The Nebraska Indian Community College believes that the opportunity for a college education should be within the reach of all interested individuals. The College's financial aid program is designed to assist the student who seeks an education but lacks the means to finance it. The purpose of the Financial Aid Office is to assist, within its resources, students who have a financial need.

All students who are accepted to NICC and apply for financial aid will be considered for financial aid regardless of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Students awarded financial aid must make satisfactory progress to continue their eligibility. Assistance in completing the financial aid application process is available through the Site Coordinators at each campus.

There are several types of financial aid available to NICC students, including Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Federal Work Study, and, Nebraska State Scholarship Award Program and Scholarship Assistance Program grants.

Certain persons may qualify for special forms of financial aid, such as vocational rehabilitation, veteran's benefits, Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Grants and Adult Vocational Training, and the Workforce Development Act (formerly JPTA) funding. Early application for all financial aid funding sources is strongly encouraged.

All grant and scholarship monies or awards will be credited to student accounts. If student aid exceeds college charges, the excess amount will be refunded to the student according to the NICC financial aid disbursement schedule.

APPLICATIONS AND PROCEDURES

All regular degree or certificate-seeking students at NICC whom are interested in financial aid assistance or scholarships must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can be obtained from high school guidance counselors, the NICC financial aid office, or the campus site director's offices after January first.

The application should be completed only after parents and/or students have filed federal income taxes. Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible using accurate actual figures from your current 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ forms.

This application will determine how much you and your family should be able to contribute toward your college costs and will demonstrate eligibility for federal aid programs (Pell Grants, FSEOG, Work Study), tribal higher education, and campus based scholarships. Processing of the FAFSA application takes from four to six weeks.

Students will be considered for all types of federal, state, or institutional grants and the federal work-study program on a first-come, first-served basis. For additional information regarding financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and policies contact the Financial Aid office or campus Site Coordinator.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Federal regulations require that institutions participating in federal financial aid programs measure student progress. No payment of funds may be made unless the institution determines that the student is maintaining satisfactory progress in the course of studies he/she is pursuing, according to the standards and practices of the institution at which the student is in attendance. If an institution at the beginning of a payment period determines that the student is in attendance. If an institution at the beginning of a payment period determines that the student is not making satisfactory progress, but is able, at the close of that period, to reverse the determination, it may make grant payments for that period to the student.

An academic year at Nebraska Indian Community College is the Fall and Spring semesters. Summer is considered to be the trailing semester and is part of the academic year but has its own budget for calculating financial aid.

A student will be required to complete a pre-established number of credit hours per semester toward a specific degree objective and will be evaluated at the conclusion of each semester according to his/her official enrollment status to determine whether he/she is in "good standing" or should be placed on Financial Aid Probation or Financial Aid Suspension.

To be in satisfactory standing each student must meet both of the following eligibility criteria:

Criteria 1: Grade Point Requirements:

Each student who received financial aid must have at least a minimum cumulative GPA that is related to the total number of the student's attempted credit hours. Prior to the start of each term the student is enrolled and receiving financial aid, the student's total attempted credit hours and GPA are compared. To figure out "attempted hours" for the requirements, NICC does not count the following classes as hours attempted:

• Developmental Classes
• Deleted or audited classes
• Classes from which the student withdraws (w)

GPA REQUIREMENTS FOR FINANCIAL AID
Certificate Programs
Credit Hours Attempted	0-4	5-8	9-11	12 +
Minimum Cumulative GPA Required	1.0	1.5	1.8	2.0
Associate Degree Programs
Credit Hours Attempted	0-15.5	16-19.5	20-29.5	30 +
Minimum Cumulative GPA Required	1.0	1.5	1.8	2.0

A current student who is awarded financial aid for the current award year must have the required GPA for his/her attempted hours prior to having aid posted to his/her student account. A student's cumulative GPA is checked at the end of each term he/she is enrolled and is receiving financial aid. If the student does not meet all Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress, including the GPA requirements, the student is put on Financial Aid Probation.

