Academic Year
For financial aid purposes, the academic year is 900 clock hours in length or 36 weeks. These hours commence on the student’s first day of attendance in an eligible career and technical education (CTE) program. The academic year is used to calculate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and schedule the disbursement of financial aid funds.
Citizenship Status
A student must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen to receive federal student aid. To that end, a student must be one of the following:
- A U.S. Citizen or national;
- A U.S. permanent resident or other eligible noncitizen; or
- A citizen of the Freely Associated States: the Federated State of Micronesia, the Republic of Palau and the Marshall Islands. These students can only receive aid from select FSA programs.
When determining citizenship status, the Department of Education (the Department) matches the social security number entered in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If he provides an alien registration number (ARN) on the FAFSA, his record is also sent to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to check noncitizen current immigration status. The results of both matches appear on the Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR), and a failed match with either agency will produce a C code on the student’s ISIR. A student’s citizenship status only needs to be checked once during the award year; if the status is eligible at that time, it remains so for the rest of the award year.
For additional information on citizenship status and regulations, please review Volume 1, Chapter 2 of the FSA Handbook which can be accessed at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/home/
Clery Act Crime Statistics
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Section 485(f) of the HEA, Title 34 C.F.R 668) is a federal statute required of all Title IV eligible schools. Reportable crimes, as defined by the Act, are presented in the hyperlinks below. Information about other crimes committed on campus is available, upon request, from the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department (M-DSPD). The annual disclosure of campus crime statistics is prepared by the M-DSPD in conjunction with School Operations, Adult Education, and Technical Colleges, and is disseminated to all Miami-Dade County Public Schools Technical Colleges. Each technical college reviews all violations of law reported and works with Miami-Dade County Schools Police Department (M-DSPD) in the reporting, investigation, and prevention of violations of the law which may occur on technical college property.
Previous Annual Crime Statistic Reports
Click the link below to see the crimes reported at all the technical college campus for the corresponding calendar year in compliance with the Clery Act.
Annual Security Report (ASR)
The Annual Security Report (ASR) outlines the Miami-Dade County Schools Police Department’s authority for responding to emergencies, evacuations, and their policies for crime reporting, which includes sexual assaults/offenses, substance abuse, hate crimes, and missing persons. In addition, the ASR contains information about offered crime prevention activities/events, counseling and treatment services, and the accessibility of the campus facilities. This publication is pursuant to the recently updated Jeanne Clery Disclosure, the Campus Security Policy, and the Campus Crime Statistics Act (“Clery Act”). The Clery Act is formally known as the Federal Student Right-to Know Act, the Campus Security Act of 1990, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA). Further information and a hard copy of this report can be secured from the Financial Aid Officer at the technical college.
Constitution Day
Title IV schools must comply with the “Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005.” The law states that “each educational institution that receives Federal funds for a fiscal year shall hold an educational program to commemorate the United States Constitution on September 17 of such year for the students served by the educational institution.” The law requires that Constitution Day be held on September 17th of each year, commemorating the September 17, 1787 signing of the Constitution. However, when September 17th falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Constitution Day is held during the preceding or following week.
While the U.S. Department of Education does not endorse any particular program or Website, the following information is provided because it may be of use to educational institutions developing their Constitution Day programs. One of the Library of Congress’ repositories for Constitutional documents and information may be accessed at: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/bdsds/bdsdhome.html. In addition, the National Archives also has a Web site with a scan of the U.S. Constitution available online at: http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/charters/constitution.html.
Constitution Day is dedicated to all U.S. citizens.
Source: Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/teaching-resources/instructional-resources/constitution-day-and-citizenship-day
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) is an estimate of the costs of attending a Title IV eligible school. It is the total amount it will cost you to go to the technical college each year. The COA includes tuition and fees, allowances for room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and, if applicable, dependent care. It can also include other expenses like an allowance for the rental or purchase of a personal computer, costs related to a disability, or costs for eligible study-abroad programs.
