questions about TESC and financial aid

[toast iguana]

Sent in all documents on the Nov 9th to financial aid office. I read somewhere that it takes two months for them to be processed. Does it normally really take two months?

I was hoping to start in January. But I am thinking I might not have everything processed by then. (I have already applied and had degree audit done though)

Also, I have filled out my FAFSA and once everything goes through- from what I understand from the FAFSA website, I wait to have a financial aid package awarded by TESC? And then all the paperwork is done through TESC? If I want to apply for a direct Stafford loan...is this through TESC's award package?

I did send them an email and am awaiting a response but I am curious if anyone has any answers here too. Thanks.

[rebel100]

Thread moved at OP,s request.

[cookderosa]

Sent in all documents on the Nov 9th to financial aid office. I read somewhere that it takes two months for them to be processed. Does it normally really take two months?

I was hoping to start in January. But I am thinking I might not have everything processed by then. (I have already applied and had degree audit done though)

Also, I have filled out my FAFSA and once everything goes through- from what I understand from the FAFSA website, I wait to have a financial aid package awarded by TESC? And then all the paperwork is done through TESC? If I want to apply for a direct Stafford loan...is this through TESC's award package?

I did send them an email and am awaiting a response but I am curious if anyone has any answers here too. Thanks.

2 months feels like a long time, I don't remember it taking more than about 2 weeks.... can't say for sure.

Starting in Jan- typically when the FA office sees your papers are in progress, they just let you enroll. That shouldn't be an issue.

Your understanding of the way it works is correct. Once you get your FAFSA, you're "in the system" and that form works through every college you apply to. The college will draw up a package based on your numbers and their costs. They will also automatically check your eligibility for a Pell Grant (about $5700 per year) which is a huge benefit you should consider before borrowing anything. Know this, they will try and get you to over-borrow. I will stop short of saying it's a sales tactic, but you'll get a piece of paper with all the money you can borrow (ooooooo ahhhhhhhh) and if you don't want it you'll have to decline it. It is my sincerest suggestion that if you qualify for a Pell, that you don't borrow anything- you won't need it.

[msd2012]

My husband and I both applied, sent everything in September 17th and September 21st, both were processed in less than a week and we both began in the November semester (was obviously too late to start in the Oct semester). It was a very quick turnaround. You should definitely be able to start in Jan.

[toast iguana]

Thank you for your responses. I've been going to college off and on for 15 years, so I have more than enough credits to graduate from TESC. The only catch is that I have to take the Capstone class. Also for financial aid , I would have to enroll in a second class to meet the six hour enrollment requirement.
I would not take enough classes at TESC to meet the 24 hours residency for the BA degree "per credit" tuition plan.

I would need to enroll in the "enrolled" options plan. So that would be $3,427 annual enrollment plus $410 per credit x 6 = $5,887

I just want to 'stick a fork in this' because I'm soooo done. lol.

I wonder if a person could accept a partial sum of what they offer, if they do not want to 'over borrow?'

[bricabrac]

Keep in mind whatever you are offered in will be divided into quarters (even the pell grant). It took two semesters for the enrolled options fee plus cost of registered courses to even out. If you only use pell grant (approx 1400/semester) you will be left with a balance for only one semester. Initially, it may be very confusing since your package will be a partial award (Jan-Jun) vs the full year award (July-Jun).

If memory serves, they run the numbers differently for partial awards, so it may be a bit more than expected. (For example, instead of 50% you may be awarded 55-60%.)

This post will make sense once you receive the award letter.

[toast iguana]

That does sound confusing. I only plan to attend to finish the capstone plus the extra class. I wonder how it will all shake out then. Should only take me from Jan til June at the latest to finish.