Criteria 2: Course Completion Requirements:
The student is eligible for financial aid must successfully complete with a passing grade of A,B,C,D, or P at least two-thirds (66.66%) of the credit hours attempted for the term which he/she receives financial aid. If the student receives an F, W, IW, or NC, it is considered an unsuccessful grade.

Students who fail to meet these standards are deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress and will be ineligible to receive financial aid assistance until eligibly has been re-established. Students will be notified in writing of their condition from the Financial Aid Offices. Copies will also be provided to the Academic Dean, Registrar, Site Coordinator, and STAR staff. Students not meeting minimum standards will be subject to Financial Aid Probation or Financial Aid Suspension.

Students who withdrawn or are suspended forfeit financial aid assistance immediately. The student may be asked to return any unused portion of financial aid as determined by the date of withdrawal or suspension, and according to federation regulations. Scholarships may also be forfeited.

In determining student financial aid eligibility for continued financial aid assistance, a student MUST complete a minimum number of credit hours each semester in line with the appropriate GRADE POINT AVERAGE as outlined below:

• Full-time students (12 or more credit hours) and receiving financial aid funds must complete a minimum of eight (8) credit hours per semester, or a total of sixteen (16) credits with a minimum of 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).
• Three quarter-time students (9-11 credit hours) receiving financial aid funds must complete a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester, or a total of twelve (12) credit hours within an academic year.
• Half-time students (6-8 credit hours) receiving financial aid funds must complete a minimum of four (4) credit hours per semester, or a total of eight (8) credits within a academic year.
• Less than half-time students (1-5 credit hours) receiving financial aid funds must complete 100% of hours attempted per semester.
• Satisfactory completion of a course is a letter grade of an A,B,C,D, or P. An F, W, IW, NC, or I are not acceptable for completion of a course.

Students who fail to meet these standards are deemed to be making unsatisfactory progress and will be ineligible to receive financial aid assistance until eligibility has been re-established. Students not meeting minimum standards will be subject to one or more of the following.

• Financial Aid Probation: A probationary period of one semester will be established for students who fail to make satisfactory progress. A student placed on financial aid probation will be required to attain satisfactory progress upon the completion of the next semester enrolled.
  
• Financial Aid Suspension: If a student dow not attain satisfactory progress upon completion of the probationary semester, the student is considered to be making UNSATISFACTORY PROGRESS, and will be placed on financial aid suspension. A student on financial aid suspension is ineligible to receive federal financial aid and must utilize his/her own resources to pay student costs.
  
• Financial Aid Appeal: All students have the right to appeal financial aid decisions. Appeals must be made in writing to the Financial Aid Office. Students must indicate in writing the reasons why minimum academic requirements were not achieved and reasons why financial aid should not be terminated. The Financial Aid Officer will forward and present the appeal to the Academic Review Committee for consideration. The student and the student's advisor will be notified of the appeal outcome. Students on financial aid appeal are required to meet with their advisor once every two weeks for the entire semester for which they are under appeal.
  
• Regaining eligibility: If a student is placed on suspension because the minimum standards were not met, the student will not be eligible for any type of aid until the student pays for one semester of courses on their own and meets the appropriate G.P.A and hours satisfactorily completed. A student on suspension status is not eligible for Federal funding and many scholarship awards until his/her status is reversed. Aid granted after reinstatement will be based on the availability of funds and the student's financial need.

It is the student's responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office when he or she has met the satisfactory academic progress requirements for reinstatement. Students will be notified in writing if they are being placed on financial aid probation or suspension.

Students who withdraw or are suspended forfeit financial aid assistance immediately. The students may be asked to return any unused portion of financial aid as determined by the date of withdrawal or suspension, and according to federal regulations. Scholarships may also be forfeited.

