Student Financial Assistance (Financial Aid)

Chesapeake College provides a variety of funding through federal, state and institutional student aid programs. All programs of student financial assistance at Chesapeake are available to both part- and full-time students. Most academic scholarships require full-time enrollment. In most cases, participation in the federal student financial aid programs requires a minimum enrollment of six credit/load hours in a degree or certificate program of study. The Federal Pell Grant program is available to eligible students who enroll less than half-time. Students must be certificate or degree-seeking to be considered for any aid programs. All student aid programs at Chesapeake require the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The processing center will send a response to the student electronically once the form has been processed. Chesapeake College will receive an electronic response if the student lists our college code (004650) on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

When the Financial Aid Office receives all the necessary information, it evaluates the student’s application, determines eligibility and issues financial aid awards by letter and/or email.

Students are encouraged to complete their financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year before March 1, in order to receive first priority from State aid sources. Prior-year income is used to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, allowing students easier access to their tax documents.

Student Financial Assistance Programs

Chesapeake College provides a variety of funding through federal, state and institutional student aid programs. All programs of student financial assistance at Chesapeake are available to both part- and full-time students. Private and other local assistance may also be available to students.

Federal Aid Program

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant awarded on the basis of financial need. Award amounts are determined by the United States Department of Education according to the student’s cost of attendance, the enrollment status, and the student’s calculated eligibility (known as the “Expected Family Contribution”). Students may apply for the Federal Pell Grant by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid online at www.fafsa.gov.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are federal grants awarded to students with financial need. FSEOG grants are awarded with priority given to students who have eligibility for the Pell Grant program.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program assists students who have financial need by providing part-time employment. FWS jobs are located on campus usually, but many off-campus worksites are available at other public agencies, private non-profit organizations, and private for-profit companies and businesses. Students employed through this program are paid a minimum of $11 per hour, depending upon the complexity of the job to which they are assigned.

Special note: The College does not participate in the Federal Stafford or the Federal Direct student loan programs.

Maryland State Aid Programs

State Scholarships and Grants

The State of Maryland’s Office of Student Financial Assistance offers a variety of scholarships and grants to its residents who attend Maryland colleges and universities. Many of these programs, such as the Guaranteed Access Grant, Educational Assistance Grant, and Senatorial Scholarships, require the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form. Applications must be processed before March 1 to be considered for state aid. Some programs, like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, may also require a separate application.

Contact the Maryland State Office of Student Financial Assistance at 1-800-974-0203 for more information or access their website at https://mhec.maryland.gov/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx.

Maryland Part-Time Grant

This state scholarship program is awarded by Chesapeake College. Students must be enrolled in six to eleven credits, be in a degree-seeking program, a Maryland resident and demonstrate need with priority given to Pell Grant recipients. All funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by our priority deadline date of May 1 to be given consideration.

Edward T. Conroy Scholarship

This state scholarship program is awarded by Chesapeake College. Students must complete the application and provide all supporting documentation by our priority deadline date of May 1.

The Edward T. Conroy Memorial Scholarship Program provides financial aid to

• Sons and daughters of members of the United States armed forces who died as a result of military service or who suffered a service connected 100 percent permanent disability as a result of military service;
• A veteran who suffers a service connected disability of 25 percent or greater as a result of military service and has exhausted or is no longer eligible for federal veterans’ educational benefits;
• POW/MIA’s of the Vietnam Conflict and their sons and daughters;
• Sons and daughters and surviving spouses (who have not remarried) of victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks who died as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the attack on the Pentagon in Virginia, or the crash of United Airlines Flight #93 in Pennsylvania;
• Sons, daughters and surviving spouses (who have not remarried) of State or local public safety employees or volunteers who died in the line of duty or who sustained an injury in the line of duty that rendered the public safety employee or volunteer 100 percent disabled.
• A state or local public safety employee or volunteer who became 100 percent disabled in the line of duty.

Chesapeake College’s Scholarship Programs

Chesapeake College scholarships are funded by the generous support of donors to the Chesapeake College Foundation. To ensure compliance with the award criteria set by donors, the Institutional Advancement Office may share a student’s academic and/or financial information if requested by a donor. By signing the Scholarship Application, students authorize the release of such information to scholarship donors.

Institutional Scholarships

Chesapeake Scholars (S50)
Awarded to outstanding students who intend to enroll full-time and who have achieved at least a 3.0 grade point average in high school.

Presidential Honors Scholarships (S52)
Awarded to the most academically talented senior in each of the nine public high schools who has achieved at least a 3.5 grade point average over four years. Recipients must participate in the Honors Program at the College.

Endowed Scholarships

The following scholarships have been established as endowments within the Chesapeake College Foundation.

The Chesapeake College Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation. For more information about the Foundation, please contact the Executive Director at: 410-827-5879.

American Legion Post #29 Scholarship (Q05)
Awarded to a resident of Caroline County with a 3.0 grade point average who has participated in an oratorical contest or attended Boys or Girls State. An essay is required.

Bay Country Moose Lodge #831 Scholarship (E39)
Awarded to residents of Queen Anne’s County who enroll full-time and are a dependent of a Lodge member.

Blake Blackston American Legion Post #77 Endowed Incentive Grant (E41)
Awarded to Talbot County residents with 2.0 high school grade point average or the ability to benefit based on financial need.

Charles E. Blythe Memorial Scholarship (F25)
Awarded to a student with a 2.5 grade point average who is pursuing a degree in Radiologic Sciences.

The Brick Companies/Queenstown Harbor Golf Scholarship (E43)
Awarded to Queen Anne’s County residents with a 2.0 grade point average who enroll full-time.

Michele O’Donnell Bullock Endowed Scholarship (BULL)
Awarded to Eastern Shore residents with a 2.5 grade point average or higher who plan to pursue a career in nursing or education.

Julia Thomas Burleigh Endowed Scholarship (JTBUR)
Awarded to Eastern Shore students.

The Bob and Ruth Carmean Scholarship (CARM)
Awarded with preference to residents of Caroline County, then to Eastern Shore residents. Preference is given to students who enroll in a health professions program.

Caroline High School Alumni Association Scholarship (CHSA)
Awarded to residents of Caroline County with a 2.5 grade point average or higher.

The Reade W. and Mary P. Corr Endowed Scholarship (CORR)
Awarded to Kent County students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher.

Judith A. Crook Memorial Scholarship (F26)
Awarded after the fall semester to a student with a 2.5 grade point average taking one or more courses in the Radiologic Sciences Program.

Jeff Davis Post #18 American Legion Scholarship (E40)
Awarded to residents of Queen Anne’s County. Preference is given first to dependents or relatives of Post #18 members, then to dependents or relatives of Queen Anne’s County veterans.

Easton Elks Lodge #1622 Scholarship (E34)
The Easton Elks Lodge #1622 endowed four scholarships for full-time Awarded to Talbot or Caroline county students who enroll full-time in a degree program. Preference is given to dependents of Lodge members.

E. E. Streets VFW Post #5118 Scholarship (E29)
Awarded to a Talbot County student who enrolls full-time.

Reverend W.L. English Endowed Scholarship (ENGHP)
Awarded to students pursuing a degree in nursing. Preference will be given to Dorchester County residents then to Eastern Shore residents.

Federalsburg VFW Post #5246 (S36)
Awarded to a Caroline County resident who graduated from Colonel Richardson High School and pursues a full-time program of study.

