It is the college’s goal that no student should be restricted from attending this institution because of limited financial resources. To meet this goal the college maintains a program of grants, scholarships, loans and part-time employment for eligible students who are accepted and enrolled in the college as certificate or degree-seeking students in good standing. Students enrolled in programs not leading to a degree or certificate awarded by Howard Community  College are not eligible for financial aid. Howard Community College awards financial aid in a manner that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, disability, color, gender, national origin, age, political opinion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or marital status.

Application Procedures
Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to begin the application procedure. The FAFSA link  is available on the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu. Select Admissions and Enrollment and click on the Pay for College option.
Students seeking any type of financial aid are strongly urged to apply by the March 1 priority filing date. Applications submitted by this date will be given first priority for limited grant funds. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to apply early to ensure the timely receipt of financial aid funds.

Transfer Student Application Procedures
Transfer students interested in receiving financial aid at HCC must:
• List HCC’s federal school code (008175) with the federal processor by going online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or calling 1-800-4fed-aid. You must have a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR) available when calling.
• Cancel any remaining loan disbursements at your previous college (if a loan borrower).
• Complete the HCC loan packet available online at www. howardcc.edu/admissions/pay/finaid/applyforloan.html if you plan to borrow a loan at HCC.
• Contact the Maryland State Scholarship Administration (if applicable) to have your scholarship transferred to HCC. (Please note: This may cause an adjustment to your scholarship amount.)
Eligibility Criteria
You are eligible to apply for financial aid if:
• You are a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• You have a valid Social Security Number.
• You have a high school diploma, or GED. If you are no longer in high school and did not earn a high school diploma or GED, you may still be eligible to receive financial aid by taking the Ability to Benefit Test administered by HCC’s Test Center. Please note: if you are no longer in high school and earned a Certificate of Attendance, you must take the Ability to Benefit Test to be considered for financial aid.
• You are in compliance with Selective Service registration, if male.
• You are enrolled in an eligible certificate or a degree program at HCC.*
• You are making satisfactory progress toward completion of a degree or certificate.
• You are not in default on a Perkins Loan, Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS Loan.
• You do not owe a balance or a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant at any post-secondary institution.
*Students enrolled in programs not leading to a degree or certificate awarded by Howard Community College, such as Surgical Technology and CPA Preparation, are not eligible for financial aid through HCC.

Verification
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) selects certain financial aid applicants for review in a process called verification. HCC also reserves the right to select applicants. Students whose files are selected for verification must submit all required documents in order to complete their files. Financial aid will not be awarded or disbursed until all required documentation has been received and reviewed.
Students should submit documents as soon as possible, but no later than their last date of attendance for that term. If documents are received by Financial Aid Services after a student’s last date of attendance, the documents will not be reviewed and the student will not be entitled to any financial aid for that semester.
As HCC reviews verification documents, corrections may be necessary.  These corrections will be electronically submitted by the college, and the student will be notified of the corrections via the corrected Student Aid Report (SAR) sent from the U.S. Department of Education.
Sometimes students are selected for verification after their awards have been made and funds have been disbursed for the semester.  In such an event, no further financial aid will be awarded or disbursed until verification is complete.  If verification causes a change to the student’s awards for the academic year, he or she may be required to repay aid.  HCC will notify students who owe overpayments of aid. If the funds are not repaid to the college within the timeframe specified in the notice of overpayment, the student’s debt will be referred to the U. S. Department of Education for collection. The student will not be eligible for financial aid at any institution until that debt is repaid in full.

Determination of Need
Need for financial aid is determined by the following calculation:
 Cost of Attendance Budget (COA)
Less Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Equals Financial Aid Eligibility (Need)

To determine the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the calculation formula used is the Federal Needs Analysis mandated by the U.S. Congress. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the student’s family contribution is calculated and reported on the Student Aid Report (SAR) which is emailed or mailed to the student’s home by the federal processor.

