Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I re-apply for financial aid for the next academic year?

A: The FAFSA becomes available each January for the following academic year, and you should apply as early as possible because many financial aid programs have limited funding that will go only to early applicants. For best results, apply each year by April 15th.

Q: I have a negative balance on my account; I thought I had financial aid?

A: When the amount of financial aid awarded to you exceeds the charges on your account, a credit balance is created. The negative balance is the amount owed to you in the form of a balance check which is disbursed by the Financial Services (Business) Office. All checks are mailed to the student’s address.
*NOTE: Please make sure our Admissions Office has your current address.

Q: When will I receive my balance check from my financial aid?

A: For students who are awarded before or during the registration process, no balance checks will be issued by the Financial Services (Business) Office until approximately (3) three weeks after the add/drop period is over. For those students who are awarded after the registration period is over, balance checks are usually issued by the Financial Services (Business) Office within (2) two weeks.

Q: I received a bill, but I have submitted a loan application. What do I do?

A: Student loans are also considered financial aid so if the amount awarded exceeds your total charges then a courtesy hold will be placed on your classes until the loan funds are received by the school.

Q: If I have been awarded a loan, when will I receive my loan funds?

A: First time borrowers in the first year of study will receive their first disbursement thirty (30) days after the term begins, if processed and approved by the lender. All other borrowers will receive the first disbursement approximately 3 weeks after the add/drop period is over, if processed and approved by the lender.

Q:  I got two MPNs (Master Promissory Notes) in the mail from two different places. Which one do I send in?

A: You can send in either one. The lender has to receive a signed MPN from you before they will release the funds to the school.

Q: I didn’t file a tax return and I have no income. What do I put on the FAFSA application?

A: If you have no income and someone is paying your bills for you, then you must list the amount of money being paid on your behalf under question 47 of the FAFSA application. If you do not list any source of income or you have unusually low income, you will be required to fill out a Low Income form.

Q. I have been awarded Bright Futures, how do I get my information to the school?

A. Students should contact the FL Department of Education at 1-888-827-2004 or go to the website at   www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org to select the institution you will be attending. In addition, you should contact the Office of Financial Assistance.

Q. How do I utilize Bright Futures at LSCC for the payment of classes?

A: The basic eligibility requirements for Bright Futures are that you must be a Florida resident and a U.S. Citizen or  eligible non-citizen (as determined by Lake-Sumter Community College), must be degree seeking, register for at least 6 credit hours per term, and have all High School and college transcripts submitted to LSCC. *Please note: Bright Futures does not pay for college preparatory classes.

Q. How do I qualify for Work-Study?

A: To be eligible for the Work Study program you must first apply for financial aid using the FAFSA application. Eligibility criteria include; must have verifiable need, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit/load hours.

Q. How do I apply for the Childcare scholarship? Does the childcare facility need to be licensed and accredited?

A: To apply for a Childcare scholarship, go to http://www.lscc.edu/financialaid/childcare_scholarship.aspx. Follow the directions listed on this page and make sure to include all required documentation to avoid any delay in processing your application. To qualify for childcare assistance, the childcare facility must be both licensed and accredited.

Q: I have been suspended from financial aid for low completion ratio or low GPA. What do I do?

A: If a student has mitigating circumstances (beyond his/her control), he/she can file an appeal at  http://www.lscc.edu/financialaid/forms.aspx. Students must provide backup documentation of their mitigating circumstances to be considered. Failure to provide documentation will result in the denial of the appeal.

Q: I have been suspended from financial aid for timeframe limitation. What do I do?

A: If a student has mitigating circumstances (beyond his/her control), he/she can file an appeal at  http://www.lscc.edu/financialaid/forms.aspx. If a student’s appeal is approved, he/she will be put on a probationary status and will be approved up to 120 attempted hours only. For those students who have already attempted 120 credit hours, they will not be eligible for federal financial aid; however, students can apply for institutional scholarships when available at http://www.lscc.edu/foundation/ or contact the Office of Financial Assistance for other options.