Friel Lumber Endowed Scholarship (FRIEL)
Awarded to a recent high school graduate from Queen Anne’s County with a 2.5 grade point average who enrolls in drafting or courses in the building and construction trade.

General Endowed Scholarship (E01)
Awarded to an Eastern Shore resident with a 3.0 grade point average.

J.C. Gibson Memorial Book Scholarship (F23)
Awarded to students from the five-county area who enroll in a degree or certificate program and are economically disadvantaged to cover the cost of books.

Herbert Goldstein Memorial Scholarship (S11)
Awarded to a resident of Queen Anne’s County.

Grasonville VFW #7464 Scholarship (E22)
Awarded with preference to a Queen Anne’s County resident with a 3.0 grade point average who is a first-time freshman and enrolls full time. A second scholarship is awarded to a veteran who enrolls part-time.

Gratitude Fund Endowed Scholarship (GRAT)
Awarded to a resident of Talbot County with a 2.0 minimum grade point average.

Heartfields Memorial Scholarship (HEART)
Awarded to employees or dependents of employees of Heartfields, Londonderry or its subsidiaries who pursue a degree in the Allied Health or Nursing Programs.

Samuel T. Hemsley Elks Lodge #974 Incentive Grant (E21)
Awarded Eastern Shore students with a minimum 2.5 grade point average and financial need.

Hospitality Endowed Scholarship (TOUR)
Awarded to credit or non-credit students in Chesapeake College’s Hotel/Restaurant Management Program

ING Nursing Scholarship (E50)
Awarded to an Eastern Shore resident with a minimum 2.0 grade point average who has been admitted into the Nursing Program.

Kent County Mental Health Scholarship (E44)
Awarded to a resident of Kent or Queen Anne’s counties with a 3.0 grade point average. Preference will be given to full-time students.

Michael D. Kilgus Memorial Scholarship (KILG)
Awarded to a Maryland resident with a 2.75 or higher grade point average who exhibits strong leadership skills, high ambition and great dedication.

Robert E. McCauley Scholarship Fund (REM)
Awarded to student athletes for direct educational expenses

Lee D. and Audrey McMahan Scholarship (E03)
Awarded with preference given first to employees or dependents of employees of Tri-Gas and Oil, then to any resident of the Eastern Shore.

John E. “Bunny” Mears Scholarship (E33)
Awarded to a Queen Anne’s Counity student from Queen Anne’s County with financial need.

Herman F. and Dorothy Mielke Citizenship Scholarship Fund (HMCS)
Award to a Talbot County student who is interested in political science and is focused on citizenship and community service.

The James Bayard Noble Memorial Scholarship (P76)
Awarded with preference given to residents of Dorchester and Caroline counties who have a 3.0 grade point average.

Queen Anne’s County Council of Homemakers (E42)
Awarded to a Queen Anne’s County resident with a 3.0 grade point average who is active in 4-H, a homemaker, or a relative of a homemaker.

Queenstown Lions Club Scholarship (E46)
Awarded to a graduate of the Queen Anne’s County public school system who has been sponsored by a member of the Queenstown Lions Club.

Dr. Harry C. Rhodes Endowed Scholarship (HRS)
Awarded to current high school graduates from Kent Island and Queen Anne’s County High School who achieved a 2.75 cumulative grade point average. 

The Rosborough-Schleiger Endowed Scholarship (E18)
Awarded to an Eastern Shore resident who is a first-time freshman.

St. John Foundation Scholarship (SJF)
Awarded to Talbot County residents with a minimum 2.0 grade point average.

John M. Saulsbury Educational Grant (SAUL)
Awarded to students in Caroline, Queen Anne’s, and Dorchester counties based upon financial need and academic potential. For recent high school graduates academic potential is measured by the official high school transcript. For older students, academic potential is determined by minimum score achievement on the College Academic Skills Assessment in mathematics, reading, and language skills.

Norma and Orrell Saulsbury Incentive Grant (E31)
Awarded with preference to residents of Caroline Counity with a 2.0 high school grade point average or the ability to benefit who enroll part-time, then to residents of the five counties who enroll full-time, then to students who enroll part-time.

The Gunther & Regina Schiwy Endowment Fund (SCHIW)
Awarded to residents of the five counties with preference given to students taking electrical or engineering courses; students taking environmental engineering courses will also be considered. 

Seraph Foundation Nursing Scholarship (SFNUR)
Awarded to students in the Nursing Program.

Arthur E. Southard Memorial Accounting Scholarship (SOUTH)
Awarded to Eastern Shore residents with a 2.5 grade point average or higher who are either pursuing a career in accounting or are studying accounting as a means to enhance their careers.

Luther W. Smith/Eastern Shore Litho Association Scholarship Fund (LITHO)
Awarded to a resident of the Eastern Shore with a minimum 2.5 grade point average who are studying business and, preferably, communications. Dependents of those in the graphic arts industry are encouraged to apply.

Stanley B. Sutton Memorial Scholarship (E25)
Awarded book and supply costs to a resident of Kent County who has been an active participant or leader in the Kent County 4-H Program for at least three years.

Sylvester Family Scholarship Fund (SYLV)
Awarded to a Queen Anne’s County resident who plans to enter the field of teaching.

Talbot American Legion Post #70 and Auxiliary Scholarship (E45)
Awarded with preference given to a student from Talbot County.

Eugenia V. Teodoli Endowed Scholarship Fund (EVT)
Awarded to graduates of Queen Anne’s County High School or Kent Island High School who are in need of financial assistance.

Ernest M. Thompson Memorial Scholarship (E20)
Awarded to a Talbot County student.

Dr. Shirley M. Thompson Memorial Scholarship (F24)
Awarded to a student from the Eastern Shore and is who maintain a 3.5 grade point average and show financial need.

Harry Wrightson Tolson American Legion Post #278 Scholarship (E24)
Awarded to residents of Queen Anne’s County, with preference given to Kent Island residents, who enroll full-time in a degree or certificate program and exhibit financial need.

Viniar Honors Scholarship Fund (VIN)
Awarded to students from the five-county area who are eligible for Phi Theta Kappa.

George Walls Memorial Scholarship (WALL)
Awarded to an Eastern Shore resident.

George W. Wilson, Jr., Esq. Scholarship (GWS)
Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who are majoring in Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice or Computer Forensics. Good character and orientation toward service and volunteerism are also considered.

Winslow and Helen Womack Endowed Scholarship (WOMAC)
Awarded to Eastern Shore residents who are majoring in nursing.

General Scholarships

Many area organizations and businesses, as well as private individuals, sponsor scholarships at Chesapeake College. Generally, these scholarships are awarded to full-time students who demonstrate academic potential by their high school transcript or achieve academic success at Chesapeake College as measured by the official Dean’s List. Applications for these scholarships should be completed by mid-April. High school students must submit copies of their high school transcripts in order to be considered. Under most circumstances, tuition-based scholarship award amounts are calculated on the average enrollment load of 14 credits per semester.

The following general scholarships may be available. Please consult the financial aid office for the most current general scholarships available and to learn about their criteria.

Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority Scholarship (S01)
Awarded to a resident of the five-county area with a minimum 3.0 grade point average who has completed a teacher preparation course of study in high school and plans to teacher in the five county area.

Adult Education Scholarship (ADULT)
Awarded to residents of the five county service area who have graduated from an adult education program and earned a General Education Diploma (GED)

Barnes and Noble Book Scholarship (B&N)
Awarded on a case by case basis by the Director of Financial Aid.

Diane Bisnar Scholarship (DBIS)
Awarded to student admitted to a health professions program.

