Student Financial Services

This office provides guidance to apply for grants, loans, scholarships, veteran benefits and student employment. The staff can assist with necessary documentation in order to finalize your financial aid package. This is where tuition payments are accepted, billing questions can be answered, and student refunds are processed.

Tuition

For current tuition and fee rates please refer to our website at www.kirtland.edu/paying-for-college.

NOTE: Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice.

Payment for Classes

Upon registration, it is the responsibility of the student to pay tuition, fees, and other debts incurred at Kirtland by the appropriate due date listed online at: www.kirtland.edu/paying-for-college/payment-due-dates-and-options. When registering in person, each student will be given a statement of account, with his/her class schedule. For students registering via myKirtland, it is the student’s responsibility to view and print their charges from the “My Account Detail” window on the Student Tab at MyKirtland. Statements will only be mailed upon request. Students with questions concerning their accounts are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services Office.

Methods of Payment

VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, AMERICAN EXPRESS - Students have the option of paying by telephone by calling 989-275-5000, extension 257, or online via myKirtland at:  my.kirtland.edu. After logging in, click on the student tab. Then go to the “My Account Detail” window, verify the semester and click submit. At the bottom of the statement, click the red “Make a Payment” link.

FINANCIAL AID/LOANS/SCHOLARSHIPS - If a student is eligible to receive financial aid, the student will be notified by Kmail to log into Net Partner to accept the terms, conditions and awards. The amount will be credited as an “anticipated award” against the tuition/fee charges. If the award does not cover the balance in full, the student is responsible for paying the difference by the due date. Also, if a student applies late for financial aid and the award has not been determined by the payment due date, the student must be prepared to pay out-of-pocket. The student will be reimbursed if an award is granted for the entire tuition/fee balance and once the award is “disbursed” to the student account later in the semester.

Payment Plan

Students with a tuition and fee balance of at least $100.00 may enroll for an interest-free payment plan offered through Nelnet Campus Commerce. This plan enables students to make monthly payments for tuition and fees via automatic transactions from a checking, savings, or any major credit card. The cost to enroll is $30.00 per semester. Tuition and fees may be budgeted for up to five months per semester. The earlier a student registers, the smaller the monthly payments can be. If a student plans to make payments through Nelnet, an online application must be submitted by the payment due date or on the day of registration. Otherwise, the student’s classes may be canceled.

After registering for classes, students can apply online by logging into myKirtland at: my.kirtland.edu and selecting the student tab. Go to the “My Account Detail” window, verify the semester, and click submit. At the bottom of the statement, select the red “Make a Payment” link and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the application is submitted, the student will receive an email notification verifying the agreement. More information is available online at: www.kirtland.edu/paying-for-college/e-cashier-automaticpayment-plan.

Payment of Delinquent Account/Collections

A student’s registration constitutes a promissory note agreement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which Kirtland is providing educational services, deferring some or all of the financial obligation for those services, and as part of the registration process accepts financial responsibility to pay for all assessed tuition, fees and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.) Students are obligated to keep contact information current with the Admissions Office and not receiving a bill does not absolve the student of their financial responsibility to the college.

Students on a payment plan or receiving financial aid that drop, withdraw from or fail to attend any of their classes, will be responsible for paying the balance of tuition, fees, books and incidentals in accordance with the published due dates at http://www.kirtland.edu/paying-for-college/payment-due-dates-and-options/

When payment is not received by the due date, a financial hold is placed on the student’s file, preventing the student from registering for future classes.

Failure to make consistent monthly payments in order to keep the account current, will result in the college referring the delinquent account to a collection agency. The student will be responsible for paying all costs and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, necessary for the collection of the delinquent account. Such accounts are reported to one or more of the national credit bureaus.  If a student chooses to enroll and has been reported to collections more than once, the college may require payment in full at the time of registration, regardless of any financial aid awarded or payment plan options available to the general student population.

Residency

The burden of proof of residency is the student’s responsibility and acceptable documentation must be provided to the Admissions Office prior to the first day of the semester in which the residency status is to be applied, otherwise out of-district tuition will be accessed. Retroactive residency adjustments will not be considered.

