• Institutional and Financial Assistance Information for Students

• Drug Alchohol Prevention

• Student Right-to-Know Act

• Consumer Information Clery/Campus Security Information

• FERPA

• Safeguarding Customer Information

• Misrepresentation

• Loan Disclosures

INSTITUTIONAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Financial Assistance Information

Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Pell Grants are considered a foundation of federal financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added.

How much can I get?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2011-12 award year (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012) is $5,550. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Note: The maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept.11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of your parent's or guardian's death.

How to Apply for Federal Student Aid

You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM) to apply for federal student aid and most state and college aid. FAFSA on the Web^SM is the quickest and easiest method of applying.   To go to FAFSA website click here.

Federal Student Aid Forms

The Federal Student Aid Forms section has information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing options, deadlines for applying, a sample paper FAFSA, FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, and student loan deferment and forbearance forms. Check out federal student aid forms by clicking HERE.

Am I eligible to receive financial assistance?

Age is not a factor in determining eligibility for the Federal Student Aid programs. To learn more click here.
Your school can apply Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly (usually by check), or combine these methods. The school must tell you in writing how much your award will be and how and when you'll be paid. Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter). Schools that do not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters must disburse funds at least twice per academic year.

How much can I borrow?

It depends on your year in school and whether you have a subsidized or unsubsidized Direct Loan. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If you're eligible for a subsidized loan, the government will pay (subsidize) the interest on your loan while you're in school, for the first six months after you leave school, and if you qualify to have your payments deferred. Depending on your financial need, you may borrow subsidized money for an amount up to the annual loan borrowing limit for your level of study (see below).

You might be able to borrow loan funds beyond your subsidized loan amount even if you don't have demonstrated financial need. In that case, you'd receive an unsubsidized loan. Your school will subtract the total amount of your other financial aid from your cost of attendance to determine whether you're eligible for an unsubsidized loan. Unlike a subsidized loan, you are responsible for the interest from the time the unsubsidized loan is disbursed until it's paid in full. You can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan). Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount you have to repay.

You can receive a subsidized loan and an unsubsidized loan for the same enrollment period as long as you don't exceed the annual loan limits.

If you're a dependent undergraduate student (excluding students whose parents cannot borrow PLUS Loans), each year you can borrow up to:

·                     $5,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you're a first-year student enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year. No more than $3,500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

·                     $6,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you've completed your first year of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year. No more than $4,500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

·                     $7,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you've completed two years of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year. No more than $5,500 of this amount can be in subsidized loans.

If you're an independent undergraduate student (and a dependent student whose parents have applied for but were unable to get a PLUS Loan (a parent loan)), each year you can borrow up to:

·                     $9,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you're a first-year student enrolled in a program of study that is at least a full academic year. No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

·                     $10,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you've completed your first year of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year. No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.

·                     $12,500 (for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008) if you've completed two years of study and the remainder of your program is at least a full academic year. No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans.  

These amounts are the maximum yearly amounts you can borrow in both subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Loans, individually or in combination. Because you can't borrow more than your cost of attendance minus the amount of any Federal Pell Grant you're eligible for and minus any other financial aid you'll get, you may receive less than the annual maximum amounts.

How will I get the loan money?

For the Direct Loan , you'll be paid through your school in at least two installments. No installment may exceed one-half of your loan amount. Your loan money must first be applied to pay for tuition and fees, room and board, and other school charges. If loan money remains, you'll receive the funds by check or in cash, unless you give the school written authorization to hold the funds until later in the enrollment period.

Generally, if you're a first-year undergraduate student and a first-time borrower, your school cannot disburse your first payment until 30 days after the first day of your enrollment period. This practice ensures you won't have a loan to repay if you don't begin classes or if you withdraw during the first 30 days of classes.

A school with a cohort default rate of less than 10 percent for each of the three most recent fiscal years for which data are available are not required to delay the delivery or disbursement of the first disbursement of a loan for 30 days for first-time, first year undergraduate borrowers.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Federal guidelines require that financial aid recipients maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) in order to remain eligible for Title IV federal financial aid. This SAP policy is applied consistently to all students at Homestead Schools regardless of whether or not federal aid is received by the student. The vocational nursing (VN) program requires 1549 hours for completion.  Satisfactory academic progress for full time students will be measured every 13 weeks for the first academic year and every 11 weeks for the second academic year; part time students will be measured every 23 weeks for the first academic year and every 17 weeks for the second academic year .

Homestead Schools has an SAP policy that monitors:

1. Quality – Required Grade Averages

At the end of each increment, the cumulative grade average will be determined and documented in each student’s official record.  Students with a 76 or above grade point average (GPA) as specified in the chart below will be considered to be making satisfactory academic progress.  Earning a grade of 75.9 or below in any theoretical subject within a period will have earned a “Failed” grade in that subject. Students who failed a theoretical subject can re-take the failed subject to improve his or her overall GPA to meet the SAP requirements as specified in the chart below provided they don’t exceed the 150% maximum timeframe allowed to complete the program.

In the event students fail to meet the cumulative 76% GPA for the 1st Period of the 1st Academic Year (AY), the student will be on “Financial Aid WARNING” status.  Students will be allowed to continue into the 2nd Period of the 1st Academic Year of the program and receive financial aid. Students must then have a cumulative 76% GPA from 1st Period and 2nd Period to remain eligible for financial aid and to avoid termination from the program.

In the event students fail to meet the cumulative 76% GPA for the 2nd Period of the 1st Academic Year, the student will be on “Financial Aid WARNING” status.  Students will be allowed to continue into the 1st Period of the 2nd Academic Year of the program and receive financial aid. Students must then have a cumulative 76% GPA from 2nd Period of the 1st AY and 1st Period of the 2nd AY to remain eligible for financial aid and to avoid termination from the program.

In the event students fail to meet the cumulative 76% GPA for the 1st Period of the 2nd Academic Year, the student will be on “Financial Aid WARNING” status.  Students will be allowed to continue into the 2nd Period of the 2nd Academic Year of the program and receive financial aid. Students must then have a cumulative 76% GPA from 1st Period of the 2nd AY and 2nd Period of the 2nd AY to remain eligible for financial aid and to avoid termination from the program.

Students terminated from the program and ineligible for financial aid can re-establish eligibility by successfully completing the required number of hours and by attaining the overall required cumulative grade average before the next period.  Withdrawal from school has no effect on the student’s satisfactory academic progress upon re-entering

In addition to the cumulative grade average listed above, students must also be progressing toward successful completion of the program within a maximum time frame.  The maximum time frame of the VN program is (1549 x 1.5 = 2323.5) 2323.5 hours. Scheduled hours are any hours that HSI schedules for instructional time, either in the classroom, or at a clinical site. Students who miss scheduled hours need to take care that they do not miss so many hours that they are unable to complete the program within the maximum time frame.  Students in the FULL TIME VN program must attend an average of 32 hours per week and must successfully complete the program within 48 weeks up to 72 weeks and students in a PART TIME program must attend an average of 19 hours per week and must successfully complete the program within 80 weeks up to 120 weeks at the following rate:

All grades are given in numeric averages.  The lowest grade average to pass a class is 76%.  Hours completed below this minimum average will not be considered successfully completed.  A student must achieve a cumulative grade average of 76% or better in order to graduate.

A Financial Aid Probation is a status assigned by an institution to a student who has failed to meet SAP and who has appealed a determination of ineligibility.

Financial Aid Probation Policy

If the student’s appeal is granted the School may disburse Title IV funds for one payment period and by next payment period, student is expected to:

• Be making SAP; or
• Be successfully following an academic plan designed to ensure student will be able to meet SAP by a specific point in time

Appeal Procedures

In the event a student fails to meet the above criteria for two consecutive periods, the student will be deemed ineligible and terminated.  However, a student may appeal the decision to the school’s program director by stating in writing, the reasons why the minimum requirements were not met.

The financial aid administrator and the program director will review the appeal and determine whether suspending financial aid is justified.  The student will be advised, in writing, of the decision.

Appeal Policy

On a written appeal by a student, failure to meet one or more satisfactory academic progress requirements will be evaluated by the financial aid administrator and program director.  The student will be notified of the decision within 14 days of the financial aid office receiving the written appeal request.  The following types of information may be considered in determining if a student is still maintaining satisfactory academic progress:

• Unusual circumstances, such as extended illness
• Death or serious illness in the family
• Disruptive internal family problems
• Other unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of the student that caused the student to fall below the satisfactory progress standards

Course/ Subjects Per Term and Per Period

VN Program SAP Requirement Sample Scenario No. 1:
George attempted A&P in the 1st Term and earned a 72% overall grade and despite remediation he had failed the subject.  Because A&P is a mandatory subject, George will have to re-take A&P to move on to the next period.  George will have to successfully pass A&P first before he can move on to Period 2. 

VN Program SAP Requirement Sample Scenario No. 2:
George attempted and passed FON but failed A&P.  He will not be allowed to move on to the next period until he successfully passed the A&P subject.

VN Program SAP Requirement Sample Scenario No. 3:
George attempted and passed FON and A&P but failed Pharmacology.  He will not be allowed to move on to the next period until he successfully passed the Pharmacology subject.

