Resources

Flexible and affordable ways to pay

In addition to competitive rates, we offer the advantage of paying for online college courses one course at a time, rather than an entire year at once. This can help you manage your cash flow and personal budget.
GI BILL recipients please click here for more information on using your GI BILL at ACOT


ACOT Offers Federal Financial Aid for Those Who Qualify


Great news! American College of Technology has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education to offer federal financial aid, one of the first online colleges to receive this recognition. Because of our more affordable tuition, ACOT students are able to graduate without large school loans to repay. Regardless of your current income or assets, you may qualify for student financial aid programs to help with the cost of your education. You may also have financial options beyond those described here.


ACOT Financial Aid Eligibility Policy

To be eligible for Federal Student Aid, students must:

• Be an admitted student, enrolled in an degree-granting eligible program of study
• Not be currently enrolled in a secondary school
• Provide proof of a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent (such as a GED)
• Be a U.S. citizen or national, or an eligible non-citizen (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required)
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Be enrolled at least half-time if applying to receive a Federal Direct Student Loan
• Not be in default on a Federal Student loan or owe an overpayment on a Federal Student Aid Grant or Loan and may not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for the Federal Student Loan Program.  Check www. nslds.ed.gov if uncertain.
• If the student is male, he must be registered with Selective Service as required.  Check www.sss.gov if uncertain
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) once approved for funding
• Certify that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes

 The Steps to Applying for Financial Aid

Financial aid can make the already affordable tuition at ACOT even easier on your pocketbook. In fact, with financial aid, you should be able to finish your degree without worry about large education debts for years to come.

The financial aid application process is detailed in the steps below. You should expect to spend approximately one and a half hours to complete the detailed process.

Step 1: Applying for admission. If you are interested in applying for financial aid at ACO, first take a few minutes and fill out our online admission application.    APPLY NOW

Step 2: Apply for a PIN (Personal Identification Number) with the Department of Education.
You will use this PIN to "electronically sign" the FAFSA.  You may apply at www.pin.ed.gov.  It may take up to 72 hours for your information to be verified.  Your electronic signature will not be valid until verification is complete.

Step 3: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. ACOT FAFSA Code is: 041187 (write down this number)
The FAFSA is a federal form you will be required to complete to be considered for federal financial aid. A FAFSA must be submitted if you want to apply for state and federal financial aid. Federal Student Aid includes, but is not limited to, Pell Grants and Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, and PLUS loans for parents of dependent borrowers.
Note: you will be asked for school code when filling out FAFSA, provide the above number.

Step 4: Complete Entrance Loan Counseling.
This step is required to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower of Federal Direct Student Funds.  You may complete your entrance counseling at www.studentloans.gov.  All student loan borrowers must complete the entrance counseling in order to receive federally funded student loans.

Step 5: Complete the Master Promissory Note.
The Master Promissory Note (MPN) can also be filled out at www.studentloans.gov. The MPN is a legal contract between the borrower and the lender. When you sign this MPN, you promise to repay any student loans you receive. The promissory note also contains important language about your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

NOTE: The MPN only applies if you receive funds, but it must be signed before an aid award is made. This is a federal aid requirement. If you never obtain aid, however, the MPN does not by itself create an obligation on your part.


Step 6: Receive Your Award Letter from ACOT.
Your award letter will indicate the grants and loans for which you are eligible. You will receive a copy of your award letter in the mail within 2 weeks of receipt confirmation by the Financial Aid Office

Financial Aid Application Deadline: For new students, the deadline for completing the financial aid process is 4 weeks before the start date of your program at ACOT.
This deadline also includes submission and approval of any additional required documents by the Financial Aid Office. Failure to complete the process or submit the required documents will result in a delay of funding and may affect your start date.

 

-FAFSA Application Tips

-2010 / 2011 Academic Forms
1) 10/11 Dependent Verification Worksheet

2) 10/11 Independent Verification Worksheet

Download Adobe Reader

Financial Aid Contact
Marcia Hurley
faid@acot.edu
800-804-1388
816-279-7000 ext 12

______________

GI BILL - Veterans Reference Click Here