Financial Aid FAQs

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the primary application that students must complete to be considered for federal and state financial aid, including grants, work-study, and loans. You need to submit a FAFSA for each academic year you want to receive aid, as it helps schools determine your eligibility based on your family’s financial information. The FAFSA is free to file and is available online at the Federal Student Aid website.

Recent FAFSA changes have simplified the form, making it shorter and more user-friendly, so more students may qualify for aid than ever before. (Tip: Always use the official FAFSA site – if a website asks you to pay to file, you’re on the wrong site.)

Follow these steps to apply for financial aid as an Atlantic Cape student:

• Create an FSA ID: First, you (and a parent if you’re a dependent student under 24) should create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID account. This ID lets you electronically sign your FAFSA and is required for login.

• Complete the FAFSA online: Fill out the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. Include Atlantic Cape’s Federal School Code 002596 when prompted so that we receive your application. (If you’re applying to another college, use their school code as well. You can list multiple schools on the FAFSA.)

• Provide accurate information: Answer all questions on the FAFSA. If a question doesn't’t apply to you, you can enter “0” rather than leaving it blank. Using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (or the Direct Data Exchange for recent FAFSA years) to import tax information can help ensure accuracy and reduce the chances of needing verification.

• Sign and submit: Sign the FAFSA with your FSA ID (and have your parent sign with their FSA ID if you’re a dependent student). Make sure to submit the application at the end. After submission, you should see a confirmation page – don’t close out until you get this!

• Complete your college admission: Make sure you have applied for admission to Atlantic Cape (or the college of your choice) and that your Social Security Number is on file with the Admissions office. This is important because colleges need a matching admission record to access your FAFSA.

After submitting the FAFSA, watch for a follow-up email. If you provided an email on your FAFSA, you will get a confirmation and later a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your info. Atlantic Cape will notify you through Self Service and student email if we need additional documents or once we have an aid offer for you.

Fill out your FAFSA form here

Atlantic Cape’s Federal School Code is 002596. You will need to enter this code on your FAFSA to ensure that Atlantic Cape receives your application. If you’re completing the FAFSA online, when you add a school, you can search by our name or simply enter 002596 to find Atlantic Cape Community College. 

It’s best to apply as early as possible. The FAFSA for each upcoming academic year usually becomes available in the fall (historically October 1, though the 2024–2025 FAFSA opened in December due to federal changes). Submitting early ensures you meet priority deadlines for maximum aid consideration. New Jersey state aid programs (like TAG or the Community
College Opportunity Grant) have their own deadlines (often Sept. 15 for fall term state aid for new students, and Apr. 15 for spring aid, or earlier for returning TAG recipients).

Bottom line: Apply as soon as you can. You may submit a FAFSA even after classes start, but if you file late, your aid might not be ready in time to cover your tuition by the payment due date. Also remember you must reapply every year – financial circumstances and aid formulas can change, so renewing your application annually is necessary to continue receiving aid.

Yes, you do. Many scholarships, loans, and state grants like TAG rely on FAFSA submission. Even if you’re unsure, filing ensures you won't miss out on potential aid.

Yes. You must complete a new FAFSA for each academic year that you plan to enroll in college. Financial aid is not automatically renewed each year . The FAFSA becomes available roughly a year in advance of the fall semester (for example, the 2025–2026 FAFSA opened in late 2024). By reapplying every year, you ensure that you’re considered for all aid programs for which you’re eligible, and you’ll update your information to reflect any changes in income, family size, etc. Many students miss out on aid by not renewing their FAFSA – don’t let that be you!

Undocumented students cannot receive federal financial aid, but in New Jersey many can qualify for state financial aid and scholarships. New Jersey offers the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application (sometimes called the NJ Dreamers application) for students who meet certain criteria.

You may be eligible if you attended at least 3 years of high school in NJ, graduated from a NJ high school (or got a GED in NJ), and file an affidavit stating you’ll legalize your status when eligible. Male students also must register for Selective Service. DACA recipients and others who meet these requirements should complete the NJ Alternative Application instead of the FAFSA.

