FINANCIAL AID 2019-2020 - APPLICATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION - Nova
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OFFERING A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION AT AN OUTSTANDING VALUE. FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION AND PROGRAM INFORMATION 2019-2020
page 2 | 2019-2020 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 account 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 2194/Spring 2202/Summer 2203; 2020 [for 2019–2020]) – 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. (See #5, Dashboard.)
3. View your financial aid award.
VCCS SIS: Student Information System>Student Center>Finances>View Financial Aid>2020 [for
2019–2020] – 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.
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 16-week census date for the
fall and spring terms or after the 12-week census date for the summer term. Pay any portion of your
bill not covered by financial aid to prevent classes from potentially being dropped. Use the Anticipated
Aid button to see calculated aid if you are less than full-time.
5. Log in to the Financial Aid Dashboard.
NVCC Home>Students>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
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 3Financial Aid at NOVA
Financial aid can be the difference that allows you to at 1-855-323-3199 to reach knowledgeable agents
attend college. Each year, thousands of Northern Virginia 24/7 who can answer your questions about financial aid,
Community College (NOVA) students receive financial student accounts, registration, admission and records.
assistance to help cover college costs. All students who You may also visit the Support Center website, https://
need additional assistance are encouraged to apply for mysupport.nvcc.edu to live chat, upload most types of
the many scholarships available and for the multitude of requested documents and to search our knowledge base
federal, state and institutional dollars provided at NOVA. of frequently asked questions.
Need-based financial aid is intended to supplement the • You are encouraged to review the following resources:
family’s own resources. Information regarding the types
of assistance and the scholarship and aid application NOVA’s Financial Aid Tutorials: https://blogs.nvcc.edu/
processes can be found within this booklet, on www.nvcc. financialaid/financial-aid-tutorials/
edu/financialaid/, within your NOVAConnect student file New2NOVA Financial Aid Videos: https://nova.
and from financial aid representatives at each Campus financialaidtv.com/play/56940-nova-new-student-
Financial Aid Office. Contact information for NOVA’s Campus orientation/56932-how-can-i-learn-about-financial-aid-
Financial Aid Offices and the Financial Aid Support Center nova
are printed on the back of this booklet. Utilize all available Financial Stability Program Resources: https://blogs.
resources, including this booklet and our website, www. nvcc.edu/wssn/
nvcc.edu/financialaid/index.html.
NOVA’s Financial Literacy Blog and CashContest:
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fter you have applied for admission to NOVA, go to www. https://blogs.nvcc.edu/financial-literacy/
nvcc.edu and click on myNOVA in the upper right hand
corner. A link will help you set up your password so you Pursuing a Degree
can access everything about your account at NOVA. In order to receive financial aid, a student must be enrolled
Via your myNOVA account or Financial Aid Dashboard, in an eligible degree or certificate program of study and
you will see: the documents still required to complete must be satisfactorily advancing toward that degree or
the financial aid process; your financial aid awards; a certificate. Classes must apply to your program of study
section where you can accept and decline loan and work- to potentially be eligible for aid. Most programs of study
study offers; links to the loan promissory note and loan at NOVA are eligible for financial aid and provide students
counseling; disbursement activity; and an abundance of many opportunities and choices. Two-year associate of
additional information regarding your life at NOVA. Start arts, fine arts or science degrees, designed for transfer
now to become very comfortable with this online student to four-year institutions, and two-year associate of applied
information system. It will be your primary information science degrees in occupational and technical fields are
source. offered. One-year certificate programs are also available in
• T urn in all documents promptly to your campus financial occupational areas. Most programs are offered on both a
aid representative (verification documents should be full-time and part-time basis; many courses are offered on
uploaded to your verification interview), or mail them weekends and online. A complete listing of instructional
to: College Financial Aid Office, Box 135, 8333 Little programs can be found in the College Catalog.
River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003–3743. Priority Any person who has a high school diploma or equivalent,
consideration will be given to students whose files are is at least 18 years of age and is able to benefit from
complete by the following dates for the noted terms: enrollment is eligible for admission to NOVA. Applications
Fall Semester 2019 (all students): March 1, 2019 for admission are available online at http://www.nvcc.edu/
admissions/apply/index.html. Students cannot receive
Spring Semester 2020 (new students): October 1, 2019 financial aid while dually enrolled in high school and college
Summer Session 2020 (new students): April 1, 2020 classes. Students who are taking college classes at more
• If you need additional assistance, see one of your than one institution can receive aid at only one college.
campus financial aid representatives in your Campus A student enrolled at more than one college, including
Financial Aid Office, ask Ace (NOVA’s artificial intelligence students in the ADVANCE Program, should talk with the
chatbot on the financial aid website, www.nvcc.edu/ degree-granting institution’s financial aid office prior to
financialaid), or call the 24-Hour Student Support Center the beginning of the term to determine if a consortium
page 4 | 2019-2020 Application and Program Informationagreement is appropriate to allow all credits to be scholarships and criteria, the scholarship application and
considered for aid at the degree-granting school. With few application deadlines on the NOVA website, www.nvcc.