FINANCIAL AID FUNDING LIMIT

All federal financial aid eligibility is limited to 150% of the published length of the institution's educational programs. Therefore, the funding limit for students enrolled at NICC is 90 (150% of 60) attempted credits. Beyond this funding limit, students will be expected to continue classes at their own expense. Appeal for exceptions may be made through the Financial Aid office or the Academic Dean.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE

FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS - To be eligible for any of the state or federally supported programs - FPELL, FSEOG, FWorkstudy, and Nebraska Scholarship Award/Assistance Programs, the following qualifications apply:

1. Must enroll in a program of study leading to a degree or certificate;
2. Must be a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
3. Must not be in default on a previously awarded student loan or owe a refund on a grant previously received from any college;
4. Must have a high school diploma or complete a GED before receiving aid;
5. If male and 18 years or older, must be registered with selective service;
6. Must demonstrate financial need;
7. If a continuing student, must be making satisfactory progress; and
8. Must complete and submit FAFSA.

The award amount is based on cost of attendance, enrollment status, prior year's income, and length of enrollment during the academic year. Students are required to be in good standing in their classes. For more information regarding federal and state financial aid assistance programs contact the Financial Aid office or campus Site Coordinator.

TRIBAL PROGRAMS

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Higher Education grant programs provide financial assistance to American Indian students, who are enrolled members of federally recognized tribes. Students interested in applying for BIA Higher Education grants or Adult Vocational Education grants must contact their tribe's higher education program for application procedures and deadlines.

In order to complete the application process for tribal grants, students must have a federal student aid report (SAR) on file in the NICC Financial Aid office. Deadlines for these programs are usually in late June for the fall term and early November for the spring term. BIA funding is limited, so apply early.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Nebraska Indian Community College offers several scholarships established by private organizations and individuals. The criteria and award amounts vary with each scholarship.

Applications for the following scholarships are available from the college Financial Aid office or campus Site Coordinators:

American Indian College Fund - The American Indian College Fund provides funds to assist students who demonstrate high scholastic achievement. These scholarships may be awarded to any student who has demonstrated high academic achievement, and has unmet financial need.

High School Graduate Tuition Scholarships - NICC offers tuition scholarships to all incoming Native American students who have graduated from high school the semester before enrolling at NICC.

Other Scholarships - NICC offers several other scholarship opportunities including:

• American Indian College Fund scholarships
• Coca Cola Scholarship
• Rumi Nhui Scholarship
• Senior Citizen Tuition Scholarships
• Nebraska State Scholarship Awards
  

Students are encouraged to complete an on-going Internet search for the hundreds of college scholarships available throughout the year. Some Internet scholarship sites and search engines include:

• Chela Financial
• Guaranteed Scholarships.com
• College-Scholarships.com

Students must understand that applying for a scholarship does not necessarily mean the student will receive the scholarship. All scholarships are competitive and are, in most cases, tied to a high grade point average. All scholarship deadlines are strictly maintained. Most scholarships also required a written essay by the student who applies.

STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENT

Incoming transfer students who were awarded a student loan at another institution should contact the Financial Aid office immediately. Students currently in default on their student loan(s) are not eligible for Title IV financial aid. Students planning to transfer to NICC must make arrangements for payment with their lending institution prior to admission in order to regain Title IV eligibility. Students who are not in default on an existing student loan(s) should make deferment arrangements with their lending institution immediately upon acceptance to NICC. Contact the Financial Aid office for additional information and assistance regarding student loan deferment.

PAYMENT OF AWARDS

All required admission and financial aid documentation must be complete and on file before any financial aid can be disbursed. Each student's financial aid is credited to his or her student account in the Business Office. All institutional charges, including tuition, fees, books, materials, and supplies are deducted from the financial aid award(s). If a student's financial aid exceeds institutional charges, the student will receive a refund. College students will receive their financial aid in three disbursements, possibly four if attending summer term. Disbursements will occur after the student completes the first two weeks of the term and is in good standing.

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

The NICC Financial Aid office is the official institutional depository for student financial aid records. Financial aid information, applications, and financial aid transcripts are available through this office. The Financial Aid office works with students, parents, and counselors to determine eligibility for one or a combination of several kinds of financial aid assistance to help meet the cost of education when the family cannot contribute the full amount.

The NICC abides by the principles established by the Students' Rights and Privacy Amendment (Buckley Amendment) to Public Law 93-380 as passed in August 1974 and amended by Nebraska State Resolution 40. For more information, contact the Financial Aid office at the Macy campus.