Financial Aid

Get the monetary help you need to attend college.

What do I do first?

Fill out a FAFSA. The FAFSA is a FREE online tool for financial aid. You should never pay anything to fill this information out.

Get a FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing. The FSA ID is your electronic signature for the Dept. of Education and is required to complete your online FAFSA. Your parents are required to have their own FSA ID if you are a dependent. After getting your FSA ID, complete your FAFSA at https://fafsa.ed.gov (you will need tax return documentation to complete the FAFSA).

Financial aid cannot be awarded without a completed FAFSA on file. Kilgore College must be listed as your school of choice. KC's code is 003580.

Need help filling out the FAFSA?

Come to our campus and speak with our highly trained financial aid staff to assist with this process. Be sure to call first (903-983-8211) so we can tell you the information that will be needed to complete this step for you. We look forward to seeing you!

Deadline to apply for financial aid for the the fall semester is July 1.
Deadline to apply for financial aid for the spring semester is is Nov. 1.
Last day to file a FAFSA for the current year is June 30. Please note: You may begin applying for the next year as of Oct. 1.

Submitting the FAFSA and any required documents late will still have their files processed. Financial Aid files will be processed in the order in which the documents were received.

Loan Deadline:

Summer 2021 Student Loan Deadline: July 30, 2021

Suspension Appeal Priority Deadlines:

2020-21 Summer I: June 11, 2021
2020-21 Summer II: June 23, 2021
2021-22 Fall 1 and Fall 16-week: Aug. 13, 2021
2021-22 Fall 2: Oct. 8, 2021

College is possible!

You've been considering attending Kilgore College for months or even years. You know what you want, and you've got an idea what it will cost. What you don't know is where you're going to find the money. The financial aid professionals at Kilgore College will show you how paying for tuition (and maybe some other expenses) is possible without depleting your savings or emptying your wallet.

You might qualify for state or federal grants, loans or scholarships:

Kilgore College is committed to helping you make your education as affordable as possible. Students may qualify for:

Also, if you are in a dire financial situation, KC students can apply for the Student Emergency Fund.

Log in to AccessKC to check on your financial aid:

Learn more about your financial aid by visiting iGrad!

Are you a Veteran?

If you are a Veteran, check out the Veterans Page.

Info for first-generation college students:

Nearly one-third of all incoming freshmen each year are first-generation college students. Defined as learners coming a family where neither of their parents or guardians have obtained a bachelor’s degree, the majority of these students hail from minority households. While being a first generation college student is a proud accomplishment, students in this category often face obstacles their peers don’t experience. View the first-generation college student guide.

Student Right to Know Information:

The Student Right to Know Act, the Campus Security Act, and the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act require all colleges and universities participating in federal Student Aid Programs to disclose certain institution information, including graduation rates, information on students receiving athletics-related student aid, campus security policies and campus crime statistics. Kilgore College is in compliance with Title IV requirements regarding reporting graduation rates. Graduation rates are reported to the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) as well as other federally mandated information such as diversity and retention.

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Financial Aid

Student Loans

For more information, visit the Student Loans page.

Scholarships

For more information, visit the Scholarships page.

Veterans Education Benefits

For more information, visit the Veterans Education Benefits page.

What to do After Your FAFSA is Completed

Complete a KC Application for Admission. If you are a new student, you need to complete an Admission Application. This must be done before financial aid can be awarded.

Request your transcripts or GED records to be sent to the KC Registrar's Office.

Optional: Apply for KC scholarships. Scholarship applications are available from the KC Financial Aid Office or from high school counselors.

