NOVA - FINANCIAL AID 2021- 2022 - Northern Virginia Community College
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NOVA OFFERING A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION AT AN OUTSTANDING VALUE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION 2021– 2022
page 2 | 2021-2022 Application and Program Information
Welcome Students!
The Northern Virginia Community College Financial Aid staff will do all we can to assist you in meeting
the costs of your education at NOVA. Please help us by reading and responding to correspondence
from our office. When you have been admitted to NOVA and have completed the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)—the first step in the financial aid process—you will receive most
subsequent correspondence via your NOVA email and your NOVAConnect Message Center. It is your
responsibility to read your NOVA email and review your Message Center regularly. You must also
access your NOVAConnect account (www.nvcc.edu > myNOVA) at least weekly throughout the year and
respond immediately to requests for additional information. Electronic consent Terms and Conditions
are available for review on the financial aid web page and dashboard.
Follow these steps:
1. Set your NOVAConnect preferences each term.
VCCS SIS: Student Information System>Student Center>Personal Information>User Preferences
(NVCC; Credit; Fall 2214/Spring 2222/Summer 2223; 2022 [for 2021–2022]) – SAVE.
2. Check your To Do List weekly.
VCCS SIS: Student Information System>Student Center>To Do List – Submit all requested
documentation immediately, or nothing further will be done on your file.
3. View your financial aid award.
VCCS SIS: Student Information System>Student Center>Finances>View Financial Aid>2022 [for
2021–2022] – If you do not see an award within four weeks, make sure NOVA’s code, 003727, was
listed on your FAFSA and you have submitted all requested information. Awarding normally begins by
early April.
4. Check your account summary.
VCCS SIS: Student Information System>Student Center>Finances>Account Inquiry – If you enroll in
fewer than 12 required credits, your award will likely be reduced after the term census date (which is
the last day to drop with a tuition refund or change to audit for the longest session of the fall, spring,
or summer term). Use the Anticipated Aid button to view calculated aid if you are less than full-time.
5. Log in to the Financial Aid Dashboard.
NVCC Home>Paying for NOVA>Financial Aid>Financial Aid Dashboard – Review your current financial
aid status and any outstanding requirements for your application via the Financial Aid Dashboard.
Best wishes for a wonderful NOVA experience as you complete your college goals!
—NOVA Financial Aid Staff
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 3Financial Aid at NOVA
Financial aid can be the difference that allows you to the Support Center website, https://mysupport.nvcc.edu
attend college. Each year, thousands of Northern Virginia to live chat, upload most types of requested documents
Community College (NOVA) students receive financial and to search our knowledge base of frequently asked
assistance to help cover college costs. All students who questions.
need additional assistance are encouraged to apply for • You are encouraged to review the following resources:
the many scholarships available and for the multitude of
federal, state and institutional dollars provided at NOVA. NOVA’s Financial Aid Tutorials: https://blogs.nvcc.edu/
Need-based financial aid is intended to supplement the financialaid/financial-aid-tutorials/
family’s own resources. Information regarding the types New2NOVA Financial Aid Videos: https://nova.
of assistance and the scholarship and aid application financialaidtv.com/play/56940-nova-new-student-
processes can be found within this booklet, on https:// orientation/56932-how-can-i-learn-about-financial-aid-
www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/, within your NOVAConnect nova
student file and from the Financial Aid Office. Contact Financial Stability and Advocacy Centers:
information for the Financial Aid Offices and the 24- https://www.nvcc.edu/financial-stability/
Hour Student Support Center are printed on the back
of this booklet. Utilize all available resources, including NOVA’s Financial Literacy Blog and CashContest:
this booklet and our website, http://www.nvcc.edu/ https://blogs.nvcc.edu/financial-literacy/
financialaid/. Pursuing a Degree
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fter you have applied for admission to NOVA, go to www. To receive financial aid, a student must be enrolled in
nvcc.edu and click on myNOVA in the upper right hand an eligible degree or certificate program of study and
corner. A link will help you set up your password so you must be satisfactorily advancing toward that degree or
can access everything about your account at NOVA. certificate. Classes must apply to your program of study
Via your myNOVA account or Financial Aid Dashboard, to potentially be eligible for aid. Most programs of study
you will see: the documents still required to complete at NOVA are eligible for financial aid and provide students
the financial aid process; your financial aid awards; a many opportunities and choices. Two-year associate of
section where you can accept and decline loan and work- arts, fine arts or science degrees, designed for transfer
study offers; links to the loan promissory note and loan to four-year institutions, and two-year associate of applied
counseling; disbursement activity; and an abundance of science degrees in occupational and technical fields are
additional information regarding your life at NOVA. Start offered. One-year certificate programs are also available in
now to become very comfortable with this online student occupational areas. Most programs are offered on both a
information system. It will be your primary information full-time and part-time basis; many courses are offered on
source. weekends and online. A complete listing of instructional
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ubmit all documents to the Financial Aid Office or the programs can be found in the College Catalog.
24-Hour Student Support Center by creating a case. Any person who has a high school diploma or equivalent,
Priority consideration will be given to students whose is at least 18 years of age and is able to benefit from
files are complete by the following dates for the noted enrollment is eligible for admission to NOVA. Applications
terms: for admission are available online at http://www.nvcc.
Fall Semester 2021 (all students): March 1, 2021 edu/admissions/apply/index.html. Students receiving
financial aid must have graduated with an aid-eligible high
Spring Semester 2022 (new students): October 1, 2021 school diploma. Students cannot receive financial aid
Summer Session 2022 (new students): April 1, 2022 while dually enrolled in high school and college classes.