The following is the 2025 – 2026 Miami-Dade County Public Schools Cost of Attendance Matrix:
| In State | Student Living Independently | Student Living with Parent |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $2,475 | $2,475 |
| Housing/Food | $22,917 | $14,239 |
| Book/Supplies | $450 | $450 |
| Other | $4,125 | $4,125 |
| Total | $29,967 | $21,289 |
Child Care Expenses
- For each category add $1,000 per additional child.
Students who are attending for less than half time
- Students who own/rent a house/apartment would receive a total of $3,193 for years 1, 2 & 3.
- Students who live with parents would receive a total of $1,230 for years 1, 2, and 3.
- No room/board charges would be allowed after year three.
Tuition
- In-State tuition is based on 900 hours of attendance per year at $2.56 per hour plus applicable fees.
- Out-of-State tuition is based on 900 hours of attendance per year at $10.25 per hour plus applicable fees.
Source: Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook
Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988 require all schools and institutions of higher education to adopt and implement a program to prevent the illicit use of drugs and the abuse of alcohol by students and employees on school property. Postsecondary institutions under the auspices of The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, must adhere to federal, state and local laws as well as regulations governing illegal drugs and the abuse of drugs and alcohol.
The Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 require an annual distribution in writing to each student (regardless of the length of the student’s program of study) and employee of the following:
- Standards of conduct that clearly prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees on its property or as part of any of its activities;
- A description of applicable legal sanctions under Federal, State and local laws;
- A description of the health risks associated with illicit drugs and the abuse of alcohol;
- A description of available drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry program; and
- A statement of the disciplinary sanctions that the institution will impose on students and employees.
Eligibility for Federal Student Aid
Most students are eligible to receive financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college or career school. Your age, race, or field of study won’t affect your eligibility for federal student aid. While your income is taken into consideration, it does not automatically prevent you from getting federal student aid.
To receive federal student aid, you’ll need to:
- Qualify to obtain a college or career school education, either by having a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or by completing a high school education in a homeschool setting approved under state law,
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program,
- Have a valid Social Security number unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau,
- Sign certifying statements on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) stating that
– you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe a refund on a federal grant and
– you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes, and
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school.
In addition, you must
- Be a U.S. CITIZEN or U.S. NATIONAL
You are a U.S. citizen if you were born in the United States or certain U.S. territories, if you were born abroad to parents who are U.S. citizens, or if you have obtained citizenship status through naturalization. If you were born in American Samoa or Swains Island, then you are a U.S. national.
- Have a GREEN CARD
You are eligible if you have a Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C, also known as a green card, showing you are a U.S. permanent resident
- Have an ARRIVAL-DEPARTURE RECORD
Your Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services must show one of the following:
-Refugee
-Asylum Granted
-Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending)
-Conditional Entrant (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
-Parolee
- Have BATTERED IMMIGRANT STATUS
You are designated as a “battered immigrant-qualified alien” if you are a victim of abuse by your citizen or permanent resident spouse, or you are the child of a person designated as such under the Violence Against Women Act.
- Have a T-VISA
You are eligible if you have a T-visa or a parent with a T-1 visa.
Start filling out the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $150 billion every year in grants, loans, and work-study funds to students attending college or career school. Visit StudentAid.gov today to learn how to pay for your higher education.
Source: Office of Federal Student Aid, U.S. Department of Education, https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/fsa/federal-student-aid
Enrollment status for the purpose of the financial aid program:
- Full-time enrollment status is 24 or more clock hours per week.
- Three-quarter time enrollment status 16-20 clock hours per week.
- Half-time enrollment status is at least 12 to 15 clock hours per week.
- Less than half-time enrollment status is less than 11 clock hours per week.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form used by the U.S, Department of Education to collect information and determine an applicant’s Student Aid Index (SAI) by conducting a “needs analysis” based on the applicant’s personal information.
For a FAFSA overview, please click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emUDDQSFYRI
Students may choose any of these three methods to file a FAFSA:
- Login to apply online (Recommended) or
- Complete a PDF FAFSA (Note: PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing) or
- Request a paper FAFSA by calling us at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or 334-523-2691. If you are hearing impaired, contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Policies and procedures concerning the privacy of student records are governed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (Public Law 93-380). FERPA sets limits on the disclosure of personally identifiable information from school records and defines the rights of students to review records and request changes to them. Click here to access the Technical College’s Waiver For Release of Educational Records Form.
