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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about financial aid.
Questions By Topic
Close AllSatisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Why do I not qualify for financial aid if my GPA is high?
SAP is a cumulative measurement of the three areas listed below. You must meet the
requirements in ALL THREE areas each term in order to maintain eligibility for financial
assistance.
1. Maintain a certain grade point average
2. Complete a certain percentage of attempted credits
3. Make progress toward completing their degree within a certain time frame
For detailed information please visit our SAP page.
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to describe a student's successful
completion of his/her coursework toward a degree. To remain eligible for federal financial
aid — grants, work-study funds and student loans — college students must meet certain
standards in the classroom, known as satisfactory academic progress. At the end of
each term, an evaluation will occur to determine if you are meeting SAP to receive
financial assistance at Palm Beach State College.
What is a SAP Appeal Questionnaire?
A SAP appeal questionnaire is a chance for you to regain financial aid eligibility
if you have failed. one of the three sap requirements due to an event beyond your
control. To submit your appeal, you must include relevant documentation supporting
your event.
Where do I find a SAP Appeal Questionnaire?
A questionnaire is sent to the student's Workday inbox to be completed and uploaded
into Workday along with supporting documentation.
*Please note: SAP Appeal Questionnaires may take 3-4 weeks to be reviewed.
Withdrawals
Will I owe money if I withdraw from classes during the semester?
Withdrawing from classes can cost you. If a student officially or unofficially withdraws
from all courses on or before the withdrawal deadlines, the student will be required
to repay all or part of the financial aid disbursed in that term.
There are also financial consequences for Bright Future Scholarship recipients who
receive a grade of "W" or "WF".
Always refer to the Academic Calendar for the official last day to withdraw.
Will I owe money if I had a medical emergency?
After you withdraw you may apply for a refund request. The refund request will be
reviewed based on a circumstance (medical, death of immediate family, etc.) and documentation
is required. If financial aid funds must be returned to the Department of Education,
a student may be liable to return a portion of the money (financial aid that you may
already have received) to the Department of Education.
Loans
- Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are offered to students with financial need. You are not charged interest while you're attending school at least half-time.
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are NOT based on financial need. Interest is charged from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. (Recipients must still attend school at least half-time.)
Can I increase or cancel my loan?
It depends on the current term information as well as how much of your funds you have
already used for the academic year. If you want to modify any previously accepted
or declined loans you will need to “create a request” in Workday and select Financial Aid Loan Request. If you want to cancel the loan
in full, please accept/decline awards in the finances application. If funds have already
been disbursed to your student account, declining a loan will likely require refunding
the balance to the College.
Are loans issued under student or parent names?
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are made to eligible students.
When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career
school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues.
If you are a dependent undergraduate student, your parents can apply for a Federal Parent PLUS loan that can be used to pay tuition and fees and possibly other charges. Speak to a financial aid advisor for additional information.
How many credits do I need to take in order to receive a loan?
You must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours or more) in compliant courses
that count toward your degree or certificate.
How do I apply for a student loan?
1. The first step in applying for any financial aid at PBSC, including grants, loans,
scholarships and student employment, is to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
2. Complete Federal Direct Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling, which explains your rights and responsibilities as a loan borrower and is required
for all first-time borrowers at PBSC.
3. Complete your Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) using your FSA ID.
The MPN is the legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued
interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education.
A dependent student’s parent can apply for a Parent Plus Loan. Eligibility is not based on financial need, but a credit check is required. Borrowers who have an adverse credit history must meet additional requirements to qualify.
Pell Grants
What is a Federal Pell Grant?
The Federal Pell Grant is a form of federal financial aid awarded to eligible undergraduate
students who have not earned a bachelor's or graduate degree.
How is the Pell Grant awarded?
Eligibility is based on exceptional financial need. Upon completion of your FAFSA, your chosen institutions will be able to view what aid you are eligible for. Please
complete the FAFSA as soon as possible to allow time for processing.
Why did my Pell Grant award change after I changed my classes?
There may be several reasons your Pell award changed after a schedule change:
- Pell awards are based on compliant courses in your schedule as of a specific date each term--dropping or adding classes might impact your award depending on when the enrollment change happens.
- You may have registered for a class that does not count toward your program of study. Financial aid will only cover classes that are required for your program of study.
- You can only receive Pell Grant funding for the equivalent of 12 full-time terms, starting from the first time you received Pell Grant funding. You may be approaching or have reached your Pell life eligibility.
Can I receive Pell Grant funding during the summer?
The Federal Pell Grant may be available year-round for undergraduate students who
have not yet earned a bachelor's degree. Please note that some students may be required
to enroll at least half-time in compliant courses to receive the Pell Grant for summer
terms.
Why did I lose my Pell Grant after my grades slipped?
All students must maintain SAP standards and be in academic good standing with PBSC to be eligible to receive financial aid. If
you are not meeting SAP standards, you may complete a SAP appeal questionnaire and
provide supporting documentation to explain your circumstances. If you do not have
extenuating circumstances or your SAP appeal is denied, you may want to consider enrolling
in the tuition payment plan.