• If you need additional assistance, contact the Financial Students who are taking college classes at more than one
Aid Office, ask Ace (NOVA’s artificial intelligence institution can receive aid at only one college. A student
chatbot on the financial aid website) or call the 24- enrolled at more than one college, including students in
Hour Student Support Center at 1-855-323-3199 to the ADVANCE Program, should talk with the degree-granting
reach knowledgeable agents 24/7 who can answer institution’s financial aid office prior to the beginning
your questions about financial aid, student accounts, of the term to determine if a consortium agreement is
registration, admission and records. You can also visit appropriate to allow all credits to be considered for aid at
page 4 | 2021-2022 Application and Program Informationthe degree-granting school. With few exceptions, ADVANCE
students are NOVA students through completion of the Aid Available at NOVA
associate degree and do not need to complete an individual Scholarships
consortium agreement. A few ADVANCE programs include All aid types awarded by NOVA depend on available funding
required 100-200 level George Mason courses to complete and require that the student meet satisfactory academic
the NOVA degree. The balance of ADVANCE program progress requirements and the terms of each aid type. A
courses must be NOVA courses for associate degree multitude of different scholarships are available at varying
completion. If students transfer to NOVA after receiving times during the year. Access a listing of scholarships
financial aid at another college, they may potentially receive and criteria, the scholarship application and application
financial aid at NOVA only if the term at the other college deadlines on the NOVA website, www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/
ends before the term at NOVA begins. Due to federal index.html. Scholarships have many different criteria.
regulations, aid cannot be awarded at more than one school Not all require that you be academically outstanding or
during the same period nor during any overlapping periods require financial need. Generally, applicants should also
of enrollment. Transient students who are pursuing degrees complete the federal financial aid application process to be
at other colleges and who are just taking classes at NOVA considered. Check the website and additional scholarship
with the intention of transferring those courses back to their links to gain pertinent information.
home institution are not eligible for financial aid at NOVA.
NOVA has the largest enrollment of any institution of higher
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant – The Pell Grant assists undergraduate
education in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area and
students who need financial help for their education and,
serves a diverse student body on its six campuses in
like other grants, does not under most circumstances have
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and
to be repaid. Applicants must submit the Free Application
Woodbridge. NOVA is fully accredited by the Commission
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and
the grant. The Pell Grant is limited to a lifetime maximum
Schools.
of 12 full-time terms, or the equivalent. A student could
The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity is responsible potentially receive a full-time Pell Grant during the fall,
for the maintenance and advancement of equal opportunity spring and summer terms. Students who receive a full-time
in employment programs, activities and services without Pell Grant during the fall and spring terms must take at
regard to race, sex (including pregnancy), color, national least six required credits during the summer term to receive
origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, any summer Pell Grant. Before the term census, date
political affiliation, family medical history or genetic Pell Grants are offered based upon anticipated full-time
information, disability, or veteran status or any other basis enrollment. Pell eligibility is based on enrollment in required
protected by law. credits as of the term census (which is the last day to drop
The College is committed to the values of access, with a tuition refund or change to audit for the longest
opportunity and excellence, believing firmly that such session of the fall, spring or summer term).
values lead to a rich diversity of thought and culture and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant – A student who is
an inclusive environment which celebrates, and not merely not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian
tolerates, the commonalities and differences within its was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a
community. NOVA is in compliance with Section 504 of the result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination on September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq
the basis of handicap and provides for equal participation and Afghanistan Service Grant. Eligible students must be
by handicapped students in any financial aid program for under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least part
which they are otherwise eligible. All six campuses are time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The
accessible to handicapped students. Those students grant award could be almost as much as the amount of the
requiring special services or accommodations should maximum Pell Grant for the award year—not to exceed the
contact their campus Special Services Team six weeks prior cost of attendance for that award year.
to the beginning of classes.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(FSEOG) – The purpose of FSEOG is to provide grants
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 5to students who are Pell eligible and who demonstrate requirements shown on a student’s myNOVA To Do List
exceptional financial need. Students must be enrolled in will not be updated and marked as completed until the
at least six required credits per term to potentially receive student enrolls at least half-time for the applicable aid
FSEOG. year.
Federal Work-Study (FWS) – The work-study program • Until the MPN and Entrance Counseling are completed, a
provides jobs for eligible students who show unmet need. student cannot use a loan to offset tuition and fees or to
Most FWS students are employed on campus and work purchase books, supplies or a laptop through the campus
an average of 10 to 15 hours per week at a salary of bookstore.
$12–13 per hour. Workers are paid bi-weekly as hours are • Loans are normally awarded for the entire fall/spring
worked. Some jobs are designated as community service enrollment periods and will have two disbursements, half
since students assist individuals who are not necessarily in the fall and half in the spring, if the student maintains
students at NOVA. NOVA also provides FWS students for an eligibility. One-semester loans will be disbursed toward
off-campus reading tutors program for elementary school the beginning of the term. Summer is a separate loan
children. Eligible students can access additional information period.
about the FWS process, complete an application and
access a listing of available jobs at www.nvcc.edu/ • Loans, less mandatory loan fees, are credited to student
workstudy/. Enrollment in at least six required credits per accounts at NOVA. After school costs are covered, excess
term is necessary to be considered for work-study. amounts will be returned to the student to be used for
other educational expenses.
Federal Direct Loans • Loan disbursements for students not attending classes
• NOVA participates in the Direct Loan Program. Student
in at least six credits or not meeting satisfactory progress
loans are borrowed from the federal government.
requirements will be returned to the lender.
• All loans must be repaid by the borrower and should be
• Additional information regarding loans can be found at
taken with extreme caution and forethought. Failure to
https://www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/type/loans/index.html
repay a loan will negatively impact the student for years.
