Student Consumer Information

2008-2009 Academic Year

The York College Financial Aid program exists to help any student who has academic potential and limited financial resources. The direct objective of aid is to provide opportunities for those who would not be able to complete their college education without financial assistance.

Persons of any race, color, sex, national/ethnic origin or religions that are serious in purpose and are in sympathy with the ideals and purposes of the College are encouraged to apply for financial aid from York College. Applicants will receive notification of aid eligibility immediately after meeting all requirements for admission and completion of the financial aid application process. Aid will be in the form of scholarships and grants, loans and/or campus employment.

York College funded scholarships and grants are based on merit (non-need). Each applicant is first considered for all grants and scholarships for which (s)he may be eligible. Any remaining need may be met with loans/or campus employment.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID

1. Complete an application for admission (including a high school transcript, GED, or other proof of graduation).

2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Indicate that you would like York College to receive the results by using the following address and our Federal School code of 002567:

York College
1125 E. 8th Street
York, NE 68467

3. Submit all requested documentation required for verification.

Federal Financial Aid Student Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible to receive Federal Financial Aid, a student must:
1. Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen
2. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program
3. Be a regular student in an eligible program
4. Not owe a refund or repayment on any Title IV funds
5. Sign a statement of educational purpose
6. Sign a statement of registration for Selective Service (if required)
7. Submit Financial Aid Transcripts from previously attended schools (as required)
8. Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
9. Must not have borrowed in excess of loan limits
10. Must meet the drug conviction eligibility regulation

Financial Aid Need Determination:

A student’s financial aid need is determined by the following formula:
Cost of Attendance (COA) Budget
- Expect Family Contribution (EFC)
= Need

The federal methodology is used by the Central Processor to determine the EFC (the amount the student and his/her family are expected to contribute to his/her education based on the FAFSA).

VERIFICATION

In certain instances, the student may be asked to verify certain information on their application. This is a federal requirement, and is determined at the time the application is processed by the Central Processor. York College may verify other applications if conflicting documentation is realized.

Documents which may be asked for:

*Income tax forms
*Documentation of Social Security and VA Benefits
*Documentation of untaxed income
*Verification worksheet
*Proof of Independent Status
*Worksheet ABC from FAFSA

Required verification items include:

*Household size
*Number enrolled in college
*U.S. income tax paid
*Adjusted gross income
*Other documentation as needed

Documents must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office within 30 days of written request. If a student is unable to meet the 30-day deadline, the Financial Aid Director will make allowances on a case by case basis. If deadlines are not met, the student may be required to make monthly payments on his/her account.

If corrections are necessary, the Financial Aid Director may submit the corrected application electronically. If certification results in a change in aid awarded, a new award letter will be sent to the student. York College will not disburse any aid or certify any Federal Student Loan until the verification process is complete.

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

I. York College Scholarship Policy

York College Scholarships are offers made to full-time students who have special qualities and/or talents. Institutional scholarships are awarded to students during recruitment efforts. For the most part, excluding athletic scholarships, York College scholarships are renewable to the recipients for each semester at York College as long as SAP for financial aid is met.

York College funded scholarships and grants are based on merit (non-need). Recommendations are given to the Director of Financial Aid for awarding. Each applicant is first considered for all grants and scholarships for which (s)he may be eligible. Any remaining need may be met with loans and/or campus employment as eligibility permits.

Students receiving institutional scholarships and grants are expected to represent York College in a positive and respectful manner. Students experiencing discipline problems may lose scholarships based on disciplinary actions.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is required to keep all scholarships. For renewable scholarships, a student not maintaining SAP may apply for reinstatement of the scholarship after one year without the scholarship. Reduction of any scholarship may be appealed to the Scholarship Committee for review. A written letter of appeal must be submitted to the Director of Financial Aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid is defined:

Cumulative GPA
Freshmen 1.60
Sophomore 1.80
Junior 2.00
Senior 2.00

2008-2009 Scholarships

II. Need-Based Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant: This Federally funded grant is intended to be the "floor" of the financial aid package. The recipient must maintain SAP and must not have met the academic requirements of a Bachelor’s degree. The amount of the grant is determined based on a formula developed annually by the Department of Education and approved by Congress. No repayment is required. The Federal Pell Grant dollar amounts range from $0 to $4,731 in the 2008-2009 school year. Application is made by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is available to Federal Pell Grant recipients that are at least half-time students. This grant is renewable upon application to the Financial Aid Office if the student meets satisfactory academic progress requirements and continues to demonstrate exceptional financial need. The grant assistance does not require repayment. Awards will range from $0 to $500 for the 2008-2009 academic year as funds allow.

