To qualify for federal Pell Grants, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Be enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program
• Have a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate ability to benefit
• Not be in default on federal loans or owe a refund on a federal grant
• Agree to use federal funds solely for educational purposes
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

1. Complete the FAFSA online: www.fafsa.gov

2. BCCS Federal School Code: 042995

3. Deadlines for priority consideration:

• March 1 – Submit FAFSA
• April 15 – Complete financial aid file
• Summer enrollment – Submit FAFSA for the preceding academic year

4.Recommended for funds to be ready at registration: Apply by May 1 and complete file by July 1

• Determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC), enrollment status, and length of enrollment
• Prorated for students enrolling in fewer than a full course load

• Some students are selected for verification of FAFSA information
• Notification is sent via BCCS email
• Verification must be completed within 120 days of last enrollment or by federally set deadlines
• Failure to complete verification may result in loss of Pell Grant eligibility

Refunds are based on official withdrawal date:

• 100% refund – Prior to the first class
• 75% refund – First week of classes
• 50% refund – Second week of classes
• 0% refund – After the second week

• Technology fee ($200) is non-refundable
• Students not attending class during the first two weeks without notification will be automatically withdrawn and will not receive a refund
• Official withdrawal requires completing the Withdrawal Form via the Academic Dean, website, or student handbook

Federal law specifies how Title IV funds are returned if a student withdraws:

• Earned funds = prorated based on days attended vs. enrollment period
• Unearned funds must be returned by BCCS and/or student
• Unofficial withdrawals or failure to pass any course triggers R2T4 calculation
• Post-withdrawal disbursement may occur for earned aid exceeding outstanding charges
• Students must attend at least one class period per course to qualify
• Non-attendance on final roll sheets can cancel Pell eligibility

Important Deadlines:

• Withdrawal date determination: within 30 days of discovery
• Return of unearned Title IV funds: within 45 days of determination
• Post-withdrawal disbursement to student account: within 180 days
• Notification of grant overpayment: within 30 days

• Minimum Cumulative GPA: 2.0 by end of first spring trimester
• Must maintain GPA each year to remain eligible for federal aid

• Must complete at least 67% of attempted credit hours annually
• All incomplete or non-passing grades count as unsuccessful

• Students must complete their program within 150% of required credit hours

E.g., 66-hour program → complete within 99 attempted hours

• All attempted hours, transfer credits, repeated courses, and withdrawals count

• Failure to meet SAP = suspension from financial aid
• Reinstatement requires enrolling at least half-time and meeting SAP standards
• Appeals may be submitted with documentation of mitigating circumstances
• Approved appeals → placed on Financial Aid Probation for one year

• Summer credit hours count toward 150% limit and GPA calculations