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Eligibility Requirements

Federal Student Aid Eligibility Requirements

To receive federal financial aid through the federal (Title IV) programs (Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, Federal Work Study, Direct Loans), students must meet all applicable federal eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students must:

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program at FLCC.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or eligible noncitizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number.
  • Have earned a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED).
  • Not be enrolled simultaneously in elementary or secondary school (high school).
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
  • Not be in default on a federal Title IV loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant or loan overpayment.
  • Not have borrowed in excess of annual or aggregate federal loan limits.
  • Demonstrate financial need, when required, for need-based federal aid programs.
  • Complete and sign the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including required certifications and statements of educational purpose.
  • Provide required consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information for FAFSA processing purposes.
  • Resolve any conflicting information and complete any requested verification requirements before financial aid can be awarded or disbursed.
  • Be enrolled in courses that apply toward the student’s eligible degree or certificate program.
  • Not have fraudulently obtained federal financial aid funds.
  • Not have property subject to a judgment lien for a debt owed to the United States.

Eligibility for federal financial aid is determined according to federal law, regulations, and institutional policies and is subject to change.

 

Eligible Programs of Study

To receive federal financial aid at FLCC, students must be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program and register only for coursework required for that program of study.

Non-degree-seeking students are not eligible for federal financial aid.

Students who wish to change their academic program should contact the One Stop Center or their Professional Academic Advisor to discuss how the change will impact their academic progress and financial aid. 

 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Eligibility Requirements

In addition to meeting the general federal eligibility requirements listed above, students participating in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program must also:

  • Complete the FAFSA for the applicable academic year
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by federal methodology
  • Be enrolled in a degree-granting program and registered for at least six credits during each semester worked
  • Maintain good academic standing and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements
  • Complete all required employment documentation with Human Resources, including the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification
  • Provide original identification documents as required by Human Resources
  • Complete any additional employment requirements associated with the position, including background checks or fingerprinting when applicable
  • Be enrolled in at least 6 credits

To maintain professionalism and accountability within the Federal Work-Study program, FLCC uses a three-strike process for no-call, no-show absences. Students are expected to report to work as scheduled and notify their supervisor if they are unable to report to work. Three no-call, no-show absences may result in termination from the Federal Work-Study program.

 

Eligibility Requirements for New York State Financial Aid

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) determines eligibility for most New York State financial aid programs based on information provided through the FAFSA, TAP Application, and related documentation.

Each New York State financial aid program has its own eligibility requirements. The largest New York State financial aid program is the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP).

Students may generally qualify for TAP if they:

  • Are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Are a legal resident of New York State and have lived in New York State for at least 12 continuous months
  • Graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma (GED), or passed a federally approved Ability to Benefit test
  • Meet applicable New York State income eligibility requirements
  • Are not in default on a federal or New York State student loan or repayment of a New York State financial aid award
  • Are in compliance with the terms of any service condition associated with a previously received New York State award
  • Be enrolled in courses that span the entire semester 

NYS HESC decides a student is eligible based on finances and residency, while the school is then required to determine if a student is meeting academic and enrollment requirements for each specific term. 

Current TAP income eligibility guidelines generally include:

$125,000 or Less Net Taxable Income (NTI)

  • Dependent undergraduate students whose household income falls within the allowable limit
  • Independent undergraduate students with tax dependents
  • Students who qualified as an orphan, foster child, or ward of the court at any time since age 13

$60,000 or Less Net Taxable Income (NTI)

  • Independent married undergraduate students without tax dependents

$30,000 or Less Net Taxable Income (NTI)

  • Independent single undergraduate students without tax dependents

Once enrolled in college, students receiving TAP generally must:

  • Attend an approved college in New York State
  • Be enrolled in an approved degree-granting program
  • Maintain good academic standing and satisfactory academic progress
  • Enroll full-time in at least 12 applicable credits per semester for full-time TAP eligibility
  • Be charged at least $200 in tuition per academic year

Other New York State financial aid programs may have different eligibility requirements.

Additional information about New York State financial aid programs is available at HESC Financial Aid Programs. 

 

Attendance Verification and Financial Aid Eligibility

Federal regulations require students to earn financial aid by attending and actively participating in their courses. Finger Lakes Community College verifies student attendance and participation to determine eligibility for federal and New York State financial aid programs.

Although FLCC is not a mandatory attendance-taking institution, faculty report attendance through the census date to confirm that students have begun attendance in each course for which they are enrolled. Enrollment status at census is also used to determine eligibility for many New York State financial aid programs.

If a student does not begin attendance in one or more courses, FLCC is required to recalculate the student’s enrollment status and financial aid eligibility. Failure to begin attendance may result in a reduction of financial aid and could create a balance owed to the College.

Students who stop attending classes are expected to complete the College’s official withdrawal process through the One Stop Center.