State Grant: Nebraska residents attending York College, full-time, may be eligible for this grant. These federally funded grants are administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. Grants for York College students’ range from $0 to $500, depending on need and available funds.  Pell Grant Recipients who show exceptional need are eligible for State Grant. Grant amounts may be larger or smaller than the average depending on funds available at the time the student applies.

Federal Work-Study: This employment allows students with demonstrated need to work as many as 20 hours a week in various departments on campus. Students will need to apply for work-study jobs. Students are advised of job assignments and number of hours to be worked each week. Students will be released from a job for failure to do work satisfactorily. The wage is the current minimum wage applicable to educational institutions. The dollar amount shown by semester on the Award Letter is the maximum amount the student can earn. All student wages are paid by check monthly. Workstudy awards are part of a financial aid package to help defray the costs of attending York College. York College offers students the option of applying earnings to any outstanding balance on the student’s account. The average award for the 2008-2009 academic year will be $825 (4.5 hour per week). See section on Campus Employment for further information.

Federal Perkins Loan: This award is available to students who show exceptional need. Students must make application annually. A student may borrow a maximum of $4,000 per year of undergraduate study. A maximum of $20,000 can be borrowed for all undergraduate work. The 5% interest rate begins to accrue and repayment begins nine months after the student ceases half-time enrollment. Repayment may be made over a ten-year period, depending on the outstanding loans balance. A minimum of $40 monthly payment is required. Repayment may be deferred because of service in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, VISTA, or continued student status. There are loan cancellation provisions for borrowers who enter certain fields of teaching, who teach in designated schools or who serves as a member of the Armed Forces in an area of hostilities. Repayment responsibilities and deferment and cancellation provisions are explained before the borrower signs the promissory note and again before the borrower leaves York College.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan: This loan is available to students with demonstrated need. Lenders include participatory banks, credit unions, and savings and loans associations. The loan is actually granted by the commercial lender; however, the application must be approved through the Financial Aid Office. Students with demonstrated need may borrow $3,500 for the Freshman year, $4,500 for the Sophomore year, and $5,500 per year for the Junior and Senior years, not to exceed the aggregate of $23,000 (effective for loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1993). The interest is paid by the federal government while the student is enrolled at least halftime and during the six month grace period prior to repayment. The interest rate is set by the Federal Government. For borrowers after July 1, 1994, the interest rate is variable. Repayment may be made over a ten-year period, depending on the outstanding loan balance. Deferment provision explanations are provided by the lending institutions. The dollar amount of this loan is the gross figure on the Financial Aid Award Letter. The lending institution may retain a fee up to 4% out of the gross amount listed on the Award Letter. The chart below shows estimated monthly payments and total interest charges for 8% Stafford loans of varying amounts, with typical repayment periods:

III. Non-need Based Financial Aid

Institutional Work-Study: Same as Federal Work-Study, but funded totally by York College.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS): This loan is available to parents through lending institutions and can be used only to meet the dependent undergraduate’s educational expenses.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan: Students, regardless of income, will be able to obtain a student loan. The interest rate and loan limits for the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan are the same as for the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. A borrower may receive a combination of the subsidized and the unsubsidized loans for the same loan period. The combined total of both programs may not exceed the annual limits for the Federal Stafford Loan Program. Interest begins accruing the day the loan is disbursed. The borrower is responsible for interest that accrues throughout the life of the loan including in-school and deferment periods. Interest payments can be paid monthly or quarterly, depending on the lender, or can be capitalized by the lender at the request of the borrower and added to the loan principle. Students may be denied a student loan if they demonstrate an unwillingness to repay. Students requesting funds beyond direct costs may be asked to submit a budget for default management purposes.

YORK COLLEGE COST

YORK COLLEGE
COST OF ATTENDANCE
2008-2009

ON-CAMPUS*

OFF-CAMPUS W/ PARENTS*

ALL OTHERS**

*Disability related expenses added as needed per individual student.
**Dependent care added as per individual student.
***Loan fee was calculated based on average loan borrowed in 2005-2006 x 1%.

Cost of Attendance may be adjusted per individual based on tuition and fees paid.
Summer school will be based on individual student.
If purchasing a computer - can add up to $1,500 to Cost of Attendance.

