FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION

Southeastern Technical College believes the primary responsibility for financing education lies first with the student and his/her family (parents or spouse). When the total resources they can provide fail to meet educational expenses, Southeastern Technical College, as a third partner, will provide all assistance possible so the student will not be denied an education.

The information in this section will outline the types of financial assistance available, and specify application procedures, eligibility requirements, when and how financial aid payments are made, and other information pertinent to the overall process.

All students are encouraged to apply. Applications and information, including assistance in completion of forms, are available Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Office of Financial Aid.

Contacting the Financial Aid Office

You can contact the Financial Aid Office using the phone numbers below or stop by the campus nearest you.

• Swainsboro Campus, (478) 289-2200 or (478) 289-2268
• Vidalia Campus, (912) 538-3100 or (912) 538-3127 or (912) 538-3226 or (912) 538-3107
• For VA Information, (912) 538-3127
• For Federal Work Study (FWS), (912) 538-3127 or (912) 538-3207

You can also contact the Financial Aid Office by email or fax.

Email: FinancialAidEmail@southeasterntech.edu

Fax: (478) 289-2263 or (912) 538-3156

Financial Assistance

Southeastern Technical College has several types of financial assistance to help qualifying applicants pay for their education. Financial assistance includes the Federal Pell Grant (Pell), Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Georgia HOPE Scholarship/Grant, Zell Miller Scholarship/Grant, HOPE Career Grant, formerly Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, HOPE for Students who complete a GED, Federal Work Study (FWS), the Student Access Loan and Private Student Loans, which may be offered as one (1) program or through a combination of programs. Students may also be eligible for assistance under the Workforce Investment Act, various Veteran's programs, and vocational rehabilitation programs. Sufficient assistance is available so that no eligible student should be denied the opportunity to enroll because of costs.

Financial Aid Deadline

All financial aid application processes must be complete 10 days prior to the first day of the student's initial enrollment term. All outstanding requirements must be met and all requested documentation required for verification must be received prior to the deadline. Failure to meet the application deadline will result in the student's financial aid not being paid until the end of the term.

A student must file a HOPE Scholarship/Grant application on or before the last day of the academic term or the student's withdrawal date, whichever occurs first, in order to receive an award for that term.

Due to the processing time for financial aid, applicants should apply six (6) weeks prior to the anticipated date for starting school.

Grant and scholarship programs operate on an award year basis beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Students must apply or re-apply each year in order to receive or continue receiving financial aid.

Any student who does not have financial aid posted to their account prior to the first day of class is responsible for paying their tuition and fee charges. Once financial aid has been posted to the student's account, the student will be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses covered by financial aid according to the refund policies established by the college.

General Eligibility

In order for a student to receive most types of financial assistance from federal and state financial aid programs he/she must:

• Be enrolled as a regular or provisional student in an eligible certificate, diploma or degree program;
• Be a U.S. citizen/national or eligible non-citizen;
• Show that he/she has need (with the exception of HOPE Scholarship/Grant, Zell Miller Scholarship/Grant and HOPE Career Grant);
• Be registered with Selective Service or prove that he/she is not required to register;
• Not be in default on a Perkins/National Direct Student Loan, Stafford/Guaranteed Student Loan, PLUS, Supplemental Loan for Students, Income Contingent Loan or a Consolidated Loan Agreement that requires use of any funds received to be used only for educationally related purposes;
• Be maintaining satisfactory academic progress in accordance with STC policy;
• Be at least sixteen years of age;
• Certify that he/she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of a controlled substance while receiving a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Georgia HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarship, Georgia HOPE and Zell Miller Grant, HOPE Career Grant, HOPE HSE Voucher;
• Meet other program requirements;
• Have earned a high school diploma, high school equivalent, or meet the ability to benefit requirements (ATB).

Application Requirements for Financial Aid

Students who enroll in a certificate, diploma, or degree program should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Instructions on how to complete the application can be found on STC's Financial Aid website or student's may pick up a pre-application worksheet from the Office of Financial Aid.

