Financial Aid

Financial Aid Support at BFCC

Blackfeet Community College (BFCC) 's Financial Aid Office is located in the Beaver Painted Lodge’s Student Success Center and is a beacon of hope for many students. We administer federal, state, and institutional financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, and student employment. This financial aid is not just a possibility but a reality for eligible students who could not attend college otherwise. We are here to support you in your academic journey.

The FAO is committed to providing personalized guidance through the application process, particularly the FAFSA. They are here to assist students in attending a workshop on the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) scheduled each semester, ensuring they have the support and guidance they need to navigate the financial aid process confidently. With our expertise, students can rest assured that they are in good hands. We understand that this process can be daunting, but rest assured, we are here to guide the student every step, making it as smooth and stress-free as possible.

The FAFSA is a crucial yearly application that the U.S. Department of Education (ED) uses to determine the student’s eligibility for need-based federal financial aid for college. This assistance may include federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans (if applicable). Understanding and completing the FAFSA is critical to securing financial aid for the student’s college education. Remember, you can submit the FAFSA every year between October 1 and June 30 and schedule an appointment with the FAO immediately. 

Any financial assistance offered by BFCC  is contingent upon receipt of funds from all funding programs. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to revise or refuse financial aid offers during the academic year based on the availability of funds, need, cost of attendance, or changes in regulations and procedures mandated by college, state, or federal authorities.

Federal Work-study Employment Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program allows students to gain valuable work experience while attending college. And unlike a federal student loan, they don’t have to repay it! Students must submit the FAFSA form. This is where it all begins! The FAFSA form is the only way to be considered for FWS. Act quickly—jobs are limited. FWS funding and jobs are not guaranteed each year, and factors that can affect the student's availability include family income or financial need, as well as how much work-study funding the college received that year. FWS earnings will not reduce future student aid. Students must submit a BFCC temporary application and complete the HRA forms before starting their FWS work. Students must keep their grades up and meet the SAP standards to remain eligible.

Financial Aid Office & Department of Education (ED)

ED processes the submitted FAFSA, calculates student SAI, and sends it to the college as an ISIR. BFCC Financial Aid Office receives the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) electronically, which indicates student eligibility and their Student Aid Index (SAI). ISIR Comment Codes (C-codes) determine if the student must bring in additional documents or verify information reported on their FAFSA. C-codes can indicate if further documentation is needed to resolve discrepancies in the information reported on the FAFSA. These C-codes can prevent students from receiving federal student aid. Some comment codes include:

1. Citizenship status
2. Conflicting information
3. Missing or incorrect information
4. Verification of Information
5. Dependency status
6. Unusual enrollment history
7. Loan default status

Financial Aid Degree Audit

The financial aid office will conduct a degree audit after accepting incoming students to clarify their eligibility for federal aid. The audit clarifies which courses are necessary to complete their degree and the number of semesters it takes to complete the courses with the academic department to which they have applied.  

Students will only get financial aid for the courses needed to complete them in the required time frame, and cumulative career credits cannot exceed 150% of total credits. According to regulations, students are not eligible to receive Title IV assistance (Federal Student Aid) aid for coursework that will not count toward completing that student’s degree program requirements. BFCC can only disburse federal financial aid funds toward classes required on a student’s degree audit in compliance with the regulations.  

This means that classes beyond the degree completion requirements are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. Students should expect their federal financial assistance to be prorated or deleted depending on the courses they enroll in each term.  

The system will verify that the first 12 credits count toward the degree requirements. Only courses that satisfy a degree requirement will result in eligible payment. Students who have been approved to substitute a course must submit the Waive-Sub Forms to the Registrar, preferably during Week 11, before the start of the term, to receive eligible funding on schedule.   

Students approved for a must register only for courses that satisfy degree requirements.  

Students seeking another undergraduate degree are not eligible for financial aid as baccalaureate students. Although federal financial aid eligibility may be limited or eliminated, students can pursue alternative educational funding sources.

Declaring a Major

Students wanting federal aid must first declare a major approved by the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWCCU) and the Department of Education. Students who declare a pre-eligible major will qualify for funding for courses that apply to their declared academic program.

