Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions For Financial Aid

 1. What is the FAFSA school code for SPC?

     The SPC FAFSA school code is 003611.

2. How do I reach a Financial Aid Advisor?

     Please call (806) 894-9611 ext. 3800 or email finaid@southplainscollege.edu.

3. How do I begin the Financial Aid application process?

     Applying for financial aid can seem like a complicated process. To simplify this process, the SPC Financial Aid department has developed a list of steps to follow. 

4. Why do I have to use my parents' income on the FAFSA?

     All students are required to use parents' income on the FAFSA application unless they are 24 years of age, married, a veteran, an orphan/ward of the court, a graduate student or have a dependent that they support 51%. Students with special circumstances may contact the Financial Aid Office.

5. Why did I have to turn in tax returns and other paperwork; and my friends did not have to?

     The Department of Education selects students for verification.  Verification is a process to compare the data reported on the FAFSA to the information submitted to the financial aid office.

6. What if I have not filed my tax return?

     The FAFSA will allow you to estimate your income; but your file will not be completed until you have updated your FAFSA with your actual income. It is best to wait until you have filed your final tax return to complete the FAFSA.

7. Which FAFSA do I have to complete for summer?

     For summer '13, the 12-13 FAFSA is used and for Fall '13, Spring '14 and Summer '14, the 13-14 FAFSA is used.

8. What are the priority deadlines*?

     Fall & Spring Semesters                       June   10

     Spring Semester Only                          October 15

     Summer Session                                 March   1

     *Priority deadlines- deadlines by which all students should complete their files to be considered for all types of aid including limited funding for some grants and on-campus jobs, also the deadline to ensure that funding will be available for the preregistration payday and open registration.

9. What are the absolute deadlines for completing the FAFSA forms?

     June 30, 2013 for 12-13 and June 30, 2014 for 13-14.

     **Absolute deadline- the last day you can submit a FAFSA form to the Department of Education for the current school year. It is the June 30th deadline following the students' attendance for the previous fall/spring terms.

10. Are there part-time jobs available on campus?

     Yes. View information and available positions online at Work study information.

11. What do I do if I have a scholarship?

     Donors should send the scholarship funds and disbursement requirements directly to the SPC Scholarship Office. Any additional questions can be directed to Shayln Slape, Scholarship Coordinator at (806)716-2219 or by email at sslape@southplainscollege.edu.

12. What do I do if I have an outside source paying for my college?

     Students who have Texas Rehab, Federal Rehab, Texas National Guard and Texas Tomorrow Fund should send their documentation to the Business Office or contact Darlene Ellerd at (806) 716-2400.

13. What do I do if I have an exemption?

     Submit documentation for Foster Care, Blind, Deaf, Fireman, Dependents of Slain Police Officers and Hazlewood to the Admissions and Records Office for approval. Returning students may contact Financial Aid directly to have their exemption applied with the exception of the Fireman and Hazlewood exemptions which must be submitted each semester.

14. Why am I on suspension when I paid for those semesters myself?

     When you apply for financial aid all semesters must be considered for Satisfactory   Academic Progress (SAP).

     Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)-the federal requirement that all Financial Aid Offices track your academic progress towards earning your certificate, associate degree or transfer hours.  It contains the following three components: cumulative GPA, length of attendance and hours attempted versus hours earned.

      15. Can I attend another college to have my Financial Aid suspension lifted?

     No, hours must be taken at SPC.

16. If I take a semester off, will that lift my Financial Aid suspension?

     No.

17. What must be done in order to have my Financial Aid Suspension lifted?

     The suspension status will be lifted after the student meets all three SAP criteria.

18. If I am suspended and I want to appeal, what is the weekly appeal deadline?

     Appeals received by 4pm on Thursday will be reviewed by the Appeals Committee the following Monday or Tuesday.

19. If I was a full-time student when I was placed on suspension, can I retake just the one class that placed me on suspension to have it lifted?

     The suspension status will be lifted after the student meets all three SAP criteria.

20. What will happen to my Financial Aid if I drop one class?

     Your financial aid awards will adjust according to your enrollment status until the official census date*. Classes dropped prior to the census will not affect your SAP. If after census date it is determined you ceased attending a class prior to census date, your awards will be adjusted accordingly and your SAP will be affected.

     *Official Census Date-is the 12th class day for the fall and spring terms. For 5 week summer terms, it is the 4th class day. For any other length sessions, please inquire in the Financial Aid Office.

21. What happens to my loan if I drop below 6 hours?

     If you drop below 6 hours prior to the official census date, you will be not receive the loan funds and future loan disbursements will be cancelled.

22. What happens if I withdraw from all of my classes?

     If you withdraw or cease attending classes prior to the of 60% point of the semester, you will be required to repay a portion of your aid to the Business Office. Withdrawing will also affect your SAP criteria.

23. What if I receive all "F" grades in all of my classes?

     If the F grades are earned and you have attended or participated in your classes up to or past the 60% point, you will only be penalized by (SAP). If your last day of attendance is prior to the 60% point then you will also have to return funds.

24. Can my Professor/Instructor drop me?

      Professors/Instructors may drop students from a class for excessive absences or for non-participation, professors/instructors will report the last date of participation.