Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal financial aid program available to eligible U.S. Citizens or permanent residents enrolled in eligible curriculum programs.

Geographic Scope: United States (federal program)

Eligibility:

• U.S. Citizens or permanent residents
• Enrolled in eligible curriculum at Sampson Community College
• Complete the FAFSA
• Full-time enrollment (12+ credit hours) for maximum award
• Awards are prorated for part-time enrollment (6-11 credits)
• Must maintain satisfactory academic progress

Award Features:

• Year-Round Pell: Students can receive 150% of scheduled award for award year (effective 2017-2018)
• Trailer program structure: Awards disbursed in order of fall, spring, then summer semester
• Students must be enrolled full-time in both fall and spring to qualify for year-round additional funds
• Must be enrolled at least half-time (6+ credits) in summer to receive additional funds

Proration Schedule (for enrollment less than 12 credits):

• 12 credits: 100%
• 11 credits: 92%
• 10 credits: 83%
• 9 credits: 75%
• 8 credits: 67%
• 7 credits: 58%
• 6 credits: 50%
• 5 credits: 42%
• 4 credits: 33%
• 3 credits: 25%
• 2 credits: 17%
• 1 credit: 8%

Disbursement: After 30% of semester, Financial Aid Office verifies attendance and authorizes excess check for remaining unused funds. Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are deducted from award each semester.

Repayment Policy: Students may be required to repay a percentage of funds if they withdraw, drop out, or are dismissed from all classes prior to completing 60% of the semester.

What They Don't Fund:

• Students who audit or never attend classes are not eligible
• Only one institution can disburse aid per semester (home vs. host institution rules apply)

Contact Information:

• Financial Aid Office
• Sampson Community College
• PO Box 318
• Clinton, NC 28329
• Phone: (910) 592-8081
• Email: finaid@sampsoncc.edu
• Website: StudentAid.gov

Application Process

1. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
   • Available at StudentAid.gov
   • This is the only application required for Federal Pell Grant
2. Maintain Eligibility
   • Enroll in eligible curriculum program at Sampson Community College
   • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
   • Register for classes
3. Receive Award Notification
   • Award amount will be provided on financial aid award letter
   • Based on FAFSA results and enrollment level
4. Financial Aid Verification
   • After 30% of semester, Financial Aid Office verifies attendance
   • Excess checks issued for remaining balance of unused funds
5. Important Notes
   • Students cannot receive aid from multiple institutions in same semester
   • Must be "home" institution (where degree completion is planned)
   • Withdrawal may affect future financial aid eligibility

Refund Check Disbursement:

• Issued by Finance Office (North Building)
• Visit Refund Checks page for specific disbursement dates
• Availability may be affected by weather closures