2009-2010 Dixie State College Students' Financial Aid Handbook

Welcome to Dixie State College! Our purpose is to assist you in financing your education. This handbook contains information about the financial aid programs available at Dixie State College (DSC) including summaries of important policies and procedures.

We offer a comprehensive and varied program of financial aid. The purpose of financial aid is to help eligible students bridge the gap between what they and their families can be expected to pay and what it will cost to attend Dixie State.

Financial aid is awarded on the basis of "need" and other eligibility criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education and other state agencies. There is no discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy-related condition, handicap, or status as a veteran. All such regulations and policies are subject to change without notice.

If you have questions or need information not found in this handbook please call, write or come into the Financial Aid Office and visit with us. We are located north of the Edith Whitehead Building in the center of the campus. Our contact information:

All financial aid forms and information are located on this website.

Applying for & Receiving Financial Aid at Dixie State College

Read this before you apply for aid:

Apply early! Because of complex federal requirements, it can take four to six weeks to process an accurate application. Errors will delay your award even more. Campus-based funds are awarded to the earliest applicants according to need. Once these limited funds have been awarded, applicants will be considered for Pell Grants and Direct Stafford Student Loans only. Make sure you apply in time to meet financial aid deadlines. Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure your balance owed for tuition and fees is paid in full. There are no guarantees that financial aid will cover your total balance or that it will be paid by the due date. By applying early, most unforeseen issues can be resolved in time to transfer funds to your account by the first day of the semester.

Apply for admission. You cannot be awarded financial aid until you have paid your DSC admission fee and completed the admissions process.

Check your D-mail. You are assigned a D-mail account during the admissions process. We will notify you through your D-mail account if you have unmet requirements. This is also where you will be notified of your financial aid award and any other important information you will need to know concerning financial aid.

Be Aware of Privacy Restrictions: You must complete the DSC Release of Student Information form if you want your parents, spouse, or a third party to have access to your financial aid information. If this form is not competed, we will only communicate pertinent financial aid information with the student.

How To Apply (for a How to Apply Check List click here)

1. FAFSA: Complete the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid" (FAFSA). Submit it to the Federal processor at least 8 weeks before the semester you want to receive aid. Dixie State College's school code is 003671.
2. Admission: Be sure the Admissions Office has an active application for admissions. To be eligible for financial aid your record must show:

- You are admitted with a high school diploma, or equivalent, or (if 18 or older and high school class has graduated) a passing score on an approved test available at DSC.

- You are seeking a degree, and you are in an eligible major. Contact the Records & Registration Office or Academic Advising if you have any questions.

3. Check you Student Services Online access account: Remember to check your account 7-10 days after you have submitted your FAFSA. You will find information concerning any additional documentation the DSC Financial Aid Office needs to complete your file in your dmail account.
4. Loan Counseling: This is required once. It is to be completed when you receive your first student loan at DSC.
5. Current Address & Phone numbers: Check your Student Services Online access account and ensure your address and phone numbers are correct so that we can contact you if needed.
6. Other Requirements: Submit all required information to the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. A delay in receiving the required documents will postpone disbursement of aid to your student account. We will send notifications to your dmail account if we are missing any information.
7. Student Services Online access: Regularly check your Student Services Online access account for your application requirements, award notifications, revisions, and updates. Check this often!
8. Award: Once the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office has reviewed your file, you will be notified of your award though your dmail account.

After You Are Awarded

1. Reply: Review grants/accept your loans & work study online through your Student Services Online access account.
2. Register: Register for your classes. Remember, there are no credit hour adjustments for financial aid after the third week of each semester. If you are enrolled for 11 credits at the end of the third week (Pell grant census date), your Pell grant award will be locked at tree quarter time. (See the Financial Aid Credit Enrollment chart below) If you add a block class after the end of the third week, we CANNOT adjust your Pell grant award for the semester to include the additional credits.
3. Direct Stafford Student Loan: If you are awarded a Direct Stafford Student Loan (subsidized, unsubsidized, PLUS) and you are a first-time borrower at DSC, be sure to complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN).
4. Perkins Loan: If you are awarded a Federal Perkins Loan, contact Hailey Orr at (435) 652-7607 or orr@dixie.edu to set up an appointment to complete the Perkins Loan promissory note.
5. Work-study: If you are awarded Work Study, please fill out the on-line job application here.

If you have remaining funds, after your tuition and fees are paid, they will be deposited onto your Dixie HigherOne account. You should receive this card in the mail approximately 10 business days after you register for your classes. Check with the DSC Records & Registration office to ensure DSC has your correct address so that there will be no delay in receiving your HigherOne card.

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Financial Aid Credit Hour Enrollment

The number credit hours which you enroll can affect the amount and types of aid you are eligible to receive each semester. Please check with the DSC Financial Aid Office if you have any questions concerning this matter. Student must be seeking a letter grade in the course for the credits of that course to count toward their total financial aid hours.

Types of Financial Aid

There are three types of financial aid:

• Gift aid, which does not have to be repaid; includes grants and scholarships.
• Loans, of course, must be repaid; some become immediately repayable, while others offer deferred repayment.
• Work study provides a wage for part-time employment offering valuable experience.

