Office assists students with financial support for college
by Sharon Duong, Reporter

   One TCC office is ready to show students the money.
   "Financial aid is the only way a student can receive monetary aid for school," JoLynn Sprole, TCC South financial aid director, said.
   Sprole said students can apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, the only method a student can use to obtain federal financial assistance. A student can pick up an application on any campus or apply online at the FAFSA Web site: www. fafsa. ed.gov.
   Many students struggling to pay for school know financial aid is the answer they need to further their education.
   "Financial aid is very important to me because as an average independent young adult, I can barely survive with what I make at my job. Financial aid is the only way I can get the education that I want and am entitled to," Kristen Sandstedt, a South Campus student, said.
   Like Sandstedt, many students live on their own and work to pay for their necessities. Getting the money for school often presents another challenge.
   Not all students are eligible for the financial aid they want. Students may qualify for student loans, scholarships, work-study programs or grants. Students who apply usually want to receive scholarships or grants, money they know they do not have to repay.
   "A student loan is a way to get money, but I don't want to have to worry about the deferred payments when I finally graduate," another student said. "Financial aid has put me through school the last two years, and I am very grateful for it."
   NW student Cacey Rodden does not believe in giving up on her quest for assistance.
   "I applied at the beginning of last year, and I didn't get any money. I went by the financial aid office this semester, and I still won't get any money," she said.
   Lisa Seals, NW Campus financial aid director, said students must submit the FASFA to discover if they qualify. "The only way for a student to know what they qualify for is if they apply," she said.
   Seals added that the only way for a student to be considered for every financial aid program was to turn in the application by April 15.
   "April 15 was the priority date for FAFSA applications. Anyone who turned in their application before this date has a better chance of funding," she said. "Financial aid is on a first-come, first-served basis."
   The deadline for the '03-'04 school year was June 30, but students who qualify for money and apply during or even after the school year begins can get money.
   Eligible students will receive a reimbursement check for the classes they attended during the fall, provided that they are also enrolled for the next semester.
   "You only have to apply one time a year for financial aid," Dawn Brown, assistant financial aid director for South and SE campuses, said.
   "If there are some changes in your living situations, like a parent loses a job, you can fill out a special circumstances form to see if you could qualify," she said.
   Seals encouraged students to use the FAFSA Web site.
   " The best way to apply is online," she said. "Your application can get processed within two weeks, whereas if you apply on a paper application, it can take up to six weeks to hear anything."
   The earliest one can apply for financial aid is January when tax information is sent out. To complete the application, students need their parents' and their own tax information. If students do not live with their parents, they still need their parents' tax information. "Students are considered an independent when they are 24 unless they are a veteran of the armed forces, an orphan, a parent or a student in graduate school.
   Students are still considered a dependent if they are under 24 years old. In the government's eyes, they are still a dependent," Sprole said. In some special circumstances, students may receive a waiver of that rule. However, the only way to know for sure is to go to the financial aid office to talk to one of the staff members, Seals said.
   "Our staff members are fully trained and know everything about financial aid. If you have questions, feel free to come in. We are more than happy to help you," she said.
   This year has been a little easier for TCC to process applications, Seals said.
   New computer software within the district is more automated for the financial aid program. This software allows the system to process more applications, as well as mail out letters to students to inform them if any additional information is needed.
   "The software has made it easier for us. It's also processed a lot of the applications faster. This way we can ensure that every application is being processed in a timely manner," she said.
   Last year, more than 18,000 students listed TCC on their FAFSA application to receive aid, but a district average of only 17 percent received financial aid. TCC received $14 million last year to distribute to students.
   "Once we've given out the money, it's gone," Sprole said. "If you want to ensure that you get money, you need to apply early. It's like the early bird gets the worm." Students unsure of what to do should go the nearest financial aid office.
   "Questions are welcome," she said. "We want to make sure every student has an opportunity to receive all the money he or she is eligible for."