A.T. and Mary H. Blades Foundation Scholarship (BLADE)
Awarded to Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline County residents with a 3.0 grade point average who are enrolled full-time.

Mary H. Blades Memorial Nursing Scholarship (MBNUR)
Awarded to Talbot, Dorchester and Caroline County residents with a 3.0 grade point average who are pursuing a degree in nursing on a full-time basis.

Bowdle Family Scholarship  (BOWDL)
Awarded to residents of Dorchester, Talbot or Caroline counties who have been admitted to the nursing program. Student must be non-traditional and serious-minded about a career in nursing.

George and Jean Brinckerhoff Book Scholarship (GJBBK)
Awarded to Eastern Shore residents with a 2.5 or higher grade point average.

Woody Cannon Non-Traditional Scholarship (S71)
Awarded to part-time and non-traditional students.

Cannon Educational Fund Scholarships (S37)
Awarded to graduates of North Caroline and Colonel Richardson high schools who have documented financial need. Preference is given to students who have completed the first year of study at the College with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and above. Secondary preference will be given to eligible students who participate in the College Work-Study Program.

CNB Scholarships (S04)
Awarded to students who are residents of Queen Anne’s, Kent or Caroline counties.

Chesapeake College Challenge Scholarship (S05)
Awarded to a student with special needs or disability.

Chesapeake College General Scholarship (CCGEN)
Awarded to any student attending Chesapeake College.

Chestertown Rotary Club Scholarship (S08)
Awarded to a resident of Kent County with a good academic standing who enrolls full-time.

Delmarva Power Scholarship (CONEC)
Awarded to a student who maintains a minimum 2.5 grade point average and is majoring in Engineering or Business Management Technology.

Denton Rotary Club Scholarship (P75)
Awarded to a student from northern Caroline County with a 3.0 grade point average who is attending classes at least part-time.  

Easton Lions Club Nursing Scholarship (Q08)
Awarded to a Talbot County resident with a 3.0 grade point average who is enrolled in the Nursing Program full-time.

Easton Utilities
Awarded to a Talbot County resident with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 who enrolls in a STEM program or in Accounting.

Dave Haslup/Lou Gehrig Athletic Scholarship (HASLP)
Awarded to residents of the five-county area, with preference given to Queen Anne’s and Talbot county students with a 2.0 minimum grade point average who lettered in a sport in high school and enroll full-time.

Henselman Nursing Scholarship (HENNS)
Awarded to students in the Nursing Program.

Hulseberg Memorial Scholarship (HULS)
Awarded to residents of the five-county area who are first-generation college students.

Bernard Kobrin Memorial Scholarship (KOBRN)
Awarded to North Caroline High School graduates with a 3.0 high school grade point average who demonstrate need and major in education or nursing.

Learned Peabody Porter Scholarship Fund (LPPS)
Awarded to students with a 3.0 minimum grade point average who demonstrate need.

Maryland Law Enforcement Officers Scholarship (S32)
Awarded to residents of the Eastern Shore with financial need who enroll full-time in the Criminal Justice Program.

May Foundation Nursing Scholarship (MFNUR)
Awarded to a student from the Eastern Shore who has been admitted to the Nursing Program. Preference is given to students from Queen Anne’s County.

May Foundation Scholarship (S26)
Awarded to residents of the Eastern Shore who enroll full-time. Preference is given to Queen Anne’s County students.

McDonald’s Eastern Shore Restaurant Scholarship (MESRS)
Awarded to nontraditional students.

Medical Auxiliary Scholarship (MEDX)
Awarded to Talbot County residents who wish to further their education in the medical field with preference given to students pursuing health professions programs other than Nursing.

Nathan Foundation Scholarship (NFNS)
Awarded to Dorchester County residents who are pursuing a degree or certificate in the health professions, including LPN, RN, Surgical and Radiological Technologies. Preference will be given to nursing students.

The 1880 Bank Scholarship (S13)
Awarded to a Dorchester County student who enrolls full-time.

Oxford Library Scholarship (OXF)
Awarded to a current Easton High School graduate who resides in Oxford with a 2.5 minimum grade point average and who demonstrate need.

People’s Bank of Kent County (S14)
Awarded to a Kent County resident who enrolls full-time.

Queenstown Bank Scholarship (S16)
Awarded to residents of Queen Anne’s County who enroll full-time.

Elaine and Roger Ralph Scholarship (RALPH)
Awarded with preference to Queen Anne’s County students who are non-traditional and single parents.

Ridgely High School Alumni Scholarship (RASF)
Awarded to descendants of Ridgely High School alumni.

Shirk Fund Scholarship  (Q02)
Awarded to single mothers and dependents of single mothers who have a desire to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Simpson Memorial Scholarship (S69)
Awarded to a resident of the five-county area, with preference given to Kent and Queen Anne’s counties. 

Gale Quimby Sinagra Memorial Scholarship (S70)
Awarded to a resident of the Eastern Shore with a minimum 2.5 grade point average who enrolls part-time.

H. T. Slaughter, Jr. Scholarship (S10)
Awarded to a resident of Talbot County with financial need.

Pauline and Shirley T. Smith Educational Fund (SMITH)
Awarded to Maryland residents, with preference to Eastern Shore residents, who hold a second year status and have achieved academic success. Applicants must have demonstrated need and work to pay for college. A separate application and essay will be required provided by Mid-Shore Community Foundation.

Talbot County Women’s Club Scholarship (P97)   
Awarded to a female Talbot County student pursuing teacher education. Preference is given to a single parent.

Tattle Family Scholarship (TAT)
Awarded to Queen Anne’s County residents with a 2.5 minimum GPA who are non-traditional students planning careers in education or the health professions.

Tudor Farms Scholarship (P61)
Awarded to residents of Dorchester County with a 2.5 high school grade point average.

VFW Post #5118 Commander’s Scholarship  (VFW)
Awarded to a Queen Anne’s, Talbot or Caroline county resident with a 2.5 grade point average who enrolls full-time. Preference is given to post members or their relatives. All awards must be approved by the Charity Committee.

VFW Post #5118 Nursing Scholarship (S29)
Awarded to a student with a 2.0 grade point average who enrolls full-time in the Nursing Program. Preference is given first to a member of the VFW Post #5118 or family member, then to a Talbot County resident, the to an Eastern Shore resident.

Local Private Assistance

Many organizations in the five-county area served by the College offer private scholarships. These scholarships are awarded by the organizations and criteria can vary.

Students can learn more about these private scholarships at local high schools, libraries, and through individual service organization directories. Listed here are two of many private scholarship opportunities that may be available in the five-county area.

James H. Barton Memorial Scholarship (Q22)
This scholarship is available to Queen Anne’s County residents with a 2.0 grade point average enrolling at Chesapeake College either full- or part-time. Contact Mr. James Barton at: 410-758-2996, for more information.

Chesapeake Women’s Network (P54)
The Queen Anne’s and the Talbot chapters each offer a scholarship to a female student residing in Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Caroline or Dorchester counties. Preference is given to a student re-entering college or the job market. Selection is made by the Network. The Queen Anne’s Chapter’s deadline is March 31. The Talbot Chapter’s deadline is May 1.

Other Assistance Programs

• Waivers of tuition and fees for foster care recipients are available to certain students who resided in foster care in the State of Maryland at the time they graduated from high school or successfully completed GED; or you must have resided in foster care on your 13th birthday and were then adopted after your 13th birthday. The student must not be older than 25 years of age when enrolling as a degree seeking student at Chesapeake College.  The student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1st, of each year.  The waiver covers tuition and fees.
   
