Frequently Asked Questions

What is your school code? 

The Temple College school code is 003627 for all three campuses.  When completing your FASFA, you are not required to use an address when using the school code.

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

We suggest that you begin the application process by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Separate applications are needed for scholarships, and loans.  These forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.  The college work-study program is awarded on a first come first serve basis to eligible students beginning on the first day of classes every semester.

Students applying through the electronic FASFA for the first time will have to apply for a PIN number. The PIN number is then used to complete the FASFA on the web. Students will be instructed what steps to follow when they log into the web site.

Do I need to complete the FAFSA before applying for a Student Loan?

Yes, it is mandatory for students to complete the FAFSA before applying for a Student Loan because the FAFSA allows the Financial Aid Office to determine your general eligibility for a Student Loan.  There are subsidized and unsubsidized loans available.  The subsidized loans are awarded based on need.  This need is determined by the results from the FAFSA.  More information is available from brochures in your Financial Aid Office.

When will my check be ready?

When you are approved for a Pell Grant your award can be used to pay direct cost, tuition, fees, books and supplies. Pell Grant checks are usually issued approximately 14 days after the first day of class for those who have files completed at the time of registration. Those completing their files late will be paid accordingly.

If your award is a student loan, it can be used to pay direct costs including books and supplies. Loan checks, for previous borrowers who have completed their files and who have submitted a loan application and were certified before the first day of class, will be available approximately 14 days after the first day of class. Loan checks for first time borrowers will be available on the 31st day of the semester.

How long does it take to process my student loan?

You must complete a new Loans By Web application each year. The funds arrive at Temple College electronically. New borrowers have a mandatory 30 day waiting period from the first day of classes before the funds are disbursed.

Will my credit history affect my student loan?

Normally, no, although it is the lender's option to check a student's credit; however, most lenders choose not to do a credit check.

Can I still get a Stafford Student Loan if I have a student loan in default

No. You must contact your lender and make arrangements to pay off your previous student loan. Generally you must make at least 6 consecutive monthly payments before you will be eligible to take out a new Stafford Student Loan.

How can I fix a defaulted student loan?

You must contact your lender/servicer of your loan. There are several options for you to consider in order to clear the defaulted loan. The Financial Aid Office may be able to help you get in contact with your lender/servicer.

Can I still get a Stafford Student Loan if I have gone through bankruptcy?

Yes. If you are currently working with a bankruptcy attorney, you should seek his/her advice before taking on additional debt.

Which Bank should I use?

The Stafford Student loans are Federal Loan programs. All banks will have the same interest rates. They may have different incentive programs when you enter repayment. Temple College has a lender list for you to consider, however you may choose any lender that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. Temple College uses Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation as the guarantor of choice. If you select a lender that does not guarantee through TGSLC ( generally a lender from another state), please provide the name and mailing address to the Financial Aid Office. It is not necessary for you to have an account with any of the lenders (other than credit unions) before you can use them for a Stafford Student Loan.

Do lenders require the borrower to have an account with them before applying for a student loan?

No, you are not required to have an account with the lender that you choose, unless it is a credit union.  You may choose any lender that participates in the student loan program.  Please see the Financial Aid Office for a preferred lender list.  The preferred lender list are lenders that Temple College uses often and have proven to be accurate, timely, and reliable, but the choice is up to the student as to what lender they choose.

What are the requirements for me to be considered an independent student?

The Federal Law determines a students' independent status.  If you answer yes to any of the questions listed below, then you will be considered an independent student.

• Will you be at least 24 years of age before January 1, of the school year for which you are applying?
• Do you have a Bachelor's Degree?
• As of today are you married?  (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.)
• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, of the school year for which you are applying?
• Are you an orphan, or are you or were you (until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Can Financial Aid pay for Mini-Mester classes?

