Financial Aid and Military Education Benefits

Financial Aid

Location: Student Center - Second Floor
Open Hours: Mon. – Th. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Phone Number: (815) 921-4150
Financial Aid Website

A Financial Aid Advisor is available on a limited basis, by appointment only.

All students should complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible. This is the first step needed to determine your eligibility for all types of financial aid. The application is online at: FAFSA.gov. In addition, students must have a RVC Enrollment Form and a SSN on file for the Financial Aid Office to process your FAFSA. For priority consideration for financial aid at Rock Valley College, you must submit your FAFSA to the Department of Education’s central processing center and return all requested paperwork to the Financial Aid Office before:

May 1, 2025 for Fall 2025

October 15, 2025 for Spring 2026

By submitting all your paperwork by the above deadlines, the Financial Aid Office will have adequate time to review your file, make corrections if necessary, and determine your eligibility before the first Fall or Spring payment date. If you are eligible for financial aid and have a complete file, your classes will be held through the payment date.

Students’ Rights and Responsibilities and available information regarding financial aid:

A list of rights and responsibilities for students receiving Title IV and other financial aid is available in the Financial Aid Office and is also distributed to students receiving financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to read the Department of Education’s Student Guide: StudentAid.ed.gov.

Other information available from the Financial Aid Office includes:

• Criteria for continued eligibility.

• Satisfactory academic progress standards and criteria to reestablish eligibility if a student fails to maintain satisfactory progress.

• Method and frequency of financial aid disbursements.

• Terms of any loans received, repayment schedules, and the requirements for repaying loans.

• Exit counseling information for student borrowers.

• Summary of requirements for the return of Title IV grant and loan assistance by withdrawn students.

• General conditions and terms applicable to any student employment offered as part of a student’s financial aid award.

• Information regarding enrollment in study abroad programs and financial aid.

• Deferments of loan repayments for service in the Peace Corps, service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or comparable volunteer service for tax-exempt organizations of demonstrated effectiveness in the field of community service.

Financial Aid & Withdrawing from Classes

Financial aid is paid for students who regularly attend class. If you register for classes and do not plan to attend, you are responsible for completing an Add/Drop Form in the Records and Registration Office. If students withdraw from any classes, they should contact the Financial Aid Office to see what impact this will have on their financial aid. Students receiving Title IV funds (Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, and Federal Direct Loans) who withdraw from or fail all classes or receive a combination of all withdraws and grades of F (officially or unofficially) will be subject to Rock Valley College’s refund policy and the federal policy regarding the possible return of Title IV funds awarded to students. Further details and information can be obtained in the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Obligation of the Student

Grade reports, transcripts, degrees/certificates, or other academic record information may be withheld for students who are in default on financial obligations. In such a case, the student maintains the right to inspect and review their records. Information will only be released once the student’s account has been cleared.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Students receiving Title IV funds (Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG and Federal Direct Loans) who withdraw from all classes and/or fail all classes (officially or unofficially) will be subject to Rock Valley College’s refund policy and the federal policy regarding the possible return of Title IV funds awarded to the student. The student will be responsible for any tuition balance resulting from the refund(s). Before withdrawing from any classes, the student should contact the Financial Aid Office to see what effect this will have on their financial aid. In addition, students who fail all classes are
subject to this calculation.

Academic Standards Of Progress

For Recipients of Financial Aid In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education and state of Illinois regulations, Rock Valley College established Standards of Academic Progress applicable to all financial aid recipients. These standards apply to all students receiving federal and state funding, including veterans and students receiving student loans or federal/RVC work-study employment. For a copy of the entire policy, students can contact the Financial Aid Office for the Financial Aid Handbook.

Completion Rate Requirement: A student must achieve a 67% cumulative completion rate for all course work attempted at Rock Valley College. This applies whether or not the student previously received financial aid. In addition, the student must achieve a 67% cumulative completion rate for all course work attempted within a given semester.

a. Credit hours completed are defined as completion of a course by the end of a given semester in which a student is enrolled and receiving a grade of A, B, C, D, or P.

b. Credit hours attempted include all credit classes in which the student is enrolled after the last day to drop for refund. Course withdrawals after the last day to drop as well as courses with grades of “F” and “I” count as hours attempted for financial aid purposes.

c. Audits, proficiency tests, and non-credit courses are not included in the total number of credit hours attempted.

Grade-Point Average (GPA) Requirement for 2025-2026:

A student must maintain a minimum GPA requirement in order to continue receiving financial aid. Students may receive financial aid while on a Financial Aid Warning Status.