exceptions, ADVANCE students are NOVA students through edu/financialaid/index.html. Scholarships have many
completion of the associate degree and do not need different criteria. Not all require that you be academically
to complete an individual consortium agreement. A few outstanding; not all require financial need. Generally,
ADVANCE programs include required 100-200 level George applicants should also complete the federal financial
Mason courses to complete the NOVA degree. The balance aid application process to be considered. Check the
of ADVANCE program courses must be NOVA courses for website and additional scholarship links to gain pertinent
associate degree completion. If students transfer to NOVA information.
after receiving financial aid at another college, they may
potentially receive financial aid at NOVA only if the term at Federal Grants
the other college ends before the term at NOVA begins. Federal Pell Grant – The Pell Grant assists undergraduate
Due to federal regulations, aid cannot be awarded at more students who need financial help for their education and,
than one school during the same period nor during any like other grants, does not under most circumstances have
overlapping periods of enrollment. Transient students who to be repaid. Applicants must submit the Free Application
are pursuing degrees at other colleges and who are just for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for
taking classes at NOVA with the intention of transferring the grant. The Pell Grant is limited to a lifetime maximum
those courses back to their home institution are not of 12 full-time terms, or the equivalent. A student could
eligible for financial aid at NOVA. potentially receive a full-time Pell Grant during the fall,
spring and summer terms. Students who receive a full-
NOVA has the largest enrollment of any institution of higher time Pell Grant during the fall and spring terms must take
education in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area and at least six required credits during the summer term to
serves a diverse student body on its six campuses in receive any summer Pell Grant. Before the term census,
Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Pell Grants are offered based upon anticipated full-time
Woodbridge. NOVA is fully accredited by the Commission enrollment. Pell eligibility is based on enrollment in
on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and required credits as of the term census (i.e. the 16-week
Schools. It is the policy of the Virginia Community College census for the fall and spring terms and the 12-week
System to maintain and promote equal employment census for the summer term).
and educational opportunity without regard to race,
color, sex, age (except where sex or age is a bona fide Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant – A student who is
occupational qualification), religion, handicap, national not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian
origin or other non-merit factors. NOVA is in compliance was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a
with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after
prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap and September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq
provides for equal participation by handicapped students and Afghanistan Service Grant. Eligible students must be
in any financial aid program for which they are otherwise under 24 years of age or enrolled in college at least part
eligible. All six campuses are accessible to handicapped time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The
students. Those students requiring special services or grant award could be almost as much as the amount of the
accommodations should contact their campus Special maximum Pell Grant for the award year—not to exceed the
Services Team six weeks prior to the beginning of classes. cost of attendance for that award year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Aid Available at NOVA (FSEOG) – The purpose of FSEOG is to provide grants
to students who are Pell eligible and who demonstrate
Scholarships exceptional financial need. Students must be enrolled in
All aid types awarded by NOVA depend on available at least six required credits per term to potentially receive
funding and require that the student meet satisfactory FSEOG.
academic progress requirements and the terms of each Federal Work-Study (FWS) – The work-study program
aid type. A multitude of different scholarships are available provides jobs for eligible students who show unmet need.
at varying times during the year. Access a listing of Most FWS students are employed on campus and work an
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 5average of 10 to 15 hours per week at a salary of $11–12 beginning of the term. Summer is a separate loan period.
per hour (these rates will be effective in Fall 2019). • L oans, less mandatory loan fees, are credited to student
Workers are paid bi-weekly as hours are worked. Some jobs accounts at NOVA. After school costs are covered, excess
are designated as community service since students assist amounts will be returned to the student to be used for
individuals who are not necessarily students at NOVA. NOVA other educational costs.
also provides FWS students for an off-campus reading
tutors program for elementary school children. Eligible • L oan disbursements for students not attending classes
students can access additional information about the FWS in at least six credits or not meeting satisfactory
process, complete an application and access a listing of progress requirements will be returned to the lender.
available jobs at www.nvcc.edu/workstudy/. Enrollment in •A
dditional information regarding loans and access to the
at least six required credits per term is necessary to be Master Promissory Note and loan counseling can be found
considered for work-study. at www.nvcc.edu/financialaid/type/loans/index.html.
Federal Direct Loans Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan – To be eligible
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OVA participates in the Direct Loan Program. Student for the subsidized Stafford Loan, a student must show
loans are borrowed from the federal government. need and be enrolled in at least six credits required for the
program of study at NOVA. The government subsidizes the
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ll loans must be repaid by the borrower and should be
loan by paying the interest for the student during periods of
taken with extreme caution and forethought. Failure to
at least half-time enrollment.
repay a loan will negatively impact the student for years.
First-year students are eligible for up to a maximum of
• L oans on an award notification show eligibility. Students
$3,500 per academic year (fall, spring and summer at
should accept only what is truly needed. A student must
NOVA); students reaching sophomore status can borrow
accept the loan and complete a Master Promissory Note
up to $4,500. When in repayment, interest is accrued at a
and entrance counseling to initiate the first loan.
fixed rate of 4.53 percent for loans disbursed July 1, 2019
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ntil both the promissory note and loan counseling are – June 30, 2020. Effective July 1, 2013, new borrowers
completed, a student cannot use a loan to offset tuition who have attempted more than 150 percent of the time
and fees or to purchase books at the campus bookstore. frame required for the program of study will not receive
• L oans are normally awarded for the entire fall/spring subsidized loans and could lose subsidy on existing loans.
enrollment periods and will have two disbursements, half Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan – The terms of
in the fall and half in the spring, if the student maintains the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan are slightly different
eligibility. One-semester loans will be disbursed toward the than those of the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. A
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 sub Stafford.