Grants

Federal PELL Grants provide non-repayable aid for eligible students. Pell grant awards range from $488 to $5,350 for the 2009-10 award year. The amount of the award is based upon the expected family contribution, the number of credit hours the student is enrolled each semester, the cost of attendance, and a payment schedule issued by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Academic Competiveness Grants are awarded to freshman and sophomores who completed a rigorous high school program. Students must be eligible for Pell grants to receive this grant.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grants are awarded to juniors and seniors majoring in Computer Science and Biology. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or higher and be eligible for Pell grants to receive this grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are additional funds available to students with unusual need. This grant is usually combined with other forms of aid and is also non-repayable. DSC has limited funds, so you should apply early to be considered for this grant.

Leveraging Educational Aid Partnership Grants are available only to students who are Utah residents with substantial financial need. This award is usually combined with other forms of financial aid and is also non-repayable. DSC has limited funds, so you should apply early to be considered for this grant.

Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education Grants are limited to eligible Utah residents only; they are usually combined with other financial aid and are also non-repayable. DSC has limited funds, so you should apply early to be considered for this grant.

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Loans

Federal Perkins Loans are excellent long-term loans for those students who demonstrate exceptional need. Although the money must be repaid, no payments are required and no interest is accrued until nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. When interest begins to accrue it is at the rate of 5% per year (subject to change). A minimum monthly payment of $40 (subject to change) is required. Under special circumstances payment may be temporarily deferred for a time. Online loan counseling is required yearly for every student who receives a loan. This loan can be forgiven for some recipients who work in specific jobs. Please contact the financial aid office for details. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to receive a loan.

Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loans is the Federal Student Loan Program. The funds are received directly for the U.S. Department of Education. The subsidized amount that may be borrowed depends on the borrower's need and year in school. The interest rate is a maximum of 6.8%. The minimum monthly payment, which begins 6 months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time, is $50 (subject to change). Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to receive a loan.

Federal Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans is another Federal Student Loan Program. They are available to any students enrolled at least half time who meet the general eligibility criteria. Subject to annual limits, the unsubsidized loan may not exceed the cost of education minus financial aid. The interest rate is a maximum of 6.8% and accrues during in-school, grace and deferment periods. Interest may be paid monthly, quarterly, or added to the principal amount of the loan (capitalization). Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to receive a loan.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students is a Federal Student Loan Program alternative. Parents of dependent students enrolled at least half-time may borrow from the U.S. Department of Education. The interest rate is 7.9%. Not based on need, the amount of the PLUS may never exceed the student's cost of attendance (as determined by the College) minus the student's financial aid. Repayment of principal (unless deferred) and interest begins 60 days after the loan is disbursed. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible to receive a loan.

Short-term Tuition Loans allow an eligible student to defer payment of part or all of their tuition and fees. An application fee is charged to all short-term loan applications.

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Loan Counseling

Entrance Student Loan Counseling: You will need to complete Loan Counseling each year you apply for student loans at Dixie State College. Once the entrance counseling is completed, we will be notified electronically.

Exit Student Loan Counseling: When you are no longer enrolled at least half time at Dixie State College and have borrowed from the Stafford Loan program, you are required to complete exit counseling module. The information in this module will provide you with critical information about your loans and how to repay them.

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Steps to Receiving a Student Loan

Applying for a Student Loan

As with all federal student aid, you apply for Direct Loans by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA on the Web application is the fastest and easiest way to apply. The information on your FAFSA is transmitted to Dixie State College of Utah (DSC) and they will use the information to assess your financial need for all student aid available.

The award package

Direct Loans are awarded as part of an award package which may contain other types of aid as well, to help you meet the costs of attending DSC.

The Direct Loan Program offers the following types of loans:

• Subsidized: for students with demonstrated financial need, as determined by federal regulations. No interest is charged while a student is in school at least half-time, during the grace period, and during deferment periods.
• Unsubsidized: not based on financial need; interest is charged during all periods, even during the time a student is in school and during grace and deferment periods.
• PLUS: unsubsidized loans for the parents of dependent students and for graduate/professional students. PLUS loans help pay for education expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance. Interest is charged during all periods.
• Consolidation: Eligible federal student loans can be combined into one Direct Consolidation Loan.

Student borrowers are not required to begin making payments until after they drop below half-time attendance. See When you graduate or leave school for more information.

DSC will tell you how much you may borrow and the types of loans you are eligible to receive. The information below will give you an idea of how much you may be eligible to receive.

Note: PLUS loan borrowers cannot have an adverse credit history (a credit check will be done).

Accepting a loan

DSC will notify you of the loan amounts that are being offered via a notification to your Dmail account. You should evaluate the aid offer carefully. In the case of loans, keep in mind that whatever amount you borrow must be paid back with interest. If your living expenses are not as high as the standard allowance projected by DSC, you may not have to borrow as much as the amount in the award letter.

To get an idea of your monthly loan payments after you graduate, take a look at this repayment calculator.

To get an idea of your college expenses, use this budget calculator.

You have the right to decline the loan or to request a lower loan amount. Your award letter will explain how to do this.

After you accept your Direct Stafford Student or Perkins loans, you must complete a few more steps:

• Enroll in at least six credit hours and in a degree-seeking program.
• Complete loan Entrance Counseling. You will need to do this once at DSC.
• Perkin Loans: If you were awarded a Perkins loan and need to sign a promissory note with DSC, please contact Hailey Orr at 435-652-7607 or orr@dixie.edu.

Parent/Graduate PLUS Loans

Your parent(s) must submit a DSC Parent Direct PLUS application. Even if your parents are pre-approved for a PLUS loan, you must complete this form and submit it to our office. 

