The Financial Aid Office makes every effort to meet a student’s demonstrated financial need with the sources available; however, it is not always possible to do so, and it may be necessary for the student to pay some educational expenses from personal funds. All financial aid awards are estimates and are subject to change. Most financial aid programs have limited funding; therefore, it is imperative that students apply for financial aid as soon as possible after October 1 for the following academic year. Applicants should apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Chipola’s code is 001472).

Students planning to use financial aid to pay tuition must have a completed financial aid file in the Chipola College Financial Aid Office by established deadlines posted in the College calendar.

The Financial Aid Program at Chipola College is designed to provide scholarships, grants, and part-time employment to students who would be unable to attend college without such aid and to provide scholarships to outstanding students as a reward for achievement.

Assistance based on financial need takes into consideration the financial resources of the student and his/her family. Such need is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial assistance may consist of scholarships, grants, and part-time employment, individually or in various combinations. Students must reapply for financial aid each year. Chipola College adheres to all federal and state guidelines when administering financial aid, without regard torace, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, veteran’s status, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy or any other protected class under applicable federal and state laws.

Scholarships based upon achievement are not limited to students who show financial need; however, continuation of all aid is dependent upon meeting the Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Standards. These requirements are outlined in the “ Standards of Academic Progress” section of this catalog. Additionally, students who are in default on federal student loan or who owe the college for an overpayment of the grant are ineligible for additional financial aid until the debt is satisfied.

Students receiving Federal Student Aid (Title IV) who withdraw from or cease attendance in all courses on or before completing 60% of the term enrolled, may be required to repay all or part of the Title IV Financial Aid received that term. Before withdrawing from any class, it is strongly recommended that students consult with the Financial Aid Office regarding potential financial liability. Title IV aid includes Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.

The following types of aid are administered:

Federal, State and College Assistance Programs

Federal Pell Grant (Pell): A grant provided by the federal government to qualified students who demonstrate financial need and have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below the threshold designated annually by the U.S. Department of Education. Apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov. Students must reapply for all federal financial aid programs by submitting a new FAFSA each year. Please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell for more information.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): A supplemental grant provided by the federal government to qualified students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFC. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive this award. Please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/fseog for more information.

Federal Work-Study (FWS): Federal funds provided to students for part-time employment. Students must apply by submitting a FAFSA and employment application. Participates must have unmet need as determined by the students’ cost of attendance, EFC, and other aid awarded. Work is limited to 15 – 20 hours per week, paid at minimum wage. Students should visit Financial Aid Office for additional information.

Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG): A state funded need-based grant available to Florida residents who submit a FAFSA by the Chipola College financial aid deadline and meet eligibility criteria established by the Florida Department of Education. Please visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FSAG.pdf for additional information.

Florida Student Assistance Grant – Certificate Education (FSAG-CE): A state funded need-based grant available to Florida residents who submit a FAFSA who are enrolled in certificate programs and meet eligibility criteria established by the Florida Department of Education. Please visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FSAG-CE.pdf for additional information.

Florida First Generation Matching Grant (FGMG): A state and Chipola College funded grant available to “first generation” students who submit a FAFSA and meet eligibility criteria determined by the Florida Department of Education. For additional information please visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/FGMG.pdf.

Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program (Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars, Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars, Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholars, and Florida Top Scholars): A state scholarship awarded to Florida high school graduates who demonstrate high academic achievement. Students must meet initial eligibility requirements while in high school, and apply for the scholarship during their final (senior) year. Recipients are selected and notified by the Florida Department of Education. For Bright Futures scholarship requirements, student eligibility, and renewal requirements visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/SAPBFMAIN/SAPBFMAIN.

Honorably Discharged Graduate Assistance Program (HDGAP): A need-based program that provides Florida veterans with supplemental living expenses during semester breaks. Apply using the FAFSA.

