Book Charges: If financial aid (not including loans or MAP) exceeds the cost of tuition and fees, the excess will be available at the Bookstore. Books may be charged to financial aid approximately two weeks before the start of the semester. One-half of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Monetary Award Program, Illinois Incentive for Access, and unspecified outside scholarships or grants will be distributed each fall/spring semester. Awards will be adjusted for part-time enrollment.
Balance Checks: If financial aid remains (not including MAP) after your tuition and books are paid, the remaining funds will be direct deposited or mailed to you approximately three weeks after the semester begins. Carl Sandburg College is now offering electronic deposits of financial aid and tuition refunds to all its students. To use the Direct Deposit option.
Login to your account on Carl Sandburg College WebAdvisor
• Enter your banking information under the Financial Information link
• Agree to receive your funds electronically
You can use your existing checking or savings account from any bank to sign up for this service.
Federal Direct Loans are distributed after the first 30 days of classes each semester. Enrollment must be confirmed and all college charges must be paid. The remaining balance will be direct deposited or mailed to the student's home address.
Federal Work Study (FWS) is distributed by payroll check twice a month for hours actually worked. The student must submit a signed time sheet according to the payroll schedule. Students awarded Federal Work Study are not guaranteed a job and they are not guaranteed to earn their entire award. Students may not work more than 20 hours a week when classes are in session.
Calculations for Part-time eligibility for financial aid is determined through the analysis of your student aid application and the cost of education at Carl Sandburg College. Your award is based on full-time enrollment and will be adjusted if you enroll in less than 12 credit hours.
• Pell Grant awards are generally 75% for 9-11 hours, 50% for 6-8 hours, and 25% for 1-5 hours.
• SEOG, MAP, and loans are prorated according to credit hours enrolled and eligibility.
• Trio SSS awards are prorated at 75% for 9-11 hours, and 50% for 6-8 hours.
IF YOU WISH TO DECLINE ANY AWARDS OR YOU RECEIVE ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF AID, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE IN WRITING. If aid from outside sources causes you to exceed your calculated financial need, we are required to reduce your FWS, SEOG, or Direct Loan.
Scholarships are disbursed one-half per semester unless otherwise specified by the awarding organization. Scholarships will be considered available for any educational expenses and distributed to the student using the College's disbursement policies unless the donor establishes specific restrictions. Funds restricted to direct costs and not used by the student are returned to the donor at the end of the academic year.
Award Letter Terms and Conditions
The financial aid identified on your award letter is being offered to you under the following conditions:
• You must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours minimum per term) to be eligible for the Federal Direct Loans.
• The MAP Grant will be reduced if you are registered for fewer than 15 credit hours in a semester.
• You will become ineligible for the ISAC MAP Grant if you received MAP Grant funds for more than 75 credit hours.
• If requested, you must provide documents to verify the accuracy of information reported on the FAFSA before financial aid funds can be awarded or disbursed.
• You will be responsible for repaying any funds you receive that exceed your financial need or if for any reason you become ineligible for financial aid.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
• Two or more tuition and/or fee restricted awards may be combined, but the total cannot exceed your assessed tuition and/or fees.
• You must work in a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position to earn the FWS amount shown on your award letter. FWS funds are not disbursed into your student account; therefore, do not pay directly toward the College bill.
Carl Sandburg College Deferred Payment Plan
Carl Sandburg College provides a convenient, affordable alternative to lump sum payments. The Deferred Payment Plan enables you to spread tuition payments equally over several months without interest or finance charges. By paying monthly, you limit borrowing and keep the overall costs of education down. The Deferred Payment Plan is available to all families regardless of financial need. There is a minimal enrollment fee to cover administrative costs. For more information on the payment plan, call (309) 341-5210.