When you apply for a Direct PLUS Loan, the Department will check your credit history. To be eligible to receive a PLUS loan, you must not have an adverse credit history. If you are determined to have an adverse credit history, you may still receive a Direct PLUS Loan if you obtain an endorser who does not have an adverse credit history. An endorser is someone who agrees to repay the Direct PLUS Loan if you do not repay the loan. If you are a parent borrowing on behalf of your dependent student, the endorser may not be the student on whose behalf a parent obtains a Direct PLUS Loan. In some cases, you may also be able to obtain a Direct PLUS Loan if you document to our satisfaction that there are extenuating circumstances related to your adverse credit history.

Private Education Loans (Alternative Loans)

If the federal programs are not sufficient to cover all of your school-related expenses, you may also consider a private education loan. Please contact the DSC Financial Aid Office for more details of these loans.

Aggregate loan amounts for the Direct Stafford Student Loan Program:

The Master Promissory Note

To take out a Direct Loan for the first time, you must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN will be provided by the U.S. Department of Education. DSC offers the option of completing the MPN electronically. Once you have accepted your loan(s), you can complete the MPN online at the Direct Loans Master Promissory Note website. The MPN is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the Department. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).

To complete an MPN online, you will be required to use your Department of Education-issued PIN. If you do not have a PIN, you may request one from the official PIN site. A parent borrower must also request a PIN number from the PIN site to use when completing a PLUS MPN.

In most cases, once you've submitted the MPN and it's been accepted, you won't have to fill out a new MPN for future loans you receive. You can borrow additional Direct Loans on a single MPN for up to 10 years. You'll receive a disclosure statement that gives you specific information about any loan that DSC plans to disburse under your MPN, including the loan amount, fees, and the expected disbursement dates and amounts. Please ensure that you keep your current address up to date with the DSC Records Office.

While you're in school

How the loans are disbursed (paid out)

Generally, your loan will cover a full academic year. DSC will make at least two disbursements to you. This generally happens at the beginning of each semester.DSC will disburse your loan money by crediting it to your school account to pay (tuition and fees, room and board, and other authorized charges). If the loan disbursement amount exceeds your DSC charges, the school will pay you the remaining balance of the disbursement directly to your HigherOne account. A notice will be sent to your Dmail account each time we disburse any part of your loan money as well as information about how to cancel all or part of your disbursement if you find you no longer need the money. You will also receive a notice from us confirming the disbursement. You should read and keep all correspondence received concerning your loan.

Using the loan for education expenses

You may use the loan money you receive only to pay for your education expenses while attending DSC. Education expenses include school charges such as tuition, room and board, fees and indirect expenses such as books, supplies, equipment, dependent child care expenses, transportation and rental or purchase of a personal computer.

Enrollment status & other changes

It's important to keep the Direct Loan Servicing Center informed of any changes in your status, so that your loan information is up-to-date. This is your responsibility.

You must notify the Direct Loan Servicing Center if you:

• Change your local address, permanent address or telephone number
• Change your name (for example, maiden name to married name);
• Do not enroll at least half-time for the loan period certified by the school;
• Do not enroll at the school that certified your loan;
• Stop attending school or drop below half-time enrollment;
• Transfer from one school to another school; or
• Graduate. 

Until you graduate or leave school, you must also keep the DSC Record Office informed of these changes.

A scheduled break in enrollment, such as the summer semester, is not considered an interruption in your enrollment. If you are planning to return to school during the next regularly scheduled enrollment period, you do not need to contact DSC or the Department of Education.

When you graduate, drop below half-time, or withdraw from your academic program, you will receive a six-month grace period for your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Once your grace period ends, you must begin repaying your loan(s). See When you graduate or leave school.

Paying interest while in school

You may choose to pay interest on your Direct Unsubsidized or Direct PLUS loans while you are in school. If you choose not to pay the interest while you're in school, the Department of Education will add it to the unpaid principal amount of your loan.

This is called "capitalization," and it can substantially increase the amount you repay, especially if you are receiving multiple loans for a multi-year program. Capitalization increases the unpaid principal balance of your loan, and the Department of Education will then charge interest on the increased principal amount.

It will save you some money in the long run if you pay the interest as it accrues on your loan while you're in school or during the grace period. This is also true if you pay any interest that accrues during periods of deferment or forbearance after you leave school.

If you've already taken out at least one Direct Loan, you can check your interest statements and use this online calculator to find out how much you'll pay over the life of the loan if the in-school interest is added to your loan balance.

Leaving school: graduating, withdrawing, or dropping below half-time

Once you are no longer enrolled at least half time in an eligible program, you'll receive a 6-month grace period (see below) on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans during which you are not required to make loan payments. You must begin repayment at the end of your grace period.

If you have an in-school deferment on a Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized Loan that entered repayment at an earlier date before you returned to school and you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or withdraw from school, you will be required to immediately begin making payments on the loan because the 6-month grace period has already been used up; there is no second grace period.

Make sure that DSC and the Direct Loan Servicing Center know that you are no longer enrolled. If you don't begin making payments when required, there is the possibility that you will lose repayment incentives you may have received or even go into default.

DSC is required to ensure that you receive Exit Counseling before you graduate or withdraw. You can complete your Direct Exit Loan Counseling here.

Grace periods

When you graduate, drop below half-time, or withdraw from your academic program, you will receive a six-month grace period for your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans. Your grace period begins the day after you stop attending school on at least a half-time basis. Once your grace period ends, you must begin repaying your loan(s).

If you re-enroll in school at least half time before the end of your 6-month grace period, you will receive the full 6-month grace period when you stop attending school or drop below half-time enrollment.

