Understanding the Financial Aid Process

  1. Fill out your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

    Students should complete their FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st for the upcoming academic year. To be considered for additional aid, students must complete their FAFSA by the deadlines listed below:

    • March 1st – Maryland State Aid
    • April 1st – Senators and Delegates Application
    • June 1st – College Scholarships

    Note: All students who have completed the FAFSA by the college's recommended date of June 1st will automatically be evaluated for the local need-based scholarships. Review the eligibility criteria for each local need-based scholarship or refer to the college catalog.

  2. Review your SAR (Student Aid Report)

    All students who complete a FAFSA will receive a SAR, either in the mail or via e-mail. The SAR will have a summary of all information submitted on the FAFSA. In addition, the student can make any necessary corrections by visiting the FAFSA website and clicking on Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA under section #3. Alternately, students may make corrections directly on the SAR and mail it back to the Department of Education.

  3. Financial Aid receipt of the ISIR (Institutional Student Information Record)

    Beginning in April, the Financial Aid Office will start to download ISIRs. The ISIR contains the same information as your SAR. The ISIR is electronically received from the Federal Processor, usually within 3 days.

    Note: ISIR receipt can take up to 10 days for students and/or parents who do not electronically sign their FAFSA.

    Once your ISIR has been received, the Financial Aid Office will send a letter for any additional documentation and/or forms needed to complete your financial aid file.

  4. Required Forms

    All students who submit a FAFSA will be required to complete and return an Acknowledgement of Receipt of WASFA (Wor-Wic Community College Academic and Financial Aid Scholarship Agreement) and SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) policies.

    Verification is a process in which the Financial Aid Office must obtain additional documentation to ensure that the information you provided on your FAFSA is accurate. Thirty percent of all students submitting a FAFSA will be selected for verification. If a student is selected for verification, he/she will have to provide a Verification Worksheet and tax forms and/or W-2 forms. The Financial Aid Office will contact you if you are selected for verification. Additional documentation may be required on a case-by-case basis.

    Students must submit all requested documentation before receiving financial aid.

  5. SAP – Satisfactory Academic Progress

    Federal regulations require that Wor-Wic Community College establish policies to monitor the academic progress of students who apply for and/or receive federal financial aid. If you are not meeting the SAP requirements, you may have to submit an appeal before your aid can be processed.

    Your financial aid cannot be processed until you have submitted a letter of appeal and meet with the Director of Financial Aid.

  6. Financial Aid Award Notification

    Award letters are mailed to students throughout the summer beginning in May. Award letters show the aid that has been granted to the student based on FULL-TIME enrollment. It also displays a summary of the student's financial need. A Federal Pell Grant Disbursement Schedule will be included so students may determine their Pell Grant award if they plan to enroll less than full-time.

    Students may also check the status of their financial aid by logging on to the Financial Aid Student Inquiry system.

  7. Student Account

    All financial aid is deposited into the student's account and maintained by the Business Office of the college. Any charges, credits, payments, etc. are received and processed only by the Business Office.

  8. Book Vouchers

    One week prior to the start of the semester, the Financial Aid Office will notify the Book Store which students have funds available to purchase books and supplies. Any students whose financial aid files are complete, have been awarded financial aid, and have a credit balance will be included on the list sent to the Book Store. These students may go directly to the Book Store with their class schedule to make their purchases.

    Students who have not completed their financial aid (by one week prior to the start of the semester) but anticipate a credit balance, will need to obtain a book voucher from the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office will subtract all tuition and fees before issuing a book voucher.

    The Book Store receipt will show the potential amount of financial aid the student has left after purchasing books and supplies. This is the total financial aid amount and is subject to change based on the completion of the student's financial aid file, adding/dropping courses, withdraws, etc.

    Students who do not have enough financial aid to cover their tuition and fees will be responsible for buying their own books.

  9. Refunds

    If a student has money remaining in his/her account after all debts to the college have been taken care of, the Business Office will issue a refund check to the student. Refunds are typically available about 6 weeks after the start of the semester. Checks can be picked up at the Cashier's window.