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 sub Stafford.
Go to http://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized for additional information on subsidy time frame
limitations.
page 6 | 2019-2020 Application and Program Informationstudent is not required to show need for the unsubsidized based grants to their residents for study in Virginia. If you
Federal Stafford Loan, and interest is the student’s are a resident of another state, you should make every
responsibility from the beginning. The government does effort to obtain grant funds for which you are eligible. Seek
not pay interest for the student; it currently accumulates information in your home state, and contact the appropriate
at a fixed rate of 4.53 percent for loans disbursed July office to secure state support for your costs at NOVA.
1, 2019 – June 30, 2020. Eligibility for a subsidized loan
is considered first; if the maximum limit of $3,500 for Commonwealth of Virginia Programs
freshmen or $4,500 for sophomores has not been met, an Commonwealth Grant (COMA) – The Commonwealth
unsubsidized loan will be considered to fill the Expected provides grants to qualified students with financial need
Family Contribution and reach the maximum eligibility limit. who are domiciled residents of Virginia. Students must
be enrolled at least half-time (in six required credits) in
Dependent students can borrow an additional $2,000 of an eligible degree or certificate program. The grant is
unsubsidized Stafford Loan funds; independent students, administered by the State Council of Higher Education in
and dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS, conjunction with the Virginia Community College System.
can have up to $6,000 of additional unsubsidized eligibility. The Commonwealth Grant may not exceed the cost of
Unsubsidized loans cannot be awarded unless the student tuition charges. In order to be considered for a grant,
has unmet cost of attendance. students must complete NOVA’s financial aid application
Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) – requirements for need-based aid.
The PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) – The
students to help meet remaining costs of education. Commonwealth provides need-based grants for individuals
Maximum eligibility is the total cost of education minus who have graduated from a Virginia high school with a 2.5
financial aid. Interest is the parent’s responsibility and is cumulative GPA based on a 4.0 scale, are admitted for
calculated at a fixed rate of 7.08 percent for 2019–2020. enrollment in an eligible certificate or degree program and
Federal Perkins Loans – The Federal Perkins Loan program are domiciliary residents of Virginia. Students must enroll
ended on September 30, 2017. If you previously received a in at least 12 required credits, maintain full-time enrollment
Perkins Loan at NOVA, please contact University Accounting and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 for renewal. Students may
Service at 1−800−999−6227 if you have questions about receive this award once for each grade level and for no
the loan or repayment. more than two years at NOVA. When students complete
at NOVA and transfer for a bachelor’s degree, they should
State Programs notify the 4-year school if they maintained eligibility for
VGAP at NOVA.
If you are a domiciled resident of Virginia, meet satisfactory
Awards may be for an amount up to the cost of tuition
academic progress requirements and aid-type specific
and required fees and may include a book allowance for
requirements, you may be eligible for grant aid through the
the year. In order to apply for this grant, students must
Commonwealth Grant, the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance
complete NOVA’s financial aid application requirements for
Program (VGAP), the VCCS Grant and/or the Part-Time
need-based aid and must submit a final, official high school
Tuition Assistance Grant. A separate application is not
academic transcript to the College Financial Aid Office.
required to apply for these funds, but your final, official high
school transcript must be submitted to the Financial Aid Part-Time Tuition Assistance Grant Program (PTAP) – The
Office to determine VGAP eligibility. You will be considered Virginia Community College System provides tuition grants
for these funds when your financial aid award is packaged to qualified students enrolled for one to eight required
or when adjustments are made for enrollment status. credits per term. Students must demonstrate financial
Original awards are generally for full-time attendance and need and be domiciled residents of Virginia and declare a
can be adjusted after term census for less than full-time major in an eligible curriculum. In order to apply for PTAP,
enrollment. VGAP awards require continuous full-time students must complete NOVA’s financial aid application
enrollment. Additional information can be found on the requirements for need-based aid. Selection will be made
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia website, on a first-come, first-served basis and will equal up to the
http://www.schev.edu/ and at www.vccs.edu. amount of tuition for one to eight credits.
Some states and the District of Columbia provide need- VCCS Grant – The purpose of the VCCS Grant is to assist
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 7undergraduate community college students with financial Awards will be reduced for less than full-time enrollment
need to pay part of their costs. The funds are derived from and cancelled if students are enrolled less than half-time.
