What is Financial Aid?
Financial Aid is any grant, loan, scholarship, benefit or employment opportunity provided to assist students with educationally related expenses.

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Who is Eligible?
Although some financial aid is based upon achievement and ability, most is awarded based on demonstrated need. The equation below shows how this need is determined.

                Cost of Education

            -   Parent and/or Student Contribution

            =  Need

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How is the Cost of Education Determined?
College costs involve both direct (billed) and indirect (non-billed) costs.  Tuition and fees are determined based on your enrollment status.  Other indirect expenses recognized by the Financial Aid Office are books, rent/utilities, food, clothing, transportation, medical expenses, child care, and personal expenses.  As determined by federal regulations, the budget for these figures is based on average costs for our area and is not an exact replica of every student's situation.

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How is My Contribution Determined?
You and your parents, (if you are dependent) are asked to contribute as much as possible to your educational expenses.  Financial aid is a supplement to your contribution (not a replacement) when you cannot meet the full education expenses.  The amount you and your family must contribute is determined by the Financial Aid application known as a "need analysis."  This need analysis formula is used by all colleges across the country and is mandated by Congress.

Estimated Full-Time Costs will be available in the Financial Aid Office.  Please refer to the application packet for Financial Aid for further details.

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How Do I Get Started?

1. ALL applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.RACC's Department of Education Code is 010388. Applying on the Web is faster, has fewer questions and automatically checks for mistakes before you submit. You can also receive an application by calling the Admissions Office or by stopping in the Financial Aid Office.  It is available after January 1 for the next academic year.  Students who filed for aid the prior year should receive a renewal application in the mail.  The Financial Aid Office has professional assistance available to answer any of your questions about completing the application.  We ask that you first complete as much of the application as you can.  Leave blank any questions that you do not understand, but be sure to review all the questions.  Then bring the application into the Financial Aid Office to have it reviewed before you mail it.  You can mail it yourself, but to be safe, it is a good ideas to have it reviewed before mailing.
2. Any student who wishes to borrow a Direct Loan must also complete a separate loan application.  If you checked yes to the question "interested in student loans" on the FAFSA, a loan application will be sent to you.

Keep copies of all forms filed and/or submitted.

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Deadlines:

Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) State Grant Deadline:  August 1 for non-renewal and Associate of Applied Science degree programs and May 1 for renewal applicants and transfer curriculums.

Reading Area Community College :  Your application will be considered at any time you apply, but a deadline of May 1 exists for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) and Foundation Awards.

Federal Student Loans:  No deadline, but it is strongly recommended that you apply at least 90 days prior to the period for which you are seeking the loan.

Federal Work Study:  No deadline.  Funds will be awarded until the federal allocation is exhausted.

Federal Pell Grant:  June 30, at end of the academic year for all applicants.

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How is Aid Awarded To Students Who
Demonstrate "Need"?
Eligible students are awarded a combination of aid.  This may consist of grants, loans, and/or work-study.  Students are generally free to accept or decline the offered wards.  If an award is declined, it will not be made up with an alternate source of aid.  Although all students prefer to fund their entire educational experience through grant funds, that is not usually possible.  It is often necessary to borrow to meet the cost of education.

How Will I Know If I Am Eligible?

Federal Pell Grant:  Approximately 4 to 6 weeks after you file your need analysis application, the Federal Processor will send you a 3-4 page Student Aid Report (SAR).  This document notifies you of your Pell eligibility

State Grant:  PHEAA will notify you of your state grant eligibility beginning in May.

Federal Direct Loans:  If you have submitted a loan application, your lender will send you a postcard indicating that they have received your application.  RACC's Award Letter will also show an estimate of your loan.

RACC Aid:  The Financial Aid Office will mail you an award letter.  This letter will summarize your Pell grant, State grant, Direct Loan, if you have applied, and any additional aid given through the College.

What If I Am Not Eligible?

If you do not demonstrate need for grant funding, the Financial Aid Office will send you information regarding alternate funding sources.  You may also contact the Cashier's Office regarding payment plans.

