Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements

Except for some loan programs, you must show that you have financial need in order to receive financial aid. Financial need is determined by your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and your cost of attendance. You must also meet certain education requirements, including:

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
• Meet satisfactory academic progress standards as defined by the school
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Not be in default on any federal student loan or owe a repayment to any federal grant
• Comply with Selective Service registration (if male)
• Satisfy the drug conviction question on the FAFSA

Repeated Coursework
Previously passed courses may be included when determining enrollment status for the term as long as it is not the result of more than one repetition of a previously passed course, or any repetition of a previously passed course due to you failing other coursework.

In addition, you may be eligible for a repeated course if you need to meet a minimum academic standard for a particular previously passed course, such as a minimum grade.

Financial Aid Fraud

Clark State Community College follows established guidelines for the prevention, identification and response to indications of financial aid fraud and identity theft.

Financial Aid Fraud
Students and potential students who enroll in classes and accept financial aid based on enrollment with no intent to complete classes may be considered perpetrators of financial aid fraud. The student's tuition and fees are usually paid by financial aid funds, and the student receives refunds of financial aid funds in excess of those costs.

Falsifying information either on the Clark State application for admission or on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is also considered to be fraudulent.

Based on guidance issued by the Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Education, Clark State has instituted procedures designed to identify those students who may be committing financial aid fraud or be at risk of being a victim of this crime.

Identity Theft
Individuals who use personally identifying information of other people to apply for admission to college, receive financial aid and then enroll in classes are committing identity theft. Often, the victimized student is not aware that they have been enrolled in classes, and the financial aid funds in their name are sent to the individual who is perpetrating the fraud. This frequently results in the victimized student being left with unpaid debt at the institution and with the U.S. Department of Education due to student loans that were obtained in their name.

Response to Financial Aid Fraud or Identify Theft
When a Clark State student is identified as being a potential victim or perpetrator of financial aid fraud, their account at the College is placed on hold. This hold prevents the student from registering and prevents the disbursement of any pending financial aid funds. Financial aid funds for the current semester may also be revoked pending resolution. The hold will remain in place until the student has provided any documents that Clark State may request. Clark State reserves the right to leave the hold in place until those documents are provided by the student.

In cases where Clark State finds that there is significant reason to be concerned that financial aid fraud is occurring, the College has an obligation to refer that information to the Office of The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Education. In these instances the College will leave the hold in place until instructed by the Department of Education that it is appropriate to lift the hold.

Students who are victims of identity theft and/or financial aid fraud are urged to file a police report and seek assistance from appropriate authorities outside of the College. Learn more about identity theft.

How Much Does It Cost?

How much does it cost to go to Clark State? Less than you might think. Our tuition is one of the lowest in Ohio. But even with our low tuition, why spend money when you don't have to? See if you qualify for financial aid assistance.

The State of Ohio provides 40 percent of the College's revenue through two state subsidies: the State Share of Instruction and Access Challenge. The rest of the College's revenue come primarily from tuition and fees.

Visit the College Calendar for important registration and payment dates.

*The general fee is used to support the student health service, commuter centers, Student Senate and publications, student cultural programs and other student services other than Admissions.

• Payment Options

Financial Aid

If you need assistance with tuition, the first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. By filing the FAFSA, you will be considered for all aid for which you might be eligible. You and your parent (if you are a dependent) will also apply for a PIN. With a PIN you and your parent can sign your application electronically, check the status of your application and make any corrections to your FAFSA form.

You must complete the FAFSA even if you feel you may only qualify for loans. You also may be requested to complete a FAFSA if you are applying for certain scholarships. You should complete the FAFSA at least two months prior to starting classes or as soon as your federal tax return is completed. You will need to reapply for financial aid each year. If you need help completing the FAFSA or need more information on financial aid, please contact us.

Once your FAFSA has been completed and electronically signed, you will submit it to the U.S. Department of Education, which will determine your EFC and determine your eligibility. Each school that you have listed on your FAFSA will get the results of your FAFSA.

