Ability to Benefit

The Ability to Benefit Alternatives for Enrollment in an Eligible Career Pathway Program (ATB).

Laredo College offers a variety of financial aid programs to help qualifying students meet the expenses of their college education. Federal regulations require students to have a valid GED or a valid high school diploma or Homeschool setting approved under state law. Any student whose first enrollment in any Title IV eligible postsecondary program was on or after July 1, 2015, and is eligible under one of the Ability To Benefit alternatives for enrollment in an eligible career pathway program.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74) that affected the Federal student aid programs authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA). Public Law 112-74 changed the Federal student aid eligibility criteria for students who do not have a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma. The new law eliminated all but one (completion of a homeschooling program) of the eligibility alternatives that were available to them.

Unchanged Student Eligibility Provisions

Public Law 113-235 did not change any of the provisions allowing an otherwise eligible student to receive Title IV aid if the student meets one of the following conditions:

High School Diploma: The student has a high school diploma.
A General Educational Development Certificate (GED): The student has the recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, defined in the regulations at 34 CFR 600.2 as:
A state certificate or transcript received by a student after the student passed a State-authorized examination, e.g., the High School Equivalence Test (HiSET), Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE), or other State-authorized examination that the State recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma;
An academic transcript of a student who has successfully completed at least a two-year program that is acceptable for full credit toward a bachelor's degree; or
A person who is seeking enrollment in an educational program that leads to at least an associate degree or its equivalent and who has not completed high school, but who excelled academically in high school, documentation that the student excelled academically in high school and has met the formalized, written policies of that postsecondary institution for admitting such students.
Homeschool: The student has completed a secondary school education in a homeschool setting that is treated as a homeschool or private school under State law and has obtained a homeschool completion credential. If State law does not require a homeschooling student to obtain a homeschool credential, the student has completed a secondary school education in a homeschool setting that qualifies as an exemption from compulsory school attendance requirements under State law.

Statutory Change

Under Pub. L. 113-235, students who are enrolled in an eligible career pathway program, as defined in section 484(d)(2) of the HEA, on or after July 1, 2014, and who are not high school graduates, or do not meet one of the other eligibility conditions listed above, may be eligible to receive Title IV aid if the student meets one of the following ATB alternatives as defined in section 484 (d)(1):

Passes an independently administered Department of Education approved ATB test.
Completes at least 6 credit hours or 225 clock hours that are applicable towards a degree or certificate offered by a postsecondary institution.
Completes a state process approved by the Secretary of Education. Note: To date no stated process has been submitted for the Secretary's approval.

A student who meets one of those alternatives may use that alternative(s) to establish his or her Title IV eligibility at any Title IV institution where the student enrolls in an eligible career pathway program as defined in section 487(d)(2) of the HEA.

For additional information on student eligibility requirements, please visit the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center's website at www.laredo.edu/cms/fa or visit the office.

Although financial aid is available for most students who have need, it is not awarded without an application. Students may apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Non-resident students may obtain a TASFA application from the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center or online at www.collegeforalltexans.com. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the college of his/her need for financial assistance and to provide the information necessary to establish qualifications for such assistance.

Federal regulations require Federal Pell Grant, F.S.E.O.G., and Federal Work-Study funds to be used for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate. Developmental courses which are considered prerequisites are acceptable for the purpose of financial aid. Students may receive financial aid for a maximum of 30 hours of eligible developmental courses.

An amendment to the Military Selective Service Act requires that all male students between the ages of 18-25 must be registered with the selective service. Those students who fail to register are considered INELIGIBLE for the Title IV Student Financial Aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, and state grant programs). A copy of the "Student Service Acknowledgment Letter" or a statement certifying that the student has registered must be on file before any financial aid monies are awarded. Students who failed to register with the selective service must provide acceptable documents to the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center explaining why they failed to register in order to regain eligibility to receive financial aid.

The Education Amendments of 1976 provide that to be eligible for aid, a student must be making "satisfactory academic progress" in his/her course of study (according to the standards and practices of the institution) and must not owe a refund on a previously awarded grant or be in default on a guaranteed loan made for attendance at the institution in which he or she is currently enrolled. Refer to the Satisfactory Academic Progress section for more information.

