Choosing the right career path is a significant decision, and for many, it involves pursuing further education. American Career College (ACC) offers a variety of programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for successful careers in healthcare and business. Understanding the financial aspects of education is crucial, and ACC provides numerous financial aid options to help make education accessible. This guide will walk you through the financial assistance available at American Career College, and while we delve into the details, keep in mind that when discussing your program with ACC, you might encounter references to American Career College Program Codes for identification and administrative purposes.
American Career College is committed to helping students finance their education. Recognizing that tuition costs can be a concern, ACC actively participates in federal and state financial aid programs. These programs are designed to provide support based on financial need, ensuring that eligible students have the opportunity to pursue their educational goals.
Determining Your Eligibility for Financial Aid
The first step in exploring financial aid at American Career College is to determine your eligibility. The primary application for federal student aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can access and complete the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa.
Before starting your FAFSA, you will need an FSA ID. This ID serves as your electronic signature throughout the financial aid process. If you don’t already have one, you can create an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
Once you complete and submit your FAFSA, American Career College’s Financial Aid Officer will use the information provided to assess your eligibility for various aid programs. They will help you understand which resources are most appropriate for your individual circumstances. Remember, when discussing your program and financial aid options with the Financial Aid Office, having your american career college program code for your chosen course of study can streamline the process.
Meeting the eligibility requirements outlined by the federal government generally qualifies you for Federal Student Aid. Based on your FAFSA data, the Financial Aid Office will prepare an estimated award letter. It’s important to note that sometimes the Department of Education selects applications for a process called verification. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, you will need to provide additional documentation to support the information you submitted.
Final award letters are made available to students through the ACC secure student portal, which you can access at https://myportal.americancareercollege.edu. Keep in mind that financial aid is not automatically renewed each year. You must reapply annually by the announced deadline to continue receiving assistance.
Understanding How Financial Aid is Disbursed
Federal and state financial aid, including grants and loans, is disbursed directly to your student account at American Career College. These funds are applied to cover your direct educational costs, such as tuition and fees.
If the disbursed amount exceeds your direct costs, the remaining funds will be refunded to you or, in the case of a PLUS loan, to your parent borrower. In some instances, refunds may be returned to the respective lender. You have the option to keep any excess funds in your account until the end of the aid year or loan period if you choose. Federal Work-Study earnings are paid directly to you via check on a bi-weekly basis for the hours you have worked.
It’s crucial to understand that if you take out a loan to finance your education, you are responsible for repaying the full loan amount, plus interest, minus any applicable refunds. Should you decide to withdraw from your program, a refund calculation will be performed, and you may receive a refund of non-federal aid funds according to ACC’s refund policy.
Verification Deadlines and Important Documents
If your FAFSA is selected for verification, the ACC Financial Aid Department will request specific documents to confirm the information you provided. These documents may include official IRS Tax Transcripts, signed verification worksheets, and proofs of identity. Submitting all requested documentation is essential to receive your estimated financial aid awards.
American Career College expects students to submit all verification materials within 14 days of the request. While exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, failing to submit verification materials within 45 days of the request could lead to the loss of institutional scholarships, campus-based aid, and federal loans for that term. For Pell Grants, eligibility can be forfeited if requested verification documents are not received by September 30th of the trailing year of the aid year or within 120 days of your last day of enrollment, whichever comes first. Promptly responding to verification requests is crucial to securing your financial aid.
Professional Judgment and Adjustments to Financial Aid
Life circumstances can change, and the Office of Financial Aid at American Career College understands this. They have a Professional Judgment policy that allows for adjustments to your financial aid package based on unusual circumstances. These circumstances can include a decrease in income, changes in family size, loss of assets, unusual medical expenses, or changes in dependency status. This list is not exhaustive, and the Financial Aid planners are willing to consider situations that may not fit neatly into these categories.
Your initial financial aid eligibility is calculated based on the information you provide on the FAFSA, which includes your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). However, if your family has experienced financial changes that are not reflected in your FAFSA data, the Financial Aid Department can use professional judgment to adjust the data used to calculate your EFC. This may result in a revised financial aid package that better reflects your current financial situation.
To initiate a professional judgment review, you should contact the Financial Aid Department at your campus. Your assigned Financial Aid Planner will guide you through the process and inform you about the necessary documentation to support your request. Typically, you will need to submit a written appeal request form and supporting documents to substantiate your circumstances.
Examples of Required Documentation for Professional Judgment Reviews:
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Income Adjustments:
- Recent pay stubs from all employers to show year-to-date income.
- Unemployment benefit letter.
- Termination letter from your most recent employer, including details of severance pay if applicable.
- Documentation of other income sources like self-employment, social security, or insurance benefits.
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Medical/Dental Expenses: Proof of medical bills you paid out-of-pocket (not covered by insurance).