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How To Read Your Financial Aid Award Letter

What is on my award letter?
Your Financial Aid Award Letter contains information regarding the types of financial aid you are eligible for, the estimated amount of the aid, and the terms you will receive the aid.  The award amounts are listed under either Term 1, 2 or 3.  Term 1 is always fall term, Term 2 is winter and Term 3 is spring.  Concurrent sessions that do not conform to standard term dates may not be changed. Summer sessions are combined and treated as one term for Financial Aid purposes.  Your aid is always estimated based on full-time enrollment.  If you do not enroll full-time, you may not have eligibility for the program or the amount may be prorated.  Please see information on specific program for details.  Your financial aid award letter will also indicate if you must provide any additional documents.  Please respond to these requests promptly.  As always, if you have any questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

What do the codes next to award amounts mean?
A = actual amount-This code is used once your grants or loans are credited to your college account and/or you have earned income through the FWSP payroll.

C&E = estimated amount-These codes are used to signify that your award(s) are estimated based on full-time enrollment status.

Will my award amount change?
The RACC Financial Aid Office reserves the right to adjust your awards.  If you receive additional financial assistance not reflected on your Financial Aid Award letter, you are required to notify us immediately in writing of the source and amount of additional assistance.  Adjustments are made on an individual basis and you will be promptly notified of changes.  If later verification of students and or parental financial information provided on the application documents should reveal discrepancies, a revision or cancellation of an original awarded amount may result.  Any errors made in the crediting or estimation of Financial Aid remains the student's responsibility.  If subsequent adjustment if made by the Financial Aid Office, the student may be billed.

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How Do I Receive My Financial Aid?
Deferred Billing:  After you have completed the necessary applications and other requirements, the Financial Aid Office will estimate your eligibility for financial aid.  This will be indicated on the Financial Aid Award Letter as discussed on page 5.  If the total estimated aid you are to receive each term is less than your RACC charges, you must pay the difference or make other arrangements by the established payment deadline dates or your registration may be canceled.  If you are not sure if your owe a balance, check with the Cashier's Office.  Remember, these are the only estimates and can change if your status or eligibility changes.

Bookstore Charge:  If you have enough estimated aid to cover all of your term bill, you will be permitted to use any remaining aid to charge books for the term.  You may charge books and supplies only at the Campus Bookstore and only during the posted dates for Financial Aid Bookstore charges.  These charges will be added to your college debt and deducted from your financial aid when it is credited to your account.

Paying Your Bill:  Your grants will be credited to your college account after the term midpoint.  Your loan will be credited to your account after you have signed the check (or we have received the transfer for EFT users).  The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to withhold payment of any financial aid when necessary.  If payment is withheld, you must contact the Financial Aid Office to resolve the situation.  It is your responsibility to make sure that your account has been credited.  If you are not certain, check with the Cashier's Office.  You have the right to an accurate and current statement of charges.

Refunds:  If the total amount of aid you receive in each term from all sources exceeds your unpaid institutional charges, you will receive a refund check.  (Your financial aid file must be complete before and will be credited to your account.)  The earliest dates refunds will be available for those students who have completed all requirements for each term can be found in the Financial Aid Office at the beginning of that Academic Year.  The Cashier's Office is not allowed to maintain a credit balance in your account from term to term, therefore funds cannot be held for subsequent terms.  These refunds are for living expenses during the term awarded.

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What General Requirements Must I Meet To Be Eligible
For Federal Aid?

High School Graduate or GED Recipient Requirement:  If you did not graduate from high school or receive a GED, you must take placement tests before admission.  After completion of the placement tests, you may be advised to take remedial courses.

U.S. Citizenship or Eligible Non-Citizen:  In order to receive federal aid, you must be a citizen of the United States or an eligible non-citizen.  The following is a list of documents which can prove eligibility if you are not a citizen:

• U.S. permanent resident, and you have an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-151 or I-551).

• Other eligible non-citizen with an Arrival-departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service showing any one of the following designations:  (a) "Refugee," (b) "Asylum Granted," © "Indefinite Parole" and/or "Humanitarian Parole," (d) "Cuban-Haitian Entrant."

• Other eligible non-citizen with a Temporary Resident Card (I-688).

Selective Service:  All males over age 18 must be registered with selective service before they can receive financial aid.  Certain people are exempt from registration.  These exemptions are listed on the RACC financial aid application.

Default:  If you have been declared in default on a previous student loan or if your owe a refund to any federal grant program, you will not be given consideration for any financial aid at RACC.

Program of Study:  A student must be pursuing a degree in an approved program of study.  In general, adjuncts, continuing education, and transient students are not eligible for Financial Aid.

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Is There Anything Else I Must Do Before I Receive My Aid?
Approximately 30% of all student financial aid applications are selected by the federal government for the process of verification.  Verification means that we must insure that all information on your financial aid application is correct.