Notification of Rights under FERPA for Postsecondary Institutions
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the technical college receives a request for access. A student should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect. The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.
A student who wishes to ask the technical college to amend a record should write the technical college’s principal/chief executive officer, clearly identify the part of the record the student wants changed, and specify why it should be changed.
If the technical college decides not to amend the record as requested, the technical college will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the technical college discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
The technical college discloses education records without a student’s prior written consent under the FERPA exception for disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is typically includes a person employed by the technical college in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person serving on the board of trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee. A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the [School] who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent or a student volunteering to assist another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official typically has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibilities for the technical college.
Upon request, the technical college also discloses education records without consent to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. FERPA requires a school to make a reasonable attempt to notify each student of these disclosures unless the institution states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request or the disclosure is initiated by the student.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the [School] to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
See the list below of the disclosures that postsecondary institutions may make without consent.
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student —
- To other school officials, including teachers, within [School] whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
- To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
- To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
- In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
- To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
- To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
- To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
- To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
- To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
- Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11))
- To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))
- To the general public, the final results of a disciplinary proceeding, subject to the requirements of § 99.39, if the school determines the student is an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or non-forcible sex offense and the student has committed a violation of the school’s rules or policies with respect to the allegation made against him or her. (§ 99.31(a)(14))
- To parents of a student regarding the student’s violation of any Federal, State, or local law, or of any rule or policy of the school, governing the use or possession of alcohol or a controlled substance if the school determines the student committed a disciplinary violation and the student is under the age of 21. (§99.31(a)(15))
Source: U.S. Department of Education, Laws and Guidance/General, Family Policy Compliance Office (FPCO)
https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/ferpa
Last Modified 01/02/2015
Federal Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (Public Law 112-74) established regulations relative to Federal Pell Lifetime Eligibility. This law significantly impacted the Federal Pell Grant Program. Effective, July 1, 2012, students are now limited to 600{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of Federal Pell grant eligibility during their lifetime. This change affects all students, regardless of when or where they received their first Federal Pell Grant. Students who have received 600{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} Federal Pell Grant as of 2011-2012 will no longer be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant beginning with the Fall 2012 semester and thereafter. Students may view their federal student aid history by logging on to www.StudentAid.gov
Financial Aid Programs Available at Selected Schools
District Financial Aid Program (DFAP)
This is a District need-based grant program. Students must complete an FAFSA and be enrolled in a career/technical program. Awards may vary but cannot exceed tuition (not applied toward materials, ID fees, textbooks or supplies). Awards are determined by the school and are based on need and availability of funds. Please refer to School Board Policy 2450- Adult, Post-Secondary, Career and Community Education.
Students receiving DFAP funds who do not maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be denied approval for future awards. Students, who fail a class while receiving funds from DFAP or Fee Waiver, will not receive this assistance to repeat the course. Students must follow the attendance and academic guidelines established by the school. Students must complete FM 6498 DFAP/Fee Waiver Application.
No DFAP is allowed for students taking career technical educational classes strictly for personal or hobby use.
Federal Pell Grant Program
Federally funded grants are awarded by the United States Department of Education (ED) to students who demonstrate financial need. The Pell Grant is available to students who enroll in an eligible Title IV program and meet all other requirements set by the ED. Applications for Federal Student Aid can be accessed through the Internet at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federally funded grant program awarded to eligible students receiving federal financial aid who demonstrate financial need. Awards are calculated by school’s Financial Aid Office and are determined by need and availability of funds. Students must complete an error-free FAFSA each year to be considered for this aid. Not all schools participate in this program.
Fee Waiver Program
This is a District need-based grant program. Awards may vary but cannot exceed tuition (not applied toward materials, ID fees, textbooks or supplies). Awards are determined by the school and are based on need and the availability of funds.
The student must not be receiving other sources of financial aid from the school for that trimester. An application must be submitted each term and the applicant must be able to provide documentation to verify financial need. Satisfactory academic progress and attendance must be maintained to continue receiving a fee waiver.
No Fee Waivers are allowed for students taking classes strictly for personal or hobby use.
