Financial aid is the term used for all monies provided to students to assist with their college education - grants, loans and scholarships. Ivy Tech Community College participates in several federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs designed to assist students with their education expenses. EVERY student is encouraged to explore all financial aid options and to meet with a financial aid advisor if they have additional questions.

Most students will need a combination of programs to meet their needs - all of which have different criteria. There are at least eight Federal financial aid programs, plus numerous state aid and scholarship programs available:

• Grants do not require the individual to pay back the awarded funds, and often may be renewable as long as sufficient academic progress is maintained.
• Loans, whether they are given under the Stafford Subsidized or Unsubsidized, Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) or a Parent Loan for University Students (PLUS) program, are funds that one may borrow with the requirement that repayment occur once the student graduates or withdraws from school.
  • Apply for your Student Loan
  • Apply for a Plus Loan (Parent)
  • Loan Exit Interview
• Work-Study funds are available for students who fit certain criteria and are able to be employed in a limited capacity through the college or university while they are students.
• Other scholarship funds will vary according to the state, institution, or funding source requirements and conditions. A student may qualify for several programs in any given semester.

You must reapply for financial aid every year that you are a student. Also, if you change schools, your aid does not go with you. You must check with your new school to find out what steps must be taken to determine your eligibility for financial aid. This is especially important in Northwest Indiana, where students may begin at one institution and complete a degree at another. How to Qualify for Financial Aid

• not be in default on any federal or state student loan(s) or owe a refund on any federal or state grant(s);
• be a high school graduate, have received a GED, or be admitted to Ivy Tech under the ability to benefit;
• be admitted into and enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program at Ivy Tech;
• complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• promptly respond to requests for information from the Financial Aid Office.

• The FAFSA form is required if you are going to seek financial aid from any federal or state program. The forms are available at Ivy Tech or online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
• You may file your FAFSA online at Ivy Tech. Bring your appropriate tax forms to the Financial Aid Office at the campus you plan to attend.
• Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4 FED AID (1-800-433-3243) if you have questions about the FAFSA, need to change your school code, or need to request a duplicate Student Aid Report (SAR).
• If you are considered a dependent student according to the federal regulations (see Step Two of FAFSA), you must include your parents’ income information.
• KEEP COPIES OF YOUR FAFSA AND TAX FORMS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!!!

• do not leave blanks! If an answer is zero, put a "0";
• make sure you have listed your correct name, date of birth, and social security number;
• list Ivy Tech as your first school choice. Our code number is 010040.
• use your 2006 federal income tax form (1040EZ, 1040A, 1040) to complete the 2007/08 FAFSA; use your 2005 federal income tax form (1040EZ, 1040A, 1040) to complete the 2006/07 FAFSA
• Read the FAFSA instructions to make sure you are looking at the right lines.

If you are only seeking federal aid, you can apply for financial aid after the March 10 deadline. Student Responsibilities

• Financial aid is based on the student’s enrollment status at the end of the 100% refund period. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all schedule changes are completed before this date.
• Students who completely withdraw from Ivy Tech during the semester may be required to repay a portion of the student aid they received.
• Students should report enrollment changes immediately to Student Affairs.
• Students on financial aid probation will not be allowed to register for the next term until grades for the current term have been posted.
• Financial aid refund checks are generally mailed by the tenth week of the semester.
• be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
• be making satisfactory academic progress
• show financial need
• not owe a refund on a Federal grant or be in default on a Federal or State student loan
• be registered with the Selective Service if required
• be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.

Some programs may have additional eligibility criteria or specific deadlines.