Acceptable proof: driver’s license, verifiable rent receipts (if rent receipts are not available, a notarized letter from the landlord will be accepted), a dated lease agreement, voter’s registration card, place of residence property tax receipt, Secretary of State identification card. Verifiable rent receipts must contain all the following information: the address of the property being rented; the date of payment; signature, address and phone number of the landlord.

Kirtland Community College will perform ongoing verification of residency information. Students who have misrepresented information or have falsified documents may have to repay tuition, verify back records, or may be subject to disciplinary action by the College. If a student has mail returned to the college, a hold will be placed on his/her record and the student must verify his/her residency at the Admissions Office.

In-District Residency

A new student will be classified as in-district if (s)he can prove that (s)he resides in the Kirtland Community College district prior to the first day of the semester of attendance at Kirtland. New students planning to attend the MTEC-Gaylord site must provide proof that (s)he resided in Otsego County or the Kirtland district prior to the first day of the semester.

Otsego County is not part of the college district; therefore, Otsego County residents are considered out-of-district when attending the Grayling location or enrolled in online courses.

A returning in-district student will continue to be considered in-district if (s)he can prove (s)he continues to reside in the district.

Students residing in on-campus housing, excluding international students, will be charged the in-district tuition rate.

Otsego County Residents

Otsego County residents taking courses at the M-TEC Gaylord extension site will be assessed in-district tuition rates. All eligible courses will have a course number ending with “M”. Classes taken at the Grayling location or enrolled in online courses will be charged at the out-of-district rate.

Out-of-District Residency

A new student will be considered out-of-district if (s)he can prove residency within Michigan prior to the first day of the semester of attendance at Kirtland, but cannot prove in-district residency.

A student who resides outside the district can be assessed an in-district tuition rate if (s)he provides the college with tax receipts showing tax payments to the college, as long as the property is owned by the student or the student is a dependent of the person who owns the property.

A returning out-of-district student will continue to be considered out-of-district unless (s)he can prove in-district residency prior to the first day of the semester of attendance.

Any individual using educational assistance under either Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty Program), Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill®), of title 38, United States Code, and/or the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b)(9)) who lives in the State of Michigan while attending Kirtland Community College (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) will be considered out-of-district.

Out-of-State Residency

A student who cannot prove in-district or out-of-district residency will be considered out-of-state if (s)he is a U.S. citizen, or if (s)he is a registered alien (has a green card) who resides in the U.S. or if (s)he resides outside of the U.S. An out-of-state student can change his/her classification to in-district in the same way that is described for out-of-district students.

International Student Status

A student who is not a U.S. citizen and who is attending Kirtland Community College under an F-1, J-1, or J-2 visa will be considered an international student and assessed the international rate. Please visit: http://www.kirtland.edu/admissions/admission-process-for-international-students for requirements.

1098-T Statement

The student or the person who can claim the student as a dependent may be eligible for an education tax credit. Students that have out-of-pocket expenses for tuition, fees and textbooks over and above financial aid assistance may qualify for the American Opportunity Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. The College will need a valid Social Security Number on file in order to provide a 1098-T statement. Prior to January 31st, the 1098-T statement will be made available to be viewed and printed from the Student Tab after logging on to https://my.kirtland.edu/ics. This form reports payments for eligible tuition and fee charges and/or financial aid totals for the calendar year. In order to verify proof of payments, please print a statement of account. For further assistance regarding your 1098-T form, please contact your tax advisor or refer to Publication 970, Form 8863, and the Form 1040 or 1040A instructions at www.irs.gov.

Refunds

Tuition and fee refunds are based on the following schedule:

Full-semester Courses

• 100 percent refund through and including the census date for the semester.
• Fall and Winter semester – 9th business day after semester start date. (Start date is Monday, refund date is 2nd Friday)
• Summer semester – 4th business day after semester start date. 

All Other Courses

• 100 percent refund through and including the census date specific to the course. Contact Registrar’s Office for the census date.