Financial Aid Status Warning Sample Scenario No. 1:
George in Period 1 received 76 in FON, 80 in G&D, 77 in A&P, 65 in Nutrition, and 77 in Pharmacology.  His overall GPA is 75.  Since he passed all the mandatory subjects from Period 1, he can move on to Period 2 and still continue to receive financial aid but for Federal Student Aid purposes, George at this point in the program will be on “Financial Aid Status Warning”.  Before he can move on to Period 3 he will have to raise his GPA above 76 from Period 2 in order to make the overall 76 GPA required to successfully complete the first academic year (Period 1 and 2).  If after Period 2, George did not achieve above 76, he will be terminated from the program because of not meeting the SAP requirements.  George will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Financial Aid Status Warning Sample Scenario No. 2:
George in Period 1 received 76 in FON, 80 in G&D, 77 in A&P, 85 in Nutrition, and 77 in Pharmacology.  His overall GPA for Period 1 is 79. He can move on to Period 2.  After Period 2, George did not achieve a 76 GPA, he can move on to Period 3 and still continue to receive financial aid but for Federal Student Aid purposes, George at this point in the program will be on “Financial Aid Status Warning”.  Before he can move on to Period 4 he will have to raise his GPA above 76 from Period 3 in order to bring his overall GPA from Period 2 and 3 at 76 to successfully complete the VN Program.  If after Period 3, George did not achieve above 76, he will be terminated from the program because of not meeting the SAP requirements.  George will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Repayment Information

What you need to know about repaying student loans...

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a period of time before you have to begin repayment. This “grace period” will be six months for a Federal Stafford Loan.

The repayment period for all PLUS loans begins on the date the loan is fully disbursed, and the first payment is due within 60 days of the final disbursement. However, a graduate student PLUS loan borrower (as well as a parent PLUS borrower who is also a student) can defer repayment while the borrower is enrolled at least half time, and, for PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, for an additional six months after the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Interest that accrues during these periods will be capitalized if not paid by the borrower.

Parent PLUS loan borrowers whose loans were first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, may choose to have repayment deferred while the student for whom the parent borrowed is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after that student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Interest that accrues during these periods will be capitalized if not paid by the borrower.

Get Your Loan Information

The U.S. Department of Education's National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS^SM) allows you to access information on loan and/or federal grant amounts, your loan status (including outstanding balances), and disbursements made. Go to www.nslds.ed.gov.

Paying Back Your Loan(s)

You have a choice of repayment plans. How much you pay and how long you take to repay your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose. There are several repayment plans available: Standard, Extended, Graduated, Income Based Repayment (IBR), Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) (available to borrowers with Direct Loans.

Go to Repayment Plans and Calculators for more information about the various repayment plans and to calculate your estimated repayment amount under each of the different plans.

The Publication Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid provides additional information on repayment options, with examples of monthly payments for different loan amounts, and covers other topics you need to consider when managing your loans. You can see the entire publication here.

How can I calculate the amount of interest on my own?

To determine the amount of interest you will be required to pay each month, use the following formula called the Simple Daily Interest formula:

Simple Daily Interest Formula
Number of days since last payment
x
Principal Balance Outstanding
x
Interest Rate Factor
=
Interest Amount

Practice Example: Let's say the remaining balance on your loan is $9,500.00. You sent in a payment of $160.00, 32 days after your previous month's payment. Your interest rate is 8.25% (interest rate factor is .00022587).

32 (days) x $9,500.00 (PBO) x .00022587 (interest rate factor)

You would pay $68.66 toward interest and $91.34 toward the principal balance. This would leave you with a loan balance of $9,408.66 after the $160.00 payment was applied.

Interest Rate Factor

The interest rate factor is used to calculate the amount of interest that accrues on your loan. It is determined by dividing your loan's interest rate by 365.25 (the number of days in a year). See the following table to see some examples of interest rate factors.

Why does the amount of interest I pay vary from month to month?

Interest accrues on a daily basis on your loans. Factors such as: the number of days between your last payment, the interest rate, and the amount of your loan balance, determine the amount of interest that accrues each month.

You can calculate how much will accrue on your loan by using the Simple Daily Interest Formula.

Direct Loan Servicing Online

If you have questions about your Direct Loans ^SM, you can go online to find the answers. With your PIN, you can view your detailed account information, complete exit counseling, make an online payment, enroll in any of our electronic services, and much more. For the payment address to send your Direct Loan payments, click here.

Electronic Payment

In some cases, you might be able to reduce your interest rate if you sign up for electronic debiting. Find out more about electronic payment and debiting here. 

Default

If you default, it means you failed to make payments on your student loan according to the terms of your promissory note, the binding legal document you signed at the time you took out your loan. In other words, you failed to make your loan payments as scheduled. Your school, the financial institution that made or owns your loan, your loan guarantor, and the federal government all can take action to recover the money you owe. Here are some consequences of default:

·                  National credit bureaus can be notified of your default, which will harm your credit rating, making it hard to buy a car or a house.

·                  You would be ineligible for additional federal student aid if you decided to return to school.

·                  Loan payments can be deducted from your paycheck.

·                  State and federal income tax refunds can be withheld and applied toward the amount you owe.

·                  You will have to pay late fees and collection costs on top of what you already owe.

·                  You can be sued.

For more information and to learn what actions to take if you default on your loans, see the Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group Web site.

Postponing Repayment

If you have trouble making your education loan payments, contact immediately the organization that services your loan. You might qualify for a deferment, forbearance, or other form of payment relief. It's important to take action before you are charged late fees. For Direct Loans ^SM, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center at www.dl.ed.gov or by calling 1-800-848-0979 or 1-315-738-6634. TTY users should call 1-800-848-0983.

·                     Deferment: You can receive a deferment for certain defined periods. A deferment is a temporary suspension of loan payments for specific situations such as reenrollment in school, unemployment, or economic hardship. For a list of deferments, click here. You don’t have to pay interest on the loan during deferment if you have a subsidized FFEL or Direct Stafford Loan or a Federal Perkins Loan. If you have an unsubsidized FFEL or Direct Stafford Loan, you’re responsible for the interest during deferment. If you don’t pay the interest as it accrues (accumulates), it will be capitalized (added to the loan principal), and the amount you have to pay in the future will be higher. You have to apply for a deferment to your loan servicer (the organization that handles your loan), and you must continue to make payments until you’ve been notified your deferment has been granted. Otherwise, you could become delinquent or go into default.

·                     Military Service Deferment

An active duty military deferment is available to borrowers in the Direct Loan programs who are called to active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency. This deferment is available while the borrower is serving on active duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency or performing qualifying National Guard duty during a war or other military operation or national emergency and, if the borrower was serving on or after Oct. 1, 2007, for an additional 180-day period following the demobilization date for the qualifying service.

·                     Post-Active Duty Student Deferment

A Direct Loan borrower who is a member of the National Guard or other reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces (current or retired) and is called or ordered to active duty while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school, or within six months of having been enrolled at least half-time, is eligible for a deferment during the 13 months following the conclusion of the active duty service, or until the borrower returns to enrolled student status on at least a half-time basis, whichever is earlier.

·                     Economic Hardship Deferment

A  Direct Loan borrower may qualify for an economic hardship deferment for a maximum of three years if the borrower is experiencing economic hardship according to federal regulations. For more information on deferments, contact your lender or the financial aid office at your school.

·                     Forbearance: Forbearance is a temporary postponement or reduction of payments for a period of time because you are experiencing financial difficulty. You can receive forbearance if you’re not eligible for a deferment. Unlike deferment, whether your loans are subsidized or unsubsidized, interest accrues, and you’re responsible for repaying it.

Note to PLUS Loan borrowers: Generally, the same eligibility requirements and procedures for requesting a deferment or forbearance that apply to Stafford Loan borrowers also apply to you. However, since all PLUS Loans are unsubsidized, you'll be charged interest during periods of deferment or forbearance. If you don't pay the interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (added to the principal balance of the loan), thereby increasing the amount you'll have to repay.

·                     Other Forms of Payment Relief

Although you’re asked to choose a repayment plan when you first begin repayment, you might want to switch repayment plans later if a different plan would work better for your current financial situation. Under the Federal Direct Student Loan Program ^SM, you can change plans any time as long as the maximum repayment period under your new plan is longer than the time your Direct Loans have already been in repayment. Go to the Repayment Plans and Calculators section to learn more about options available to you to repay your loans.

Cancellation and Deferment Options for Teachers

If you're a teacher serving in a low-income or subject-matter shortage area, it may be possible for you to cancel or defer your student loans. Let us help you find out if you qualify.

Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees

Under the Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees Program, the borrower must be employed full-time in a public service job during the same period in which the qualifying payments are made and at the time that the cancellation is granted. The amount forgiven is the remaining outstanding balance of principal and accrued interest on an eligible Direct Loan for a borrower who is not in default and who makes 120 monthly payments on the loan after October 1, 2007.

Loan Consolidation

A Consolidation Loan allows you to combine all the federal student loans you received to finance your college education into a single loan. Read this section to help you decide whether consolidation is right for you.

Exit Counseling

You'll receive information about repayment, and your loan provider will notify you of the date loan repayment begins. We can't emphasize enough the importance of making your full loan payment on time either monthly (which is usually when you'll pay) or according to your repayment schedule. If you don't, you could end up in default, which has serious consequences (scroll down to the Default discussion below). Student loans are real loans—just as real as car loans or mortgages. You have to pay back your student loans. Find out about your obligations in this section so you can stay on top of your loans.

The exit counseling must—
          (i) Inform the student as to the average anticipated monthly repayment amount based on the student’s indebtedness or on the average indebtedness of students who have obtained Perkins loans for attendance at the institution or in the borrower’s program           of study;
          (ii) Review for the borrower available repayment options (e.g. loan consolidation and refinancing, including the consequences of consolidating a Federal Perkins Loan);
          (iii) Suggest to the borrower debt management strategies that would facilitate repayment;
          (iv) Emphasize to the borrower the seriousness and importance of the repayment obligation the borrower is assuming;
          (v) Describe the likely consequences of default, including adverse credit reports and litigation;
          (vi) Emphasize that the borrower is obligated to repay the full amount of the loan even if the borrower has not completed the program, is unable to obtain employment upon completion, or is otherwise dissatisfied with or does not receive the educational or           other services that the borrower purchased from the institution;
          (vii) Review for the borrower the conditions under which the borrower may defer repayment or obtain partial cancellation of a loan;
          (viii) Require the borrower to provide current information concerning name, address, social security number, references, and driver’s license number, the borrower’s expected permanent address, the address of the borrower’s next of kin, as well as the           name and address of the borrower’s expected employer;
          (ix) Review for the borrower information on the availability of the Student Loan Ombudsman’s office; and
          (x) Inform the borrower of the availability of title IV loan information in the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS).