There is no grace period for Direct PLUS Loans—the repayment period for each Direct PLUS Loan you receive begins 60 days after your school makes the last disbursement of the loan. If you're a parent PLUS borrower, you can defer repayment of Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, while the student for whom you obtained the loan is enrolled at least half time, and for an additional 6 months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.

Remember, if you choose to defer payment on a Direct PLUS Loan, any interest that accumulates during the deferment period will be added to the unpaid principal amount of your loan. This is called "capitalization," and it increases your debt because you'll have to pay interest on this higher principal balance.

Reservists Called to Active Duty

 If you are called or ordered to active duty for more than 30 days from a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces, the period of your active duty service and the time necessary for you to re-enroll in school after your active duty ends are not counted as part of your grace period. However, the total period that is excluded from your grace period may not exceed three years. If the call or order to active duty occurs while you are in school and requires you to drop below half-time enrollment, the start of your grace period will be delayed until after the end of the excluded period. If the call or order to active duty occurs during your grace period, you will receive a full 6-month grace period at the end of the excluded period.

If you are a reservist called to active duty with the U.S. Armed Forces for more than 30 days, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center to let us know your status.

Choosing a repayment plan

You'll have the choice of several plans, and the Direct Loan Servicing Center will notify you of the date your first payment is due. If you do not choose a repayment plan, the Department of Education will place you on the Standard Repayment Plan. Most Direct Loan borrowers choose to stay with the Standard Repayment Plan, but there are other options for borrowers who may need more time to repay or who need to make lower payments at the beginning of the repayment period.

Consolidation

If you have multiple federal education loans, you can consolidate them into a single Direct Consolidation Loan. This may simplify repayment if you are currently making separate loan payments to different loan holders, as you'll only have one monthly payment to make. There may be tradeoffs, however, so you'll want to learn about the advantages and possible disadvantages of consolidation before you consolidate. To learn more, visit our Direct Consolidation Loan website.

While you're in repayment

Generally, you'll have from 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on which repayment plan (there are several) you choose.

The Direct Loan Servicing Center will notify you of the date your first payment is due. If you do not choose a repayment plan, the Department of Education will place you on the Standard Repayment Plan, with fixed monthly payments for up to 10 years. Most Direct Loan borrowers choose to stay with the Standard Repayment Plan, but there are other options for borrowers who may need more time to repay or who need to make lower payments at the beginning of the repayment period.

You can change repayment plans at any time by going to the Direct Loan Servicing Center's website and logging in to your account.

Automated payments (electronic debit)

When the Department of Education sends your first bill, they will tell you how to you can sign up for our electronic debit account (EDA) option and have your bank automatically make your monthly loan payments for you from your checking or savings account. You won't have to write checks, use stamps, or worry if your payment will get to us by the due date. In addition, Direct Loans offers a 0.25% reduction in the interest rate on your loans during any period when your payments are made through EDA.

Trouble making payments

If you're having trouble making payments on your loans, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center as soon as possible. The Direct Loan Servicing Center staff will work with you to determine the best option for you. Options include:

• Changing repayment plans.
• Deferment, if you meet certain requirements. A deferment allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your loan.
• Forbearance, if you don't meet the eligibility requirements for a deferment but are temporarily unable to make your loan payments. A forbearance allows you to temporarily stop making payments on your loan, temporarily make smaller payments, or extend the time for making payments. Read more about deferments and forbearance.

If you stop making payments and don't get a deferment or forbearance, your loan could go into default, which has serious consequences—see below.

Your loan first becomes "delinquent" if your monthly payment is not received by the due date. If you fail to make a payment, the Department of Education will send you a reminder that your payment is late. If your account remains delinquent, the Department of Education sends you warning notices reminding you of your obligation to repay your loans and the consequences of default.

If you are delinquent on your loan payments, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center immediately to find out how to bring your account current. Late fees may be added, and your delinquency will be reported to one or more national consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus), but this is much better than remaining delinquent on your payments and going into default.

Consequences of default

If you default:

• The Department of Education will require you to immediately repay the entire unpaid amount of your loan.
• The Department of Education may sue you, take all or part of your federal and state tax refunds and other federal or state payments, and/or garnish your wages so that your employer is required to send us part of your salary to pay off your loan.
• The Department of Education will require you to pay reasonable collection fees and costs, plus court costs and attorney fees.
• You may be denied a professional license.
• You will lose eligibility for other federal student aid and assistance under most federal benefit programs.
• You will lose eligibility for loan deferments.
• The Department of Education will report your default to national consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus).

For more information and to learn what actions to take if you default on your loans, see the website for the Department's Default Resolution Group.

Loan cancellation (forgiveness or discharge)

Under certain conditions, you can have all or part of your loan cancelled or discharged. Read more about loan cancellation.

What's next?

Stay in touch with the Direct Loan Servicing Center—let them know if you've changed your name or permanent address, and make sure that they know when you've completed your educational program or transferred to another school.

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Work-Study

Federal Work-study: are funds that provide opportunities for students who can demonstrate need and want to work part-time. The total amount a student may earn is determined on the basis of need with a maximum annual limit, not to exceed 15 hours per week. Community Service jobs are available.

Utah Centennial Opportunity Program for Education Work: are for eligible Utah residents and are usually combined with other financial aid. The total amount a student may earn is determined on the basis of need with a maximum annual limit, not to exceed 15 hours per week.

Dixie State College Federal Work Study Program

Dixie State College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer.