• Eligibility Requirements
• Common FAFSA Mistakes
• Pell Grant Changes 2012
• Financial Aid FAQs
• Code of Conduct
• Financial Aid Refund Policy
• Financial Aid Fraud

What Happens After I Complete the FAFSA?
Additional paperwork may be required in order to process your financial aid. If you are selected in a process called verification, the school will request a copy of your federal tax transcript and/or documentation of untaxed income. You will also be required to submit a Verification Worksheet. Clark State will notify you of any required paperwork.

Once your financial aid has been processed, you will receive an e-mail notification that your Financial Award Letter is available for review. To view your Financial Aid Award Letter, please visit the Student Menu in WebAdvisor on the myClarkState portal. Log in using the userid provided to you on your acceptance letter or on your class schedule. If you are a new student and have not registered yet, please contact the Financial Aid Office directly.

Financial Aid Forms

• Verification Worksheet 2013-14
• Child Support Paid 2013-14
• Dependent Student Receipt of SNAP Benefits 2013-14
• Independent Student Receipt of SNAP Benefits 2013-14
• Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose 2013-14 (Completed at Clark State)
• Identity and Statement of Educational Purpose 2013-14 (Notarized)
• Summer 2013 Supplemental Form
• Dependent Verification Worksheet 2012-13
• Independent Verification Worksheet 2012-13

If you have been selected for verification, you can obtain a tax transcript from the IRS, and one will be sent to you in 5-10 business days.

Types of Financial Aid

• Grants
• Scholarships
• Loans
• Veterans Benefits
• Student Employment

If your family taxable income does not exceed 150 percent of the federal poverty guideline, you may be eligible for Student Support Services.

Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (Unless otherwise posted.)

Individual Advising
Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m.
Appointments are available for all other times.

Financial Aid FAQs

How does the school determine how much financial aid I can receive?
How can I find out how much financial aid I have been awarded?
What is the difference between a State grant and a Federal grant?
What other steps must I complete in order to receive my student loan?
What if I reduce my credit hours after my loan has been processed?
What happens if I drop a class?
What happens to my financial aid if I have to drop all of my classes?
What academic requirements must be met in order to keep my eligibility for federal financial aid?
Is there anything I need to do if I graduate or decide not to return to Clark State?
How can I get help filling out my FASFA?

How does the school determine how much financial aid I can receive?
Schools use your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) to determine your financial need. Your EFC is a measure of your family’s financial resources and indicates how much you and your parents (if a dependent student) should be able to contribute toward paying for your education. The EFC is calculated from the information you report on your FAFSA. The EFC also lets the school know how much, if any, Pell Grant you may receive. The school then uses a cost of attendance budget (COA), comprised of tuition and fees, books and supplies, estimated room and board, miscellaneous and transportation expenses. Your financial need is then based on your cost of attendance minus your EFC. Your total awards cannot exceed your cost of attendance.

COA - EFC = NEED

How can I find out how much financial aid I have been awarded?
When your financial aid has been processed, you will receive an e-mail notification that your award is available for you to review. There will be a link to Clark State’s WebAdvisor on the myClarkState portal. You can also access WebAdvisor directly from Clark State’s home page or from the Financial Aid page. Log in using the User Id information provided to you in your acceptance letter or on your class schedule. After reviewing your award, if you have any questions or if you wish to decline all or part of your award, please contact the Financial Aid Office. Please note that awards are based on full-time enrollment and will be adjusted if you are less than full-time.

What is the difference between a state grant and a federal grant?
State grants are administered through the Ohio Board of Regents. To receive a state grant, you must be an Ohio resident, must be registered with the Selective Service (males) and in some cases, be a full-time student. You also must be enrolled in a two-year degree program. Certificate and short-term programs are not eligible for state funding. Students must complete the FASFA by October 1st each year in order to have consideration for state grants.

What other steps must I complete in order to receive my student loan?
Your student loan will not be disbursed until you sign a Promissory Note. This is your legal agreement that you will repay the loan. This agreement states that you must repay the loan, except in cases of loan discharge (cancellation) even if you don’t complete your education, don’t get a job after you complete the program or you didn’t like the education you received. You must receive Entrance Counseling. This session gives you useful tips to help you understand your rights and responsibilities and how to manage your educational expenses. You can also manage your loans and check your status and disbursements dates directly online.

