Tools, News and Tips

Term Disbursement Information.
Get important term dates and information regarding disbursement online. Find out when disbursement is and about the eRefund process.
  
Bookstore Credit
Registered students that are eligible for financial aid and who have sufficient aid to cover tuition and fees, may be eligible to charge books and supplies at the COCC Bookstore.  To be eligible for a bookstore credit, all requested documents must be satisfied, awards must be accepted and you must be enrolled (not waitlisted).  Check your 'Bobcat Web Account' account for active ‘Messages’ to see if you have sufficient financial aid for a bookstore credit.  Books and supplies charged at the Bookstore will be deducted along with your tuition and fees from your total financial aid award for the term.  The maximum bookstore credit available is $600 for a term depending on aid eligibility. 

SALT
SALT was created by American Student Assistance, a nonprofit organization, to help Central Oregon Community College students and alumni like you to become more financially savvy. This program rewards you for making smart money decisions, and we’re providing all of its services to you—including your membership—free of charge. View details at saltmoney.org.
 
Cash Course
COCC has partnered with National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) to provide you with a new budgeting tool called CashCourse. Log in to Cash Course now to access financial tools, worksheets, calculators and much more. 
      
Ombudsman Office
An Ombudsman resolves disputes from a neutral, independent viewpoint. The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Ombudsman will informally conduct impartial fact finding about your complaints. They will recommend solutions, but they do not have the authority to reverse decisions. They will also work to bring about changes that will help prevent future problems for other student loan borrowers. This free service is provided by the US Department of Education.
    
Getting Started
Being successful means getting an early start.  Check out our recommended timeline with simple,easy steps to follow.  Be a Success from the Start!  
    
Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education's web site is an excellent detailed resource for information regarding grants, loans and work-study.  Like YouTube? View short, informative videos to assist you with understanding how financial aid works. 
    
Internal Revenue Services videos
This site offers videos on various tax administration topics such as: education credits, record keeping, e-filing, first time filing, earned income tax credit and many more.  Visit the IRS video web site. 
    
Other informative videos
Videos created by FastWeb is quick and entertaining introduction to topics such as: completing the FAFSA, financial aid myths, scholarship 101, cutting borrowing costs and many more helpful information.  Visit their site for more great information. 
 
     

Things to know about financial aid.
1.    File your FAFSA early in January.  You don't have your income taxes ready to file your FAFSA!  It is okay to use estimated amounts if you don't know the exact numbers.  Once you complete your tax return, go back and make any necessary corrections.

2.  Ask for help.  Don't be afraid of asking questions if you don't understand.  The Financial Aid Office is available to assist you through the process.  Many other options are available to help you: high school counselors, admissions counselors and the schools web site.  Use the Bobcat Web Account system to check the status of their financial aid progress, review your awards, and see if all  requirements are completed.

3.  Do not wait until the last minute to file for financial aid or to return requested documentation.  No financial aid can be authorized nor certified until the student's application is finalized.

4.  Apply even if you think you are not eligible.  There are many options to financial aid.  You may be eligible for grants, loans and work-study.  The FAFSA is free and takes very little time to complete.

5.  Apply for every scholarship you can find.  Scholarships can be another resource to help pay for tuition.  Ask for scholarship information from you high school counselors office or visit the scholarship web sites at the college you are attending.

6.  Review the Student Aid Report (SAR) carefully and follow all directions give by both the Department of Education and the Financial Aid Office.   
 

Center for Student Success
NELA provides students with the free tools, resources and counseling services that help them explore college and career opportunities.
    
Budget Calculator
Do you know where your money goes?  Input your income and expenses, then receive great suggestions to ways on getting you budget on track. 
     
FAFSA4caster
The site will provide you with an estimate of your eligibility for federal financial aid.