• College work study funds are part of a student's financial aid package and cannot be awarded unless you have submitted a FAFSA and have a documented need.
• Work study funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Because of limited funds, you should apply for financial aid early if you wish to participate in the work study program.
• A work study award generally allows you to work 15 hours a week. The starting salary is $7.25 per hour
• Work study occurs during the Fall and Spring Semesters only; there are no positions available during the Summer semester.

The Federal Work Study Program is authorized and funded by the Federal Government. The UCOPE Work Study Program is authorized and funded by the Utah State Legislature. Only the DSC Financial aid Office may award work study funds. Eligible students will receive their work study award as part of their "total" financial aid award.

If work study isn't part of your financial aid award and you are interested in working on campus, please contact the work study coordinator, Jean Miller at (435) 652-7581 or jmiller@dixie.edu. If you did not receive a work study offer, and you qualify, we will consider you for any positions still available beginning October 1st.

I HAVE A WORK STUDY OFFER ON MY AWARD LETTER - WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

1. Complete the Work Study Application for Employment no sooner than July 15^th of the current school year. Be sure to complete each item; especially a current phone number where you can be reached. Once you submit the application, it will be forwarded to the Financial Aid Office.

2. View and Select the Work Study Positions you are interested in applying for by reviewing the position listings. All available positions will be posted on July 15^th of the current school year.

3. Once we receive your Work Study Application, Selection of Positions, and you have a work study award, we will forward your application material to the department(s) you have selected for their consideration. You will be contacted by the department's work study supervisor who will set up an interview appointment.

4. A work study award is not a guaranteed job. The responsibility of obtaining a job is up to you.

5. For additional information regarding Work Study (funding, notification of work awards, necessary information to complete before first day of work; pay periods, etc), log on to The Employment Handbook.

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Scholarships

Dixie State College scholarships are based on merit, academic performance, and/or talent. We have an excellent scholarship program. Academic scholarships are awarded upon admission to Dixie State. Detailed information on all our scholarships is available here.

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Eligibility

Eligible Students

Only an "Eligible Student" may apply for and receive Federal financial aid. Federal regulations and institutional policy define an eligible student as one who:

• Is a citizen, a national, or an eligible permanent resident non-citizen of the United States
• Is admitted to Dixie State College with a high school diploma, or with an equivalent certificate (GED), or (if 18 or older and high school class has graduated) has passed a test approved by the U.S. Dept. of Education
• Has been accepted for enrollment or is enrolled in an eligible program, seeking a degree or certificate
• Is in good standing at the Institution and maintaining satisfactory academic progress
• Has completed the FAFSA and received a calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number
• Is not in default on any Federal Perkins, National Direct/Defense, Guaranteed, or Federal Family Education Loan, and does not owe a payment on any Federal grants previously received
• Is registered with the Selective Service if a male at least 18 years old
• For loans, you must be enrolled at least half time
• Meets all other federally prescribed eligibility criteria

Eligible Non-Citizen

Students who are in the United States on an Fl or F2 student visa, a B1 or B2 visitor visa, a J1 or J2 exchanges visitor visa, and other series visa are not eligible for Federal student aid. To be eligible for federal and most college financial aid, a student must be a U.S. citizen, national, or eligible permanent resident non-citizen. An eligible non-citizen is one who:

• Is a conditional permanent resident (I-151C);
• Has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service showing any one of the following designations:

-Refugee

-Asylum Granted

-Cuban-Haitian Entrant

-Indefinite Parole

• Is a citizen of the Freely Associated States--Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau (may receive only Pell Grant, FSEOG and FWS); or provide acceptable documentation from DHS that he or she is in the U.S. for other than a temporary purpose with the intention of becoming a citizen or permanent resident.

Eligible non-citizens must clear the Department of Homeland Security/Social Security Number matching system or will be required to document their status with the Student Financial Aid Office. A copy of the documentation papers will be sent to the DHS for confirmation and clearance before the application for aid will be processed.

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Budget & Cost Information

The following information is an explanation of the direct expenses you will have each semester. This information will assist you in planning for the 2009-10 school year:

Direct Costs: Direct costs include tuition and student fees. The charges that will be applied to the students account each semester are as follows:

Students who will be residing in the Dixie State College housing (Nisson Towers or Shiloh Hall) will also have direct room and board charges each semester. The charges that will be applied to the student's account are as follows:

*These charges are estimates only.

Indirect Costs: Indirect costs include off campus room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses for a semester. These items are not charged directly to the students account.

The DSC Financial Aid Office estimates the "Cost of Attendance." Because Congress feels student aid funds should not be used to pay living expenses for a spouse or dependents, nothing is included in the costs for other family members. Financial Aid is not meant to fund a lifestyle; it is to be used wisely to pay for your necessary expenses while you are attending school.

Things which are included in the cost of attendance:

• Tuition & fees
• Room & board
• Books & supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses
• Allowance for child care (Additional documentation needed)
• Expenses related to a personal or family handicap (Additional documentation needed)

The budget may vary depending on whether you live with your parents and commute or rent an apartment.

Resources

Students and parents must first assume the responsibility to pay the costs of attending college. For that reason, students and parents are expected to contribute from savings and earnings. If you are an independent student, by the Department of Education standards, your parents are not expected to help with your college costs. Other resources include scholarships, G.I. Bill, tribal grants, etc.

In estimating how much of the educational costs you and your family are expected to pay, the following are some of the items which are taken into account:

1) Annual adjusted gross income

2) Non-taxable income and benefits

3) Number of family members in the household

4) Amount required for family members' living costs

5) Number of family members in college

6) Assets

7) Unusual expenses

This information is reported on the FAFSA and the result is the expected family contribution (EFC).