If you are selected for verification, you will be notified by letter as to what documents you must submit.  If you are having difficulty in obtaining any required documents, notify the Financial Aid Office immediately.

Verification must be complete within the earlier of sixty days or your last date of enrollment.  If you have not completed verification, you will not be permitted to registered for subsequent terms using estimated Financial Aid.

You will be notified in writing by the Financial Aid Office when verification has been completed.  If you believe you have completed all verification requirements but have not received notification of completion, please contact our office.  Do not assume verification is complete!

All financial aid is estimated until verification is complete.  No loan will be processed and no aid credited until all required information has been provided.

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What Else Can Effect My Aid For the

Current Year?
Attendance:  A student must attend class to receive financial aid.  Lack of attendance may result in either elimination or reduction of financial aid.  The Financial Aid Office requests that all professors submit attendance verification forms for all students who have not attended class or who have stopped attending.  Specifics of the policy are contained in the Financial Aid Office Manual.

Enrollment Status:  A student's basic eligibility and award amount is based on his/her enrollment status.  A change in enrollment status may cause a revision in an award or ineligibility.  Some programs require full-time enrollment; others require half-time or less.

Withdrawal from Classes:  If you want to totally withdraw from your classes, you must complete the appropriate withdrawal form in the Counseling Office.  You will be sent to the Financial Aid Office for personal advisement.  If you stop attending your classes without officially withdrawing, your entire financial aid award may be canceled and you will be liable for all institutional charges.  If you officially withdraw, we must calculate your entitlement based on a formula determined by the United States Department of Education.  These calculations are done at 60% into the term.  This is the point at which you are entitled to receive a "W" for your course.  After that you are entitled to your entire Financial Aid Award.  Since we credit financial aid at 25% into the term, you may be required to return a portion of your awards as determined by regulations if you withdraw.  You may request a copy of the refund calculation regulations from the Financial Aid Office.  In order to receive any financial aid, you must have been attending your classes prior to withdrawing.  Any refund to be returned to financial aid programs will be allocated in the following manner:  unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, subsidized Federal Direct Loan; Federal PLUS; Pell Grant; SEOG aid; any other Title IV Program; other Federal, state, private, or institutional financial assistance; or to the student.

Dropping Classes:  Your aid is affected depending on when you drop your class.  Financial Aid will be credited based on your enrollment at the end of the drop/add period.  If you receive a grade for the class you are dropping, you will receive aid for that class.  Note:  Direct Student Loans will be returned to the lender if the student is not enrolled at the time we receive the funds.  Dropping classes can affect your academic progress.  If you are planning to change your enrollment, request a copy of the Financial Aid Advisement Form.

Over Award:  The Financial Aid Office is responsible for determining whether the combined total of a student's aid and other resources exceeds his/her computed financial need.  Revisions in the student's aid package may be made if this situation arises.

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What Affects My Aid for Next Year?
Financial Aid is reevaluated on a yearly basis.  For example, your application for 2003-2004 Academic Year was based on 2002's income.

Academic achievement is required to maintain financial aid eligibility.  There are three types of reviews listed below:

Satisfactory Academic Progress:  What you do in your classes in the current year affects your financial aid for the following year.  A student must make progress toward the completion of his/her program.  For the PHEAA State Grant Program you must complete a minimum of 24 credits for each full-time academic year of state grant received or 4 credits per term for any part-time state grant received.  For federal programs, the student must successfully complete 66% of the classes attempted by the half-way point of the program of study.

Satisfactory Academic Standing:  The grades that you receive in your classes this term may effect your aid next term.  Federal and state regulations require that a student receiving Financial Aid by in satisfactory academic standing according to the college's standards.  Ineligibility for financial aid during the course of the academic year may result if satisfactory academic standing is not maintained.  After six terms of enrollment, the student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0.  Failure to meet these minimum standards will result in the suspension of all Financial Aid.  There is no probation period permitted.  All work-study students must maintain a 2.0 to continue their employment.

Program Completion:  The U.S. Department of Education requires that schools establish a maximum time frame for completion of a program of study that does not exceed 150% of the published length of the program.  In other words, if your program requires 60 credits to graduate but you continue taking classes, your financial aid will be stopped when you reach 90 credits.