If exit counseling is conducted through interactive electronic means, the institution must take reasonable steps to ensure that each student borrower receives the counseling materials, and participates in and completes the exit counseling.

The institution must maintain documentation substantiating the institution’s compliance with this section for each borrower.

Institutional Information

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Tuition Refund Policy: (Recipients of Title IV Funds)

Homestead Schools Refund Policy complies with the amended version of 34 CFR Section 668.22 of the Higher Education Amendment of 1998. 
If the student has received federal student financial aid funds, the student is entitled to a refund of moneys not paid from federal student financial aid program funds.
The student has a right to obtain a refund of charges paid through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later.
Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.
If a recipient of Title IV grant or loan funds withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance earned by the student must be determined. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, he /she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received.
The school’s Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.
Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment term will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the term completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 30% of the term will have "earned" only 30% of any Title IV aid received. The school and/or the student must return the remaining 70%.
Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:
Percentage of payment period or term completed = The number of clock hours the student was scheduled to complete in the period divided by the total number of clock hours in the period.
Up through the 60% point in each payment period or period of enrollment, a prorata schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal. After the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds he or she was scheduled to receive during the period.
For a student who withdraws after the 60% point-in-time, there are no unearned funds.  However, a school must still determine whether the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement.
If a student after enrollment never attended any classes, he/she did not establish eligibility for any funds. All Title IV funds disbursed must be returned.
Refunds are allocated in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans
• Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans (other than PLUS loans)
• Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
• Federal Parent (PLUS) Loans
• Direct PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants 
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Other Title IV Assistance
• Other Federal Sources of Aid
• Other State, Private, and Institutional Aid

When a student withdraws from Homestead Schools, the withdrawal date used to determine the refund is the date the student began the school's withdrawal process, although the school reserves the right to use the last date of attendance at an academically related activity as the withdrawal date.
The withdrawal date is:

• First, the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notifies the school of their intent to withdraw: or
• Second, the last known attendance at a documented academically-related activity (i.e., exam, a tutorial, computer-assisted instruction, academic counseling, academic advisement, turning in a class assignment, or attending a study group that is assigned by the institution); or
• Third, the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution.

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the school would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds.
If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the school would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement. A post-withdrawal disbursement must be made within 180 days of the date the school determines that the student withdrew.
 The following rules apply when completing a return calculation for a student:

• The school will return any unearned Title IV funds within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew, and offer any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds within 30 days of that date.
• The school will disburse any Title IV funds a student is due as part of post-withdrawal disbursement within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew, and disburse any loan funds a student accepts within 180 days of that date.

The student is obligated to return any Title IV overpayment in the same order mentioned above. Students who owe overpayments as a result of withdrawals initially will retain their eligibility for Title IV funds for a maximum of 45 days from the earlier of the date of the school sends the student notice of the overpayment or the date the school was required to notify the student of the overpayment. Failure to return Title IV funds will result in the loss of eligibility for financial aid.
If the student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:
(1) The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan.
(2) The student may not be eligible for any other federal student financial aid at another institution or other government assistance until the loan is repaid.
This agreement is not operative until the student makes an initial visit to the institution and receives a thorough tour, or attends the first class or session of institution.  This requirement is not applicable to correspondence or other distance learning programs.

Course Withdrawal Policy

Students planning withdrawal from a course should contact the Program Director and submit a completed withdrawal form.  Students who do not officially withdraw from a course will automatically receive a grade of “F”.
The withdrawal date used to determine the refund is the date the student began the school's withdrawal process, although the school reserves the right to use the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.
The withdrawal date is:

• First, the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notifies the school of their intent to withdraw: or
• Second, the last known attendance at a documented academically-related activity (i.e. exam, a tutorial, computer-assisted instruction, academic counseling, academic advisement, turning in a class assignment, or attending a study group that is assigned by the institution); or
• Third, the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution.

The student may withdraw from a course after instruction has started and receive a pro rata refund for the unused portion of the tuition and other refundable charges if the student has completed 60% or less of the instruction. 

If the non-recipient of Title IV funds has completed more than 60% of the program, he’ll not receive any refund.       If a Title-IV fund recipient withdraws after 60% (or more) of the program, he/she is considered to have earned all of the federal aid and no refund or R2T4 necessary.

Accreditation

                Institutionally Accredited by Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools      (ABHES) for Vocational Nursing & Medical Assisting Programs

Approvals

Homestead Schools, Inc. has been approved to operate a vocational nursing program by the Bureau for Postsecondary and Vocational Education and the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. The vocational nursing program is an Accredited Institution by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools. To see Homestead Schools accreditation status please click here , insert id No: I-034 then click submit.

Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
7777 Leesburg Pike, Suite 314N
Falls Church, VA 22043
Phone (703) 917-9503
Fax (703) 917-4109
Email: info@abhes.org
  Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education
1625 North Market Boulevard, Suite S-202
Sacramento, CA 95834
(916) 574-7720
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
2535 Capitol Oaks Drive, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95833-2945
(916) 431-6959, (888) 370-7589

Externship/Internship Clinical Training Sites

Homestead Schools demonstrates enough available sites to support the expected enrollment for all programs offered. All externship or clinical sites are carefully selected based on an evaluation of site personnel, facilities, geographic location, availability, and type of learning experience provided.
The school maintains affiliation agreements with a variety of facilities thru the school’s Clinical Site Coordinator. Signed facility contract sites include the number of students allowed at one time per site and dates The Clinical Site Coordinator and the Program Director are tasked to continuously establish more partnership and affiliation with other clinical facilities and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with affiliated clinical training sites.

Whom to contact

Your first step is to contact admission office and the financial aid administrator at Homestead Schools. Call them at (310) 791-9975 and set up an appointment. They will give you a complete rundown on all the programs. They will analyze your personal financial situation and explain to you the various options available. They will determine the amount of financial aid available to you. They will also look at your income to see if you might be eligible for subsidized loans. In other words, they will put an entire package together for you.

Credit Granting Policy

The institution will consider credit from other institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Credit granting for those students who wish to receive credit for previous education is based on the Vocational Nursing Practice Act Rules and Regulations Section 2535 and the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician guidelines for developing a credit granting policy. Transfer credit will be given for related previous education completed within the last five years and includes the following courses:

1. Accredited vocational or practical nursing courses.
2. Accredited registered nursing courses.
3. Armed services nursing courses.

Health Requirements

Students accepted in the nursing program will be admitted to the clinical component of their term after all health requirements have been completed and results have been submitted to the admissions office. These requirements are mandated by the affiliating hospitals in order to protect both the patient and health worker (student nurse). Health requirements are reviewed every term the student is in the program to assure they are current. Not maintaining required health status will result in dismissal from the nursing program.
Pregnant and postpartum students may continue in, or return to the nursing program at the discretion of the faculty and the student’s physician. Periodic statements of physical fitness may be required for any student who has been recently seriously ill or hospitalized.
The Vocational Nursing Program at Homestead Schools will notify the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians in writing of any student requiring special assistance for any verified disability. If any student expects this assistance, please contact the Administrator of the Vocational Nursing Program at Homestead Schools and make needs known in writing four months prior to taking the NCLEX-PN®

DRUG AND ALCHOHOL PREVENTION INFORMATION

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act, Homestead Schools has adopted and implemented a program "to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees" both on the institution's premises and clinical training facilities. For questions, more information, and immediate assistance, please contact Homestead Schools Student Counseling Service (310) 791-9975. Read More

Standard for Student Conduct

(California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Article 2, Section 41301)
Homestead Schools, Inc. is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community must choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Student behavior that is not consistent with the Student Conduct Code is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship and, when necessary, impose appropriate consequences.

Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and to contribute positively to student and school life.

Unacceptable Student Behaviors
The following unacceptable behaviors are subject to disciplinary sanctions:           

