Policies and Forms
Deadlines
See our detailed overview of important deadlines to ensure you are completing all necessary steps on time!
Determining Need
The determination of a student’s need for financial assistance is based on the information the student and their family provide on the FAFSA, along with the school’s established cost of attendance. The FAFSA is used to assess the family’s financial circumstances, while the cost of attendance reflects estimated educational expenses such as tuition, fees, housing, books, and other related costs. The difference between these two figures helps the school determine the student’s level of financial need and eligibility for need-based aid.
Cost of Attendance
The Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the total expenses a student may incur while attending college for a specific academic year. This includes both direct costs—such as tuition and fees—and indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, books, supplies, and personal expenses.
The COA is not the amount you will be billed, but rather a budgeting tool used by the financial aid office to determine your eligibility for various types of financial assistance.
Net Price Calculator
The Net Price Calculator is a tool designed to help prospective students and their families estimate the amount of financial aid they may receive and the out-of-pocket costs of attending the college. By entering basic financial and academic information, users can receive an early estimate of grants, scholarships, and other aid.
While the calculator provides a helpful estimate, it does not guarantee financial aid eligibility or final award amounts. Students must complete the FAFSA and any required documentation to receive an official financial aid offer.
Financial Aid Verification
Verification is a process used to confirm that the information provided on your FAFSA application is accurate.
If selected for verification, OCC will request additional documentation that supports the information reported on your FAFSA. Students will not be able to receive federal aid until the verification process is completed. For this reason, it is important that a student complete the verification process as soon as possible if selected.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the process used to determine if a student is making acceptable progress towards a degree or certificate. This determines if a student can qualify for any Federal or State aid.
Withdrawal from Classes
Federal financial aid (Title IV funds) is awarded to students with the expectation that they will attend and complete the entire period for which the aid is granted. Withdrawing from classes can impact your eligibility to earn those funds and may result in a balance due to the college.
Summer Aid
Students may qualify for summer financial aid depending on their enrollment during the academic year and the number of credits they take in the summer term. To receive an estimate of eligibility for the Pell Grant and Federal Student Loans, students can complete the Summer Aid Interest Form.
Appeals and Overrides
While financial aid eligibility is largely determined by FAFSA data and academic performance, certain circumstances may warrant additional consideration. Students experiencing updated or exceptional circumstances may request a review for possible adjustments to their financial aid.
Visit Us
No matter where you are in your financial aid journey, we’re committed to helping you access the resources you need to support your education. Stop by the FASC during walk-in hours and let us help you navigate your financial aid process.
Please come in during walk-in hours. Limited appointments are also available.