Financial Aid

Financial Aid Overview

Tillamook Bay Community College encourages all students to apply for federal and state financial aid. TBCC’s Financial Aid Office administers federal Title IV and state financial aid programs to students who qualify for assistance while attending college.

Get Started with Financial Aid

Eligibility for financial aid is determined by students (and parents when applicable) completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  https://studentaid.gov/  or ORSAA www.oregonstudentaid.gov/ annually. The FAFSA/ORSAA must be completed each year the student wishes to be considered for federal/state financial aid. Example: Students wanting to attend college at any point during the 2022-2023 academic year, may submit their FAFSA/ORSAA any time on or after October 1, 2021. TBCC’s academic year begins with summer term and concludes at the end of spring term. Assistance completing the FAFSA /ORSAA is available from the TBCC Financial Aid Office, located in Student Services. Financial aid advisors can be reached by phone at (503) 842-8222 ext. 1130 or 1135 or by e-mail at tbccfinancialaid@tillamookbaycc.edu.

Financial aid is awarded based on the formula: COA (cost of attendance) - EFC (expected family contribution) = Need.

Tips for Completing the FAFSA/ORSAA

• Apply as early as possible on or after October 1st each year for the following academic year.
• Some applicants find it helpful to fill out the Pre-Application Worksheet before going to the online FAFSA.
• Make sure your name appears the same as it does on your Social Security Card.
• Some applicants find it helpful to have their income and asset information, i.e. tax return(s) for the applicable year, (2 years prior) available while completing the online FAFSA. If you are unmarried, under the age of 24, or do not have children parent income and asset information is required.
• TBCC’s school code for financial aid purposes is 041949.
• Remember to click “Submit My FAFSA Now” when the FAFSA On The Web is complete.
• Print a copy of the confirmation page for your records after you have submitted your FAFSA.
• A person must be a registered college student with TBCC in order to qualify for any federal financial aid funds.

What Happens After You Apply?

You will receive acknowledgement from FAFSA/ORSAA after applying. You may then go to the FAFSA website and review all your answers to see if they are correct. You may also make corrections if necessary.

TBCC Financial Aid Office will contact you upon receipt of your FAFSA/ORSAA. At that time you may be requested to provide additional information or documentation. Prompt response to any requests from TBCC’s Financial Aid Office will ensure efficient processing of your aid. Requests will be sent to your TBCC student email account which can be accessed at tillamookbaycc.edu.

Manage Your Award

Once eligibility is determined for Summer 2021 – Spring 2023, award notifications are e-mailed to students directing them through their next steps. The award letter will list aid for which the individual student is eligible. As students review the awards offered, they have the opportunity to accept, decline, and/or adjust each funding type as appropriate for their situation. The Terms and Conditions disclaimer must be read and accepted prior to acceptance of any financial aid award. Students must submit their accepted award notification online to activate their aid for the academic year. Each student’s financial aid funding will be released to TBCC’s Business Office and posted to their respective student accounts term by term. The aid is then available for the student to use for educational expenses, i.e. tuition, fees and textbook charges. If a student is eligible for a refund of any unused aid, the Business Office releases those funds to the student by the end of the second week of classes.

Financial Aid Recipient’s Responsibilities

Accepting financial aid to attend TBCC means the following responsibilities:

• Completing all forms accurately and as early in the year as possible.
• Submitting information requested by the Financial Aid Office (FAO) in a timely manner.
• Keeping the FAO informed of any changes in address, name, marital status, financial situation, or any change in student status.
• Reporting to the FAO any additional assistance from non-college sources such as scholarships, loans, fellowships, and educational benefits.
• Notifying the FAO of any change in enrollment status.
• Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Re-applying for aid each year.
• Enrolling in, attending, and passing all your classes.
• Notifying the FAO when transferring to another school.

