PVCC - Financial Aid - Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a Pell Grant?
How do I get a work-study job?
How do I apply for a Federal Stafford Loan?
What other sources of aid are available?

What forms do I need to complete to apply for financial aid?
Who has access to the information on the financial aid application forms?
What is PVCC's Title IV Code?
What is my Data Release Number (DRN)?

What is a PIN?
What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
If my parents are divorced or separated, do they both have to contribute to my education?
How do I become an independent student for federal aid purposes?

I have financial aid. When I register, do I need to see the cashier?
What if my financial aid does not cover all of my tuition and fees?
I haven't received my financial aid award letter yet. Do I have to pay when I register?
Do I have to work if I am given a job as part of my financial aid package?

Will I have to pay back financial aid money if I drop out or withdraw from school?
I received financial aid this year. Do I need to reapply to receive aid again next year?
Why did my financial need change from last year?

How do I apply for a Pell Grant?
By completing the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for a Pell Grant as well as other types of grants. There is not a separate process to apply for a Pell Grant.

How do I get a work-study job?
You must first complete the FAFSA. If you are eligible, you will automatically be offered work-study and this will be indicated in the financial aid award letter that you receive from PVCC. If the award letter indicates that you qualify for work-study, contact PVCC's Career Services as soon as you receive your award letter so that your job can be arranged. If you are NOT interested in work-study, contact the Financial Aid Office.

How do I apply for a Ford Federal Direct Loan?
You must be registered for a minimum of six credit hours to be eligible for a Ford Federal Direct Loan. After completing the FAFSA, your must complete a PVCC Loan Request Form and complete online entrance counseling and e-sign a Master Promissory Note at the Federal website for Direct Loans. Never borrow more than the minimum amount you need. For more information, contact the student loan officer in the PVCC Financial Aid Office.

What other sources of aid are available?
There are many local, state and national organizations that offer scholarships. Visit the following links to conduct a search:

What forms do I need to complete to apply for financial aid?
All students must complete the FAFSA. If you plan to take classes during PVCC's summer session, there is also a simple supplemental form that you need to complete and give to the Financial Aid Office.

Who has access to the information on the financial aid application forms?
Only the PVCC Financial Aid Office has access to this confidential information.

What is PVCC's Title IV School Code?
PVCC's Title IV School Code is 009928. You will need to indicate that code on the FAFSA application so that the U.S. Department of Education can send PVCC the proper information about your eligibility for financial aid.

What is my Data Release Number (DRN)?
Your DRN is a four-digit number assigned by the U.S. Department of Education to your financial aid application. Your DRN is printed on the upper right corner of your Student Aid Report. In order to make changes to your FAFSA information, you must know your DRN. Do not share your DRN with anyone you have not authorized to access your FAFSA information.

What is a PIN?
A Federal Student Aid PIN is a code you need in order to:

Electronically sign your FAFSA
Retrieve renewal FAFSA information over the Internet
File a renewal FAFSA online
Access the National Student Loan Data System
View information about federal student aid you receive

Keep your PIN confidential in order to protect your privacy.

Click here to apply for a new or replacement PIN.

What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
When you apply for federal student aid, the information you report in the required FAFSA form is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount the federal government believes that you and your family can contribute toward your education.

If my parents are divorced or separated, do they both have to contribute to my education?
For federal student aid (Pell Grant, SEOG, Work-Study and student loans), the custodial parent and his or her current spouse, if any, must complete the FAFSA. The non-custodial parent is not required to report information for federal student aid purposes.

How do I become an independent student for federal aid purposes?
If you meet one of the following criteria, you are considered independent:

You are 24 years old.
You are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
You are married.
You are a ward of the court.
Your parents are deceased.
You provide more than 50% support for a legal dependent.

Learn more about independent student status here.

I have financial aid. When I register, do I need to see the PVCC cashier?
If you received an award letter and your financial aid covers the entire cost of tuition and fees, you do not need to see the PVCC cashier.

What if my financial aid does not cover all of my tuition and fees?
You are responsible for tuition and fees not covered by your financial aid package. Payment should be made at the PVCC Cashier's Office, located in room 245 in the Main Building. Call 434.961.5213 for cashier hours.

I haven't received my financial aid award letter. Do I have to pay tuition and fees when I register?
If the payment due date has passed, you may need to pay. Contact the Financial Aid Office to check the status of your application. Please apply for financial aid early to avoid this problem.

Do I have to work if I am given a work-study job as part of my financial aid package?
While you are not required to work, there are many benefits of participating in the work-study program, as noted below:

A regular paycheck for College expenses and extra spending money
Convenience of working on campus where you take classes
Practical job experience to enhance your resume and marketability

A unique behind-the-scenes look at the operations of a community College

Will I have to pay back financial aid money if I drop out or withdraw from school?
If you receive federal financial aid and drop out or withdraw from school during the first 60 percent of the semester, you may be required to repay a percentage of the aid that has already been paid out, depending upon how much aid you received and what type. For more details, see If You Withdraw from PVCC.

I received financial aid this year. Do I need to reapply to receive aid again next year?
Yes! Your financial aid covers only one academic year (fall, spring and summer). You must submit a new FAFSA for every academic year.

Why did my financial need change from last year?
The difference between the total cost of attending PVCC and the ability of you and your family to contribute financially to your education constitutes need. Any change to your family's financial situation or in PVCC's fees can affect your level of need.