FINANCIAL AID

Student Financial Aid

Okaloosa-Walton Community College's mission is to serve everyone who can benefit from a college education. No one thinking of college should hesitate about applying for admission because of financial need. OWCC has a variety of financial assistance for students. The chart within this section gives a brief description of all of the programs that are available for students at OWCC and the Financial Aid Office has hand-outs available that offer more detail on the three basic types of financial aid - Grants, Loans and Work Programs. These handouts, along with the Application for State and Federal Financial Aid, are available either by mail, at the guidance office of any Okaloosa or Walton high school, or at any of the OWCC locations throughout the two-county area.

Purpose of OWCC's Financial Aid Program

The purpose of financial aid is to make up the difference between what you can afford to pay and the actual cost of your education. This difference is what we call a student's financial need. The amount of financial assistance a student receives is generally determined by the results of the application process and the availability of funds from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The final decision as to the types of aid received rests with the Director of Financial Aid.

Financial assistance administered by OWCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, national origin, religion, marital status or handicap. Specific additional non-discriminatory criteria and academic standing status may be required for particular assistance or scholarships.

College Costs

Okaloosa-Walton Community College's fees are designed to make college affordable for most students. Allowance should be added to these figures for room and board, personal expenses, medical insurance, transportation and supplies. Dependent students (living at home) usually have parental support, reducing direct education costs. Students should refer to the college schedule of classes each semester for offerings which involve special fees.

Procedures for Applying for Financial Aid

Entering students seeking financial assistance should contact the Student Financial Aid Office which is located in the Student Services Center on the Niceville campus. The following procedures need to be followed when applying for financial aid at OWCC:

1. Complete the OWCC Application for Admission and return it to the Office of Admissions.
2. Request appropriate supporting documents for Admission (i.e. high school transcript, GED, college transcripts) as specified by the Admissions Office personnel. If you have previously attended any other postsecondary institutions during the 1997/98 school year, a Financial Aid Transcript must be requested and received by OWCC before the college can determine your eligibility for aid.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) packet. Packets are available in area high schools or at any OWCC location.
4. Complete the OWCC application for financial aid form.
5. After mailing the FASFA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) in approximately four weeks. The SAR must be reviewed by the student for accuracy, signed by the appropriate individuals, and submitted to OWCC's Financial Aid Office.
6. Additional information/forms might be requested by the Financial Aid Office (i.e. Income Tax forms) if the student is selected for a process called Verification.
7. If a student's financial aid file has been considered to be ¨complete¨ then an award letter will be mailed to the student by OWCC's Financial Aid Office. Awards listed on a student's Award Letter are tentative and are not final. Awards can be either adjusted or cancelled at any time due to enrollment, academic standing or availability of funds.

Students needing assistance in completing application forms should contact the Financial Aid Office. Students have a right to understand how their financial aid award is determined. OWCC's Financial Aid Office is always willing to discuss financial aid decisions with students and parents to promote a better understanding of financial aid opportunities.