What if I reduce my credit hours after my loan has been processed?
Your initial loan eligibility is calculated based on the information that you provided either on your FASFA or on other submitted paperwork. If, at the time your loan is disbursed, you are less credit hours, your loan may be reduced to meet your cost of attendance budget. If you receive your loan funds and withdraw or drop under six credit hours prior to the beginning of class or during the 100 percent refund period, you will need to repay your loan to Clark State immediately.

What happens if I drop a class?
If you add or drop classes, your financial aid will adjust based on your level of enrollment. If your credit hours are lowered, your aid may be lowered as well. This recalculation will continue throughout the refund period. See the online academic calendar or your schedule book for the refund period dates.

What happens to my financial aid if I have to drop all of my classes?
Please refer to Clark State's Financial Aid Refund Policy.

What academic requirements must be met in order to keep my eligibility for federal financial aid?
Please refer to Clark State's Standards of Academic Progress Policy.

Is there anything I need to do if I graduate or decide not to return to Clark State?
Not only is it required that you complete Entrance counseling prior to releasing your first loan disbursement, but it is also required that you go through Exit Counseling when you leave a school, either by graduation or simply withdrawing or transferring. This Exit session goes into great detail regarding your rights and responsibilities and also gives you information on who and when to call if you are having difficulty making a payment. All this is information you need to know to manage your repayment obligation.

How can I get help filling out my FASFA?
Beginning in late January or early February, the Financial aid Office will publish workshop dates and locations. Typically you want to renew your FASFA each year by February or as soon as you complete your tax return.

Payment Options

You can pay tuition and fees in the Cashier's Office by cash, check, MasterCard, VISA and DISCOVER. The Cashier's Office accepts payments in person, by mail, through the drop box located at the front entrance of Rhodes Hall, by telephone (credit card only) and online through WebAdvisor (limited to returning students). The Cashier's Office is located in Rhodes Hall, Room 211.

Pay Online
WebAdvisor offers a convenient way for returning students to check account balances and pay online under the Student Financial Services section. If you need assistance logging in to your WebAdvisor account, please visit our online HelpDesk.

Pay online now by visiting WebAdvisor.

Delayed Payment Plan
Clark State has an alternative to the lump-sum payment of college fees to help ease the burden of paying tuition costs all at once. Clark State's Student Delayed Payment Plan lets you pay in four easy installments.

Your first payment will include one-fourth of your fees (rounded to the nearest dollar) plus a $25 service charge and should be paid by the fee payment deadline. The balance is divided into three equal monthly payments. If you are registering after the fee payment deadline, you will need to make your first payment when you register. Please remember that the second payment will be due one month from the first fee payment deadline.

For more information on the Delayed Payment Plan, call the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 937/328-6048.

Refunds

Refunds of instructional, general, laboratory and technology fees will be made according to the following schedule. All drops or withdrawals must be in writing and are effective on the date received by the Records and Registration Office.

Refunds are not issued for late fees, auxiliary services fees or Delayed Payment Plan service charges. For certain programs, liability insurance is required to be purchased. For these programs, a lab fee is assessed for this coverage. The coverage will remain in effect until the expiration of your insurance contract.

Direct Deposit for Refunds
For faster refunds, sign up today for student direct deposit of financial aid and cash refunds. No more waiting for the mail. Direct deposit is added protection against theft or time delays from lost checks. Clark State will deposit your refund directly into your bank account. Clark State maintains the strictest confidentiality regarding your bank account. Clark State will access your account only to deposit money or correct erroneous deposits.

Sign-up for direct deposit in WebAdvisor by clicking the Bank Information/Non-Payroll link under the Student Financial Information. If you don't currently have a checking or savings account, the College can assist you in getting one.