• The fixed interest rate on Subsidized and Unsubsidized
• Offered loans reflect eligibility. Students should accept
Direct Loans disbursed from July 1, 2020 – June 30,
only what is truly needed. A student must accept the
2021 was 2.75 percent.
loan and complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN), and
Entrance Counseling, at https://studentaid.gov/ to initiate • For information on the current interest rates for
the first loan. Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans as well as
Parent PLUS loans, please visit https://studentaid.gov/
•Direct Loans will not be originated until a student enrolls
understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.
in at least 6 eligible credits for the applicable term and
no earlier than July for the upcoming aid year. Also, loan • Please note that to provide relief to student loan
Federal Direct Loan Limits
Dependent Students (except when parents are denied a PLUS)
Class Standing Base Amount Additional Unsubsidized Total Aggregate Limit
Freshman $3,500 $2,000 $5,500 $31,000 with a
maximum $23,000 in
Sophomore $4,500 $2,000 $6,500 Direct Subsidized Loans
Independent Students (and dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS)
Class Standing Base Amount Additional Unsubsidized Total Aggregate Limit
Freshman $3,500 $6,000 $9,500 $57,500 with a
maximum $23,000 in
Sophomore $4,500 $6,000 $10,500 Direct Subsidized Loans
Go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized for additional information on subsidy
time frame limitations.borrowers during the COVID-19 emergency, interest Perkins Loan at NOVA, please contact University Accounting
is being temporarily set at 0% on federal student Service at 1−800−999−6227 if you have questions about
loans. In addition, federal student loan borrowers were the loan or repayment.
automatically placed in an administrative forbearance,
which allows students to temporarily stop making their
monthly loan payments. This 0% interest and suspension
State Programs
of payments will last from March 13, 2020, through If you are a domiciled resident of Virginia, meet satisfactory
at least Sept. 30, 2021, but students can still make academic progress requirements and aid-type specific
payments if they choose. requirements, you may be eligible for grant aid through the
Commonwealth Grant, the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance
Subsidized Direct Loan – To be eligible for the Subsidized
Program (VGAP), the VCCS Grant and/or the Part-Time
Direct Loan, a student must show need and be enrolled
Tuition Assistance Grant. A separate application is not
in at least six credits required for the program of study at
required to apply for these funds, but your final, official high
NOVA. The government subsidizes the loan by paying the
school transcript must be submitted to the Financial Aid
interest for the student during periods of at least half-time
Office to determine VGAP eligibility. You will be considered
enrollment.
for these funds when your financial aid award is packaged
First-year students are eligible for up to a maximum of or when adjustments are made for enrollment status.
$3,500 per academic year (fall, spring and summer at Original awards are generally for full-time attendance and
NOVA); students reaching sophomore status can borrow up can be adjusted after term census (which is the last day to
to $4,500. drop with a tuition refund or change to audit for the longest
The Direct Subsidized Loan usage limit which prevented session of the fall, spring, or summer term) for less than
first-time borrowers on or after July 1, 2013 from receiving full-time enrollment. VGAP awards require continuous full-
Direct Subsidized Loans for more than 150% of the time enrollment. Additional information can be found on
published length of their program was phased out on June the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website,
30, 2021. http://www.schev.edu/ and at www.vccs.edu.
Unsubsidized Direct Loan – The terms of the Unsubsidized Some states and the District of Columbia provide need-
Direct Loan are slightly different than those of the based grants to their residents for study in Virginia. If you
Subsidized Direct Loan. A student is not required to show are a resident of another state, you should make every
need for Unsubsidized Direct Loans, and interest is the effort to obtain grant funds for which you are eligible. Seek
student’s responsibility from the beginning. Eligibility for a information in your home state; contact the appropriate
subsidized loan is considered first; if the maximum limit of office to secure state support for your costs at NOVA.
$3,500 for freshmen or $4,500 for sophomores has not
been met, an unsubsidized loan will be considered to fill
Commonwealth of Virginia Programs
Commonwealth Grant (COMA) – The Commonwealth
the Expected Family Contribution and reach the maximum
provides grants to qualified students with financial need
eligibility limit.
who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must
Dependent students can borrow an additional $2,000 of be enrolled at least half-time (in six required credits) in
Unsubsidized Direct Loan funds; independent students, an eligible degree or certificate program. The grant is
and dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS, administered by the State Council of Higher Education
can have up to $6,000 of additional unsubsidized eligibility. for Virginia in conjunction with the Virginia Community
Unsubsidized loans cannot be awarded unless the student College System. The Commonwealth Grant may not exceed
has unmet cost of attendance. the cost of tuition charges. To be considered for a grant,
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) – students must complete NOVA’s financial aid application
The PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent requirements for need-based aid.
students to help meet remaining costs of education. Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) – The
Maximum eligibility is the total cost of education minus Commonwealth provides need-based grants for individuals
financial aid. who have graduated from a Virginia high school with a 2.5
Federal Perkins Loans – The Federal Perkins Loan program cumulative GPA based on a 4.0 scale, are admitted for
ended on September 30, 2017. If you previously received a enrollment in an eligible certificate or degree program and
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 7are domiciliary residents of Virginia. Students must enroll NOVA Work-Study Program – The Northern Virginia
in at least 12 required credits, maintain full-time enrollment Community College Board provides a limited amount of
and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for renewal. Students may funding for student employment at NOVA. These funds
receive this award once for each grade level and for no supplement federal and state assistance and are designed
more than two years at NOVA. When students complete to provide employment for students enrolled at least half
at NOVA and transfer for a bachelor’s degree, they should time. Students are paid an hourly wage as hours are worked.
notify the four-year school if they maintained eligibility for Emergency Grant – NOVA offers student emergency aid.
