FINANCIAL AID PROCESS
Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
To obtain access to financial aid funds, a new FAFSA must be completed each year. Be sure to use your correct name and Social Security number as shown on your Social Security card when completing the FAFSA. The FAFSA may be completed online at the U.S. Department of Education FAFSA Site. If you choose not to use an FSA ID to sign your FAFSA, be sure to print and submit the required signature page. Once your FAFSA is received and processed, the Department of Education will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to the student. Pine Technical & Community College will receive this information at approximately the same time. The SAR should not be confused with the award letter, which will be sent by Pine Technical & Community College later.
School Code
When completing your FAFSA online, you will be asked for PTCC’s School Code. The Pine Technical & Community College Title IV School Code is 005535.
Step 2: Turn in all documents required by Pine Technical & Community College
The Financial Aid office may request additional documents from the student to process the application according to federal regulations. If you are selected for verification, you will receive a letter and forms in the U.S. mail. Please read the letter carefully and submit the completed forms with signatures to the Pine Technical & College Financial Aid office as soon as possible to avoid delays. For more information, review the Verification Policy.
If a student or parents’ (for dependent students) financial situation changes after the completion of the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office may be able to help. After filing federal taxes for the next year, request a meeting with the Financial Aid Coordinator, Kevin Niedenfuer, by contacting 320.629.5127 or by emailing Kevin.Niedenfuer*AT*pine.edu. Kevin will guide you through the Professional Judgment / Special Circumstance appeal process. The appeal process consists of completing the special circumstance form, providing a written narrative explaining the reasons for the appeal and providing appropriate documentation to support the appeal. For more information, view the Professional Judgment/Special Circumstances form.
Step 3: Receive Your Award Letter
Once your application materials have been submitted and verified, you will receive an Award Letter. This letter is sent by Pine Technical & Community College. This will show the type of aid available to you at Pine Technical & Community College. These funds consist of grants that do not need to be repaid and loans that must be repaid eventually. For more information regarding award letters, please read Understanding Your Award Letter
Step 4: Loan Process
Student Loans are optional. If you decide to borrow a loan, you can complete the loan process through your E-Services account.
Step 5: Book Vouchers
If your financial aid exceeds your charges, you may be able to use a book voucher to purchase your books. Book vouchers are automatically sent to the campus store and you will be emailed with the amount of your eligibility.
Eligible students will receive an e-mail message from the Financial Aid Office approximately two weeks prior to the start of the term. Book vouchers will be available one week prior to the start of the term through the last day of the first week of classes.
When students receive e-mail notification, they will be able to purchase books at the Campus Store. Students should print and take their class schedule and a picture ID (PTCC ID or Driver’s License) to the Campus Store. A student ID number is required to access the funds.
Step 6: Financial Aid Disbursement
Financial Aid will be disbursed on the second Friday of the semester.
Verification Policy
Steps After The FAFSA:
- Allow one week for processing and then check your mail or E-Services to see if the financial aid office needs additional documentation.
- View and accept your award letter out on E-Services, be sure to accept the Misc Charges fee, if you’re planning on using financial aid to purchase your books.
- If you plan to use loans, be sure to follow the steps outlined within E-Services on how to request your loans. For first-time borrowers those steps do include the completion of Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Direct Loan Master promissory notes, which can be completed online at www.studentloans.gov
- Grants are automatically applied toward your account at the end of the second week of the semester. If there are excess funds, they will be sent out at the same time.