Refund Appeal
A student dropping a class after the published date to drop with a refund may complete a "Request for Exception to Refund Policy" form. This form must be accompanied by acceptable documentation and turned in at the Cashier's Office. As a rule, refunds are only granted in such cases as withdrawals for incapacitating medical conditions, death in the immediate family, natural disaster, such as fire or flood or Clark State error. Exception forms are available in the Cashier's Office.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Any student receiving Federal Title IV funds will be subject to the following policy regarding the return of Federal Title IV funds:

Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60 percent of an enrollment term (semester) will have their eligibility for federal aid recalculated based on the percentage of the term completed, which shall be calculated as follows:

The percentage of the semester completed is the percentage of aid earned. This is calculated by the number of days the student attended divided by the number of calendar days in the payment period (i.e. semester). For example, if a student completely withdrew on the 20th day of a semester, the student would have only earned 17.5 percent of the aid he or she received.

Clark State Community College and the student will be required to return to the federal aid programs the amount of aid received that was in excess of the aid "earned" for the period the student remained enrolled.

If the College returns funds to the Title IV aid programs, it could result in the student owing Clark State Community College charges that were originally paid at the time of disbursement. Students may also be required to return funds released to them for personal expenses. Unearned federal aid will be returned in the following order: Federal Stafford Loans (unsubsidized, then subsidized), Federal Plus Loans, Federal Pell Grant and Federal SEOG.

Students who remain enrolled through at least 60 percent of the payment period (semester) are considered to have earned 100 percent of the aid received and will not owe a repayment of Federal Title IV grant funds.

Please note that students are responsible for any balance owed to Clark State Community College as a result of the repayment of federal aid funds.

Standards of Academic Progress

Clark State is required by federal law to establish and publish standards for measuring a student’s academic progress for the purpose of receiving federal financial aid. Students are required to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of a degree or certificate. The financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP) is applied to the following financial aid programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant
• Federal Direct Student Loans (including Parent Loans)
• Federal Work Study

This policy is applied to the student’s entire academic record and regardless of whether they have previously received federal financial aid. In addition, Clark State’s Fresh Start Program has no bearing on the SAP policy. Please read these standards carefully. It is the responsibility of the student to understand and adhere to these standards. If you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

This policy includes three components:

• Completion of attempted credit hours
• Grade point average
• Maximum timeframe to complete a degree or certificate

Completion of attempted credit hours
Students must successfully complete at least 67% of all credit hours attempted. (Number of credit hours completed divided by the number of credit hours attempted) Successful completion of a course is defined as receiving one of the following grades: A, B, C, D, or S. A grade of IP is temporarily considered as a completion but will be reevaluated at the end of the class. The following grades are NOT considered to be a successful completion: F, Z, W, I, U, UW and PG. Students receiving an I (Incomplete), or have a grade change must notify the financial aid office when the grade has been changed to a passing grade.

Grade Point Average
Grade point averages are evaluated at the end of each term. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in order to retain eligibility for federal financial aid.

Maximum Timeframe to Complete a Degree or Certificate
In order to continue receiving federal financial aid, a student must complete their first associate degree or certificate program within 150% of the published program hours as measured by credit hours attempted. (To determine the maximum timeframe, multiply the number of credits in the program by 150%) Once a student reaches 150% of the program hours, they will no longer be eligible for federal financial aid. All attempted credit hours are considered including CPE classes, withdrawn classes and transfer credits.

Second Degrees
Students who have received one associate degree or certificate and are returning for a second must complete a New Degree form in the Financial Aid Office to be considered for any further aid. The form will be forwarded to the Record’s Office to determine additional credit hour eligibility. The student will be notified of any additional credit hours. Once the student has reached the additional limit, financial aid will be terminated. No more than one additional degree/certificate will be considered.

Evaluation
Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated at the end of each term. A student who has failed to meet one or more of the standards outlined above will be placed on financial aid Warning. If after the Warning term, the student has not met SAP, financial aid will be suspended.

Financial Aid Warning
Students placed on Financial Aid Warning may continue to receive their financial aid for the warning term. The student will have one term to obtain an acceptable academic standing. If the student has not met SAP at the end of the warning term, financial aid is suspended.

Financial Aid for the upcoming term will not be released until grades have been evaluated. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the cashier’s office for tuition and fees.