VGAP at NOVA. For more information and to apply, please visit
Awards may be for an amount up to the cost of tuition and https://www.nvcc.edu/studentemergencyaid/.
required fees and may include a book allowance for the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant – The D.C.
year. To apply for this grant, students must complete NOVA’s Tuition Assistance Grant Program provides eligible students
financial aid application requirements for need-based aid up to $10,000 per academic year (a maximum of $5,000
and must submit a final, official high school academic per semester) toward the difference between in-state and
transcript to the College Financial Aid Office. out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program (PTAP) – Awards will be reduced for less than full-time enrollment
The Virginia Community College System provides tuition and cancelled if students are enrolled less than half-time.
grants to qualified students enrolled for one to eight Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia for
required credits per term. Students must demonstrate at least 12 consecutive months prior to their first time in
financial need, and be domiciled residents of Virginia and college and maintain D.C. domicile throughout their college
declare a major in an eligible curriculum. To apply for PTAP‚ matriculation. Applicants must also have a high school
students must complete NOVA’s financial aid application diploma or GED and be 26 years of age or younger. Awards
requirements for need-based aid. Selection will be made may be received for a maximum of six years, and there is a
on a first-come, first-served basis and will equal up to the lifetime maximum of $50,000. Other eligibility criteria apply.
amount of tuition for one to eight credits. Students are encouraged to check the application deadline
VCCS Grant – The purpose of the VCCS Grant is to assist and apply early as funds are limited. D.C. Tuition Assistance
undergraduate community college students with financial Grant applications may be obtained at https://osse.dc.gov/
need to pay part of their costs. The funds are derived from dctag or by writing the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Office,
NOVA tuition set-aside funds. Grants are provided to a 1050 First Street, NE, Fifth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20002
limited number of domiciliary residents of Virginia who are or by calling 202–727–2824.
U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and otherwise eligible The Virginia Community College System Foster Care
for need-based federal and state funds. Recipients must be Tuition Grant – This program covers tuition and fees at
attending at least nine required credits per term at NOVA. any Virginia community college for high school or general
education development (GED) graduates who were in foster
NOVA Aid and Other Area Assistance care, in custody of a social services agency or considered
Northern Virginia Community College Tuition Assistance as a special-needs adoption at the time of graduation
Grant (NOVA TAG) – NOVA TAG is a need-based financial or GED completion. Other eligibility criteria apply. To be
aid program for full- and part-time students. Students must considered, applicants must complete the FAFSA and show
enroll in and attend at least six required credits per term, need, apply for admission to NOVA, be enrolled in at least
demonstrate need by completing the Free Application for six required credits,and submit documentation from the
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate award Department of Social Services regarding dates in foster
year, meet satisfactory academic progress standards care or when assistance was received for special-needs
for financial aid and satisfy other federal criteria used in adoption. Credits registered by term census date (which is
qualifying for need-based financial aid. Priority will be given the last day to drop with a tuition refund or change to audit
to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and for the longest session of the fall, spring, or summer term),
have remaining financial need. Preference will be given or at the award date if later, can be considered for the grant.
to students who have no other supplemental grant aid Awards may not exceed tuition and required fees. Students
besides FSEOG. Recipients may be resident or non-resident already receiving grants that cover tuition and fees are not
students. eligible. More information regarding eligibility is available
page 8 | 2021-2022 Application and Program InformationNOVA Financial Aid Programs Summary
NOVA Average
Program Application Eligibility Requirements
Award
Eligibility ranges from Any undergraduate student who is a citizen or
$336–$3,248 per eligible non-citizen of the U.S. and who has an
Federal Pell Grant semester for full-time, Free Application for eligible Expected Family Contribution (maximum
Pell-eligible students Federal Student Aid EFC of $5,846 in 2021–2022 for full-time);
in 2021–2022. less than full-time awards possible; must
declare a major in an eligible program.*
Federal Supplemental Any undergraduate student who is a citizen
Educational Awarded at $500/year Free Application for or eligible non-citizen of the U.S. and who is
Opportunity Grant for 2021–2022. Federal Student Aid enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program
(FSEOG) of study. Priority is given to Pell-eligible students
with the lowest Expected Family Contributions.*
Awards usually range Free Application for Any student who is a citizen or eligible non-
Federal Work Study from $4,000–$5,500 Federal Student Aid citizen of the U.S. and who has financial need;
Program for fall/spring. Summer and hiring packet at NOVA, must be enrolled at least half-time in
is a separate award. an eligible program.
$4,783/year average Free Application for Any undergraduate student who is a U.S. citizen
Federal Subsidized for those who borrowed Federal Student Aid or eligible non-citizen; must be enrolled at least
and Unsubsidized in 2020–2021 at Master Promissory half-time in an eligible program. Subsidized
Direct Loans time of edits. (A small Loan Note and loan loans require that the student show financial
percentage of students counseling need and complete the program of study within
borrow.) 150 percent of published time frame.
$1,647 average for Virginia Domiciled undergraduate student
Commonwealth Grant those receiving the Free Application for demonstrating financial need; must be enrolled
award in 2020–2021 Federal Student Aid at least half-time.*
at time of edits.
Virginia domiciled undergraduate student
Part-Time Tuition Full tuition for one to Free Application for demonstrating financial need; must be enrolled
Assistance Program eight credits Federal Student Aid for no more than one to eight semester credits
and be in an eligible program.*
* A student with a prior baccalaureate degree is ineligible.
Note: Any aid type can be reduced or eliminated for less than full-time enrollment, a change in a student’s domicile or a change in
NOVA’s allocation. Only credits required for the student’s financial aid eligible program of study are considered in calculating enrollment
levels for awards.
from the College Financial Aid Office or by visiting: http:// a set period of time. No credit check is required and no
www.schev.edu/index/tuition-aid/financialaid. interest is charged to participate. There is a nominal
NOVA Payment Plan – To help students meet educational enrollment fee (non-refundable). Payments can be made via
expenses when aid eligibility is insufficient to cover them, Automatic Bank Payment (ACH) or credit/debit card. For
NOVA offers the NOVA Payment Plan which allows students specific plan information and cost, go to https://www.nvcc.
to pay tuition in monthly or semi-monthly payments over edu/payment/plan.html.
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 9The Financial Aid Application Process
A 12–Step Guide eligible courses to pay for courses not eligible for aid.
• If you are a transfer student, you are asked to request
School Code 003727 official transcripts from all schools previously attended.
Completed applications received by March 1 will receive Go to https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html
priority consideration for all types of financial aid funds. to learn more about getting your transcripts evaluated by
To be considered a complete file, the College Financial Aid the College Records Office for transfer credit.