Financial Aid Programs Available to Students

Grants:

1. Federal Pell Grant
   Federal Pell Grants provide funding to students who meet certain eligibility criteria, according to federal guidelines. The amount awarded to students is determined by their Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and enrollment. Pell Grants are prorated based on a student’s enrollment.
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
   SEOG is awarded to Pell-eligible students with exceptional need, according to federal and institutional guidelines. Funding is limited to eligible students enrolled at least half-time who meet TBCC priority timelines.
3. Oregon Opportunity Grant
   The Oregon Opportunity Grant is awarded to eligible Oregon residents enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). Grants are adjusted with level of enrollment.
4. Oregon Promise
   The Oregon promise tuition grant is awarded to eligible Oregon residents enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more). Grants are adjusted with level of enrollment.

Loans

Students not eligible for grants or scholarships, and requiring additional funds to meet educational expenses, may request a direct student loan. Student loans are available to students and families to borrow money for assistance with funding educational needs.

• William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford Loan
  • The most utilized loan program is the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan. Under this program, monies are borrowed by the student to pay for their educational expenses.
• What is a Federal Direct Stafford Loan?
  • The Federal William D. Ford Direct Student Loan is a funding source for students enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) and is made available through the U.S. Department of Education. Direct loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. If students qualify for a subsidized loan, the federal government pays interest on the loan while the student continues to be enrolled in any accredited degree program at least half-time. An unsubsidized loan is an additional resource, not awarded on the basis of need. Once disbursed, students receiving an unsubsidized loan are responsible for the accruing interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Borrowers may choose to pay the interest or allow it to accumulate. If allowed it to accrue, the interest will be capitalized--that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the unsubsidized loan and will increase the amount to be repaid. TBCC encourages students to pay the interest as it accumulates, thus reducing the student’s long term debt.
• How Much Can I Borrow?
  • Dependent undergraduate students enrolled at least a half-time may borrow up to: $5,500 if you are a first-year student (0 - 45 credits earned) or $6,500 for second-year students (46+ credits earned).
  • Independent Undergraduate Students enrolled at least a half-time may borrow up to: $9,500 for first-year (0 - 45 credits earned) or $10,500 second-year (46+ credits earned)

Note: Amounts noted above are maximum annual amounts available. Federal regulations prohibit students from borrowing more than the published cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. Thus, students may receive less than the annual maximum amounts.

Apply for Financial Aid

To be sure you are taking advantage of all opportunities to finance your education, we encourage you to apply for financial aid. The TBCC Financial Aid Office administers a variety of financial aid programs, grants, loans, and part-time employment to eligible degree-seeking students who need assistance to attend college.

The TBCC Financial Aid Office is located in Student Services, at our main campus. You can also contact them by phone at (503) 842-8222 ext. 1130, 1135 or tbccfinancialaid@tillamookbaycc.edu.

Complete instructions for how to apply and maintain your financial aid award and make payments to your account are located in the student processes and resource section.

Additional Financial Aid Information

Repeated Courses

A student may receive financial aid for a repeated course under these conditions:

• Once for a previously passed class (A, B, C, D or P)
• Until student receives a passing grade for a non-completed or non-passed class (F, NP)
• If allowed by the college as published in the current course catalog

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits and non-traditional credits (including AP, CLEP, IB and Military) taken at an accredited institution that are officially accepted towards a student’s degree or certificate will not be used in calculating financial aid SAP, but will count towards the 150% timeframe credit limit.

Consortium Agreements

Students enrolled in more than one institution under consortium agreements are subject to the home institution’s SAP policy. When TBCC is the home institution, credits earned at the host institution will be included in calculation of financial aid SAP and the 150% maximum time frame credit limit.

Maximum Time Frame Eligibility

Federal regulations require students to complete their degree or certificate within 150% of the credits required for their program of study. For example, if an associate degree requires 90 credits, a student must complete the degree within 135 attempted credits. All attempted credits are counted in the maximum timeframe calculation (including unearned, repeated, and transfer credits) even if financial aid is not received or there are extenuating circumstances for not completing those credits. Up to 24 credits of pre-collegiate education (less than 100 level) will be excluded when calculating maximum time frame eligibility. Student records will be evaluated to determine if the student is able to complete their degree or certificate within the maximum time frame allowed. When it is determined a student will not complete their program within the 150% credit limit, the student will be suspended from receiving financial aid. The 150% maximum credit rule is applicable to students who change their major or pursue double majors and second degrees.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To continue receiving financial aid you need to maintain SAP, which includes:

• Maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
• Successful completion of two-thirds of attempted credits each term.
• Ability to complete declared degree or certificate within 150% maximum time frame limit.