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Waiver waives tuition and fees for students deemed homeless by their high school homeless liaison under the McKinney Vento Act, Director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or Director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center of transitional living program.  Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by March 1, complete and submit the UHY Certification Form and be enrolled on or before he or she reaches the age of 25. The youth continues to be exempt from paying tuition and fees until 5 years after first enrolling as a candidate for an associate, bachelors, or a vocational certificate at a Maryland public institution of higher education. For more information contact the Office of Financial Aid at 410-822-5400 ext. 2252.

• DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program for District of Columbia residents allows District residents attending Chesapeake a tuition subsidy that will pay the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. Funding is for tuition only. Students must currently live in the District and have lived there for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of their freshman year of college; they must have graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a diploma on or after January 1, 1998; students must have begun their undergraduate course work within three years of graduating from high school; students must be enrolled at least half-time and must not have completed their undergraduate program.

• A Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver is available with proper documentation. Please contact the Business Office for eligibility requirements and application to apply.

• Disability Waiver Policy - Any resident of Maryland who is out of the workforce because of a permanent disability as defined by the Social Security Act, the Railroad Retirement Act, or in the case of former federal employees, the Office of Personnel Management, and enrolls in a community college class that has at least 10 regularly enrolled students, may be eligible for a tuition waiver.  Students may be enrolled for up to 6 credits per semester without declaring a degree or certificate.  Letters of Recognition programs are no longer eligible for the waiver.  Certain Continuing Education programs are eligible if they lead to employment.  Please consult the list of eligible programs at http://www.mhec.state.md.us/career/WIA/WIASearch/WIACountyPgm.asp.  This waiver is for tuition only.

Once a student enrolls in more than 6 credits, they must declare a major and apply for federal financial aid.  The priority deadline date for the Fall term is May 1st and the Spring term is December 1st.  Students must complete the Certificate for Tuition Waiver Form and have it authorized by the Social Security Administration.  Students are not permitted to receive both federal/state aid and the waiver unless the federal/state aid is insufficient to cover tuition.  Students receiving SSI/SSDI as a dependent or survivor of a disabled beneficiary do not qualify for this waiver.  Waiver forms should be submitted to the Director of Financial Aid for review and final approval.

• Workforce Investment Funds are available for students who are in need of employment-related and occupational training. Federal funds are available for those curriculums that have been approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission. To see a listing or for more information, call or stop by any of the One-stop Career Centers, 410-822-1716, or review the website at www.uswib.org.

• Maryland National Guard Tuition Waivers are available for students who are currently serving in the National Guard. Please contact the Business Office for eligibility requirements and application to apply.

Conditions of Awards

ACADEMIC STANDING
Students must make satisfactory academic progress in order to receive funds from the Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, College Work-Study Programs, and the state and institutional aid programs. Awards will be withdrawn from students who do not maintain satisfactory academic progress. Institutional scholarship programs require a student to maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average unless noted otherwise.

ACADEMIC YEAR
An academic year is defined as 29 credit hours. Remedial credits can be included.

CHANGES IN FINANCIAL STATUS
Students must report changes in financial status (decreases in income, benefits, etc.) to the Office of Financial Aid. The student’s financial need may be recalculated based on the change(s), and adjustments to financial aid packages will be made if necessary.

CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT
Students may only be degree-seeking and receiving federal financial aid at one college. The United States Department of Education will notify Chesapeake College if a student is enrolled at two colleges within the same semester and awarded financial aid at both colleges. Once notified, we will rescind ALL aid awarded and the student will be responsible for their semester charges.

DRUG-RELATED CONVICTIONS
Students convicted of processing or selling illegal drugs while receiving federal aid will lose eligibility for federal financial assistance until certain conditions are met. For more information, contact Federal Student Aid Processing at 1-800-433-3243.

DURATION OF PELL GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Students will not be eligible for Federal Pell Grants beyond 12 semesters or equivalent as determined by federal regulation. Federal regulations will provide fractional equivalents for terms in which a student is enrolled less than full-time.

ENROLLMENT STATUS
Financial aid awards may be adjusted when students change their enrollment status (e.g. from full-time to three-quarter or half time). In some instances, these students may be required to repay a portion of the aid received. Students must notify the Office of Financial Aid of all changes in enrollment status. Students reported as never attending class will have their aid rescinded.

ELIGIBLE COURSES
Financial aid can only award aid to students enrolled in courses that are part of their academic program.  Students must follow their academic plan based on the program of study they are pursuing.

ESTIMATED AID
An estimated financial aid package may be awarded to a student pending corrections, documentation or other materials needed to finalize an award. Estimated awards are done at the discretion of the Director of Financial Aid. Failure to provide the necessary documents could result in the student owing their entire term charges.

FINALIZATION
Students receiving financial aid are required to finalize their term bills. They are required to do so in person at the Business Office in Wye Mills, Easton or Cambridge Center or online through My Campus. Failure to properly finalize will result in the student’s course schedule deletion and aid package being rescinded.

FINANCIAL LITERACY
All students should understand how to manage money and credit to make informed decisions now and in the future. For more information, visit our Web page at http://www.chesapeake.edu/finaid/fa_literacy.asp.

OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS
Students awarded scholarships from outside the institution must report these awards to the Office of Financial Aid. If a student’s direct costs have been met, the award package may be reduced.

OVER-AWARDS
Students who receive funds in excess of their financial need are over-awarded. The amount of the over-award must be repaid, regardless of the origin of the error, before further federal financial assistance may be received.

REPEAT CLASS
Financial Aid will only pay for courses previously dropped or failed twice and courses passed with a D grade or better only once. 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
Students who do not have a high school diploma, or an equivalent such as a GED, and who did not complete secondary school in a homeschool setting are not eligible for Title IV funds.  Under specific conditions, a student may be eligible for Title IV funds if they meet the guidelines for Ability to Benefit.

STUDENT ID
Students who are receiving financial aid must use their student identification number when making inquiries to the Financial Aid office and when purchasing books from the College’s Bookstore.

TREATMENT OF MINI SESSIONS
Mini sessions are offered in between the fall and spring regular 15 week terms.  Federal regulations mandate the treatment of these sessions be tied to a term.  The Financial Aid Office will include all sessions within a 15 week semester to be part of an award period. Students are free to register when it’s convenient for them, but should be aware that a student’s lock date is determined by the latest session enrolled.

TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
In the event that a student receives multiple tuition scholarships, the institutional tuition scholarship will be re-awarded to another student. This is to ensure that a maximum number of Chesapeake students are being considered for such scholarships. Tuition scholarships are awarded based on in-county tuition rates only.

UNOFFICIAL WITHDRAWAL
Students receiving financial aid MUST attend class regularly. Once notified of non-attendance in one or more classes, the Financial Aid Office will RESCIND ALL aid offered/accepted until the student provides proof of attendance.

VERIFICATION
Students selected for verification by the United States Department of Education or Chesapeake College, must provide all necessary financial documents before any financial aid will be disbursed. Failure to comply may result in the student being responsible for all institutional charges incurred for the term.

WITHDRAWALS
Federal financial aid recipients who withdraw completely from the term will be subject to regulations governing the return of federal funds. Federal funds will be prorated using software provided by the United States Department of Education. Students owing a refund will not be permitted to register for future terms until the balance is paid in full. Attendance will be monitored and unofficial withdrawals will be subject to the same federal regulations. Students reported as never attending class will have their entire aid package rescinded. Students will be responsible for all institutional charges incurred for the term.