Students Statement of Rights & Responsibilities

Student's Rights:

You have the right to know how to apply for financial aid. For more information visit www.laredo.edu/cms/fa
You have the right to privacy. All records and information submitted with your application for financial aid are confidential, and subject to legal requirements concerning disclosure of such information. For more information please visit: www.laredo.edu/cms/fa.
You have the right to know the costs. This includes costs for tuition and fees, housing, as well as the estimates for books and supplies and personal and miscellaneous expenses used in determining your financial aid cost of attendance. For actual tuition, fees, housing, list of common charges or for more information see www.laredo.edu/cms/fa. All of your charges are itemized on your account statement, available online through PASPort.
You have the right to know what financial aid programs are available to you, including all federal, state and local financial aid programs, including the procedures and forms necessary to apply, student eligibility requirements, selection criteria and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award for these programs.
You have the right to know how your financial aid eligibility was determined which includes what resources were considered in the calculation of your financial aid eligibility (such as the expected family contribution and other financial aid). You may view your financial aid award, on the financial aid homepage via PASPort. You may also visit the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center and/or call 956-721-5361 to speak with a Financial Aid advisor.
You have the right to know the academic standards you must maintain in order to have continued financial aid eligibility, commonly known as Satisfactory Academic Progress. Standards can be found by visiting: www.laredo.edu/cms/fa.
You have the right to know the institution’s refund policy, please see “Refunds of Tuition and Fees”under Tuition and Fees section contained in this catalog.

Student's Responsibilities:

I understand that in compliance with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 and the Regents' Policy on Access to and Release of Student Education Records, the College is prohibited from providing certain information from my student records to a third party, such as information on grades, billing, tuition and fee assessments, financial aid (including scholarships, grants, work-study, or loan amounts) and other student record information. This restriction applies, but is not limited, to my parents, my spouse, or a sponsor.

I may, at my discretion, grant the College permission to release information about my student records to a third party by submitting a Student Information Release Authorization form. I must complete a separate form for each third party to whom I grant access to information of my student records. The specified information will be made available only if requested by the authorized third party. The College does not automatically send information to a third party. Submit completed form to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. (Please note: authorization to release information form is valid for one semester. You may revoke your authorization at any time by submitting a written request to the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. For the third party designee you name on the form, this release overrides all FERPA directory suppression information that you have set up in your student record. However, it is the College's policy not to release certain aspects of student records (e.g., registration, grades, GPA) over the phone or via email.)