Using the information submitted in your FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will determine how much of the budgeted costs you should be able to meet from your personal and family income and resources. Students may appeal their cost of attendance allowance, but they must be prepared to document their additional educational expenses.

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Policies

Return of Title IV Aid

If you receive federal student aid and then withdraw, stop attending without an official withdrawal and receive all WF grades, or get expelled from school, you may owe money back to the federal student aid programs. The amount of repayment will be calculated by dividing the number of days you were enrolled by the number of days in the semester. The number of days enrolled will be determined by federal regulations beginning with the first day of scheduled instruction and ending on the students date of official withdrawal or last documented date of attendance. If we cannot determine that you began attending classes at DSC, all your financial aid for that semester will be cancelled. If you received a disbursement of federal money and did not attend any classes, all of the funds must be returned. You are not eligible for federal, state or institutional funds if you are not attending school.

As part of our federal regulations, once we calculate "return of funds," you may be required to pay back part of the money you have received. DSC may also be required to return funds from the tuition, fees, and room and board that may have been paid with your federal funds. The amounts required to be paid back by the institution will be calculated and distributed to the federal accounts in the following order: Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan, PELL Grant, ACG Grant, SMART Grant and FSEOG. You may be billed back for the funds you owe the school, as we are required to pay back funds for you.

Any additional refund the school may owe you upon withdrawal will be used: first, to repay other agencies that paid money on your behalf, and second to pay the amount you may owe to the federal accounts and/or scholarship accounts. Any remaining balance will be yours. A full copy of the Federal Student Aid Return of Funds Policy is available from the Office of Financial Assistance.

Return of Federal Title IV Aid Examples:

Complete Withdrawal from Dixie State College

A student is registered until officially withdrawn through the Admission's Office. Dropping all classes by phone does not officially withdraw you from the college. If you do not officially withdraw, you will receive F grades. If you wish to withdraw, you must do the following:

1. Contact the DSC Records & Registration Office to complete a withdrawal form.

2. Surrender student I.D. card.

Note: No withdrawals allowed after 12^th week of classes. The date of withdrawal will be the date the Admission's Office is contacted. A withdrawal does not affect GPA, but will affect percentage of credits attempted and earned in our Satisfactory Progress Policy.

Verification

Approximately one third of applicants are selected by the Federal Processor to have their FAFSA information reviewed by the financial aid office. This process is called verification. The DSC Financial Aid Office is required to verify the accuracy of data in these selected files. There are three reasons for doing so: first, to reduce errors; second, to prevent mistakes that may result in either the student or the institution having to repay Federal or State funds; third, to ensure that the limited dollars available for financial aid are offered to students who are truly eligible for the aid. If selected, you will be required to provide to the Financial Aid Office the forms and documents needed to complete in the verification process. Errors cause considerable delay, so make sure to accurately report information when you complete your FAFSA.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

The maintenance of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is an eligibility criterion for all students who receive financial aid. SAP requires that a student be maintaining satisfactory progress in the course of study (according to the standards and practices of the institution in which he or she is enrolled) in order to receive aid under the student financial assistance programs authorized by Title IV. Neither the Secretary of Education nor an institution has the authority to waive this requirement for any student or group of students.

In statute and regulation Dixie State College is required to establish standards for measuring whether a student, who is otherwise eligible for Federal financial aid, is maintaining satisfactory progress. Particular elements, which in some cases include specific minimums that must be met or exceeded by the institution, are addressed in the regulations.

This procedure outlines the minimum standards that must be met by students receiving Federal, State or Institutional financial aid from Dixie State College.

Good Standing

To receive financial assistance a student is also required to be enrolled and in good standing. To be in good standing, a student must be eligible to continue attendance and must be in compliance with the accepted and/or approved enrollment and behavior standards and practices of Dixie State College and the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.

Requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

An eligible student, enrolled in an eligible program may receive aid for an additional maximum of 30 attempted credit hours of necessary developmental course work. The developmental credits are not counted in the maximum time frame, but added to the respective maximum limit of attempted credit hours.

The federal financial aid regulations require that each school develop a Satisfactory Progress Policy to ensure that students receiving federal aid are making satisfactory progress in their education and progressing in a timely manner towards a degree. To remain eligible to continue to receive financial aid at Dixie State College, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

In order to maintain satisfactory progress and retain full eligibility for financial assistance, a student must follow the requirements in areas of Grade Point Average, Completion of 67% of Attempted Credits as Earned Credits and Maximum Allowable Credits (Time Frame) listed below:

Grade Point Average

In order to retain eligibility for federal financial aid, a student must maintain a grade point average of at least a 2.0 (C or better) each semester.

Completion of 67% of Attempted Credits as Earned Credits

As satisfactory progress is checked at the end of each semester, a student must have completed 67% of the total number of credits he/she has attempted. That is, if a student has attempted a total of 60 credits, the student must have completed or earned a minimum of 40 credits (60 x .67 = 40). Earned credit is credit that is completed with a grade of D- or better and credits earned for developmental courses. Earned credit does not include credits recorded as W, F, I, AU or WF.

Maximum Allowable Credits (Time Frame)

All students on federal financial aid must be admitted into an eligible program of study. A student is eligible to attempt a maximum of 150% of the credit hours required to complete his/her first program of study. Example: If an Associate of Science degree requires 63 credit hours to complete the program, a student is allowed 150% or 95 attempted credit hours in which to complete that program. This includes any credits in which the student was or was not paid federal student aid.

