Explanation of Your Estimate of Financial Aid
- The award notice represents an accurate estimate of your aid if the information you provided on the FAFSA is correct. This offer is contingent upon the availability of funds and subject to change during the award period in accordance with federal regulations, institutional policy, and the accuracy of information provided by you.
- Most Grants are prorated for less than full time enrollment status. Federal Pell Grants may be available for fewer than 6 credits.
- Tuition waivers will always match tuition charges and an increase or decrease in credits will affect the actual value listed on your bill. Please note: Mandatory and optional fees are not covered with the tuition waivers.
- Any loan will be paid for the amount listed (minus any origination fees). Enrollment for fewer than six credits disqualifies you from receiving any type of federal loan.
- For fall and spring semesters, all financial aid will be determined as of the 15th institutional day. Financial aid will not be adjusted for credits added after that date.
- Please note: per Federal Regulations any credits earned via challenging out will not be covered by financial aid.
Your Promises and Conditions for Receiving Financial
- I certify that I do not owe a refund on any grant, am not in default on any loan, and have not borrowed in excess of the loan limits under federal Title IV programs at any institution.
- I promise that I will use all money I receive from federal, state, or the institution only for expenses related to my studies at Helena College University of Montana.
- I understand that I must be making satisfactory progress in a course of study leading to a degree or certificate. I further understand that my financial aid will be canceled if I fail to meet satisfactory progress requirements. The satisfactory academic progress requirements are maintaining a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA and passing at least 70% of the credits that I attempt. (See the Helena College University of Montana catalog or SAP Policy available online at www.helenacollege.edu.) If I withdraw, receive all failing grades, or do not complete a term, I understand: (1) I may not have earned my federal aid and may owe a repayment, and (2) my eligibility for further aid may be terminated.
- I will inform the Financial Aid Office promptly of any other money I receive for educational purposes. Failure to do so may result in my having to repay federal or state aid and ineligibility for further aid. Assistance that must be reported includes, but is not limited to: scholarships, Vocational Rehabilitation, or Tribal Higher Education funding. I will also inform the Financial Aid Office of any residency changes.
Your Authorizations Given to Helena College
- I authorize Helena College University of Montana to use my financial aid to:
- Credit financial aid on my registration bill.
- Pay short term loans for books and/or short term loans for other expenses I requested.
- Pay other minor charges/fines/fees.
- Pay minor prior year institutional charges up to $200.
- Pay health insurance premiums that I have requested.
- Pay for my graduation application.
- I understand that I may cancel any of these authorizations by contacting the Financial Aid Office in writing at any time. I also understand that I am responsible for payment of any outstanding charges above $200 before my financial aid will be released.
- I acknowledge that under regulations governing financial aid programs, Helena College University of Montana Financial Aid Office may release information about me to other qualified agencies including my lending institution. The information released may include my academic progress, grade point average, enrollment, addresses, references and any financial aid information applicable to my eligibility for financial aid.
- I understand that my financial aid will not be disbursed until 7 to 10 business days after the 15th institutional day. I also understand that my student loans will be split for the term, and the second half of the loans will be disbursed 7 – 10 business days after successful midterm grades are posted.
- I understand if I am a first-time loan borrower, that my first loan disbursement will be delayed for 30 calendar days after the start of the term.
