Financial Aid Assistance Programs and Procedures
Del Mar College encourages all students who wish to attend the college and who do not have the financial resources available to pay the cost of higher education to seek assistance through Financial Aid Services. While the family and student are expected to assume a major responsibility for the costs associated with attending a degree or certificate program at the College, there are resources available to supplement their efforts. The assistance available is in the form of gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and employment). There are resources available for students with a demonstrated financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as those who are not able to demonstrate need but who do not have the resources available.
To receive aid, a student must:
Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen
Be registered with Selective Service (male, U.S. citizens and permanent residents, ages 18-26)
Have demonstrated financial need (U.S. Department of Education and Del Mar College will use the information from the Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine the financial need of the student)
Be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours) in an eligible program as approved by the Department of Education (in some cases, students may receive a Federal Pell Grant for less than half-time enrollment)
Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by Del Mar College Policy. See "Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress at Del Mar College," found in this section and in the Index
Not owe a refund on any Title IV (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Grant or Federal State Student Incentive Grant) or any other Higher Education Grant program received at any institution previously attended
Not be in default on any Title IV Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Student Loan, Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS), Federal Supplemental Loan to Students (FSLS) or any other Higher Education Act Loan Program received at any institution previously attended.
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To qualify for financial assistance, including loans and some scholarships, you must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web, obtain a FAFSA at Financial Aid Services at Del Mar College (please note: due to the high costs of printed FAFSAs, they will be issued in a very limited amount) or complete the FAFSA Renewal Application mailed to you by the Department of Education, or on FAFSA on the Web.
ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS
The U.S. Department of Education has electronic alternatives for applying for financial aid. Using one of the electronic procedures, you may reduce the processing time of your application by two to three weeks. Students who applied for the 2007-2008 school year will receive an electronic PIN (Personal Identification Number) from the Central Processing Center. This PIN serves as the student's electronic signature as well as enabling the student to access their account information. For more information on the PIN, log on to www. pin.ed.gov.
FAFSA on the Web/Renewal FAFSA on the Web
Applying on the Web is the U.S. Department of Education's newest electronic application process. This procedure allows you to complete the FAFSA over the Internet by providing an easy-to-use format. FAFSA on the Web/Renewal FAFSA on the Web can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
This application procedure is also available in Spanish.
The questions on the Web application will be listed differently than those on the paper application. Therefore, if you will be filing on-line, it is important to complete a Pre-Application Worksheet instead of a paper FAFSA to guide you as you go along. You can print a copy of the Worksheet from Section I of the FAFSA on the Web home page at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
The Renewal FAFSA is a tremendous time saver for students as responses from the prior cycles' FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA are displayed and the applicant must answer only questions that are likely to have changed from the previous year.
After completing the application on the Web, submit the application electronically and either mail the signature page or utilize the Personal Identification Number (PIN) which serves as an electronic signature. NOTE: Dependent students must have one parent sign the signature page unless their parent has also obtained a PIN. After signing the FAFSA, the student should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) within two to three weeks.
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Students often omit the items listed below. Please pay close attention to them because failure to include these items may cause a delay in the processing of your file.
Personal interviews may be scheduled with financial aid personnel at the student's request.
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Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED certificate may qualify for financial aid by achieving minimum scores on the ASSET, Accuplacer, or COMPASS test offered at a testing center as follows:
ASSET: Reading (35), Writing (35) and Math (33)
Accuplacer: Reading (55), Writing (60) and Math (34)
COMPASS: Reading (62), Writing (32) and Math (25)
Students meeting this criterion must submit copies of their test scores and the Individual Approval form signed by the appropriate dean to Financial Aid Services before financial aid can be awarded. Students admitted under Ability to Benefit are not eligible to receive loan funds.