CareerSource South Florida (CSF)
This is a federally funded agency that provides training vouchers to unemployed and economically disadvantaged students. The vouchers cover tuition, material and ID fees, and books. Students are referred to a participating CareerSource South Florida Center where they can complete the necessary application. The student must also complete an FAFSA. This program is coordinated through the Department of Labor and Employment Security. Information can be found at www.careersourcesfl.com/
Fraud Referral Federal Student Aid Program
Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations CFR 668.16 (g) Standards of Administrative Capability require an institution to refer to the Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) any credible information indicating that an applicant for Title IV federal student aid may have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application. Remember that fraud is the intent to deceive as opposed to a mistake. If you suspect such intent on the part of a student, report it to the OIG by telephoning 1-800-MISUSED.
High School Diploma Requirements
To receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds, a student must be qualified to study at the postsecondary level. A high school diploma or an equivalent is required. A high school diploma can be from a foreign school if it is officially verified as an equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma. An equivalent of a high diploma, such as a General Educational Development (GED) diploma is acceptable if the diploma is recognized by the department of education of the state from which it was issued. A state certificate is acceptable if received by a student after the student has passed a state-authorized examination that the state recognizes as the equivalent of a high school diploma, in accordance to the Code of Federal Regulation 600.2. Please refer to Dear Colleague Letter GEN-14-06 and Volume 1- Student Eligibility of the FSA Handbook that can be accessed at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook
Need Analysis
The process of analyzing a student’s financial need, known as “Need Analysis”, focuses on determining how much the family reasonably can be expected to contribute towards the student’s education. Traditionally, determination of an applicant’s need is achieved by collecting information about the family’s income, assets, and living expenses. For the federal student aid programs, the law specifies a need analysis formula that produces the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI and the school’s Cost of Attendance (COA) are used by the school to establish the student’s need as well as to award grants and campus-based aid. The school may request other documents to determine the need for non-federal aid.
Participating Schools
The following schools are authorized to offer Federal and District Financial Aid for eligible programs as listed on their Program Participation Agreements (PPAs).
D. A. Dorsey Technical College
Federal School Code: 041646
Office: (305) 693-2490
Website: dadorsey.dadeschools.net
George T. Baker Aviation Technical College
Federal School Code: 030798
Office: (305) 871-3143
Website: www.bakeraviationtechcollege.com
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
Federal School Code: 005586
Office: (305) 324-6070
Website: www.lindseyhopkins.edu
Miami Lakes Educational Center and Technical College
Federal School Code: 016400
Office: (305) 557-1100
Website: mlec.dadeschools.net
Robert Morgan Educational Center and Technical College
Federal School Code: 016919
Office: (305) 253-9920
Website:rmec.dadeschools.net
South Dade Technical College
Federal School Code: Pending
Office: (305) 253-9920
Website: sdec.dadeschools.net
The English Center
Federal School Code: 035704
Office: (305) 445-7731
Website: www.tecmiami.dadeschools.net
Payment Schedule
- Financial aid disbursements are scheduled as students meet requirements in accordance with, Chapter 3 of the current Federal Student Aid Handbook and Chapter 1 of the Federal Student Aid Handbook that can be accessed at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook
- Payment periods for full-time and part-time programs are scheduled as follows:
- For programs of 900 hours or more in length, the payment period is 450 hours representing half of the academic year.
- For programs that are 899 to 600 hours in length, the payment period is half of the program length.
- The award year is dependent upon the date of the application for financial aid made by a student and the first day of attendance. Multiple disbursements may be made within a single payment period; however, making multiple disbursements within a payment period does not create a new or additional payment period.
- A student is ineligible when it becomes mathematically impossible for him or her to complete a program within 150{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the length of the hours scheduled for the program.
- Disbursements will not be approved unless the student meets the criteria to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Policies and Conditions Concerning Financial Aid Awards
- Awards are contingent upon actual receipt of funds from the federal, state and/or district funding sources.
- The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to revise or cancel an award at any time because of changes in the financial or academic status of students.
- Students must report to the Financial Aid Office any other financial assistance (scholarships, loans, grants, fee waivers, veterans’ benefits, and social security income) not previously reported.
