Charter Oak State College allows students to take courses at eligible Title IV institutions throughout the United States. In order for these classes to be considered for financial aid, an approved consortium agreement must be in place between Charter Oak and the visiting school before the published semester's deadline date as indicated on the agreement.

Under a consortium agreement, Charter Oak is considered to be the student's home institution and is responsible for processing financial aid. The visiting school, also known as the host institution, is responsible for certifying enrollment status, providing course information, and tuition and fee costs.

The U.S. Department of Education has established regulations to prevent fraud and abuse in the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loan Program by identifying students with “unusual enrollment histories."  While most students flagged with an unusual enrollment histories have legitimate reasons for  enrollment at multiple institutions, the Office of Financial Aid is required to review their academic records.

The Connecticut General Assembly has enacted legislation that allows undocumented students, who are Connecticut residents, to apply for institutional financial aid at state colleges and universities.  These students must meet certain eligibility requirements, per the state law.   

Understanding your responsibilities as a financial aid student is an important factor in achieving your educational goals at Charter Oak State College.  It will ensure that funding is available to assist you now and in future semesters.

Financial aid is packaged based on the understanding that you will complete all of the classes for which you are registered, changes in enrollment may affect your financial aid at any point in time during the semester.   The basic funding principle is that you “earn” financial aid through attendance in your semester classes.

Dropping, withdrawing, or simply not attending classes may result in negative adjustments to your current financial aid package.  It may also result in you owing money to the college.   Even if you have received a financial aid refund check, as a result of excess financial aid dollars, you may be required to return all or a portion of the refund if more aid was disbursed than was “earned” by you. 

It is especially important to understand the College’s Title IV Refund Policy (R2T4) if you are thinking of dropping, withdrawing, or have stopped attending classes. As always, we encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid before you drop or withdraw from a course.