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Applications for scholarships and financial assistance will be accepted after January 1 of each year for the following academic year. Priority deadlines are established to allow ample time for the processing of applications and timely delivery of funds to students. It is recommended that students apply at least two months before the priority deadline for applicable enrollment period.
| Financial Aid Program | |
| Academic Year | May 1 |
| Spring Only | October 1 |
| Summer Sessions | February 15 |
| Del Mar College Scholarships | |
| Sophomores (second year) | February 15 |
| Freshmen (incoming) | April 1 |
| Del Mar College Foundation Scholarships | |
| Academic Year | May 1 |
| Spring Semester | September 1 |
| Summer Semester | March 15 |
| Del Mar College Former Students' Association Scholarships | |
| Academic Year | July 1 |
All applications received after the priority deadline are awarded according to the availability of funds on a first come, first served basis.
If the scheduled deadline falls on a holiday or weekend, the student has until the next business day to turn in their paperwork.return to 2008-2009 Course Catalog
It is important that students consider very carefully the consequences of withdrawing/dropping all their classes at Del Mar College.
Return of Title IV Funds applies to all students who have been awarded assistance from a federally funded loan or grant and have completely withdrawn (officially or unofficially) from Del Mar College. Federal aid is earned in a prorated manner on a daily basis up to and including the 60% point in the semester. After the 60% point, all aid is considered earned and no refunds/repayments are required. The Department of Education considers a student who earns all non-passing grades to have unofficially withdrawn. Your instructor will report your last day of attendance and your Return of Title IV will be calculated accordingly.
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Del Mar College participates in numerous federal, state and local financial aid programs. The source and amount of any award will depend greatly on a student's demonstrated need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education and Del Mar College Financial Aid Services. Priority is given to those students whose applications are completed by the priority deadlines and with the greatest documented need.
Grants
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL): The Federal Pell Grant is available to qualified applicants. FPELL is the largest Federal grant program available. Awards range from $400 to $4,800 per academic year.
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG is awarded to qualified applicants who have an exceptional financial need remaining after being awarded the FPELL. At Del Mar College, awards may range from $350 to $700 per academic year.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG): The Academic Competitiveness Grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study to full-time (12 or more hours) students who are U.S. citizens, eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and who had successfully completed a rigorous high school program, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Second year students must have completed at least 24 semester hours and less than 48 semester hours with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0. The program was available for the first time for the 2006-2007 school year for first year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The ACG award is in addition to the students' Pell Grant award, not to exceed the student's financial need.
Del Mar Student Grant (Resident) (DMSG): This institutional grant is designed to provide awards to qualified Texas residents. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.
Del Mar Student Grant (Nonresident) (DMSGN): This institutional grant is designed to provide awards to qualified out-of-state students. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.
Leveraging Education Assistance Program and Special Leveraging Education Assistance Program (LEAP/SLEAP): These federal grants are available to assist students attending public institutions of higher education. To be eligible, a student must be a Texas resident, demonstrate financial need and be an undergraduate student. Awards range from $350 to $700 per academic year.
Toward Excellence, Access and Success Grant Program (TEXAS), New and Continuing: This need-based grant is designed for Texas resident students who have graduated from a Texas high school and have completed the Recommended or Advanced high school curriculum or its equivalent, who demonstrate need as defined by the FAFSA, who will be enrolling at least three quarter time (+9 hours) in a degree or certificate program within 16 months of high school graduation and who have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance. Student must have an Expected Family Contribution of ² 4,000. For the 2008-2009 award year, students may receive up to $865 per semester for both full-time (12 or more hours) and three-quarter time (9 to 11 hours) enrollment. Students must complete the first year satisfying the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy; thereafter, the student must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted, maintain at least a 2.5 overall GPA and complete 24 semester hours at the end of the Academic Year to continue to receive the Texas Grant.
TEXAS Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG), New and Continuing: This need-based grant is designed for students who are Texas residents and who are in their first year of college (²29 hours). Student must have an Expected Family Contribution of ² 2,000 and must have graduated from high school, earned a GED, or have completed home school, have no felony convictions and be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). For the 2008-2009 award year, students may receive up to $865 per semester for at least half-time enrollment. Students must complete the first year satisfying the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy; thereafter, the student must complete at least 75% of the hours attempted to continue to receive the TEOG.
