Financial Aid
Helping you finance your educationFinancial Aid
Helping you finance your educationFinancial Aid
Helping you finance your education
Frequently Asked Questions
We know funding your education can be overwhelming and we are here to help. Below are common financial aid questions. If you cannot find the answer to your question, contact us:
- Visit us in person 9am – 4:30pm Monday – Thursday
- Chat with us from 9am – 12pm Monday – Friday on live chat: www.skagit.edu/uchat
- Call us from 9am – 4:30pm Monday – Thursday:
- Mount Vernon Office: 360.416.7666
- Whidbey Island Office: 360.679.5320
ctcLink and Financial Aid
I cannot see my financial aid in ctcLink?
For the remainder of the 2021-22 aid year (through spring quarter 2022), you will continue to use the Financial Aid Portal to review your status, outstanding documents/requirements, and award information. However, all disbursement information will be available to view in ctcLink (after funding has been applied to your account).
Financial Aid data will transition into ctcLink for the 2022-23 aid year (starting summer quarter 2022). Information on this transition will be available later (approximately March-April 2022).
Why do I have a hold on my ctcLink account regarding my financial aid?
In ctcLink there could be many different reasons you are seeing a hold on your account. The most common financial aid hold is actually a good one!
If you see the “Tuition Deferred-Possible FA” or “Financial Aid Award Pending” hold on your account, that means you may have financial aid that will soon be applied to your account. We add this hold, also known as a “positive service indicator” to your account in order to avoid being dropped from your classes due to non-payment. This hold will typically be applied before tuition and fees are due for the quarter and will remain on your account until financial aid has been applied.
A few important notes:
- This hold does not guarantee you have pending financial aid. Please review the FA Portal to ensure your awards are active for the upcoming quarter and you do not have any outstanding requirements.
- This hold does not impact your ability to adjust your schedule, make payment, or review your transcript.
- If a balance is due after funding is applied, it is your responsibility to pay.
- If you are no longer eligible to receive these funds, you must immediately pay your tuition/fees.
If you have a different financial aid hold on your account and have questions, we would be happy to investigate. Please contact us during our service hours.
When will I get my financial aid refund?
If your financial aid is in order, you are enrolled for eligible classes and there are no other issues, the first refund of each quarter is processed on the afternoon of the first day of the quarter (winter: 1/4/2022, spring: 4/5/2022).
After the initial refund, for the remainder of the 2021-22 aid year (through spring quarter 2022), Skagit Valley College will disburse financial aid funds once a week, usually on Wednesday. Please allow additional time to receive the funding in your BankMobile accounts or mailed paper checks.
Please ensure your mailing address is up to date in ctcLink. For more information, visit “Resources for Students” on our ctcLink homepage, www.skagit.edu/ctcLink.
Note: if you are enrolled in less than 12 financial aid eligible credits, please make sure to complete an Enrollment Revision form to avoid a delay in your refund. More information is available on our Financial Aid Refunds website.
Applying For Financial Aid
What is financial aid?
Grants – are awarded to students that have a demonstrated financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Sometimes referred to as “gift” aid as you are not required to pay back funds you receive.
Work-study – money earned through a job on campus while attending school
Loans – Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Who is eligible for financial aid?
- Be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Be registered with the Selective Service (if required)
- Be enrolled in an eligible program of study and are enrolled in eligible classes that lead to a degree or certificate offered by SVC that is at least one year in length.
- Have a high school diploma, GED certificate.
- Demonstrate financial need
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress
- Not be in default on any student loan or owe a repayment on any grant received at any institute of higher education.
Where do I start?
You will also want to be sure that you have applied for admission to Skagit Valley College at this time. If you are a new student to Skagit Valley College and have not applied for admission, please note that your financial aid file will not be reviewed or processed until you have received confirmation of admission. To apply to SVC, please visit Getting Started and you are on your way. If you were enrolled previously at SVC, but have been away from the college for more than two years, you will also need to re-apply to SVC at Getting Started.