1. Dishonesty, including:                                                                                                                  
           a) Cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty that are intended to gain unfair academic advantage
           b) Furnishing false information to a school official, faculty member, or campus office
           c) Forgery, alteration, or misuse of a school document, key, or identification instrument
           d) Misrepresenting one's self to be an authorized agent of the school or one of   its auxiliaries          
2. Unauthorized entry into, presence in, use of, or misuse of school property.
3. Willful, material and substantial disruption or obstruction of a school-related activity, or any on-campus activity.
4. Participating in an activity that substantially and materially disrupts the normal operations of the school, or infringes on the rights of members of the school community.
5. Willful, material and substantial obstruction of the free flow of pedestrian or other traffic, on or leading to campus property or an off-campus school related activity.
6. Disorderly, lewd, indecent, or obscene behavior at a school related activity, or directed toward a member of the school community.
7. Conduct that threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person within or related to the school community, including physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, or sexual misconduct.
8. Hazing, or conspiracy to haze, as defined in Education Code Sections 32050 and 32051: "Hazing" includes any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm, to any student or other person attending any school, community college, college, university or other educational institution in this state; but the term "hazing" does not include customary athletic events or other similar contests or competitions. A group of students acting together may be considered a 'student organization' for purposes of this section whether or not they are officially recognized. Neither the express or implied consent of a victim of hazing, nor the lack of active participation while hazing is going on is a defense. Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing is not a neutral act, and is also a violation of this section.”
9. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of illegal drugs or drug-related paraphernalia, or the misuse of legal pharmaceutical drugs.
10. Use, possession, manufacture, or distribution of alcoholic beverages or public intoxication while on campus or at a school- related activity.
11. Theft of property or services from the school community, or misappropriation of school resources.
12. Unauthorized destruction, or damage to school property or other property in the school community.
13. Possession or misuse of firearms or guns, replicas, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, knives, other weapons, or dangerous chemicals on campus or at a school related activity.
14. Unauthorized recording, dissemination, or publication of academic presentations (including handwritten notes) for a commercial purpose.
15. Misuse of computer facilities or resources, including:
           a) Unauthorized entry into a file for any purpose.
           b) Unauthorized transfer of a file.
           c) Use of another's identification or password.
           d) Use of computing facilities, campus network, or other resources to interfere with the work of another member of the school community
           e) Use of computing facilities and resources to send obscene or intimidating and abusive messages.
           f) Use of computing facilities and resources to interfere with normal school operations
           g) Use of computing facilities and resources in violation of copyright laws.
           h) Violation of a campus computer use policy.
16. Violation of any published school policy, rule, regulation or presidential order.
17. Failure to comply with directions or, or interference with, any school official or any public safety officer while acting in the performance of his/her duties.
18. Any act chargeable as a violation of a federal, state, or local law that poses a substantial threat to the safety or well being of members of the school community, to property within the school community or poses a significant threat of disruption or interference with school operations.
19. Violation of the Student Conduct Procedures, including:
           a) Falsification, distortion, or misrepresentation of information related to a student discipline matter.
           b) Disruption or interference with the orderly progress of a student discipline proceeding.
           c) Initiation of a student discipline proceeding in bad faith.
           d) Attempting to discourage another from participating in the student discipline matter.
           e) Attempting to influence the impartiality of any participant in a student discipline matter.
           f) Verbal or physical harassment or intimidation of any participant in a student discipline matter.
           g) Failure to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under a student discipline proceeding.
20. Encouraging, permitting, or assisting another to do any act that could subject him or her to discipline. Sanctions for the conduct listed above can be imposed on applicants, enrolled students, students between academic terms, graduates awaiting degrees, and students who withdraw from the school while a disciplinary matter is pending.

STUDENT-RIGHT-TO-KNOW-ACT  

Student Right-to-Know disclosures must be made by July 1 of each Year. The Student Right-to­ Know Act requires schools to disclose:

1. Completion or graduation rates and, if applicable, transfer out rates for a specific cohort of  the general       
student body. This cohort is of certificate- or degree-seeking, full-time ,first­ time undergraduate students. Please click HERE.

Reporting completion or graduation and transfer-out rates to the Department:

To calculate completion or graduation and transfer-out rates, a school must identify a group of students each year (a cohort) and review the performance of that cohort over time to determine the percentage of those students who complete their programs or transfer out of the school. The same snapshot approach is used to determine rates for both the general student body cohort and those rates related to students receiving athletically related student aid. Your school must report its completion or graduation rates every spring to the Department through the IPEDS Web site www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds

Disclosing and reporting information on completion or graduation rates for the general student body cohort:

The information on completion, graduation rates and, if  applicable, transfer-out rates must be made available by the July 1 immediately following the 12-month period ending August 31 during which the expiration of 150% of normal time took place for the group of students on which the school bases its completion and transfer-out  rate calculation. Schools must disseminate the information on completion or graduation and, if applicable, transfer-out rates to enrolled and prospective students upon request, through appropriate publications, mailings, or electronic media (for example, school catalogs or admissions literature). Schools are strongly encouraged to provide this information to other interested parties, such as guidance counselors, upon request.

Gainful Employment Program Disclosure

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt students who completed the program, and other important information, please Click Here

For more information about our retention rates, please Click Here

School Performance Fact Sheet

CONSUMER INFORMATION: CLERY ACT (CAMPUS SECURITY) 

Student Records Management & Retention

Homestead Schools is in compliance with provisions granted under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. Under this law, students enrolled in any educational institution are given certain rights concerning school records.
This privacy right is a right vested in the student. Generally:
           1.Institutions must have written permission from the student in order to release any information from a student's educational record.
           2.Institutions may disclose directory information in the student's educational record without the student's consent.
           3.It is good policy for the institution to notify the student about such disclosure and to seek the written permission of the student to allow disclosure of any educational
           records including directory information.
           4.Institutions should give the student ample opportunity to submit a written request that the school refrain from disclosing directory information about them.
           5.Institutions must not disclose non-directory information about students without their written consent except in very limited circumstances.
           6.Institutions should notify students about their rights under FERPA through annual publications the student about the disclosure.
           7.The school should always seek a written consent from the student before disseminating educational records to third parties.

The Admissions and Records Office is responsible for ascertaining that school records maintenance, storage, security and management are in compliance with the Bureau’s record-keeping requirements, accrediting agencies’ and school’s policy, procedures, rules and regulations.

The institution maintains records for each student, whether or not the student completes the educational service, for a period of not less than five years at 23800 Hawthorne Blvd Suite 200 Torrance, CA after the date of the student's graduation, withdrawal, or termination.
The student records shall be retrievable by student name and shall contain all of the following applicable information:
           1. Home/mailing address, e-mail address, and telephone number
           2. Written records and transcripts of any formal education or training relevant to the student's qualifications for admission to the institution
           3. Copies of all documents signed by the student, including contracts, instruments of indebtedness, and documents relating to financial aid
           4. Copies of all tests given the student before admission
           5. Records of the dates of enrollment and, if applicable, withdrawal, leaves of absence, and graduation
           6. A transcript showing all of the classes and courses or other educational services that were completed or were attempted but not completed and grades or evaluations given to the student for each course or subject
           7. Copy of certificate granted and the date on which that certificate was granted
           8. A document showing the total amount of money received from or on behalf of the student and the date or dates on which the money was received
           9.A document specifying the amount of a refund, including the amount refunded for tuition and the amount for equipment, the method of calculating the refund, the date the refund was made, the check number of  the refund, and the name and address of the person or entity to which the refund was sent
           10.Copies of any official advisory notices or warnings regarding the student's progress
           11.Complaints received from the student, including any correspondence, notes, memoranda, or telephone logs relating to a complaint. (All notices and disclosures provided to students and a record of the time period within which each notice and disclosure was provided)
           12.Records of student attendance
           13.Satisfactory academic progress report

Homestead Schools stores student records on computer disks, making records accessible through electronic retrieval. These records are in an electronic format that are readily available and open to inspection by the Bureau upon request.
Printed copies of student records, historical and contemporary, are readily available as well. All hard copy records are maintained in fire-retardant storage cabinets.
The institution also maintains complete and accurate records of all the educational programs offered and the curriculum for each, and information of all previous and current faculty and staff files.
The institution has personnel scheduled to be present at all times during normal business hours who know how to operate the devices and can explain the operation of the devices to any person authorized to inspect and copy records.

The Chief Academic Officer conducts a quarterly checking to ascertain that the records management and retention are being properly handled.

Campus Safety and Crime Prevention

Homestead Schools is concerned about the safety and welfare of its students, faculty and staff, and visitors, and is committed to providing a safe and secure campus. The school  has very little serious crime, but the potential exists. Homestead Schools has implemented policies and procedures designed to protect all persons on the campus.

The school has taken a number of steps to insure that our campus remains safe. Most recently, the school has completed installation of video surveillance cameras in all facilities of the school building.

The school is diligent in maintaining its buildings and grounds, with special concern for safety and security. Repairs of a safety and security nature are made promptly. For example, outdoor lights are checked on a regular basis to insure that burned out or damaged bulbs are replaced quickly.

In addition, each year classroom buildings are inspected by an outside expert to insure that the buildings meet state and federal fire code. Defects are given priority and repaired promptly.

The instructors, staff, and students are given basic training course in CPR and first aid in cases of emergency situations.

Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers have been strategically placed in all  school buildings. Vandalizing the alarm system, covering smoke detectors or illegally discharging fire extinguishers are serious offenses. Every effort will be made to identify persons who compromise public safety through such acts.

In compliance with state regulations, students are given fire safety class as a required before the commencement of the program.In compliance with the Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, The following information pertaining to specific crime categories and geographic areas is reported.

Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (DFSCR)

The Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations (Education Department General Administrative Regulations [EDGAR]), requires that, as a condition of receiving funds or any other form of financial assistance under any federal program, an institution of higher education (IHE) must certify that it has adopted and implemented a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. If audited, failure to comply with the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Regulations may cause an institution to forfeit eligibility for federal funding.

In order to be able to certify its compliance with the regulations, an institution must adopt and implement a drug prevention program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by all students and employees both on school premises and as part of any of its activities. Creating a program that complies with the regulations requires an IHE to do the following:

Annually notify each employee and student, in writing, of standards of conduct; a description of appropriate sanctions for violation of federal, state, and local law and campus policy; a description of health risks associated with AOD use; and a description of available treatment programs.

Develop a sound method for distributing annual notification information to every student and staff member each year.

Conduct a biennial review on the effectiveness of its AOD programs and the consistency of sanction enforcement.

Maintain its biennial review material on file, so that, if requested to do so by the U.S. Department of Education, the campus can submit it.

Homestead Schools DFSCR policy addresses the legal and responsible use of alcohol. It addresses the academic, health, personal and safety risks associated with alcohol and other drug use through education, services and resources that focus on prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse. Through wide dissemination of this policy, the school community will be informed of its contents, as required by the Drug-Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Act.