 After submitting the NJ Alternative Application, you’ll need to log into the New Jersey Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS) to follow up on any additional documents the state requires. The NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) will review your application and let you know if you qualify for state grants like TAG (Tuition Aid Grant) or the Community College Opportunity Grant. Important: Stay on top of any requests from HESAA and meet their deadlines, or you could lose out on aid.

Dreamers are also fully eligible for Atlantic Cape’s institutional scholarships – see the Scholarships section below for more on scholarship opportunities open to Dreamers.

Dependency for FAFSA purposes is determined by a series of questions. Even if you live on your own or support yourself, you might still be considered a dependent student required to provide parental information, unless you meet certain criteria. You can avoid needing parent info if you can answer “Yes” to any dependency question on the FAFSA – for example, if you’re 24 or older, married, a veteran, have dependents of your own, or were in foster care/guardianship (orphans/wards of court) .

Students in those categories are independent and do not report parent data. If you don’t meet the standard independent criteria but have a special circumstance, do not simply leave parent sections blank. Special circumstances could include situations like escaping an abusive home
environment, incarcerated parents, or other extreme conditions that prevent you from obtaining your parents’ information. In these cases, contact Atlantic Cape’s Financial Aid Office to explain your situation.

We may ask for documentation and have you complete a Request for Independent Status
(dependency override) form. Each case is reviewed individually. If approved, we can process your FAFSA without parental data. Remember, not living with your parents or them not claiming you on taxes is not enough on its own to make you independent for financial aid – it truly must be an exceptional circumstance.

If you or your parents have experienced a significant decrease in income, or have paid unusually large medical expenses this year, visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your situation and inquire about your options. You may be asked to provide detailed documentation of your situation in writing and fill out the request for Consideration of Special Circumstance Form available from our Forms page.

Yes, a paper FAFSA is available if you cannot or prefer not to apply online. However, online filing is strongly encouraged – it’s faster and catches common errors. If needed, you can obtain a paper FAFSA form from the Federal Student Aid website or by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center. After filling it out, you’ll mail it to the address indicated on the form (the U.S. Department of Education’s processor in Kentucky). Keep in mind that paper applications take much longer to process – it could be 4–6 weeks before you receive your Student Aid Report and the college gets your data. If at all possible, use the electronic FAFSA to speed up the process.

There are several ways you can get help with the FAFSA and financial aid process:

• At Atlantic Cape: Our Financial Aid staff is here to assist you! You can contact the Financial Aid Office by phone or email for one-on-one help. We also host periodic “Hands-On FAFSA” workshops where you can get guided assistance filling out your FAFSA.
• Online Resources: The Federal Student Aid Information Center is a national helpline for FAFSA questions – you can reach them at 1-800-433-3243 or via online chat. They can help with technical issues or general FAFSA inquiries.
• In the Community: If you’re a high school student, your school counselors might offer FAFSA nights or have resources to help. Organizations like the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) or Talent Search may also assist with applications for those who qualify.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help:  the FAFSA can be confusing, especially if it’s your first time. We want to make sure you complete it accurately so you can get the aid you’re eligible for.

After you submit the FAFSA, the process to determine your aid eligibility begins:

Review your Student Aid Report (SAR): Within a few days to a week of filing online (or a few weeks if you mailed a paper FAFSA), you’ll receive a SAR by email or mail . The SAR summarizes the info you provided. Check it for mistakes. It will also list your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) – now sometimes called the Student Aid Index (SAI) – which is a number used to gauge your financial need. An estimated federal Pell Grant amount might be included if you qualify.

State eligibility notice: If you answered the NJ state aid questions on the FAFSA (or did the NJ state application), you will later receive a New Jersey Student Eligibility Notice (SEN) by mail or  email. This will tell you if you qualify for state grants like TAG or the Community College Opportunity Grant . The state may request additional information before finalizing your award.