The review is conducted after grades are posted for each term.  If a term begins before grades are available, the academic review will still be effective prior to the term in progress.  Therefore, should financial aid be revoked, the student is still responsible for the bill.  It is the student's responsibility to maintain the acceptable level of academic achievement.

When a student takes off one academic year or more, the proper academic hold code does not remain on the computer system.  This does not mean that the student is absolved from the past grades.  When the student does a readmit Admissions Application, their file is reactivated.  Therefore, on the next academic review, the student will be recoded and the aid suspended.  If the student receives a deferment during the time between the readmit application and the recoding of the financial aid, the student will be responsible for the bill.  Remember, once suspended, always suspended unless an appeal is granted!

If your financial aid is revoked, you will need to appeal to the Financial Aid Committee in letter form stating (1) why you had a problem in the past and (2) why that problem is not going to occur if your financial aid is reinstated.  Remember:  Your appeal letter may be denied so you should provide as much information as possible so the committee can make an informed decision!  You have only one chance to appeal and the decision by the committee is final.  If the appeal is denied and you have incurred a bill with the college, you are responsible for those charges.  Deadline:  All appeals must be received in the Financial Aid Office by the end of the drop/add period (for traditional term classes) for the term in question.

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What Additional Steps Must Transfer Students Take?
Students transferring into RACC from another school or from RACC to another institution must take the following steps:

1. Complete the Student Aid Report (SAR) Address Change/School Change/Duplicate SAR Request Form.  This form, available at the Financial Aid Office of the school you are transferring to, is necessary for all students who applied for financial aid at a different school during the current academic year.  This form must be completed and mailed to the Federal Student Aid Programs address listed on the back of the form.  In lieu of completing this form, the transfer student may opt to bring the Student Aid Report to RACC's Financial Aid Office.  The Financial Aid Office will then process the change electronically.
2. Complete the College Enrollment Change Student Authorization Statement form.  This form, available at the Financial Aid Office of the school you are transferring to, authorizes the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency to switch your school choice to your new school.

1. You must determine a work schedule agreeable to both you and your supervisor.
2. If you are unable to report to work, you must inform the supervisor prior to the time you are scheduled to work.  Personal hygiene and appropriate attire are essential to properly perform the duties of your job.
3. Timesheets must reflect hours worked.  Meal time, travel time, vacation time, sick time, and breaks must not be included.
4. All timesheets must be handed into the Financial Aid Office by 5:00 p.m. on paydays for those hours to be included in the next payroll.  Timesheets handed in after this deadline will not be processed until the next payroll.
5. Students who falsify or misrepresent hours worked are subject to immediate termination.
6. All students are expected to perform quality work and act responsibly while participating in the work-study program.  A site supervisor reserves the right to terminate a student from a permanent site if the quality of his or her work is consistently poor, or he/she has behaved inappropriately.

1. In order for a student to participate in the Federal Work-Study Program in any capacity, a minimum of 4 credits must be maintained at all times during the academic year.  SWSP students must be enrolled for 8 credits or more each term.  If you drop below this requirements, you must cease working immediately and inform the Financial Aid Office.
2. The Financial Aid Office will not authorize payment for any hours worked after you dropped.
3. The Financial Aid Office Reserves the right to adjust a student's work-study award at any point during his or her employment if warranted.
4. In addition to the enrollment requirements in #1 above, students must meet all other general eligibility requirements for Financial Aid, such as good academic standing and satisfactory progress.
5. The college has established policies applicable to student unemployment which includes all work-study participants.

1. FAFSA completed and processed by the federal processor.
2. Verification completed, if selected and required.
3. Loan promissory note mailed to bank.
4. Entrance interview completed.
5. RACC Loan Request Form completed.

Funds received in your name will be returned to the bank within 10 days, if the college is unable to credit your account.

Two Types of Federal Direct Loans:
Subsidized Loan:  This is indicated on your award letter as Federal Direct Student Loan.  Subsidized Loan means that you are eligible for federal subsidizing of the interest on the loan.  Therefore, you make no payments on the principle or interest for six months after you graduate, withdraw, or cease being at least a half-time student (less than 4 credits).

Un-Subsidized Loan:  This is indicated on your award letter as Federal Un-Sub.  You will receive this loan if you do not have the eligibility for a subsidized loan, you will be charged quarterly interest payments while still in school.  As with subsidized loans, principle payments are delayed until six months after you cease being at least a half-time student.  An independent student can borrow an additional $4000 in an un-subsidized loan, provided he/she is within the cost of education.

