Every year starting January 1, students should start applying for Financial Aid for the following academic year. It is important to list the correct name and address(es) of the college (s) you wish to attend and the school code on the application. The school code for Miami Dade Community College InterAmerican Campus is E00994.

Applying for Financial Aid for the first time - You must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid as soon as possible. This application is available at any high school, public library or at any Miami Dade College on or after January 1 every year. In order for a student to apply for any type of title IV aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed. The application must be completed every year. You may also apply for Financial Aid on the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov

Applying for Financial Aid for the second time- If you previously applied for financial aid, a renewal form is sent to you in December. Remember that you may not send the renewal application until January 1, or thereafter. You may also apply for Financial Aid on the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

For More information on Financial Aid visit the collgewide Financial Aid page at: www.mdc.edu/financial_aid/

• Catalog of Federal Assistance
• FAFSA on the Web
• Federal programs benefiting students
• Federal school codes
• Fl. Bureau of Stud Financial Assistance
• Student gateway to the U.S. government
• The Student Guide
• U.S. Office of Student Financial Assistance

FEDERAL WORK STUDY( FWS)
AMERICA READS FEDERAL WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAM (FWEP)

The Federal Work Program allows undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to work (on or off campus) while in school. In order to qualify for Federal Work Program, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed. The student must be enrolled for at least six credits, have at least a 2.0 grade point average and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The students are normally allowed to work up to 20 hours per week and the wages will be at least the current federal minimum wage.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)- The student works on Campus in an area related to their course of study.

America Reads- The student will earn funds from the Federal Work Study Program while tutoring elementary school children in their reading skills.

Federal Work Experience Program (FWEP)- The work-study program allows students to work in positions related to their field of study (normally off-campus employment). Student must be a Florida Resident.

Federal Unsubsidized Loan Program

• Must complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid
• The loan is not based on need.
• The interest rate is variable but may not exceed 8.25%.
• The student is responsible for paying the interest while enrolled in school but may choose to defer
• The student has six months grace period before interest and repayment begins.
• Repayment starts six months after graduation or student is no longer enrolled for at least six credits.
• Maximum loan amount is $4000.
• Independent students may apply for the Unsubsidized loan.
• Dependent students whose parents cannot qualify for the PLUS loan may apply for the Unsubsidized loan.
• The interest rate for 2002-2003 is 7.59%.
• Federal PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
• Student does not need to apply for Financial Aid
• Variable interest rate not to exceed 9%
• Parent may borrow the cost of education minus financial aid.
• Good credit history required

Federal Perkins Loan A low interest federal loan made available through the school. The loan is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. The student must apply for financial aid before requesting this loan and must be enrolled for at least six credits. The interest rate is 5 percent and repayment begins 9 months after graduation or at any time a student is no longer enrolled for at least six credits. Deferment and cancellation provisions are available. Please contact your financial aid office for additional information on deferments and cancellations of the Perkins loan. Annual aggregate loan limit is $4000.
Florida Guaranteed Loan Program
The Federal Family Education Loan program gives financial assistance through lenders to assist students and their families pay for their educational expenses while attending a post secondary institution. Three types of student loans are available: Federal Subsidized Stafford, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford, and Federal PLUS (parent loan for dependent undergraduate students).
Federal Subsidized Loan Program

• Must complete the Free Application For Federal Student Aid.
• The loan is based on need.
• The interest rate is variable but may not exceed 8.25%.
• The federal government pays the interest while the student is in school
  at least half time.
• The student has six months grace period before interest and repayment begins.
• Repayment starts six months after graduation or student is no longer enrolled for at least six credits.
• Loan amounts vary depending on need and year in school:
  - Freshman $2625- 0 to 30 credits
  - Sophomore $3500- 31 to 60 credits
• The interest rate for 2003-2004 is 2.83%

GRANTS

Pell Grants- Awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree or professional degree. The Pell Grant award is based on the estimated Family contribution. The amount of Pell Grant is adjusted according to the number of credits enrolled.

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant- A Federal Grant awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Students must be enrolled for at least six credits with priority given to students who receive Federal Pell Grant.

Florida Student Assistance Grant- A grant from the state of Florida for students who have need and are Florida residents. Student must be enrolled for at least 12 credits. Disabled students must contact the financial aid office.

Middle Income Grant- An institutional grant awarded to students who are not eligible for the Pell Grant and still have financial need or have a Bachelor's degree. Student must meet the criteria set by the Financial Aid Office. Please go to the Financial Aid Office for additional information.

For those students who previously applied for financial aid, a renewal form is sent to their home address in December. Remember that you may not send the renewal application back to the Federal processor until or after January 1. You may also apply for Financial Aid online www.fafsa.ed.gov

The Federal government selects about 30% of all applicants for a process called verification. If a student is selected for verification, then the institution is required to verify all the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Required documents:
1) Student's income tax forms and W2.
2) Parent's income tax form and W2. (for dependent students only)
3) Verification form
4) Additional documentation may be required.

1) High school diploma, General Education Development certificate (GED),or pass an approved ability to benefit test.

2) Enrolled or accepted in a degree program or eligible certificate program.

3) U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

4) Valid Social Security Number.

5) Satisfactory Academic Progress.

6) Register with Selective service (male students)

7) Sign statement on the FAFSA certifying that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe a repayment on a federal student grant.

8) Sign statement on the FAFSA certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

9) Have financial need, unless applying for a specific loan program that does not require financial need.

January 1, 2007 --- First day to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the Federal Government.

March 16,2007-- Miami Dade College priority application deadline. Student must provide all required documents to receive maximum Financial Aid Assistance based on Financial Need.

June 30, 2006 ----- 2006-2007 Last day to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to the Federal Government.

June 30, 2008 ------ 2007-2008 Last day to submit the Free Application for Federal Student 7Aid to the Federal Government.