STC's Federal School Code is 030665.

Once processed, the application will be sent from the Department of Education to STC's Office of Financial Aid for electronic processing.

When requested, other forms must be completed and returned to the Office of Financial Aid before review of a student's application process can be completed. Students who complete the FAFSA will also be applying for the Georgia Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, Zell Miller Grant, HOPE Grant and HOPE Career Grant.

Students will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid approximately two (2) weeks after the FAFSA has been submitted and all required documentation has been turned in, along with all previous college transcripts. In addition, the student will receive a one-page summary from the federal processing center approximately two (2) weeks following the online submission. The student should review this summary to verify the accuracy of the submitted information.

Students receiving the Federal Pell Grant, HOPE Scholarship/Grant or Zell Miller Scholarship/Grant, and HOPE Career Grant will have the designated amount applied to their tuition and fees after registration for each term eligible. A copy of the student's schedule/bill can be viewed online using the college's BannerWeb information system after financial aid has been awarded, and, if applicable, all other fees have been paid. If the student's schedule changes after registration, his/her financial aid award is subject to change.

Applying for State Aid Only

Students who do not wish to complete the FAFSA, must submit a completed GSFAPPS Application online to apply for the HOPE Scholarship/Grant. Please complete this application six (6) weeks before your anticipated start date to allow the Office of Financial Aid time to determine your eligibility.

Students will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid approximately two (2) weeks after a completed GSFAPPS has been received from GSFC regarding aid eligibility, along with all previous college transcripts.

SAR/ISIR Verification

Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be selected for verification. If selected, the student must provide documentation that certain elements of the SAR/ISIR are accurate. Documentation may include, but is not limited to:

Fund Disbursement

Pell disbursements are credited to student accounts by the 28^th calendar day of each term. Charges for tuition and fees will automatically be deducted from the student’s Financial Aid Award each term. The balance of the award will be paid directly to the student by the 42^nd day of the term. Students whose financial aid is not awarded at the time of the initial disbursement will have their funds disbursed within 14 days of the date of award. Notices will be posted on the Academic Calendar in MySTC and emailed to students stating the date checks will be mailed to students. Should these dates occur during student breaks or holidays, the disbursement date will be the last business day prior to such break.

SAL and Private Loan disbursements are credited to student accounts by the 21^st day of each term. Loan funds will be paid directly to students by the 35^th day of the term. Notices will be posted on the Academic Calendar in MySTC and emailed to students stating the date checks will be mailed to students. Should these dates occur during student breaks or holidays, the disbursement date will be the last business day prior to such break.

Federal Student Aid Programs Available

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant (Pell) is a federally funded Title IV Grant Program available to students who meet certain income guidelines of postsecondary education. The Pell Grant does not require repayment. It is not available to anyone who has received a bachelor's degree, owes a refund to any Title IV Aid Program, or is in default on a student loan.

The amount of the Pell Grant award will depend on the family contribution amount shown on the Student Aid Report, whether the student is enrolled full- or part-time, the number of federal credit hours enrolled, the cost of attendance, and the size of federal appropriations. Students must reapply each fiscal year (July 1-June 30) by completing the FAFSA or the renewal application for the New Aid Year.

The Pell Grant is not available to students who are accepted as Special Admit or those who are concurrently attending two (2) or more colleges as a regular student. Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, Pell-eligible students can receive the Pell Grant for 12 full semesters, or the equivalent. Once a student has exceeded the 12 semester maximum, Pell eligibility will end. The calculation includes all Pell received in the student’s lifetime.

For the purposes of Pell, Southeastern Technical College operates on a Standard Academic Year of three (3) semesters. The annual Pell award ($6,345 for 2020-2021) is divided over the Fall ($3,173), Spring ($3,172). Students who do not enroll full-time both Fall and Spring, may roll their unused Pell amounts from their first Pell award to Summer. In addition, students who enroll more than half-time Summer may also be eligible for additional Pell up to Full-time status which would give students $3,172 for Summer semester if enrolled full-time. Enrollment status determines the amount of Pell funds earned each semester:

More information is available on the Federal Student Aid Website.

Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Southeastern Technical College’s Federal School Code is 030665.

Student Loans

Southeastern Technical College does not participate in the Federal Student Loan programs (Direct or Parent Plus). Students who need additional funds beyond what they qualify for in federal student aid or students who are not eligible for federal student aid may wish to apply for a private (alternative) education loan.

Georgia Student Access Loan

Technical college students in Georgia are eligible to apply for the Student Access Loan each aid year in amounts up to $3,000. These loans have a low interest rate, usually 1%, and are awarded on a first-come first served basis. Preference is given to students receiving either HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship or Grant.

Criteria for the SAL Loan are:

• Must be a GA resident and/or military personnel or dependent
• Monthly “Keep in Touch” payments while in school and grace period
• FAFSA required
• Half-time enrollment is required (at least 6 credit hours)
• Students are selected randomly by the Georgia Student Finance Commission
• Application cycle: Early June through September
• For more information or to apply visit:
  https://www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/loans/sal/application-procedure-and-deadline/

In addition to the eligibility requirements from Georgia Student Finance Authority, Southeastern Technical College has developed additional eligibility requirements. In order to have a Student Access Loan certified or to receive a Student Access Loan disbursement in any term, students must:

• have a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative postsecondary GPA; and
• be in Good Standing for Satisfactory Academic Progress (cannot be on warning, probation, suspension or on an Academic Plan); and
• have not borrowed the Aggregate Federal Loan Limits;
• have not reached the Pell Lifetime Eligibility of 600%; and
• have never been in a delinquent status on the monthly Keep in Touch (KIT) payments. If the borrower is ever in a delinquent status on the KIT payments, the borrower will not be eligible for future disbursements or future loans in the SAL Program; and
• complete the Financial Awareness Counseling at https://studentaid.gov/app/counselingInstructions.action?counselingType=entrance

A student may appeal Southeastern Technical College’s institutional requirements for certifying a Student Access Loan by writing a letter to the Director of Financial Aid if they are not meeting one (1) of the requirements listed above.

Delinquency of the KIT payments cannot be appealed.

Student Access Loan (SAL) Promissory Note documents and SAL Keeping In Touch (KIT) Payments can now be submitted online at https://www.pathways2gsfa.org/.

The application process for SAL generally runs from mid-May until mid-September.

More information is available on the GAfutures website state loans page.

Private Education Loans

A private education loan cannot exceed a student's cost of attendance when added to all the student's other financial aid. Southeastern Technical College does not endorse or support any specific lender or student loan program/product. Students and/or parents who find they must apply for a private education loan should contact their bank, credit union, or other private lending institution to ascertain if they provide private (alternative) education loans. Students may also conduct an internet search for "private student loans." We strongly recommend you compare interest rates, loan fees, and repayment plans before applying for any loan.

The Truth in Lending Act (TILA) and the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA), require a lender to obtain a self-certification signed by the private loan applicant before disbursing a private education loan. The lender may provide the applicant the self-certification form.

All loan funds are contractual agreements between the borrower (student) and the loan holder (lender).

Application instructions are available on the Southeastern Technical College Loan Page.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is based on financial need. Students must be undergraduates enrolled in an eligible program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at an eligible College. At STC, students must have been enrolled at least one (1) term to receive FSEOG. Students must meet citizenship requirements as required for all Title IV Programs, as well as all other eligibility listed in the Federal Student Financial Aid Handbook. Priority for supplemental grants will be given to students with the lowest EFC (Estimated Family Contribution), the greatest need, the highest cumulative grade point average and have not withdrawn from any classes during the term. The Office of Financial Aid will use the SAR/ISIR to consider all eligible students for FSEOG. The maximum FSEOG a student may receive per academic year at the College will depend on the availability of funds, but will not exceed $400 per term or $1200 per year.

More information is available on the Federal Student Aid FSEOG website.