Your Loan Responsibilities:

1.   Promptly report the following to your lender:

                                                      a. Withdrawal from school or graduation.

                                                      b. Transfer to another college or university.

                                                      c. A less than half-time enrollment.

                                                      d. All changes of address.

                                                      e. Change of name.

2.   Contacting your lender to establish repayment schedule at the close of your grace period.

3.   Repaying your loan according to the established repayment schedule.

Be Aware:

Transfer Information:

1. The total amount you can borrow for four years of undergraduate study is shown in the charts below.  Reading Area Community College prorates all loans that are less than one year in length.  This insures that the student will have loan funds for future education.
2. The repayment on a loan borrowed for attendance at RACC may be deferred while you attend your transfer school.  Contact your loan servicer for further information.
3. You may be asked by your lender to provide certification of your continuing enrollment status and prospective graduation at a transfer school.

Federal PHEAA Plus Loans:
Any parent of a dependent student who is enrolled on at least a half-time basis (minimum of 4 credits) can apply for a PLUS loan.  PLUS loans range from $100 to $1000 minus any other student loans already approved and is subject to a lender credit check and approval.  Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan disbursement and is repayable at 1% (variable) interest rate per year.  As with the Federal Direct Loans, an entrance interview is required of all first time loan applicants.  During the interview, the applicant will be informed of their rights, responsibilities, and obligations.

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Scholarships:

Foundation for Reading Area Community College

The Foundation manages and administers gifts to the college from staff and faculty, alumni, members of the community and local businesses and organizations.

Many gifts to the Foundation are used to create scholarship endowments.  Endowments are established by donors who wish to honor or memorialize a loved one or sometimes to support a particular program or a special interest.  A named endowment is a gift of $10,000 or more that is invested in perpetuity according to established guidelines.

In addition to scholarship funds coming from named endowments, the Foundation processes gifts that are awarded on a annual basis coming directly from a donor for a specific purpose.

Criteria for scholarships vary, but most are based upon financial need and/or academic merit in combination with other eligibility criteria.  Available endowed scholarships are listed below.   Most are given to current RACC students, but some are awarded to Berks County high school graduates who plan to attend Reading Area Community College.  Some awards are made to adults enrolled in special non-credit programs.  Additional information is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Please note:  To apply you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Currently List of Foundation Scholarships:
Fannie Abramson Scholarship
George W. and Alice C. Allwein
RACC Alumni Association Scholarship
Elizabeth (Yocum) Benbow Scholarship
Joseph and Shirley Boscov Scholarship
Boscov Scholarship
Daniel B. and Blanche R. Boyer Scholarship
James K. and Nancy Lang Boyer Scholarship
James K. Boyer Scholarship
Joseph P. Connolly, Jr. Scholarship
Renee' L. Dietrich Scholarship
Edward J. Dives Scholarship
Felicia S. Fayerman Scholarship
Severin Fayerman Scholarship
Federation of Reading Area Community College
      Local 3173 AFT-AFL-CIO Memorial Scholarship
Gauby Memorial Scholarship
Golf Tournament Scholarship
Honors Scholarship
Henry J. Huesman Scholarship
Evelyn S. Imber Scholarship
Leona C. Kline Nursing Scholarship
Helen M. Kubacki Scholarship
Margaret B. Edgar and Doris R. S. Miller Scholarship
Herman D. Oritsky Scholarship
Joseph S. and Mary (Yocum) Pendleton Scholarship
Irvin Persky Scholarship
Dora Rosner Scholarship
Benjamin S. Saylor Scholarship
Hertha Schmidt Scholarship
Student Government Association Scholarship
M. John Smith Scholarship
Bruce H. and Elizabeth A. Stanley Scholarship
Student Financial Crises Fund
Gretel E. Summons Endowment
Eileen Tucker Scholarship
Donald van Roden Scholarship
Benjamin S. and Ruth Wagner Scholarship
Dr. Clifford C. and Doris Wagner Scholarship
Wacovia Bank Business Scholarship
Robert Benneville Yarnell Scholarship
Evelyn H. K. Yeide Scholarship
Clara Yocum Scholarship
Emma Kate Bright Yocum Scholarship
George Lehman Yocum Scholarship
George Lehman Yocum, Jr. Scholarship
Helen J. Yocum Scholarship
Howard W. Yocum Scholarship
James H. Yocum Scholarship
Valerie Yocum Scholarship
William and Mary (Potteiger) Yocum Scholarship
William H. Yocum Scholarship
William H. Yocum, II Scholarship
Richard F. Zarilla Endowment
Gust and Doris Zogas Education Scholarship