GPA	0-1.49	1.5-1..99	2.0-4.0
Hours attempted 1-12	Financial Aid Warning	Financial Aid Warning	Satisfactory
Hours attempted 13-24	Financial Aid Suspension	Financial Aid Suspension	Satisfactory
Hours attempted 25+	Financial Aid Suspension	Financial Aid Suspension	Satisfactory

Maximum Timeframe Requirement

Students are expected to complete their program of study in a timely manner. A student’s maximum time frame is based on total credit hours attempted and the student’s degree objective. These limits apply regardless of whether or not the student has changed majors or received federal funding. The student’s eligibility will end when the student has attempted 150 percent of the credits required for their specific program of study. For example, if a student is attempting an Associates of Arts Degree, the published length of program is 64 credits. Applying the 150% maximum timeframe rule on this program would limit a student to 96 attempted credits. Please note that this maximum time frame is specific to the student’s chosen program, and in some cases may be more or less than 96 attempted credit hours.

THERE ARE FOUR TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

There are grants, loans, employment opportunities, and scholarships. Please note that financial aid award levels are dependent on legislative action and available funding in any given year; therefore, award amounts are listed using the most current information known at the time of this printing.

The following are the financial aid types:

GRANTS

Federal Pell Grant

Who is eligible? Undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need. Eligibility is based on the FAFSA calculation of the expected family contribution, the cost of college attendance, and the amount of available funds.

Duration: Varies with the student’s financial need and the student’s enrollment status as of the Financial Aid Census Date.

When to apply: We strongly recommend you start the process as early as possible after October 1st, as the whole process may take up to a month, depending on your situation.

How to apply:

1. Complete and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at FAFSA on the Web (FAFSA.gov). List Rock Valley College’s School Code 001747 on your application. The processor will mail or email you a Student Aid Report (SAR) within a week. Filing via U.S. Mail is possible, but may add up to three (3) weeks of processing.

2. Submit a Completed Enrollment Information Form to the Recruitment and Admissions Office at RVC. You will receive more information on your next step to become a student from the Admissions Office. You must have an application for enrollment in our system for the Financial Aid Office to determine your financial aid eligibility.

3. A letter will be sent to the student via U.S. mail or RVC Mail requesting additional information needed by Rock Valley College in order to determine your eligibility.

4. Once your financial aid file is complete, you will receive an award letter (by U.S. Mail or RVC Mail, award letters are also available on the student’s Self Service account) outlining what aid you are eligible to receive.

5. Students who first received a Pell grant on July 1, 2008 or later are limited to 12 fulltime equivalent semesters of Pell.

6. Students who have filed the FAFSA, but have not completed the documentation to complete their financial aid file may be eligible for the “FA Deferred Payment Plan. (see RVC payment plan) Students who are eligible for the FA Deferred Payment Plan do not have any funds deducted from their bank/credit card account until November and December 2025 (for Fall 2025) or until April and May 2026 (for Spring 2026). Students who complete their documentation and are found to have enough financial aid eligibility to cover their tuition and fees prior to these dates will not have any funds deducted from their bank/credit card account. Signing up for this payment plan prior to the payment deadline will ensure that your classes are not dropped for non-payment.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Who is eligible? Pell eligible RVC students who are enrolled at least half-time with exceptional financial need.

Value and duration: Varies with the student’s financial need. Maximum grant: $4,000 per academic year if funds are available. Renewable annually until first bachelor’s degree is received.

Financial need must be established each year. Maximum award at RVC is generally $600. (Subject to change without notice.)

Monetary Award Program (MAP) (State)

Who is eligible? Undergraduate students in good standing who are Illinois residents and demonstrate financial need. If funding is available, students may receive MAP if attending three or more eligible credit hours.

Duration: MAP grants cover tuition and mandatory fees. (Subject to change once Illinois State Budget is determined.) Students can receive up to the equivalent of four years of full-time undergraduate study. At a two-year school students can receive up to 75 paid MAP credits.

How and when to apply: See Federal Pell Grant for details.

LOANS

Federal Direct Loans –Subsidized

A need-based loan for undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time. A student must complete a FAFSA for eligibility to be determined and have a complete file at Rock Valley College. Students who first take out a subsidized loan after July 1, 2013 must complete their academic program within 150% of the normal time to complete, or lose the subsidy portion of the loan

Value and duration: A student may borrow up to their cost of attendance each academic year, based on academic level and individual eligibility. Repayment begins six (6) months after the student drops below half-time status, withdrawals, or graduates. The repayment period is up to 25 years.