Office must have received a valid FAFSA and all documents
required to finalize the student’s award. Because of the 2. Request your FSA ID.
volume of paperwork received from our many students, Go to https://studentaid.gov and apply for your FSA ID.
we cannot promise that aid will be processed in time for If you are required to provide parental information on the
the payment due date or possibly the fall start if forms FAFSA, one parent must also request his or her own FSA
are turned in after July 1. Late files will be processed as ID. Both you and one parent, if parental information is
received as long as the College has official FAFSA results required, must sign the FAFSA online; your FSA IDs will act
prior to the last day of the student’s attendance for the as electronic signatures. FSA IDs can be issued in real time,
year and the student completes the process by federal and the student and parent can immediately use them to
deadlines. If the student applies late and does not receive electronically sign the application. However, if the student’s
an award notice by the deadline for payment, the student or parent’s name, Social Security Number and birthday do
must make other payment arrangements until the student not match Social Security Administration information when
can be reimbursed from finalized financial aid. By careful, the FAFSA is submitted, real-time FSA IDs will be invalidated
thorough and timely completion of the 12 steps outlined and disabled, and a paper signature page will be required.
below, you, the student, will receive full consideration for Save valid FSA IDs and security questions in a secure place
grants, loans and work-study before the payment deadline. for future use. You can use your FSA ID to:
• Electronically sign the FAFSA.
1. Apply for admission and declare a
•C
heck the status of your application and obtain results
major in an eligible program of study. quickly.
In order to receive financial aid, you must be accepted for
admission and enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an • Correct your FAFSA online.
eligible program of study. Most of the one- and two-year •A
ccess your personal loan information throughout
programs at NOVA are eligible. repayment at https://studentaid.gov if loans are required
• Apply for admission online at www.nvcc.edu. for college.
•A
Social Security Number (SSN) is required to apply 3. Complete the FAFSA on the Web
for financial aid. If you do not provide your SSN for
Worksheet followed by the FAFSA on
admission, we cannot link your FAFSA to your file, and you
will likely experience a delay in awarding and disbursing the Web.
your financial aid. Before completing the FAFSA, it is recommended that you
review the online first-time FAFSA filer tutorial at https://
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ontact Student Services to update your high school nova.financialaidtv.com/play/45863-2019-2020-fafsa-
graduation status, to declare a program of study, and to tutorial/fafsar-getting-started-2021-22. Print and complete
have it officially recorded. Make certain the activation the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet and access the FAFSA for
date encompasses the first day of the term for which final entry at https://studentaid.gov.
financial aid is being requested. You will not receive an
award notification until this has been done. It is highly The following are helpful tips:
recommended that students contact an advisor and run
an “Advisement Report” each term to ensure all courses • Complete the worksheet first to ensure that you have
are applicable to the program of study and are eligible collected all required information.
for financial aid. Financial aid will NOT be awarded for • After you have answered all required questions, leaving
courses outside of a student’s active program of study. no blanks on the worksheet, enter your information
NOVA must have a signed Credit Balance Authorization electronically on FAFSA on the Web at
Form from the student to use excess financial aid from https://studentaid.gov.
page 10 | 2021-2022 Application and Program Information• Be sure that your name exactly matches the name on 5. Check the status of your application
your Social Security card. Correct your Social Security
number information, if needed, with the Social Security
on myNOVA.
When the College Financial Aid Office electronically
Administration by calling 1–800–772–1213 or visiting
receives your Institutional Student Information Report
https://www.ssa.gov/. Your name, SSN and birthday must
(ISIR), our version of your SAR, NOVA will send you an
match exactly those on record with the Social Security
email. Throughout the process, you can check the status
Administration or a correction will be required.
of your application at www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect. Go to
• We strongly encourage the use of the IRS Data Retrieval Self Service > Student Center > Financial Aid. Click on
tool within the FAFSA, if you are eligible to do so. This will View Financial Aid and then Aid Year. If nothing appears
expedite the process. Name and address must match on NOVAConnect and you don’t receive any notice regarding
perfectly with those used in filing your taxes. your SAR or a request for additional information, go back to
• Use your FSA ID to electronically sign your application. https://studentaid.gov and make certain your FAFSA was
If parental information is required, one parent must not rejected and that you included NOVA’s school code.
electronically sign also, using his or her unique FSA ID. Continue to review information on your myNOVA account
Parents must also have a separate email address. regularly. After you know your FAFSA has been received
by NOVA, frequently review your Dashboard and To Do
• Follow the recommended filing dates, which can be found
List under Self Service > Student Center > To Do List
on page one of this booklet.
throughout the year; click on Details. Click on each To Do
• For the 2021-2022 academic year, use 2019 tax List item for instructions.
information when filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA for 2022–
2023 will become available on October 1, 2021 and will 6. Respond promptly to requests for
require 2020 tax information. additional information.
If access to the internet is not available from home, access Files are not complete until all information has been
is usually available at your local high school, library or received. Files will be awarded on a first-completed/first-
at NOVA. If you absolutely cannot complete the process awarded basis. Watch your To Do List and Dashboard!
electronically, a paper form can be submitted. A paper form Additional documents can be requested even after the To
can be printed at https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/ Do List is seemingly complete and aid is awarded. Always
files/2020-21-fafsa.pdf. File electronically if at all possible; keep copies of tax transcripts, W-2s, untaxed income
the paper process is much slower. and asset documents. Promptly submit all requested
information at the same time by uploading documents as
4. Verify the information printed on your an attachment to a case submitted to the 24-Hour Student
Student Aid Report (SAR). Support Center, or by submitting it directly to the Financial
Approximately two weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you Aid Office. Your file is not complete, and no award will be
will electronically receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from processed until all clarifying information has been received.
