Title IV aid is need-based aid (federal programs such as Pell Grants, SEOG, Work Study, Stafford Loans, and state programs such as TEOG and TPEG). Need-based programs require an analysis of the student's financial circumstances to determine need. The application process used by Cisco College to perform this need analysis is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online. FASFA 20-21 valid for Summer 21, FASFA 21-22 valid for Fall21, Spring 22, and Summer 22.

Step 1

Before you start the FAFSA, create an FSA ID.

You need to create one for you as a student and one for one of the parents if a dependent student.

Step 2

Complete and submit the FAFSA to the Department of Education.

There will be some items you need to gather to complete the FAFSA. Tax information, social security numbers, and birth dates for student and parents.

• The 1040 income tax form if you filed and/or your parent's 1040 form(s) for the appropriate year to complete your FAFSA) If you need a copy of your tax return, call 1-800-829-1040 and request IRS tax transcript or go to the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
• Students are encouraged to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FASFA. This tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the FASFA and transfer the data directly to their FAFSA.
• Cisco College school code is: 003553

Step 3

You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) and an email confirmation as a result of submitting the FAFSA from the department of Education. That does not mean you have been awarded and are finished. The process is as follows:

1. Cisco College will begin a file on you once the Financial Aid Office has downloaded your FAFSA information from the Department of Education.
2. If you are chosen for verification, the Cisco College Financial Aid Office will need additional information to verify your FAFSA information, we will request it in writing or by email.
3. Please be prompt in responding to any request for additional information and/or documents. You will not be asked to provide more than that which is required.
4. When all your paperwork is completed, returned, and verified, we will be able to determine the type and amount of financial aid for which you have qualified.
5. The amount of your Pell Grant will be based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution). Detailed information regarding your Pell Grant award can be found on your Campus Connect. Pell Grants are awarded on a Full time basis. Students enrolled in less than full time will receive a pro-rated award based on the hours enrolled.

Applying for Student Loans

Important information for students who use federal Stafford loans to finance their education:

Cisco College will begin processing loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program beginning with the Fall 2010 school year. This program will replace the current Federal Stafford Student Loan program. Participating in the Federal Direct Loan Program will allow our current and future students with more assurance that funding will be available for federal education loans.

Here are some of the benefits that Cisco students will receive from this change:

• The Direct Loan Program is funded directly by the Federal government, thereby eliminating some of the confusion by offering a single source and process for federal loans.
• Direct loans are not sold by the Federal Government; borrowers will know who holds their loan during repayment. In addition, prior borrowers can consolidate Federal Stafford Loans with their Direct Loans, enabling them to track their loans with one lender instead of multiple lenders.
• Direct Loan offers a Public Service Loan Forgiveness program and an income-based repayment option for students in certain public service professions or who have low incomes.

All students must complete a new Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note for the current school year along with a loan request form for Cisco College. Loan request forms may be found on the Cisco College web site under Financial Aid. The loan Request can be found on the Financial Aid Forms page

Entrance counseling, Exit counseling, and Master Promissory Notes may be found here. You must have your FSA ID to log in this page to complete these items.

If you have any questions regarding your Loan you may contact the Financial Aid office for assistance at (254) 442-5153 or (325) 794-4417

To qualify for a student loan, a student must have documented financial need determined by the completion of the FAFSA. The student must be making satisfactory progress and enrolled in at least 6 hours. THE STUDENT ASSUMES THE OBLIGATION TO REPAY THE LOAN AND ACCRUED INTEREST beginning six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment.

Steps for Summer Financial Aid

1. Complete FAFSA for the current academic year if you have not already. (Summer is the last semester in the school year)
2. Complete Summer Financial Aid Application. (Contact the Financial Aid department for application) 254-442-5153 or 325-794-4417
3. Contact Financial Aid Office for eligibility requirements and also to see if you have any eligibility left to use.
4. Summer Semesters are Long Summer, Summer I, Summer II.