Procedures for Applying for Aid

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS

Student Financial Assistance Programs Disclosure of Social Security Account Number Section 7(a) of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5U.S.C.552a) requires that when any federal, state, or local government agency requests an individual to disclose his or her Social Security Account Number, that individual must also be advised whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority the number is solicited, and what use will be made of it. Accordingly, applicants are advised that disclosure of the applicant’s Social Security Account Number (SSAN) is required as a condition for participation in student financial assistance programs sponsored by the federal government, state, or the local government, in view of the practical administrative difficulties that would be encountered in maintaining adequate program records without the continued use of the SSAN. The SSAN will be used to verify the identity of the applicant and as an account number (identifier) throughout the life of the loan or other type of assistance in order to report necessary data accurately. As an identifier, the SSAN is used in such program activities as determining program eligibility, certifying school attendance and student status, determining eligibility for deferment or repayment of student loans, and for tracing and collecting in cases of defaulted loans. Authority for requiring the disclosure of an applicant’s SSAN is grounded on Section 7(a)(2) of the Privacy Act, which provides that an agency may continue to require disclosure of an individual’s SSAN as a condition for the granting of a right, benefit, or privilege provided by law where the agency required this disclosure under statute or regulation prior to Jan. 1, 1975, in order to verify the identity of an individual.

Methods and Frequency of Disbursements of Aid
The business office at John Patrick University of Health and Applied Sciences disburses financial aid and processes available refunds.  Disbursement can be delayed if students do not meet certain eligibility requirements such as less than half time enrollment status or ineligibility for some other reason.  It is the student’s responsibility to meet the criteria necessary for release of financial aid funds.

Your financial aid funds will be applied to all Institutional tuition, fees, and charges.  Federal financial aid may be applied to allowable charges only.  You are responsible for paying any other miscellaneous charges on your account by cash, check, or credit card.

Aid is disbursed as follows: 

• Federal Direct loans requested across multiple terms – aid will be disbursed after the census date of the term.  The census date is typically 15 days after the term begins.
• Federal Direct loans requested for one term only – the first disbursement will be disbursed after the census date of the term.  The census date is typically 15 days after the term begins.  The second disbursement is at the mid-point of the term in calendar time.
• Federal Grants (including Pell Grants) – aid will be disbursed after the census date of the term.  The census date is typically 15 days after the term begins. 

In circumstances where your Federal aid exceeds your charges for the term, a refund check for the credit balance will be issued to you no later than 14 calendar days after your account shows the credit balance. 

Terms and Conditions of Title IV, HEA Loans
Information on loan terms, interest rates, loan origination fees, and repayment options for Title IV, HEA loans are available on the Federal Student Aid website located at www.studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates.

FAFSA Preparation

When preparing for your Federal Student Aid application, make sure to pay attention to Deadlines.

When you file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you’ll be asked to provide financial information that will be used to determine your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution).  The EFC is not a determination of how much you and your family will pay for education.  In many cases, families contribute more than their EFC to meet all expenses.

You will need to fill out a new FAFSA for every academic year you plan to register for classes.  FAFSA applications are available every January 1 and applications are considered punctual if received by March 10.  The earlier you apply, the greater the award you may be offered since some financial aid is distributed on a first-come-first-serve basis.