Maximum Aggregate Loan Amounts-Federal Direct Loans
Borrower's Academic Level    Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized
Dependent Undergraduate Student                $  23,000
Independent Undergraduate Student              $  46,000
Graduate or Professional Student                  $138,500

Borrower's       Dependent Student      Independent Student
Grade Level           Sub + Unsub          Sub      Unsub        Total

1st Year Undergraduate:
1AY in length                 $2,625              $2,625 + $4,000 = $6,625
2/3 AY in length             $1,750              $1,750 + $2,500 = $4,250
1/3 AY in length             $   875              $   875 + $1,500 = $2,375

2nd Year Undergraduate:
1 AY in length                $3,500              $3,500 + $4,000 = $7,500
2/3 AY in length             Prorated            Prorated + $2,500 = Prorated
1/3 AY in length             Prorated            Prorated + $1,500 = Prorated

Borrower's       Dependent Student      Independent Student
Grade Level           Sub + Unsub          Sub      Unsub        Total

  3rd Year Undergraduate:
1AY in length                 $5,500              $5,500 + $5,000 = $10,500
Less than 1 AY              Prorated            Prorated + Prorated = Prorated

Graduate or Professional:     N/A             $8,500 + $10,000 = $18,50

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What Other Types of Programs Should I
Know About?
External Scholarship Programs
Many private, social, business, religious, and educational organizations offer scholarship awards.  These applications are distributed to relevant faculty, department chairpersons, the Yocum Library and the Financial Aid Office.  The applications in the Financial Aid Office are updated daily and most are available between January and May.

Scholarship Websites
The following websites have potential scholarship opportunities:

Pennsylvania State Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
State Vocational Rehabilitation Educational Benefits may be discussed with an OVR Representative at the local OVR Office at 1090 Commons Blvd. , Reading , PA   19605 .

Retraining for Unemployed Individuals Due to Plant Closing and/or Layoffs
Reading Area Community College encourages people affected by plant closings and layoffs to enroll in credit or non-credit programs of study on a tuition-free basis.  Please review the Eligibility Requirements listed below:

1. Students must be either residents of Berks County or affected by a Berks County business or industry plant closing or layoff.
2. Students can enroll for one term up to a maximum of 13 credits on a tuition-free basis.  College staff will assist students in an attempt to secure the necessary financial aid to continue their education.
3. College tuition will be waived, however, the cost of textbooks, supplies, and fees must be paid by the student.
4. Students must have been laid off permanently or indefinitely, within 12 months prior to the time they make application for the program.
5. The layoff must be through no fault of their own.

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Educational Tax Benefits
In the past years, new tax benefits have been introduced to help students and their parents meet educational expenses.  These tax credits can reduce the amount of federal taxes paid.  For full details on the tax laws, contact your accountant.

Hope Scholarship Credit:  This tax credit is equal to all of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees, and half of the next $1,000, minus any grants and scholarships.  This credit is for students who are at least half-time and applies only to the first two years of post secondary education.  The credit is available to the parents of students who are dependents on their tax return and for the students themselves if they claim themselves on their own tax return.

Lifetime Learning Credit:  This tax credit is available for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students.  The credit can be up to 20% of $5,000 of educational expenses.  Scholarships and grants must be subtracted from the total cost of expenses.

Please note these credits cannot be used unless the parent or students adjusted gross income is less than $100,000.  Both credits cannot be used at the same time.

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What Should I Know As A Veteran?

Veterans Education Benefits:  There are several educational benefit programs available to qualified Veterans.  For activation of your benefits, please contact the Financial Aid Office.  A summary of available benefits are listed below.

Chapter 30-The New GI Bill:  Honorably discharged individuals who entered active duty after July 1, 1985 and contracted for pay reduction may be eligible.

Chapter 31-Vocational Rehabilitation:  Veterans with a service connected disability that entitles them to VA disability compensation who are in need of vocational rehabilitation because their disability creates an employment handicap may be eligible for benefits.

Chapter 32-VEAP Contributory Benefits:  Those participants who contributed while on active duty may be eligible under this program.  The Financial Aid Office can assist you in completing the necessary forms.