Log into your Access KC Financial Aid account. Students will NOT have a Access KC Financial Aid account created until KC receives your FAFSA. The easiest way to get to your account is at www.kilgore.edu/financialaid and click the Access KC Financial Aid button at the top of the page. On the first log in of your Access KC Financial Aid, you will need to follow the “First Time User” instructions. You will be required to enter your social security number, then click the Submit button. It will then open a new page where you will be required to answer questions to verify your identity and create a new 5 digit pin number. If this is completed correctly it will re-direct you back to the log in page. You should be able to log in with your social security number and new pin number. If you answer questions incorrectly or in the wrong format you will get an error message. Please watch the “How To Video” for a demonstration on these steps. Click on the “Forms” tab locate any forms that are required, print, complete and return the required forms to the KC Financial Aid Office.

Check Access KC Financial Aid periodically for your Award’s package. If you have been awarded financial aid, you will need to review the “ACCEPT AWARDS” carefully and check the “I agree to these Terms and Conditions” before you can actually accept, decline, or reduce your awards. Your accepted grant/scholarship funds will now be available to pay your school charges. NOTE: You will need to complete the Master Promissory Note and undergraduate Entrance Loan Counseling on studentloans.gov before the loans will be awarded or available to your school charges.

Register for your classes. Get a paid receipt from the Cashier’s Office. Use your paid receipt to have your Ranger Card made. The Ranger Card serves as a KC ID/debit card and will have all credit balances placed on it at the appropriate time in the semester.

Buy your books: You may charge books against your grant, scholarship or loan funds if you are due a credit balance up to the twelfth class day of the regular Fall or Spring semester. Charging books for classes with different starting and ending dates (Flex Classes) will vary by class and funds may not be available for this use depending on your schedule.

Attend your classes: You must attend your classes to be eligible for aid. All instructors have to report to the financial aid office any students who did not attend. Aid for those students will be cancelled and students will owe Kilgore College for charges incurred.

Monitor your credit balances: You may be eligible for unused funds if your financial aid exceeds the cost of your college tuition, fees, books and room/board. Credit balances will be placed on your Kilgore College Ranger Card around 35-45 days after the start of the Fall or Spring semester. Summer semesters have different dates.

Note: Financial Aid is designed to assist you to get a college education. You may be responsible to repay some or all of the grant funds that have been received on your behalf if you withdraw before the end of the semester.

Forms for Financial Aid

Visit the Financial Aid Forms page.

How to Print Your Tax Transcript Online

View the PDF instructions of how to print your Tax Transcript.

Or follow the instructions below:

In your web browser, go to www.irs.gov. On the front page, under the heading marked “Tools,” click “Get Transcript of Your Tax Records.”
To print your tax return transcript from the website, click the blue button that says “Get Transcript ONLINE.” In order to access this option, you must sign up for an account on the IRS website.
To sign up for an account, you must provide a valid e-mail address. The IRS will send a confirmation code to the e-mail address you provide them to make sure the sign‐up isn’t fraudulent. After clicking “Send Email Confirmation Code,” log in to your email address to retrieve it. Type it in on the page marked “Step 2 of 6” to continue.
The next step is simple – just enter your personal information, and indicate if you have filed taxes any time in the last seven years. For your filing status, list your filing status on your most recent tax return.
The next step asks you several personal questions that a stranger would not easily know. The IRS pulls these questions and answers from previous addresses, credit reports, et cetera. This is another security safeguard to protect you from identity theft. Answer the questions by clicking the correct bubble for each.
Next, you must pick a security phrase and picture. Any time you log in to the IRS web site in the future, this “site phrase” will display. This is yet another security feature – it lets you know that the website you are logging into actually belongs to the IRS and is not a look‐alike trying to steal your info.
Next, we have one last security feature. Please pick three security questions from the drop‐down list provided by the web site and write their answers in the blanks. We strongly recommend picking questions whose answers will not change (ex. “What city were you born in?”) rather than ones that might change frequently (ex. “What’s your favorite TV show?”)
Congratulations! Your IRS web site profile has been created, and you can now access your tax transcripts and other documents registered with the IRS. Click “Continue” to proceed.
To print your tax transcript, click the “Federal Tax” button from the available bubbles listed at the top of the screen. Then, click the appropriate year under “Return Transcript.” This will open your tax transcript in a new window in “PDF” format. (You will need Adobe Reader or a similar program to open and print .PDF files, but this program is standard‐issue in almost all modern computers.)
FINAL NOTE: Please note that if you had to make an amendment (correction) to your taxes after you filed them, you must also print that year’s “Record of Account Transcript,” available just to the right of the return transcript. This is necessary because the “Return Transcript” only shows the original information, not the corrections.