Expenses at Howard
Community College
For a Howard County student living at home with parents, the following Cost of Attendance budget represents the estimated student cost for nine months. (Based on 12 credit hours and $114 per credit tuition cost without individual course lab fees).
Tuition and Fees* $3,194
Books and Supplies 1,600
Room and Board 6,464
Personal 1,400
Transportation 1,282
Total Budget $13,940
Budgets for other categories of students may be obtained from Financial Aid Services.

*Tuition figures are based on FY 2009 fee schedule. All tuition and fees are subject to change.

Award Procedures
All financial aid awards are made in accordance with two criteria: demonstrated financial need and the student’s ability to maintain satisfactory academic progress. Completed files are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. A financial aid file is complete only after the following documents or information have been received:
• Completed FAFSA on file with the U.S. Department of Education. The processed FAFSA must be valid and have the Howard Community College school code (008175) listed so that Financial Aid Services can obtain the results electronically.
• Submission of all other information requested by Financial Aid Services (required prior to disbursement of federal aid), including verification documents if necessary.

Once a student’s financial aid file has been reviewed and deemed complete by a financial aid counselor, a financial aid package will be processed and an award notification will be mailed to the student. The initial financial aid package will be based on assumed full-time status for the fall and spring semesters. Awards will be adjusted to actual enrollment prior to disbursement. Financial aid awards can be viewed on HCC Express.

Summer and Winter
Term Awards
Summer and winter classes will be considered as separate sessions when determining financial aid eligibility. Pell is the only fund that will be awarded for the summer and winter terms. Students who wish to be considered for summer or winter financial aid must be registered in order for their eligibility to be determined. Financial Aid Services will automatically review eligibility for students who register prior to the two business day payment period. Students who register during the 2 business day payment period must meet with Financial Aid Services to determine eligibility.

Disbursement Procedures
Students awarded financial aid will have their financial aid applied directly to their tuition bill beginning the fourth week of the fall and spring semester. If the financial aid disbursed (paid) exceeds the tuition bill, the student gives permission for the excess aid to be used for purchasing books and supplies in the HCC bookstore unless a written statement declining to do so is submitted to Financial Aid Services before charging books and supplies. Any financial aid funds, including Federal Stafford Loans, over and above tuition, fees, and bookstore charges are mailed directly to the student by HCC check within 14 days after the credit balance is created each semester. Any Federal PLUS Loan, over and above tuition, fees, and bookstore charges are mailed directly to the parent by HCC check within 14 days after the credit balance is created each semester.
Federal Stafford Loan and Federal PLUS Loan funds are applied directly to the student account. Loan disbursements received by Electronic Fund Transfer do not require additional signature/endorsement. The student/parent will be notified in writing of the receipt of EFT loan funds and may cancel the disbursement in writing within 14 days of receipt. Loan disbursements received by check require the borrower’s endorsement at the Cashier’s Office.
Students participating in the work-study program will receive checks semi-monthly from the Cashier’s Office based on the number of hours worked.

Continued Eligibility for Receipt of Financial Aid
In general, student aid awards are for one academic year. Continuation is dependent upon meeting application priority deadline dates each year, re-establishing financial need, making satisfactory academic progress, and continuing to enroll for at least one (1) credit per semester (six credits for loan applicants).
Financial aid can be used to cover a maximum of 30 attempted credits of developmental education courses. This is in addition to the satisfactory academic progress maximum timeframe based on the student’s program length.

Census Date
Students may receive aid only for classes in which they are registered as of the last date to drop for the regular semester. Students may not receive aid for late start classes such as Office Technology or mini-session classes such as Microsoft, unless they registered for these courses during the official drop period. The Schedule of Classes contains the specific date each term.