NOVA tuition set-aside funds. Grants are provided to a Applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia for
limited number of domiciliary residents of Virginia who are at least 12 consecutive months prior to their first time in
U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and otherwise eligible college and maintain D.C. domicile throughout their college
for need-based federal and state funds. Recipients must be matriculation. Applicants must also have a high school
attending at least nine required credits per term at NOVA. diploma or GED and be 26 years of age or younger. Awards
may be received for a maximum of six years, and there is
NOVA Aid and Other Area Assistance a lifetime maximum of $50,000. Other eligibility criteria
Northern Virginia Community College Tuition Assistance apply. Students are encouraged to check the application
Grant (NOVA TAG) – NOVA TAG is a need-based financial deadline and apply early as funds are limited. D.C. Tuition
aid program for full- and part-time students. Students must Assistance Grant applications may be obtained at https://
enroll in at least six required credits per term, demonstrate osse.dc.gov/dctag or by writing the D.C. Tuition Assistance
need by completing the Free Application for Federal Grant Office, 1050 First Street, NE, Fifth Floor, Washington,
Student Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate award year, meet D.C. 20002 or by calling 202–727–2824.
satisfactory academic progress standards for financial aid
and satisfy other federal criteria used in qualifying for need- The Virginia Community College System Foster Care
based financial aid. Priority will be given to students who Tuition Grant – This program covers tuition and fees at
are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and have remaining any Virginia community college for high school or general
financial need. Preference will be given to students who education development (GED) graduates who were in foster
have no other supplemental grant aid besides FSEOG. care, in custody of a social services agency or considered
Recipients may be resident or non-resident students. as a special-needs adoption at the time of graduation
or GED completion. Other eligibility criteria apply. To be
NOVA Work-Study Program – The Northern Virginia considered, applicants must complete the FAFSA and show
Community College Board provides a limited amount of need, apply for admission to NOVA, be enrolled in at least
funding for student employment at NOVA. These funds six required credits,and submit documentation from the
supplement federal and state assistance and are designed Department of Social Services regarding dates in foster
to provide employment for students enrolled at least half- care or assistance received for special-needs adoption.
time. Students are paid an hourly wage as hours are worked. Credits registered by term census date, or at the award
Emergency Grant – NOVA’s Board budgets a limited amount date if later, can be considered for the grant. Awards may
of funding to provide quick, one-time, financial support to not exceed tuition and required fees. Students already
students experiencing an enrollment-threatening, financial receiving grants that cover tuition and fees are not eligible.
emergency. Applicants typically must be registered for at More information regarding eligibility is available from the
least six required credits, meet the satisfactory academic College Financial Aid Office or by visiting: http://www.
progress requirements, submit the FAFSA, and provide schev.edu/index/tuition-aid/financialaid.
documentation of the financial emergency. Recipients may NOVA Payment Plan – To help students meet educational
be required to complete an online financial literacy module, expenses when aid eligibility is insufficient to cover them,
meet with a Financial Coach and/or send a thank you letter. NOVA offers the NOVA Payment Plan which allows students
To apply, please submit the Emergency Grant Application to pay tuition in monthly payments for a set period of time.
online (Form 125-168E in NOVA’s Forms Library) at http:// No credit check is required and no interest is charged
www.nvcc.edu/forms/ > Forms For Students. to participate. There is a nominal enrollment fee (non-
District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant – The D.C. refundable). Payments can be made via Automatic Bank
Tuition Assistance Grant Program provides eligible students Payment (ACH) or credit/debit card (Discover, MasterCard,
up to $10,000 per academic year (a maximum of $5,000 American Express and Visa). For specific plan information
per semester) toward the difference between in-state and and cost, go to www.nvcc.edu/payment/methods/.
out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
page 8 | 2019-2020 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
$328–$3,098 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 $5,576 in 2019–2020 for full-time);
in 2019–2020. 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 2019–2020. 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.
Free Application for Any undergraduate student who is a U.S. citizen
Federal Subsidized $5,421/year average Federal Student Aid or eligible non-citizen; must be enrolled at least
and Unsubsidized for those who borrowed Master Promissory half-time in an eligible program. Subsidized
Stafford Loans in 2017–2018. Loan Note and loan loans require that the student show financial
counseling need and complete the program of study within
150 percent of published time frame.
$1,479 average for Free Application for Virginia Domiciled undergraduate student
Commonwealth Grant those receiving the Federal Student Aid demonstrating financial need; must be enrolled
award in 2017–2018. at least half-time.*
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.
Thanks to financial support from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Northern Virginia Community College
offers its students an exceptional educational value, the lowest tuition of any college or university in
the Washington, D.C. area. The cost per credit hour is the same whether the course is taken for credit
or audited, in classroom or online.
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 9The Financial Aid Application Process
A 12–Step Guide 2. Complete the FAFSA on the Web
Worksheet followed by the FAFSA on
School Code 003727 the Web.