- Students may register with a deferment based on expected financial aid award. Deferments must not exceed the financial aid eligibility for the payment period. Students are responsible for the difference between the deferment and the registration costs. Students must approve and sign deferment agreements for tuition, books, and supplies. After registration, any money owed will be deducted from the actual award received for the student. Once these deductions have been made, the balance of awards will be disbursed to students.
- Students must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately of any changes in name, address, marital status, felony drug conviction, or enrollment status with appropriate verification documentation.
- Financial aid awards are not renewed automatically. A new FAFSA application must be submitted each year. New forms are available each year and can be accessed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Students selected for Verification based on SAR or ISIR indicators must comply with the requested information.
- Students are responsible for picking up any grant checks within a reasonable period of time after the disbursement date. If students have not picked up their payments within 20 business days after the last date that their enrollment ends in that award year, the institution may credit the students’ account only for allowable outstanding charges for the award year incurred by students while they were eligible in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations 34 CFR 690.78(c), Federal Pell Grant Program. Attempts to contact students who do not pick up grant checks must be documented.
- Intentional false statements or misrepresentations on any of the federal financial aid application materials will subject students to a fine or imprisonment, or both, under provisions of federal law.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) must be maintained in order to receive financial aid.
- Awards are based on continuous enrollment without interruption. If students withdraw from school, awards may become null and void. Students must see the Financial Aid Officer to reactivate the award should they re-enter. The award may then be recalculated.
- Financial aid checks that have not been picked up and issued to students will be returned to the funding source. Eligibility of the reissuance of funds will be determined on a case by case basis.
Return To Title IV (R2T4)
The financial aid refund policy for Title IV M-DCPS postsecondary educational centers will conform to the provisions of Title 34 Part 668.22, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These provisions are detailed in Volume 5 Chapter 1 of the current Federal Student Aid Handbook which can be accessed at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook/2024-2025/vol5/ch1
Federal Financial Aid (Title IV funds) is awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire period for which assistance is awarded.
Students who receive Title IV funds and wish to officially withdraw from school must notify the school’s registrar. The withdrawal date will be considered the students’ last day of attendance as reflected in the school’s electronic Gradebook for calculation purposes. For students who do not officially withdraw, the withdrawal date will be the last day that they attended class as recorded by their instructor in the electronic Gradebook. The Financial Aid Officer will use the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation to determine the amount owed from the last date of attendance.
When a Return of Title IV funds is required, the school and the student may both have a responsibility for returning funds. Funds that are not the responsibility of the school to return must be returned by the student. The school can exercise the option to collect any funds that is obligated to return. Students that do not return obligated funds to the school will have an administrative hold placed in their records. They will not be allowed to register and receive a transcript at any M-DCPS school until the financial obligation is satisfied.
Students who receive Title IV funds and wish to withdraw at or before 60{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the term may have to return a portion of their unearned federal financial aid. They may owe tuition, fees or a repayment of federal funds to the school.
District Title IV-eligible schools will return financial aid funds based on the R2T4 calculations determined by the Financial Aid Officers no later than 45 days after the students’ withdrawal date. The school will return the lesser amount of the aid to be returned, as compared to the institutional charges, multiplied by the percentage of unearned aid. This amount will be the difference between the amount of Title IV aid due from the school, and the amount of Title IV aid to be returned. Any federal financial aid that a student is required to repay will be returned to the Department of Education by the institution on the student’s behalf. If the student did not receive all of the financial aid funds earned and completed at least 60{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of their program, they may be due to a post-withdrawal disbursement.
The Financial Aid Officer will notify the student in writing of their revised disbursement after the Return to Title IV Funds calculation is completed. If the student owes unpaid tuition and/or fees, the student will be responsible for the full payment due to the institution. Students who do not comply with payment of any tuition of fees to the school will have a financial administrative hold placed in FOCUS. The student will not be able to enroll in any M-DCPS institution until this obligation is satisfied.