I understand that if selected for verification I must submit all required documentation online via PasPort portal thirty days before I expect to have the verification resolved and my account cleared for disbursement. Laredo College will work to review documentation within 30 days after submission however, during peak times this may not always be possible. This is why it is highly recommended the student submit all required documents via the student portal as soon as possible to avoid any delays. The Laredo College Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center will continue to accept and review verification documentation until the Department of Education's published correction deadlines for each award year. If the student does not submit documentation on time for any changes to be confirmed by DOE, Laredo College is not responsible for any eligibility lost.
I authorize the Student Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Services Center to release any information concerning my records at Laredo College to any federal, state, institutional, local organization or agency necessary for the administration of my award(s), processing of my application(s), submitting my records for scholarships or submitting required reports.
I understand that the authorization requested above will remain in effect unless revoked by me in writing after a personal conference with a Financial Aid Staff member in the Student Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Services Center. I further understand that in endorsing or approving an application for certain programs, the Student Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Services Center accepts responsibility and has legal and contractual obligations for submitting subsequent reports as required by such institutions, agencies or organizations and that when these commitments apply, this authorization cannot be revoked.
I understand that all formal communication from the Student Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Services Center will be sent to my LC Student Email Account on the student portal; pasport.laredo.edu, to request missing financial aid information, provide award eligibility, and additional correspondence. As a student of LC, I am responsible to check my school email.
I understand that I am responsible for reading the LC College Catalog, registration guides, be familiar with calendars and be informed of deadlines.
I understand that I have declared my current degree or certificate program, under the correct catalog year that I am pursuing at Laredo College. I understand that not all classes, majors, or certificates are eligible for financial aid. I must adhere to the classes on the degree or certificate Program that I have declared in order to receive Financial Aid.
According to the Department of Education Federal Student Aid regulations, I must be enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program to receive Federal Student Aid funds. A regular student is someone who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible institution for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate offered by the school (Laredo College). I must be or will be a full-time, three-quarter, half-time or less that half time college student as defined by the Office of the Registrar and Admissions during the time I am requesting assistance.
I understand that only classes applying to my degree or certificate program will be used in calculating my financial aid eligibility. If I am unsure of which classes I need to take for my program, I will meet with an LC Academic Advisor.
I understand that I must reapply for financial aid each school year and I understand that I cannot receive financial aid from two institutions during the same semester.
I understand that based on Federal law I am allowed six years of Pell grant eligibility. I may view how much Pell eligibility I have used by visiting www.nslds.gov.
I understand that my financial aid will only cover 30 hours of developmental/remedial classes. I agree to pay for developmental classes over the maximum allowed (30 hours).
I understand that I am subjected to a State Policy regarding Differential Tuition of $60.00 per credit hour for students who enroll for certain courses taken for the third time or more or for students who enroll for developmental/remedial courses and have already taken 27 or more semester hours of developmental coursework.
I understand that in accordance with the DOE, I may have to submit additional documentation at any time, even after I am initially awarded. Once documentation is submitted to the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Center, it cannot be returned to me and/or my parents (if applicable). This documentation becomes part of the permanent file in consideration of Federal Student Aid awards. Personal copies must be made in advance. The Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Center does not provide copy service.
I understand that until all requested information has been submitted, reviewed and verified, any financial aid award will not be applied to my student account. If my financial aid does not completely cover my student account balance, I understand I am responsible for payment. Failure to do so may result in a hold being placed on my account and most student services will be unavailable to me such as inability to register and unable to order a transcript. Please visit the Bursar’s Office Fort McIntosh Campus at LP 101 or Billy Hall Student Center, room 117 South Campus or call (956) 721-5112 to make payment arrangements.
I understand that if I am eligible for Federal Work Study I can apply for Federal Work study positions on campus. In order to receive work study funds I must be enrolled in at least 6 college credit hours, must have a current and completed financial aid application on file with the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Service Center and adhere to the Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP). Federal work study student workers are paid semi-monthly.
I understand that if I have unused Pell grant funds remaining after the fall and spring semesters (did not attend full-time both terms) it may be applied to Maymester and Summer I semesters.
I understand that if I completely withdraw from school or receive all F_’s due to non-attendance or all “F” I will be subjected to repay a portion of my Financial Aid. I must consult with a financial aid advisor or refer to the Financial Aid Handbook by visiting www.laredo.edu/cms/fa for any questions.
I understand that if I drop a course(s) or stop attending/participating in one or more courses at any time during the semester my financial aid may be adjusted. This may result in a balance owed on my account which must be paid immediately.
I understand that I am financially responsible for all charges related to my registration. I further understand that if I decide not to attend the course(s), which I am registered for, it is my responsibility to drop the course(s) by their refund date listed on the calendar in the college catalog and the registration guide to avoid financial liability to the college.
I understand that if I am receiving financial aid and I am registered for classes I am considered to be officially enrolled. Any student on financial aid that decides not to be enrolled after registering must drop their courses by filling out a drop slip at the Office fo the Registrar and Admissions. Students will not be automatically dropped/cancelled. I understand that it is my responsibility to ensure that a drop slip has been completed and processed whether it is student requested or faculty initiated.
I understand that Flex and Combo courses (classes that do not start at the beginning of a semester) are not included in my financial aid award until I am actually enrolled in these courses. My financial aid is adjusted to eligible hours enrolled as of the official reporting date (12th class date fall and spring and 4th class date summer I & II). Reimbursement for flexible classes will be issued after completion of the course. Tuition and fees and outstanding balances will be deducted before a refund for the difference is issued. Any student receiving federal funding who withdraws from all classes before the 60% point of the semester must return the unearned portion of the aid disbursed. Failure to return the funds will result in a “HOLD” being placed on all student records.
I understand that past-due student accounts will result in college registration and services being withheld by placing a “HOLD” on my student account in accordance with college regulations.
I understand that Federal Pell and SEOG funds in excess of charges are disbursed onto student accounts within 14 days after the census date. Refunds will be issued to students on their Higher One account.
I understand that I am responsible to find information on how to use Financial Aid to purchase or rent books, or purchase supplies, and I will refer to the website for instructions, www.laredo.edu/cms/fa

Standards of Academic Policy and Procedure

I am aware that in order to comply with Title IV Department of Education regulations, LC Student Financial Aid &Veterans Affairs Center has set Standards of Academic Progress for financial aid. According to federal and state guidelines, students must maintain these standards in order to be eligible to receive and maintain Title IV financial assistance.
I understand that at the end of each semester, I must have satisfactorily completed 67% of cumulative attempted hours including any accepted transfer credits. Attempted hours include “F” Failed, “W” withdrawal, “NP” No pass, and “I” Incomplete.
I understand that I must maintain a grade point average that is consistent with the graduation requirements for my program along with a 2.0 minimal grade point average.
I understand that once I have attempted credit hours in excess of 150% of the program's required hours I will be ineligible for Title IV financial aid.