Completed applications received by March 1 will receive
Before completing the FAFSA, it is recommended that you
priority consideration for all types of financial aid funds.
review the online first-time FAFSA filer tutorial at https://
To be considered a complete file, the College Financial Aid
nova.financialaidtv.com/play/45863-2019-2020-tutorial-
Office must have received a valid FAFSA and all documents
first-time-fafsa-filers/63535-2019-20-fafsa-first-time-
required to finalize the student’s award. Because of the
filers-overview. Print and complete the FAFSA on the Web
volume of paperwork received from our many students,
Worksheet and access the FAFSA for final entry at https://
we cannot promise that aid will be processed in time for
fafsa.ed.gov/.
the payment due date or possibly the fall start if forms
are turned in after July 1. Late files will be processed as The following are helpful tips:
received as long as the College has official FAFSA results •C
omplete the worksheet first to ensure that you have
prior to the last day of the student’s attendance for the collected all required information.
year and the student completes the process by federal
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fter you have answered all required questions, leaving
deadlines. If the student applies late and does not receive
no blanks on the worksheet, enter your information
an award notice by the deadline for payment, the student
electronically on FAFSA on the Web at https://fafsa.
must make other payment arrangements until the student
ed.gov/.
can be reimbursed from finalized financial aid. By careful,
thorough and timely completion of the 12 steps outlined •B
e sure that your name exactly matches the name on
below, you, the student, will receive full consideration your Social Security card. Correct your Social Security
for grants, loans and work-study before the payment number information, if needed, with the Social Security
deadline. Administration by calling 1–800–772–1213 or visiting
https://www.ssa.gov/. Your name, SSN and birthday
1. Request Your FSA ID. must match exactly those on record with the Social
Go to https://fafsa.ed.gov/ and apply for your FSA ID. If you Security Administration or a correction will be required.
are required to provide parental information on the FAFSA,
one parent must also request his or her own FSA ID. Both •W
e strongly encourage the use of the IRS Data Retrieval
you and one parent, if parental information is required, tool within the FAFSA, if you are eligible to do so. This will
must sign the FAFSA online; your FSA IDs will act as expedite the process and decrease the chances of your
electronic signatures. FSA IDs can be issued in real time, file being selected for verification. Name and address
and the student and parent can immediately use them to must match perfectly with those used in filing your taxes.
electronically sign the application. However, if the student’s •U
se your FSA ID to electronically sign your application.
or parent’s name, Social Security Number and birthday If parental information is required, one parent must
do not match Social Security Administration information electronically sign also, using his or her unique FSA ID.
when the FAFSA is submitted, real-time FSA IDs will be Parents must also have a separate email address.
invalidated and disabled, and a paper signature page will • F ollow the recommended filing dates, which can be found
be required. Save valid FSA IDs and security questions in a on page one of this booklet.
secure place for future use. You can use your FSA ID to:
• F or the 2019–2020 academic year, use 2017 tax
• Electronically sign the FAFSA information when filing the FAFSA. The FAFSA for 2020–
• Check
the status of your application and obtain results 2021 will become available on October 1, 2019, and you
quickly will use 2018 tax information to complete it.
• Correct your FAFSA online If access to the internet is not available from home, access
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ccess your personal loan information throughout is usually available at your local high school, library or
repayment at https://nslds.ed.gov if loans are required at NOVA. If you absolutely cannot complete the process
for college electronically, a paper form can be submitted. A paper form
can be printed at https://fafsa.gov/. File electronically if at
all possible; the paper process is much slower.
page 10 | 2019-2020 Application and Program Information3. Apply for admission and declare a NOVA will accept only data released electronically. NOVA
financial aid staff members will never know you have
major in an eligible program of study. applied if our school code is not listed.
In order to receive financial aid, you must be accepted for
admission and enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an 5. Check the status of your application
eligible program of study. Most of the one- and two-year
on myNOVA.
programs at NOVA are eligible.
When the College Financial Aid Office electronically
•A
Social Security Number (SSN) is required to apply receives your Institutional Student Information Report
for financial aid. If you do not provide your SSN for (ISIR), our version of your SAR, NOVA will send you an
admission, we cannot link your FAFSA to your file, and email. Throughout the process, you can check the status
you will likely experience a delay in disbursing your of your application at www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect. Go to
funds and maintaining your class enrollments. Self Service > Student Center > Financial Aid. Click on
• You can apply for admission online at www.nvcc.edu. View Financial Aid and then Aid Year. If nothing appears
on NOVAConnect and you don’t receive any notice regarding
•S
ee a NOVA counselor to update your high school
your SAR or a request for additional information, go back
graduation status, to declare a program of study, and to
to https://fafsa.gov/ and make certain your FAFSA was
have it officially recorded. Make certain the activation
not rejected and that you included NOVA’s school code.
date encompasses the first day of the term for which
Continue to review information on your myNOVA account
financial aid is being requested. You will not receive
regularly. After you know your FAFSA has been received
an award letter until this has been done. It is highly
by NOVA, frequently review your Dashboard and To Do
recommended that students see an advisor and run an
List under Self Service > Student Center > To Do List
“Advisement Report” each term to ensure all courses
throughout the year; click on Details. Click on each To Do
are applicable to the program of study and eligible
List item for instructions.
for financial aid. Financial aid will NOT be awarded for
courses outside of a student’s active program of study. 6. Respond promptly to requests for
NOVA must have a signed authorization form from the additional information.
student to use excess financial aid from eligible courses Files are not complete until all information has been
to pay for courses not eligible for aid. received. Files will be awarded on a first-completed/first-
• If you are a transfer student, you are asked to request awarded basis. Approximately one in three students is
official transcripts from all schools previously attended. selected for verification by the FAFSA processing center.