The college will follow any federally mandated refund schedules. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for more information. Exceptions to the refund policy due to hardship may be reviewed by the Vice President of Student Services. Refund requests must be received in the semester in which the withdrawal occurred, or the semester immediately following. Students must submit the Tuition Refund Appeal form located in myKirtland under student form central to the Vice President of Student Service’s office, https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?KirtlandCC&layout_id=60

Canceled Classes

Students registered for a course canceled by the college will be refunded ALL tuition and fees for the canceled course.

Financial Aid

At Kirtland Community College, we believe that everyone should have access to quality education regardless of their financial situation.  We  recognize that paying for college can be a significant burden for many students and their families.  To help alleviate this, we offer a range of financial aid options desinged to assist you in covering tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. Our goal is to support you in achieving your academic and career goals by providing the necessary financial resources when your own funds and family contributions fall short. 

Approximately two-thirds of our students receive financial assistance through a variety of options, including scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment opportunities.

Your Responsibilities as a Financial Aid Recipient:

1. Complete the Required Forms: Ensure you fill out and submit all necessary forms accurately and on time.

2. Keep Your Contact Information Updated: Maintain a current address on file with the college.

3. Respond to Requests Promptly: Provide any requested information or documentation without delay.

4. Understand the Rules: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to the guidelines governing your financial aid.

Remember, financial aid is designed to support your educational journey. We encourage you to explore the available options and take advantage of the resources Kirtland offers to help make your college experience affordable.

Sources of Financial Aid

There are many different types of student financial aid. Almost all, including state and federal grants, student loans, work-study, and even many scholarships, require the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) for a determination of “financial need.” Financial aid is classified in the following manner:

Grants - do not have to be repaid; awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need.

Scholarships - do not have to be repaid; based upon academic performance and/or special circumstance. Demonstrated financial need may be considered.

Student Loans - must be repaid. Interest rates and repayment options are regulated by federal law and may change year to year.

Work-Study - is part-time work during the school year and vacation periods. Demonstrated financial need is typically considered.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

All students wishing to be considered for federal financial assistance (including student loans and work study) must complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available online at www.fafsa.gov. FAFSA’s are also available by calling 1-800-4FED-AID. This is not an application for any particular form of aid; rather, it is an application for needs analysis, on which many federal and state aid programs are based.

Within72 hours after submitting the FAFSA online, the student will receive his/her copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR). If there are any problems, errors, or questions, the student should contact the Student Financial Services Office. The SAR will be used to determine which programs the student is eligible for and how much can be awarded. The student may need to provide supporting documentation for information provided on the FAFSA.

A student’s application for aid at Kirtland will not be considered finalized until the following items are completed:

1. Applicant has been officially admitted to Kirtland Community College.
2. The Student Financial Services Office has on file the following documents: Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor.
3. Applicant has been reviewed for aid and notified by the Student Financial Services Office listing the award(s) offered.
4. If awarded Direct Stafford loans, a Master Promissory Note and Student Loan Entrance Counseling must be completed.

If you are selected for verification, you may be asked to submit:

• Household Size Worksheet
• Income documentation: federal income tax transcripts, other sources of income, proof of non-filing.
• Other information as requested such as proof of high school or G.E.D. completion, prior college transcripts or Statement of Educational Purpose

How the Financial Aid Formula Works

Most federal and state financial aid is awarded on the basis of demonstrated financial need. The formula used to determine who has need and who does not is actually quite simple. The following equation is used:

Student Budget - Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

Student Budget is the cost of attending college (tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, books, supplies, etc.).

Expected Family Contribution is taken from the student’s Student Aid Report.

Financial Need is the maximum dollar amount of need-based aid from the various sources for which the student is eligible.

A student will not necessarily receive financial assistance up to the maximum dollar amount for which he/she may be eligible. The various sources of aid have maximum award amounts and may be further affected by limitations in the availability of funds. Loans may be available if grant aid is insufficient. Inquire at the Student Financial Services Office if additional funding is needed.

