Financial Aid - New to Financial Aid?
We can help make your education affordable!
The first step in the financial aid process is completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Department's Federal student aid programs are the largest source of student aid in America. If you're interested in financial aid for college, you've come to the right place. These programs provide more than $80 billion a year in grants, loans, and work-study assistance. Read on to find out more and to find out how to apply for this aid.
There are two ways you can complete your FAFSA.
- Online at www.fafsa.ed.gov (Recommended).BC3 Federal School Code is 003240 or
- Request a paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800 4 FEDAID (800.433.3243) or 319.337.5665. If you are hearing impaired, please contact the TTY line at 800.730.8913.
Steps for applying for FAFSA on the Web
- Get a PIN-allows you to sign the application electronically
- Gather the information -tax returns and untaxed income
- Complete the application-help links are available
- Submit the application-you will receive a Confirmation number
- Follow up-you will receive an email with a link to your Student Aid Report (SAR)
Tell your friends!
The official FAFSA is at www.FAFSA.ed.gov – not at a .com Web site. If you go to a .com site, you will probably be asked to pay to submit the FAFSA. Remember, the first F in "FAFSA" stands for "free" – so use the official government site to submit your application
What can I apply for in addition to the FAFSA?
Once you have completed the FAFSA, you can apply for
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for financial aid?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed in order to apply for financial aid available through Butler County Community College. Students are able to complete the FAFSA beginning January 1 of each year. We recommend that the application is completed as soon after January 1 as possible and prior to April 15. The FAFSA can be obtained from high school guidance counselors or from the BC3 Financial Aid Office. Complete you FAFSA online or request a paper FAFSA be mailed to you. (e-mail to financial aid@bc3.edu)
What types of financial aid are available through BC3?
Available financial aid at BC3 includes grant, loan, and employment programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Stafford Loan, and Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). In addition, a college-administered scholarship program is also available. Financial aid may be offered in some combination (package) depending on the level of need and eligibility requirements. Here is more information regarding programs BC3 offers.
How is financial aid awarded to students?
Students qualify for most financial aid based on their financial need. A family's or student's financial need is based on the following formula:
Cost of Attendance minus Expected Family Contribution equals Financial Need
Cost of Attendance: An average cost of attendance is calculated for each student based on their program of study, enrollment, and their residency status. The cost of attendance consists of costs for tuition, fees, books, room and board, transportation, and other associated educational costs.
Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The EFC is calculated through the completion of the FAFSA. The EFC reflects the federal estimate of what a family and/or student can afford to contribute toward the cost of college on a yearly basis.
Are there any other forms that I have to fill out in addition to the FAFSA?
Students who choose to borrow through the Stafford Loan Program will need to complete a student loan application. A separate loan application is required for parents borrowing through the PLUS Loan Program. Go to the AES Homepage for information on the Stafford and PLUS Loan Programs. In addition, a BC3 Institutional Information Sheet must be completed by all applicants. (Link to Forms and Pubs Page)
What happens if I need to completely withdrawal from school?
If you completely withdrawal from school (either officially or unofficially) before completing 60% of the semester you will owe money to BC3 and/or the Department of Education. Follow this link for information regarding the withdrawal policy.
What happens if I withdrawal from or fail a class?
In order to continue receiving financial aid, a student must be "progressing" towards a degree. Our office must monitor a students progression by establishing a Progress Policy. Follow this link for more information on the BC3 progress policy.
Who do I call if I need help with the financial aid application process?
Please feel free to contact the BC3 Financial Aid Office by phone: 724.284-8509 or by e-mail at FinancialAid@bc3.edu. Our Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8-4.
When will my financial aid be disbursed?
Federal programs.The first disbursement of financial aid refunds for federal programs is after the drop/add period. (i.e. Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Stafford Loan) Federal programs will be processed in the order in which the information was received. In order for financial aid to be processed and ready for the first disbursement, complete documentation must be received by July 15th for the fall semester, and November 15th for the spring semester. Processing will continue on a first come first serve basis thereafter, but you must be prepared to pay upfront for expenses such as books and supplies.
State programs. PHEAA State Grant programs will be processed and disbursed by the semester midt-term. PHEAA Special Programs will be processed and disbursed according to the regulations of each program.
Third-Party Programs. The disbursement dates for third-party programs such as OVR, Career Track, Veterans Benefits, and Americorps are regulated by each program.