Financial Aid Appeal Process
Students may appeal their suspension if they feel there are extenuating circumstances. These circumstances must be documented and submitted to the financial aid office for review by the appeals committee. The student must explain in a personal statement why they did not maintain SAP and how the circumstances have changed to enable their continued success. Appeal forms are available on the web site and in the financial aid office. Appeals do not guarantee eligibility. The decision of the appeals committee is final.

Approved Appeals
If the appeal committee deems that the student can achieve a satisfactory academic standing in one subsequent term, the student will be placed on probation. If at the end of the probation term, SAP is not achieved, the student will be suspended.

The student may also be advised that they must adhere to an academic plan as outlined by the committee. Students must follow the academic plan each semester until an overall SAP status is achieved.

Students will be notified in writing of the appeal decision and of the terms and conditions of the appeal. Students must meet the conditions of the appeal each semester until they have regained SAP. Failure to meet conditions will result in a second suspension. If a student is suspended a second time there is no appeal available.

Students may appeal a maximum timeframe termination if an academic advisor documents that the student can complete their program in a maximum of two additional terms. Students must take only classes needed to complete their degree.

No Appeal or Denied Appeal
If the student does not appeal, or if their appeal is denied, they can request reinstatement of eligibility after successfully completing 16 credit hours without the assistance of federal financial aid (pay out-of-pocket) and have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. It is the student’s responsibility to request reinstatement to the financial aid office. Reinstatement is at the discretion of the financial aid office.

Fresh Start and Re-Entry
Students who apply for and receive a Fresh Start are subject to meeting all requirements of the current SAP policy. All attempted courses are considered when evaluating SAP. Students re-entering Clark State after any period of separation are also subject to the current SAP policy.

• Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form (PDF)

Effective: Fall Quarter 2011

Grants

Grants are a form of gift financial aid. You are not required to repay a grant.

Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is funded by the federal government. Full payment of the award is made only if the student carries 12 credit hours per semester. A student carrying one credit hour to eleven credit hours may receive a proportionately reduced award. However, in some cases, a student enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours may not receive a Federal Pell Grant. For 2012-13 the maximum Pell Grant is $5,550 per year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is provided to assist a student who has an exceptional financial need. The maximum amount that can be granted for the academic year is $4,000. FSEOGs are dependent upon yearly federal allocations; the amount awarded, therefore, may be much less than the authorized maximum.

A typical award at Clark State will range from $200-600 per academic year.

The Ohio Board of Regents announced that state funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) and the Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG) to students at community colleges will not be available for academic year 2012-13. A student's Pell Grant and/or Expected Family Contribution (EFC) must be applied toward tuition/fees and books first.

Scholarships

More than $250,000 in scholarships are awarded annually to new and returning Clark State students. These scholarships are awarded for financial need, academic performance or a specific program of study to both full-time and part-time students. Scholarships generally open each January for the upcoming year.

• Foundation Scholarship Application (PDF)

Contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at 937/328-6034 to request an application by mail.

Foundation Scholarships
AFCEA Dayton-Wright Chapter Scholarship
B.R. and R.R. Chadha Memorial Scholarship
Community Commitment Scholarship
Consolidated Insurance Scholarship
Barbara A. Davis Scholarship
Bob Dudley Memorial Scholarship
Linda Egger Scholarship
R. Newell Elder Agriculture Scholarship
Dr. Warren G. Elliott Scholarship
Faculty Scholarship
Ann Field Scholarship
Gordon and Mary Flax Scholarship
Ailsa C. Fout Memorial Scholarship
Kay Frazier Court Reporting Scholarship
Frontiers' Scholarship
Gerald R. Furay Scholarship
Maxine Harris Scholarship
Kathryn H. Hickes Scholarship
Florence E. Hilbert Scholarship
Kathleen Jackson Scholarship
Sara T. Landess Scholarship
Alice E. McKinley Scholarship
Mildred Hartman Miller Scholarship
Harry and Margaret Moore Foundation Scholarship
Ilean Moore Scholarship
Dwight and Marguerite Morris Accounting Scholarship
Pavlatos Family Scholarship
Pilot Club of Springfield Scholarship
PNC/National City Business Scholarship
Dan Pond Memorial Scholarship
President’s Scholarship
Paul and Nancy Robe Scholarship
Rotary Club of Springfield Scholarship
Dr. Shirley K. Schneider Scholarship
Hilda Seaman Scholarship
Speedway SuperAmerica LLC Scholarship
Jennifer Lou Spencer Memorial Scholarship
Springfield News-Sun Scholarship
Union Club Scholarship
Arthur B. Wall Memorial Scholarship
Peggy Wenrick Scholarship
Dr. Richard L. and Suzannah Brubaker Wunderlich Scholarship
Monte Zinn Scholarship