School financial aid offer: Atlantic Cape (and any other colleges you listed) will get your FAFSA results. Once we have everything we need and you’re admitted to the college, our Financial Aid Office will determine your aid package. If you’re selected for verification or have other requirements (see the Verification section below), you’ll need to resolve those first. After that, we will post a financial aid award letter to your Atlantic Cape Connect student portal (Self-Service) listing the aid you can receive. We’ll notify you via your student email when the award is ready.

Keep in mind that “qualifying” for aid doesn't’t always mean you’ll get everything paid for – it means you are eligible for certain programs. The exact amounts depend on your FAFSA data, the cost of attendance, your enrollment status (full-time or part-time), and available funding. If you have any questions about your aid eligibility or award letter, reach out to the Financial Aid Office for clarification.

After applying, it’s important to stay in the loop on your financial aid status. Atlantic Cape uses the Self Service student portal (Atlantic Cape Connect) to communicate what’s needed and to display your awards. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Log in to Self Service (Atlantic Cape “Connect”): Use your student credentials to access the portal. Navigate to the Financial Aid section. Here you’ll find a Checklist or “Required Documents” list if anything is needed from you. For example, if you were selected for verification or we need a copy of a document, it will be listed. Complete and submit any items marked as needed.

• Check your student email regularly: The Financial Aid Office sends Missing Information Request notifications to your official Atlantic Cape Buccaneer email (and a secondary personal email if on file) whenever we need additional documents. These emails will instruct you on what to provide. Make sure our emails don’t go to spam and that you act promptly to avoid delays.

• Watch for your award letter: Once your file is complete and processed, we will post your award letter on Self Service and notify you via email. You can view the details of each aid program and amount there. If you’ve been offered loans, you might have additional steps (like entrance counseling or a promissory note) before funds disburse – those would be indicated as well.

If you have trouble accessing Atlantic Cape Connect or understanding what you see, contact the Financial Aid Office. We’re happy to help you navigate the system. Staying proactive and checking status online will ensure you don’t miss any important requirements or deadlines.

If you decide to change schools – whether you’re transferring to Atlantic Cape from another college or transferring out – you’ll want to ensure your FAFSA data goes to the new school. You do not need to start a new FAFSA from scratch; you can simply add the new school code to your existing FAFSA:

• Log in to your FAFSA at studentaid.gov (for the correct academic year).

• Add the school code of the college you want to receive your info. For example, if you are transferring to Atlantic Cape, add 002596 in the School Selection section. If you’re leaving Atlantic Cape and going to another school, add their federal school code. You can have up to 20 institutions listed on one FAFSA.

• Do not remove the old school yet. It’s recommended that you add the new school without deleting the others. If you remove a school and change the order of the schools listed, it can potentially cause confusion or even trigger a new data review on your application. Simply add the new school and submit the FAFSA correction. Both the old and new school will have access to your data then.

A special caution: If you had an existing financial aid award at one school and you’re transferring mid-year, adding a new school will not automatically cancel your old awards. Be sure to inform the previous school that you are leaving, and check if you need to cancel any loans or aid for upcoming terms at that school so that those funds can be freed up for use at the new school. Also, keep in mind annual loan limits and Pell Grant limits apply across schools – you can’t receive more than the maximum even if attending two colleges in one year.

Atlantic Cape’s Financial Aid code again is 002596. Once the new school gets your FAFSA, they may follow up with their own requirements (like verification or additional forms), so stay alert for communications from them.

This is a common review step after FAFSA submission. You’ll be asked to provide documents such as tax transcripts or proof of household size, to confirm your information. Submit them promptly to avoid delays in processing your aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a set of academic standards you must maintain to continue receiving financial aid, as mandated by federal and state regulations and Atlantic Cape policy. There are typically three components to SAP:

1. GPA (Qualitative Standard): You must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average. At Atlantic Cape, you need at least a 2.0 GPA (a “C” average) by the time you’ve attempted 49-72 credits, and lower requirements for fewer credits (e.g., ~1.4 GPA when you’ve attempted 25-48 credits). Essentially, after about two semesters, you should be around a 2.0. A 2.0 cumulative GPA is the standard once you’re beyond your first year.