Can I use Pell Grant funds at another institution?
No, a student who is attending two different post-secondary schools during the same
enrollment period cannot receive Pell Grant funds at both. Students do have the option
of enrolling in two schools, but their home institution will receive the Pell funds.
The student will be responsible for paying tuition and fees at the other school.
Scholarships
How do I apply for institutional PBSC scholarships?
Students must fill out an annual scholarship application for the numerous opportunities
available. Information and application links are available on PBSC's scholarships webpage.
How do I qualify for institutional PBSC grants?
Most institutional grants require a completed FAFSA and are awarded on a first-come,
first- served basis, so apply early!
Can institutional funds be removed?
Yes, if you no longer meet the academic or need-based requirements when accepting
the award. Please verify the criteria needed for each semester to maintain your scholarship.
What are private scholarships?
Private scholarships are awarded by outside organizations to students. They are not
offered or administered by PBSC.
If I receive a private scholarship, how do I let the Office of Financial Aid know?
Private scholarships from outside organizations are processed by PBSC's Cashier’s
Office, not the Financial Aid office. Typically, organizations will submit a check
on the student's behalf to the cashier’s office.
If you are working with an outside organization and they need guidance, please give them the following information to submit a check:
Submitting Scholarship Checks to PBSC
Please be sure the student's name and PBSC ID or social security number are on the check. Make checks payable and addressed to Palm Beach State College:
Cashier’s Office
Palm Beach State College - Lake Worth
4200 Congress Avenue, MS#11, Lake Worth, FL 33461
Tel: 561-868-3250 | Fax: 561-868-3080
Email: cashier@palmbeachstate.edu
Once a check is received, it will be deposited into a non-restricted account in which the fund can be used for any educational related expenses. Any fees owed to the College will be deducted and the remaining funds will be made available to the recipient via direct deposit or a check mailed to the address on file.
A check made payable to the student must be endorsed by the student. A non-endorsed check will be returned to the student's local address with instructions on how to proceed.
The following information should accompany your donation:
- your name, address and pertinent contact information
- the semester in which the funds are to be disbursed.
Please note that private donor scholarship funds must be received two weeks before the student's tuition and fees due date in order for the funds to be applied in a timely manner.
Dual Enrollment
Can I receive financial aid as a dual enrollment student?
Dual Enrollment students do not receive financial aid. However tuition, books and
fees are typically paid by the school district. Learn more about dual enrollment.
Books
How do I use my financial aid at the bookstore?
Students who have excess financial aid funds available can purchase course materials
at the bookstore during a specific period each term. The funds available after your
course fees are paid will be added to your PantherCard account. You must have a PantherCard
to make purchases at the bookstore with financial aid funds. Learn more about financial aid at the bookstore.
If my PantherCard does not have money for books, what do I do?
If you're eligible for financial aid and have available funds that haven't been loaded
on your PantherCard, please make sure you have completed the “Financial Aid Title
IV Authorization Form” and all financial aid action items in your Workday inbox. If
you still have questions, double-check with a financial aid advisor.
What is a Financial Aid Title IV Authorization Form?
This is the form that grants PBSC the authority to use your remaining financial aid
for books. This form is typically added to your Workday inbox with the rest of your
onboarding items. It must be completed in order for you to use financial aid at the
bookstore.
What happens if I don’t use all of my book money?
Unused funds will be returned to you as an excess check or monies to your personal
account. They will be disbursed on, or about 30 days after, the beginning of classes.
We highly recommend you set up a direct deposit account with the finance office through Workday.
Clock Hour, Vocational and Short-Term Programs
What are clock hour programs?
Clock hour programs are vocational short-term programs based on hours of attendance
that prepare students for employment in a recognized occupation.
Can I receive financial aid for clock hour programs?
Yes, eligible students may receive financial aid to study in approved programs. This
list of approved certificate programs for financial aid includes some clock hour programs. Check with a financial aid advisor to confirm
whether financial aid is available for the programs you're interested in.
Do clock hour students receive financial aid disbursements at the same time as credit
hour students?
Not necessarily. Students enrolled in clock hour programs receive their first disbursement
after enrollment and attendance confirmation for payment period 1. (Typically shortly
after the program begins.) Continued disbursement is based on the successful completion
of two components: (1) the number of clock hours AND (2) the number of weeks in the
payment period(s) to progress to the next payment period.
Why am I not eligible to receive financial aid under my clock hour program even though
I qualify for financial aid?
Your program may not meet the required minimum number of clock hours for it to be
eligible for financial aid (Title IV).
What is a payment period?
A payment period is the length of time for which financial aid funds are disbursed
to a student. This length varies according to the length of the clock hour program.
How much aid will I receive for my program of study?
It depends on your eligibility. Pell Grant and Direct Loan eligibility is based on
the length of a student's program and their expected family contribution (EFC). Pell
Grant and direct loan calculations for clock hours and credit hours are not always
the same.
Veterans/GI Bill
I'm an active-duty service member or veteran of the U.S. military. Can I receive financial
aid?
Yes, financial assistance may be available. Please visit the Veterans Services webpage
for more information.
