Paying for Your Education
Don’t let the cost of college get in the way of your goals. We’re here to help you figure out how to make college more affordable. Our Financial Aid experts can help you find different ways to get money for school – some of which you don’t have to pay back! They’ll also help you apply for financial aid as you work toward your degree, diploma, or certificate.
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
- Be enrolled in an eligible undergraduate program of study
- Meet one citizenship criteria
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant
- Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes
Apply for Financial Aid
The first step in applying for financial aid at Johnston Community College (JCC) is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal and State Aid are available to eligible students.
There are three ways to complete your FAFSA:
- Go to studentaid.gov to complete the FAFSA online. JCC School Code: 009336
- 2026/2027 School Year FAFSA Form (PDF)
- 2026/2027 School Year FAFSA Form Spanish (PDF)
- Students can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC) at 1-800-433-3243 to request a single copy.
Apply online to speed up processing and access important financial aid tools. Be sure to choose the FAFSA for the correct academic year.
To file online, both students and parents need an FSA ID to sign the application. Keep your FSA ID safe—you’ll need it for updates or applying in the future.
Need help? Visit the Student Success Center—no appointment needed. Allow at least 45 minutes to complete your FAFSA.
Apply by the priority deadline to avoid delays.
Priority Processing Dates
| If you Plan to Enroll: | Complete FAFSA by: | Submit Paperwork by: |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | June 1 | July 1 |
| Spring | October 15 | November 15 |
| Summer | March 15 | April 15 |
*Be sure you include JCC's federal school code on your FAFSA: 009336
Please Note: You may still submit the FAFSA after the priority date; however, applications received after the priority deadline are processed after those submitted on time.
If your financial aid application and all required documentation are not completed by the tuition payment deadline, you will be responsible for paying tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses by the due date.
We will continue to process applications received after the priority date. Students who apply late may need to pay for classes, books, supplies, and other costs out of pocket until we determine their financial aid eligibility. If financial aid is later awarded, eligible funds will be disbursed during the semester and may reimburse some or all of the expenses you have already paid. However, financial aid may not cover all educational costs. The student is responsible for any remaining balance or unreimbursed expenses.
You may pay by cash, check, debit card, or credit card.
A payment plan may also be available if you enroll by the published payment plan deadlines.
Types of Federal Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant
If you're an undergraduate student with financial need, you can apply for the Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Your eligibility and the amount
you receive are based on your Student Aid Index (SAI). The grant amount may also be
adjusted depending on whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time.
You may be eligible for the FSEOG if your financial need goes beyond what other aid covers.
State Aid, Scholarships, and Grants
Federal Work-Study
If you have financial need, you may qualify for a part-time job through the Federal Work-Study Program. You can work up to 20 hours a week and get paid monthly. It’s a great way to earn money while gaining real-world experience—right on campus.
Financial Aid Due Dates
Fall 2026
To view your financial aid offer or check for any outstanding requirements, log in to Self-Service via the Jaguar Portal.
If you do not have a Financial Aid offer posted to your account you must either pay your charges in full or set up a Payment Plan through Nelnet.
*Important- for Financial Aid or VA enrollment status
Only courses that apply to your current program of study will be counted toward enrollment status for Financial Aid or VA benefits, unless they are qualifying remedial courses.
To have the 2nd 8-week session courses count toward your enrollment hours for financial aid, you must add them to your schedule by the 10% point of the semester (August 26th - FA Census Date), unless you first enroll after this date.
16-Wk Term & 1st 8-Wk Session
2nd 8-Wk Session
Emergency book loans available for books only.
To qualify you must have applied for Financial Aid and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (minimum 2.0 GPA and successful completion of at least 67% of attempted courses).
You must be registered for classes and have submitted all required documents before requesting an Emergency Book Loan. We cannot process your loan until you are registered and your tuition & fees are covered.
If you receive an Emergency Book Loan, you may charge books during the same period as other Financial Aid recipients
16-Wk Term & 1st 8-Wk Session
2nd 8-Wk Session
Students receiving Financial Aid or sponsorships may charge books to their aid at the campus bookstore during the periods listed on the right:
To charge books, present your student ID and a copy of your class schedule. ** Schedules can be printed from the Student Planning in Self-Service.
Important:
16-Wk Term & 1st 8-Wk Session:
If a book is out-of-stock you must pre-charge it to your Financial Aid on August 25th or 26th. A charge slip is required. No book charges will be accepted after August 31st - no exceptions.
2nd 8-Wk Session:
** Please note: Students who have already received their full financial aid disbursement,
or who are not eligible for an increase in aid, may not have funds available for bookstore
charges.
If a book is out-of-stock you must pre-charge it to your Financial Aid on October 21st or October 22nd. A charge slip is required. No book charges will be accepted after October 26th - no exceptions.
16-Wk Term & 1st 8-Wk Session
2nd 8-Wk Session
Your Fall 2026 Financial Aid payment will be determined by your enrollment status as of the 10%
point of the semester. Refunds will be issued to eligible students starting September 24, 2026 for the 16-Wk Term & 1st 8-Wk Sessions.
For 2nd 8-Wk Sessions, refunds will be issued starting November 12th for eligible students.
Refunds are sent by mail or by direct deposit. In-person pickup is not available.
To receive your refund via direct deposit, ensure your banking information is set up in Self-Service at least three days before the refund date.