Financial Aid officers must submit a list of withdrawn financial aid recipients with calculated R2T4 to the administrator in charge of the department on a monthly basis in order to review, and monitor the process to ensure that all funds are returned to Title IV accordingly. The Worksheets to process R2T4 can be accessed at https://fsapartners.ed.gov/financial-aid-delivery/return-of-title-iv-funds. This process must be completed within 45 days after the student has been withdrawn.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
SAP is a required measurement of a student’s academic progress towards their academic goal. Progress must be measured by both grade-based (qualitative) and time/pace of completion (quantitative) standards. For programs lasting one year or less, SAP must be accessed at the end of each payment period. For programs lasting more than one year, SAP must be assessed annually corresponding with the end of a payment period. SAP must be measured cumulatively.
The Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 668.34 requires that schools establish satisfactory progress standards and policy for students applying for and receiving federal aid. This regulation requires that the Financial Aid Office review all periods of a student’s enrollment history to determine if a student is making satisfactory academic progress towards an educational objective. The policy must include grade requirements (qualitative) and pace of completion (quantitative) standards.
The Student Academic Report form must be utilized by the Financial Aid Officers in order to document and monitor students’ progress at the successful completion of 67{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the maximum scheduled hours for which the student is enrolled. The Student Academic Report form is completed by teachers and returned to the Financial Aid Officer. It will indicate the student’s current attendance data as reflected in the Electronic Gradebook and their pace towards program completion, as well as the student’s current grade based on weekly academic assessments derived from class/shop work, externships, and other practicum which appear in the electronic gradebook as well as in the district’s Vocational Tracking System (VTS). The school’s Registrar will confirm a student’s attendance to ensure they have successfully completed the 67{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the maximum scheduled hours for which they are enrolled.
The Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria that are expected from all students are as follows:
- Satisfactorily attain a minimum grade of “C” or better or GPA of 2.0 and above
- Satisfactorily complete outcomes to finish the program within 150{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the length of the program
- Successfully complete 67{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the maximum scheduled hours for which the student is enrolled
- The number of payment periods for which students will be awarded financial aid will be limited by the number of hours required to complete the program.
- The period of eligibility commences from the date students enter the program
- The quantitative measure is based on the calendar time and based on the student’s clock hours.
Clock Hour Pace Example:
- At 450 scheduled hours, student completed 300 hours: 300/450= 67{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944},
- Expressed in calendar time, 10 weeks/15 weeks = 67 {eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944}.
- If this criterion is not met, the student is no longer eligible for financial aid and their award will be canceled.
If a student fails to make Satisfactory Academic Progress as reflected on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Report form, a meeting will be held with the student and the Financial Aid Officer. The student will be placed on “Financial Aid Warning” for one payment period. The Financial Aid Officer will closely monitor the student’s progress. The student is eligible to continue receiving financial aid.
State of Florida Programs
State of Florida Program – Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA)
All State programs require a student to meet the Florida residency requirements as defined by the Florida legislature.
Florida Work Experience Program
The Florida Work Experience Program (FWEP) is a need-based program providing eligible Florida students with work experiences to complement and reinforce their educational and career goals. FWEP is a decentralized State of Florida program, which means each eligible participating college, university, Florida College (public community college), career center operated by a district school board, and educator preparation institute determines application procedures, deadlines, student eligibility, and award amount. The student will demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time to be processed error free by the deadline specified by the institution.
Florida Bright Future Scholarships
These are academically-based scholarships that include the Academic Top Scholars, Florida Academic Scholars, Florida Medallion Scholars and the Gold Seal Vocational Scholars.These are awarded to graduating high school seniors. The award amounts are determined by the State of Florida. Students must be enrolled for at least 12 hours per week or 180 minimum clock hours per trimester.
Florida Public Postsecondary Career Education Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)
Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Program is a need-based grant program available to Florida residents enrolled in certificate programs of 450 or more clock hours at participating Florida colleges (public community colleges) or career technical centers operated by district school boards. Each participating institution determines application procedures, deadlines, and student eligibility.
Please visit www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org for additional information on the State of Florida sponsored programs, grants, and services.
Open Door Grant Program (ODGP)
The Open Door Grant Program (ODGP) is a financial aid program for students at a school district postsecondary technical career center, a Florida College System institution, or a charter technical career center created to incentivize current and future workers to enroll in career and technical education programs that lead to a credential, certificate, or degree.
