Applying for Financial Aid – Fort Peck Community College

Applying for Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office administers federal and state aid, as well as scholarships, waivers, stipends and internships.

The purpose of all FPCC financial aid programs is to provide financial assistance to eligible students who, without such aid, would find it difficult to start and attend school. Although families and students are expected to make a maximum effort to meet the costs of education, financial aid is available to help fill the gap between family resources and yearly academic expenses.


How to Apply

Students must apply for all forms of federal, state, and institutional aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to fill out the application via the web at http://www.fafsa.edu.gov. A paper FAFSA, which can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or from most high schools, can also be submitted. The FAFSA serves as the universal application in initiating all financial aid at FPCC. For assistance in completing the FAFSA please contact the FPCC Financial Aid Office at (406) 768-6327. Fort Peck Community College’s school code is: 016616.


When to Apply

The FAFSA or Renewal Application must be completed every year. March 1 is the Montana priority date for submitting the FAFSA to the Department of Education. Early application is encouraged to ensure that students have full access to all available financial aid programs. Some of the financial aid programs are limited and will be awarded to students who submit their FAFSA early. It is recommended that families complete their taxes as soon as possible after the first of the year in order to complete the FAFSA process.


How Financial Aid is Calculated

When a completed FAFSA is received by the United States Department of Education, a formula mandated by Congress called Federal Methodology is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), and the school whose code is listed on the FAFSA will receive an Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR). The SAR/ISIR will contain the EFC, which is used to determine eligibility for financial aid. The Financial Aid Office uses the estimated Cost of Attendance (COA) (tuition, fees, books, room, board, and other related expenses) less the EFC to determine students’ financial need.

Contingent upon the availability of funds, students applying for financial aid are considered for all programs for which they request aid and are eligible. The amount of financial aid awarded is generally a combination of grants, work-study and other available aid and is based on the remaining need of the student (COA – EFC = Need).


Financial Aid Process

This is the process that students must follow in order to receive financial aid. It is very important that students provide accurate and complete financial information to the Financial Aid Office in a prompt manner to prevent delays in receiving financial aid.

  1. Student fills out and submits the FAFSA with FPCC’s school code listed (016616).
  2. Department of Education processes and calculates students EFC.
  3. Student receives SA; FPCC receives the ISIR.
  4. If the student application is chosen for verification, FPCC sends a letter to the student requesting additional information, which may include copies of tax forms, W2’s, etc.
  5. Student supplies requested information to the Financial Aid Office.
  6. The Financial Aid Director determines the student’s financial need and creates a financial aid award package.
  7. The Financial Aid Office sends students an award letter, SAP Policy flyer and other forms required for file completion (or completes with the student onsite).
  8. Student returns the signed award letter and forms to the Financial Aid Office.
  9. Students who have been awarded and accepted work-study must complete employment forms.
  10. Funding is disbursed to the student on the first Friday of each month. Most financial aid is disbursed by crediting the student’s account at FPCC.
  11. If the amount of grants exceeds the amount due to the College, a check will be issued to the student for the difference.