2. Completion Rate (Pace or Quantitative Standard): You have to successfully complete a certain percentage of the credits you attempt. Atlantic Cape requires that you earn at least 50%–75% of your attempted credits depending on how many credits you’ve attempted so far. For example, if you’ve attempted under 24 credits, you must pass at least 50% of them; if you’ve attempted 25 or more, the requirement becomes 60% or higher, and it increases as you go. In general, think of it as needing to complete at least two-thirds (66.7%) of your courses – that’s a common benchmark at many schools. If you withdraw or fail classes too often, you could fall below this threshold.

3. Maximum Time Frame: You must complete your program within a reasonable time frame. This is usually defined as 150% of the program’s length. For instance, if you’re in a 60-credit associate degree, you must finish within 90 attempted credits. Beyond that, aid can no longer pay for your courses. All attempted credits count, including transfers that apply to your program, and even periods when you didn’t receive aid. (If you change majors or complete one program and start another, those credits still count in the total in most cases.)

SAP is evaluated annually at Atlantic Cape (typically at the end of the spring semester, or end of summer if you took summer classes). However, if you’re on a probationary status, we might check each semester. If you fail to meet any of the SAP standards, you become ineligible for financial aid until you get back in good standing or successfully appeal (see next question on appeals).

• Withdrawals (W), Incompletes (I), and Failing grades (F) count as attempted but not completed credits. They will hurt your completion rate.

• Repeated courses count as attempted each time; only one time counts as completed if you passed. Repeats can help GPA if you improve a grade, but you can only get aid for one repeat of a previously passed course (and all repeats count toward max credits and pace).

• Developmental/remedial courses: Financial aid will fund up to 30 credits of remedial (non-college-level) coursework. At Atlantic Cape, we exclude up to 24 developmental/ESL credits from the pace calculation, but they still count for GPA purposes.

• Second degree: If you graduate and start a new program, you may appeal to have your time frame reset or extended for the new program.

In summary, to keep your aid you need to “make academic progress” – keep your grades up (2.0 or better) and pass the majority of your classes. If you find yourself struggling, seek tutoring or advising help early to avoid SAP issues. Financial aid probation/suspension is something you want to avoid, but it’s based on these clear criteria.

Returning Atlantic Cape students: Our institutional scholarships for continuing or graduating (transferring) students are typically offered once a year. For example, the Fall 2025 scholarship cycle for returning students closed on March 3, 2025, and the next cycle (for Fall 2026 awards) will open in December 2025. Notifications about the application opening are sent to enrolled students via email during the Fall semester. These scholarship applications usually cover scholarships for the following academic year, and you’ll have a deadline (often in the winter or early spring) to submit the application.

New incoming students: If you are a new student starting at Atlantic Cape (for instance, first-time freshmen in the upcoming Fall semester), you do not need a separate scholarship application for most incoming student awards. Instead, once you apply for admission, submit your high school transcript, and complete your FAFSA, you are automatically considered for available incoming student scholarships.

These scholarships are generally awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students who meet the criteria, so it’s important to apply to the college and file your FAFSA early. Incoming students selected for scholarships are usually notified by July for the fall semester. We encourage students to register for classes early, as that may be one factor in first-come, first-served awards.

 Keep an eye on Atlantic Cape communications (email, website) for announcements on scholarship opportunities, and check the Scholarships page on our website for the latest information each year.

Not necessarily, but it’s highly recommended. You can be awarded many Atlantic Cape scholarships without having filed a FAFSA – there are merit-based scholarships that don’t consider financial need. However, if a scholarship is described as “need-based,” the selection committee will require financial information to determine need. The easiest way to provide that is by having a FAFSA on file. In fact, if you have completed the FAFSA and an Atlantic Cape admissions application, our scholarship system will pull in your financial data automatically for need-based awards. This simplifies the process for you.

