Student Financial Resources and Scholarships

Application Process

Students applying for financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The 2009-10 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed for the 2009-2010 academic year which started Fall 2009. The Guaranteed Processing Deadline Date (GPDD ) for winter is October 30, 2009. If your file is complete and accurate, it will be processed before winter classes begin.

Placement Test Requirements for Financial Aid Consideration

For students who do not have a high school diploma or a GED, they must earn the following scores:

Compass English Placement
Writing - 32 Reading - 62
Compass Mathematics Placement
Pre-Algebra / Numerical - 25

For students who do not earn the above scores, they must pay and successfully complete six (6) credits of coursework for a degree or certificate eligible coursework before financial aid can be awarded.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require a student to make academic progress toward the completion of a degree or certificate when receiving financial assistance. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is available online and at the campus financial aid offices.

Financial Assistance Refund Policy and Enrollment Status Changes

Students receiving financial assistance must notify Student Financial Resources and Scholarships immediately when there is a change in enrollment status. If a student never attends class, stops attending class, or officially drops a class, the financial assistance award will be recalculated.

Students receiving "N" mark(s) may have their financial assistance packages reduced or cancelled making them liable for any outstanding balances owed to the federal government and OCC.

Students who want to withdraw from a class or classes must complete and submit the official course drop information to Enrollment Services.

Verification of enrollment is done at the point of disbursement. Students must have at least six (6) credits to receive student loans. Student loan funds are returned to the lender when enrollment is less than six (6) credits.

The complete Return of Title IV Federal Aid Policy is available at Financial Assistance Refund Policy, Return of Federal (Title IV) Funds.