Trustee Scholarship
The Clark State Board of Trustees offers up to 15 Trustee Scholarships, or the equivalent, each academic year. The purpose of this scholarship program is to attract the most academically talented Ohio high school seniors to Clark State Community College. This scholarship covers tuition (instructional, general and technology fees) for 30 credit hours per year for a total of 60 credit hours over two years. Eligibility requirements are included in the scholarship application below. For additional information, contact the Admissions Office about the Trustee Scholarship program at 937/328-6028.

• Trustee Scholarship Application (PDF)

Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Assistance Program
Sometimes life can throw you a curve ball that makes graduation seem like an impossible dream. The Dreamkeepers program provides assistance to students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. Dreamkeepers assistance was created to help students stay in college and meet their educational goals, ultimately, securing a better financial future. Applications are normally processed within 24 hours of submission.

• Dreamkeepers Grant Application

Choose Ohio First Scholarship
Are you thinking about going to college and want to major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine? You may be eligible for a Dayton Collaborative Choose Ohio First Scholarship - a multi-year renewable scholarship that varies from $1,500 to $4,700 annually (amount based on a student’s full-time or part-time status).

• Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Ohio War Orphans
The Ohio War Orphans Board awards scholarships to the children of disabled or deceased war veterans. The scholarship will cover 80 percent of eligible instructional and general fees at public institutions in Ohio or partial instructional and general fees at a private institution in Ohio. For additional information, contact the Ohio War Orphans Board of the Ohio Board of Regents.

Ohio Academic Scholarship
The Ohio Board of Regents awards 1,000 four-year scholarships for $2,205 each to each high school graduates based on their high academic records and ACT test. At least one scholarship is awarded to the students with the highest score in each high school. Students should apply for the scholarship through their high school counselor.

Ohio National Guard
The Ohio National Guard will pay in-state institutional and general fees of its members who are enrolled at Ohio public institutions as at least part-time undergraduates. Please note that for students at Clark State, the Ohio National Guard does not pay the out-of-state. Further information may be obtained by contacting the local Ohio National Guard Armory.

• External Scholarships

Clark State Foundation

It is the Clark State Foundation's vision that no one will be denied an education because of financial need.

Ohio ranks 41st in the United States in its support to higher education. As a result, Ohio's tuition ranks the 9th highest in the country. Not surprisingly, Ohio's college attendance rates are low, and within our own community, less than 15 percent of adults have completed college.

Although Clark State's tuition for a full-time student is still approximately $3,500 a year, that figure puts college out of reach for many. Most of Clark State's students are in their mid-twenties to mid-forties, juggling jobs and families, and therefore facing many personal and financial challenges in trying to acquire an education.

Foundation scholarships help remove the financial barriers allowing students to earn the education that will provide a better life for themselves and their children.

Donors of restricted or endowed scholarships can establish special criteria to be used in selecting the recipients, such as county of residence, program major, grade point average, financial need, etc. The Foundation also appreciates unrestricted gifts which fund the Foundation Community Commitment scholarships. The Scholarship Committee will determine the scholarship(s) for which an applicant is eligible.

Each year, the Clark State Foundation raises funds to help students attend college. Visit the Clark State Foundation web site to learn more.

Choose Ohio First Scholarship

Dayton Collaborative Choose Ohio First Scholarships are multi-year renewable scholarships, varying in amounts from $1,500 to $4,700 annually (amount based on a student’s full-time or part-time status). The scholarships are awarded to promising undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine (STEMM).