It is a goal of the school to provide a safe, productive, and healthy environment in which all members of the school community can learn, work, and grow from a wealth of different school experiences. The school is determined to establish and maintain working, living, and learning conditions that are free from the negative effects of alcohol and other drug abuse. The school recognizes that the misuse or abuse of any drug can be detrimental to the health, safety, learning, and well-being of individuals as well as the school community. Therefore, in compliance with the U.S. Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, the school offers substance abuse prevention programs for its students and employees and will identify resources and provide assistance and support for those who have, developed or are in recovery from problems with AODs

The illegal or abusive use of alcohol and/or other drugs by students, faculty or staff adversely affects school’s commitment to provide an environment of excellence in teaching, research and learning. As members of the school community, we all share in the responsibility for creating and maintaining a healthy and productive environment for work and study alike. With this responsibility comes the obligation to be involved in preventing problems caused by the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Homestead Schools comprehensive approach to addressing substance abuse emphasizes:
           Taking effective steps to create and maintain a drug-free workplace and educational environment for students, faculty and staff.
          Providing continual prevention, education and counseling services along with referrals to off-campus treatment facilities as appropriate.
           Encouraging individuals who are experiencing problems associated with alcohol and/or other drugs or chemical dependency to seek assessment, counseling and/or            treatment voluntarily with the understand­ing that this assistance is confidential and will not be used against them.

School's policy on alcohol and other drug use respects all legal requirements including, but not limited to:
           Federal and California controlled substance laws, as well as other administrative regulations concerning alcohol and other drugs.
           The Drug–Free Workplace Act of 1988 sets forth special requirements for employees on federal contracts and grants. It requires the school to provide notice of a            conviction for a violation of any criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace by an employee engaged in the performance of work under federal contract or grant; and to            report to the funding agency within ten calendar days after notice from an employee of a conviction for a violation of any drug statute occurring in the workplace.
           California Drug Free Workplace Law. Employees or contractors of any state agency are prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or            use of a controlled substance as defined in the Controlled Substances Act. The employer or contractor must publish a statement regarding the prohibition and any            sanctions that will be imposed and establish a drug-free awareness program.

Federal and California controlled substance laws, as well as other administrative regulations concerning alcohol and other drugs.

For more information about our customer information, clery act (campus safety) , please Click Here

For more information about our crime statistics , please Click Here

FERPA (FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT)

The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 commonly known as FERPA, is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Students have specific, protected rights regarding the release of such record   and FERPA requires that institutions adhere strictly to these guidelines. Therefore, it is imperative that the faculty and staff have a working knowledge of FERPA guidelines before releasing educational records.

FERPA gives students the following rights regarding   educational records:

•    The right to access educational records kept by the school;
•    The right to demand educational records be disclosed only with student consent;
•    The right to amend educational records;
•    The right to file complaints against the school for  disclosing educational records in violation of FERPA.

Students have a right to know about the purpose, content, and location of information kept as a part of their educational records. They also have                                      right to expect that information in their educational records will be kept confidential unless they give permission to the school to disclose such information. Therefore, it is important to understand how educational records are defined under FERPA. Educational records are defined by FERPA as:
Records that are kept in the sole possession of the [institution] , are used only as a memory aid, and are not accessible or revealed to any other person except a temporary substitute for the maker of the record.

Educational records are directly related to the student and are either maintained by the school or by a party or organization acting on behalf of the school. Such records may include:

•    Written documents; (including student advising folders)
•    Computer media;
•    Microfilm and microfiche;
•    Video or audio tapes or COs;
•     Film;
•     Photographs.

Any record that contains personally identifiable information that is directly related to the student is an educational record under FERPA. This information can also include records kept by the school in the form of student files, student system databases kept in storage devices such as servers, or recordings or broadcasts which may include student projects. The following items are not considered educational records under FERPA:

•    Private notes of individual staff or faculty; (NOT kept in student advising folders)
•    Campus police records;
•    Medical records;
•    Statistical data compilations that contain no mention of personally identifiable information about any specific student.

Faculty notes, data compilation, and administrative records kept exclusively by the maker of the records that are not accessible or revealed to anyone else are not considered educational records and, therefore, fall outside of the FERPA disclosure guidelines. However, these records may be protected under other state or federal laws such
as the doctor/patient privilege.
There are two types of educational records as defined under FERPA. Each type of educational record is afforded different disclosure protections. Therefore, it is important for faculty and staff to know the type of educational record   that is being considered for disclosure.

Some information in a student's educational record is defined as directory information under FERPA. Under a strict reading of FERPA, the school may disclose this type of information without the written consent of the student. However, the student can exercise the option to restrict the release of directory information by submitting a formal request to the school to limit disclosure. Directory information may include:

•      Name;
•      Address;
•      Phone number and email address;
•      Dates of attendance;
•      Degree(s) awarded;
•      Enrollment status;
•      Major field of study.

Though it is not specifically required by FERPA, institutions should always disclose to the student that such information is considered by the school to be directory information and, as such, may be disclosed to a third party upon request.
Non-directory information is any educational record not considered directory information. Non-directory information must not be released to anyone, including parents of the student, without the prior written consent of the student. Further, faculty and staff can access non­ directory information only if they have a legitimate ac8idemic need to do so. Non-directory information may include:

•      Social security numbers;
•      Student identification number;
•      Race, ethnicity, and/or nationality;
•      Gender
•      Transcripts; grade reports

Transcripts are non-directory information and, therefore, are protected educational records under FERPA. Students have a right to privacy regarding transcripts held by the school where third parties seek transcript copies. Institutions should require that students first submit a written request to have transcripts sent to any third party as the privilege of privacy of this information is held by the student under FERPA. Schools should never fax transcripts because this process cannot guarantee a completely secure transmission of the student's grades to third parties.

In general, a student's prior written consent is always required before institutions can legitimately disclose non-directory information. institutions may tailor a consent form to meet their unique academic needs. However, prior written consent must include the following elements:

•    Specify the records to be disclosed;
•    State the purpose of the disclosure;
•    Identify the party or class of parties to whom the disclosure  is to be made;
•    The date;
•    The signature of the student whose record is to be disclosed;
•    The signature of the custodian of the educational record.

Prior written consent is not required when disclosure is made directly to the student or to other school officials within the same institution where there is a legitimate educational.

SAFEGUARDING CUSTOMER INFORMATION

Postsecondary educational institutions participating in the FSA programs are subject to the information security requirements established by the Federal Trade Commission for financial institutions.

All customer information is safeguarded. This requirement applies to all nonpublic personal information the school’s possession (from students, parents, or other individuals with whom the school has a customer relationship). It also pertains to the customers of other financial institutions that have provided such information to the school.

Homestead Schools establishes and maintains a comprehensive information security program. This program must include the administrative, technical, or physical safeguards the school uses to access, collect, distribute, process, protect, store, use, transmit, dispose of, or otherwise handle customer information. The school insures the security and confidentiality of customer information, protects against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information and protects against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer.

The school includes all required elements of an information security program:

Designated Coordinators—student services coordinator. The school designates an employee or employees to coordinate its information security program.  Homestead Schools believes that confidentiality of consumer and/or parent information is of utmost importance.

No financial information or social security numbers with birth dates will be sent by email. Every employee has his/her own user id and password.

Social security numbers will be kept in locked files, in locked offices, as with student records. Wherever possible, personnel will attempt to limit the number of times a student’s SSN is recorded.

When office personnel steps away from their desk, all paperwork with personal information will be stored away and the individual will log off the computer.

Information to be disposed are shredded in pieces to ensure the safety of the person’s important information.
 
In case of suspected attack, intrusion or other system failure of some kind. The school has personnel to address the problem immediately. The technology team regularly updates it firewalls and system checks.

Other than homework or tests and teacher’s gradebooks, student data is not to leave the building on a laptop. Teacher tests or gradebooks should not contain personal identifiable information like a social security number, phone number, address, etc.

The school evaluates these procedures at least once a year or as any breech of security incidents occur. No service providers are used by the school at this time.

Fire Safety Reports and Student Housing

Homestead Schools does not provide on-campus student housing, so there is no information to provide.

MISREPRESENTATION

Nature of Education Program

Medical Assisting Transferrable Credit:  Students should always check with the school regarding transferrable credits for Medical Assistant courses. Homestead Schools will consider transfer of credits from another school with the same Medical Assisting program.  Courses taken in Medical Assisting will not be transferrable to Vocational Nursing.

Program Descriptions

Program descriptions are posted on the school’s website for VN (please Click Here ) for MA (please Click Here ) and courses of study are available for review in the office.

Faculty

All instructors in Homestead Schools are approved by the BVNPT.

Nature of Financial Charges

Please see Gainful Employment Disclosure for more information.

Employability of Graduates 

Please see Gainful Employment Disclosure for more information.

Relationship with ED

The US Dept. of Education has approved our programs to be Title IV eligible. This is not an endorsement of the quality of our educational programs.

LOAN DISCLOSURES

Student Loan Information Published by the U.S. Department of Education:

Eligible students will receive federal student aid loans under Direct Stafford Loan Program. For more information and for any questions regarding the FSA loan program please visit our Financial Aid Office between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm and speak to our Financial Aid Administrator or online by going to the following webpage: please Click Here

Title IV

Homestead Schools Refund Policy complies with the amended version of 34 CFR Section 668.22 of the Higher Education Amendment of 1998. 

Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that the student was originally scheduled to receive.

If a recipient of Title IV grant or loan funds withdraws from a school after beginning attendance, the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance earned by the student must be determined. If the amount disbursed to the student is greater than the amount the student earned, unearned funds must be returned. If the amount disbursed to the student is less than the amount the student earned, and for which the student is otherwise eligible, he /she is eligible to receive a post-withdrawal disbursement of the earned aid that was not received.

The school’s Financial Aid Office is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.
Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment term will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the term completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 30% of the term will have "earned" only 30% of any Title IV aid received. The school and/or the student must return the remaining 70%.
Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:

Up through the 60% point in each payment period a prorate schedule is used to determine the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned at the time of withdrawal. If a student withdraws after 60% (or more) of the term, he/she is considered to have "earned" all of the federal aid for the term. No repayment is necessary.

