It is the desire of AIC that no student will be denied an education because of cost. Financial assistance is available in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and employment. Eligible students may also receive financial assistance from BIA and/or tribal scholarship programs. Although some aid is awarded on a non-need basis, the majority of awards are made to students who demonstrate financial need.

Grants and scholarships are “gift” programs and need not be repaid. Loans are offered at low interest rates and are repaid over an extended period after the student leaves the institution or drops below half-time enrollment.

Federal, state, and institutional guidelines determine the amount and type of financial aid available to eligible students.

What is Financial Need?

The Director of Student Financial Aid takes the cost of education at American Indian College and subtracts the amount you and your family are expected to pay toward that cost (the Expected Family contribution [EFC].) If any costs remain, you are considered to have financial need.

How do I Apply for Financial Aid?

A student desiring to enroll for the fall semester is encouraged to submit an application for financial aid before April 1. Applications will be accepted after this date and will be given consideration for any available funds. To insure full consideration for all types of aid, an applicant must complete the following steps:

1. Apply for admission to American Indian College. A student must be enrolled or accepted before financial aid can be awarded.

2. All applicants for financial aid must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). American Indian College should be listed as the institution to receive the information. The form is available for download; it may be requested from the local high school guidance counselor or from AIC's Financial Aid Office as well. Applicants may also complete the application via the internet. Full details can be found at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Mailed forms should be sent to:

Federal Student Aid Programs
P.O. Box 4691
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0059

3. Applicants will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Federal Student Aid Program. The SAR is the official notification of student's eligibility number. The lower the number, the higher the award.

4. Selective Service Registration: Male applicants must have proof of registration with the Selective Service if they are between the ages of 18 and 25.

5. Tribal Funding: Applicants who are enrolled members of an American Indian tribe should apply for financial aid through the tribe. The tribes have different methods of processing and various deadlines. Applications should be obtained from the local tribal scholarship office.

Who is Eligible for Financial Aid?

To receive aid from the major student aid programs, you must:

•  have financial need, except for some loan programs,
•  have a high school diploma or a GED,
•  be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program,
•  be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen,
•  have a valid Social Security number,
•  make satisfactory academic progress,
•  register with the Selective Service (if required), and
•  not owe a refund on a Federal grant or be in default on a Federal education loan.

What is Financial Aid Probation?

A student receiving financial aid is placed on financial aid probation when the required number of credit hours is not successfully completed each year, according to the following schedule:

1. Maximum Time for Completion of Studies:

•  For four-year bachelor degree programs of 128 semester hours, a maximum number of hours attempted for completion is 160.

•  For a two-year associate degree program of 73 semester hours, a maximum number of hours attempted for completion is 91.

2. Minimum Hours (cumulative) to be completed at end of each increment.

A student will also be placed on financial aid probation when (s)he fails to maintain the required grade point average as listed under “Academic Probation” in this Catalog.

The complete Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy is available in the Financial Aid Office.