEFFCO.peopleadmin.com.
  4. If selected for an interview, the hiring supervisor will contact you.
  5. Once you have accepted a student worker position, you must visit Human Resources to complete your on-boarding process on or before your first day of work.

Bookstore Purchases

  1. To use financial aid for required books and supplies at the college bookstore, your approved funds must exceed the amount of tuition and fees on your student account.
  2. A few weeks prior to the start of each semester, you may use your student ID and class schedule to charge required books and supplies directly related to your program of study to your student account and the charges will be deducted from your financial aid credit balance.

Payment Process for Pell Grants and Scholarships

  1. Your student account will be credited with your award on a specified disbursement date as indicated on the Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule located online at JEFFCO.edu.
  2. Within 14 days after the date the funds are disbursed into your account, any grant funds or refundable scholarships remaining after all tuition, fees, book charges, etc. are deducted will be mailed to your home address or deposited into your bank account, if you signed up for direct deposit through Refund Options in your MyJEFFCO student portal.

Payment Process for Student Loans

  1. Your student account will be credited with your award on a specified disbursement date as indicated on the Financial Aid Disbursement Schedule located online at JEFFCO.edu.
  2. Within 14 days after the date the funds are disbursed into your account, any student loan funds remaining after all tuition, fees, book charges, etc. are deducted will be mailed to your home address or deposited into your bank account, if you signed up for direct deposit through Refund Options in your MyJEFFCO student portal.

Attendance Reminder

  1. Students who receive financial aid are required to earn those funds by attending and actively participating in classes. If you stop attending, your participation records will be used to determine your unearned financial aid that may need to be returned.
  2. Always speak with a Financial Aid Advisor before ceasing participation in a class or withdrawing.

Coursework Requirements

  1. Only coursework that is required for completion of your degree or certificate at Jefferson College can count in your financial aid enrollment level used to determine your financial aid award amount.
  2. Confirm with your Advising Specialist in Enrollment Services that all classes you are taking are required for your declared program of study.
  3. Students must make satisfactory academic progress to maintain financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Office

Student Center-Hillsboro Campus

finaid@jeffco.edu

636-481-3212
TTY users dial 711

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