Return to Title IV Policies & Procedures

View KC's Return to Title IV Policy (pdf)

Verification and Professional Judgments

Verification Process:

Verification is a process intended to improve the accuracy of the information submitted on the FAFSA. It is not intended to function like a forensic audit. But the Kilgore College Financial Aid Office may not process requests for professional judgment or disburse federal student aid until the verification process is complete per federal regulations. The US Department of Education selects files for verification prior to submitting the FAFSA to the schools the student listed to receive the information. At any time during the review process, Kilgore College has the right to choose files for verification, that were not selected by the federal processor, due to conflicting information.

The United States Department of Education has a set of verification elements that colleges are required to verify prior to the disbursing of federal aid. FAFSA’s are sent to the schools you requested to receive the information with a response as to whether a student has been chosen for verification and if so, what elements are required to be verified. Only those FAFSA data elements flagged by the federal processor will be subjected to verification. The federal processor is likely to flag fewer than five data elements for most applicants, but some may have more than five data elements flagged. Most colleges that previously verified only 30% of their student's FAFSAs will end up verifying more FAFSAs but fewer total data elements.

The set of data elements potentially subject to verification has been significantly expanded and may change from one year to the next. Data elements currently subject to verification include:

household size,
number in college,
receiving food stamps,
child support paid,
adjusted gross income,
taxes paid
several untaxed income items (untaxed IRA distributions, untaxed pensions, education credits, IRA deductions, and tax exempt interest).

The data elements selected for verification may depend on the applicant's dependency status, whether the applicant or applicant's parents file or do not file federal income tax returns and whether the applicant is eligible for auto zero EFC or not, among other criteria.

The Kilgore College Financial Aid Office will notify students, via the electronic Student Financial Aid portal of any and all required documents. Most documentation will be hard copy documentation the student will need to submit, however there may be Kilgore College forms that must also be completed.

The Kilgore College Financial Aid Verification Specialist has the right to request any documentation that may be necessary to complete the verification process.

Professional Judgments:

Decisions made by the Financial Aid Director and / or Assistant Financial Aid Director for the purpose of changing dependency status or decreasing income based on the loss/change in employment, divorce, death, or other extenuating circumstances. Documentation will be required before a review or decision can be made.

Find the Professional Judgement form here.

Confidentiality and FERPA

For more information, visit the FERPA page.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Visit the SAP page.

Students' Rights and Responsibilities

You have a right to know:

What financial aid programs are available
The deadline for submitting applications for each of the programs
How financial aid will be distributed
How financial need is determined in general
Criteria for continued eligibility
The cost of attending Kilgore College
Resources considered in calculating the individual’s financial need
Refund Policy of Kilgore College
Financial aid disbursement procedures
What constitutes a "hold" on a student’s records and how it is removed
What portion of the financial aid received must be repaid and how that amount was determined
Source and amount of each type of aid which is offered
About the success rate of Kilgore College’s full-time, undergraduate students who graduate, complete a program of study or transfer out to another institution. Most Kilgore College students either take courses to enhance skills, or transfer to four-year institutions.
About certain statistics, policies and a description of programs that promote campus safety. The Kilgore College Annual Security Report is available in the Vice President’s office, campus police office, library, and the Financial Aid Office.
The Satisfactory Academic Progress criteria and procedures for aid recipients, and appeal procedures for reversal of suspension status
The general conditions and terms under the college work study program.