Scholarship for Children and Spouses of Deceased or Disabled Veterans (CDDV):  Scholarship that provides funding for tuition for dependent children and un-remarried spouses of a qualified Florida veteran. Students must submit a completed Florida Student Application by April 1. Eligibility is determined by the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs. For more information visit https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/PDF/factsheets/CSDDV.pdf.

Other State Scholarships: The Florida Department of Education offers numerous scholarships and grants to Florida residents. Please consult the Florida Department of Education at www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org or call toll free at 888-827-2004.

College Scholarships offered by Chipola cover tuition for various types of students, as follows:

a. Art and music scholarships—Persons interested should contact the Director of Fine and Performing Arts, in addition to making application for aid.

b. Athletic scholarships—These are offered in men’s basketball and baseball and women’s softball, basketball and cross-country. Interested persons should contact the Athletic Director.

c. Science or math lab assistant scholarships—Awards are recommended by a committee of the Natural Science and Mathematics faculty. Contact the Dean of Mathematics and Natural Science for further information.

d. The Papoose— Awards are made to outstanding leaders of The Papoose (student newspaper) staff. They are recommended by the Director of Public Relations.

e. SGA—One scholarship is awarded each year to the president of the Student Government Association.

f. Theatre scholarships—The Theatre Department recommends these awards. Contact the Director of Fine and Performing Arts for additional information.

Veterans Affairs Benefits: Chipola College is certified by the Florida State Approving Agency (SAA) for training under the various U.S Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Education and Training Programs (GI Bill ®). The college’s policies and procedures are applicable to all eligible students who make application for, and receive, VA Educational or Training Assistance/Benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 1606 and 1607 while enrolled in an approved program of study. All degrees, certificates and courses offered by the college must be approved by the Florida SAA to allow payments to eligible students. Student Veterans or dependents planning to enroll at Chipola College and wishing to receive VA educational/training benefits should consult with the college’s VA Services Office well in advance of registering for classes. The School Certifying Officer (SCO) will coach the veteran through the required applications and forms needed for VA benefits and/or enrollment certification. The veteran assumes responsibility for all fees at registration. However, veterans attending the college under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) who have approval from the VA will have registration fees paid directly to the college by the VA. Veterans attending college under Chapter 33, also known as Post-911, will have all or a percentage of tuition and fees paid based on their length of active duty service paid directly to the college by the VA.

Veterans (students) desiring information about benefits and requirements should contact Chipola College’s VA Services Office at 850-718-2437 or the VA Regional Office at 1-800-827-1000. Website - www.gibill.va.gov. 

For VA purposes, training time is usually computed as follows:

For the summer term, training time is computed differently. Veterans are advised to contact the VA Services Office before registering.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), Chipola College adopts the following additional provisions for any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch.33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. Chipola College will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• A Vocational Rehabilitation student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form;
• The Member 4 copy of the Veteran’s DD214 form;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Out of State Tuition Waiver

State and federal law extends out-of-state tuition waivers to students who are:

• Honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces, The United States Reserve Forces, the National Guard, or
• Eligible veteran dependents using VA educational benefits,

regardless of these students’ state of residency, as long as they physically reside in Florida during their time in school.

The waiver program also includes Active duty members of the Armed Forces of the U.S. residing or stationed outside of Florida. Those members stationed in or living in Florida should qualify for residency under the Office of Admissions. Find more at 
https://www.chipola.edu/media/chipola/admissions/CC-AD-Residency-Declaration-02-2016.pdf.

The Veteran Out of State Tuition Waiver Program for Florida colleges and universities:

• Is classified as a tuition waiver
• Exempts eligible students from being held to the 12-month residency rule for out-of-state students
• Cannot be granted to students who live outside of Florida again, except in the case of active duty service members
• Expires for dependents who exhaust VA educational benefits

Documents that verify you reside in Florida must include the student’s name and current address; examples include a signed lease, declaration of domicile, utility bill, driver’s license, voter’s registration card or vehicle registration.