Policies Governing Federal Financial Aid

Ability to Benefit Policy

Chesapeake College will admit only students who are beyond the age of compulsory attendance; however there are two groups of students who are enrolled but not matriculating in a degree or certificate program: dually enrolled and gifted and talented students. Students with these designations are permitted to enroll but are exempt from federal aid eligibility and Ability to Benefit regulations.

Generally, students who do not have a valid high school diploma, GED, or a home schooling document that meets our school’s policy will not be eligible for federal financial aid. However, students may still be eligible to receive financial aid by demonstrating the Ability to Benefit (ATB).  

If you have additional questions regarding your options, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 410-822-5400, ext. 2252.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
The United States Department of Education mandates Chesapeake College to have an established Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for financial aid students.  The policy must be qualitative (grade point average requirement) and quantitative (maximum time frame for completion) and minimum passing of coursework.  A students’ entire academic record will be evaluated once they apply for financial aid. The policy must be at least as strict as the academic policy governing students not receiving financial aid.  Progress will be monitored once the student attempts their 6th credit hour.

In order to have an equitable policy for both full-time and part-time students, the graduated grade point average will be utilized.  Status will be checked every semester, including summer.  If it is determined that a student is not making satisfactory progress, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning the following term (including summer). The student will be eligible for financial aid for one term.  If at the end of the following semester the student has not obtained a 2.0 cumulative grade point average or a grade point average equivalent to their earned credit hours and/or completed at least 67 percent of their attempted courses, they will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and ineligible for all aid. Non-enrollment periods do not improve a student’s status.

Graduated Qualitative Standard
Chesapeake College requires students to have a 2.0 cumulative grade point average to graduate.  The graduated standard for the minimum GPA throughout the academic program is as follows:

Quantitative Standards

Students must complete 67 percent of all course work attempted during each semester and cumulatively. Transfer credits will count towards attempted and earned courses. Example: Student enrolls in 12 credit hours for the fall term and completes only six credit hours at the end of the term. The completion rate is as follows: 12 attempted credit hours/6 completed credit hours = 50% completion rate.

Maximum Timeframe
A student will be given a maximum time frame of 150 percent to complete their program of study.  This will hold true for certificate and AA degree programs.

The average AA program requires 65 credit hours for program completion; the maximum time frame cannot exceed 97 attempted credit hours (65 x 150% = 97). The average certificate program requires 29 hours for program completion; the maximum time frame cannot exceed 43 attempted credit hours (29 x 150% = 43).

The Financial Aid Office will evaluate each recipient based on the number of credits required for completion of their program of study.   All courses attempted, regardless of academic program will count toward maximum time frame, therefore; students should select their program of study carefully and follow their academic program precisely.

Remedial course work up to 30 load hours (including repeated courses) will not count against the maximum time frame.  Remedial course work will be monitored in order to adhere to the maximum limit set at 30 load hours.  Should a student meet the 30 load hour limit, their enrollment status would exclude future remedial course work in determining eligibility for federal aid. If the student is not enrolled in credit courses, their eligibility will be suspended until credit enrollment exists.

Transfer Credits
Students who have attended another institution prior to Chesapeake College must have their academic transcripts evaluated by our Registrar.  All credits accepted for transfer will be counted in both attempted and earned credits in the Satisfactory Academic Progress calculation.

Minimum Passing of Coursework
Each student must pass a portion of the program for each semester enrolled. In order to maintain eligibility a student must pass AT LEAST 67 percent of the semester course load.  When determining the minimum passing of coursework, the Financial Aid staff will round down to the nearest credit hour.

• Final passing grades are A, B, C, and D.
• Final non-passing grades are F, L, R, W and I.
• Depending on the date of the change to audit, audit (AU) grades are not eligible for financial aid payment. However, if a student is enrolled in one class and changes to audit, the action will be treated as withdrawing from a regular program and a Return of Title IV funds calculation will be performed.
• The incomplete “I” grade may be recalculated to restore eligibility only after a passing grade is recorded and the change of grade occurs within the current academic school year. Any grade changed after the last date of enrollment will be counted for future eligibility.
• Students who withdraw from classes jeopardize their completion rate since the course(s) count in the attempted credits.

Minimum Grade Point Average
In addition to completing a minimum portion of each semester with a passing grade, students must achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA).  Satisfactory academic progress is determined by examining the ratio of points to credit hours.  A 2.0 cumulative GPA is required for graduation. To be considered as making satisfactory academic progress, a student must maintain:

Financial Aid Review Process
Financial aid recipients will be reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of every semester including summer.  Students who do not meet the standards for progress will be placed on Financial Aid Warning automatically for one semester while continuing to receive financial aid.  If, at the end of the warning period, they have not met the requirements for continuation of aid, financial aid awards will be suspended until the minimum requirements are achieved.

Financial Aid Suspension
After one semester of Financial Aid Warning, if a student is still not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress, they will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.  During suspension status, students are ineligible for financial aid.  Students may appeal their suspension status by completing the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form.

Financial Aid Dismissal
Once a student has been granted two appeals and continues to fail Satisfactory Academic Progress, the student will be permanently DISMISSED from financial aid.  Students are still permitted to register and enroll in courses at Chesapeake College but will do so without the benefit of financial aid. A Financial Aid Dismissal status is FINAL and there is no appeal process.  This is a federally mandated policy.

Appeal Process
Students have the right to appeal the unsatisfactory progress status twice.  A student may appeal submitting the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form to the Office of Financial Aid.  Documentation of an extreme circumstance will be required to substantiate the request.  The appeal will be reviewed and the student will be notified of the decision in writing by mail or Skipjack e-mail.  Students will be permitted to apply for TWO appeals based on specific circumstances such as; death of a relative, injury or illness of the student or other special circumstances. Failure to withdraw resulting in a failing grade is not considered a legitimate defense for poor performance. If the appeal is granted, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation.  In the appeal the student MUST include how they will correct their deficiencies and make satisfactory academic progress by the end of the following semester.  Students with Academic Plans may submit those plans as a course of action. The Academic Plan must lead to the student achieving Satisfactory Academic Progress within a specific timeframe not to exceed three semesters.  The Director of Financial Aid will determine if the plan submitted will lead to meeting SAP and approve the request. Part-time students will be given additional semesters on a case by case basis. However, if the plan provided will NOT improve the students’ status, the appeal will be denied.  Furthermore, a student who breaches any conditions of an approved plan will be permanently suspended from federal financial aid.  Breaches include withdrawing and failing classes in the semester the appeal has been granted.

Financial Aid Probation
Students who have been granted a suspension appeal will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one semester.  The student must reestablish eligibility based on the standards above at the end of the probationary semester.  Students with approved academic plans or a corrective action plan may continue to receive financial aid if they adhere to their plan. Any deviation from a student’s approved plan will be cause for Financial Aid Dismissal after their second appeal.  A Financial Aid Dismissal status is FINAL and there is no appeal process.  This is a federally mandated policy.  Students are still permitted to register and enroll in courses at Chesapeake College but will do so without the benefit of financial aid.