If a student after enrollment never attended any classes, he/she did not establish eligibility for any funds. All Title IV disbursed must be returned.
Refunds are allocated in the following order:

When a student withdraws from Homestead Schools, the withdrawal date used to determine the refund is the date the student began the school's withdrawal process, although the school reserves the right to use the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.
The withdrawal date is:

• First, the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notifies the school of their intent to withdraw: or
• Second, the last known attendance at a documented academically-related activity (i.e. exam, a tutorial, computer-assisted instruction, academic counseling, academic advisement, turning in a class assignment, or attending a study group that is assigned by the institution); or
• Third, the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution.

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the school would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student would be required to return a portion of the funds.
If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to him/her, the school would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement. A post-withdrawal disbursement must be made within 180 days of the date the school determines that the student withdrew.
 The following rules apply when completing a return calculation for a student:

• The school will return any unearned Title IV funds within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew, and offer any post-withdrawal disbursement of loan funds within 30 days of that date.
• The school will disburse any Title IV funds a student is due as part of post-withdrawal disbursement within 45 days of the date the school determined the student withdrew, and disburse any loan funds a student accepts within 180 days of that date.

The student is obligated to return any Title IV overpayment in the same order mentioned above. Students who owe overpayments as a result of withdrawals initially will retain their eligibility for Title IV funds for a maximum of 45 days from the earlier of the date of the school sends the student notice of the overpayment or the date the school was required to notify the student of the overpayment. Failure to return Title IV funds will result in the loss of eligibility for financial aid.

National Student Loan Data System^SM

The National Student Loan Data System^SM (NSLDS^SM) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan, Pell Grant, and other Department of Education programs. At NSLDS Student Access, aid recipients can view information on their loans and grants. Check out federal student aid by click HERE.

Entrance Counseling

Entrance loan counseling sessions are required before the loan is disbursed. Students may come to the Financial Aid  Office  to get one on one counseling conducted by the Financial Aid Administrator and at the end, each student is required to complete a loan entrance counseling form.

Exit Counseling

Exit loan counseling sessions are required before the borrower is granted clearance for graduation. Students may come to the Financial Aid Office to get one on one counseling and at the end each student is required to complete a loan exit counseling form. Students who withdraw from the school are required to complete loan exit counseling before their withdrawal forms are signed.

The school conducts Entrance Counseling for all student borrowers 30 days prior to the first disbursement of the loan and an Exit Counseling prior to withdrawal from the program or completion.

Stafford Loans (Direct Loans)

The U.S. Department of Education administers the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. The Direct Loan programs consist of what are generally known as Stafford Loans (for students) and PLUS Loans for parents and graduate and professional degree students.

Under a bill signed by President Obama in March 2010, the FFEL program has been discontinued.

How can I get a Direct Loan?

For this type of loan, you must fill out a FAFSA^SM. After your FAFSA is processed, your school will review the results and will inform you about your loan eligibility. You also will have to sign a promissory note, a binding legal document that lists the conditions under which you're borrowing and the terms under which you agree to repay your loan.  

What's the interest rate?

For all unsubsidized Stafford loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8 percent. The interest rate for subsidized Stafford loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2009 is fixed at 5.6 percent. This change from a variable to a fixed interest rate does not affect a borrower's variable interest rate on loans made before July 1, 2006.

Click here for the Direct Loan interest rates as of July 1, 2009.

Interest Rate Reductions

Over a four-year period beginning July 1, 2008, the interest rate on subsidized Stafford Loans made to undergraduate students will be reduced. The applicable interest rates for loans made during this period are as follows:

These changes apply to subsidized Stafford loans first disbursed on or after July 1 of each year through June 30 of the next year. This change does not affect any prior loans made to borrowers; the terms and interest rates of those loans remain the same. These reduced interest rates apply only to subsidized loans; any unsubsidized Stafford Loan for the same undergraduate borrower would continue to be made at the current fixed interest rate of 6.8 percent.

Other than interest, is there a charge for this loan?

For Stafford Loans that are first disbursed between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010, there is a fee of up to 1.5 percent of the loan, deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement. For a Direct Stafford Loan, the entire fee goes to the government to help reduce the cost of the loans. Also, if you don't make your loan payments when scheduled, you may be charged collection costs and late fees.

When do I pay back my Stafford Loans?

After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you will have a six-month "grace period" before you begin repayment. During this period, you'll receive repayment information, and you'll be notified of your first payment due date. You're responsible for beginning repayment on time, even if you don't receive this information. Payments are usually due monthly.

During the grace period on a subsidized loan, you don't have to pay any principal, and you won't be charged interest. During the grace period on an unsubsidized loan, you don't have to pay any principal, but you will be charged interest. You can either pay the interest or it will be capitalized (added to your principal loan balance, thus increasing the amount you'll repay).

How do I pay back my loans?

You'll repay your Direct Loan to the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan Servicing Center. The Direct Loan program offers four repayment plans you can choose from, but the terms differ slightly. You will receive more detailed information on your repayment options during entrance and exit counseling sessions your school will provide. To read more now about repayment plans under both programs, go to the Repayment Information section of this Web site.

What if I have trouble repaying the loan?

Under certain circumstances, you can receive a deferment or forbearance on your loan, as long as it's not in default. During a deferment, no payments are required. You won't be charged interest for a subsidized Direct Stafford loan. If you have an unsubsidized Stafford Loan, you are responsible for the interest during deferment.

Can my Stafford Loan ever be discharged (canceled)?

Yes, but only under a few circumstances. Your loan can't be canceled because you didn't complete the program of study at the school (unless you couldn't complete the program for a valid reason the school closed, for example), or because you didn't like the school or the program of study, or you didn't obtain employment after completing the program of study.

For more information about discharge, go to the Repayment Information section of this Web site.

PLUS Loans (Parent Loans)

Parents can borrow a PLUS Loan to help pay your education expenses if you are a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time in an eligible program at an eligible school. PLUS Loans are available through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program. Your parents must have an acceptable credit history.

How do my parents get a loan?

For a Direct PLUS Loan, your parents must complete a Direct PLUS Loan application and promissory note, contained in a single form that you get from your schools financial aid office.

Also, your parents generally will be required to pass a credit check. If your parents don't pass the credit check, they might still be able to receive a loan if someone, such as a relative or friend who is able to pass the credit check, agrees to endorse the loan. An endorser promises to repay the loan if your parents fail to do so. Your parents might also qualify for a loan without passing the credit check if they can demonstrate that extenuating circumstances exist. You and your parents must also meet other general eligibility requirements for federal student financial aid.

How much can my parents borrow?

The yearly limit on a PLUS Loan is equal to your cost of attendance minus any other financial aid you receive. If your cost of attendance is $6,000, for example, and you receive $4,000 in other financial aid, your parents can borrow up to $2,000.

Who gets my parents' loan money?

The U.S. Department of Education (for a Direct PLUS Loan) will send the loan funds to your school. Your school might require your parents to endorse a disbursement check and send it back to the school. In most cases, the loan will be disbursed in at least two installments, and no installment will be greater than half the loan amount. The funds will first be applied to your tuition, fees, room and board, and other school charges. If any loan funds remain, your parents will receive the amount as a check or in cash, unless they authorize the amount to be released to you or to be put into your school account. Any remaining loan funds must be used for your education expenses.

What's the interest rate?

For PLUS Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 7.90 for Direct PLUS Loans. For 2009-2010, the variable rate for these PLUS Loans is 3.28percent. Interest is charged on a PLUS Loan from the date of the first disbursement until the loan is paid in full.

Other than interest, is there a charge to get a PLUS Loan?

Your parents will pay a fee of up to 4 percent of the loan, deducted proportionately each time a loan disbursement is made. For a Direct PLUS Loan, the entire fee goes to the government to help reduce the cost of the loans. Also, your parents may be charged collection costs and late fees if they don't make their loan payments when scheduled.

When do my parents begin repaying the loan?

For PLUS loans made to parents that are first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, the borrower has the option of beginning repayment on the PLUS loan either 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or wait until six months after the dependent student on whose behalf the parent borrowed ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

How do my parents pay back these loans?

They'll repay their Direct PLUS Loan to the U.S. Department of Education's Direct Loan Servicing Center.

Is it ever possible to postpone repayment of a PLUS Loan?

Yes, under certain circumstances, your parents can receive a deferment on their loans.

If they temporarily cant meet the repayment schedule, they can also receive forbearance on their loan, as long as it isn't in default. During forbearance, their payments are postponed or reduced.

Generally, the conditions for eligibility and procedures for requesting a deferment or forbearance apply to both Stafford Loans and PLUS Loans. However, since all PLUS Loans are unsubsidized, your parents will be charged interest during periods of deferment or forbearance. If they don't pay the interest as it accrues, it will be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of the loan, and additional interest will be based on that higher amount).

Can a PLUS Loan be discharged (canceled)?

Yes, under certain conditions. A discharge (cancellation) releases your parents from all obligation to repay the loan.

Your parents PLUS Loan cant be canceled for these reasons: You didn't complete your program of study at your school (unless you couldn't complete the program for a valid reason because the school closed, for example), you didn't like the school or the program of study, or you didn't obtain employment after completing the program of study.

Loan Discharge (Cancellation)

In certain circumstances, your loan can be discharged/canceled. Read about cancellation provisions here.

Repayment Plans and Calculators

When it comes time to start repaying your student loan(s), you can select a repayment plan that’s right for your financial situation. Generally, you'll have from 10 to 25 years to repay your loan, depending on which repayment plan you choose.