• Eligible Majors

The Dayton Collaborative Choose Ohio First Institutions

These higher education institutions are partnered with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and nearly 500 representatives from government, industry and health care:

Hands-on Experience

STEMM scholars are expected to maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and to participate in designated "learning-by-doing" experiences (internships, co-ops, service learning/civic engagement, undergraduate research, etc.). It is the goal of the Dayton Region Collaborative to provide experiences linked to the Research Scholars Program. COF scholars across the Dayton region, for example, would have the opportunity to spend a summer or an intersession working with Research Scholars, then spend the following summer or intersession working with business and industry partners. Attractive internship and/or opportunities for clinical experiences will be available through WPAFB-AFRL, NASA Glenn, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, Qbase, local and regional hospitals, and numerous other sites.

How to Apply

• Must have completed the admissions process to Clark State Community College.
• Must complete the FAFSA.
• Complete the Personal Information Required (on back of Choose Ohio First application).
• Applicants must submit one letter of recommendation from an instructor, supervisor, co-worker, etc. (no family members please).
• Personal statement: 500 words or less describing your career goals.

Return completed application (PDF) to the Clark State Admissions Office by the stated deadline.

Choose Ohio First Majors

Advanced Computer Networking Option
Advanced Technical Intelligence
Agriculture Engineering Technology Option
Computer-Aided Design Technology
Computer Networking Technology
Computer Networking/Technical Systems Support Option
Computer Science Transfer
Computer Software Development Technology
CyberSecurity/Information Assurance Technology
Emergency Medical Services/Paramedic Technology
Geospatial Technology
Industrial Technology
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
Mathematics Transfer
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Medical Assisting Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology
Natural and Physical Science Transfer
Nursing Transfer
Physical Therapist Assistant Technology
Pre-Engineering Transfer
Pre-Middle Child Education Transfer (math and science)
Pre-Secondary Education Transfer (math and science)
Registering Nursing Technology/Nursing Transition Technology

Loans

Beginning Summer Quarter 2010, Clark State will process Federal Stafford and Parent PLUS Loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program instead of the Federal Family Education Loan program (FFEL).

President Obama proposed that the Federal Direct Loan Program be mandatory for all schools, eliminating the FFEL Program. This legislation became law on March 30, 2010, and takes effect for the 2010-2011 academic year. In light of this legislation, the U.S. Department of Education has required all schools to participate in the Direct Loan Program.

• View Direct Loan FAQ

The major difference between the FFEL and the Federal Direct Loan Program is the source of funding. Students and schools will receive loan disbursements directly from the U.S. government instead of a bank or credit union.

Always use federal loans first because they generally carry lower, fixed interest rates and often have more favorable terms than private loans. If you need to use a private loan, do your own investigating to receive the best rates and benefits.

Most loans to students are disbursed via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Funds are applied directly to the student account to pay for any outstanding charges. Any excess loan funds are disbursed to the student (for Stafford loans) or the parent (for Plus loans). You may request to use direct deposit for any refund balance. See Payment Options for details.

Federal Stafford Loans

The Federal Stafford Loans are designed to assist a student in paying for educational expenses through a low interest loan program.

• Current interest rate on these loans is 6.8% fixed for loans disbursed after July 1, 2006.
• You have between 10 and 25 years to repay the loan, depending on the amount owed and the type of repayment plan. 
• Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
• Subsidized Stafford Loan: You must have financial need to receive this type of loan. The U.S. Department of Education will pay (subsidize) the interest that accrues on a subsidized loan during at least half time attendance and certain other periods.
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: You do not need to have financial need to obtain an unsubsidized loan. Also, the interest is not paid for you, however you may request to have the interest capitalize.

A "dependent" student is eligible to request a maximum of $5,500 per year for the first year of undergraduate study (of which no more than $3,500 can be subsidized) and $6,500 for the second year (of which no more than $4,500 can be subsidized).

An "independent" student is eligible to request a maximum of $9,500 for the first year of undergraduate study (of which no more than $3,500 can be subsidized) and $10,500 for the second year (of which no more than $4,500 can be subsidized).

How to Apply
Students should complete the steps below to apply for either the Subsidized or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan.