The fee for a High School student taking one class per semester is $110 per hour.
The fee for a non-degree seeking adult taking one class per semester is $220 per hour.

PAYMENTS OF AWARDS

An academic year is defined as 2 consecutive 16-week semesters and 24 credit hours beginning in late August and ending in May. A payment period at York College is considered to be one semester. Federal Grants, Scholarships, and Federal Loan awards are credited each semester to the recipient’s account when all application, loan counseling and registration requirements are completed. Checks requiring the recipient’s endorsement are issued for the Federal Stafford Loans and the FPLUS Loans. Proceeds are credited to the endorser’s account with the Business Office each semester. The student will be notified when the loan proceeds are received from the lender. Federal Work-Study and Institutional Work-Study checks are issued monthly for hours worked and are available in the Business Office. Summer terms are considered part of the preceding academic year, and any payments made for summer school are considered as such. Payments of direct costs are considered to be made with the following priority of funds: (1) Federal Pell Grant, (2) FSEOG, (3) State Grant, (4) ACG/SMART Grant, (5) Outside Scholarships, (6) Institutional Scholarships, (7) Federal Stafford Student Loans, (8) Federal Work-study, (9) FPLUS, (10) Endowments, (11) Federal Perkins Loans, (12) Institutional Work-study, (13) Private Loans, (14) Cash Payments.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS

Federal legislation governing the administration of the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Perkins Loan, the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), the Federal Work-Study Program (FWS), the Federal Stafford Loan, the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (FPLUS), and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan requires that eligible institutions define and enforce standards of progress for students applying for and/or receiving financial aid. To comply with that legislation, the following standards have been established at York College. All applicants for the above mentioned forms of financial aid as well as all state and institutionally funded programs must meet these standards to be eligible.

Full-time students seeking an Associates degree normally acquire the number of credit hours necessary for graduation in four semesters. A full-time student is one who is enrolled for 12 or more credit hours a semester. The maximum time frame allowed for completion of an Associate degree is six semesters. This limit is prorated for longer periods of time for students enrolled as three-quarter or half time students.

Those seeking a Baccalaureate degree are allowed a maximum of twelve semesters for degree completion. Students should accumulate an average of 16 credit hours every semester to graduate in eight semesters.

Minimum standards require the following cumulative Grade Point Averages:

Full-time students must successfully complete at least 24 credit hours each academic year. Credit hour requirements are prorated for students enrolled as three-quarter or half time students. Three-quarter time student is defined as 9, 10, or 11 hours of enrollment per semester. Half time is defined as 6, 7, or 8 hour of enrollment per semester. For example, part-time students enrolled on a three-quarter time basis (9, 10, or 11 semester credit hours) must have successfully completed at least 9 credit hours each semester. Part-time students enrolled on a half-time basis (6, 7, or 8 semester credit hours) must have successfully completed six credit hours each semester.

Withdrawals from class are considered to be "Hours Attempted" but are not considered "Hours Completed". Repeat classes are not considered in "Hours Completed" for SAP. At any time a student does not successfully complete the appropriate complement of hours (non-inclusive of repeat course work), (s)he will be considered to not be making SAP, and all probationary and termination standards apply. Official course withdrawals do not change enrollment status. This has no effect on academic probation.

Academic and ACT scholarships under half tuition require a GPA of 3.00 to be maintained in order to keep the Academic and the ACT scholarships. Academic and ACT scholarships of half tuition or more require a GPA of 3.50 to be maintained in order to keep the scholarship. Reduction of any scholarship may be appealed to the Scholarship Committee for review. A written letter of appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

SAP is checked at the end of each spring semester. In addition, SAP for each student is checked at the end of four periods of enrollment. A student must have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of four, full-time periods of enrollment at York College to be considered as making SAP.

Students who have been denied financial aid because requirements were not met may file a written appeal to the Director of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee, financial aid will be reinstated for the term in question.

Unusual circumstances, such as undue hardship caused by a death of a relative, illness or injury experienced by the student or other special circumstances would justify an appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Appeals must be made in writing to the Director of Financial Aid indicating the reasons for the appeal, such as documented personal family emergency or documented medical problems. All appeals will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and the student will be informed of the action taken. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee shall be final.