Loans
Loans are available to assist students in meeting their educational costs. All of the loans available are long-term, low interest loans. No loan may be made to a student who indicates an unwillingness to repay the loan. A prior default or delinquency on a loan or an established history of nonpayment of debts may be taken as evidence of unwillingness to repay the loan. The following loan programs are available at Del Mar College:
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
Del Mar College participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Just as with the Federal Student Loan Programs used at other institutions, the program consists of both the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans, however the U.S. Department of Education is your lending institution. You will be responsible to them for all your correspondence and repayments. If interested in applying for a Federal Direct Loan, you must indicate so on the FAFSA.
Financial Aid Services will notate the amount a student can borrow on their Award Letter. After the student accepts the award online or signs the Award Letter and returns it to Financial Aid Services, the loan will be originated. Once a student's loan is originated, the student will be mailed specific instructions regarding the loan requirements, such as attending an entrance counseling session and the completion of the electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN), along with the anticipated dates of disbursement. In order to complete the Electronic MPN, the student will be required to have their Personal Identification Number (PIN); they may visit the PIN Site Registration at www.pin.ed.gov to obtain one. Student loan amounts will be disbursed in two installments. The Business Office will mail loan checks to the student; therefore, the Admission and Registrar Office must have the student's current mailing address. The Department of Education will send a Disclosure Statement with the anticipated dates of disbursements.
All first-time borrowers at Del Mar College must attend a loan entrance counseling session before their loan is disbursed. If the student borrower withdraws, graduates, or does not plan to attend Del Mar College the following semester, they must complete an exit interview.
Reminder: the student must complete the required entrance counseling session and complete the MPN to assure payment. Should the student fail to comply, they may owe funds to the College.
Terms of the Loan:
- Monthly payments begin six months after the student is no longer enrolled in college at least half-time (6 hours).
- The minimum payment could be $50 per month. The payment may be larger or smaller, depending on the size of the loan debt.
- Interest rates are fixed and are adjusted every year on July 1. The interest rate for 2007-2008 was 6.80%.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Subsidized Loan (DLSUB)
This is a federal long-term loan designed to help students who have difficulty meeting college expenses. The U.S. Department of Education is your lending institution. Del Mar College originates the student's loan and the Department of Education makes the loans to the student. The maximum amount a student may borrow under the Sub/Unsub loan is $3,500 for first-year students and $4,500 for students in the second year of their program. Interest is not charged on a Direct Subsidized Loan while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time (6 hours) during grace period and during deferment periods. Additional Unsubsidized loans are no longer available at Del Mar College.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan (DUNSB)
This loan program is only for students who do not qualify for the Direct Subsidized Loan. The terms and conditions are the same as for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan as it applies to the loan limits, deferments and interest rates. Interest is charged on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods (starting on the day the loan proceeds are disbursed). This includes periods while borrowers are enrolled in school at least half-time (6 hours), during grace period and during deferment and forbearance periods. Therefore, borrowers will pay more interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan than on a Direct Subsidized Loan.
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)
Parents of a dependent undergraduate student may borrow funds under this loan program on behalf of the student. Parents can borrow up to the cost of education minus other financial aid the student may have received. Parents must have a good credit history to qualify. Lending institutions, along with a guarantee agency, administer the loan program. The interest rate for the FPLUS is fixed, adjusted annually. The interest rate for 2007-2008 was 7.9%. Payments begin within 60 days from the date of disbursement, with a $50 minimum payment per month. Loan regulations allow at least five but no more than ten years to repay this loan. The parent borrower may prepay the whole or any part of the loan at any time without penalty or may defer payments of the principal if the student is attending school full-time. Please note that although the principal may be deferred, the interest continues to accrue or must be paid. The FPLUS loan disbursement will be made co payable to the College and the parent borrower. The parent should contact Financial Aid Services for check release procedures.
For detailed information about applying for a FPLUS Loan, go to www.delmar.edu/finaid/fplus.html.
The FAFSA must be completed to be considered for FPLUS.
Alternative Loans
Alternative loans are private loans offered by lending institutions. They are not part of the federal government guaranteed loans and should only be used when all other options have been exhausted. Research all possibilities for scholarships, grants, work-study and federal loans before borrowing from an alternative loan program. What should you look for in an Alternative Loan?
- Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
- Loan Limits
- Repayment Terms
- Cosigner Requirement
- Repayment Incentives
- Interest Capitalization
- Lender for Federal Loans
For detailed instructions in applying for an alternative loan, go to www.delmar.edu/finaid/aloans.html.
The FAFSA must be completed to be considered for Alternative Loans.
Employment
Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP): The FWSP provides employment opportunities for students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 hours), have financial need and would prefer to earn money to help pay their educational expenses. Priority is given to those students who demonstrate the greatest financial need. Effecitve July 24, 2008, students will be paid $6.55 per hour and may work 12-15 hours per week. The majority of the students are employed on campus. However, some off-campus community service opportunities are available. If interested in working with a participating community service organization, contact Financial Aid Services. Current or previous employment does not guarantee continued employment.
Texas College Work-Study Program (TXWKS): The TXWKS is primarily the same program as the FWSP with the same conditions; however, community services opportunities are not available. This program is funded by the State of Texas and the student must be a Texas resident.
America Reads: Del Mar College students who qualify for Federal Work-Study can elect this off-campus community service option. Students are paid $8 per hour and may work 10-12 hours per week. Interested applicants must enjoy reading to/with elementary school-aged children and must have dependable transportation. Contact Financial Aid Services for more information.
Student Assistant Employment Program: Campus employment may be available for students who would prefer to work on campus but do not demonstrate financial need. Students should inquire with the different departments on campus. Effective July 24, 2008, students will be paid $6.55 per hour and may work 12-15 hours per week. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours).
Scholarships
Del Mar College offers numerous scholarship opportunities for students. Scholarships consist of monetary awards that do not have to be repaid. Funding for scholarships awards is provided through gifts from organizations, individuals, companies, foundations and grants. Scholarships are awarded to students on the basis of scholastic achievement, financial need and/or a variety of criteria set by the benefactor. The value of a scholarship award and the awarding process varies according to the discipline or department in which the student is applying. Scholarships are available from:
- Del Mar College
- Del Mar College Foundation, Inc.
- Del Mar College Former Students' Association
- State funds
- Grants
For additional information, visit the Del Mar College Web site at www.delmar.edu or pick up and review the Scholarships Available at Del Mar College booklet available at Financial Aid Services. The booklet also contains additional information about scholarship search Web sites. Applications are available in the Office of Development at the Center for Economic Development, the Harvin Student Center at Del Mar College East, the Coleman Center at Del Mar College West, online at www.delmar.edu, or at Financial Aid Services.
FINANCIAL AID SERVICES SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
Del Mar College has adopted the following Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (Be advised these standards apply to all financial aid programs unless the terms of a particular program indicate otherwise):
Federal/State Regulations require students to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress at the time they receive financial assistance. All financial aid recipients must be enrolled in a program of study leading to an Associate's degree, a certificate, or is enrolled in a transferable program towards a Baccalaureate Degree. All course work attempted at Del Mar College will be evaluated, regardless of whether the student previously received assistance.
A student's academic progress is evaluated after each long semester and at the end of the summer session. The evaluation includes all coursework attempted for the semester/sessions (Withdrawals, incompletes and "R" grades will be included in determining the total number of hours for which the student enrolled). It also includes all periods of the student's enrollment, even those for which the student did not receive financial aid. (Rapid Track semesters, mini-semesters and Maymesters will be included in the semester in which they began.)
The Progress Standards required are shown below:
Good Standing
FAILURE TO MEET STANDARDS
Financial Aid Probation
- Financial aid probation is a warning that the student is jeopardizing future eligibility but can still receive financial aid.
- The first time the minimum standard is not met, the student will be placed on financial aid probation.
- A cumulative 2.0 GPA must still be maintained for students who have attended four or more longer semesters.
Financial Aid Suspension
- Financial aid suspension is a cancellation/denial of awards or disbursements of financial aid.
- The second time the minimum standard is not met, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.
- Students placed on Academic Suspension by the Registrars Office will automatically be placed on financial aid suspension. This financial aid status will continue should the student be granted permission to enroll after an Academic Suspension appeal. Students under this status must meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards in order to get back on financial aid.
- Students placed on enforced scholastic suspension the last time they were enrolled will be on Financial Aid Suspension.