You must also submit a Transfer Credit Evaluation Even though an original transaction is not selected for
Request (Form 125-049E) at www.nvcc.edu/forms to verification, a subsequent transaction can be selected
have your transfer credits evaluated and applied to your even after your aid has been disbursed. For a variety
program at NOVA. of reasons, additional files are selected by financial aid
advisors during the awarding process, which then causes
4. Verify the information printed on your the To Do List to move from complete to incomplete
Student Aid Report (SAR). again. Watch your To Do List and Dashboard! Financial aid
Approximately two weeks after you submit your FAFSA, you administrators not only have the right but the responsibility
will electronically receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from to request necessary documentation for verifying that
the U.S. Department of Education. You can also review FAFSA information is accurate. Additional documents
this information at https://fafsa.ed.gov/. Read your SAR can be requested even after the To Do List is seemingly
carefully to check for accuracy. Corrections can be made complete and aid is awarded. Errors on the FAFSA can skew
electronically. Make sure NOVA’s school code (003727) aid results; students are frequently helped by verification.
has been listed so your information can be released Verification requires that the advisor compares FAFSA
electronically to NOVA. If NOVA’s school code is not listed, information against tax transcripts and your other income
call the U.S. Department of Education at 1–800–4–FED– and asset documentation. Always keep copies of tax
AID (1–800–433–3243) or add NOVA’s school code online transcripts, W-2’s, untaxed income and asset documents.
at https://fafsa.gov/. Provide the Data Release Number Promptly submit all information at the same time as an
(DRN) located in the upper, right-hand corner of the SAR. uploaded attachment to the verification interview, as an
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 11upload to a Support Center ticket, or to your Campus 9. Buy your books.
Financial Aid Office, or mail it directly to the College If you have enough financial aid to pay for tuition, fees
Financial Aid Office. Your file cannot be completed and and books, your financial aid may be used to buy required
no award will be processed until all clarifying information textbooks and supplies from two weeks before classes
has been received. Allow time for your application to be begin (or the first day the bookstore is open for spring,
reviewed; during summer months especially, delays are not if later) through the last day of the 16-week add/drop
uncommon and are sometimes lengthy. period. A second book purchase period opens for the
second 8-week term for fall and spring for those who still
7. Review your financial aid award letter.
have anticipated undisbursed aid. Before going to the
You will receive a financial aid award notification informing
campus bookstore, make sure all classes are registered
you of the type(s) and amount(s) of assistance you are
and no holds exist on your account. You must complete
eligible to receive. Award notices are sent via your NOVA
and electronically sign a release (available each academic
email account only with directions regarding how you can
year on your NOVAConnect To Do List) to allow bookstore
view your award online at www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect. Go
employees to access your eligible aid figure and to charge
to Self Service > Student Center > Financial Aid. Click on
your required books and supplies against your available
View Financial Aid. Award notices prior to the term census
financial aid.
date are based on full-time status. If you are registered
at less than full-time, your aid will be adjusted after the 10. Make certain your financial aid or
term census date to reflect your correct award. Aid will
be adjusted throughout the term if enrollment status
other resources have paid your bill by the
and aid eligibility change due to dropped or non-attended deadline.
classes. Know which aid types are grants or gift aid as All financial aid, except employment programs, may be
opposed to loans or self-help. You can accept, decline or used to pay institutional charges. Awarded aid will show
reduce student loans and work-study online by going to as “anticipated” until disbursed. Each award listed on your
Student Self-Service. Remember to complete a Master financial aid award notice is divided into equal amounts
Promissory Note and loan entrance counseling if you are per term unless otherwise specified. Disbursements
taking a loan, or your loan money will never be received. are made to the student’s account after attendance in
If you need a payment plan, NOVA has a Tuition Payment classes is verified. Classes not started, not attended
Plan available if you enroll by the deadline. Additional beyond class census date, dropped with full refund or not
information can be found at www.nvcc.edu/payment/ in your program of study are not eligible for financial aid. If
methods or from your campus Student Services Center or your aid does not cover your entire bill, you must pay the
Campus Financial Aid Office. difference by the deadline noted in the class schedule, or
your classes could be dropped. Remember, if you register
8. Enroll in classes. but decide not to attend, you are responsible for cancelling
Review the Schedule of Classes, see an advisor if required your registered classes.
and select your classes for the term. Before the term
census date, enroll in all the classes you intend to take 11. Verify your mailing address.
during the term. Your Pell status is determined by the If you have a change of address, contact your campus
credits in which you are enrolled and are attending as of Student Services Center or update your mailing address
that date. Neither Pell nor state aid will be increased if at www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect. You are responsible for
you add classes later. Financial aid will NOT cover courses keeping your records current. Approximately six weeks
outside of a student’s active program of study. Classes into the term, if enrollment and attendance have been
not started or dropped before the course census date or established at that time, excess financial aid above what
not attended after the census date will not count toward you owe the College will be processed for disbursement
enrollment status; aid must be adjusted accordingly and via your selected disbursement method (Visa Prepaid
repaid as necessary. Go to www.nvcc.edu/novaconnect to Card or direct deposit (ACH)). There will be instances
enroll. Work-study eligibility cannot be used to pay your bill. when the College may issue funds via a check, mailed to
If you register but decide not to attend, you are responsible the student’s address of record at NOVA. Financial aid cost
for cancelling your registered classes on NOVAConnect. of attendance is calculated for average tuition and fees,
books, supplies, transportation and basic living expenses.