·                                 Standard Repayment

With the standard plan, you'll pay a fixed amount each month until your loans are paid in full. Your monthly payments will be at least $50, and you'll have up to 10 years to repay your loans.

Your monthly payment under the standard plan may be higher than it would be under the other plans because your loans will be repaid in the shortest time. For that reason, having a 10-year limit on repayment, you may pay the least interest.

To calculate your estimated loan payments, go to the Standard Repayment plan calculator.

·                                 Extended Repayment

Under the extended plan, you’ll pay a fixed annual or graduated repayment amount over a period not to exceed 25 years. If you're a Direct Loan borrower, you must have more than $30,000 in outstanding Direct Loans. Your fixed monthly payment is lower than it would be under the Standard Plan, but you'll ultimately pay more for your loan because of the interest that accumulates during the longer repayment period.

This is a good plan if you will need to make smaller monthly payments. Because the repayment period will be 25 years, your monthly payments will be less than with the standard plan. However, you may pay more in interest because you're taking longer to repay the loans. Remember that the longer your loans are in repayment, the more interest you will pay.

To calculate your estimated loan payments, go to the Extended Repayment plan calculator

·                                 Graduated Repayment

With this plan, your payments start out low and increase every two years. The length of your repayment period will be up to ten years. If you expect your income to increase steadily over time, this plan may be right for you. Your monthly payment will never be less than the amount of interest that accrues between payments. Although your monthly payment will gradually increase, no single payment under this plan will be more than three times greater than any other payment.

To calculate your estimated loan payments, go to the Graduated Repayment plan calculator

·                                 Income Based Repayment (IBR) – Effective July 1, 2009

Income Based Repayment is a new repayment plan for the major types of federal loans made to students. Under IBR, the required monthly payment is capped at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on income and family size. You are eligible for IBR if the monthly repayment amount under IBR will be less than the monthly amount calculated under a 10-year standard repayment plan. If you repay under the IBR plan for 25 years and meet other requirements you may have any remaining balance of your loan(s) cancelled. Additionally, if you work in public service and have reduced loan payments through IBR, the remaining balance after ten years in a public service job could be cancelled. For more important information about IBR go to IBR Plan Information. Or, to download an IBR Fact Sheet in PDF format, click here.

·                                 Income Contingent Repayment (ICR) (Direct Loans Only)

This plan gives you the flexibility to meet your Direct Loans ^SM obligations without causing undue financial hardship. Each year, your monthly payments will be calculated on the basis of your adjusted gross income (AGI, plus your spouse's income if you're married), family size, and the total amount of your Direct Loans. Under the ICR plan you will pay each month the lesser of:

1.                                        The amount you would pay if you repaid your loan in 12 years multiplied by an income percentage factor that varies with your annual income, or

2.                                        20 percent of your monthly discretionary income.

If your payments are not large enough to cover the interest that has accumulated on your loans, the unpaid amount will be capitalized once each year. However, capitalization will not exceed 10 percent of the original amount you owed when you entered repayment. Interest will continue to accumulate but will no longer be capitalized (added to the loan principal).

The maximum repayment period is 25 years. If you haven't fully repaid your loans after 25 years (time spent in deferment or forbearance does not count) under this plan, the unpaid portion will be discharged. You may, however, have to pay taxes on the amount that is discharged.

To calculate your estimated loan payments, go to the ICR plan calculator

·                                 Additional Information

The publications Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid and Your Federal Student Loans: Learn the Basics and Manage Your Debt provide additional information on repayment options and cover other topics you need to consider when managing your loans. For additional information on the Income Based Repayment plan, see the IBR Fact Sheet.

FAQ’s

The Current Top Seventeen Most Frequently Asked Questions.

1.  Should I pay for help to fill out my FAFSA^SM?

2.  What is the PIN?

3. Why should I get a PIN?

4.  How will my PIN be sent to me?

5.  I lost my PIN. What should I do?

6.  How can I check the status of my FAFSA^SM application?

7.  What is the Data Release Number (DRN)

8  Can I add a school code to my FAFSA^SM application?

9.  What is the deadline for the FAFSA^SM application?

10. I haven't finished my taxes yet. What should I do?

11. Why do I have to provide my parents' information on the FAFSA^SM?

12. How can I check the status of my student loans?

13. I have questions about my financial aid award. Who should I contact?

14. How can I get in touch with someone who can help me with a financial aid question?

15. Where can I find out more information about Pell Grants?

16. I am an older student. Am I eligible to receive financial assistance?

17. What if I am unable to provide my parents information, their income information and signature, due to special circumstances?

1. Should I pay for help to fill out my FAFSA^SM?

No, you don't need to. If you apply using FAFSA on the Web ^SM at www.FAFSA.ed.gov, you get online instructions for each question, and you can chat live online with a customer service representative. Another source of free help is our online guide, Completing the FAFSA.

Whether you apply online or use the paper FAFSA, you can get free help by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at the telephone number(s) listed below or by contacting the financial aid administrator at your college.

Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC):
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
(TTY 1-800-730-8913)

Various Web sites do offer help filing the FAFSA for a fee. These sites are not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Department of Education. We urge you not to pay these sites for assistance that we provide for free.

2. What is the PIN?

The Personal Identification Number (PIN) serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems. It's like the PIN you get from your bank that permits you to access your account. The PIN also allows you to sign your federal student aid application online and allows you to correct your application data online.

In the interest of keeping your personal information secure, do not share your PIN! You should never give your PIN to anyone. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.

You can apply for a PIN by clicking here.

  3. Why should I get a PIN?

You can use your PIN to access your financial aid data at these U.S. Department of Education Web sites:

§                     FAFSA on the Web^SM Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov: Access and complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can also:

       - submit corrections to your processed FAFSA,

       - use your PIN to electronically sign your submitted FAFSA,

       - obtain a copy of your processed FAFSA information, or

       - add a school code to your FAFSA application.

§                     The National Student Loan Data System^SM Web site at www.nslds.ed.gov: View a history of the federal student financial aid you have received.

§                     The Direct Loan Servicing Center Web site at www.dl.ed.gov: Use your PIN to access your Direct Loan account, if you have this type of loan. Use your PIN to get up-to-date account information, loan balances, and payoff information. Use our online repayment calculator to help you forecast repayment of your loan and contact our customer service staff by e-mail.

§                     The Direct Loan Consolidation Web site at www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov: Your PIN will enable you to track the processing status of your online Consolidation Loan application throughout the entire consolidation process from application receipt to booking with Direct Loan Servicing.

§                     Direct Loan Master Promissory Note Web site at www.StudentLoans.gov: You can electronically sign a master promissory note (MPN) for your Direct Loans^SM.

  4. How will my PIN be sent to me?

It depends. You will select your own delivery method when you submit your request on the PIN site, or while completing a FAFSA on the Web application. Your options include:

§                     Select your own PIN (this option only appears when you apply for a new PIN or request to change your PIN).

§                     Instantly view your PIN online.

§                     Receive an e-mail with the PIN immediately. This e-mail will contain a link to our secure PIN delivery Web site where you will be able to input your personal data and retrieve your PIN online. For security purposes, this link will be available for only 14 calendar days. If you do not retrieve your PIN within 14 days, it will be mailed to you at the address you provided.

§                     Have your PIN sent by postal mail within 7-10 days.

Note: If you don't use the PIN site to apply for your PIN [for example, you apply for a PIN by submitting a FAFSA4caster^SM or a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)] you will automatically receive your PIN electronically if you provide a valid e-mail address. If you do not provide a valid e-mail address, we will send you a PIN through regular postal mail.

5. I lost my PIN. What should I do?

If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you will need to request that it be sent to you again. If you think that someone else may know your PIN, or you believe your PIN may have been compromised when it was lost, we can generate a new PIN for you.

Click here for instructions for replacing a lost PIN or to request a duplicate of your PIN.

  6. How can I check the status of my FAFSA^SM application?

At any point during the processing period, you can use your PIN to check the status of your FAFSA or to check on a correction you made to your FAFSA:

§                     Click on the FAFSA icon located on this site's home page under "Apply for Financial Aid."

§                     Click on the first item in the right-hand column (under FAFSA Follow-up): Check status of a submitted FAFSA or print Signature Page.

§                     Read the Check Status page, click on Next at the bottom of the page, then enter the information required.

Checking the status of your application at any time during the processing period is beneficial, but we recommend you at least check the status at the following times:

§                     3 to 5 days after submission - if you used a PIN to sign your application

§                     2-3 weeks after submission - if you printed, signed, and mailed a signature page.

Helpful Hint: If you printed out the Electronic Filing Instructions when you filed your Web application, write down the dates you checked the status.

If you've already checked the status of your processed application and would like to view your application data, click here. (Note: You must have a U.S. Department of Education PIN.)

  7. What is the Data Release Number (DRN)?

The Data Release Number (DRN) is required to make certain changes associated with the FAFSA you filed. You can make corrections to your mailing address and/or to the schools you listed to receive your FAFSA data. Just call the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid Information Center (1-800-4-FED-AID [1-800-433-3243]). The DRN also allows you to release your FAFSA data to schools you did not list on your original FAFSA. The DRN is printed in the lower left-hand corner of your Student Aid Report (SAR)

  8. Can I add a school code to my FAFSA^SM application?

You may either make the correction online with your PIN number, over the phone (1.800.4-FED-AID) if you have your DRN number (see above), or you can fax the request (1.877.264.9664).

  9. What is the deadline for the FAFSA^SM application?

Submit your application as early as possible, but no earlier than January 1. For the 2009-2010 school year, we must have your application no later than June 30, 2010. Your college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of enrollment in the 2009-2010 school year.

For the 2010-2011 school year, we must have your application no later than June 30, 2011. Your college must have your correct, complete information by your last day of enrollment in the 2010-2011 school year.