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Complete Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. Students must have Federal Student Aid PIN available at www.pin.ed.gov. Select Clark State Community College as a school to receive your entrance counseling results. An Exit Counseling session is also required prior to leaving Clark State either through graduation, withdrawal or transferring.
• Complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Students must have Federal Student Aid PIN available at www.pin.ed.gov to electronically sign a MPN.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Parents of eligible students may apply for a Plus Loan if the other aid they are receiving is not sufficient to cover their educational expenses.

• Parents must be credit worthy to receive a Plus Loan and may require a co-signor.
• Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid.
• Current interest rate on this loan is 8.5% fixed for loans disbursed after July 1, 2006.
• The borrower (parent) is responsible to pay all the interest.

How to Apply
Parents can be pre-approved online prior to submitting a Plus Loan application to the Financial Aid Office.

• Plus Loan application

Direct Loan FAQ

How do I apply?
Do I have to complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN)?
What are the benefits of the Federal Direct Loan Program?
Are there any differences in interest rates and fees between FFEL and Direct Loans?
What happens to the Stafford/PLUS Loans I borrowed in previous years?
How will repayment be handled if I have both FFEL and Direct Loans?
Where can I find information about who services my federal student loans?
Will I still be able to borrow alternative loans through a lender of my choice?

How do I apply?

• Students must complete the 2010-2011 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Students must complete Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. Visit the studentloans.gov to complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling. In order to complete Direct Loan Counseling, students must have their Federal Student Aid PIN available at www.pin.ed.gov. Select Clark State Community College as a school to receive your entrance counseling results.
• Students must complete a master promissory note (MPN) for their Federal Direct Stafford Loan(s). To complete an MPN for the Federal Direct Loan Programs, visit the studentloans.gov. Students must have their Federal Student Aid PIN available at www.pin.ed.gov to electronically sign an MPN.

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Do I have to complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN)?
Yes. All students must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Direct Loan Master Promissory Note. In preparation for 2010-11 aid year (Summer 2010 - Spring 2011) processing, students may opt to complete their Entrance Counseling and Stafford Loan MPN now. Once completed, these items will appear as satisfied requirements for the 2010-11 aid year.

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What are the benefits of the Federal Direct Loan Program?
There a several benefits to the Federal Direct Loan Program. For detailed information, visit the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Direct Loans website.

• A guaranteed source of funding
• A lower interest rate on PLUS Loans
• A single point of service for repayment
• Additional repayment options for students and interest rate reductions for on-time payment
• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

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Are there any differences in interest rates and fees between FFEL and Direct Loans?
The interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans is the same as that of the FFEL Program. However, the Direct PLUS Loan interest rate is 7.9%, whereas the PLUS Loan interest rate in the FFEL Program is 8.5%.

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What happens to the Stafford/PLUS Loans I borrowed in previous years?
Stafford Loans from previous aid years should remain in deferment as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. PLUS Loan borrowers may request deferment if the student is enrolled at least half-time.

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How will repayment be handled if I have both FFEL and Direct Loans?
Payment on Stafford/PLUS Loans are made by the borrower to their federal loan servicer. Borrowers that have multiple loan servicers for their loans will have multiple payments to make. Borrowers can opt to consolidate all of their federal student loans (both FFEL and Direct Loans) into one loan. For more information about Federal Consolidation Loans, visit the Federal Direct Consolidation Loan website.

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Where can I find information about who services my federal student loans?
Borrowers can find detailed information about their federal student loans, including their loan servicers, on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS). Borrowers will need their Federal Student Aid PIN available at www.pin.ed.gov to access their federal student loan records.

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Will I still be able to borrow alternative loans through a lender of my choice?
Yes. Students may continue to pursue alternative loans with a lender of their choice, however it is strongly recommended students apply for federal student aid first.

Financial Aid Contact Information

If you need assistance with tuition, the first step is to request a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from our Financial Aid Office. By filing the FAFSA, you will be considered for all aid for which you might be eligible. You should complete the FAFSA at least two months prior to starting classes or as soon as your federal tax return is completed. You will need to reapply for financial aid each year.