page 12 | 2019-2020 Application and Program InformationAfter the aid adjustment period ends and if the amount of terms of the loan at the time it is made. This includes
assistance is greater than the actual cost of a student’s interest rate, grace period and terms of repayment,
tuition, fees and charged books, a refund for excess funds including a sample repayment schedule.
will be processed for disbursement or refunded to a credit • Know how much need has been met by your award.
card if that is how the account payment was originally
made. Due to changes in loan fees as of October 1, loans • Know the criteria for continued aid eligibility.
will not be disbursed until after that date and only if the Students are responsible for:
census date has passed for at least six credits. Excess aid • Knowing and meeting financial aid deadlines.
amounts must be used for basic transportation and other
living expenses related to education. •P
roviding all information/documentation requested by the
College Financial Aid Office.
12. Select your refund preference. •R
eading and understanding all forms and
NOVA has contracted with Nelnet Campus Commerce,
correspondence pertaining to financial aid and keeping
formerly Tuition Management Services (TMS), to process
copies of these.
electronic financial aid disbursements and tuition refunds
to students. Students can choose a reloadable Visa- •A
ccepting responsibility for all agreements signed by the
branded prepaid debit card or direct deposit (ACH) into a student.
bank account. The Northern Virginia Community College •R
eporting any drastic changes in financial circumstances
Visa® Prepaid Card* can be used to access cash at (i.e., death of parent or spouse or divorce) which would
ATMs or banks, or to make a wide variety of purchases. change financial need.
It should be used carefully and with full knowledge of
• Returning all financial aid forms by the date requested.
potential fees for its use. It is not a credit card, so you
cannot spend more than the amount on the card, and no • Knowing and complying with NOVA’s payment policy.
interest is charged on purchases. For more information •N
otifying lenders and NOVA if there is a change in name,
and to register, go to https://nvcc.afford.com/Refunds. address or enrollment status.
You might receive multiple refunds due to the timing of aid
•C
omplying with employment requirements for Federal
types hitting your account and excess aid being requested.
Work-Study.
Once aid is disbursed to your student account, allow 5-7
business days to receive the excess aid via debit card or •A
pplying for financial aid as soon after October 1 as
direct deposit. Excess aid should be received approximately possible.
six weeks into the term if you have completed the process • Repaying all student loans borrowed.
and received an award notice by the beginning of the term.
• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress at NOVA.
Aid requiring half-time attendance will be held until at least
half-time attendance for the term is reached and confirmed Students are encouraged to keep copies of all pertinent
for later-starting classes. documents:
• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Students have the right to: • Student Aid Report (SAR) and Data Release Number (DRN)
•K
now what federal, state and institutional financial • Financial Aid Award Notification
assistance is available. • F inancial information used to complete the FAFSA (1040
• Know the financial aid procedure and how aid is awarded. Federal Tax Transcripts, etc.)
• Know how and when financial aid is paid. •S
tafford, Perkins and/or PLUS Promissory Notes and
other loan correspondence
• Know the cost of attendance at NOVA.
•Y
our FSA ID (and your parent’s FSA ID) provided by the
•K
now and comply with the Return of Title IV Aid Policy for
U.S. Department of Education and security questions.
withdrawal.
Do not share your FSA ID with anyone! If you think it has
• Know what portion of financial aid is grant (gift) aid. been compromised, call 1–800–4–FED–AID (1–800–
• Know what portion of financial aid is a loan and the 433–3243) to cancel and request a new one.
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 13Cost of Attendance Budget and
Financial Need
The College Financial Aid Office at NOVA operates on the Calculating Financial Need
philosophy that no individual should be denied access to Need is the difference between the cost of attendance
education because of financial need. All state, federal and at NOVA and the family’s formula-calculated ability to
local financial aid is used to assist as many students as pay. The family’s ability to pay, called the Expected
possible by filling as much need as funds allow. Each year, Family Contribution (EFC), is determined by completing a
NOVA typically awards more than $120 million in student need analysis application called the Free Application for
aid to more than 20,000 students. Steps taken to assist Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.gov/. When
students begin with calculating a cost of attendance students return to https://fafsa.gov/ for a subsequent
budget and the student’s financial need. year, a renewal FAFSA is available to students who have
applied previously; many of the questions will already be
Calculating a Cost of Attendance Budget
completed. The FAFSA enables a NOVA student to apply
Personal expenses, room and board, and transportation
without charge for all types of need-based aid. Numerous
costs vary greatly according to the individual’s
consultants in the area charge significant amounts for
circumstances and spending habits. For financial aid
a free service. NOVA staff members will assist you for
purposes, estimated costs are used. Costs for approved
no charge. Never give your FSA ID or myNOVA ID and
study abroad programs, dependent care related to the
passwords to anyone, and never pay for financial aid
student’s educational program, unreimbursed costs
assistance. Using financial aid dollars to pay a consultant
related to disability, required tools and program kits and
is not allowed within federal rules. The application, which
the documented cost of a leased or purchased personal
collects income and asset information from the student
computer related to the student’s educational program may
(and spouse, if married, or parents of a dependent
be considered in adjustments to the cost of attendance
student), must be submitted for the following academic
budget. Documentation must be submitted to the College
year as soon after October 1 as possible. For 2019-2020,
Financial Aid Office for such determination. Additional aid
tax information from 2017 must be used. For 2020-2021,
might not be available to meet the increased need.