Declaring a Second Associate's Degree

When applying for financial aid for a second associate's degree after reapplying for admission to the College, the student must state intentions to earn a second associate's degree.  An academic advisor must assist the student in determining the courses they will need to complete a new associate's degree, and an education planner must be completed and given to the financial aid office.   

Financial aid will only be given for the courses needed to complete the new associate’s degree, provided the student has not exceeded the maximum credits for that program. Declaring another associate's degree does not reset the maximum timeframe.

Reasons Why the Financial Aid Award May Be Adjusted without Notice

• Changes in funding: The financial aid award is based on projected funding from Federal, State, and reported sources. If the projected funding exceeds the actual funding available or is canceled, the financial aid award will be adjusted to reflect these changes.
  
  
• Repeated courses. Students must avoid repeating a class with a passing grade (D and above). Regardless of a repeat performance, if financial aid funds were used in the initial attempt, students will not be able to receive financial aid on any subsequent attempt.
  
  
• Taking Coursework Not Required for Current Program.  ??Federal regulations outline that a student may only receive financial aid funds for courses that count towards their current BFCC degree/certificate.
  
  
• Course attendance.  Students must attend courses to receive their financial aid. Course instructors will report attendance after the first 15 calendar days of a 15-week semester or the first seven days of a non-15-week semester (summer). If students are reported as not attending or have not attended a class or classes, this will not be counted in the funding awarded to the student. The reduced number of credits may reduce the financial aid they are eligible to receive. As instructors report student’s attendance, the student's award will be adjusted.

Paperwork & FAFSA Error Correction Deadlines

The college must receive a valid, processed, error-free FAFSA to qualify for financial aid. At the same time, the student is enrolled in at least six credits or more for the current academic term in a declared approved major. Students must also submit all required forms and documents and resolve conflicting information on the FAFSA before determining aid eligibility can be confirmed before Pell funds can be awarded to any eligible student.

REFUNDS and CANCELLATIONS

Pell Grants can be refunded if there is a remaining balance after college expenses are paid or if a student declines, reduces, or returns funds: 

• Refunds: BFCC may issue a refund for any remaining Pell Grant balance after the fall and spring semesters. Students can receive their refund as a check to be picked up the student on the posted dates. 
• Refunds are typically issued 15 days after the funds are posted to the student's account. The dates posted are the earliest students can receive any funds. They will not receive the funds when they appear in the student’s account because the fimds can be posted 5-7 days before issuing refunds. 
• Cancellations: Students can decline, reduce, or return Pell Grant funds during the academic year to preserve eligibility for future semesters. 
• Funding cancellation: Five years after the data submission deadline for a specific award year, the Pell Grant funding for that year is no longer accessible

Pell Grant refunds:

•  Unused funds: If a student's Pell Grant exceeds their total college expenses, the remaining amount will be refunded to them.
• Student decision: Students can also decline or return a part of their Pell Grant if they do not need the total amount.
• Contacting the school: Students must initiate receiving a Pell Grant refund by contacting their financial aid office.

Here are some examples of students who may have to repay all or part of a federal grant:

• They withdrew early from the program for which the grant was given.
• Their enrollment status changed in a way that reduced their eligibility for their grant (if they switched from full-time to part-time, the grant amount would be reduced).
• They received outside scholarships or grants that reduced their need for federal student aid.

 They received Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Scholarships Awarded are Based On

• Academic aptitude, achievement, talent, program, and promise
• Financial need (FAFSA will determine a need)
• Citizenship and character
• Community service or volunteerism

BFCC Exclusive Scholarships

• AARP “Honor Your Elders” BFCC Scholarship: 
  Eligibility: Currently enrolled and in good standing at the BFCC, pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree. For tuition and not for living expenses such as rent, food, or utilities. 500 to 1,000-word essay: “How do you honor or have honored your elders?” complete the application and photo release and submit it to the FAO. This does not include fees or textbooks. Contact the FAO for the application. 
• Achieving the Dream-Project Success "Emergency Aid Program "
  Emergency aid programs assist students at risk of dropping out of college due to unexpected financial emergencies. This program was created to aid students in staying in college and meeting their educational goals, ultimately securing a better economic future. Some eligible expenses include Child Care, Meals, Rent, Medical, Dental, Automobile (ASC Certified Technicians), Public Transportation Pass, and Utilities. Up to $500.00 will go directly to the third party on the application. Contact the financial aid office for the application. 
• First Time First Year Scholarship: 
  BFCC offers a one-semester tuition-free scholarship to recent high school graduates within one year of graduating and HiSet graduates who have never attended a post-secondary institution before attending BFCC. The scholarship does not include fees or textbooks. Contact the admissions office.