Consortium Agreements
Students who wish to have their financial aid processed under a consortium agreement with another institution must notify HCC in advance of the respective term. A written agreement is required between HCC and the other institution. HCC serves as the “host” institution in these situations, meaning that the student must be enrolled in an eligible certificate or degree program at the other college. Financial aid must be processed through that institution. Students who are interested in a consortium arrangement should contact both HCC and the other institution well in advance of the planned semester. HCC will cancel all aid for any students who are found to be receiving financial aid concurrently at HCC and another institution, unless an approved consortium agreement is on file.

Financial Aid Programs
Howard Community College maintains and/or coordinates the following financial aid programs for students. Financial aid awards are normally for one academic year and it is the student’s responsibility to reapply each year.
Counseling services are available in ­Financial Aid Services to assist students with application procedures and to discuss program eligibility.
Grade level progression for student loan eligibility is defined as follows:
1–29 completed credits = Grade 1
30 or more completed credits = Grade 2

For all other financial aid purposes, the HCC academic year is defined as 24 credits.

GRANTS

Federal Pell Grant—Pell Grant is a Title IV program offering need-based grants ranging up to $5,350, dependent upon appropriations by Congress, student eligibility and level of enrollment.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)—FSEOG is a Title IV program offering grant funds for students demonstrating exceptional financial need. Grants can range from $100 to $4,000 per year, based on the student’s need and funds available from the U.S. Department of Education. Typical full-time awards at HCC range from $100 to $1000 per year. Priority for FSEOG is given to those students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) as determined by the FAFSA and those who apply by the college’s priority filing date of March 1.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)–ACG is a Title IV grant program for degree-seeking students in their first and second year of studies.  Students must have completed a “rigorous high school program” and have graduated from high school since January 1, 2005.  In addition, students must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizen, Pell Grant eligible, and attend HCC on a full-time basis to receive the ACG. The first year award is $750 and the second year award is $1300, subject to Congressional appropriations and the national number of recipients. Second year students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above at the beginning of their second academic year to continue eligibility.
Students self-identify their eligibility each year when completing the FAFSA on the Web application. HCC will then verify that the student meets all ACG eligibility criteria each semester, including a review of the student’s high school transcript to verify the completion of a “rigorous” high school program.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Maryland State Scholarship Program—The Maryland State Scholarship Administration offers several need-based scholarships for Maryland residents. The scholarships most frequently awarded to HCC students include, but are not limited to, Educational Assistance Grants, the Guaranteed Access Grants, Senatorial Scholarships, and Delegate Scholarships. In order to be considered for a Maryland State Scholarship, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1. Some state scholarships may have additional application requirements. Some scholarships require full-time (12+ credit hours) enrollment. Please check with the Maryland State Scholarship ­Administration at 800‑974‑1024 or www.mhec.state.md.us for additional information.

HCC Grants/Scholarships—This is a need-based grant/scholarship program funded from Howard Community College’s operating budget. Scholarships are available to new and returning students. Awards range from $100 to $3000, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/scholarship aid. Priority is given to those who apply by the March 1 priority deadline and demonstrate financial need as determined by Financial Aid Services.

HCC Educational Foundation, Inc. Scholarships—The college’s foundation maintains a scholarship program through contributions from private businesses, foundations, civic organizations and individuals. Scholarships are available to new and returning students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership and/or financial need. Scholarship awards can range from $100 to $4000 per year, not to exceed the cost of tuition, fees, and books in combination with other grant/scholarship aid. Award amounts and availability of funds are subject to change. Generally, priority is given to those students who apply by the March 1 ­priority deadline. For more information on specific scholarships available, consult Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu. To make a contribution towards a scholarship for students, contact the HCC Educational Foundation Office at 410‑772-4450.

PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work-Study Program—Federal Work-Study is a Title IV program offering part-time work for HCC students who demonstrate financial need. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the student’s financial need, availability of federal funds and the student’s class schedule. Seven percent of the school’s annual Federal Work-Study allocation will be used to fund community service jobs. For more information, please inquire in Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu.

HCC Student Work-Study Program—HCC Student Work-Study is an institutionally funded part-time work program. Any student who desires part-time employment at the college may apply. Students work up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester, depending upon the availability of the college’s funds, and the student’s class schedule. For more information, please inquire in Financial Aid Services or refer to the HCC webpage at www.howardcc.edu.