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Dependency Overrides: Documentation from a third-party professional (counselor, teacher, doctor, clergy member) verifying unusual circumstances that support a change in dependency status.
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Cost of Attendance Adjustments: Documentation for indirect costs that exceed the standard ACC cost of attendance. Examples include a lease agreement, dependent care receipts, transportation costs, or clinical travel expenses.
The Financial Aid Department at American Career College is dedicated to assisting you. If you have any questions regarding the Professional Judgment policy or any other financial aid-related matter, reach out to your local Financial Aid Department for guidance.
California State Aid Programs Available at ACC
California residents attending American Career College may be eligible for state-funded financial aid programs in addition to federal aid.
Cal Grant Program:
The Cal Grant Program, administered by the California Student Aid Commission, offers grants (Cal Grant B and C) to eligible California residents. To qualify, you must apply by the March 2nd deadline, meet federal student aid requirements, be a California resident, and attend a qualified institution like ACC at least half-time. Eligibility is determined by the California Student Aid Commission based on available state funds. Cal Grants do not need to be repaid. Cal Grant payments are credited to your student account to cover tuition, fees, and supplies. If you are a Cal Grant B recipient, you may be able to request direct payment of your access funds up to the date the fund transaction occurs.
Chafee Grant Program:
The California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth is another state-funded grant program. To be eligible, you must be a current or former foster youth, under 22 years old as of July 1st of the award year, demonstrate financial need, enroll at least half-time in a qualified program at least one academic year long, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. The court must have established your dependency between the ages of 16 and 18. The California Department of Social Services verifies foster youth eligibility. Chafee Grant funds are credited to your account for tuition, fees, and supplies. Excess Chafee Grant funds can be used for childcare, rent, or transportation while in school.
Federal Aid Programs at American Career College
American Career College participates in several federal financial aid programs to support eligible students.
Federal Pell Grant:
The Federal Pell Grant program is a foundational source of aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined by a federal formula revised annually. A student can receive Pell Grants for a maximum of six academic years.
Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant:
This grant is for students not eligible for a Pell Grant based on their Expected Family Contribution but who meet other Pell Grant eligibility criteria. To qualify, a student’s parent or guardian must have died due to military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11. The student must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time when their parent or guardian died.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):
FSEOG Grants are for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. These grants are based on limited funds and do not need to be repaid. Need is determined by family financial resources and the cost of attending school.
Federal Work-Study (FWS):
The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need to help cover educational expenses. FWS encourages community service and work related to your field of study. Funds are limited. If you indicate interest in FWS on your FAFSA and are eligible, you may be awarded FWS funds. However, you must contact the Student Resource Center to apply and be hired for a specific job to receive these funds.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program:
American Career College participates in the Federal Direct Loan (FDL) program. ACC certifies loan eligibility and sends loan details to the U.S. Department of Education. Loan funds are electronically disbursed to ACC and then credited to your student account. You are responsible for repaying the loan with interest to the loan servicer assigned by the Department of Education after disbursement.
Estimated loan amounts are awarded based on your FAFSA and the standard need-analysis formula. Before loans can be processed, you must complete and submit a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to the Department of Education. First-time loan borrowers must also complete student loan entrance counseling before funds are disbursed. Both the MPN and loan counseling are available online at https://studentaid.gov/.
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Subsidized Loan: Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Borrowing limits are up to $3,500 for the first academic year and up to $4,500 for the second year (for degree or VN programs). Interest rates are fixed and set annually by the U.S. Department of Education. The federal government pays the interest while you are in school and during authorized deferment periods. Interest starts accruing when you are no longer enrolled at least half-time. Repayments typically begin six months after you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. First-time borrowers have a limit on subsidized loan eligibility not exceeding 150% of their program length.
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Unsubsidized Loan: Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available to cover additional education costs. Independent undergraduates can borrow up to $9,500 for their first academic year and up to $10,500 for subsequent years in a degree or VN program (combined total with Subsidized Loans). Dependent undergraduates have lower borrowing limits. Interest rates are fixed and set annually. Unlike subsidized loans, interest accrues on unsubsidized loans from the time of disbursement. You can choose to pay the interest while in school or have it added to the principal balance. Repayment generally begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half-time.
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Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Federal Parent PLUS Loans are for creditworthy parents to help pay for their dependent undergraduate children’s education expenses. Interest rates are fixed and set annually. Repayment begins immediately after full loan disbursement.
Veterans’ Education Benefits at ACC
American Career College programs (excluding Vocational Nursing in Orange County and Los Angeles) are approved for training veterans and eligible individuals under Title 38, United States Code. If you are interested in Veterans’ Education Benefits, contact the Financial Aid Department. The Financial Aid Director at each campus serves as the Certifying Official and submits enrollment certifications to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). To continue receiving benefits, eligible students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Private Loan Options
Private loans are available from various lending institutions to help cover educational expenses. These loans are not federally insured and have varying repayment terms depending on the lender. American Career College encourages you to first explore federal and state grants and loans and to carefully consider future loan payments and expected earnings before considering private loans. Federal student loans typically offer more flexible repayment options and loan forgiveness benefits compared to private loans.