the U.S. Department of Education. You can also review Allow time for your application to be reviewed; during
this information at https://studentaid.gov. Read your SAR summer months especially, delays are not uncommon and
carefully to check for accuracy. Corrections can be made are sometimes lengthy.
electronically. Make sure NOVA’s school code (003727)
7. Review your financial aid notification.
has been listed so your information can be released
When eligibility has been determined, an aid notification
electronically to NOVA. If NOVA’s school code is not listed,
will be sent to your NOVAConnect Message Center. It will
call the U.S. Department of Education at 1–800–4–FED–
explain how to view the financial aid you were offered and
AID (1–800–433–3243) or add NOVA’s school code
the next steps. Instructions for viewing your financial aid
online at https://studentaid.gov. Provide the Data Release
on NOVAConnect are provided at https://www.nvcc.edu/
Number (DRN) located in the upper, right-hand corner of
novaconnect/students/tuts/viewfa.html. Aid notices prior
the SAR. NOVA will accept only data released electronically.
to the term census date are based on full-time status. If
NOVA financial aid staff members will never know you have
you enroll in less than 12 eligible credits, your aid will be
applied if our school code (003727) is not listed.
adjusted to reflect correct amounts after the term census
date, which is the last day to drop with a tuition refund or
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 11change to audit for the longest session of the fall, spring, on your account. You must complete and electronically sign
or summer term. Aid will be adjusted throughout the term if a Bookstore Authorization form (available each academic
enrollment status and aid eligibility change due to dropped year on your NOVAConnect To Do List) to allow bookstore
or non-attended classes. Know which aid types are grants employees to access and charge your required books and
or gift aid as opposed to loans or self-help. You can accept, supplies against your available financial aid.
decline or reduce student loans and work-study through your
NOVAConnect account as indicated at https://www.nvcc. 10. Make certain your financial aid or
edu/novaconnect/students/tuts/accept.html. other resources have paid your bill by the
Remember, if you are borrowing a federal student loan deadline.
for the first time, you must accept the amount you wish Review your NOVAConnect account summary and ensure
to borrow on NOVAConnect, enroll in at least six eligible that your anticipated financial aid based on your current
credits, and complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) enrollment is enough to cover your balance. Make
and Entrance Counseling at https://studentaid.gov/ or arrangements to cover any remaining balance by the
the loan funds will never be received. payment deadline noted on the academic calendar. NOVA
offers monthly and semi-monthly payment plans, or you
8. Enroll in classes. can make a one-time payment online. More information is
Review the Schedule of Classes, contact an advisor if provided at https://www.nvcc.edu/payment/methods/index.
required and select your classes for the term. Before the html.
term census date, which is the last day to drop with a
Remember, if you register but decide not to attend, you are
tuition refund or change to audit for the longest session of
responsible for dropping your registered classes.
the fall, spring, or summer term, enroll in all the classes
you intend to take during the term. Your Pell status is 11. Verify your mailing address.
determined by the credits in which you are enrolled and If you have a change of address, contact your Student
are attending as of that date. Neither Pell nor state aid Services Center or update your mailing address at www.
will be increased if you add classes later. Financial aid will nvcc.edu/novaconnect. You are responsible for keeping your
NOT cover courses outside of a student’s active program records current. Approximately six weeks into the term, if
of study. Classes not started or dropped before the course enrollment and attendance have been established at that
census date or not attended after the census date will time, excess financial aid above what you owe the College
not count toward enrollment status; aid must be adjusted will be processed for disbursement via your selected
accordingly and repaid as necessary. Go to www.nvcc. disbursement method (paper check or direct deposit).
edu/novaconnect to enroll. If you register but decide not
Financial aid cost of attendance is calculated for average
to attend, you are responsible for dropping your registered
tuition and fees, books, supplies, transportation and basic
classes on NOVAConnect.
living expenses. After the aid adjustment period ends and
9. Buy your books. if the amount of assistance is greater than the actual cost
If you have enough financial aid to pay for tuition and fees, of a student’s tuition, fees and charged books, a refund
your excess financial aid may be used to buy required for excess funds will be processed for disbursement
textbooks, supplies and a laptop during the bookstore or refunded to a credit card if that is how the account
purchase period. This period generally begins two weeks payment was originally made. Due to changes in loan fees
before classes start and runs through the term census as of October 1, loans will not be disbursed until after
date, which is the last day to drop with a tuition refund or that date and only if the census date has passed for at
change to audit for the longest session of the fall, spring, or least six credits. Excess aid amounts must be used for
summer term. A second bookstore purchase period opens basic transportation and other living expenses related to
for the second 8-week term during fall and spring semesters education.
for those who still have anticipated undisbursed aid. Please
check the academic calendar for the specific dates the
12. Select your refund preference.
NOVA has contracted with Nelnet Campus Commerce to
bookstore purchase periods are open each semester.
process electronic financial aid disbursements and tuition
Before attempting to charge books against your financial refunds to students. Students can choose to receive a
aid, make sure all classes are registered and no holds exist direct deposit (ACH) into a bank account or a paper check
page 12 | 2021-2022 Application and Program Informationmailed to the student’s address of record at NOVA. For more •N
otifying lenders and NOVA if there is a change in name,
information and to set up your refund preference, go to address or enrollment status.
https://www.afford.com/TMS/school-refunds/ach.htm. You •C
omplying with employment requirements for Federal
might receive multiple refunds due to the timing of aid types Work-Study.
hitting your account and excess aid being requested. Once
aid is disbursed to your student account, allow five to seven • F iling a new FAFSA as soon after October 1 as possible
business days to receive the excess aid via direct deposit. for the following aid year.
Excess aid should be received approximately six weeks into • Repaying all student loans borrowed.
the term if you have completed the process and received
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress at NOVA.
an award notice by the beginning of the term. Aid requiring
half-time attendance will be held until at least half-time Students are encouraged to keep copies of all pertinent
attendance for the term is reached and confirmed for later- documents:
starting classes. • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Student Rights and Responsibilities • Student Aid Report (SAR) and Data Release Number (DRN)
Students have the right to: • Financial Aid Award Notification
•K
now what federal, state and institutional financial • F inancial information used to complete the FAFSA (1040
assistance is available. Federal Tax Transcripts, etc.)