Two-Thirds Completion Chart

Passing grades include: A, B, C, D and P (pass). The following grades are considered attempted but not completed or passing credits: F, NP (no pass), W (withdraw), and I (incomplete).

Withdrawal, lack of attendance in classes, and other non-completion of classes may require a student to repay financial aid received from Title IV programs.

The Financial Aid Office reviews academic performance each term, and if a student fails to maintain any of the requirements listed above, the student will be placed on SAP Warning and, in some cases, suspension.

Warning

Status given if a student’s cumulative GPA dropped below a 2.0, and/or the student did not complete two-thirds (66.67%) of all attempted credits in a term, and the student is able to graduate within 150% maximum time frame limit. A student is able to receive financial aid while on financial aid warning status, but must meet SAP standards during that term of enrollment to remain eligible for subsequent financial aid.

Suspension

Status given if a student did not meet SAP standards while in Warning or Probation status, or it is determined that the student will not be able to graduate within 150% maximum time frame limit, or a student in Financial Aid Academic Plan status fails to follow the plan. The student is not eligible to receive financial aid while on Financial Aid Suspension.

Probation

Status only granted upon the approval of a Financial Aid SAP Appeal, probation status allows a student to receive financial aid for one term. The student must meet SAP standards by the end of that term to remain eligible for subsequent financial aid.

Probation with Academic Plan

Status only granted upon the approval of a SAP Appeal with the condition the student follows a learning contract. The student is eligible to receive financial aid as long as the student continues to follow the academic plan and maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Policy on Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Refunds

Federal regulations require TBCC to have a fair and equitable R2T4 policy for students receiving financial aid who officially or unofficially withdraw from all classes. Withdrawing (or non-attendance) may result in a financial debt for the student and may also make the student ineligible for future financial aid (including work study and loans). We strongly urge students to consult with their career Education Advisor and Financial Aid Advisor to assist with decisions about withdrawing. TBCC’s R2T4 policy is included in the Schedule of Classes in the “Payment” section. The Schedule of Courses can be found at tillamookbaycc.edu. Hard copies are available at the Student Services Office and a copy is mailed to each residential listing in Tillamook, County.

Financial Consequences of Withdrawal or Not Passing Any Classes

Federal regulations assume that students earn financial aid over the course of a term by attending and participating in classes. Students cannot earn all their funds unless they maintain attendance and class participation for more than 60 percent of the term. This calculation counts all calendar days including the first and last day of each term, weekends and holidays. “No passed classes” is defined at TBCC as W, NP, F, AUD and drops.

When students withdraw prior to the 60% timeline, they may owe a portion of their financial aid back to the federal government.

The portion of financial aid grants and loans, which must be returned, will be determined on the student’s date of withdrawal as identified by the college based on one of the following:

• The date the student submits the completed Withdrawal form, or
• The midpoint of the term, if the student didn’t officially withdraw, or
• A date documented by the college.

Calculating the Percentage of the Enrollment Period Earned:

Divide the number of days attended by the number of days in the term (including weekends and holidays). Calculation of the portion of financial aid earned up to the 60 percent point in time begins by

1. Subtracting the percentage earned from 100 to determine the percentage of unearned aid. If withdrawal occurs after the 60 percent date, the student earned all of the financial aid received and no refund will be required.
2. Multiply the total federal financial aid by the calculated percentage unearned. This reflects the total amount of unearned federal aid.
3. Subtract the unearned amount of institutional costs from the total amount of unearned aid, and this will equal the amount of federal financial aid the student will be responsible for repaying.

The student will be notified in writing identifying the portion of unearned aid the student is responsible to repay.