What is SVC’s Title IV School Code?
Do I have to apply for financial aid every year?
Can I get help with the FAFSA or WASFA it I need it?
Are there deadlines for applying for financial aid at Skagit Valley College?
Priority Deadlines for application completion:
Quarter | Due Date |
Summer 2021 | April 1, 2021 |
Fall 2021 | April 1, 2021 |
Winter 2022 | November 1, 2021 |
Spring 2022 | February 1, 2022 |
What happens if I missed the financial aid quarter deadline to apply?
I don’t live with my parents so do I still need to include them on my FAFSA?
If you have special circumstances and can provide documentation of what occurred that severed the relationship with your parent(s), and you can provide documentation that you have no contact with your parent(s), contact the Financial Aid Office.
What makes me an independent student?
- Will you be 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year?
- Are you married as of the date you fill out the FAFSA?
- Will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (MA, MBA, DVM, PhD, EdD, etc) during the award year?
- Are you currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
- Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?
- Do you have children who will receive more than half of their support from you during the award year?
- Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through the award year?
- At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care, or were you a dependent or ward of the court?
- Are you or were you an emancipated minor as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
- Are you or were you in legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence?
- At any time on or after July 1, 2020, did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
- At any time on or after July 1, 2020, did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless?
- At any time on or after July 1, 2020, did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless.
Do I have to apply for admission to Skagit before I am awarded?
You will also want to be sure that you have applied for admission to Skagit Valley College at this time. If you are a new student to Skagit Valley College and have not applied for admission, please note that your financial aid file will not be reviewed or processed until you have received confirmation of admission. To apply to SVC, please visit Getting Started and you are on your way. If you were enrolled previously at SVC, but have been away from the college for more than two years, you will also need to re-apply to SVC at Getting Started.
Financial Aid Processing at Skagit Valley College
I’m done with the FAFSA or WASFA, now what?
After receiving this email, it will be 4-6 business days for Skagit Valley College to upload your application into our database.
You will receive a welcome letter from Skagit after we receive your FAFSA or WASFA. It will be sent to the email address you submitted with your FAFSA. Please be sure to read it carefully.
If additional information is needed in order to process your financial aid application, you will receive a follow up email shortly after your welcome letter.
What is the best way to submit documents that were requested by the Financial Aid Office?
- Via email to [email protected] through your MYSVC email. For directions on how to submit please visit our Forms & Resources help page.
- Fax to 360.416.7888
- by mail:
Financial Aid Office
Skagit Valley College
2405 East College Way
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-5899
Due to our limited access to fax and mail because of closure, please note that faxing or mailing in your forms can delay processing 1-2 weeks. We recommend that you submit via email.
I keep hearing about the Financial Aid Portal. What is it?
When accessing the Portal:
FAFSA Applicants:
Your Username is your full 9-digit Social Security Number.
Your Password is your 6-digit Date of Birth (MMDDYY)
WASFA Applicants:
Your Username is your 9-digit WASFA User ID.
Your Password is your 6-digit Date of Birth (MMDDYY)
Where can I find the additional documents you are asking me to submit?
Sign into the Financial Aid Portal and scroll down to the “Information We Need from You” section. You can download the required e-Forms by clicking on the arrow by the form.
Go to Forms & Resources on the Financial Aid website. Scroll down and open up the 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 financial aid forms menu. All financial forms are listed there alphabetically and available for download.
What is my Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
How long does it usually take until I get my financial aid decision?
Please keep in mind that only fully completed financial aid files will be process for awarding. Be sure you respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
Remember you can also track the status of your financial aid through accessing the Financial Aid Portal.
How much will I get in financial aid?
What do I do when tuition is due and my financial aid hasn’t been evaluated/awarded?
How can I resolve Selective Service issues if I am a male older than 26 or a transgender male?
After Awarding of Financial Aid
Can I get financial aid for summer quarter?
How can I tell if my aid is ready for the school year?
When and how will my financial aid be disbursed?
