Financial Aid Programs & Requirements

Federal student aid is financial assistance offered by the United States Department of Education (USDOE) to eligible students enrolled in an eligible programs at participating schools to cover school-related costs: tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Most federal aid is need-based.

Certain personal financial disclosures are required of students in order for a financial need analysis to be completed and awards to be made. Determination of financial need will be made based upon the financial information a student and parents submit. All the information will be kept confidential.

The three most common types of aid are grants (financial aid that does not have to be repaid), loans (borrowed money that must be repaid with interest) and work-study (job opportunity for students to work part-time to earn money to help pay for school expenses).

Eligibility requirements for Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal Work-Study, are determined by Federal rules and include the following:
Applicant must:

1. Have obtained a high school diploma or an equivalent such as General Education Development (GED) Certificate. See the financial aid administrator for more information.
2. Be enrolled as a classified student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
3. Be a U.S citizen or eligible non-citizen (a citizens of the FSM, the Marshall Islands and Palau).
4. Have financial need as demonstrated through application of the FAFSA.
5. Have a valid U.S. Social Security Number (FSM, the Marshall Islands and Palau citizens are exempted).
6. Certify that the federal student aid will be used only for educational purpose.
7. Certify that no federal student loans are in default and that no money is owed on a repayment on federal student grants.
8. Make Satisfactory Academic Progress toward the completion of degree or certificate according to financial aid satisfactory policy based on the current year’s financial aid handbook.

Federal Student Aid Program

Federal Pell Grant

Generally, the Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned bachelor’s degrees. They are grants that do not need to be repaid
Students are automatically considered for a Federal Pell Grant when they file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may receive a Federal Pell Grant for enrollment in one or more credits.
The amount of the grant is determined by using the payment schedule issued to all eligible institutions by the U.S. Department of Education which is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the student enrollment status (whether you are a full-time, three fourth time, half-time or less than half-time student), the period of enrollment, and the cost of education. A student must be enrolled and eligible for payment at the time the Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) is received.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students may receive an award in an amount from a minimum of $100 up to a maximum of $4000 per award year depending on students’ financial needs and the availability of funds.

Student Employment
Federal Work-Study (FWS):
The Federal Work-Study program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students who need financial aid to help pay for their educational expenses.
Many jobs are designed to assist students in providing work experience in their majors.
Federal Work-Study award depends on when students apply, their financial needs, and the funding level at PCC. The Work-Study wages are based on the duties and skills required of each particular position.

Applying for Financial Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the required application for need-based financial aid at PCC.
Financial aid application will not be processed until all the required documents and forms are received by the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid.
To be considered for financial aid at PCC, an applicant must:

1. Be accepted for admission and enrolled (or currently enrolled) in an eligible degree or certificate program.
2. Have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). PCC Federal School Code is 011009. The FAFSA is available at the PCC Office of Admissions & Financial Aid, other colleges or universities financial aid offices, and at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Financial aid is not automatically renewable and must be filed every year. Applicants who file a FAFSA will automatically be considered for Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
3. Submit the appropriate copies of the current Wage and Tax Statement (s) or Federal Tax Returns (completed 1040 forms) and certification of other untaxed income.
4. Submit a copy of his/her passport or birth certificate for citizenship verification purposes.

For additional financial aid information, refer to the Student Financial Aid Handbook or contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid.

Veterans Administration Benefits
Palau Community College is an approved educational institution for education and training under the Veteran’s Educational Assistance Act (GI Bill). Information regarding eligibility, entitlement and types of training authorized may be obtained from the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid.

Non-Federal Funds
Non-federal funds include state/republic scholarships (as well as grants and loans) and private scholarships. The following are some of the scholarships available to Palau Community College students:
State Scholarships and Grants – The Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands and Republic of Palau offer scholarships, grants and in some instances loans, to its respective citizens. The Office of Admissions & Financial Aid helps students seek and file applications for state/republic scholarships. For detailed information, contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid or your respective state scholarship offices.
Private Foundations/Scholarships – PCC offers a number of privately sponsored/funded scholarships to qualified students. The PCC Development Office assists students in seeking and filing applications for scholarships. Requirements for each scholarship vary and full information and application forms are available at the Development Office.