Clark College Financial Aid: Navigating Your Options
Clark College offers a variety of financial aid options to help students manage the cost of attendance. These options include scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. Understanding these different types of aid and how to apply for them is crucial for prospective and current students.
Understanding the Financial Aid Landscape at Clark College
Many students attending Clark College can expect to receive financial assistance in various forms, such as scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs, making the cost of attendance more manageable.For first-time students, the typical financial aid package amounts to $6,354.00. A significant portion, 40%, of first-year students receive financial aid, which primarily consists of grants and scholarships.
Grants and Scholarships: A True Discount
Grants and scholarships represent the most desirable form of financial aid because they do not require repayment. These awards effectively reduce the overall cost of college. 28% of freshmen (423 total) obtained a federal grant, for about $4,235.00 a piece.
The average undergraduate receiving a scholarship or grant will get $6,354.00. 511 Clark College undergrads obtain grant aid (this is about 40% of the entire undergraduate student population).
Loans: An Important Consideration
While student loans are often included in financial aid packages, it's important to remember that they must be repaid with interest. Therefore, loans are not a discount but rather a financial obligation to be considered carefully.
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Types of Financial Aid Available
Clark College offers a range of financial aid programs to support students with diverse needs and backgrounds.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need to undergraduate students. The initial award amount is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI) and assumed full-time enrollment (12+ credits/units) for a maximum of three terms. Students who attend four terms may qualify for funds in the spring.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is awarded based on financial need to students with an SAI of 0 or lower who are eligible to receive a Pell Grant.
Washington College Grant (WCG)
The initial WCG award is based on assumed full-time enrollment (12+ credits/units) for all terms, including summer. The award is prorated for less than full-time enrollment however, a minimum of three credits/units is required to qualify for the award. Eligibility is limited a lifetime maximum of 18 full-time terms.
Washington Bridge Grant
Washington Bridge Grant is awarded in combination with the Washington College Grant based on need to students who have not completed a bachelor’s degree. The award is based on income reported on the FAFSA or WASFA and family size. The award is prorated for less than full-time enrollment however, a minimum of three credits is required to qualify for the award. Eligibility is limited a lifetime maximum of 18 full-time terms. The initial award is based on assumed full-time enrollment (12+ credits/units) for all terms, including summer. The award is prorated for less than full-time enrollment however, a minimum of three credits/units is required to qualify for the award. Eligibility is limited to a lifetime maximum of 18 full-time terms.
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Passport to College Promise
Passport to College Promise is a state grant program available to former foster youth or students who experienced unaccompanied homelessness.
Institutional Grants and Tuition Waivers
Clark College reserves a percentage of tuition revenue and offers these funds to students who are a Washington State resident or eligible for in-state tuition in the form of institutional grants and tuition waivers. Grants offered are based on need. Waivers offered may only be awarded to reduce the cost of tuition and cannot be applied toward fees or refunded directly to students.
Work-Study Programs
Work-Study offers are awarded based on need. Funds are earned through employment on and off campus. Offers are automatically awarded to students for fall, winter and spring terms. Students who are interested in work study for Summer term should complete an Award Adjustment Form to request funds for summer.
Federal Direct Loans
Federal Direct Loans are a form of financial aid that must be repaid with interest.
- Direct Subsidized Student Loan: Awarded based on need to undergraduate students. The Department of Education pays interest while students are enrolled in school in at least six credits/units.
- Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan: Non-need-based loan available to undergraduate and graduate students. The student is responsible for interest while in school. Students must meet all requirements for Title IV eligibility. The initial award amount is an offer after evaluating eligibility for need-based aid.
Clark College Foundation Scholarships
Clark College Foundation offers $2 million in scholarship and grant support to more than 700 students annually. To apply for Foundation scholarships, first review the eligibility requirements for a scholarship and then click the link to begin the application. If you do not already have one, you will be directed to create an account on the scholarship application software program, SmarterSelect. Scholarships are available for students transferring to WSU Vancouver, or for students in specific majors who plan to attend other schools.
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How to Apply for Financial Aid
All students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Washington State Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
All students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA)
Students who cannot complete the FAFSA due to citizenship status, defaulted loans or federal grant overpayments can apply for state financial aid by completing the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).
Additional Information and Verification
Additionally, if selected, students must submit all requirements needed for verification. The Financial Aid Office may request additional information to complete a student’s application after receiving the FAFSA or WASFA.