LOANS

Federal Stafford Student Loans—Stafford loans are a Title IV financial aid program and federal aid eligibility requirements apply. Loan applicants must be actively enrolled in at least six credits. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Applications are available online at www.howardcc.edu. The Family Federal Educational Loans (FFEL) loan documents must be completed in addition to the FAFSA. A student may borrow a maximum of $3500 for the first year of an academic program. The loan limit for a second year in an associate degree program is $4500. “Dependent” students have additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $2000. “Independent” students have additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan eligibility of $6000. Annual and aggregate limits apply. Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. For more details regarding this program consult “The Student Guide,” a free financial aid brochure available online at www.howardcc.edu. Students enrolled in certain certificate programs may not be eligible for the full loan amount due to the short duration of the program. Please inquire in Financial Aid Services for more information. Students who wish to borrow funds from FFEL loan programs at HCC are required to complete Loan Entrance and Exit counseling each year.

Federal PLUS Loans—Federal PLUS Loans are a Title IV program which enables parents with favorable credit histories to borrow funds to pay the educational expenses of their child if the student is classified as a “dependent” and is enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). The student and the parent must meet the general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress. The parent must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen and may not be in default or owe a refund to any federal student aid program. The PLUS loan is not a need-based loan. A parent is eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance less any other financial aid the student is receiving. Currently, the interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. For more details regarding this program review “The Student Guide,” a free financial aid brochure available at www.howardcc.edu.
The U.S. Department of Education gives institutions the authority to exercise professional judgment in determining students’ eligibility to participate in Title IV funding programs. Financial aid administrators will utilize this discretion accordingly to assess the circumstances of students with unique borrowing history. Additional steps may be required in the application process for a loan as a result.

Satisfactory Academic
Progress Standards
Students who receive financial aid must not only demonstrate financial need, but must also make satisfactory academic progress as determined by Howard Community College in accordance with federal regulations.
Financial aid recipients are required to be in good standing and to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree/certificate requirements for each semester in which they are enrolled. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters. Failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester will result in cancellation of financial aid awards. All students who enroll at HCC will be evaluated for satisfactory academic progress each semester, regardless of aid awarded. Satisfactory academic progress is evaluated based on the student’s cumulative academic record, from the date of entry to the college, regardless of whether or not financial aid was received.

Students must meet the following require-
ments:

Cumulative Completion Rate

  Minimum Required
 Attempted credits  Completion Rate

 0–24    50%
 25–47    57%
 48 and above    67%

For example, a student who has attempted 24 credits must have a cumulative completion rate of at least 50% (credits completed divided by credits attempted). For students enrolled in certificate programs less than two years in length, quantitative progress is defined as a 67% completion rate at all times.

Cumulative GPA

  Minimum Cumulative
 Attempted credits      Required GPA

 0–15    1.00
 16-30    1.50
 30-40    1.75
 41 or higher    2.00

For example, a student who has attempted 16 credits must have a cumulative GPA of 1.50.

Maximum Timeframe
The student must complete his or her educational program within a time frame no longer than 150% of the published length of the educational program (for example, complete his or her program after attempting a maximum of 90 credits for a 60 credit program).

Required developmental courses are calculated into the GPA and are counted as regular course work. Required developmental courses will be added to the program length when determining compliance with the 150% of program length completion requirement.

Transfer Students–Transfer students will be treated as first time students for their first semester. Accepted credits from another institution will be considered as attempted and completed credits in the evaluation of the 150% program completion, cumulative completion rate, and cumulative GPA requirements.