• Glacier Electric Cooperative:
  Glacier Electric Cooperative grants this scholarship to be used at Blackfeet Community College in Browning, MT. The applicant must be enrolled in the pre-engineering program starting in the fall of the current year. 
• Spirit of Sovereignty: 
  Blackfeet Community College selects two recipients for the fall and spring semesters. The scholarship is based on need and can be flexible. The funds can be used for tuition, books, gas, childcare, travel expenses, etc. Contact the financial aid office for the application.

Financial Aid Needs Analysis

The Financial Needs Analysis (FNA) provides agencies with the student’s financial status and unmet need figures, determining whether the student is eligible for agency funding. BFCC will not complete an FNA for a student with an incomplete or no FAFSA. A successfully submitted FAFSA assures that the college provides the agency with the most accurate financial aid information. Scan the QR code to access the BFCC student portal for the FNA request.

Drop/Add/Withdrawal Policy

If the student receives federal financial aid, the Student Financial Aid office will need verification of the student’s last date of attendance or activity for each course from their instructors, advisor, or counselor. The drops are categorized in the following way:

• Official Withdrawal
• Unofficial Withdrawal
• Instructor Withdrawal

Financial Aid Termination

Students lose eligibility for federal student aid if they are no longer maintaining satisfactory academic progress, regardless of financial need. There are no special exceptions to the satisfactory academic progress requirements for low-income students.

Warning and probation status: 

Students who fall below the SAP requirements may be placed on academic warning or probation, which could result in suspension from financial aid. This could potentially impact their eligibility for financial assistance for the current term or academic year.

Disclosure of Title IV Requirements

US Constitution Day is a federal observance commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, Constitution Day, and Citizenship Day (Constitution Day). This day commemorates the September 17, 1787, signing of the United States Constitution. Each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year must hold an educational program about the U.S. Constitution for its students on September 17.

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) requires all colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to publish an annual security report that accurately discloses campus crime statistics and security information. The report is readily available on the website for current and prospective students, faculty, and staff. In addition, the institution submits the report annually to the U.S. Department of Education its campus crime statistics, which are compiled using the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Handbook (UCR) and Hate Crime Data Collection Guidelines or the UCR National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).

Enforcement of Cybersecurity Requirements under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act: The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), signed into law on November 12, 1999, is to have certain information privacy protections and safeguards. The Department of Education (ED) and Blackfeet Community College continue to take steps to ensure the confidentiality, security, and integrity of student and parent information related to federal student aid programs. We are expected to maintain strong security policies and adequate internal controls to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of sensitive information and protect student and parent information from cyberattacks.  

Title IX Training Safety Training requires institutions to describe the range of sanctions imposed for incidents of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, alcohol awareness, drug abuse, and staying healthy to the student population. These online courses increase awareness, encourage better decision-making, and comply with federal and state legislation for those receiving federal aid—total hours to complete all four training sessions can take up to five hours. 

Consumer Information

The Title IV regulations require a college to publish and distribute consumer information to the administration, faculty, staff, and students at BFCC in the catalog, policy, and procedure manuals, the student handbook, brochures, web, campus media outlets, social media, and other published formats. BFCC’s substance abuse and alcohol policy, sexual harassment policy, annual security report, and other consumer information can be found on our website in print, on campus, in staff offices throughout campus, or in the BFCC student handbook. 

BFCC School Code 014902

Financial Aid Office Address:
Blackfeet Community College
Beaver Painted Lodge
Re: Financial Aid
P.O. Box 819
Browning, MT 59417
fin_aid@bfcc.edu 
Hours: Monday - Friday 
8:00am - 4:30pm 

Financial Aid Director
406-338-5421 ext. 2245

Financial Aid Technician 
406-338-5421 Ext: 2246