FINANCIAL AID FAQs

Who should apply for financial aid?
All students should apply. The only way to determine eligibility to receive financial aid funds is to apply for them. Students should file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 preceding the Fall semester. If the student filed the FAFSA the last academic year, the student must refile again for the next academic year.
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money to help students pay for college expenses. Financial aid helps bridge the gap between the student’s/parents’ own resources and the amount needed to pay for the cost to attend Macomb Community College.

Grants, scholarships, college work-study, Federal Direct Stafford loans and alternative loans are the types of financial aid offered by Macomb.

What is the EFC and what does it mean?
A formula established by the U. S. Congress calculates the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or what the family can contribute to education. Macomb Community College determines the student’s financial aid eligibility based on the results of this formula. The formula takes into account the family’s income, assets, number of family members, and number in the household attending college at least half-time. The EFC is based on income from the prior year of enrollment. For example, for the 2009-10 academic year, the students (and parents, if required) 2008 income is considered when calculating the contribution.
How is financial need determined?
Most financial aid is awarded based on financial need. When a student applies for financial aid, the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used in a formula established by the U. S. Congress. This formula determines the student’s and/or family’s expected family contribution (EFC). If the EFC is below a certain amount, the student may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, assuming he/she meets other eligibility requirements.
What is a PIN number and how do I apply for one?
The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is an electronic access code number that serves as your identifier when you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The PIN helps you do the following:

  • Apply online for federal student aid, using FAFSA on the Web.
  • “Sign” your application electronically and complete the student aid process totally online-no paper is involved. If you’re a dependent student and your parents have a PIN, they can sign the application electronically also. Signing the application at the time you apply means you will get the results faster.
  • Make corrections on your FAFSA
  • Access your Student Aid Report (SAR) and make corrections to it.
  • Access all your federal student aid records online, including any federal student loan information.

Go to www.pin.ed.gov to apply for the PIN. You should request your PIN before you complete your FAFSA on the Web application.

What does “verification” mean?
Verification is a process required by federal regulations, by which Macomb Community College compares information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) against tax returns and all supporting financial documents, (i.e. Social Security, unemployment, etc.) Students are randomly selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education or by Macomb Community College, based on certain criteria. Macomb Community College verifies information included on the FAFSA if the student reports income less than $3000 per household member, conflicting information in the file or the student is selected for verification by the Central Processing System (CPS). Applications selected for verification are indicated by an asterisk (*) next to the EFC number on the Student Aid Report (SAR).
What happens after I apply for financial aid?
Students are responsible for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the published deadline dates. The student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Processing agency in Illinois. The SAR summarizes the student’s application information and displays the expected family contribution. Students will also receive letters from the Macomb Financial Aid Office, which describe the status of the student’s application. The letters may request documents to complete the student’s application, may deny the student’s request for aid, or may inform the student of other eligibility issues that require the student to follow up and/or respond.

Students must respond to requests for information promptly. It is best to provide copies of all documents, as originals cannot be returned. Students should check the progress of their aid application on a regular basis. If the student decides not to attend Macomb during the time he/she applies for financial aid, the student should notify Macomb promptly so the aid can be cancelled and awarded to other students.

The file review process is done when all required documents are submitted. Sometimes during review, additional clarification may be needed, which may result in the student receiving another letter requesting documents/information. After the review process is completed, one of the following will occur:

  • Student will be sent back to the Federal Processor for corrections; or
  • Student will be awarded; or
  • Student will be denied
Why do I have to provide parent information?
Parent income and asset information is required because the U. S. Congress says families have the primary responsibility to pay for the student’s college education. Parent information is not required if the student meets one of the following criteria:

  • Born before January 1, 1986
  • Married
  • A veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training
  • Has legal dependent(s) other than a spouse and supports dependent(s) 50% or more. The dependants cannot be supported by somene other than the student
  • Student is an orphan, ward of the court or in foster care at the age of 13
  • Student is an emancipated minor as determined by a court in Michigan
  • Student is under legal guardianship as determined by a court in Michigan
  • Student is determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless, on or after July 1, 2008, by a high school or school district homeless liaison
  • Student is determined to be an unaccompanie youth who was homeless, on or after July 1, 2008, by a director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Departmen of Housing and Urban Development
  • Student is determined to be an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless youth basic center or transitional living program.
I’m not sure my family will have financial need. Should I complete the FAFSA?
Yes. Financial aid is intended both to remove financial barriers for families who cannot afford the costs of an education beyond high school and to fill in the gap for families who can afford only part of the cost. Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA for private, need-based scholarships and must file FAFSA for student loan consideration.
What is the Macomb Community College Federal School Code?
The Macomb federal school code is 008906. This code is for all Macomb Community College campuses. Financial aid for all Macomb campuses is processed centrally through the South Campus Financial Aid Office.
What is the Identification Authorization Form?
This form authorizes the Financial Aid Office to release information to a parent or spouse you designate. The form is to protect the confidentiality of your financial aid records. You can access the form and instructions at this link.
Must I be admitted before I receive financial aid?
Yes. In order for the Financial Aid Office to process your financial aid request, you must apply for admission to the College by submitting an admission application with a valid social security number. If you are awarded financial aid, you must be registered for and attend classes before the financial aid will be paid to your tuition and/or to you as a refund.
If I enroll less than full-time, can I still receive financial aid?
Yes. Financial aid is awarded to students, based on full-time. The award letter gives the student the amount of financial aid, by semester, he/she will receive at all credit hours. Some funds can only be received if the student is enrolled half-time (6 credits) or more.
How is financial aid paid?
Financial aid awards, except College Work-Studym the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and the Federal PLUS loan, are accepted for all students. Financial aid pays to the student’s account based on the start date of the class. For example, if the student has 3 credits which begin at the start of the semester and 3 credits which start later in the semester, the classes will be held. However, financial funds will not pay tuition and/or refunds will not be issued until the week before the start date of the last class. HOW FINANCIAL AID is PAID provides specific information on financial aid payments, based on the type of award.
I want to apply for a scholarship only-do I have to fill out the FAFSA?
There are some scholarships that are based on financial need. If you want to apply for a need-based scholarship, as defined by the donor’s criteria, the FAFSA is required. There is also a separate application form for private scholarships.
I know I completed the FAFSA and sent it in to Macomb at least four weeks ago, but haven’t received my Student Aid Report (SAR). What should I do?
Call the Federal Student Aid Information number at 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). The staff can provide you with the status of your FAFSA.
I lost my job (or one of my parents lost his/her job) in 2008. What do I do?
Students cannot do anything until after they receive an official award notification or denial. The award notification or denial will reflect the base year’s information from the FAFSA. The student may then submit a Special Condition Appeal Form to the Financial Aid Office. Parents and students who request a reevaluation based on unusual changes in financial circumstances during the calendar year will be reviewed after the initial review of their file. If it is determined the student’s financial need will increase, this increase could be funded with loans or possibly a Federal Pell Grant, if eligible. The student should not submit the Special Condition Appeal Form until after the student receives a denial letter (no need/no funds) or an initial award letter.
Which application do I use for the Spring/Summer semester?
The Macomb academic year covers Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer semesters in that order (for example: Fall, 2008, Winter, 2009 and Spring/Summer, 2009 make up one academic year). Therefore, the student should file the 2008-09 FAFSA. There is also a one-page Macomb Spring/Summer application form the student needs to complete.
Why did I receive a bill if I have financial aid?
Every student that enrolls at Macomb Community College receives a bill. Financial aid funds get applied to the account 10 days before the start date of each class. The student can check their status online on Web Advisor or by calling the Financial Aid Office.
Can my Federal Direct Loan debt ever be cancelled?
Cancellation releases you from all obligations to repay the loan. You can receive cancellation only in the following situations:
  • are totally or permanently disabled
  • cannot complete a course of study because the school (under unusual circumstances) falsely certified your eligibility
  • had your name signed on the loan application or promissory note without approval
  • filed for bankruptcy (in certain cases)
  • died
Can I avoid repaying my student loans?
No, you cannot avoid repaying your student loans because you:
  • did not complete the program of study at the school (for reasons other than school closure or false certification of loan eligibility)
  • did not like the school or the program of study
  • did not obtain employment after completing the program of study
What should I do about my loans if I transfer to another school?
  • If you enroll in a new school at least half-time before the grace period ends, your loan(s) can be put back into an “in-school” deferment status.

  • If you plan to transfer and will enroll at least half-time, go to Direct Loan Servicing Online and request a deferment form.
    How do I use my financial aid to buy books and supplies?
    If students have financial aid in excess of tuition and fees, they can use their excess financial aid funds to purchase books and supplies from the campus Follett Bookstore. Students are required to show their registration statement (or other proof of Macomb student number), a photo identification card and also a list of their books to the bookstore cashier. Financial aid funds for bookstore purchases may not be available at the beginning of the term for students with both early and late start classes. Any student in this situation may call the Financial Aid Office for a possible advance on their financial aid funds to buy their books for the early class(es). There is a 48 hour waiting period for the advance. When requesting an advance, the student must bring in a list of books required for their early start classes.
    How do I receive the balance of my financial aid after buying my books/supplies?
    Students will be issued any remaining financial aid balance based on the refund period and start date of the class(es). The College has contracted with Higher One, a refund management service, for the processing of student refunds. See information below on “What is a Macomb Debit Card.”
    What is a College Debit Card?
    The Macomb Debit Card is a prepaid debit card that allows students to safely, quickly and conveniently receive their financial aid refunds from Macomb Community College. All registered students will be sent a Macomb Debit Card and be asked to activate the card and select a refund option. Students can go to www.macombdebitcard.com for further information.
    How often do I have to apply for financial aid?
    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) needs to be submitted every year. The application is available starting on January 1st and needs to be completed prior to April 15 for Fall semester. The student must reapply on a yearly basis. After filing the FAFSA, the student should print a copy and confirmation number from the website. The student can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.