Treatment of W, I, L and N Grades and Repeated Course Work—
1. Course withdrawals (W) after the drop/add period are not included in the GPA calculation, but are considered a non-completion of attempted course work.
2. Incomplete (I) grades are not included in the GPA calculation, but are considered a non-completion of attempted coursework until the incomplete grade is replaced with a permanent grade and academic progress can be re-evaluated. Any student who completes an “I” grade contract(s) with a “C” or better should contact Financial Aid Services to have their Satisfactory Academic Progress status recalculated.
3. The “L” grade is an incomplete achievement of course objectives. The “L” grade is treated as a non-completion of attempted coursework.
4. An audit (N) grade is not considered attempted course work. It is not included in the GPA calculation or completion rate determinations.
5. The highest grade earned in a course that is repeated will count in the GPA computation, but every repeated attempt will be included in the completion rate determinations. Please note: Financial aid cannot be disbursed for a repeated attempt if the student already has achieved a passing grade for that course.

Evaluation of Satisfactory
Academic Progress Standards

Financial Aid Warning—A student who falls below the prescribed minimum cumulative requirements for satisfactory academic progress will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the subsequent Fall or Spring semester attended.  During the semester the student is on warning, financial aid can be received.  At the end of the next semester, the student must meet the prescribed minimum cumulative standards or the student will be placed on Financial Aid Restriction. 

Financial Aid Restriction–A student who fails to meet the minimum cumulative requirements after being on financial aid warning will be placed on Financial Aid Restriction and is not eligible to receive financial aid. The student may appeal the restriction status based on mitigating circumstances.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid–Reinstatement of financial aid after a student has been placed on Restriction can be achieved in two methods:
1. The student attends HCC during the restriction period, pays for tuition and fees without financial aid and subsequently meets the required satisfactory academic progress standards.
2. The student submits a Financial Aid Restriction Appeal form and the Financial Aid Appeals Committee approves the appeal.  The student is placed on Financial Aid Probation for the semester. 

Financial Aid Probation–If a student’s appeal is approved, the student may continue to receive aid on a Financial Aid Probation status. Students on probation will have their academic progress reviewed every semester, and must continually meet the terms of probation as outlined in the probationary letter.  A student will be removed from probation status once the student regains the required minimum semester and/or cumulative standards.  If a student does not meet the probation requirements as outlined, the student will be returned to the status of Financial Aid Restriction. A student who is placed on Financial Aid Restriction for a second time must successfully complete at least six credits in one semester before a second appeal can be submitted.
Students who have exceeded 150% of their program length can only regain financial aid eligibility on a semester-by-semester basis through the appeal process.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Ap­peal Process–Financial Aid Restriction Appeals must be made by submitting the Financial Aid Restriction Appeal Form to Financial Aid Services by the date specified in the Financial Aid Restriction Notification letter.  All appeals received will be reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeal Committee. Late appeals will not be considered.
When an appeal letter is received, any aid which had been cancelled due to restriction status will be placed in a pending status with the exception of scholarship funds for which the student has lost eligibility. Students with pending aid may also register for classes and their registration will be held until the decision concerning their appeal is finalized. Students who submit an appeal will have their aid restored for the term or session for which their appeal was approved. The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review the appeal and notify the student in writing of its decision within fifteen (15) working days from the committee’s final meeting date. All decisions made by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are final.
If the appeal is denied all financial aid will be cancelled and the student is responsible for either officially dropping the classes or paying for the classes. Any student whose appeal is denied and who fails to officially drop the classes before the 100% refund period is over is still responsible for the cost incurred.
Support Services
Counseling services and academic support (tutoring) are available for HCC students who are disabled, first generation college students or students from low income families. Academic support services and other services that contribute to student success are available to all students through the Admissions and Advising, Counseling and Career Services, Financial Aid Services, and Learning Assistance Center. Further information regarding these services is available on pages 43-44 and on the college’s website.