Generally, private loan borrowers must be U.S. citizens, nationals, or permanent residents and have good credit. International students may be eligible with a creditworthy co-signer who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and proper U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service documentation. If you have limited or poor credit history, a co-borrower may be required.
Interest rates and repayment terms vary widely among private lenders. American Career College does not recommend specific private lenders. It is essential to research and compare terms and conditions from different lenders before making a decision. A list of lenders previously used by ACC students is available at http://www.elmselect.com, along with lender terms.
American Career College Scholarships & Grants
American Career College offers a range of institutional scholarships and grants to help students reduce the cost of their education. Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid. These awards are limited and competitive. Unless stated otherwise, ACC scholarships and grants are applied proportionally to tuition and fees each payment period and have no cash value. Students who withdraw before program completion forfeit future disbursements. Disbursements may be reduced for degree program students enrolled in less than 12 credits per term. Generally, students are limited to one ACC scholarship or grant per enrollment.
Here are some of the scholarships and grants offered by American Career College:
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ACC AltaMed HRSA Workforce Diversity Matching Grant: This grant matches a $5,000 HRSA Workforce Diversity Grant from AltaMed Health Services for selected nursing students. Eligibility includes AltaMed selection, age 18+, high school diploma/equivalent, ACC Nursing Education Team interview, passing entrance exams (Wonderlic SLE/SLE-Q and HESI), and a 2.5 GPA in prior college education.
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ACC Dream Act Scholarship: For students ineligible for federal aid due to non-citizen status but approved for deferred action by USCIS. Scholarship amounts vary and are based on program, fund availability, and a personal statement.
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ACC High School Medical Academy Grant: A $2,000 grant for first-time ACC applicants who graduated from a California high school with specific medical training programs (CTE, Medical Academy, CNA/MA, ROP). Requires application, transcript, and essay.
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Clinical Affiliates Scholarship: Scholarships for employees or immediate family members of ACC’s Clinical Affiliates pursuing healthcare careers at ACC. Amounts are up to $4,000 for degree and VN programs and $2,000 for other diploma programs. Requires employment verification and a recommendation from the Director of Clinical Services.
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Mark Minsky Scholarship: A $600 scholarship for graduates of accredited High School Equivalency programs enrolling in a diploma or degree program at ACC.
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Continuing Education Grant (formerly Alumni Scholarship): Grants up to $2,000 for ACC graduates enrolling in a new program to enhance skills. Requires good academic and financial standing.
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Re-Entry Grant for Students Returning to Same Program: Grants up to $1,000 for students re-enrolling in the same program they withdrew from, to cover prior balances. Requires a personal statement and meeting specific re-entry criteria.
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Ellen M. Lewis Scholarship: A $2,500 scholarship for ADN program students in their final term who demonstrate commitment to nursing, based on GPA, attendance, and an essay.
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Opportunity Grant: Grants of $500 (diploma) or $1,000 (degree/VN diploma) for first-time ACC students who were enrolled at an accredited institution that closed within the 6 months prior to ACC enrollment. Requires documentation of prior enrollment.
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OTA Opportunity Grant: A $2,500 grant for first-time applicants to the Occupational Therapy Assistant program who meet specific SLE test score requirements.
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Kaiser Permanente Associate’s Grant: An $8,000 grant for Kaiser Permanente employees pursuing Respiratory Therapy at ACC. Requires employment verification.
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Walmart/Sam’s Club Grant: A $2,000 grant for Walmart or Sam’s Club employees pursuing Optical Technician training at ACC Ontario campus. Requires employment verification.
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RadNet Associate’s Grant: A grant covering full program tuition and fees (excluding laptop fee) for RadNet employees pursuing Radiography at ACC, minus Pell Grant and subsidized loan eligibility. Includes a graduation credit equal to federal loan funds disbursed if actively employed by RadNet at graduation. Requires RadNet selection.
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ACC Campus Transfer Radiography Program Grant: A $1,560 grant for Radiography program students transferring to another ACC campus Radiography program, subject to seat availability and residency requirements.
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United Medical Imaging Associate’s Grant: Similar to the RadNet grant, covering full tuition and fees for UMI employees pursuing Radiography, with a graduation credit. Requires UMI selection and active employment at graduation.
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ACC Campus Transfer Grant: A $1,500 grant for students transferring to another ACC campus, subject to seat availability and residency requirements.
American Career College is dedicated to helping you find the resources to fund your education. By exploring these financial aid options and understanding programs like the Cal Grant or FAFSA using resources and potentially referencing american career college program codes when needed for applications, you can take a significant step towards achieving your career aspirations. Contact the Financial Aid Department at ACC to discuss your specific situation and get personalized guidance.