Your responsibilities are to:

Be the primary source for meeting the cost of education
Inform the Office of Financial Aid of any changes in enrollment status
Meet Satisfactory Progress criteria
Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time
Provide correct information (misreporting information on financial aid forms is a violation of the law and may be considered a criminal offense which could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code)
Use financial aid funds solely for educational purposes
Promptly return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which you submitted your application
Inform the Financial Aid Office and Admissions Office of any address or Social Security change
Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms that you are asked to sign
Inform the Financial Aid Office of any income change, including earnings, scholarships, etc.
Perform the work agreed on when accepting a Kilgore College Work Study award
Be aware of and comply with deadlines for applications or reapplication for aid
In accepting financial assistance, you must comply with all responsibilities listed on this page. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation or reduction of assistance offered

Work-Study and Student Jobs

For information on College Work-Study and departmental jobs, visit www.kilgore.edu/student-jobs.

Student Emergency Fund

Visit the Student Emergency Fund webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my academic progress affect my financial aid?

Yes, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible for financial aid. Learn more about KC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies.

How do I get my financial aid reinstated if I am placed on suspension?

To reinstate your financial aid, you will have to pay for courses out-of-pocket and meet the minimum satisfactory progress standards that you previously failed to meet (cumulative GPA of 2.0 and/or pace rate of 67%). The number of credit hours needed to reach these minimum standards will vary by student. You must notify the Financial Aid Office that you have reestablished eligibility.

Should I include my unborn child as a dependent on my Financial Aid Application?

Yes.

Does KC offer student loans?

Yes, Kilgore College participates in the Federal Direct student loan program. Find more info on student loans here.

If I do not apply for federal funds, can I still be considered for the work-study program?

No. You must fill out the financial aid application (FAFSA or TASFA) to "establish need" to qualify for the work-study program.

Do I have to reapply for a Pell Grant for the next school year?

Yes. You must reapply every year to qualify for any type of federal financial aid. The FAFSA opens Oct, 1 each year and uses the prior-prior year’s taxes.

How much assistance can I receive?

Each student’s aid is based upon the information received on the FAFSA and upon federal award amounts/limits. Pell is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) calculation and by credit hours. Maximum Pell award amounts can change yearly and are published at www.studentaid.gov. Direct Loans have limits based upon a student’s dependence status and their number of credit hours earned (year in school). Find information on Direct Loan amounts on the Student Loans page.

What Grade Point Average do I have to maintain if I receive a Texas Grant?

The first year of the award you must maintain an overall 2.0 GPA and complete 75% of your classes as shown on the 12th class day. In the subsequent years, you must maintain an overall 2.5 GPA and still complete 75% of your enrollment.

When will financial aid funds disburse?

Disbursements occur when Kilgore College receives and applies your Pell and/or loans to your charges. Refunds occur 14 days after aid has been applied to your account.

Can I make changes to my loan amount during the semester?

Students may make one change to their loans per semester, so they will need to be certain of the amount they request and decline. Students receive an electronic notice whenever loan funds are applied to their student account in the business office. Students have two weeks from the time of that email to adjust or cancel the loan(s). Once any loan funds refund to a student, a student cannot return those dollars to KC or ‘decline’ the loan for that term. The student may return those borrowed funds directly to the loan servicer. A student may determine who their loan servicer is by logging in to their Federal Student Aid portal.

What is our school code?

003580

How many hours should I take to qualify for financial aid?

The amount of financial aid received is based on the number of hours of enrollment within a specific term. Some students may qualify for federal funds by registering for even just one course for the term. Federal loans require a minimum of 6 hours to disburse.

The format is as follows:

12+ Hours: Full Time
9-11 Hours: 3/4 Time
6-8 Hours: 1/2 Time
Less than 6 hours: Less than half time

What is the financial aid deadline?

For fall, it's July 1. For spring, it's Nov. 15.