How does financial aid pay my tuition?
Can I get my financial aid refund before classes start?
Will financial aid pay for any class I take? How do I change my major?
If during your time at SVC you change your Program of Study you will want to work with your advisor and be sure to notify the Financial Aid Office. Instructions for Requesting A Change of Program.
I’ve been awarded financial aid. Why do I still have a balance due on my registration?
Also, be aware that CCB course credits are not financial aid eligible and should not be included when determining how many credits you are enrolled in for financial aid. Example: You are registered for 12 credits total. 2 of the credits are for a CCB course. This means you are enrolled in 10 credits (3/4 time) only for financial aid and you would need to submit an Enrollment Revision form.
If I pay for my tuition before my aid is applied to my account, how will I be reimbursed?
My household income has changed significantly in comparison to the amounts that were reported on my FAFSA. Is there any way to account for that?
What does financial aid cover? Can I use it for textbooks?
I got an email about BankMobile. Who are they? Is there something I need to do?
You will receive both email and postal mail correspondence from BankMobile. This will be mailed to the address you have on record with the SVC Enrollment Services Office. Please make sure that your mailing address is correct with Enrollment Services and notify the Financial Aid Office if it is currently incorrect.
Postal mail from BankMobile Disbursements will include Refund Selection options in a green envelope. However, if you wish to expedite your refund selection, we are pleased to inform you that can now do so via the mySVC toolbox:
- Go to http://www.mysvc.skagit.edu/
- From the Student Toolbox, select Payments & Earnings
- Click on Financial Aid Refund
- Enter your Student ID (SID) number and PIN*
- Follow the prompts to select your refund preference
*Note: Your SID and PIN are the same as what you use to log in to register, pay tuition, etc.
Your options will include: deposit to another existing bank account (recommended), a paper check, or electronic deposit to BankMobile Vibe, an optional account. If you wish to select the optional BankMobile Vibe account, you should only do so if you are currently enrolled in classes in order to avoid fees and potential account cancellation. If you have a temporary social security number, such as those granted by DACA, you must select either the option of having your funds deposited to another existing bank account or a paper check.
If you have excess funds, after tuition and fees are paid, those funds will be disbursed via the refund selection option you choose, assuming that you have taken care of all items required by the Financial Aid Office and have no disbursement holds on your academic record. Your quarterly disbursements released to BankMobile should be available no sooner than the first day of each quarter. Funds awarded after a quarter has begun are usually available 3 – 4 business days after you receive your award notification.
What if I’m not going to be a full-time student. Can I still get financial aid?
Aid | 12+Credits Full-Time | 9-11 Credits 3/4 Time | 6-8 Credits 1/2 Time | 1-5 Credits
Less 1/2 time |
Federal Pell Grant | 100% | 75% | 50% | 25% |
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) | 100% | 75% | 50% | — |
Washington College Grant (f/k/a Washington State Need Grant) | 100% | 75% | 50% | 25% (3 credit minimum) |
College Bound Scholarship | 100% | 75% | 50% | 25% (3 credit minimum) |
Tuition Waiver Grant | Waives Tuition (Not Fees) | — | ||
Student Loans | 100% (Cost of attendance less other resources) | — |
How do I know when I have been awarded?
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
What is SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)?
This document outlines the requirements for financial aid satisfactory academic progress at Skagit Valley College and is subject to change. It is the student’s responsibility to read and understand the standards for satisfactory academic progress.
As a recipient of financial aid you have certain rights and responsibilities. It is important that you read and understand the information, guidelines and policies of Financial Aid.
We also encourage you to read these documents.
2021-2022 Financial Aid Consumer Information
Don’t hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions or concerns you may have.
I had a bad quarter in my classes, will I lose my financial aid?
We encourage you to read the SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) requirements for the guidelines as to when a student will be placed on financial aid “warning” or “suspension”. Students who are placed on suspension have their future financial aid awards suspended. You can be considered for reinstatement to financial aid by working with your advisor and submitting a completed Petition for Financial Aid Reinstatement.
