Financial Aid is made available by federal and state governments in the form of grants, loans, fee waivers, scholarships, and part-time employment. The funds are available to make it possible for students to continue their education beyond high school, even if they and their family cannot meet the full costs of the postsecondary school they choose to attend.

The basis for such assistance is the belief that students (and their parents) have the primary responsibility for meeting their educational costs. Financial Aid is available to fill the gap between a family's contribution and the student's educational expenses.

A student must maintain a good academic progress ratio. By dropping a class the student's ratio may drop below the 67% acceptable ratio. If a student drops below 67%, then the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid unless he/she goes through the appeals process and has his/her aid reinstated.  

First, be sure to complete the application accurately to avoid corrections that can delay the processing of applications. Second, respond promptly to pending document letters sent to you by the Financial Aid Office. Third, apply early and avoid the rush.

Also, be sure to keep a copy of all the documents used to fill out the FAFSA, such as tax returns & W-2's. The government of the school may request that you prove (verify) any information that you or your parents reported on your FAFSA application. Failure to do so may result in delays or loss of aid.

Financial Aid checks may be picked up in the business office two weeks after the first day of class. Students must have a picture ID to pick up a check. Then, throughout the semester checks are disbursed on a regular basis. The student's check will be disbursed depending upon the completion of required paperwork.  

The information you report in the Free application for Federal Student Aid is used in a formulation established by the U.S. Congress. The formula determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – an amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education. If your EFC is below a certain amount, you'll be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, assuming you meet all other eligibility. Your financial aid administrator calculates your cost of attendance and subtracts the amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward that cost. If anything is left over, you're considered to have a financial need. 

You should submit your application as soon as possible after you and/or your parents complete your federal income tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) for the year. Contact the financial aid office for application deadlines.

You will receive an award letter from Alabama Southern or a request for more documentation.

Any remaining funds available after tuition, fees and books (if desired by student) have been charged will be available to the student within fourteen days after the first day of classes. These funds may be picked up in the business office. 

Students must apply for financial aid every year. New applications become available after January 1 and should be completed as soon as income taxes have been filed. Students who have previously been awarded financial aid may receive a renewal application in the mail. If the student supplied an email address, the application will be sent via email.

Federal financial aid is available for students seeking a specified certificate, diploma or degree. Therefore, federal funds will only pay for courses listed in a specific degree plan. 

• Maintain a 2.0 GPA
• Successfully complete 67% of all coursework attempted. All W's, I's, F's, and audited coursework count as unsuccessful completions. When unsuccessful completions exceed 33%, Financial Aid will be suspended until the student's completion ratio is again at least 67%.
• Complete your degree requirements within 150% of the usual timeframe. All transfer work and courses attempted at Alabama Southern Community College are counted in this calculation.
• Apply for aid each year as soon as you complete your Federal Tax Return.

Federal regulations require that certain information on selected applications be verified. Students whose applications are selected by the Department of Education for verification are required to document the accuracy of application information, such as adjusted gross income, taxes paid, number of family members, untaxed income as well as other information from tax returns, and other documentation as requested by the Director of Financial Aid. Students cannot be certified as eligible for financial aid until the verification process has been completed and any errors outside the tolerance non-limits have been corrected.  

To receive the amount of Pell Grant as indicated on the financial aid award letter, students must enroll for a full-time course load, which is a minimum of 12 semester credit hours each term. Students who enroll for fewer than 12 semester credit hours will have their Pell Grant award adjusted according to their registration status. Students enrolling in 9 to 11 semester credit hours are considered three-quarter time, 6 to 8 semester credit hours are half time, and 1 to 5 semester credit hours are less than half time.