• Know the financial aid procedure and how aid is awarded. • F ederal Direct, Perkins and/or PLUS Promissory Notes
• Know how and when financial aid is paid. and other loan correspondence
• Know the cost of attendance at NOVA. •Y
our FSA ID provided by the U.S. Department of Education
and your security questions. Parents must maintain their
•K
now and comply with the Return of Title IV Aid Policy for
own. Do not share your FSA ID with anyone! If you think it
withdrawal.
has been compromised, call 1–800–4–FED–AID (1–800–
• Know what portion of financial aid is grant (gift) aid. 433–3243) to cancel and request a new one.
•K
now what portion of financial aid is a loan and the The College Financial Aid Office at NOVA operates on the
terms of the loan at the time it is made. This includes philosophy that no individual should be denied access to
interest rate, grace period and terms of repayment, education because of financial need. All state, federal and
including a sample repayment schedule. local financial aid is used to assist as many students as
• Know how much need has been met by your award. possible by filling as much need as funds allow. Each year,
NOVA typically awards more than $115 million in student
• Know the criteria for continued aid eligibility.
aid to more than 20,000 students. Steps taken to assist
Students are responsible for: students begin with calculating a cost of attendance
• Knowing and meeting financial aid deadlines. budget and the student’s financial need.
•P
roviding all information/documentation requested by the
College Financial Aid Office.
• Reading and understanding all forms and correspondence
pertaining to financial aid and keeping copies of these.
•A
ccepting responsibility for all agreements signed by the
student.
•R
eporting any drastic changes in financial circumstances
(i.e., death of parent or spouse or divorce) which would
change financial need.
• Returning all financial aid forms by the date requested.
• Knowing and complying with NOVA’s payment policy.
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 13Cost of Attendance Budget and
Financial Need
Calculating a Cost of Attendance Budget analysis application called the Free Application for Federal
Personal expenses, room and board, and transportation Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov. When
costs vary greatly according to the individual’s students return to https://studentaid.gov for a subsequent
circumstances and spending habits. For financial aid year, a renewal FAFSA is available to students who have
purposes, estimated costs are used. Costs for approved applied previously; many of the questions will already be
study abroad programs, dependent care related to the completed. The FAFSA enables a NOVA student to apply
student’s educational program, unreimbursed costs without charge for all types of need-based aid. Numerous
related to disability, required tools and program kits and consultants in the area charge significant amounts for
the documented cost of a leased or purchased personal a free service. NOVA staff members will assist you for
computer related to the student’s educational program may no charge. Never give your FSA ID or myNOVA ID and
be considered in adjustments to the cost of attendance passwords to anyone, and never pay for financial aid
budget. Documentation must be submitted to the College assistance. Using financial aid dollars to pay a consultant
Financial Aid Office for such determination. Additional aid is not allowed within federal rules. The application, which
might not be available to meet the increased need. collects income and asset information from the student
(and spouse, if married, or parents of a dependent
Calculating Financial Need student), must be submitted for the following academic
Need is the difference between the cost of attendance year as soon after October 1 as possible. For 2021-2022,
at NOVA and the family’s formula-calculated ability to tax information from 2019 must be used. For 2022-2023,
pay. The family’s ability to pay, called the Expected Family 2020 taxes must be used. Use IRS data retrieval within
Contribution (EFC), is determined by completing a need your FAFSA, if eligible to do so.
Total Expected
Student Cost of Attendance
(COA) Budget
— Family = Financial Need
Contribution (EFC)
Estimated tuition, fees, books, Calculated through FAFSA
supplies, room and board, personal formula from parent/student/ The amount NOVA may award in
and miscellaneous expenses, spouse’s income, assets and need-based aid.
transportation and loan fees. other resources.
page 14 | 2021-2022 Application and Program InformationCost Per Credit for Fall 2021
Military Contract Out-of-State
Virginia Students
Out-of-State Students
Tuition $180.40 $180.40 $359.65
Capital Fee $0.00 $23.50 $23.50
Student Activities Fee $3.10 $3.10 $3.10
Parking Infrastructure Fee $2.00 $2.00 $2.00
Total Per Credit $185.50 $209.00 $388.25
Estimated One-Term Cost of Attendance Budgets
(2021-2022)
In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees
$2,597.00 $5,436.00
(14 credits per semester)
Books and Supplies $900.00 $900.00
Total $3,497.00 $6,336.00
Living Away From Parents’
Living at Parents’ Home
Home
Room/Board/Personal $4,746.00 $7,384.00
Transportation $914.00 $914.00
Total $5,660.00 $8,298.00
Financial aid forms are available at www.nvcc.edu/forms
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 15Policies of Extreme Importance
Satisfactory Academic fail or withdraw from all classes can immediately
be placed on suspension.
Progress C. F
inancial Aid Probation Status (PS) – Students who
have successfully appealed financial aid suspension
Federal regulations require that a student receiving
are placed in Probation Status (PS). Students in
federal financial aid make satisfactory academic progress
Probation Status (PS) are eligible to receive financial
in accordance with the standards set by NOVA and the
aid for one (1) semester, after which they MUST be
federal government. These limitations include all terms of
in Good Standing (GS) or meeting the requirements
enrollment, whether or not aid was awarded or received. At
of an academic progress plan that was pre-approved
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Satisfactory
by the College Financial Aid Office. (See “IV.
