Whether the recession hit your family hard this past year, or your high school senior forgot to send in those scholarship applications last spring, Lone Star College-North Harris has a variety of options for financing college this fall including: late filing for financial aid for future reimbursement; deferred payment plans, and payment by credit card. The fall 2009 semester starts Monday, Aug 24.
“It is not too late to apply for financial aid!” says Vickie Johnson, LSC-North Harris financial aid director. “Our priority filing date has passed, but it is not too late to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. If you are filing late you must setup payment arrangements with the college’s business office to secure your classes for the fall semester. If it is determined you are eligible for grant aid you will be reimbursed. Each situation is different, so we recommend you stop by our office to get the process started.”
Although the college recommends students apply for scholarships, grants and loans at least six months in advance, the reality is most do not. It is Johnson’s job to help students wanting to attend college clear the first hurdle–the financial one. As the fall semester gets closer, most scholarship deadlines have ended–but the college has options to help students pay for this year’s fees and then tries to guide them towards applying early for the next semester’s scholarship opportunities.
“We are here to help, says Johnson. “Financial aid is not guaranteed, but we will present all available options to you. Remember, it is not too late to apply for financial aid.”
The college encourages all students to apply for student financial aid grants, which are approved by the college and provided by the federal, state or LSC-North Harris sources. To receive these grants, a student must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid 2009-2010 (http://www.fasfa.ed.gov/) or submit a valid student aid report to the financial aid office. Students are encouraged to apply throughout the year. Students are initially responsible for all tuition and fees, but if found eligible for the grant, the student may receive a reimbursement.
If a student does not qualify for federal or state financial aid, the college also has another payment option available to students who register this fall.
A deferred payment plan is available and designed to assist students who cannot pay the entire tuition and fee cost by the deadline. Fall payment plans begin July 13, 2009. The deferred payment plan consists of a down payment of 50 percent of tuition and fees for credit classes that are 16-weeks in length. There is a $20 non-refundable administration fee when setting up a payment plan due at time of set-up. The remainder of tuition and fees will be divided into two equal installments due on September 25, and October 30, 2009. If you would like to set up a payment plan appointment or have questions you may call the LSC-North Harris business office at 281.618.5474.
Students can pay for their classes with cash, checks or credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Discover). There is an after-hours payment drop box located outside of the college business office where payments can be made by check or credit card (no cash in drop box please).
Payments may also be made on-line through a registered student’s MyRecords site using a checking account, savings account, and/or credit card. Credit card payments can be made directly over the phone during normal business hours. Students making their payment by the tuition deadline date will ensure that they are not dropped from their classes for non-payment.
For more information and office hours, contact the LSC-North Harris business office at 281.618.5474 or the LSC-North Harris financial aid office at 281.618.5464.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 E, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit: NorthHarris.LoneStar.edu.
Lone Star College System consists of five colleges, including CyFair, Kingwood, Montgomery, North Harris, and Tomball, six centers and Lone Star College-University Center. It is the largest college system in the Houston area, and third largest community college district in Texas. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
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June 18, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
C.C. Sutphen
281.618.5425, desk
281.639.6381, cell