If a student is denied financial aid due to lack of academic progress, courses must be taken at the student’s own expense until the minimum requirements are met. Failure to attain the minimum requirements will cause the student to be ineligible for any further financial aid. All students who are denied financial aid and re-enter York College will do so on probationary status and must have the permission of the Business Office.

YORK COLLEGE CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

A completed York College Campus Employment Application must be on file in the Financial Aid Office at York College to receive Federal or Institutional Work-Study. A job will be assigned to the eligible students as funds allow on a first come first serve basis. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the supervisor and arrange a work schedule during the first few days of school. If this is not done before September 10, the student’s work-study will be cancelled and the job will be assigned to someone else. If the student cannot locate the supervisor, please contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance. If you cannot arrange a satisfactory work schedule with your supervisor, you must have your supervisor write to the Financial Aid Office and explain the problem.

This job is like any other hourly job. The student will be paid according to the number of hours worked. (S)he must complete a time sheet every month indicating the number of hours worked that period. The time sheet will be signed and submitted to the Business Office by the supervisor. A check is available the 10th of the month in the Business Office. An I-9 and W-4 must be on file in the Business Office before a paycheck can be printed.

Once work has begun, changes are not allowed. If the student is not satisfied with his/her assignment, the student may terminate working at any time. Please show courtesy by notifying the supervisor ahead of time if situations arise which will prohibit the student from being at work. If the supervisor is not satisfied with job performance, a formal complaint may be filed with the Financial Aid Office explaining the details of the situation. When a complaint is filed, it is our procedure to discuss the problem with both the student and the supervisor. Hopefully, the matter can be resolved. If, however, a second complaint is filed later, your work-study will be cancelled. Once this happens, no new job assignment will be made.

York College will pay students at least the current minimum wage. York College will pay student employees on the tenth of each month for the previous months work. The supervisor will turn in to the Business Office the hours worked for a certain month for their students on the first working day of the subsequent month.

YORK COLLEGE PERSISTENCE RATES

According to the Student-Right–To-Know/Campus Security Acts of 1992, York College is required to disclose the graduation rate of each entering class of full-time freshman students, starting with the class which entered York College in the fall 1991 term, and each fall entering class thereafter. Additional data regarding graduation rates by gender and ethnicity of student athletes is available upon request to students, prospective students, their parents, counselors, coaches, etc.  The above-mentioned Act requires the graduation rate to be computed after six years from the date of first admission.  If you have questions regarding these rates, please feel free to contact the Registrar’s Office at (402) 363-5678. The Registrar's office is located in Sack Hall.

CAMPUS SECURITY POLICIES

It is the policy of York College to provide a secure, safe campus and workplace for her students and employees. York College is a private campus and her facilities are for the use of the faculty, staff, and students. Prospective students, alumni, guests, and persons having business with the College may also have access to these facilities during open campus hours. Unauthorized persons loitering in or using College facilities should be reported to College personnel.

York College’s open campus hours are as follows:

Sunday through Thursday
8:00 am to 12:00 am
Friday
8:00 am to 1:00 am
Saturday
8:00 am to 12:00 am

INCIDENT REPORTING PROCEDURES

York College employs a security staff that is on duty daily from 6:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m.  The staff is on-call 24 hours a day by phone. The campus parking lots and sidewalks are well lit at night and the security staff patrols the campus during the scheduled hours.

Students, faculty and staff at York College who observe or are involved in any crime or incident on campus should report to the security staff or the Dean of Students as soon as possible. The person reported to may determine the need for contacting the police.

A collection of incidents will be kept on file by the Dean of Students.

ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 (Public Law 101-226), York College has adopted and implemented the following policy to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by employees and students:

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of drugs and alcohol by any York College student is prohibited both on and off campus. Possession, use, or distribution of such controlled substances, including amounts of one pound or more of marijuana, are classified as felony offenses and are punishable with imprisonment (1-50 years) and/or fines ranging from $100 to $25,000. A student convicted of a drug-related felony while enrolled at York College must report it to the Dean of Students within five working days of the conviction.

Health risks associated with the use of illicit drugs and alcohol abuse include alcoholism, damage to brain cells, malnutrition, increased risk of cirrhosis, ulcers, heart disease, heart attack, and cancers of the liver, mouth, throat and stomach, degeneration of muscle and bone, blackouts and memory loss, hallucinations, poor concentration, and personality disorders.