What happens if I withdraw from the quarter?
- Your eligibility for further aid may be canceled;
- You may have to repay aid you received for the quarter, depending on when you withdraw;
- You will be suspended from financial aid and need to submit a Petition for Reinstatement.
We strongly encourage you to call the Financial Aid Office at 360.416.7666 before you withdraw to assure you are fully aware of the impact on your financial aid.
Does Financial Aid pay for repeat or retaking coursework?
Students are allowed up to three total attempts to successfully complete a course required for their program of study. Students who need to repeat a course after three unsuccessful attempts (unsuccessful is defined as E, F, V, W, or Z) must submit the Petition for Reinstatement and explain what the unusual or extenuating circumstances has been for failing to pass the course, as well as a substantial, detailed plan for how they will ensure success in their next attempt. Funding for coursework beyond three unsuccessful attempts is not guaranteed.
Previously Passed Courses
Students are allowed to receive financial aid to repeat a previously passed course (previously passed is defined as D- or higher), only once, regardless of your program’s GPA/grade requirement. Students may only receive funding for repeat courses that are required for their program of study. Repeating elective or gray area courses will not be allowed, unless Skagit Valley College requires a better grade in order to complete your program. In these cases, only one attempt is eligible for financial aid.
If you wish to retake a previously passed course, you will need to submit a Repeat Coursework form by the census date (3rd day of the quarter). Forms are available online.
A reduction or elimination of financial aid eligibility may be required if it is determined that a student is repeating a previously passed course beyond the one allowable re-take and students may be billed if aid has already disbursed for ineligible repeated courses.
This information is also available at the Satisfactory Academic Policy (SAP) guide.
Student Loans
Does completing the FAFSA automatically apply me for student loans?
A separate online application for Federal Direct Loan funding is required. Applications for the 2021-2022 academic year will be available to students at the Financial Aid website beginning the first week of June, 2021. Please note that loan processing during peak periods can take 6-8 weeks, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as the application becomes available.
What is the difference between Subsidized and the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loans?
When do I start repaying my loans?
Are loans financial aid?
When will I receive my loan?
Important: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans both require the student:
- Be enrolled in (and attending) at least six degree-required credits per quarter
- Submit a FAFSA and fully complete a financial aid file with the college
- Adhere to the SVC Satisfactory Progress Policy
- Understand that first-time borrowers who are first-time students at SVC cannot have loans disbursed until 30 days into their first quarter. If all file/loan documents are complete, we can hold your tuition. You must be able to purchase your own books to start classes. Contact Financial Aid if you need tuition held.
General Information
What is the cost to attend Skagit Valley College?
How can I contact the Financial Aid Office?
- Visit us in person 9am – 4pm Monday – Wednesday
- Chat with us from 9am – 12pm Monday – Friday on Uchat: www.skagit.edu/uchat
- Call us from 9am – 4pm Monday – Thursday:
- Mount Vernon Office: 360.416.7666
- Whidbey Island Office: 360.679.5320
Can I come to campus and meet with someone in Financial Aid?
The Financial Aid office at both the Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island campuses are available for in-person services Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 4pm through Fall quarter.
What if I’m getting education funding from another source like military tuition assistance or veteran education benefits? Can I still receive financial aid?
Can the Financial Aid office help me with my military education benefits?
Learn more about funding for veterans and military service members.
Any other grants, scholarships or other support available to me?
Is there a way to make payments to pay my tuition if my financial aid doesn’t pay for it all or I don’t receive financial aid?
The Skagit Valley College Mount Vernon Cashier is facilitating Tuition Payment Plans for all campuses during our period of remote operations. Contact the SVC cashier at 360.416.7805 to apply for the payment plan and make your initial payment. Otherwise, you may email your completed & signed form to [email protected]. A cashier will get back to you as soon as possible to get your debit or credit card information to process your payment, so please be sure there is a contact phone number. The Tuition Payment Plan Application is available to you online.