Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholarship increase to 100%
Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars who elect to attend a Florida community college, which includes SPC, are eligible for an award equal to 100% of their tuition and fees.  Students must be enrolled in an A.A., A.S. or A.A.S. program.  The Bright Futures extended due date is 9/22/2006.

New Federal Need-Based Grant Program
The Federal Government has approved the new Academic Competitiveness Grant(ACG) for Fall Term 2006.  Verification of a rigorous high school program of study is required.  To qualify, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for 2006-2007.  Student can visit a SPC financial aid office or call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 for more information.

Federal Stafford Loan Applications
In order to be awarded a Federal Stafford Loan for SPC, the FAFSA and SPC Loan Request form must be completed.  The Loan Request form is available at: http://www.spcollege.edu/central/SSFA/LoansPage/l_index.htm

If a student has a completed financial aid file, i.e. FAFSA, verification complete, additional required documentation submitted and has completed a Loan Request form, by July 15, 2006, SPC can provide on-time delivery of loan funds.  Students who do not meet the Financial Assistance Delivery date will have their aid processed as soon as possible.  These students will need to make arrangements for payment of their tuition by their due date as ample time is required to process each application.

Federal Stafford Loan Disbursement Changes
Beginning Fall Term 2006, Federal Stafford disbursements for freshman, first-time borrowers will be released at the beginning of the term instead of 30 days into the term.  In addition, Federal Stafford Loans for single terms will no longer require two disbursements.

Fall Term Book Line of Credit Increased to $550
The Fall Term book line of credit will be available at Follett's Bookstore on SPC campuses beginning July 27th.  The last day to use the credit is August 24th.  The amount of the book line of credit has increased to $550 per term based on available aid after tuition and fees are paid.

New Disbursement Requirements for Federal Financial Aid
To receive federal financial aid for all courses taken in a term, students must register for all courses (including Express, modmester or weekend computer courses) prior to the first drop/add period for their first class. Once the drop/add date for the first class has passed and Pell awards are locked in,  Pell cannot be increased.

Pell Grant funds will not be disbursed to students until their attendance in classes has begun and has been verified. 

Example 1:  Student enrolls in 12 credit hours. 6 credits begin on 8/21/2006 (Regular term), 6 credits begin on 9/18/2006 (Express term). 

Student would receive ½ of their Pell Grant funds after FTE of Regular (8/21/2006) term classes, the remaining eligibility of Pell Grant funds will be disbursed after FTE of Express (9/18/2006) term classes. 

Example 2:  Student enrolls in 12 credits which all begin 9/18/2006 (Express term).  All Pell Grant funds will be disbursed after FTE of Express (9/18/2006) term classes.

Example 3:  Student enrolls in 9 credits which all begin on 8/21/2006 (Regular term).  Student would receive Pell grant funds for 9 credits after FTE for the Regular Session.

Different Types of Financial Assistance:

1. Grants  - Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online or pick up The Student Guide and FAFSA application on any campus. You must re-apply for a Pell Grant for every school year.  The St. Petersburg College school code is 001528. The College will automatically receive a copy of your SAR (Student Aid Report) if you put this number on your application.  This application takes at least 3 weeks to process.

2. Student Loans  - Apply for Federal Stafford Loans (long-term loans)  online.  Your FAFSA application process must be complete before the College will process your loan application.  Students whose home campus is Seminole will pick up loan checks at Seminole Campus.

Short Term loan paperwork must be initiated at a Financial Aid office on one of the other campuses. (St.Pete/Gibbs, Clearwater, Tarpon)

3. Scholarships
Students can track their Financial Assistance on MySPC (SPC's online registration and tracking system) using their Student Identification number and PIN numbers. Financial Aid links are in the lower right column.