As a student receiving financial aid, you have the right to:
- Be informed about available federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.
- Receive clear instructions on how to apply for financial aid, including deadlines, procedures, and eligibility criteria.
- Know the college’s refund policy and the requirements for withdrawal, refunds, and repayments of aid.
Understand your aid
- Receive a detailed explanation of your financial aid offer, including types of aid offered and conditions for maintaining eligibility.
- Understand how your financial need is determined, including the development of the cost of attendance and the resources considered in the calculation.
- Know how much of your financial need has been met by the college.
Be notified of aid distribution and progress
- Be informed of the status of your financial aid application.
- Be informed of how and when financial aid funds are disbursed.
- Know the criteria and procedures for maintaining financial aid eligibility, including Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
Confidentiality and privacy
- Expect that your financial aid application and related financial records (including your parents’, if applicable) will be kept confidential in accordance with the Federal Education Right to Privacy Act (FERPA) and in accordance with the FUTURE ACT Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX).
Request a review of your financial aid offer
- Request a review of your financial aid package if there are significant changes in your or your family’s income, living situation, or expenses.
Equity and consideration
- Have your financial aid eligibility determined fairly and in accordance with federal regulations and college policies.
- Be considered for all aid programs for which you qualify, as long as funds are available.
- Be notified of your financial aid offer and any subsequent adjustments.
As a student receiving financial aid, you are responsible for:
- Submit complete and accurate information when applying for financial aid, including the FAFSA and any required documentation.
- Respond promptly to all requests for additional information, especially if selected for verification.
- Inform the Accounting Office of any outside scholarships, assistantships, or other financial resources.
- Report any changes in your personal information (name, address, Social Security number, graduation date, etc.) to Lake Land College’s Admissions and Records office.
Understanding and complying with aid requirements
- Read and understand all forms, terms, and conditions associated with your financial aid offer letter.
- Comply with all college policies and procedures related to financial aid.
- Be aware that falsifying information on financial aid forms is a criminal offense and may result in legal penalties.
Managing your financial aid responsibly
- Use financial aid funds solely for educational expenses as defined in the cost of attendance (e.g., tuition, fees, books, supplies, and related living expenses).
- Be aware of your ability to pay institutional charges based on your aid package and personal resources.
- Understand that aid cannot be used for courses that do not count toward your declared degree or certificate program.
- Declare a degree or certificate program and enroll only in eligible courses required for that program.
Academic and enrollment requirements
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by Lake Land College and federal regulations.
- Know the potential impact of dropping a course or withdrawing from college on your financial aid.
- Meet with a financial aid representative if you plan to withdraw from school.
Ongoing communication and renewal of your application
- Reapply for financial aid each academic year by submitting a new FAFSA and all required documents.
- Check your college email account regularly for updates and requests from the Financial Aid Office.
- Keep your permanent address up to date with the Admissions and Records office.