Applicants’ answers to certain questions will determine whether they are considered “dependent” (still part of a parent’s family unit) or whether they are “independent” (has formed their own family unit). Students are classified according to family unit because federal student aid programs are based on the idea that students and their parents or spouses (if applicable), have the primary responsibility for paying for their postsecondary education. To be considered “independent,” at least one of the following must apply to the student:

• turns 24 before January 1 of the academic year for which aid is sought
• is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• is an orphan or ward of the court until age 18
• is married
• financially supports dependent children.
• emancipated minor
• unaccompanied youth/homeless
• legal guardianship until age 18

How do students pay for classes if they have Financial Aid?

At the time of registration, and if and only if all financial aid paperwork has been received and processed by the Student Financial Services Office, a student may charge college expenses (tuition, fees, books, supplies) up to the financial aid award amount. If a student does not have all paperwork completed by the published due date, a student has the option of making a down payment and enrolling for a payment plan until financial aid can be determined. Students must be aware that financial aid is always subject to change without prior notice if changes occur in the student’s enrollment status, class attendance, personal circumstances, or in federal or state guidelines.

The student is responsible for all college bills not covered by financial aid. All charges incurred during a semester that are not covered by financial aid must be paid by the student before the student will again be allowed to register.

Financial Aid and Withdrawals

A student who withdraws, ceases attendance, or is expelled may have charges and financial aid adjusted according to the time and circumstances of cessation of enrollment. Students should refer to the refund schedules online at: www.kirtland.edu/paying-forcollege/student-refunds. Failure to attend class without officially withdrawing may void financial aid, leaving the student responsible for all charges. Students must advise the Registrar’s Office in writing in order to withdraw by the last day to withdraw for the semester.

Overages and Refunds

Overages, or payments due the students from their awards after charges have been deducted, will start to be made available approximately the sixth week of class. Refunds of Pell Grants, Student Loans and other credit balances can be directly deposited into an account of your choice. Signing up is easy. Simply log into our secure site at: https://my.kirtland.edu/ics. Once you are logged in, click on the Student tab. On the right-hand side in the “My Account Detail” window, click on the red link Direct Deposit for Student Refunds. From this page, you may also view the dates of when the Student Financial Services Office processes refunds. Refunds are not issued for balances under $1.00.

Federal Return of Funds/Repayment Policy

Under changes made by the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 (HERA), this policy focuses on the amount of Title IV program funds to be returned when a student withdraws from college prior to completing the semester. This policy applies only to students receiving Title IV aid (federal PELL grants, federal SEOG, and federal subsidized and unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans).

During the first 60% of the enrollment period, a student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. Students who withdraw totally from the college without completing 60% of the enrollment period will be required to repay a portion of the aid received. For example, a student withdrawing after completing 10% of the enrollment period may need to repay up to 90% of the federal funds that were awarded.

A student’s withdrawal date is:

• The date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process, or
• The midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the school.

The institution has the option of using the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically-related activity in lieu of any other withdrawal date.

The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the school and the student in proportion to the aid each is assumed to possess.

The institution’s share is the lesser of:

• The total amount of unearned aid, or
• Institutional charges multiplied by the percentage of aid that was unearned.

The student’s share is:

• The difference between the total unearned amount and the institution’s share.

Under the HERA, the amount of a grant overpayment due from a student is limited to the amount which the original grant overpayment exceeds half of the total Title IV grant funds received. Students do not have to repay a grant overpayment of less than $50 to the U.S. Department of Education.

NOTE: Kirtland will bill students for any balance owed due to the College’s return of funds. A student who withdraws may have charges not covered by financial aid, such as non-classroom-related items charged at the bookstore, which must be paid by the student.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Eligibility

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, a student must comply with all three standards of this procedure:

• Standard One: Maintain a career grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 or higher.

The student must maintain a career 2.0 or higher grade point average calculated at the end of each semester.

• Standard Two: Complete 67 percent of the credits attempted.

The student must complete, with a passing grade, 67 percent of all credit hours attempted at Kirtland Community College, whether or not financial aid was received for those attempted credits.

• Standard Three: Not exceed 150 percent of attempted credit hours.