Income Level and Financial Aid
Financial aid eligibility is often correlated with income level. The following table illustrates how income level affects scholarship and grant allocations for first-year students receiving federal Title IV assistance:
| Income Level | Percent of Freshman | Average Assistance |
|---|---|---|
| Income 0-30k | 13.93% | $7,555.00 |
| Income 30k-48k | 6.87% | $7,460.00 |
| Income 48k-75k | 4.58% | $4,721.00 |
| Income 75k-110k | 0.46% | $1,180.00 |
| Income 110k + | 0.00% | $0.00 |
This table demonstrates that students from lower-income backgrounds tend to receive higher levels of financial assistance.
Title IV Aid
The table above shows students who are obtaining Title IV aid, which is federal assistance from the government in the form of grants, loans, and work-study.
Financial Aid Disbursement
Any credit balance of financial aid funds remaining after payment of tuition and fees will be refunded to students. Clark College partners with BankMobile Disbursements to deliver financial aid credit balance refunds. Funds are sent to BankMobile Disbursements who in turn issues a refund according to the disbursement option selected.
Enrollment Lock and Census Date
The Financial Aid Office uses an “enrollment lock” date for Federal Pell Grant, Washington College Grant, Washington Bridge Grant, College Bound Scholarship, and Passport to College Promise funds. The census date is the 10th business day of the term, except for summer which has a census date of the 8th business day. Schedule changes made through the census date may have different impacts. Financial aid funds are increased for enrollment intensity changes from adding eligible courses through the census day. Financial aid funds are reduced for enrollment intensity changes resulting from dropping eligible classes through the 10th day. Classes that start after the census date and/or end before the last day of the term are considered module courses. Eligible module classes are included in the enrollment intensity at the time of disbursement as long as the student was enrolled in the course(s) by the census date. Students who withdraw from a module class on or before the scheduled course start date are considered to have not commenced attendance and will require an enrollment intensity review. Clark College may allow enrollment in classes after the census date on case-by-case basis with instructor permission. The complete Financial Aid Census Date and Repayment Policy is available online.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Students must meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy requirements to remain eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. SAP is reviewed both annually and at the end of each payment period.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement is to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. If the cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 at the end of the term the student will not have met the GPA requirement to remain in good standing. In addition, a student must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of their sixth term or an automatic suspension will occur. Courses with an S (Satisfactory), U (Unsatisfactory), I (Incomplete), and W (Withdrawal) do not have an impact on GPA.
Pace of Progression
Pace of Progression is calculated by dividing the cumulative earned by the cumulative attempted credits. When this calculation falls below 67%, a student is no longer on pace to graduate on time. Pace of progression that is 66.6% or higher will be rounded to 67%. Whether or not aid was received, all program credits, including transfer and remedial credits, will be taken into consideration. Courses with grades of F (Failed), I (Incomplete), U (Unsatisfactory), W (Withdrawal), Y (In Progress) and repeated courses are included in the calculation of attempted credits. Only the highest grade achieved will count as attempted and earned credit for repeated courses. Courses approved on Set-Aside Petitions will count as attempted credits. Non-graded coursework and (*) grades are excluded from pace of progression for credit/unit bearing classes.
Maximum Timeframe
Maximum Timeframe is measured to ensure students are taking required courses to complete their certificate or degree. Program progression must be reviewed when students reaches 150% of the length of program. Financial aid recipients will be ineligible for further funding if it is mathematically impossible to complete the program of study within 150% of the length of the program. All credits, regardless of whether they were taken while on financial aid, including credits removed with an approved Set-Aside Petition are used in calculating maximum timeframe. Transfer credits accepted for use towards the current certificate or degree are also included. Repeated credits are counted as attempted towards maximum timeframe. Transitional support coursework that is attempted and results in an asterisk (*) grade such as ABE, GED, ESL, ENL, and some CAP coursework, and all remedial coursework that are labeled under 100 level are excluded from the maximum timeframe calculation. Maximum credit/unit warning notifications will be issued when a student has attempted between 125% and 149.99% of the credits required for their declared program. Students on Warning are eligible to receive financial aid the next term of attendance but are in jeopardy of losing their financial aid eligibility. If all SAP requirements are not met at the end of the next term of attendance, financial aid will be suspended.
Financial Aid Suspension and Appeals
Students on financial aid suspension are not eligible for future financial aid including grants, work-study, and loans.
If the Financial Aid Committee approves a student’s appeal, financial aid will be reactivated on a probationary status. Probation status will be cleared if all SAP requirements are met at the end of the next term of attendance. If it is mathematically impossible to meet all SAP requirements by the end of the next term of attendance, the Financial Aid Committee may approve an appeal on an Academic Plan, allowing for an extended Probationary period.
Students have the option to submit an appeal to address financial aid suspension for not meeting any combination of the SAP elements. Appeals are reviewed by an Appeals Committee which consists of financial aid representatives. The Committee’s decision is final and cannot be appealed further.