  10. I haven't finished my taxes yet. What should I do?

If you are facing a deadline and want to get the application in as soon as possible, you may estimate your tax amounts for now. Once you have completed your tax forms, make the corrections to your file either on the Web or by mailing in your paper SAR.

  11. Why do I have to provide my parents' information on the FAFSA^SM?

When you apply for federal student aid, your answers to the questions in Step 3 of the paper FAFSA or the Dependency Status section of the online FAFSA will determine whether you're considered dependent on your parents or independent. If you're considered dependent, your parents' income and assets as well as your own must be reported on the FAFSA. Students are classified as dependent or independent because federal student aid programs are based on the principle that students (and their parents or spouse, if applicable) are considered the primary source of support for postsecondary education.

  12. How can I check the status of my student loans?

You should contact the holder of your loan. If you don't know who holds your loan, you can use our Web site (www.nslds.ed.gov) to find out about your federal student loans. The site displays information on loan and/or federal grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements.

To use the NSLDS Student Access Web site, you will need to provide your Social Security Number, the first two letters of your last name, your date of birth, and your PIN.

  13. I have questions about my financial aid award. Who should I contact?

Contact the financial aid office at your school. The financial aid administrator at a postsecondary institution combines various forms of aid into a package to help meet a student's need. Using available resources to give each student the best possible package of aid is one of the aid administrator's major responsibilities. Because funds are often limited, a financial aid package might fall short of the amount a student is eligible for. Also, the amount of federal student aid in a financial aid package is affected by other sources of aid received (scholarships, state aid, etc).

  14. How can I get in touch with someone who can help me with a financial aid question?

If you wish to speak with a person regarding a financial aid question, please call one of the telephone numbers provided below:

Telephone: 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
TTY: 1-800-730-8913
Spanish speakers are available (se habla espaol)

If you are unable to dial the toll-free number from your area, an alternate number is 1-319-337-5665.

To find out more about the U.S. Department of Education's (ED) federal student aid programs, click here.

  15. Where can I find out more information about Pell Grants?

Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post- baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant.) Click here to learn more about Pell Grants.

How much can I get?

The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2009-10 award year (July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2010) is $5,350. For the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011), the maximum award is $5,550. The amount you get, however, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. Note: The maximum award amount is given for any Pell Grant eligible student whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept.11, 2001. You must be under 24 years old or enrolled at least part-time in college at the time of your parent's or guardian's death.

If I am eligible, how will I get the Pell Grant Money?

Your school can apply Pell Grant funds to your school costs, pay you directly (usually by check), or combine these methods. The school must tell you in writing how much your award will be and how and when you'll be paid. Schools must disburse funds at least once per term (semester, trimester, or quarter). Schools that do not use semesters, trimesters, or quarters must disburse funds at least twice per academic year.

  16. I am an older student. Am I eligible to receive financial assistance?

Age is not a factor in determining eligibility for the Federal Student Aid programs. Check out federal student aid eligibility criteria by clicking here.

  17. What if I am unable to provide my parents information, their income information and signature, due to special circumstances?

Under Federal law your family is primarily responsible-to the extent they are able-for paying for your college expenses. To determine how much your family can afford to pay towards your college expenses, we must collect your financial information and if you are a dependent student, we must also collect your parents' financial information.

Under very limited circumstances, an otherwise dependent student may be able to submit the FAFSA without parental information due to special circumstances. Before you proceed to skip the parental section of your FAFSA, consider the following:

Examples of special circumstances where you may be able to submit your FAFSA without providing parental information include:

·                       Your parents are incarcerated; or

·                       You have left home due to an abusive family environment; or

·                       You do not know where your parents are and are unable to contact them (and you have not been     adopted).

Not all situations are considered a special circumstance. The following are situations that would not be considered a special circumstance:

·                       Your parents do not want to provide their information on your FAFSA; or

·                       Your parents refuse to contribute to your college expenses; or

·                       Your parents do not claim you as a dependent on their income taxes; or

·                       You do not live with your parents.

If you believe you have a special circumstance and are unable to provide parental information, you should complete information about you and your finances and skip any questions about your parents. You should sign your FAFSA with your PIN and leave your parent's PIN blank. It is important to note:

1.                     We will allow you to submit your FAFSA without parental information, however your FAFSA will not be considered complete.

2.                     Because your FAFSA is not considered complete, we will not calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is the index used by colleges to determine how much student aid you are eligible to receive.

3.                     If you are approaching any deadlines for your state, college, or scholarship aid, you may want to contact your financial aid administrator (FAA) before submitting your FAFSA without parental data.

4.                     Once you submit your FAFSA without parental data, you must follow up with the FAA at the college you plan to attend, in order to complete your FAFSA and receive an EFC. Also note the following:

·             Under Federal law, only your FAA has the authority to decide whether or not you must provide parental information on your FAFSA.

·             You will have to provide documentation to verify your situation. Gather as much written evidence of your situation as you can. Written evidence may include court or law enforcement documents, letters from a clergy member, school counselor or social worker, and/or any other relevant data that explains your special circumstance.

·             After reviewing your circumstances carefully, your FAA will decide if you must provide parental information or if your circumstances allow you to proceed without providing parental data. Your FAAs decision is final and can not be appealed to Federal Student Aid.

Tools & Resources :

Wanting to apply for federal student aid? Looking for scholarships? Trying to decide on a career?

The sites below provide the information you are seeking to assist you in your education beyond high school.

Apply for Federal Student Aid

  You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^SM) to apply for federal student aid and most state and college aid. FAFSA on the Web^SM is the quickest and easiest method of applying.

PDF FAFSA^SM

  You have the option of applying for federal student aid by completing a PDF form of the FAFSA. The PDF FAFSA is available for you to print and fill out manually or is screen-fillable.

Completing the FAFSA^SM

  If you're not sure how to answer a question on the FAFSA form and/or you're wondering, "Why do they ask that?," or saying, "My family situation is different, now what do I do?", Completing the FAFSA explores the purpose of FAFSA questions and discusses how information should be reported in some unusual cases.

Apply for a PIN

  We recommend that students and parents request a personal identification number (PIN) before applying for aid. The PIN can be used to electronically sign your FAFSA application, dramatically decreasing the processing time. You can also use your PIN to make online corrections to your FAFSA, access your Student Aid Report, sign the master promissory note for a federal student loan and access your federal student aid records online including your student loan history information on National Student Loan Data System^SM (NSLDS^SM).

FAFSA4caster^SM

  If you want to begin exploring your financial aid options and get an early start on the financial aid process, FAFSA4caster^SM is for you! By using FAFSA4caster, you and your family will receive an early estimate of eligibility for federal student aid. When youre ready to apply for aid, much of the information that you enter in the FAFSA4caster will populate your FAFSA on the Web application, making the experience of applying for federal student aid a lot easier.

FAFSA on the Web^SM Worksheet

  Over 90% of the FAFSA applications are submitted online. The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet is designed for those who prefer to write down information before applying online. The Worksheet includes a list of documents needed to complete the FAFSA and shows the FAFSA questions in the order as they appear online.

FAFSA^SM Demo Site

This Web site is a demonstration version of the FAFSA on the Web, Corrections on the Web, and Student Access. It offers all the features of the production versions, except that no data is processed. At the site you learn to complete a sample FAFSA, make corrections, check the status of the FAFSA and electronically sign the FAFSA.

StudentLoans.gov

  The U.S. Department of Education’s StudentLoans.gov Web site provides information on managing your student loans, such as, – view your loan documents, sign Master Promissory Note, entrance counseling and complete PLUS request process.

Scholarship Search

  A scholarship is money for college that you will not be expected to repay. Colleges, businesses and other organizations sponsor scholarships. Use this free scholarship search for finding scholarships that you may qualify for.

Career Information

  CareerOneStop Web site (sponsered by the U.S. Department of Labor) features user-friendly occupation and industry information, salary data, career videos, education resources, career exploration assistance, and other resources, such as the new ReEmployment portal, that support talent development in today's fast paced global marketplace.

The Career Voyages Web site is the result of a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to provide information on high growth, in-demand occupations along with the skills and education needed to attain those jobs.

Publications

The Publications section provides access to a wealth of free publications and application tools to assist you as you pursue education beyond high school. You will find guides, brochures and fact sheets such as College Preparation Checklist, Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid, Completing the FAFSA, Federal School Code List, Choosing a Career and Don't Get Scammed on Your Way to College.

Federal Student Aid Forms

The Federal Student Aid Forms section has information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing options, deadlines for applying, a sample paper FAFSA, FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, and student loan deferment and forbearance forms.

National Student Loan Data System^SM

The National Student Loan Data System^SM (NSLDS^SM) is the U.S. Department of Education's central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan, Pell Grant, and other Department of Education programs. At NSLDS Student Access, aid recipients can view information on their loans and grants.

Repayment Plans and Calculators

The Direct Loan Programs provide you with a choice of repayment plans. How much you pay and how long you take to repay your loans will vary depending on the repayment plan you choose. The Repayment Plans and Calculators page provides information on the various repayment plans and calculators for estimating your repayment amount under each plan.

Audio and Video Programs About Federal Student Aid

What types of aid are available? How do you get a PIN? What's the difference between an Academic Competitiveness Grant and a National SMART Grant? Learn more about federal student aid by watching or listening to these informational programs.

The more education you get, the more likely it is you will always have a job. KnowHow2GO provides middle schoolers to adults extensive information on the value of continuing education after high school, how to prepare for college, the myths vs. realities about college and the availability of financial aid for college. In addition, the KnowHow2GO Web site provides resources for information on counseling, academics, and financial aid that is available within your state or territory.

Check out the College Access Web site Going2College.org. This Web site provides all the resources your state has on preparing for college, planning a career, finding and applying to college and what state aid is available to help pay for college.