Federal regulations state that a student cannot receive Title IV financial aid funds for more than one and one-half times (150 percent) the required credits needed to complete a specific certificate or degree. For example, if an Associate in Arts degree requires 60 credits to complete, a student cannot attempt more than 90 credit hours toward that degree and still receive aid (60 x 1.50 = 90). The student should review the Kirtland Community College catalog or consult with an academic advisor to find the number of credits required for his/her program. The student will be denied financial aid when he/she has attempted more than 150 percent of the credit hours required for his/her program. Grades of W, I, U, R, AU and E (grade definitions are found in the college catalog) are not considered passing but are considered as attempted credits. Remedial coursework and transfer credits are included in the number of attempted credits. The student may receive financial aid for the repeat of a previously passed course one time.

Satisfactory academic progress will be reviewed prior to the awarding of any federal financial aid. A student who applies for financial aid for the first time and has credits already accumulated at Kirtland must have successfully completed, with a 2.0 career grade point average or above, 67 percent of all credit hours attempted. The student cannot have attempted more than 150 percent of the credit hours required for his/her current program. The student with transfer credits from other institutions will have the total number of transfer credits counted in the total number of attempted credits. All credits, even if paid for from the student’s own funds, will be counted as attempted credits. When the student does not complete 67 percent of all career credit hours attempted with a 2.0 career GPA or above, he/she will be placed on warning status. The student can receive financial aid while on warning.

Consequences of failing to meet one or more of the Progress Standards

Warning Status
A student who fails to meet Standards One or Two (previously described in this procedure) in a semester will be placed on a warning status for their next semester of enrollment and receive one subsequent term of financial aid. A student remains eligible to receive financial aid while on warning status. If both Standard One and Two are met at the end of the warning semester, the student will be removed from warning status.

Denial Status
A student who does not meet the requirements for maintaining eligibility at the end of the warning semester will have eligibility for financial aid programs denied. A student who reaches the upper limit of attempted credits for their program of study will have their aid eligibility denied.

Reinstatement after Ineligibility

With the exception of the 150 percent rule, a student may request to be reinstated (after being denied) after meeting one of the following conditions:

• The student has taken, without funding from financial aid, at least six credit hours and has passed those six credit hours with a grade of “C” or better. Classes taken at institutions other than Kirtland are not considered for reinstatement purposes. The student will be given financial aid on a probation status during the next semester the student attends Kirtland, or
• The student has taken, without funding from financial aid enough credits to meet the GPA and completion rate requirements of Standard Three. The student will be reinstated without warning status.

Appeal Process

Pursuant to federal regulations, a student denied financial aid due to unsatisfactory academic progress may appeal for reconsideration of aid eligibility. The student must explain his/her failure to meet satisfactory academic progress, what has changed to allow him/her to regain satisfactory academic progress and must submit documentation from his/her academic advisor indicating the courses the student still must take to complete their program of study. Other appropriate documentation should be submitted if relevant, such as physician’s letter, divorce decree, obituary, or academic records. The submission of an appeal does not guarantee a change in eligibility. If the student files a successful appeal, the status will be changed to financial aid probation. The student will be notified in writing of the appeal committee’s decision. The decision of the committee is final.

Confidentiality of Records

Information contained in the financial aid file is strictly confidential and will not be released without the prior written approval of the student. However, departments within the college may be provided information on a “need-to-know” basis. Files are generally destroyed after five years.

Statement of Compliance

Financial aid is awarded in compliance with all pertinent federal and state laws and regulations, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, except as provided under federal and state laws and regulations.

Student Employment

Part-time student employment is offered both on and off campus. The federal government and Kirtland Community College provide work-study dollars which fund the student employee program. Off-campus employers may be obligated to contribute matching funds. The goals of the program are to provide employment experience, the opportunity for community service, and additional financial assistance to students. Students are paid an hourly rate for the work they perform.

Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form (FAFSA) before consideration for student employment and attend a student employee orientation and complete other pre-employment paperwork.

Student Employment Handbook

The purpose of the Student Employee Handbook is to inform students of the general provisions and regulations of work study, a financial aid program that provides valuable job experience through student employment. This booklet includes responsibilities of student employees and their supervisors, how to complete a timesheet, office conduct, student employee evaluation process, and forms. A copy is available online.