If a student has completed less than the maximum number of allowable credit hours in the program of study, he/she may receive aid for one more term even if the total hours exceed the limit.

Attempted credit hours includes all hours the student has enrolled in -- including all credits which receive a grade above a "D-", F and WF grades, repeated classes, withdrawals, pass/fail classes, audited classes, CLEP credit, advanced placement credit, transfer credits, and classes from which the student has tested out.

New Applicants

Incoming students with no previous postsecondary experience are assumed to be making satisfactory academic progress at the time of application.

Continuing students, applying for the first time, must have maintained reasonable Satisfactory Academic Progress during previous terms of enrollment. The cumulative GPA must be at least 2.0 (C). All attempted credit hours will be counted toward maximum time frame.

Transfer students are assumed to be making satisfactory academic progress. All transfer credits will be counted toward the maximum time frame.

Special Considerations

Degree Audit: A student may request a Degree Audit if they have changed majors or completed remedial class work. Once the evaluation has been completed by an academic counselor, any allowable credits will be added to the student's record. This may allow students to receive financial assistance during that time frame.

Probation: A student who fails to complete the required number of credit hours, or who fails to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) or higher or is nearing maximum allowed credits for the enrolled program of study will be placed on financial aid probation for the following academic semester in which the student is registered. A student is eligible to receive federal financial aid during the probation period.

Suspension: Students who fail to meet the cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and/or fail to meet the 67% credit hour completion rate will be placed on financial aid suspension. No additional financial assistance will be paid. Those who have reached the maximum number of credits for the program of study are also suspended from receiving financial aid. Any student suspended from financial aid has the right to appeal their standing.

Appeal: A student may appeal their suspended status. All appeals must be submitted using the Appeal for Satisfactory Academic Progress form. A decision of the appeal will be made by the Office of Financial Assistance. If the appeal is denied, the student has the right to have their appeal reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee.

Remedial Classes: An eligible student, enrolled in an eligible program may receive aid for 30 attempted credit hours of necessary developmental course work. The developmental credits are not counted in the maximum time frame, but added to the respective maximum limit of attempted credit hours.

The full Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is available at the Office of Financial Assistance upon request.

Professional Judgment

To determine your financial aid eligibility, the Federal processor uses your prior year's income. For the majority of the financial aid applicants this is the case. However, there are special circumstances when the past year doesn't reflect your financial ability to pay for college. Circumstances such as a loss of job, death in a family, parental divorce, or loss of untaxed income are situations where a student may need to request a Professional Judgment.

If you believe that your situation warrants consideration for a Professional Judgment, you must first complete the FAFSA. After your application is received, you can request a Professional Judgment. Print the "Appeal for Special Circumstances" form from our website. Once you have the required documentation, please bring these items to the DSC Financial Aid Office. You may want to make an appointment with a counselor to have your request reviewed. This will help to ensure all the required documents have been submitted.

If your request is approved, we will make the necessary corrections to your application. A "Professional Judgment" that is approved by our office is only valid at Dixie State College.

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Information for Parents

Incoming students are automatically considered for an academic DSC scholarship as part of the admissions process. For a general overview of what other aid might be available to your student, please read about the various federal, state, and institutional programs, click here. The following information maybe of particular interest to parents:

Q. Why do I need to provide my financial information for my child to apply?

Federal financial aid is based on the premise that families hold the primary responsibility for paying for college. Federal law specifies who can be considered independent for the purposes of financial aid. If your son or daughter can truthfully answer yes (and can provide documentation to verify their answer) to any of the following questions, they will be considered independent and parental information is not required:

• Were you born before January 1, 1986?
• As of today, are you married?
• At the beginning of the 2009-10 school year, will be working on a master's or doctorate program (MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD or graduate certificate)?
• Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed forces for purposes other than training?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
• Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010?
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2010?
• At any time since you turned 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
• Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
• Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway of homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

If none of the above applies to your student, federal law requires you to supply financial information on the application - even if they no longer live with you; or you don't claim them on your taxes; or you consider them financially independent.

We do not share financial information with anyone outside the financial aid office.

Q. Do I need a PIN?
Yes. You can use your PIN (Personal Identification Number) to sign your student's federal aid application (FAFSA). This greatly speeds up the processing. You can apply for a PIN online and use the same PIN for all your children. Your PIN will be assigned to you once the FAFSA has been completed and you have chosen the option to sign electronically.

Q. Can I call you about my student's financial aid?
Federal privacy law requires us to protect students' information. Your student can give us permission to discuss their aid with you by submitting a signed FERPA form.

Q. How do I obtain a Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) loan?

All dependent students who apply for federal aid at Dixie State College will be offered a PLUS loan. If the parents decide to borrow the PLUS loan, they apply for the loan through the lending institution of there choice and complete the PLUS Loan Information Form. If you are not sure which lenders participate in the PLUS program, please contact the DSC Financial Aid Office for a list of lenders.

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Helpful Hints to a Successful Financial Aid Application

Apply early! In order to have your money by the first day of class you must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) approximately 8 weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which you would like to receive aid.

Make sure that you use the school code 003671 (Dixie State College of Utah) on the FAFSA.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is only part of the required application materials. Verification worksheets, tax returns and other documentation may also be required.

Read all instructions carefully, especially anything you sign.

Make sure everything you submit to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office has your name and student ID on it.

Double check your social security number on your FAFSA before you submit it. If it is wrong, you must start the application process over again.

Make sure the Dixie State College Records & Registration Office has your current address and phone number. Keep it updated.

Keep copies of everything you submit.