Chipola College students who are honorably discharged former military members to include National Guard and Reservists and have lived in Florida for less than 12 months must submit:

• The Member 4 copy of the veteran’s DD214 showing their character of discharge as Honorable (DD214 is only required once, it will not be required for future semesters).
• Documentation that the student veteran currently resides in Florida. Depending upon what documentation is provided, this may be required each semester.

Student Rights and Responsibilities

As a student consumer, you have the RIGHT to:

• Be informed of the correct procedure for applying for aid, cost of attendance, types of aid available, how financial need is determined, criteria for awarding aid, how academic progress is determined and what you have to do to continue receiving aid.
• Be informed of the type and amount of assistance you will receive, how much of your need has been met and how and when you will be paid.
• Appeal any decision of the Financial Aid Office with regard to your application.
• View the contents in your financial aid file, in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act.
• Know the job description and rate of pay for any student job you accept.
• Be advised of the requirements in cases of withdrawal, such as refunds or repayment of financial aid.

It is your RESPONSIBILITY to:

• Complete application materials correctly and submit them on time.
• Read all materials sent to you from the Office of Student Financial Aid agencies awarding your aid. Read, understand and keep copies of all forms you sign.
• Know and comply with rules governing the aid you receive.
• Provide additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid Office.
• Comply with the provisions or any promissory notes and all other agreements you sign.
• Use financial aid only for expenses related to your college attendance.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
• Notify the Office of Financial Aid of any resources not considered during your original need analysis and any aid not listed on your award letter. Failure to notify us can jeopardize your future financial aid.
• Keep your local and permanent addresses current by contacting the Admissions and Records Office.
• Register for the required number of hours eligible for a grant, loan, or scholarship.

Excess Hours Advisory Statement

Section 1009.286, Florida Statutes, establishes an “excess hour” surcharge for a student seeking a baccalaureate degree at a state university. It is critical that students, including those entering Florida colleges, are aware of the potential for additional course fees. “Excess hours” are defined as hours that go beyond 120% of the hours required for a baccalaureate degree program. For example, if the length of the program is 120 credit hours, the student may be subject to an excess hour surcharge for any credits attempted beyond 144 credit hours (120% x 120).

All students whose educational plan may include earning a baccalaureate degree should make every effort to enroll in and successfully complete those courses that are required for their intended major on their first attempt. Florida college students intending to transfer to a state university should identify a major or “transfer program” early and be advised of admission requirements for that program, including the approved common prerequisites. Course withdrawals and/or repeats, as well as enrollment in courses nonessential to the intended major, may contribute to a potential excess hours surcharge.

Class Attendance - Title IV Requirements

A student must begin attendance in all of his or her courses to retain an enrollment status and award amounts are based on this enrollment status. Chipola College will take roll the first 2 weeks of class. Students failing to appear on a professor’s class attendance verification form within the first 2 weeks of class, will be required to verify attendance to the Financial Aid Office prior to receiving a financial aid disbursement.

Students are considered to have begun attendance for Online Classes by completing the Academic Honor Code. Failure to begin attendance in any course will result in a lower enrollment status and an award reduction.

Foundation Assistance

The Chipola College Foundation, a nonprofit support organization for the college, provides a means for individuals, groups and businesses to make tax deductible contributions which can be used to support scholarships, staff development, library development, and the fine and performing arts.

As the need has grown, Chipola alumni and friends have responded by funding additional scholarships. During the 2021-22 fiscal year, more than $745,000 was expended by the Foundation for tuition and books for 983 scholarships administered by the Foundation.

Some Foundation scholarships are designated for specific majors; others are designated by county of residence or high school attended. Many scholarships are based on financial need and merit; some are based on merit alone.

To be considered for many scholarships, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov to determine if you are eligible for federal or state aid before applying for Foundation funds.

A list of scholarships, including application deadlines, may be obtained on the college website, or by calling the Foundation Office at (850) 718-2445 or by writing to the Foundation at 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, FL 32446-2053.

The list is also available from high school counselors in the Chipola District.