Grants

Children of Veterans Tuition Grant

Children of Michigan veterans whose death or total disability is connected with wartime service should also inquire about the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. If they are Michigan residents and not over 25 years of age, they may be eligible for full or partial coverage of tuition and fee charges. Contact the Student Scholarships and Grants at 1-888-447-2687 for details.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The student must be a registered member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, be enrolled in a public college or university, and demonstrate financial need. For more information, contact Bureau of Indian Affairs, Federal Square Office Plaza, Box 884, Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783. Phone: 906-732-6809.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need. Students must complete the FAFSA. For the 2024-2025 academic year an annual award of up to $7395 is possible. Awards are pro-rated based on the actual enrollment level of the student each semester. Federal lifetime limit for Pell Grants is 12 full-time semesters or the equivalent.

Michigan Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

The student must be from a low-income family and must have graduated from high school or completed a GED prior to age 20. If the student is eligible, the state will pay tuition and mandatory fees at Michigan community colleges and some universities. TIP does not cover course fees and coverage is limited to 24 credits per academic year. A FAFSA must be filed each year. The State of Michigan determines eligibility and notifies the College.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This grant is awarded as a supplement to the PELL Grant to students showing exceptional need. Priority is given to students with the lowest expected family contribution as determined by the FAFSA. The typical award at Kirtland Community College is $100 - $500 a year.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

The student must have been a Michigan resident for at least 12 months and be certified by his/her tribal association as not having less than 1/4 blood quantum. Contact the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP) at mitw@michigan.gov for the application and questions.

Michigan National Guard State Tuition Assistance Program

Tuition assistance for members of the Michigan National Guard who are attending any public or private college.  For more information about the program, please call (517) 481-7640 or email MINGSTAP@michigan.gov.

Scholarships

Michigan Achievement Scholarship

This is a state scholarship awarded to eligible Michigan high school graduates from a Michigan high school with a diploma, certificate of completion or acheived a high school equivalency certificate in 2023 or after.  This is a renewable scholarship.    To apply for the Michigan Achievement Scholarship, a student must complete the FAFSA for each academic year. Log in to the MISSG portal at michigan.gov/missg to check the status of your application. 

Michigan Reconnect Scholarship

Michigan Reconnect (Reconnect), established with the Michigan Reconnect Grant Act, provides last-dollar tuition-free access to community college for Michigan adults without college degrees to pursue a Pell-eligible associate degree or industry-recognized certificates. Reconnect covers in-district tuition rate, contact hours, and mandatory fees. Students  must complete a Reconnect application at Michigan.gov/.   Reconnect temporarily expanded Michigan Reconnect benefits to those who are not less than 21 years of age and not more than 24 years of age between October 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024. The application for the age expansion became available on October 2, 2023. The application deadline is November 15, 2024, for the age expansion. 

Scholarships/Grants Offered by Kirtland Community College

Academic Excellence Scholarship

For 2024 high school graduates with a 3.5 GPA and SAT score of 1100+.  Students must be registered by tuition due date and must maintain full time enrollment. Renewable for a second year with completion of 24 college level credits and 3.00 GPA.

Academic Merit Scholarship

For 2024 high school graduates with a minimum 3.25 GPA and SAT score of 900+. Students must be registered by tuition due date and must maintain full time enrolment. Renewable for a second year with completion of 24 college level credits and 3.00 GPA.

Athletic Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to select students participating in Kirtland’s athletic programs. Contact the athletic director for details.

Michigan Army and Air National Guard Grant

A pro-rated grant is available to eligible members of the Michigan Army or Air National Guard. Contact Student Financial Services.

Senior Citizen Scholarship

Student must be a resident of the Kirtland district, age 60 or over. For more details, go to: www.kirtland.edu/paying-for-college.

Scholarships Sponsored by the Kirtland Foundation

Students may obtain Kirtland Foundation Scholarship information at: www.kirtland.edu/foundation

Other Scholarships

Many other particular and unique scholarships may be available from corporations, associations, agencies, clubs, churches, and foundations. It is recommended that interested students make inquiries of their high school counselor, their local Chamber of Commerce, their place of employment (or their parent’s), any organizations to which they or their parents may belong, and the Student Financial Services Office.