Chapter 34-GI Bill:  You may be eligible to receive benefits if you served on active duty for a period of more than 180 days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before January 1, 1977.  You may also be eligible if (a) you contracted with the armed forces prior to January 1, 1977 under a delayed entry program and began active duty within 1 year after January 1, 1977 for a prior of 180 days but were discharged for a service connected disability.  Please note that Congress has disallowed all Chapter 34 education benefits for use after December 31, 1989 .  If you list your benefits, check with the Financial Aid Office to see if you might qualify to convert to Chapter 30, New GI Bill benefit.

Chapter 35-Survivor Educational Benefits:  Surviving spouses, sons, or daughters of a Veteran who died of a service connected disability may be eligible for this benefit.

Chapter 106-Active Reservists:  Individuals who have completed their active training and a minimum of 180 days in the selected reserves are eligible.

Veterans Student Service Work-Study Program

Veterans enrolled as 3/4 time students may agree to perform services and receive an additional allowance.  The veterans who are disabled 30% or more from a service connected disability shall be given preference.  A student who agrees to work receives minimum wage.  Veterans will be paid 40% of the amount of the work-study agreement in advance.  The hours are to be worked during or between enrollment periods during a semester or other applicable enrollment periods.

The services that may be performed are:

a)   VA outreach services under the supervision of a VA employee.

b)   Preparation and processing of VA paperwork.

c)   VA domiciliary and medical treatment services.

d)   Any other activity of the VA, approved by the administrator.

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Who Should I Call For Help?
The Federal Student Aid Info Center ................ 1-800-433-3243
(RACC's Department of Education Code 010388)

 PHEAA
      State Grant Division.................................... 1-800-692-7392
         Fax number............................................... 1-717-720-3914
      Loan Division............................................... 1-800-692-7392
         Fax number.................................. 1-717-720-3644 or 3645
      RACC's PHEAA code is 014035

For questions regarding prior loans, contact the Student Loan Servicing Center:
      Harrisburg .................................................... 1-800-233-0557
      Wilkes-Barre ................................................. 1-888-272-5543

Network Loan Consolidation......................... 1-800-338-5000
Student Loan Clearinghouse......................... 1-703-742-7791
Veterans Affairs Office................................... 1-888-442-4551
Financial Aid Office at RACC............................. 610-607-6225
   Fax number........................................................ 610-607-6290

Ben Rosenberger-Director of Financial Aid
Kathleen Evans-Assistant Director of Financial Aid
John Schodowski-Financial Aid Officer, State Grant, Veterans Affairs
Brenda Creasy-Financial Aid Office, Student Loans
Stephanie Ernst-Financial Aid Assistant
Sue Colon -Financial Aid Assistant
Ruth Ann Heaney-Financial Aid Assistant
TBA-Work-Study Coordinator

RACC Financial Aid Office Hours:
      Monday-Thursday.......................... 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
      Friday................................................. 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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Summer Financial Aid
Reading Area Community College considers its academic year to consist of the Fall, Winter, and Spring terms.  It is with this in mind, that our financial aid awards are issued for those terms.  We understand that many of our students wish to continue their education during the summer to advance their grade level.  These students must be award of additional steps they must take to ensure that their aid will be available when they need it.

Student Loans:  Any student who wishes to have a loan processed for the summer term only must have that loan application submitted by the first week of June.  If the loan is not submitted by that time, it must be included with the loan for the next academic year.  That would mean that the student would need to attend during the fall term.  This is necessary due to the reduced processing time over the summer.

Federal Pell Grant:  The federal government allows students the ability to use leftover Pell from the prior year to pay for their summer school expenses.  Students who did not attend school full-time for the entire prior academic year may have access to these leftover funds.  During the beginning of the spring term, the Financial Aid Office will send notices to all students who we believe have remaining funds.  If the student wishes to use these funds during the summer, they must return the notice to our office by the first week in June.  If the notice is not returned by the deadline, we will not be able to keep the funds for the student.  The student must borrow Pell funds from the next academic year if the student:  a) did not apply for aid for the prior year, b) went full-time for entire prior year, c) did not return notice by deadline.  Borrowing funds for summer could cause a deficiency of funds for the next academic year.

PHEAA State Grant:  Students who are enrolling during the summer term in order to advance their graduation time may apply for the summer PHEAA State Grant.  This is a separate application from the normal FAFSA, which can be found in the Financial Aid Office in late April.  PHEAA will notify you of your eligibility for summer aid.

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