How and when to apply: A student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility and have a complete financial aid file at Rock Valley College. (See Federal Pell Grant for details.) Students must also complete an online Master Promissory Note and online entrance counseling at: StudentLoans.gov, plus an RVC student loan request application, available in the Financial Aid Office. First-time freshman borrowers must also attend a face-to- ace loan counseling session with the RVC Loan Coordinator.

Federal Direct Loans – Unsubsidized

Who is eligible? A non-need based loan for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility for a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan must be determined before a student can borrow an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Graduate students should check with their school for more information.

Value and duration: An undergraduate student may borrow up to their cost of attendance each year, depending on academic level and eligibility. Loan limits will be lower for academic programs which are less than one year. Repayment begins six (6) months after the student drops below half-time status, but, if eligible, the principal and interest may be deferred. The repayment period is up to 25 years.

How and when to apply: See Federal Pell Grant for details. A student must also complete a FAFSA for eligibility to be determined and have a complete file at Rock Valley College. See Federal Pell Grant for details. Students must complete an online Master Promissory Note at: StudentLoans.gov and an RVC Student Loan Request Application, available in the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Parent Loan For Undergraduate Students (FPLUS)

Who is eligible? Federal PLUS loans provide money to qualified parents of dependent undergraduate students attending or enrolled at an approved school at least half-time.

Value and duration: The maximum a parent may borrow is up to the difference between the cost of attendance and other financial aid received. Repayment begins shortly after funds are disbursed. The repayment period is up to 25 years.

How and when to apply: Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.

Emergency Loan (RVC)

Who is eligible? Available to students with situations deemed an emergency by the Financial Aid Committee. Living expenses and monthly bills are not considered an emergency. Documentation of the emergency situation is required.

Value and duration: Maximum loan: $300. A $1 handling fee is required at pay back. Emergency loans are made on a 30-day repayment basis. Limit of one emergency loan per semester.

How and when to apply: Apply at the Financial Aid Office. Emergency loan applications will be available the first day of classes, but take at least one day to process once application is received and approved.

Book Purchases/FA~Link

Required and recommended books, supplies, backpacks, and Rockford Mass Transit 30-Day, Unlimited Ride bus passes are available for purchase against anticipated Pell or Loan funds in the Rock Valley College Bookstore the week before classes begin, through approximately the first four weeks of classes. See the Financial Aid Office for details. For students with classes starting at mid-term, purchase your mid-term books and supplies at the beginning of the semester. If you only have mid-term classes, you can stop by the Financial Aid Office to see if book and supply money can be loaded to your account. See page 13 for more information. For Summer II, you need to stop by the Financial Aid Office to have your money loaded. This program is not available for Summer I.

ON CAMPUS STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAMS

College Work Study (CWS) and/or RVC Student Employment Program

Who is eligible? Available to undergraduate students who are at least halftime; eligible to work in the United States; must not be in default on a student loan; must be enrolled in a financial aid approved curriculum and must not be classified as a high school student.

Value and duration: Students must apply for financial aid by filing the FAFSA to determine their eligibility for either the College Work Study Program (funded by the Federal Government) or Rock Valley College Student Employment Program (funded by RVC). Total earnings to be funded are determined by the Financial Aid Office, based on total financial aid package.

How and when to apply: See Grants for information on how to file a FAFSA. To view information on student job openings and the application process, please go to: RVC Career Services or
contact Career Services at 815-921-4121

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Rock Valley College Foundation offers a wide variety of private donor scholarships to students attending RVC. Scholarship applications and submission dates are available online at: RockValleyCollege.edu/ Scholarships. You must apply annually.

There are many types of RVC Foundation Scholarships for which you may qualify. Examples of criteria that may be considered include the student’s program of study, academic standing, financial need, high school attended, county of residence, participation in RVC activities and sports, community involvement, military service, etc.

Specific scholarship questions may be answered by emailing: RVC-Foundation@RockValleyCollege.edu, or calling the Foundation office at (815) 921-4500.

In addition to the RVC Foundation scholarships, there are a number of additional scholarship resources that students should investigate. For instance, check with your local community groups, libraries, churches, and bulletin boards located in various locations on campus, along with Internet websites such as: Wired Scholar WiredScholar.com, ISAC ISAC.org, Fastweb FastWeb.com, Scholarship America ScholarshipAmerica.org, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois CFNIL.org

MILITARY EDUCATION BENEFITS

Rock Valley College is approved for federal and state veteran educational benefits. Visit the Veterans Services webpage at Rock Valley College Veterans for more information or call the Veterans Service Office at (815) 921-4163.