2018 taxes must be used. Use IRS data retrieval within
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 | 2019-2020 Application and Program InformationCost Per Credit for Fall 2019
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 $4.60 $4.60 $4.60
Parking Infrastructure Fee $2.00 $2.00 $2.00
Total Per Credit $187.00 $210.50 $389.75
Estimated One-Term Cost of Attendance Budgets
(2019-2020)
In-State Out-of-State
Tuition and Fees
$2,618.00 $5,456.50
(14 credits per semester)
Books and Supplies $900.00 $900.00
Total $3,518.00 $6,356.50
Living Away From Parents’
Living at Parents’ Home
Home
Room/Board/Personal $3,999.00 $6,313.00
Transportation $1,386.00 $1,386.00
Total $5,385.00 $7,699.00
Financial aid forms are available at www.nvcc.edu/forms
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 15Policies of Extreme Importance
Student Financial Aid aid probation and will retain financial aid eligibility.
Students who attempt at least half-time status and
Satisfactory Progress fail or withdraw from all classes can immediately
be placed on suspension.
Standards at NOVA C. F
inancial Aid Probation Status (PS) – Students who
Federal regulations require that a student receiving have successfully appealed financial aid suspension
federal financial aid make satisfactory academic progress are placed in Probation Status (PS). Students in
in accordance with the standards set by NOVA and the Probation Status (PS) are eligible to receive financial
federal government. These limitations include all terms of aid for one (1) semester, after which they MUST be
enrollment, whether or not aid was awarded or received. At in Good Standing (GS) or meeting the requirements
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Satisfactory of an academic progress plan that was pre-approved
Academic Progress (SAP) standards apply also to non- by the College Financial Aid Office. (See “IV.
federal aid, including state funds, institutional funds and Appeals” for additional information.)
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
The College Financial Aid Office will evaluate satisfactory recent academic success at NOVA will be placed in
academic progress before aid is awarded and again after Suspension Status (SS). Students in Suspension
most grades are posted for every term, starting with the Status (SS) are not eligible to receive financial aid
first term of enrollment. Some shorter academic programs unless an appeal and academic plan are submitted
are ineligible for student financial aid, but those credits will and approved.
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
for the first time (excluding students who have A. Quantitative Standards or Pace of Completion
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
page 16 | 2019-2020 Application and Program Informationawarded and after grades are posted at the end of are taken as part of an eligible program and SAP
each semester a student is enrolled at the College. requirements continue to be met.
Credits 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
meet satisfactory academic progress requirements •W
ithdrawals (W grades) that are recorded on the student’s
at the point of loan certification and again prior to permanent academic transcript will be included as
the disbursement of any loan proceeds. credits attempted and will have an adverse effect on
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/
her program of study before attempting 150% of the • Incomplete Grades: Courses that are assigned an
credits required for that program. Developmental incomplete grade are included in cumulative credits
and ESL course work are excluded in this attempted. These cannot be used as credits earned in
calculation. Attempted credits from all enrollment the progress standard until a successful grade
periods at the College plus all applicable transfer is assigned.
credits are counted; whether or not the student •R
epeated courses enable the student to achieve a higher
received financial aid for those terms is of no cumulative grade point average. Students can repeat
consequence. 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
Official transcripts should be submitted directly to one additional attempt. Only the latest attempt will count
one of the campus Student Services Centers for toward the cumulative grade point average.
evaluation (student must also submit NOVA Form B. Qualitative Standards
125-049E online). Students must be registered Cumulative GPA Requirements (GPA Rule): In order
for at least one credit before transcripts will be to remain eligible for financial aid consideration,
evaluated. Credits officially accepted in transfer students must meet minimum cumulative grade
will be counted in the 67% rule and in determining point average requirements based on a progressive
the maximum number of allowable semester credit scale. Only non-remedial courses are included in
hours for financial aid eligibility. The College has this calculation. Transfer credits are excluded from
the option, on an individual student basis, to put GPA evaluation. In order to graduate, a minimum
a transfer student in Financial Aid Warning Status cumulative grade point average of 2.0 is required in
or suspension immediately upon evaluation for all courses that are applicable to the degree plan.
financial aid if academic history at previous colleges
indicates a pattern of unsuccessful academic work.
Second Degree Students: Credits earned from
a first degree or certificate must be counted if Total Number of
the student changes programs or attempts a Regular Credits GPA Requirement
second degree or certificate. Depending on the Attempted
circumstances, an appeal might be warranted.
1-15 1.5
ESL and Developmental Studies: Students may
receive financial aid for a maximum of 30 semester 16-30 1.75
hours of Developmental Studies courses as long as
the courses are required as a result of placement 31+ 2.0
testing, the student is in an eligible program of
study and SAP requirements continue to be met.
ESL credits are unlimited in number as long as they
2019-2020 Application and Program Information | page 17You can also read