Flex classes or mini-mesters are included in the regular semester in which time frame they are offered. To receive financial aid for these classes, classes must be registered for at the time of regular registration for the regular semester. (Example: a class is being offered in the second eight weeks of a regular semester—that class has to be included in the students registered schedule at the time of students registers for other classes in that semester)

Why is it important for me to use the same lender every semester?

There is no requirement for students to use the same lender every year; however, when you enter repayment you will have fewer complications and generally a smaller monthly payment.

Do I have to be a full time student to be eligible for a Pell Grant?

No, Pell Grant awards are prorated based on your enrollment status.

• 12 hours or more
  • full award
• 9-11 hours
  • three-fourths of the award
• 6-8 hours
  • half of the award
• 1-5 hours
  • a fractional amount of the award

Do I have to be a full time student to be eligible for a Student Loan?

No, you must be enrolled in at least six hours (3 of them being college credit).

What will happen if I drop a class when I am receiving financial aid?

There are many answers to this question depending on the situation and the time at which the course is dropped.

• What if I drop a class during the first week of class?
  • It would have no effect if you maintain the enrollment status (i.e. full-time, half-time, three-quarter time, less than half time) that you held prior to dropping the class.  It will only change the amount of the tuition.
  • If you drop the course and it changes your enrollment status, your Pell Grant will be reduced. 
  • If you are receiving a scholarship and it requires that you be a full-time student and by dropping this class you become less than full-time, your scholarship will be forfeited. 
• What if I drop a class after the twelfth class day but before the end of refund period?
  • Your tuition will be reduced (see refund policy in college catalog).
  • Your Pell Grant amount will remain the same.  It is calculated as of the census date.
  • You will be subject to satisfactory academic progress standards that require you to complete a certain percentage of hours attempted.  You may obtain a copy of these standards from the Financial Aid Office.
• What if I drop a class after the refund period?
  • You will be subject to satisfactory academic progress standards that require you to complete a certain percentage of hours attempted.  You may obtain a copy of these standards from the Financial Aid Office.
  • If you are required by THEA to be enrolled in a developmental course and drop the course you will be withdrawn from the college and may be subject to repay Title IV Funds.
  • If you drop all courses you may be subject to repay Title IV Funds.

What happens if I totally withdraw?

Students who receive Title IV financial aid who withdraw from or drop courses during the school year may be required to repay financial aid already received AND may be placed on financial aid probation or suspension (see “Satisfactory Academic Progress”). Withdrawal during the Fall semester will result in the cancellation of financial aid designate for the Spring semester.

Students receiving Title IV financial aid who withdraw or are dropped from all coursework during the first 60 percent of a semester will be required to repay a portion of their tuition and fees to the College AND repay a portion of their financial aid award to the federal government. Failure to repay these amounts within 45 days will make the student ineligible to receive further financial aid at ANY college or university until the amounts are repaid. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for further information.

How do I transfer my financial aid to another school?

Contact the Temple College Financial Aid Office so that we may cancel your future disbursements.  If the school to which you are transferring is not on your Student Aid Report then, call 1-800-4FED-AID and ask them to list the new school or using your PIN # you may go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov and add the other college of your choice.

How do I apply for Financial Aid if I am attending two schools at the same time?

You first need to decide which school will be your home school.  The home school is the school at which you are working on your degree.  You must notify the home school of your enrollment at the other school. You cannot receive aid at two schools at the same time in the same semester. Under current law, you can only receive aid at one school. Check at the school where you will be receiving your degree for more information.

If I am not eligible for a Pell Grant is there other Financial Aid available?

Yes, there are many forms of financial aid that you may be eligible for:  Texas Grant, College Work-study program, Student Loans, and Scholarships.  Check with the Financial Aid Office for applications.

What do I have to do to be eligible for College Work-Study?

You must complete the FAFSA and the results should be sent to Temple College.  The Financial Aid Office will be able to determine your eligibility for the College Work-Study program. Jobs are assigned on a first come first serve basis. Students are usually placed through the Financial Aid office during the first week of classes.

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