Rock Valley College offers priority registration to all students using military education benefits (service member, veteran, spouse, and dependent).

As of August 1, 2019 per 38 USC 3679 (e), Rock Valley College will not take the actions listed below, against any student using Post 9/11 (Chapter 33) or Vocational Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) while pending payment:

Prevent their enrollment;
Assess a late penalty fee
Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution

These provisions will be made once eligibility for the benefit has been established (ex: Certificate of Eligibility, written request to be certified, or see the VA School Certifying Official located on the second floor of the Student Center for all other requirements).

Snapshot of Benefits - Federal

Montgomery GI Bill® – Chapter 30

Montgomery GI Bill® – Chapter 1606 – Selected Reserves/Guard

Post 9/11 GI Bill® - Veterans Education Assistance – Chapter 33

Transfer of Entitlement – Chapter 33

Fry Scholarship

Survivors & Dependents Educational Assistance Program – Chapter 35

Vocational Readiness & Employment – Chapter 31

Students may go to: VA.gov regarding the application process. Also, visit the Veterans Services webpage for more information or call the Veterans Service Office at (815) 921-4163.

Tuition Assistance (TA):

This is a Department of Defense (DoD) program. TA rules will vary between military branches. Students using TA benefits must first receive approval from their respective branch Education Service Officer (ESO), prior to enrolling in courses. Approved, semester-specific TA forms, must be submitted to the Program Manager located on the second floor of the Student Center.

Snapshot of Benefits – State Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)

Who is eligible? The student must have at least one full year of active duty in the United States Armed Forces and receive an honorable discharge; have resided in Illinois within six (6) months before entering the service; return to Illinois within six months after discharge from the service; be enrolled at an ISAC approved Illinois public two- or four-year college or university (there is no minimum credit hour requirement); not be in default on any student loan nor owe a refund on any state or federal grant; and maintain the minimum GPA required by the specific IVG policy determined by the college or university. Review website at: ISAC.org for recent updates.

Value and duration: Those eligible are entitled to full tuition and certain fees at any Illinois state-supported school. Eligible students are awarded a total of 120 units which is equivalent to 120 credit hours. Student must maintain the minimum GPA required by the colleges’ Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.

How and when to apply: The application process can be found by going on line to: ISAC.org or you many contact the Veterans Representative at RVC.

Illinois Deceased, Disabled, and MIA-POW Veterans’ Dependents Scholarship

Who is eligible? Dependents of a service person whose status is or has been that of prisoner of war/missing in action/killed in service/died as a result of service-connected disability or is permanently disabled with a 100% service-connected disability.

Value and duration: Those eligible are entitled to full tuition and certain fees at any Illinois state-supported school.

How and when to apply: The application process can be found by going to ISAC.org or call the Veterans Service Office at (815) 921-4163

Illinois National Guard

Who is eligible? The applicant must be an active member of a National Guard Unit and must have served for at least one year in the Illinois National Guard. Time in other branches of the service does not count toward this requirement. The applicant must comply with Selective Service registration requirements and must not be in default on any student loans. The recipient must maintain an acceptable GPA according to the policy determined by the college of record.

Value and duration: In most cases, if the applicant ceases to be a member of the Illinois National Guard, the educational benefits will be terminated as of the guard termination date.

How and when to apply: The application process can be found by going online to: ISAC.org or you many contact the Veterans Representative at RVC at (815) 921-4163.

RVC Veterans Student Association

Rock Valley College Student Veterans Association strives to engage our student veteran population throughout the academic year. Check out the club page on Eagle to see what the club is up to: RVC Veterans Club

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

For additional information regarding financial aid, please refer to the Guide for Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education available in the Financial Aid Office or at: Federal Student Aid or the Illinois Student Assistance Commission website (ISAC.org). There are many additional places where you can find information on how to get assistance paying for college. Some resources include:

RVC Financial Aid Office:
(815) 921-4150 RVC Financial Aid

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC):
(800) 899-4722 ISAC.org

U.S. Department of Education:
(800) 433-3243 Federal Student Aid

FAFSA on the Web:
(800) 433-3243 FAFSA

The Financial Aid Information Page FinAid.org, Tax Benefits for Higher Education IRS.gov, Department of Veterans Affairs GiBill.va.gov, Mapping Your Future.org, FastWeb.com