Student Consumer Rights
and Responsibilities
Section 493.A of the Higher Education Act  requires post-secondary educational institutions to disseminate relevant, candid information on student financial aid programs available at the college. These rights and responsibilities may be found in the the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) publication entitled The Student Guide. This guide is available online at http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_ guide/index.html.
Any change in a student’s financial situation, address, or school enrollment must be reported to Financial Aid Services. Students have the right to request a review of their financial aid package when a change in family or personal circumstances occurs. Students also have a right to review their financial aid records and may do so during our walk-in counseling hours.

Information Dissemination and Report Disclosure
The U.S. Department of Education requires HCC to disseminate information and disclose certain information to students. This information includes, but is not limited to: Voter Registration, Equity in Athletics, Campus Crime and Security, Completion and Transfer Out Rates, and Drug and Alcohol-Free Campus policies. For further information on the listed topics, please refer to the HCC website at www.howardcc.edu.

Federal Return of Title IV
Funds Policy
Students receiving financial aid have the responsibility to follow the college’s withdrawal procedures as outlined in the Howard Community College catalogue (page 37).  
The Higher Education Act requires the college to calculate a Return of Title IV Funds on all federal financial aid students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from all classes on or before the 60% attendance point in the semester. A schedule is used to determine the percentage of the semester the student attended based on the withdrawal date/last date of attendance. 
The percentage of the semester the student attended is calculated as follows:

Number of days in attendance
Number of days in semester
 
The number of days counted includes all calendar days in the semester including weekends and holidays, but excludes college breaks of five or more days.
The percentage of the semester the student attended is used to calculate the amount of the student’s earned versus unearned federal aid funds. The unearned portion of federal aid funds received must be returned to the appropriate aid program in accordance with the order of return as mandated by law. The order of return is: Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Student Loan, Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal ACG Grant, Federal SEOG Grant, Other Title IV Aid.
The college is responsible for returning the lesser of unearned Title IV Aid or unearned institutional charges. Unearned institutional charges are based on the percentage of the semester the student did not attend. The college is responsible for its return of funds first, followed by the student’s return of funds.
The student is responsible for returning:

      - Amount of unearned Title IV Aid
      - Amount of aid school returns 
      - Amount Student Returns

The college must return its portion of unearned Title IV aid (loan and grant) to the appropriate federal program within 45 days from the student’s withdrawal date as determined by Financial Aid Services. If the amount the student returns includes a federal loan program, the student is responsible for repayment of the loan in accordance with the terms of the loan program.  If the amount the student returns includes grant aid, the student must repay 50% of the grant money received, rather than 100%.
The student must return unearned grant aid to the college within 45 days from date of notification. Failure by the student to return or make arrangements to return unearned grant aid to the College within 45 days will result in the student being reported to the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The student will be considered in an Overpayment Status, and will not be eligible for additional aid at any post-secondary institution participating in Title IV Aid programs. Students who are reported to USDOE in an Overpayment Status should contact the USDOE to make payment arrangements to repay the necessary grant funds.
Students who stop attending Howard Community College may not receive further financial aid disbursements, may lose some or all of the aid that has already been disbursed to their account, may be responsible for repayment of unpaid charges, and may be considered in overpayment status with USDOE.
Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing from the college will be subject to a Return of Title IV Funds calculation at the end of the semester, based on their last date of attendance as determined by Financial Aid Services.

Financial Aid Reminders
• A student must apply by the March 1 priority filing date to be considered for limited grant funds.
• It takes six to eight weeks to process an application for any type of financial aid. Plan ahead!
• Applicants should use completed Federal tax returns to complete the FAFSA. This will ensure accuracy and simplify the process. Applicants who have not completed their tax returns can estimate based on prior year tax returns to meet the priority filing date. If income has changed significantly from the previous year, speak with a financial aid counselor to determine how to proceed.
• Students must re-apply each academic year.
• For all the options to assist with paying for college, please go to www.howardcc.edu; click Admissions and  Enrollment and select Pay for College.
• Financial Aid Services also provides workshops during the year, both on campus and in the community. The office’s Financial Aid Event of the Year, conducted early in the Spring term, is designed to help current and prospective students complete the financial aid application process.