 Students who don’t think they qualify for federal aid sometimes skip the FAFSA, but by doing so they could be missing out on grant money or scholarships. We strongly encourage all students to file the FAFSA because you might be eligible for federal or state aid (many people are surprised that they qualify). And even if you aren’t eligible for federal grants, the FAFSA can help demonstrate your need for scholarship consideration.

Bottom line: You do not absolutely have to apply for financial aid to get a scholarship, but it can only help your chances if you do. Plus, you might discover other aid you didn’t know you could get!

Atlantic Cape’s scholarships are funded through generous donations and fundraising via the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation, as well as gifts from businesses, community organizations, and individuals. The Foundation has raised well over $6 million in scholarship funds over the years to support our students. Each year, the amount and number of scholarships can vary depending on donor contributions and investment earnings.

Scholarship awards are distributed by our Atlantic Cape Scholarship Committee. They review applications and match students to scholarships based on the criteria set by donors. All Foundation scholarship funds are contingent on donor availability and funding for that year, so the specific scholarships and award amounts may change annually. In the most recent year, Atlantic Cape was able to award over $590,000 in scholarships to students – and many students received more than one scholarship! Typically, scholarships are applied directly to your tuition, fees, or book expenses (they will show as credits on your student account). Some scholarships are one-time awards, while others are renewable if you meet certain requirements in subsequent semesters.

In summary, our scholarship funds come from community and donor support dedicated to Atlantic Cape’s mission. The college’s Scholarship Committee evaluates students’ submitted scholarship applications to distribute these funds in a fair and equitable manner each year.

Scholarship criteria vary widely depending on the wishes of the donor who established the scholarship. There is no single GPA or trait that applies to all scholarships. For example, some scholarships require a minimum GPA (many ask for at least a 3.0, but others might be higher or lower). Many scholarships take financial need into account and thus might require that you have a FAFSA on file to demonstrate need. Others focus on specific majors or career fields (e.g. nursing students, aviation studies, culinary arts, etc.), or county of residence (some funds are for students from Cape May County, others Atlantic County), or involvement in community service. We even have unique criteria like one scholarship earmarked for students “who just love the beach,” as a donor’s quirky requirement!

There are also scholarships for military veterans or their family members, for adult students returning to school, for high-achieving students, and many other categories. When you fill out the scholarship application, be thorough and honest about your background and interests – the system will automatically match you to scholarships you qualify for. The diversity of criteria means most students will find at least one scholarship they’re eligible for, so everyone is encouraged to apply. Don’t self-disqualify by assuming you won’t meet the requirements; you might be exactly who a particular donor is looking to help.

Scholarships are funded by donors and the Atlantic Cape Foundation. Awards are based on the donor’s criteria and reviewed by our Scholarship Committee 

Yes. Atlantic Cape’s scholarship programs do not exclude Dreamers from applying – undocumented students are welcome to apply for all college-offered scholarships and will be considered based on the same criteria as other students. We strive to support all of our students.

 In addition, New Jersey passed a law in 2018 (sometimes informally called the “Dreamers bill,” signed by Governor Murphy) that allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to be eligible for New Jersey state financial aid grants. This means NJ Dreamers can receive state funds like the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) or Community College Opportunity Grant by completing the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application, as described in the Applying section above. While those are not “scholarships” in the traditional sense, they are significant sources of aid for tuition and fees.

 So, Dreamers should:

• Apply for Atlantic Cape scholarships. You’ll be considered for any for which you meet the criteria (there is no U.S. citizenship requirement for our institutional scholarships).

• Complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application to tap into state programs.

• Search for external scholarships. Many private scholarships don’t ask for citizenship status. There are even some specifically for DACA or undocumented students.

Atlantic Cape is committed to supporting NJ Dreamers. If you need guidance on the process or what you qualify for, our Financial Aid staff and the Admissions team are here to help.

Absolutely. Many scholarships allow reapplications year-to-year. As your academic record and experience grow, your chances improve .

Yes, undocumented students in New Jersey can apply for state aid like TAG via the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application. Fill that out instead of the FAFSA.

