Understanding Your Award Letter

You should contact the Financial Aid Office to determine if any changes in your academic status might result in a loss or change in aid awarded. For example, dropping or adding classes [how it impacts the current term as well as future terms (SAP)], changing your major, adding mini-mester courses, credit by exam, taking courses not required for your primary program of study, or withdrawing from (or earning “F”s in) all courses.​

The amount of awards listed on your award letter is based on full-time* status in courses required for your program. The amount will be LESS if you enroll as a three-quarter-time (9-11 cr. hours), half-time (6-8 cr. hours), or less-than-half-time (<6 cr. hours) student. State aid and federal loans require at least half-time enrollment.

*Federal = 12 credit hours; State = 15 credit hours

Students enrolled in the following diploma and certificate programs will have their credit hours converted to clock hours to determine enrollment status and aid eligibility:

Alternative Transportation Technology Diploma, Automotive Light-Duty Diesel Diploma, Cosmetology Instructor Certificate, and Esthetics Technology Certificate.

That conversion is calculated by adding the total class and lab hours listed for each course, multiplying that figure by 16, and then dividing it by 37.5.

Some certificate programs do not qualify for federal aid – check with the Financial Aid Office for a current list of ineligible programs.

You can locate your financial aid award in myBlueRidge under Financial Aid. Aid will NOT be reflected on the Account Summary until it has actually posted to your account after the census date (i.e. first 10% of the semester). ​

Your financial aid for the semester will be based on your enrollment at the official census date at the beginning of the semester. Courses added at a later date DO NOT QUALIFY for additional financial aid. Aid will post for only those classes in which you have begun attendance.​

A student may only receive federal financial aid for a maximum of 30 credit hours of attempted developmental courses.

If your financial aid does not cover all charges, you must pay the remaining balance to the Cashier by the date listed on the college calendar or your class schedule will be dropped. ​​​​If your financial aid does cover all charges, you may utilize any credit balance in the College Bookstore by charging course-related books and supplies against it. After tuition, fees, and book charges are deducted from financial aid, any remaining credit balance will be sent to BankMobile to be refunded to students according to the published scheduled. Check the Important Dates for Financial Aid for more information regarding bookstore and refund disbursement dates.​

Students who have been offered loans can 1) decline the loan, 2) accept a lesser loan amount, or 3) accept the full amount offered. Loans can be viewed and accepted/declined in myBlueRidge under the “Review and Accept My Financial Aid Award Package” link.​

Audited classes, continuing education classes, repeat courses with a grade of “C” or better, credit-by-exam courses, or courses outside of or not required for the primary program of study.

Depending on your last date of class attendance, your aid may be adjusted; thereby leaving you with a balance due to the College. Please refer to the policy in full as listed on the website.

Students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to continue receiving financial aid.

If your financial situation (loss of job, divorce/separation, loss of untaxed income, etc.) has changed significantly from what was filed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may complete a Special Circumstances Form and submit it along with supporting documentation for consideration.​

Students may qualify for a Federal Pell Grant and/or Direct Loan during the summer semester. Check​ myBlueRidge after registering for summer courses.