Note: Scholarship deadlines are much earlier, please see Scholarship Page.

How do I appeal my suspension status?

Students wishing to appeal their suspension status must complete a Suspension Appeal Form (available on the Financial Aid Forms page) and submit all required documentation as detailed on the form. Only complete appeal packets will be accepted. These packets will be submitted to the Appeals Committee, which will grant or deny an appeal. Learn more about how to appeal financial aid suspension.

Can I apply for financial aid after the semester has started?

Yes. If your financial aid has not been processed by the time the semester begins, you must be prepared to pay for the semester or take advantage of the installment plan. You will then be paid the amount you are eligible for as soon as your aid application has been processed.

How will 8-week module courses affect my enrollment status?

Students may enroll in any combination of standard, flex or module courses. Full-time status is still 12 or more credit hours for the term, regardless of the length of the course(s).

Can I qualify for financial aid regardless of the number of hours I am enrolled?

You may qualify for federal funds with as few as 6 hours and as many as 12 hours or more.

How will 8-week modules affect my aid?

Aid is based on the number of hours of enrollment during a term.

Students who begin courses at the beginning of the standard term (August or January for fall and spring, respectively) should enroll in all courses for the whole term upfront. Aid will not be increased for students who wish to add courses that begin at midterm. Hours will be locked for all students as of the 12th class day of the standard term (Fall and Spring). Disbursement and refunds for these students would occur prior to midterm and will include aid for courses that have not yet begun. Students who receive aid for courses that begin at midterm who then drop one or more of those courses OR are dropped from one or more courses due to non-attendance will have their aid adjusted to reflect the total number of hours they actually attended. The student will be responsible for any balance due following the aid adjustment.

Students who do not register for and begin courses at the beginning of the standard term (August or January) may be able to receive aid for courses that begin at a non-standard time. Students registered for non-standard courses only that begin after 12th class day should contact the Financial Aid Office to ensure their hours are eligible and that aid is applied to their accounts for eligible hours. Disbursement and refunds for these students would occur after the Original Reporting Date (ORD) for those courses and after attendance has been verified by instructors. Students who drop prior to ORD or are reported as having never attended a course will not receive aid for that course.

Can I receive federal grant money in addition to scholarships?

Yes, if you have unmet financial need.

How will 8-week modules affect my veterans education benefits?

Students with federal veterans education benefits should inform their advisor of this as they register. Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is determined by a student’s number of hours and length of term. Enrolling in courses with varying start and end dates can impact BAH. Please contact the Veteran Certifying Official for more information.

Will I receive more financial aid if I take more credit hours?

The amount of Financial Aid received is based on the number of hours of enrollment.

The format is as follows:

12+ Hours: Full Time
9-11 Hours: 3/4 Time
6-8 Hours: 1/2 Time
Less than 6 hours: Less than half time

What if I drop a class or am dropped from a class? Will it affect my financial aid?

Dropped courses can affect your aid.

If a course is dropped prior to first class day, your aid will be adjusted to reflect only your remaining hours. This includes any courses within the term (standard, module or flex courses).
If a course is dropped prior to its Original Reporting Day (ORD), you will not receive a W for the course and it would not affect your SAP pace rate. Your aid may be adjusted to reflect only your remaining hours.
If a course is dropped after its ORD, your aid may not be adjusted, but you will receive a W for the course which will affect SAP pace rate.

Instructors are required to verify attendance in courses. If a student never attends a course, this is reported to the Registrar and the course will be dropped. Aid will be adjusted as necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to request to be withdrawn from the course.

If I completely withdraw from school, will I be eligible to qualify for a grant for the following semester?

If you withdraw from school, you may be required to repay a portion of your federal financial aid to the Dept. of Education and Kilgore College. To determine the consequences of your withdrawal, consult with the Financial Aid Office before you drop out. Please see KC’s Return to Title IV Policy for more detailed information.