When you complete the FAFSA, there is a section at the end that directs New Jersey residents to the NJ State Aid Application. To apply for state-funded programs like the Tuition Aid Grant (TAG), Governor’s Urban Scholarship, NJSTARS, or the Community College Opportunity Grant, you must complete the NJ state questions after submitting your FAFSA.

If you file the FAFSA online and indicate you’re a NJ resident attending a NJ college, look for the link or button that says “Start your state application” on the FAFSA confirmation page. This will take you to the HESAA portal to fill out additional questions needed for state aid.

 If you missed that step on the FAFSA, don’t worry – the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) will email you about completing the state application (or you can go directly to the HESAA NJFAMS website to do it). Deadlines are critical for state aid: for example, TAG for fall may require the FAFSA and NJ state application by September 15 (for new students) or earlier in the year for renewal students. NJSTARS has its own eligibility rules (see Additional Questions at the end for more on NJSTARS).

And remember, if you’re a Dreamer (undocumented student), you would complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application instead of the FAFSA to be considered for NJ state aid, as described above. Completing all required state forms on time is the only way to receive these valuable New Jersey grants and scholarships.

Veterans, active-duty, reservist, and dependent students may qualify for GI Bill benefits, vocational rehab, tuition waivers, and more. Visit our Military & Veteran Benefits page or connect with the Veterans Services team.

If you’re a veteran or service member with VA education benefits (GI Bill®), Atlantic Cape’s Veterans Affairs office will assist you in utilizing those benefits for your studies. Here are the basic steps:

1. Apply for your VA benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, if you haven’t already. This typically involves submitting an application (VA Form 22-1990) on the GI Bill website or vets.gov. Once approved, the VA will send you a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) outlining your benefits.

2. Submit your COE and documents to Atlantic Cape: You should provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to Atlantic Cape’s VA Certifying Official in the Financial Aid Office. If you’re a veteran, also submit your DD-214 member copy for verification of service, and any additional forms (for example, if using Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation, your VA counselor in Newark must send an authorization form).

3. Enroll in classes that fit your program: Only courses that count toward your degree or certificate can be certified for VA benefits. Work with Academic Advising to ensure your classes are required by your program, as the VA will not pay for unrelated courses.

4. Notify the Certifying Official each term: Each semester, once you register, inform our VA Certifying Official (Maria Giordano) or the Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Office so they can certify your enrollment to the VA. They will need to confirm your credit hours, program, and tuition/fees. Atlantic Cape will then receive funds from the VA to cover applicable tuition, and you’ll receive any housing or book stipends directly per your GI Bill entitlement.

5. Ask about next steps: The Certifying Official can guide you on any additional requirements, such as verifying your attendance monthly (for Chapter 33 Post-9/11 vets, VA now requires monthly text or email verification) or academic progress standards.

Atlantic Cape is proud to be veteran-friendly and will work to streamline the process. If you have questions about your eligibility for benefits or how to get started, you can call the VA’s Education hotline at (888) 442-4551 for information.

For on-campus help, contact our Veterans Affairs representative in the Financial Aid Office at (609) 343-5082 or via email veterans@atlanticcape.edu. We’ll assist in every way we can to make sure you can utilize the GI Bill benefits you earned through your service.

Yes, service members have education benefit programs available. If you’re on active duty, you may be eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA) through your branch of the military. Tuition Assistance typically covers a portion or all of tuition (up to certain limits per credit hour and year).

Active duty members should start by consulting their unit’s Education Officer or visiting their service’s online education portal to request TA. Atlantic Cape participates in TA programs – we have a Memorandum of Understanding with military commands to accept Tuition Assistance vouchers. Before enrolling, active duty personnel should get approval from their command’s Education Services Officer (ESO) and follow their branch’s procedures for TA. Once approved, you would provide the TA authorization to Atlantic Cape’s Bursar's Office/Cashier so the tuition can be billed to your military branch.

