Q. What if I did not CCRI’s code on my initial FAFSA and now I want to add CCRI as one of my schools?

A.  Utilizing your Federal PIN you can request a duplicate Student Aid Report (SAR), or designate an additional school to receive your information, at the FAFSA web site.  If you have forgotten your PIN you can also request a duplicate through this site.

Q.  Does CCRI have a financial aid deadline?

A.  CCRI has a priority deadline of May 1. Additionally, for Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents, there are deadlines for state grant funds (please see the FAFSA web site for those deadlines).

Although applications are accepted after May 1, those who apply before this deadline have a better chance of receiving aid beyond the Federal Pell Grant. Students whose applications are received after May 1 are expected to pay their own bill. These students may be reimbursed at a later date if they are found to be eligible to receive aid.

Q. How will I know how much financial aid I will receive?

A.  Once your file is reviewed, we will send you an award letter with the types of aid offered and the amounts. You may also review your Financial Aid application status online with Pipeline.

Q. How does the Financial Aid Office determine which types of aid I will receive?

A.  By taking your cost of attendance (COA), as determined by CCRI based on enrollment level for all students, and subtracting your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) found on the FAFSA web site (Go to the FAFSA web site to follow-up).

Q. If I am not eligible for the Pell Grant, does that mean I am not eligible for any need-based financial aid?

A.   No.  Many students who are ineligible for a Pell Grant, receive other types of need-based financial aid.

Q. Can I get financial aid to pay for my books?

 A.  If your total financial aid award* exceeds your tuition and fee bill, you may be able to charge your books at the CCRI bookstore. This will only be the case if your financial aid award, after adjustment for enrollment status, exceeds all charges assessed by the institution.
* Federal PELL, Federal SEOG, and the CCRI Grant are the only eligible funds for the Bookstore Charge program.

Q. If my financial aid award exceeds my bill, will I get a refund and if so, when?

 A.  If your financial aid award exceeds your bill, you are entitled to receive this amount in the form of a refund. Refunds for the Fall semester are generally disbursed in November and refunds for the Spring semester are generally disbursed in April. [See CCRI's Refund Policy]

Q. What is verification?

A. Verification is a process initiated by the U.S. Department of Education requiring you (and your parents, if you are a dependent student) to submit signed copies of federal tax returns and any other required forms to the Financial Aid Office. If you are chosen for verification, your financial aid will not be finalized until the process is completed. About 30% of all financial aid applicants are selected at random each year for verification when their FAFSA is processed as well as those students selected by the college.

Q.  Will my financial aid be adjusted if I drop a class?

A.  Your financial aid award is based on full-time attendance (12 or more credit hours). If you take less than 12 credit hours a semester, your aid will be adjusted. In many cases your bill will also be adjusted to reflect the reduction in credits.

Q. Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?

A. Yes. It is best to begin the application process as soon as possible after January 1 preceding the upcoming academic year.

Q.  Does CCRI have a payment plan?

A. Yes. CCRI does offer payment plan for students. Please contact the Bursar’s Office on any of the campuses to inquire about the TMS Deferred Payment plan.

Q.  Can my grades affect my financial aid award?

A.  Yes. A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to receive financial aid according to federal regulations. Ineligible students may appeal aid eligibility. More information on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process may be found here.

Q.  Can I work if it has been determined that I am not making satisfactory academic progress according to the Financial Aid standards?

A.  No. A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to receive financial aid according to federal regulations, including working in either the Federal College Work Study program or the CCRI Student Help program. Ineligible students may appeal aid eligibility. More information on Satisfactory Academic Progress and the appeal process may be found here.

Q.  Do you process student loans for the summer term?

A.  No. At the Community College of Rhode Island student loans are only available for the Fall and Spring academic terms.