Help for alcohol/drug problems may involve short-term intensive care or long-term counselingand may be obtained from the following resources: the York College Counseling Center (363-5695), Becky Holton, Director; your Resident Assistant or hall director; or the Dean of Students. Local services of help include: private counselors; Blue Valley Mental Health Center; and Mary Lanning Behavioral Services.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Dean of Students 363-5614

Local Police
    Emergency            911
    Non- Emergency    363-2640

Road Conditions (Nov 1 through April 1)      511

Campus Security Emergency
        363-5721    office
        366-2657    cellular

Informational programs available to students and employees about crime prevention, campus security, and alcohol and drug abuse can be received from: the York College Counseling Center (363-5695), Becky Holton, Director; the Dean of Students; or other local sources. Local sources include: private counselors, Blue Valley Mental Health Center, and Mary Lanning Behavioral Services.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Financial aid applicants have the right to fair equitable treatment in the awarding of all financial assistance.

2. All applicants will be treated in a non-discriminatory manner with respect to financial aid awards.

3. Applicants have the right to appeal any decisions made in regard to their eligibility for financial assistance.

4. Financial aid is not automatically renewed. Application for aid must be made prior to each academic year.

5. Financial aid recipients must maintain SAP toward program completion according to the standards and practices of York College.

6. Any student required to register with the Selective Service must do so to be eligible for financial aid.

7. Financial aid recipients must sign a Statement of Educational Purpose and a Certification Statement on Refunds and Defaults.

8. Any aid received from sources other than York College must be reported to the Financial Aid Office. Other financial assistance may reduce awards eligibility from York College.

9. Falsification of information on any part of the financial aid application will result in cancellation of aid, the return of all aid improperly received, and referral to the appropriate judicial body.

10. Financial aid applicants who have attempted college level study must meet all SAP requirements before any financial aid will be awarded, although no financial aid was received during a period of prior enrollment.

11. Financial aid adjustments can be made as necessary if the student drops or adds hours during the semester.

12. It is the obligation of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office upon withdrawal form York College.

13. The student and his/her family are solely responsible for paying any remaining balance due York College. Arrangements for payments can be made only through the York College Business Office.

14. Financial aid recipients are responsible for repaying any funds received that cannot reasonably be related to attendance at York College. The amount of repayment will be based on regulations established by the U.S. Department of Education.

15. Failure to comply with the above policies may result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.

The following information is readily available to current students and upon request to prospective students.

A. Description of student financial aid programs (need-based and non-need based, Federal, State, and Institutional):  York College Catalog, Financial Aid Brochure, Student Consumer Information

B. The method by which such assistance is distributed among student applicants who enroll at York College:  York College Catalog, Student Consumer Information

C. Forms completed for application for financial aid:   Admissions or Financial Aid Brochure, Student Consumer Information

D. Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria and the procedures by which a student who has failed to maintain such progress may re-establish eligibility for federal student financial aid:  Student Consumer Information, York College Catalog

E. The rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance:  Student Consumer Information

F. The means by which financial aid will be disbursed and the frequency of disbursements:  York College Catalog, Student Consumer Information

G. The terms and conditions of any employment that is part of the financial aid package:  Student Consumer Information

H. The terms of and schedules for repayment of all student loans:  Student Consumer Information, Student Loan Office

I. The cost of attending the institution, including (1) tuition and fees (2) estimates of on-campus room and board costs (3) estimate of books and supplies (4) estimated transportation costs (5) any additional cost of the program in which the student enrolls:  York College Catalog, Admissions or Financial Aid Brochure, Student Consumer Information

J. Written standards which conform to current regulations for measuring whether a student is making SAP:  York College Catalog, Student Consumer Information

K. The refund policy of the institution for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portion of costs paid to the institution:   York College Catalog, Student Consumer Information

L. A statement of the institution’s policies regarding any refunded due to the Title IV student assistance programs:  Student Consumer Information

M. The academic programs of the institution, including (1) the current degree programs (2) the instructional, laboratory and other physical plant facilities which relate to the academic programs (3) the faculty and other instructional personnel:  York College Catalog

N. The names of associations, agencies or governmental bodies which accredit, approve or license the institution and its programs and procedures by which the documents may be reviewed:  York College Catalog

O. The title(s) of person(s) designated to provide information and the methods by which and locations in which any person(s) so designated may be contacted by students and prospective students who are seeking any of the above mentioned information:  York College Catalog, Admissions or Financial Aid Brochure, Student Consumer Information