Summary of Standards

• You may only receive federal financial aid for a specific length of time (150 percent of the published length of the program plus a maximum of 30 attempted credits of developmental education).
• You must pass at least 67 percent of all coursework attempted each semester.
• You must maintain satisfactory academic progress qualitatively and quantitatively.
• A Return of Title IV funds calculation will be performed for students changing to audit when enrolled in only one course.
• Financial aid will not pay for future audited (“AU”) courses, or repeat (“R”) grades.
• Financial aid will only pay for repeated courses twice for courses withdrawn from or failed.
• Financial aid will pay for courses students have successfully passed only once regardless of the grade received.
• If the student is on Financial Aid Suspension at the end of the spring semester, the student will be ineligible for aid for summer and all subsequent semesters until the students’ status improves.

If you have any questions concerning this policy or your eligibility, please call the Financial Aid Office at: 410-822-5400, ext. 252 or write us at Chesapeake College, P.O. Box 8, Wye Mills, MD 21679.

Change of Major

Students should understand that changing his/her major may have a negative impact on financial aid eligibility. Students should seek academic advising before making such considerations.

Life Time Eligibility Used (Federal Pell Grant)

The U.S. Department of Education has reduced the duration of Federal Pell Grant eligibility from 18 semesters (or its equivalent) to 12 semesters (or its equivalent). This applies to all Federal Pell Grant eligible students effective with the 2012-2013 academic year.

Does this change affect me?

This change affects all students regardless of when or where they received their first Federal Pell Grant.

How does this change affect me?

If you received 100% of your Federal Pell Grant award for 12 semesters, you will not have any remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

If you have received the Federal Pell Grant for four years or more, you may have reduced eligibility or no remaining eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant eligibility for the 2012-2013 school year.

Can I appeal my Pell lifetime eligibility?

No, you may not. Federal Pell Grant limits are set by federal law. If you rely on Federal Pell Grant funding, stay in school and be conscious about the lifetime limits when changing majors and/or scheduling classes.

How do I determine my remaining eligibility?

Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) is tracked by the U.S. Department of Education and is based on full-time enrollment. If you received 100% of your award for 12 semesters, you will not have any remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility.

The U.S. Department of Education will send email messages to all FAFSA applicants who are nearing their Federal Pell Grant lifetime limit or who are no longer eligible for these funds.

For more information about calculating your remaining eligibility, visit the Federal Student Aid Pell Grant page.

How can I see my Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) percentage?

You will be able to log on to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website using your FSA ID to view your LEU. The LEU will be found on the “Financial Aid Review” page.

Unusual Enrollment History (Federal Aid)

The U.S. Department of Education has established new regulations to prevent fraud and abuse in the Federal Pell Grant Program by identifying students with unusual enrollment histories. Some students who have an Unusual Enrollment History (UEH) have legitimate reasons for their enrollment at multiple institutions. However, such an enrollment history requires our office to review your file in order to determine future federal financial aid eligibility. If selected by the Department of Education (via the FAFSA), this must be resolved before you will receive financial aid.

Definition of Unusual Enrollment History

The specific pattern the Department of Education uses to select students includes those students who have received a Federal Pell Grant at multiple institutions during the past three academic years. Once the Department of Education indicates that a student has an unusual enrollment history, the Financial Aid office must then take action and review the academic history prior to determining federal financial aid eligibility for that student.

What Will Be Required of You

If selected, our office will notify you of what is required. We will check your financial aid history at your previous institutions that you attended during the previous three years. You are required to have received academic credit at any institution you received the Federal Pell grant while attending in those relevant academic years. You need to ensure that we have received all official transcripts for schools previously attended. These records were required at the time of admission and must be on file with the Registrar’s Office for your financial aid review. Our office will verify the academic credit was received at each institution during the relevant years. If so, we will notify you that you have satisfied this requirement. If you failed to receive academic credit at any institution you received a Federal Pell grant at during the relevant award years, your federal financial aid will be denied and you will be notified.

Appeal Process

Students are able to appeal the financial aid denial by submitting an Unusual Enrollment History (UEH) Appeal Form; a letter explaining the unusual enrollment history; and, documentation to support the explanation provided in the appeal letter. This documentation will be reviewed by our office and we will notify you of the decision.

Regaining federal student aid eligibility

Students that have been denied federal student aid based on an Unusual Enrollment History Appeal have the ability to appeal to the Financial Aid Office. Staff members will review the initial denial once the following information is received: the student’s appeal letter to determine if the situation meets the federal requirements; all transcripts for each school attended; and any appropriate documentation of the extenuating circumstances. To be considered for a second appeal, you must contact the Director of Financial Aid. Your letter should include any additional information and/or documentation that you want the Committee to take into consideration. These decisions of the Committee are final and are not appealable to the Department of Education.

Pell Grant Lock Date

Effective Spring 2017, a NEW POLICY: Students will now have more flexibility to register for accelerated courses and receive Federal Pell Grant if eligible. Chesapeake College will institute a student specific lock date based on the student’s last class. Students will earn their aid as the course(s) begin but if they withdraw prior to the last class date or register for an accelerated session, all aid is reviewed and adjusted up or down accordingly. Students should plan their course selections carefully and attend class making every effort to pass the course before considering withdrawal. Students could owe balances by withdrawing due to the adjustment date that is specific to their course schedule for the term.

Students should contact the Financial Aid Office before making any schedule changes to discuss the impact of the change in enrollment.

Financial aid will be awarded based on the enrollment status the student has at the time of a complete financial aid file. Federal aid is not disbursed until the 4th week of class for all classes that have begun. If a credit balance is due, it will be refunded to the student during our financial aid refund schedule. Students enrolled in accelerated courses, if eligible will not see available aid until the class has started and enrollment has been confirmed. Students may owe a balance for accelerated courses when the aid awarded is not sufficient to cover the additional charges. Planning early to enroll is recommended.

Return of Federal Funds Policy

In accordance with the final regulations specified in DCL GEN-11-14 and in the 34 CFR 668.22, the following policy explains the process by which Chesapeake College determines the amount of Title IV funding that the student earned when they have withdrawn from the institution.  Students are awarded Title IV funding under the assumption that they will complete all courses in which they are enrolled.  If a student fails to meet this standard and withdraws or ceases attendance in all courses within a payment period, the institution must determine the amount of aid that the student earned, and the amount of aid that must be returned.  The burden is shared between the student and the institution to return Title IV funding to the U.S. Department of Education.

•   Identification of Student Withdrawal
  • Types of Student Withdrawal
    • Official:  A student is an official withdrawal when the student begins the official withdrawal process in accordance with Chesapeake College’s withdrawal policy as stated in the college catalog.
    • Unofficial:  A student is an unofficial withdrawal when the student ceases attendance in all courses prior to the end of the payment period without providing official notification of the intent to withdraw. Students who fail to receive a passing grade in all courses would be considered an unofficial withdrawal.
    • Non Attendance:  A student is administratively withdrawn if the student fails to attend all courses that the student is scheduled to attend.
  • Date of Withdrawal
    • As an institution that is not required to take attendance, the date of withdrawal is determined as the date the student dropped or withdrew from all courses, unless notified otherwise that the student has begun the official withdraw process.
    • For students who cease attendance and/or fail to receive a passing grade in their courses, the date of withdrawal is determined as the last date of attendance/academically related activity.  This is reported by instructors three different ways; the start of term FTE roster, Mid-term Grade Roster and Final grading roster.  Calculations and adjustments are made after each roster is reviewed.
  • Online Courses
    • A student will be marked as attending an online course if the student has actively participated in the course.  Active participation includes, but is not limited to, participating in online discussions about academic matters, submitting an academic assignment, taking an exam or participating in an online interactive tutorial, etc.  Just “logging in” is NOT considered attending.
    • If a student withdraws from an online course, the determination of the withdrawal date will be consistent for in person courses.
    • If a student ceases attendance in an online course, the last date of attendance will be determined based on the last date of academically related activity as documented by the instructor.
  • Programs Offered in Modules
    