If you’re a member of the New Jersey Army or Air National Guard, New Jersey offers a fantastic benefit: the NJ Guard Tuition Waiver. Current drilling members of the NJ National Guard may receive a waiver that covers tuition at Atlantic Cape (or any public NJ college), for up to 15 credits per term, after other state/federal aid is applied. Essentially, if you’re an eligible guard member, you can attend tuition-free, though you would still be responsible for any college fees. To use this benefit, you must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility for the Guard waiver from your unit and submit it to Atlantic Cape each semester. Guard members can also potentially qualify for federal VA education benefits (like the Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve, or Post-9/11 benefits if activated) in addition to the state waiver.

In short, active duty and Guard members should take advantage of these programs:

• Active Duty: Tuition Assistance (see your chain of command/ESO to apply).

• National Guard: State Tuition Waiver (contact your unit admin for the certificate) and federal benefits if applicable.

Atlantic Cape’s Financial Aid & Veterans Services staff can guide you in coordinating these benefits. Always let us know if you plan to use TA or a Guard waiver so we properly code your student account. Thank you for your service, and we’re here to support your education goals.

Military spouses and children may also qualify for education benefits:

• Transferred Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits: Service members who have the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and have served at least 6 years can transfer some or all of their unused education benefits to a spouse or child, if the service member agrees to an additional service commitment (generally 4 more years). If you are a family member who has received a transfer of entitlement, you can use those GI Bill benefits at Atlantic Cape. The process involves the service member applying for transfer through the DoD, and then the dependent student applying to the VA for a Certificate of Eligibility. Once that’s done, you would follow the same steps as other GI Bill users (see above) to have Atlantic Cape certify your enrollment.

• Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) – Chapter 35: If you are the child or spouse of a veteran who died in the line of duty, or who is 100% permanently disabled due to a service-connected condition, you may be eligible for Chapter 35 benefits. Chapter 35 provides a monthly stipend to help pay for education and training. Eligibility is determined by the VA – typically the veteran’s VA paperwork or rating decision will indicate if dependents qualify. At Atlantic Cape, eligible dependents should submit their Certificate of Eligibility for Chapter 35, and we will certify your enrollment to the VA similar to other programs.

• MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts): Though not administered through Atlantic Cape, it’s worth mentioning – if you are the spouse of an active-duty service member in pay grades E-1 to E-6, W-1 to W-2, or O-1 to O-3, you might qualify for MyCAA. This program provides up to $4,000 for spouses to pursue licenses, certificates, or Associate degrees in high-demand career fields. You would apply through the MyCAA portal and use those funds toward tuition in eligible programs (often administered through our Workforce Development division for certain non-degree credentials).

Atlantic Cape is committed to supporting military families. We have a dedicated Veterans Affairs Certifying Official who will assist in certifying benefits for spouses/dependents and a counselor available for additional support. If you’re a military dependent student, reach out to us and we’ll help you navigate the paperwork. Keep in mind that eligibility for these benefits is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense, so the first step is to confirm your qualification and obtain the necessary approvals from those agencies.

Atlantic Cape provides personalized support to our veterans, active military, and dependents to help you transition into college life. Here are some of the resources and services available:

• Dedicated Veteran Counselor: We have a dedicated counselor, Renee A. Patterson, who focuses on assisting veteran and military-affiliated students. She can help with academic and career counseling, connecting you with college or community resources, and providing general guidance as you move from military to civilian student life. You can schedule an appointment with Renee (for example, via her Calendly link) to discuss any questions or challenges – whether it’s choosing classes, dealing with deployment/redeployment issues, or just needing someone who understands veterans’ experiences.

• VA Certifying Official: Our Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Office includes a VA Certifying Official (Maria Giordano) who is the point person for processing your VA education benefits. She will help ensure your enrollment is certified to the VA each semester and can answer questions about the status of your benefits, VA payments to the college, etc. Any time you change your schedule or program, you should consult with her to see how it might affect your benefits.

• Veteran-Friendly Policies: Atlantic Cape recognizes the unique circumstances of military students. We comply with the principles of the GI Bill® Principles of Excellence and do our best to offer flexibility when duty calls. For instance, if you are called to active duty or training during a semester, we have policies to assist with withdrawals or incomplete grades without academic or financial penalty. We also offer priority registration for veterans.