Listed below is the estimated cost of attendance for a student attending Chipola for 30 credit hours or 900 vocational clock hours during the Fall and Spring terms (9 months).  The tuition figures are based on academic year 2021-2022 and are subject to change.  As a student’s actual budget may differ, based on actual expense, he/she is encouraged to compare his/her estimated budget or contact the Financial Aid Office.

Attendance

Regular attendance is expected of all students. Students who are absent from classes for any reason other than official college activities must satisfy the instructor concerned that the absence was due to illness or other clearly unavoidable reasons. Otherwise, the student may suffer grade loss at the discretion of the instructor.

Chipola policy allows each instructor to specify in the course syllabus the attendance policy. It also allows the instructor to decide whether or not an absence is excusable and what effect the absence or tardy may have on the grade.

Limited enrollment programs may have specific attendance policies which must be followed by the individuals enrolled.

If students are to be off campus for official business or for a college activity, they may be excused. The activity advisor will turn in a list of students to the department office where it will be forwarded to the Vice President of Instructional Affairs, who will in turn furnish the list to all instructors. Students should still notify instructors before leaving and obtain permission to miss class. If students are failing or if an absence might jeopardize their standing, students should not be absent from class, even on official school business.

Students who flagrantly violate attendance regulations are subject to suspension, or dismissal from a course.

Driver’s License Attendance Law

Chipola College students who are non-high school graduates and who have not reached their eighteenth birthday are subject to Florida Statute 322.091. If you need additional information contact the Registrar.

Maximum Attempts, Grade Forgiveness, and Withdrawals

Maximum Attempts for Full Cost of Instruction

Students are permitted to enroll in the same college preparatory course or college credit course a maximum of three times. According to Administrative Code 6A-14.0301, students will be assessed 100% of the full cost of instruction on the third attempt unless the College grants a one-time exception to the student due to extenuating circumstances or financial hardship. Contact the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for more information.

Based on major extenuating circumstances, a fourth attempt may be granted by the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs. Students will be assessed the full cost of instruction on the fourth attempt. There are no appeals to reduce the full cost assessment on the fourth attempt.

The full cost assessment is the equivalent of the non-resident fee for college credit and college preparatory courses.

Grade Forgiveness

As per Florida Rule 6A-14.0301, grade forgiveness applies when students repeat the same college developmental or college credit course in which they earned a “D” or “F” grade. Students may not repeat the same college credit or college course to improve a “C” grade or better. Students may repeat a course for grade forgiveness twice. Upon the third attempt in the same course, the grade earned is a final grade and cannot be forgiven. If there are three or fewer attempts, only the grade from the last attempt will be used to compute the grade point average. If a fourth attempt is granted, both the third and fourth attempts will be calculated in the student’s grade point average. Grades will not be forgiven if a degree has been issued. The number of total attempts allowed per course may be restricted for students enrolled in limited enrollment programs. Institutions to which subsequent transfer is made may not necessarily honor this policy. As a result, student’s grade point average may change when they transfer to another institution. Students receiving financial aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to repeating any course.

Withdrawal, Audit, and Resignation

Students who drop any course during the Drop/Add period or who will enroll in a course as an audit student are not impacted by this policy.

Students may withdraw from or change to audit status a college preparatory or college credit course anytime prior to the withdrawal deadline published in the college calendar. Students may not audit courses in limited access programs. Students may resign from the college by withdrawing from all coursework anytime prior to the resignation deadline published in the college calendar. Students are responsible for the completion of the formal withdrawal/resignation process. Students who remain enrolled in courses after the deadline will be assigned a final grade for the course by the instructor.

Students are permitted a maximum of two withdrawals in the same course. A withdrawal does count as an attempt of a course. Upon the third attempt in the same course, a student will not be permitted to withdraw and will be assigned a final grade other than “W” (withdraw).

Classes that begin after the start of the semester or end prior to the completion of the semester will have as their “drop without penalty” date, the class meeting that represents 70 percent of the meeting time of that class. No refund of fees will be given for withdrawals, audits, and resignations.