Student Loans

NOTE: Loan eligibility criteria are subject to revision. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for current procedures.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

Subsidized Stafford Loan

This loan is for students enrolled at least half-time who demonstrate financial need beyond what is met by other financial aid. The federal government covers interest payments during periods of deferment. Students must file the FAFSA to have financial need determined.

Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

This is identical to the subsidized loan, except that the federal government does not pay the interest while a student attends classes.

Parent Loan Program (PLUS)

This loan is for parents of dependent students who have obtained the maximum financial assistance from other sources, including the PELL Grant and Stafford Loan.

Other Programs Available at Kirtland

VA Educational Benefits

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Entitlement and Eligibility

Veterans, dependents, and selected reservists should contact Student Financial Services Office in the Student Academic Center to obtain accurate, complete, and current information concerning educational benefits.

Educational Benefit Programs available are the following:

1. Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill®
   Active Duty Educational Assistance Program
2. Chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation
   Veterans with a compensatory service-connected disability that impairs employability
3. Chapter 33, Montgomery GI Bill® Post 9/11
4. Chapter 35, Educational Assistance for Veterans’ Dependents
   Children and spouses of veterans who died of a service-connected disability or who are totally and permanently disabled from a service-connected disability
5. Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill® Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program

VA Application Process

VA application forms are available online at www.vets.gov, or from the Student Financial Services Office located in the Student Academic Center. The application may be submitted online to the VA or by the Student Financial Services Office.

If the student has previously drawn educational benefits elsewhere, the student needs to complete a Request for a Change of Place and/or Program form and have transcripts from other colleges sent to Kirtland for evaluation as soon as possible. Benefits can be suspended if credit evaluations are not reported to the VA before the student completes two semesters.

Certification of Enrollment

Students must request certification of enrollment each semester. The Kirtland Veterans Certification Request form must be fully completed and submitted to the Student Financial Services Office along with a class schedule.

Pay Rate

Monthly rates vary according to which VA program is providing the assistance, the student’s course load status and length of semester enrollment.

Advance Pay

Students eligible for Chapter 30, 35 & 1606 benefits may request an advance payment if they carry at least a half-time course load and the VA receives the enrollment certification at least 30 days before classes start. The advance check covers the initial month or partial month of the semester, plus the following month. This check is sent to the college. Subsequent checks are mailed to the student’s mailing address or can be directly deposited to the student’s financial institution. Chapter 33 students cannot receive advance pay.

Guidelines and Responsibilities

1. Generally, classes certified must fulfill graduation requirements.
2. VA payment is not ordinarily allowed for repeating a previously passed course.
3. Any changes in program of study, course load, address, etc., must be reported to the Student Financial Services Office.
4. If any eligible student certified for benefits fails to enter a course or withdraws officially or unofficially from classes, the VA will be notified.
5. Students having problems with receiving their education benefits should contact the VA at their toll-free number: 1-888-442-4551.
6. Certain VA programs require monthly verification. Attendance may be verified by calling 1-877-823-2378 at any time on the last day of the month or later, or use WAVE Internet access: www.gibill.va.gov

Consequences of Dropping Classes

If a student receiving VA benefits drops a class and it changes the course load, the drop will be reported to the VA. If a student fails a course, the last date of attendance in the course will be reported. Students are responsible for any overpayment due to their withdrawal (unofficial or official), or class failure.

Satisfactory Progress

A student receiving VA benefits needs to understand the college’s policy regarding academic probation. When this policy allows, a VA student placed on probation may have a maximum of two consecutive semesters to raise the cumulative grade point average to a 2.0. Failure to do so will make the student ineligible for recertification, and unsatisfactory progress will be reported to the VA in writing.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

Kirtland Community College is designated as an SOC. SOC is a network of more than 1,400 colleges and universities whose policies and programs are designed to help meet the higher education needs of service-members. Contact the Student Services Office for more information.