• Veterans Lounge/Space: (If available) Many campuses have a veterans lounge or resource center – check with our office for the current facilities. It can be a great place to meet fellow student veterans and find camaraderie on campus.

• Referrals and Resources: We can connect you with external resources like the VA healthcare system, counseling services (including any on-campus mental health services or outside referrals for veterans), and organizations such as Military OneSource for additional help. We also maintain information on local veterans’ organizations and support services.

For any veteran or military-related support, you can contact the Financial Aid & Veterans Affairs Office at (609) 343-5129, or email veterans@atlanticcape.edu. You can also call (609) 343-5082 (extension 5129) which is our financial aid number. We are honored to assist those who have served or are serving, and our goal is to help you succeed at Atlantic Cape.

 (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 GI Bill website.)

Yes—if you received TAG in fall or spring, enroll in at least six summer credits, and continue in the same NJ program. Summer TAG helps you graduate faster with less debt.

Aid may include, scholarships, work-study, student loans, and military benefits. Explore our “Types of Aid” page to learn how each option works for you.

Visit our Scholarships page or check out expert guides like How to Write a Scholarship Essay and Top‑Ten Scholarship Do’s and Don’ts. These will improve your chances.

Yes. Look at grant totals first, then note any work-study and loan options. Federal loans often offer better repayment terms than private loans.

Military-connected students can get specialized FAFSA help and benefit workshops. Check in with the Veterans Services Office for one-on-one support.

Students who wish to withdraw from Atlantic Cape must do so in accordance with Atlantic Cape’s Academic Catalog and Student Handbook. A withdrawal in a course may impact Financial Aid awards and/or status.

A student’s award may be adjusted if the student chooses to totally withdrawal, officially or unofficially, from a term. The student’s financial aid award would be prorated to reflect the time the student attended.  If the student has not earned all the financial aid originally awarded they may incur a bill.  Awards can also change due to funding levels, but this is rare.

The federal financial aid programs require you to “earn” your aid by participating in classes. If you receive federal financial aid and withdraw from all of your classes, your aid “earned” will be prorated based on your last date of academic activity or official withdraw date. The rules are a bit complicated, so we encourage you to visit the Office of Financial Aid if you receive federal aid and need to withdraw.

If you officially withdraw or stop participating in all courses, you may be required to repay all or part of the financial aid disbursed to you for the term in which you withdraw.

When a student fails to earn a passing grade in any of their classes in which the student was enrolled, the student’s grades do not provide evidence that the student did not officially withdraw. Students who fail to earn a passing grade in one or all classes may be subject to a return of aid calculation.

Students receiving federal funds may be required to repay aid determined to be “unearned.” The earned/unearned calculation is based on the percentage of days attended during the term in which you withdrew. The amount you have earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. For example, if you completed 30% of the term in which you withdrew, you have earned 30% of the federal aid you received. Once you have completed 60% of the term, you are considered to have earned all of your aid.

The difference between your earned federal aid and 100% equals the percentage of unearned federal funds that are subject to repayment.

Federal regulations require Title IV aid to be refunded in the following order:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (other than PLUS loan)
• Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
• Federal Direct PLUS Loans (for parents)
• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Federal TEACH Grants
• Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

Atlantic Cape is required to return to the applicable federal program account the unearned percentage of institutional charges. Atlantic Cape may bill you for any funds returned on your behalf, including loan funds.

Atlantic Cape’s tuition refund policy is separate from the federal requirement to return unearned aid. Whether or not you receive a tuition/fee refund has no bearing on the amount you must repay under this formula.

If, as a result of withdrawal, cancellation, or termination of attendance, you are entitled to a refund of tuition/fees and you received aid for the same payment period, part of your refund will be returned to the appropriate federal Title IV or institutional account. Any amount remaining after federal program accounts from which you received aid have been reimbursed will be returned to you.