    A program is offered in modules if the courses do not span the entire length of the payment period.  If a student is enrolled in any course that does not span the entire length of the payment period, the student is considered to be enrolled in a program offered in modules for that payment period.  However, if a student is only enrolled in courses that span the entire length of the payment period, that student is not considered enrolled in a program offered in modules for that payment period.
    • Identifying Withdrawals
      • According to DCL-GEN-11-14, a student will be identified as a withdrawal if the student ceases attendance at any point prior to completing the payment period.
      • For students enrolled in modules, there are three questions to be evaluated in determining if a return of Title IV calculation must be conducted.  These questions are provided as guidance in the FSA Handbook:
        • After beginning attendance in the payment period, did the student cease to attend or fail to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend? 
          • If no, this is not a withdrawal.
          • If yes, go to the next question. 
        • When the student ceased to attend or failed to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend, was the student still attending any other courses? 
          • If yes, this is not a withdrawal; however, other regulatory provisions concerning recalculation may apply.
          • If no, go to the next question.
        • Did the student confirm attendance in a course in a module beginning later in the period?
          • If yes, this is not a withdrawal, unless the student does not return.
          • if no, this is a withdrawal and the Return of Title IV Funds requirements apply. 
    • Written Confirmation of Future Attendance 
      • A student is not considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes if the student provides written confirmation that he or she plans to attend a module in a future module within the same payment period. 
      • If written confirmation is obtained and the student later fails to attend or does not complete the later module, a return of Title IV calculation must be completed using the number of days the student attended all modules as the numerator and the total span of days that the student was scheduled to attend as the denominator. 
    • Withdrawal Between Modules 
      • Students who withdraw or stop attending classes between modules are considered a withdrawal and a return of Title IV calculation must be completed.  This applies also if the student is administratively dropped by the institution.  The calculation will include all days that the student was scheduled to attend, even if the student ceased attendance. 
      • If the student withdrew from future models prior to ceasing attendance, the student is no longer scheduled to attend those modules.  If a return of Title IV calculation is needed, the calculation is based on the modules that the student is scheduled to attend as of the date of withdrawal.
• Elements of the Return of Title IV Calculation
  • Percentage of Payment Period Completed
    • The denominator in this calculation is defined as the total number of calendar days in the payment period that the student was scheduled to attend at the time of his or her withdrawal, not including any scheduled breaks of five or more days.  All courses offered in modules must be taken into consideration.
    • The numerator in this calculation is defined as the total number of days completed by the student in all modules within a payment period.
    • Scheduled Breaks
      • The number of days a student is scheduled to attend within a payment period must exclude institutionally scheduled breaks of five days or more.
      • If a student withdraws during a scheduled break, the withdrawal date used in the calculation is the last date of scheduled attendance prior to the beginning of the scheduled break.
  • Percentage Earned
    • The amount of Title IV funding earned by students is determined by multiplying the students percentage of payment period completed by the Title IV funding that could be disbursed to the student.
    • If this percentage is equal to 60 percent of the payment period, then the student will earn the Title IV funding to which they were awarded.
  • Title IV funding included in Return to Title IV Calculation
    • The Return calculation should include all Title IV funding awarded to the student during the payment period based on their enrollment status.  Possible awards include Federal Pell Grant and FSEOG.  Chesapeake College does not participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Programs or   TEACH Grant,
    • If a student fails to begin attendance or drops courses within the drop period, a student’s financial aid award will be reevaluated based on enrollment status.
  • Institutional Charges
    • Institutional Charges include costs for tuition, fees, books, and supplies for the courses that the student is scheduled to attend at the onset of the payment period.
    • If a student is reported as a no show or drops one or more courses within the drop period, but remains enrolled in at least one course beyond the end of the drop period, the institutional charges for these courses will be based on their revised charges.
    • Waivers
      • Waivers are considered payments of tuition costs that are charged to the student’s account.
      • The tuition charges for all courses should be included as institutional charges in the Return of Funds calculation.  
  • Date of School’s Determination that Student Withdrew
    • For Official Withdrawals, the date the school determines that the student withdrew is the date the student began the withdrawal process.
    • For Unofficial Withdrawals, the date of determination is the date the instructor reports on the FTE, Mid-Term Grade or Final Grade Roster.
• Timeline
  • All Return of Title IV Funds Calculations must be completed within 30 days from the date the institution determined the student withdrew.
  • The funds must be returned within 45 days from the date the institution determined that the student withdrew.
• Return of Title IV Funding
  • The Return calculation is conducted through the Return of Funds tab in FAAccess. The Return of Title IV Funds on the Web worksheet provided on FAA Access to CPS Online is printed then the calculations are entered in Colleague.
  • Return of Funds by the Institution
    • The institution is responsible for returning the unearned Title IV funding as determined by the lesser of the total amount of unearned aid or the amount of unearned charges.
    • The return of funds is conducted in the following order:
      • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
      • Federal Pell Grant
    • The adjusted aid amount is transmitted with the next weekly transmittal process and the funds are returned to the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Return of Funds by the Student
    • The amount of Title IV funding that the student is responsible for returning is the difference between the total amount of unearned aid and the aid that the institution is required to return.
      • If the difference is $0 or less, the student will not be required to return Title IV funding.
      • Students are responsible for a maximum of 50 percent of the total grant funding awarded.  Students are not responsible for returning funds to any grant program to which the student owes $50.00 or less.
• Post-Withdrawal Disbursement
  • If a post-withdrawal disbursement is determined, the funds are disbursed to the student to cover educational expenses incurred during their time of enrollment
  • If a student notifies the Financial Aid Office that they do not wish to accept the funds, the Title IV funding is returned.
• Reports
  • Student Mis-Match, FTE, Mid-Term and Final Grade Reports
    • Student Mis-Match Reports are run periodically throughout the payment period to determine students who have dropped or withdrawn from all of their courses that they were scheduled to attend.  This report indicates a difference in registered credits and financial aid credits enrolled.  It identified students who withdrew from each course, which is used to identify the date that the student began the official withdraw process.
    • The FTE roster is the Start of Term roster sent to instructors to certify if a student has started enrollment in their course.  Last dates of attendance and NO SHOWS are reported before our official census date (20% date of term).
    • The Mid-term Grade Report is another opportunity for instructors to indicate a Last Date of Attendance to capture all unofficial withdrawals.  This report is generated after the 7th week of classes in a 15 week term and includes all modules within the payment period.
    • The Final Grade Report is the final report whereby instructors can enter Last Dates of Attendance for any student who unofficially withdrew.  All F grades are reviewed and Return of Title IV calculations are performed on all students who have unofficial withdrawals prior to the 60% point of the payment period.
• Notifications
  • Upon completion of the Return of Funds calculation, students are notified that their financial aid has been adjustment based on a change in their enrollment status.
• Consumer Information
  • Information about the requirement of Return of Federal Funds is made available to students in the college catalog (available online ) and our financial aid webpage at www.chesapeake.edu/finaid.

Return of Funds Scenario:

A student received a Pell Grant for the Fall term. She withdrew from classes after 21 percent of the term had been completed. Twenty-one percent of her aid was earned and will not be adjusted. The other 79 percent was not earned and must be returned to the Department of Education. Using the Return of Funds calculation, funds will be returned to the Department of Education and she may owe money to Chesapeake College. The amounts owed depend on a number of factors, including tuition, fees, book charges, type of aid received and refunds received. Chesapeake College will return the funds to the Department of Education for the student and will notify her about the portion owed to Chesapeake College.