Number of credit hours for degree from catalog multiplied by 1.5 = total amount of attempted credit hours allowable

(60 credit hours X 1.5 = 90 hours)

I understand that if I fail to meet the GPA and/or completion rate requirements listed above, I will be placed on financial aid warning for one semester, and if I do not meet the GPA and/or completion requirements after the warning semester, I will be placed on financial aid suspension. While on financial aid suspension, I will not be eligible for any federal or state financial aid, including scholarships.
A student may appeal their suspension status. A completed appeal form and required supporting documentation must be submitted to the Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Center for review by the Standards of Academic Progress Committee. The instructions to file an appeal and deadline dates can be found at www.laredo.edu/cms/fa. Submission of an appeal form does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid.
Financial aid may be reinstated by enrolling and successfully completing the appropriate number of credit hours needed to achieve a satisfactory cumulative completion rate (67%) and/or a satisfactory cumulative GPA. I am responsible for payment of classes while on FA suspension status. A student may seek out other funding sources or use his/her own resources to pay for classes.
I certify that all the information provided for my Financial Aid file is true and correct to the best of my/our knowledge.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

I must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
I must be registered with Selective Service (if male)
I must be admitted to a degree or certificate program.
I must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress
I must not owe a refund on a Federal Grant
I must not be in default on a Federal Educational Loan

Title IV Fund Disbursement Authorization Statement

I authorize Laredo College to apply my Title IV funds to my student account for my allowable charges, other cost-of-attendance charges, and all other non-institutional charges that I might incur.
I understand that this authorization will remain valid through the current award year. I understand that I will be responsible for paying any outstanding debts to Laredo College if my financial aid award does not cover.
Federal student aid funds can be used to pay for “non-institutional charges” only if your written authorization is obtained to pay those charges. This form will allow the Bursar’s Office to apply your federal financial aid to your non-institutional charges.
I am aware that no funds will be disbursed to me if I have a balance owed at Laredo College, including costs remaining from prior terms. I certify that Laredo College has my current address so that aid disbursements tools can be delivered to me.
I am aware that any aid that cannot be delivered to me is returned to the Department of Education

Verification:

What does it mean to be selected for verification?

Verification is a process to confirm that the information you or your parents provided on your FAFSA is accurate. Laredo College Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center is federally obligated to verify all financial aid applicants that have been selected by the U.S. Department of Education.

Who selects the student’s FAFSA application for verification?

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) randomly selects some Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSAs) for verification others are selected by the institution to clarify discrepancies in the data entered on the FAFSA.

Please be advised not all students selected for verification have to submit the same documents. Every case is different.

Students are notified by the Department of Education that they have been selected for verification when they print out their student aid report (SAR) after their application has been reviewed and processed by the Department of Education (DOE). Furthermore, Laredo College Student Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Services Center will send an email or text notifying the students that he or she were selected for verification.

Student Financial Aid Verification Tool:

The Student Financial Aid Verification Tool is a web-based software that will facilitate the collection of data between students and the Student Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Service Center. No more wasting time waiting in line or making trips to campus. The Student Financial Aid Verification Tool is here to alleviate the wait and is available to students 24/7. Those students who have completed their FAFSA and are selected for verification must turn in all requested documents via the student verification tool. Pending documents can be submitted using the mobile device of their choice. To access the Student Financial Aid Verification Tool please login into your PasPort account, go to the student tab located at the top of the page and click my finances.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, students who do not use the “IRS Data Retrieval Tool” when completing the FAFSA are more likely to get selected for verification. It does not mean that all students that use the “IRS Data Retrieval Tool” won’t be selected. Student selected for verification will have to provide an IRS Tax Return Transcript that can take weeks to obtain and delay your verification process. Due to a new federal regulation, the Laredo College Financial Aid & Veteran Affairs Services Center will no longer accept Income Tax Returns.

Please note that the IRS DRT may not be available for immediate use after filing your federal taxes. If you filed your taxes electronically, it could take up to 2 weeks for your tax information to become available on the DRT. If you filed a paper tax return, please allow 6-8 weeks to use the DRT.

How do I request a copy of my IRS Tax Transcript or Verification of Non-filing?

IRS Tax Transcripts can be requested one of several ways:
Online through http://www.irs.gov. Under the “Tools” section, select “Get a Tax Transcript”
By mailing in Form 4506-T or 4506T-EZ to the IRS.
For a Verification of Non-filing you must use Form 4506-T and check box 7.
By calling 1-800-908-9946

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Student Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs Services Center