If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on a probationary status. The Committee has the authority to restrict students to specific academic conditions including but not limited to enrolling in a certain number of credits and/or specific coursework, meeting with a Student Success Coach, or earning a specific term GPA, etc. If approved, aid is reactivated based on available funding at the time the appeal is approved and may not reflect the original aid offer.
The Financial Aid Office does not guarantee an appeal submitted will result in an approval. The student is responsible for paying any and all costs of attendance while awaiting an appeal outcome. Students are limited to two (2) SAP appeals at Clark College. The Maximum Timeframe Appeal and Change of Records SAP Review are excluded from this limit.
SAP Re-evaluation
SAP is evaluated both annually and at the end of each term. SAP can be re-evaluated for a grade or program change that occurs. When the reinstatement criteria are met, aid is reactivated based on available funding and may not reflect the original aid offer.
FLPC, ESL, IELP, and most CAP classes are not eligible for financial aid.
Return of Title IV Funds
Financial aid funds are awarded assuming students will attend Clark College for the entire term. The Financial Aid Office follows a federal formula approved by Congress to calculate the amount of funds earned and the amount of funds that must be returned. The Financial Aid Office will revise the financial aid awards to return unearned funds, in order, to the Department of Education. Students who earned less than the amount disbursed will owe outstanding charges to the college.
Official withdrawals may result in tuition refunds based on the Clark College Refund Policy. Occasionally, a student may withdraw before all aid they were eligible for was disbursed. If the Financial Aid Office determines the student earned more aid than was disburse, the student may be eligible for a disbursement of funds after the withdrawal. Post-withdrawal disbursements of eligible grant funds will automatically be made to the student account to pay outstanding institutional charges such as tuition and fees. Any remaining credit balance will be refunded directly to the student through BankMobile Disbursements. The complete Return of Title IV Policy is available online.
External Scholarship Funding
Funding for scholarships is made possible through the generous support of individuals and organizations. Individual scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria such as maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA) or enrollment intensity to qualify for funds awarded. Students should refer to the scholarship award letter they receive from the Foundation for the conditions of their award.
Workforce Education Services (WES)
Workforce Education Services (WES) administers a variety of programs that are designed to support students who are seeking certificates and degree programs with an employment goal, as well as students enrolled in Transitional Studies programs.
Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)
The BFET program provides support to students in Washington State who are receiving federal Basic Food benefits (SNAP), are not receiving TANF, and are enrolled in approved educational pathways with clear career goals. Students who qualify may receive financial assistance for tuition, books, supplies, mandatory fees, licensing and certification costs, and more. Participation in BFET may also help students access subsidized childcare through Working Connections Childcare and fulfill the 20-hour per week work requirement for SNAP in certain populations.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant program serves low-income students who are pursuing professional/technical programs that lead to high-wage, high-demand jobs. Eligible students must submit a FAFSA/WASFA, be Washington State residents, meet income guidelines, and be enrolled in an approved program.
Worker Retraining
The Worker Retraining program serves students who have experienced unemployment, who are displaced homemakers, or have been discharged from the military, and are pursuing professional/technical programs that provide them with the ability to re-enter the workforce. Eligible students must live in Washington State and be enrolled in an approved program.
WorkFirst
The WorkFirst program serves students who are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Eligible students must live in Washington State and be enrolled in an approved program. Approved programs include professional/technical programs and transfer programs, as well as high school completion and ESL coursework.
Sponsored Programs
The Sponsored Programs office serves as a liaison between students and various governmental and community agencies that have authorized funding to pay for tuition, books, and supplies. Eligible veterans and dependents must request certification each term for approved degree and certificate programs. Only courses required for the program and on the student degree worksheet will be funded. Audited courses are not eligible. Students are required to make satisfactory academic progress as defined by Clark College and are required to contact the Veterans Center of Excellence prior to making any schedule changes. Clark College attempts to limit student enrollment to 85% veteran enrollment per program cohort. In the event that a veteran wishes to enroll in a course that has already reached the 85% cap, he or she may do that but will not be eligible for VA payment of tuition and fees. The Code of Federal Regulations (38 CFR 21.4201) states the VA shall not approve the enrollment of any VA-eligible person, not already enrolled in any course for any period during which more than 85% of the students enrolled in the course are having all or part of their tuition and fees paid to or for them by Clark College or the VA.
Federal Plus Loan for Parents
To be eligible for a Federal Plus Loan for Parents of Undergraduate Students, the student first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the parent must not have an adverse credit history.
Private Education Loans
Private Education Loans can have a much higher interest rate than Direct Loans. lenders or use preferred lender lists.
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