Students will need to meet eligibility requirements through the application process established by the participating institution. Applications may be obtained at the financial aid offices of eligible institutions.
Student Aid Index (SAI)
What is the SAI?
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is the number used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal student aid. Beginning with the 2024–25 award year, the SAI replaces the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) under the FAFSA Simplification Act. The SAI is not the amount a family is expected to pay; it is an eligibility index used to measure financial need based on the information provided on the FAFSA®.
To determine eligibility for federal programs—such as Pell Grants and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)—the financial aid office subtracts the student’s SAI from the Cost of Attendance (COA). A lower SAI reflects greater need, and the SAI may even be negative (as low as -1500), which increases eligibility for aid.
Student Aid Reports (SAR)
A SAR is a report provided to an applicant by the U.S Department of Education showing the applicant’s FAFSA information and the amount of his or her Student Aid Index (SAI). SARs are paper or electronic documents that are sent to the student or printed from the FAFSA on the Web and FAA Access to CPS online Web sites. SARS and ISIRs contain the same processed student information in different formats. The Central Processing System (CPS) adds comment codes and text to the student’s transaction to provide information to the student and the financial aid officer about the student’s FAFSA status. These codes also indicate whether a student is selected for the verification process.
Student Appeal Process
If a student fails to achieve Satisfactory Academic Progress, while on “Financial Aid Warning”, he /she will become ineligible for a financial aid award. On a case by case basis, students may be recommended to appeal in order to be placed on “Financial Aid Probation”. They will submit a Financial Aid Student Appeals form (FM 6863) obtained from the Financial Aid Officer in order to request an appeal. All requests for appeal will be heard by the school’s Financial Aid Appeals Committee which will be comprised of an administrator, financial aid officer, guidance counselor, and the respective career/technical department chairperson. The committee shall convene as needed and will carefully review all information and documentation related to the student’s appeal. The committee will render a written decision to the student within 48 hours of the appeal hearing, using the Student Appeals form (FM 6863). The decisions of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee are final.
If the student’s appeal is approved, a meeting will be held with the student and the Financial Aid Officer and the student will then be placed on “Financial Aid Probation” status for one payment period. Students will be entitled to one (1) appeal’s hearing during the entire length of their program.
Financial aid officers, guidance counselors and career/technical teachers will work together in order to closely monitor a student’s progress while on “Financial Aid Probation” and should the student regain Satisfactory Academic Progress during the next evaluation, he/she will be considered as being in academic compliance and their eligibility will be reinstated. If a student does not make Satisfactory Academic Progress while on “Financial Aid Probation”, a meeting will be held with the student and the Financial Aid Officer and the student will be informed that they will be ineligible for the payment period following their “unsatisfactory” academic progress report. Students will be financially responsible for their academic expenses until they have successfully reestablished Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Through the consistent and daily use of the various school district’s data warehouse systems (Electronic Gradebook, Vocational Tracking System, and Data In Your Hands), our Financial Aid Officers will be able to effectively monitor all students’ hours and academic grades in order to make the necessary Satisfactory Academic Progress determinations.
Students who transfer will have their hours and grades earned at the previous school counted towards their Satisfactory Academic Progress within the timeframe of enrollment. If a student withdraws, their existing hours and grades upon re-entering will be counted towards their Satisfactory Academic Progress within 150{eb3d79db5b5eb545679a81d64bc3cf519052cced5b8bd95bbdf597497309f944} of the length of the program.
Awards will be recalculated when needed, in order to ensure proper compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. For additional information on SAP, please refer to Chapter 1, School – Determined Requirements of the Blue Book for Financial Aid Professionals that can be accessed at https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-34/subtitle-B/chapter-VI/part-668/subpart-C/section-668.34
Student Program Changes
Students may change programs within a related field and still be eligible to receive financial aid as long as they maintain all other eligibility requirements. For each program change, students will establish a new timeframe for completion of the new program, taking into consideration the hours completed in the previous program if the hours are applicable to the new program. A change to a different program area will result in funds being returned to Title IV (R2T4). Students are limited to one program change without completing the original program.
