Financial Aid Rights & Responsibilities

Financial Aid Eligibility

To receive most types of financial aid, you must: 

• Be admitted to RCC. 
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent. 
• Be enrolled at least half time in an aid‑eligible program. 
• Take courses required for your declared major. 

Your financial aid may be affected if: 

• You do not take or pass the required courses for your program. 
• You enroll in classes that do not apply to your major. 
• You change your major.

Your Financial Aid Award Offer

Financial aid awards are usually divided across the terms you are enrolled in during the academic year, unless the funding source states otherwise. 

Important things to know:

• You cannot receive more aid than your assigned Cost of Attendance. 
• Cost of attendance includes tuition, fees, housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses. 
• If you take fewer than 12 credits a term, enroll in summer term, or if your enrollment plans change, submit an Enrollment Change Form.

Changes to your Award Offer 

The RCC Financial Aid Office will adjust your award if: 

• Your enrollment changes. 
• New information affects your eligibility. 
• Funding availability changes.

If you receive outside funding, such as scholarships, tribal funds, vocational rehabilitation or employer benefits, you must report this to Financial Aid. This helps coordinate funding and may affect your award offer. GI Bill® funding is excluded from this requirement. 

If you become ineligible for part or all of your aid, your award may be reduced and could result in a balance you must pay. 

You are responsible for letting the RCC Financial Aid department know when you change your enrollment level. Late notifications could result in delayed financial aid and late fees. 

Disbursement of Financial Aid 

Disbursement is when your financial aid is applied to your student account. 

What to expect: 

• Disbursements usually occur once per term. 
• The process generally begins the second Wednesday of the term. 
• Aid is applied first to tuition, fees and other college charges. 

If your aid exceeds your charges: 

• You may be able to use excess funds at the RCC Bookstore. 
• You may request a Book Allowance. 
• After the add/drop deadline, remaining funds are sent to you through BankMobile. 
• Choose a refund preference on the BankMobile website for faster access.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

You must meet SAP standards to keep receiving financial aid. 

To remain in Good Standing, you must: 

• Maintain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA. 
• Successfully complete at least 66.67% of credits you attempt. 
• Finish your program before attempting more than 150% of the required credits. 

If your aid is suspended or you are seeking an additional credential after earning a degree, you may submit a SAP appeal.

Withdrawing from Classes 

If you are thinking about withdrawing or stopping attendance, contact Financial Aid Advising before making changes.

Withdrawing or stopping attendance may result in: 

• Having to repay part of your financial aid. 
• A balance due on your student account. 
• Delays in or exclusion from future enrollment or financial aid eligibility. 

If you withdraw from school or complete your program and you borrowed student loans, you are required to complete Loan Exit Counseling on studentaid.gov. 

Review RCC’s Add/Drop/Withdraw policies and the Return of Title IV Funds policy for full details. 

Using Financial Aid for Books and Supplies

If your award exceeds tuition and fees, you may use part of your aid for required books and supplies. 

Options include: 

• Purchasing from the RCC Online Bookstore about three weeks before term starts through the add/drop deadline 
• Submitting a Book/Supply Allowance Request if purchasing from another vendor by the first Wednesday of term. 

Students are encouraged to explore low‑cost options like the RCC Library, Textbook Affordability Options and the Campus App.  

How to buy books

Work‑Study Students

If you are hired as a student employee, Human Resources (HR) works with RCC Financial Aid to determine Work‑Study eligibility. If approved, Work‑Study appears on your award offer. 

Once hired, you will receive “Expectations for RCC Student Employees” from HR, which includes all the details you need to stay eligible. 

General Work‑Study requirements include: 

• Enrollment in at least six credits. 
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for level one or 3.0 for level two. 
• Registration for the next term by noon on the last day of the current term. 
• A maximum of 20 work hours per week during the term and up to 40 hours during breaks. 

If you do not meet requirements, you may discuss appeal options with your supervisor and coordinator. 

Financial aid is a partnership between you and the college. Staying informed, checking your RCC student email and asking questions early can help you avoid surprises and stay focused on reaching your education and career goals.