Check your dmail account and financial aid requirements often. You can access these through Student Services Online access. This is how we communicate with you.

If you have any questions, PLEASE check with the DSC Financial Aid & Scholarships Office. We are here to help you through the financial aid & scholarship processes.

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Frequently Asked Financial Aid Questions

Q. How will I get my aid money?
Financial Aid funds are automatically applied to your institutional charges. Any remaining balance is put on to your Dixie HigherOne account. You must complete the "Authorization to Credit Accounts" form (only required once) before we can disburse your financial aid. Remember, you must be enrolled in at least six credits to receive any loan funds.

Q. I can't find a copy of my federal tax forms to complete the FAFSA. What should I do?

You can contact the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and request a Tax Account Statement. You will need this form to complete the FAFSA.

Q. I just completed my FAFSA, when will I receive my money?

It generally takes three to six weeks to complete the full financial aid process. Check your Student Services Online access link to follow your FAFSA progress. If you are selected for verification, you must submit additional documentation before we can complete your financial aid file. We send your award notification to your dmail account. Please check this account frequently.

Q. Can I fill out the FAFSA without using my parent's income information?

You are required to provide your parent's income information until you meet the Department of Education's criteria to become an independent student. You must be able to answer 'Yes' to one of the following items to be deemed independent from your parents:

• 24 years of age (born before January 1, 1986 for the 2009-10 award year)
• Married as of the date you first began to fill out the FAFSA
• Have dependents other than your spouse
• You are an Orphan or Ward of the Court
• You are a Veteran of US Armed Forces
• At the time you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
• Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
• Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
• At any time on or after July 1, 2008, did the director of a runaway of homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

Q. Why did my Pell grant adjust?
Pell grants pay according to your enrollment status. For example, a full-time student received the full amount and a half-time student receives half. Your Pell grant is based on the credits that appear on your transcript, which are the classes you are enrolled in on the last day to add. ACG Grants and SMART Grants require full-time status. Dropping below 12 credits will require immediate repayment of these grants.

Q. How do I sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN)?
Your MPN will be available for your electronic signature here. It will be available approximately 24-48 hours after you accept your Direct Student Loans on the DSC website. Remember, if this is your first Direct Stafford Student Loan at DSC, you must complete Entrance Loan Counseling. You need to complete Entrance Loan Counseling only once for you Direct Stafford Student Loans at DSC. You will generally only need to sign the MPN once unless you defaulted on previous student loans or have declared bankruptcy after you signed your MPN. Make sure you keep your current mailing address updated with the U.S. Department of Education once you have signed your MPN.

Q. What if my financial aid is not available by the tuition payment deadline?
Remember, it takes approximately three to six weeks to fully process your financial aid. You are responsible for payment of your tuition, fees and all other debts at the time they are due. If you do not have the finances to pay your tuition, DSC works with an outside agency to provide a tuition loan. Please refer to the DSC Tuition Payment Plan.

Q. What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized student loan?
A subsidized Stafford student loan is interest free while you are enrolled in school at least half time. You also have a six month grace period once you graduate or stop attending school, before you begin repaying the loan. The unsubsidized Stafford student loan begins to accrue interest at the time the loan is disbursed. Unless you make the quarterly interest payments, the interest will capitalize which will cause your loan payments to be larger once you begin to repay your loan. For more information, refer to the Federal Student Guide.

Q. I just got married. Can I change my application?
Unfortunately, federal regulations forbid you from updating your marital status during the award year. If have questions concerning this rule, please feel free to contact the DSC Financial Aid office.

Q. What happens if I withdraw from school and financial aid has paid my tuition?
If you withdraw from Dixie State before the semester begins and financial aid has not paid your tuition, no fund will transfer to your account. If you withdraw from school before or after school starts and financial aid has been posted to your account, the financial aid office is required to perform a Return of Title IV funds calculation on your account. Once this calculation has been performed, you may owe money back to DSC. Remember, it is important that you must officially withdraw from your DSC courses. If you fail to officially withdraw, you will receive WF grades on your transcript.

Q. Can I get aid for summer semester?
Summer is the last semester of the award year. Students who have not used their full Pell grant or Stafford loan eligibility can use their remaining eligibility in the summer. You can begin the summer application process the first week of April. Your award will be calculated after the summer semester has started.

Q. Can I have my parents or spouse deal with your office?
The law requires us to protect your information. If you would like us to speak about your aid to your parents, spouse, or anyone else, you can give them permission by submitting a Release of Student Information form. We can then release your information to those individuals listed on the form.

Q. Who handles Perkins loans?
Hailey Orr, orr@dixie.edu or (435) 652-7607). Please contact her to set up an appointment to sign your promissory note. Her office is located on the 3rd floor of the Whitehead Student Services building.

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Student Online Budgeting Tools

Start budgeting - Mapping your Future

Save money - Mapping your Future

Use your credit cards wisely - Mapping your Future

Manage your student loan debt - Mapping your Future

More on Managing Your Money - Mapping your future

Budget Calculator - US Department of Education

What will my loan payments be? - Utah Higher Education Assistance Authority

Other Useful Financial Aid Sites and Tools

Financial Aid Calculators - (includes an EFC estimator, various financial aid calculators, and more)

UHEAA - information about Utah student financial aid programs and loans

The U.S. Department of Education - includes the latest Student Guide, FAFSA on the Web, title IV codes and more

Mapping Your Future - information about choosing a career, paying for your education, and more

UtahMentor.org - Career, College, and Financial Aid Planning

Currency Convertor - xe.com

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Student Right to Know

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