- Log-in to Jaguar Portal and select Self-Service
- Click on Financial Information on the left
- Choose Banking Information
- Choose + Add an Account
- Click the toggle button beside Refunds, Reimbursements & Payments to activate it
- Add your checking/savings account information and save
If you have questions or encounter any issues with this process, please contact the Cashier’s Office at jcccashier@johnstoncc.edu or 919-209-2165.
Important Note for Financial Aid Students and Sponsored Students regardless of when you register for classes:
If you see Financial Aid posted in your Self-Service account, you do not need to visit the Business Office unless -you are a sponsored student (WIOA, VA, VR, VOC REH, etc.) and have not yet submitted your written authorization.
If you have an authorization form from a sponsor (such as WIA, VA, VOC REH, ESC, or others), submit it to the Business Office by the published payment deadline.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals (SAP) for Fall 2026
Fall 2026 SAP Appeals Deadlines:
- July: Appeals due by noon on the 22nd.
- The SAP Appeal Committee meets on July 27th.
- If your appeal is denied, payment is due by August 16th, 2026.
- August: Appeals are due by noon on the 12th.
- The SAP Appeal committee meets on August 17th.
- If your appeal is denied, payment is due by August 21st.
- September: Appeals are due by noon on the 23rd.
- The SAP Appeal Committee meets on September 28th.
- (2nd 8-Wk Session only: classes beginning October 19th) if denied must pay by October 18th by 5:00pm.
- October: Appeals are due by noon on the 21st.
- The SAP Appeal Committee meets on October 26th.
- November: Appeals are due by noon on the 4th.
- The SAP Appeal Committee meets on November 9th.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Fall 2026.
Denied
You must pay any outstanding balance to the Business Office by the dates listed above.
The decision of the appeals committee is final.
Approved
If your appeal is approved, you’ll be placed on academic probation and required to follow an academic plan.
***The deadline to submit an appeal for Fall 2026 is November 4, 2026. Any appeals received after this deadline will be reviewed for Spring 2027 semester***
Summer 2026
To view your financial aid offer or check for any outstanding requirements, log in to Self-Service via the Jaguar Portal.
If you do not have a Financial Aid offer posted to your account you must either pay your charges in full or set up a Payment Plan through Nelnet.
*Important- for Financial Aid or VA enrollment status
Only courses that apply to your current program of study will be counted toward enrollment
status for Financial Aid or VA benefits, unless they are qualifying remedial courses.
Emergency Book Loan processing starts May 13th.
To qualify you must have applied for Financial Aid and be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (minimum 2.0 GPA and successful completion of at least 67% of attempted courses).
You must be registered for classes and have submitted all required documents before requesting an Emergency Book Loan. We cannot process your loan until you are registered and your tuition is covered.
If you receive an Emergency Book Loan, you may charge books during the same period as other Financial Aid recipients
Emergency Book Loans
Students receiving Financial Aid or sponsorships may charge books to their aid at the campus bookstore during the periods below:
May 13th - May 27th: Charges allowed during regular bookstore hours
May 27th is the final day to charge books to Financial Aid
To charge books, present your student ID and a copy of your class schedule. ** Schedules can be printed from the Student Planning in Self-Service.
Important: If a book is out-of-stock must be pre-charge it to your Financial Aid on May 26th or 27th. A charge slip is required. No book charges will be accepted after June 1 - no exceptions.
Charging Books
Your Summer 2026 Financial Aid payment will be determined by your enrollment status as of the 10% point of the semester (May 27, 2026). Refunds will be issued starting June 11th, and sent by mail or by direct deposit. In-person pickup is not available.
To receive your refund via direct deposit, ensure your banking information is set up in Self-Service at least three days before the refund date.
- Log-in to Jaguar Portal and select Self-Service
- Click on Financial Information on the left
- Choose Banking Information
- Choose + Add an Account
- Click the toggle button beside Refunds, Reimbursements & Payments to activate it
- Add your checking/savings account information and save
If you have questions or encounter any issues with this process, please contact the Cashier’s Office at jcccashier@johnstoncc.edu or 919-209-2165.
Important Note for Financial Aid Students and Sponsored Students regardless of when you register for classes:
If you see Financial Aid posted in your Self-Service account, you do not need to visit the Business Office unless -you are a sponsored student (WIOA, VA, VR, VOC REH, etc.) and have not yet submitted your written authorization.
If you have an authorization form from a sponsor (such as WIA, VA, VOC REH, ESC, or others), submit it to the Business Office by the published payment deadline.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals (SAP) for Summer 2026
Summer 2026 SAP Appeals Deadlines:
- May: Appeals due by noon on the 13th. **The SAP Appeal Committee meets on May 18th.
- If your appeal is denied, payment is due by May 27th, 2026.
- June: Appeals are due by noon on the 24th. The SAP Appeal committee meets on June 29th.
Denied
You must pay any outstanding balance to the Business Office by the dates under Financial Aid Disbursements and Refunds.
If you disagree with the committee’s decision, you may submit a written appeal to the Vice President of Student Services.
Approved
If your appeal is approved, you’ll be placed on academic probation and required to follow an academic plan.
****The SAP Appeal Committee will resume monthly meetings for Fall 2026 appeals in July
SAP APPEALS
Need to Know More?
Still Have Questions?
Contact Our Student Success Center
Tart Building Room D101
