When will financial aid refunds be sent?

Financial aid refunds/disbursements are sent to students during the last week of the second month within the semester or thereafter. There are no specific dates set for refunds/disbursements as they may be received at different times depending on your student account status and/or current address.

Fall Semester – estimated end of September/first of October
Spring Semester – estimated end of February/first of March
Summer Semester – estimated end of June/first of July

What types of scholarships are available and how are funds made available?

OCtech offers LIFE and foundation scholarships to qualified students. Foundation scholarship guidelines and applications are posted under Announcements on D2L each semester.

OCtech is notified of scholarships offered by outside entities and agencies throughout the year.

Scholarship awards are generally placed on the student’s account.

What is OCtech's school code for the FAFSA?

OCtech’s school code for the FAFSA application is 006815.

How often do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

Once a year. When you fill out the FAFSA, you are applying for aid for a specific year. In order to receive aid the next year, you’ll need to submit that next year’s FAFSA form. The earliest you can fill out an application is October 1.

Is there a deadline for filling out the FAFSA?

The priority deadlines to fill out the FAFSA for each term is:

Fall – July 15
Spring – November 15
Summer – April 15

Some awards have limited funding and, if eligible, early applicants have a better chance of receiving the best package of aid available.

Does financial aid cover registration fees?

Financial aid may or may not cover the full amount of tuition/fees/books, depending on the student’s eligibility if they are not full time (12 credit hours or more). If the student has enough Financial Aid left over, it may cover the late registration fees. However, Financial Aid will NOT cover the late application fee.

Why has my FAFSA been selected for verification?

Although you may have entered all of your information correctly on your FAFSA, students are randomly selected by the Department of Education for the verification process- a review of the information entered on the FAFSA.  There are some instances where corrections need to be made or information left out will need to be included.  If you are selected for verification, you will not receive your federal and need-based aid until verification has been completed.

Is financial aid available for summer?

Financial aid is usually awarded for fall and spring semesters. However, students attending summer classes may check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if any financial aid will be available to use in the summer term.

How can I get a copy of my financial aid award letter?

Students who have completed the financial aid process receive an electronic copy of their financial aid award letter via Self Service . Select Financial Aid, then “Review your Financial Aid Offer Letter.”

Can I use financial aid to charge in the bookstore?

Students are usually allowed to charge in the bookstore with their Student ID card on the Wednesday or Thursday before classes begin. The charge-ending period varies based on semester. Please contact the bookstore for any questions regarding charge dates at 803.535.1252.

What is a tax transcript? How do I get one?

Tax return transcripts are transcripts of tax returns provided by the IRS. You may obtain a copy by requesting one online at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript or by calling the IRS at 800.829.1040.

When will get my 1098-T tax form?

Students generally receive a 1098-T from OCtech’s Business Office by or after January 31. Students who did not pay out-of-pocket tuition expenses will not receive a 1098-T form. For more information, please contact OCtech at 803.536.0311 and ask for the Business Office.

How do I get off of financial aid warning, danger or suspension?

For more information regarding financial aid warning, danger or suspension, review the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Requirements for Financial Aid.

Does my financial aid change if I drop/withdraw from a class?

Your financial aid awards may recalculate when adding, dropping or withdrawing from a class. Changes vary among students. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to see if you will be affected by any schedule changes.

How do I receive my VA benefits?

Veteran Affairs students looking to use VA benefits to pay for their educational expenses at OCtech must provide their Certificate of Eligibility documents to the Financial Aid Office VA representative. Further information may be required depending on the VA chapter being used.

How do I apply for a student loan?

In order to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan at OCtech, students are required to complete a FAFSA. New students must attend a loan information session. Current/returning students may be able to complete a Returning Borrower Loan Request Form if they have already attended a session at OCtech. If you are unsure of your borrower status, please contact Student Services and ask to speak with the Financial Aid Office at 803.535.1224.

Visit our Student Loan page for more information.

What is the difference between the Federal Direct Student loan and a private student loan?

A Federal Direct Student Loan is a Federal Student Aid loan that is made available to students who are deemed eligible through their FAFSA and take the necessary steps to receive it. A private education loan is a non-Federal Student Aid loan that is made to a borrower expressly for post-secondary education expenses, regardless of whether the loan is provided through the educational institution that the student attends or directly to the borrower from the private educational lender.

Am I eligible for Work-Study? How do I apply?

Students must complete a FAFSA to determine if they are eligible to receive Federal Work-Study. If you have completed the FAFSA and financial aid process at OCtech, you may apply for Work-Study. Visit our Work-Study page for more information.