Academic Progress (SAP) standards apply also to non-
Appeals” for additional information.)
federal aid, including state funds, institutional funds and
foundation scholarships. Progress is measured throughout D. F
inancial Aid Suspension Status (SS) – Students
the academic program by the student’s cumulative grade who do not meet the credit progression schedule
point average (Qualitative) and by credits earned as a and/or the cumulative grade point average standard,
percentage of those attempted (Quantitative or Pace of who fail to meet the requirements of their pre-
Completion). In addition, students must complete their approved academic progress plan or who are
programs of study before attempting 150% of the credits flagged by the Department of Education for having
required to complete the program. unusual enrollment history with enrollment, but no
recent academic success at NOVA will be placed in
The College Financial Aid Office will evaluate satisfactory
Suspension Status (SS). Students in Suspension
academic progress before aid is awarded and again after
Status (SS) are not eligible to receive financial aid
most grades are posted for every term, starting with the
unless an appeal and academic plan are submitted
first term of enrollment. Some shorter academic programs
and approved.
are ineligible for student financial aid, but those credits will
be counted toward all SAP requirements (GPA, Completion E. A
cademic Suspension (AS) – Academic
Rate, Maximum Timeframe and Developmental Maximum) if requirements for avoiding warning status and staying
the student later enrolls in an eligible program. in school differ from financial aid requirements for
Satisfactory Academic Progress. Academic status
I. STUDENT FINANCIAL AID STATUS will be noted on registration records; financial aid
A. F
inancial Aid Good Standing (GS) – Students status will be noted on financial aid screens in SIS.
who are meeting all aspects of the satisfactory Any student totally suspended from Northern Virginia
academic progress policy or successfully following a Community College for academic or behavioral
designated academic progress plan. reasons is automatically ineligible for financial aid.
B. F
inancial Aid Warning Status (WS) – Students
who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress
II. EVALUATING PROGRESS
A. Quantitative Standards or Pace of Completion
for the first time (excluding students who have
already attempted 150% of the credits required Completion Rate (67% Rule): Students must, at
for their programs of study or those flagged by a minimum, receive satisfactory grades in 67% of
the Department of Education for having unusual cumulative credits attempted. This calculation is
enrollment history) will be automatically placed performed by dividing the cumulative total number
in a Warning Status for one (1) term and are of successfully completed credits by the cumulative
expected to meet SAP requirements by the end of total number of credits attempted. All credits
that term. Students who fail to meet satisfactory attempted at NOVA (except audits, which must be
academic progress requirements at the end of entered as such by the class census date) are
the warning status term will be placed on financial included. All credits accepted in transfer count as
aid suspension. However, with a successful SAP both attempted and successfully completed credits.
appeal, those students will be placed on financial This evaluation will be made prior to aid being
aid probation and will retain financial aid eligibility. awarded and after grades are posted at the end of
Students who attempt at least half-time status and each semester a student is enrolled at the College.
page 16 | 2021-2022 Application and Program InformationCredits with satisfactory grades at the College Additional Considerations for Quantitative or Pace of
are those for which a grade of A, B, C, D, S or P is Completion Standards
earned. Note: Federal student loan borrowers must •W
ithdrawals (W grades) that are recorded on the student’s
meet satisfactory academic progress requirements permanent academic transcript will be included as
at the point of loan certification and again prior to credits attempted and will have an adverse effect on
the disbursement of any loan proceeds. the student’s ability to meet the requirements of the
Maximum Hours (150% Rule): In order to continue completion rate for financial aid.
receiving financial aid, a student must complete his/ • Incomplete Grades: Courses that are assigned an
her program of study before attempting 150% of the incomplete grade are included in cumulative credits
credits required for that program. Developmental and attempted. These cannot be used as credits earned in
ESL course work are excluded in this calculation. the progress standard until a successful grade
Attempted credits from all enrollment periods at is assigned.
the College plus all applicable transfer credits
are counted; whether or not the student received •R
epeated courses enable the student to achieve a higher
financial aid for those terms is of no consequence. cumulative grade point average. Students can repeat
courses with financial aid until successfully completed,
Transfer Students: In order to properly calculate but repeating courses adversely affects the student’s
satisfactory academic progress, transfer students ability to meet completion rate requirements. Financial
who apply for financial aid are asked to request aid can be considered for successfully completed classes
official transcripts from all other colleges attended. that are repeated to achieve a higher grade, but for only
Go to https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/ one additional attempt. Only the latest attempt will count
index.html to learn more about getting your toward the cumulative grade point average.
transcripts evaluated by the College Records Office
for transfer credit. Credits officially accepted in B. Qualitative Standards
transfer will be counted in the 67% rule and in Cumulative GPA Requirements (GPA Rule): In order
determining the maximum number of allowable to remain eligible for financial aid consideration,
semester credit hours for financial aid eligibility. students must meet minimum cumulative grade
The College has the option, on an individual student point average requirements based on a progressive
basis, to put a transfer student in Financial Aid scale. Only non-remedial courses are included in
Warning Status or suspension immediately upon this calculation. Transfer credits are excluded from
evaluation for financial aid if academic history at GPA evaluation. In order to graduate, a minimum
previous colleges indicates a pattern of unsuccessful cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in
academic work. all courses that are applicable to the degree plan.
Second Degree Students: Credits earned from a first
degree or certificate must be counted if the student Total Credits
GPA Requirement
changes programs or attempts a second degree Attempted
or certificate. Depending on the circumstances, an 1-15 1.5
appeal might be warranted.
16-30 1.75
ESL and Developmental Studies: Students may
receive financial aid for a maximum of 30 semester 31+ 2.0
hours of Developmental Studies courses as long as
the courses are required as a result of placement III. REGAINING ELIGIBILITY FOR
testing, the student is in an eligible program of FINANCIAL AID
study and SAP requirements continue to be met. Students who do not meet the credit progression
ESL credits are unlimited in number as long as they requirements (Quantitative or Pace of Completion) and/or
are taken as part of an eligible program and SAP cumulative grade point average requirements (Qualitative)
requirements continue to be met. will be immediately ineligible for financial aid. Removal
from financial aid does not prevent students from enrolling
2021-2022 Application and Program Information | page 17You can also read