- Any student exceeding the 63/90 maximum time frame will be placed on financial aid suspension.
Additional Information:
- There is a limit of 30 semester hours of developmental course work that may be eligible for financial aid. Any developmental hours beyond this 30 hour limit will not be eligible for financial aid consideration. All developmental course work will be counted toward the 63/90 maximum time frame.
- All repeated course work will count toward the 63/90 attempted semester hour maximum time frame.
- Transfer work: All transfer work will be counted towards the maximum time frame. Students will be required to have an appropriate advisor evaluate the transfer hours and certify on the DMC Transfer Credit Evaluation Form (TRCR), the number of transfer hours applicable towards their current educational objective. A signed degree plan must also be submitted along with the TRCR. Financial Aid Services will adjust the total attempted semester hours accordingly.
- Transient students (students transferring for the Summer Term only) are not eligible to receive any financial aid from Del Mar College.
Regaining Eligibility
A student may regain eligibility for financial aid by:
- Paying for expenses related to enrollment from personal resources until the student has satisfied the minimum Standards of Academic Progress (SAP).
- Students placed on financial aid suspension while enrolled for six (6) or more hours must enroll for six (6) or more hours in the next enrollment period and meet the minimum requirements as stated above.
- Students placed on financial aid suspension while enrolled less than six (6) hours may enroll for less than six (6) hours, and must complete all hours with a 2.0 grade point average or better. The suspension status will only change to probation.
- File a written appeal with Financial Aid Services within 10 business days from receipt of the Suspension Letter.
Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Process:
Federal regulations provide for hardship waivers based on the death of a relative, personal injury, illness (self and family) or other extenuating circumstances that prevent the student from making progress.
Students must complete a Financial Aid Appeal Form and a narrative as to the circumstance(s) that prevented SAP and attach supporting documentation such as:
- Death Certificate
- Letter from a doctor on official letterhead
- Other verifiable documents that support the student's claim.
- A statement indicating what provisions have been made to ensure the circumstance(s), if any, will not interfere with future progress.
Maximum Time Frame Appeal
A student appealing due to having exceeded the maximum time frame (63/90) must complete the maximum time frame appeal form along with a narrative explaining the reasons why the time frame was exceeded. A signed copy of an up-to-date degree plan along with a degree plan summary sheet must also be submitted to Financial Aid Services.
A student enrolled in a transfer program must submit a degree plan by a university advisor where the student is transferring from. The degree plan must list the accepted DMC hours and the remaining DMC hours required to complete the transfer program.
Financial Aid Services will notify the student of the findings and recommendations within three (3) weeks of submission of the student's financial aid appeal.
Should the appeal be denied, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Vice President of Student Development within eight (8) business days from the date of the denial letter. The decision of the Vice President will be based solely on the review of the student's record and shall be final.
During the Appeals Process, the student must be prepared to pay for expenses such as tuition, fees, books and supplies and/or other educational related expenses from personal resources.
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The Texas Rehabilitation Commission (TRC) offers assistance for tuition and nonrefundable fees to students who have certain disabling conditions, provided their occupational objectives have been approved by a TRC counselor. Examples of such conditions are orthopedic deformities, emotional disorder, diabetes, epilepsy and heart conditions. Applications for services should be made at one of the offices of the Texas Rehabilitation Commission.
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The Del Mar College Former Students' Association undertakes special projects to enhance the welfare of students and the College. General association meetings are scheduled throughout the year. Membership in the Former Students' Association is encouraged for all individuals who have attended the College. For more information, contact the Office of Development and Foundation at (361) 698-1317.
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Del Mar College Foundation, Inc.
The Del Mar College Foundation, Inc. provides financial resources to assist the College in meeting the educational goals of students. The Foundation, composed of community leaders, provides student scholarships, instructional needs, capital funds and other funds to address college priorities not funded through state appropriations or local taxes.
Scholarship applications can be obtained online at www.delmar.edu/foundation/finaid/sholapp06.pdf, from the Office of Development and Foundation located at the Center for Economic Development, in the Harvin Student Center first floor display or through Financial Aid Services. Call (361) 698-1317 for information.
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