Federal Verification

The Department of Education selects financial aid applications at random for a process called verification. Chesapeake College verifies ALL students selected by the Central Processing Center who are eligible to receive aid based on funding levels set each year. Students/parents who estimate income must correct his/her FAFSA with accurate income once a tax form has been filed. Chesapeake College will not correct estimated income and will consider the file incomplete until a corrected transaction is received. In addition, Chesapeake College has the right to request data for any information that appears incorrect or inconsistent even if the file was not selected for verification. Chesapeake College has the right to select any student not already selected by the United States Department of Education.

Each student selected for verification will be required to complete a verification worksheet and attach copies of signed federal tax transcripts for student, spouse and/or parent if determined a dependent student. Students/parents who utilize the IRS data retrieval may still be required to provide federal tax transcripts. If a student or parent needs to request a tax transcript from the Internal Revenue Service, please call 1-800-829-1040 or go to www.irs.gov. Please refer to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/redirects/federal-student-aid-ed-gov  for the federal regulation governing dependency. We will notify students by email of all documents needed to complete the students file. It is not uncommon to discover additional documents needed after a file has been considered complete during the process of verifying. Students will be notified in writing if additional information is needed. The following data elements must be verified: adjusted gross income; U.S. income taxes paid; household size; number in college; untaxed income such as, child support, and untaxed portion of pensions; child support paid and SNAP (Food Stamp Benefits). High School completion status, Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose.

The deadline for receipt of all documents is May 1st for the Fall term and December 1st for the Spring term. We will accept late applications and will notify students as they apply what documents are outstanding. Incomplete files will not be reviewed or considered for any federal aid. Students who are in financial aid suspension or in default of a federal student loan, will not be sent any request letters until they become eligible. Once the student has submitted all documents for completion, the Financial Aid Office will review the file and notify the student in writing by awarding the student or sending another status letter.

On a case-by-case basis, a student’s incomplete file may be awarded pending documentation but only at the Director’s discretion. The award will be entered as ESTIMATED and funds will NOT be disbursed until the documentation has been received. Students MUST provide all documents within 10 days of the request. Late applicants must provide all documentation before their LAST DATE OF ATTENDANCE. Any changes in eligibility as a result of verification will be sent to students as REVISED award letters. If the student fails to provide the necessary documentation, he/she will be required to pay all charges incurred.

On occasion a student’s file will be selected for verification after funds have been disbursed. Chesapeake College will notify the student of the documents required but will not disburse any future funds until the verification process has been completed. If verification proves the student is no longer eligible for the funds disbursed, they will be required to repay those funds, except for earnings under the Federal Work-Study Program.

Financial Aid Administrators at Chesapeake College are required by the U.S. Department of Education to resolve any and all conflicts in information or documentation provided directly or indirectly by the student.

What is CONFLICTING INFORMATION? This is the terminology used when information in the student’s file is in conflict. A few examples would be dependent students who claim themselves on their federal taxes as do their parents, or no tax forms for a student who was required to file a 1040 with the IRS, or a student who certifies they have a high school diploma but indicates on their admissions application they are working on their GED. These are all examples of conflicting information. All conflicts must be resolved BEFORE any financial aid can be awarded or disbursed. Become familiar with IRS regulations governing who must file a tax form, disclose all scholarship awards, and do not put false or misleading information on any official college documents are a few ways students can avoid conflicting information.

Chesapeake College Office of Financial Aid Statement of Ethical Principles

The primary goal of the financial aid professional is to help students achieve their educational potential by providing appropriate financial resources. To this end, this statement provides the financial aid professional with a set of principles that serves as a common foundation for accepted standards of conduct.

The financial aid professional shall:

1. Be committed to removing financial barriers for those who wish to pursue postsecondary learning.
2. Make every effort to assist students with financial need.
3. Be aware of the issues affecting students and advocate their interests at the institutional, state, and federal levels.
4. Support efforts to encourage students, as early as the elementary grades, to aspire to and plan for education beyond high school.
5. Educate students and families through quality consumer information.
6. Respect the dignity and protect the privacy of students, and ensure the confidentiality of student records and personal circumstances.
7. Ensure equity by applying all need analysis formulas consistently across the institution’s full population of student financial aid applicants.
8. Provide services that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, military status or any other class protected by law.
9. Recognize the need for professional development and continuing education opportunities.
10. Promote the free expression of ideas and opinions, and foster respect for diverse viewpoints within the profession.
11. Commit to the highest level of ethical behavior and refrain from conflict of interest or the perception thereof.
12. Maintain the highest level of professionalism, reflecting a commitment to the goals of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators.

Chesapeake College Code of Conduct for Financial Aid Professionals

An institutional financial aid professional is expected to always maintain exemplary standards of professional conduct in all aspects of carrying out his or her responsibilities, specifically including all dealings with any entities involved in any manner in student financial aid, regardless of whether such entities are involved in a government sponsored, subsidized, or regulated activity.

In doing so, a financial aid professional should:

1. Refrain from taking any action for his or her personal benefit.
2. Refrain from taking any action he or she believes is contrary to law, regulation, or the best interests of the students and parents he or she serves.
3. Ensure that the information he or she provides is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect any preference arising from actual or potential personal gain.
4. Be objective in making decisions and advising his or her institution regarding relationships with any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.
5. Refrain from soliciting or accepting anything other than nominal value from any entity (other than an institution of higher education or a governmental entity such as the U.S. Department of Education) involved in the making, holding, consolidating or processing of any student loans, including anything of value (including reimbursement of expenses) for serving on an advisory body or as part of a training activity of or sponsored by any such entity.
6. Disclose to his or her institution, in such manner as his or her institution may prescribe, any involvement with or interest in any entity involved in any aspect of student financial aid.

Truth in Lending Disclosures

Chesapeake College takes pride in keeping its tuition rates low and providing a convenient payment plan leading to the Board decision to not participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan program. We understand that some students may still feel the need to borrow and will seek a Private Educational Loan. Chesapeake College does not endorse lenders and does not have a preferred lender list. Student must seek their own funding source. However, we do want students to be educated loan borrowers and will provide the following information:

• Private lenders will provide a Truth in Lending statement that must be signed by the borrower. In the statement, students will learn of their rights and responsibilities as a borrower of a private loan.
  
  Private loans are NOT federal educational loans.
  
  Private lenders will charge their own interest rate and terms and conditions of repayment. Loan eligibility is determined by the Cost of Attendance, Estimated Financial Aid and the difference between the Estimated Financial Aid and Cost of Attendance.
   
• Chesapeake College does not impede on a student’s decision to borrow, however, we require ALL students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid for the loan period in order to determine if the student is eligible for any Title IV Aid or institutional aid. Students may borrow up to Costs of Attendance minus any financial assistance the student is receiving. All loans are certified and may be adjusted based on those factors as well as the loan period the student is applying. All Costs of Attendance are based on a nine month enrollment period. All loans will be made payable to Chesapeake College and the student. The student must endorse the loan and the Business Office will refund any credit balance within 10 to 14 days unless otherwise noted.

Cost of Attendance

Need is determined by subtracting the student’s Expected Family Contribution from the Cost of Attendance (COA). The COA includes the following: tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. The following COA are for the 2020/2021academic school year:

CAMPUS-BASED COST OF ATTENDANCE (2020/2021)