Verification of FAFSA Information
All students who have completed a FAFSA are subject to verification of the information submitted when completing their application. This verification must be completed before the student can receive federal aid. Verification flags are noted on a student’s SAR or the ISIR received by the school.
Schools have the authority to contact students for documentation and information needed to address verification requirements and student must comply with the requested information. Student must submit the required documents requested for verification within the established timelines to maintain eligibility for federal financial aid. The verification process is in accordance to Title 34, Articles 668.51-61, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Verification of Florida Residency
As a result of Florida Statute 1009.21, which took effect on July 1, 2010, and Florida Statute 1009.22, which became effective on July 1, 2011, applicants seeking to enroll in career/technical education courses where tuition fees are assessed, must show proof of Florida residency. Those who can show proof of Florida residency will be eligible for the in-state tuition fees. Those who cannot show proof of residency will be charged out-of-state fees for career and technical education programs only. Florida residency for tuition purpose is defined as documented proof that a student has lived or resided in the State of Florida for twelve (12) consecutive months. This does not refer to other definitions of residency established by other entities, including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Veteran Educational Benefits Program (VA)
Selected Schools are approved for veterans training. If a student is a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, he/she may be eligible for veteran educational benefits. Eligibility is determined by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Applications for educational benefits are available from the school’s VA Certifying Official or online at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/. Veterans are permitted to receive educational benefits only for the length of time approved for their program by the State of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
For Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch 33) students and VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch 31) students, our tuition policy complies with 38 USC 3679(e) which means Post 9/11 and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment students will not be charged or otherwise penalized due to a delay in VA tuition and fee payments. For eligibility consideration, a Post 9/11 GI Bill student must submit a VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and a Vocational Rehabilitation Student must provide a VAF 28-1905 form. 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 website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Please visit the following websites for additional information on federal, state and district financial aid program policies and procedures and related services:
| Blue Book | |
| College Navigator | http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator |
| Common Origination and Disbursement System (COD) | https://cod.ed.gov |
| Federal Student Aid (FSA) Download-Software and Manuals | https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/topics/software-and-other-tools |
| Federal Student Aid | https://studentaid.gov/ |
| Federal Student Aid Handbook | https://fsapartners.ed.gov/knowledge-center/fsa-handbook |
| Federal Student Aid (FSA) Partner Connect | https://fsapartners.ed.gov/home/ |
| Financial Aid Tool Kit | https://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/ |
| Florida College Access Network | http://www.floridacollegeaccess.org/ |
| Florida Department of Education Office of Student Financial Assistance | http://www.floridastudentfinancialaid.org |
| Free Application for Federal Student Aid-FAFSA | https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa |
| FSEOG | https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/fseog |
| G5 | https://www.g5.gov/ |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) | http://nces.ed.gov/ipeds |
| Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) | http://www.dadeschools.net |
| M-DCPS Adult and Community Education | http://adulted.dadeschools.net |
| M-DCPS Division of Student Services | http://studentservices.dadeschools.net/#!/fullWidth/3472 |
| My Student Download | |
| National Student Loan Data System | https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/login |
| National Center for Education Statistics | http://nces.ed.gov |
| Publications | |
| Tools for Schools | |
| U.S. Department of Education | http://www.ed.gov |
| U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | http://www.benefits.va.gov/ |
| Veteran Affairs Education and Training | http://www.gibill.va.gov/ |
Contact Us
Mr. Sergio Marti,
Financial Aid Officer
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
750 NW 20th Street, Room D106
Miami, Florida 33127
Phone: 305-324-6070 Ext. 7045
E-mail: smarti@dadeschools.net
Ms. Sharon Gray,
Financial Aid Officer
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College
750 NW 20th Street, Room D106
Miami, Florida 33127
Phone: 305-324-6070 Ext. 7103
E-mail: graysharona@dadeschools.net
Mr. René Mantilla,
Assistant Superintendent
School Operations, Adult and Community Education
5780 NW 158th Street, Room 5102
Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Phone: 305-557-1100 Ex: 2340
E-mail: RMantilla@dadeschools.net