Apply online by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Southeastern Technical College’s Federal School Code is 030665.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study program gives employment to students who need income to help meet the costs of postsecondary education. Work-study awards are made on a term basis.

To be eligible for a FWS job, a student must have a "financial/unmet need". His/her cost of attendance must be greater than the expected family contribution (EFC). FWS may not be awarded to a student if that award, when combined with other resources, would exceed the student's financial unmet need for that award year.

The resources available in the Federal Work-Study program, when combined with the College's 25% matching funds, may not be sufficient to hire all eligible and interested students. Those students determined to be eligible by the Office of Financial Aid will go through an interview process for available positions before being hired.

Students will be paid at least $10 per hour on a monthly basis for duties performed at their assigned job location. Time sheets are to be signed by both the student and their supervisor after hours have been totaled. Questions in relation to hours and days worked should be discussed at this time. If the student feels there is a problem with their time, they should discuss this with their supervisor. The student has the right to appeal any decision or problem. In an appeal, the first step is to contact the Director of Career Services. If the problem is not resolved, the student should then contact the Vice President of Student Affairs. The decision of the Vice President is the final decision at the College.

Time sheets are to be submitted by 10 a.m. on the pre-assigned days. Direct Deposits will be made on the last day of a pay period unless on a weekend or holiday. If this occurs, they will be disbursed on the preceding Friday.

In assigning a FWS job, the College will consider the student's financial need, the number of hours per week the student can work, the period of employment, the anticipated wage rate, and the amount of other assistance available to the student. While there is no minimum or maximum award, the amount for each student should be determined based on these factors.

A FWS award, when combined with other sources of financial aid, may not exceed the student's need. To the maximum extent practical, the College will provide FWS jobs that will complement and reinforce each recipient's educational program or career goals.

The fact that a student may receive academic credit for the work performed does not disqualify the job under FWS. However, there are certain restrictions. If a student must complete an internship or practicum as part of his/her diploma or degree requirement and would not normally be paid for doing so, the internship or practicum does not qualify under FWS. If a position is considered as a regular FWS position, a student may be paid during his/her internship or practicum. A student may not be paid for receiving instruction in a classroom, laboratory, or other academic setting.

The College must oppose any garnishment order they receive for repayment of debt. Paying FWS funds in such cases could mean that funds would not be used "solely for educational purposes", which is a requirement for awarding Title IV aid funds.

No FWS position will involve construction, operating, or maintaining any part of a building used for religious worship or sectarian instruction.

The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, prohibits employers (including Colleges) from accepting voluntary services from any paid employee. Any student employed under FWS must be paid for all hours worked.

Determining Maximum FWS Eligibility

In determining the maximum FWS award a student is eligible to receive, the Director of Financial Aid must take into account the following resources:

• Those resources the Director of Financial Aid can reasonably anticipate at the time aid is awarded to the student, such as Federal Pell Grant awards, Private Student Loans, HOPE Grant awards, Veterans educational benefits, scholarships, WIA benefits, Department of Labor benefits, and FSEOG awards;
• Those the College makes available to its students; or
• Those the Director of Financial Aid knows about.

The sum of a student's FWS award plus other resources may not exceed his/her financial need.

Non-need-based earnings, such as earnings from a job a student locates on his/her own with a private employer, are not considered a resource for the current award year. The earnings will be reported on the application for federal student aid for the subsequent award year and will be used to determine the Expected Family Contribution for the subsequent award year. Only net income from need-based employment may be considered as a resource.

Students must be enrolled in a Title IV program to be eligible. Jobs are located on campus and work schedules are planned around the student's class schedule.

The procedures for applying for Federal Work-Study are as follows:

1. Once registered for class, interested students should stop by the Career Services Office and complete a FWS application to let the Director of Career Services know that they are interested in Work-Study;
2. Once a position is available, the Director of Career Services meets with the Director of Financial Aid to determine if a student is eligible. The Director of Financial Aid calculates the applicant's need according to Federal regulations to determine their eligibility for Federal Work-Study;
3. The Director of Career Services forwards eligible student's applications to specific departments on campus who have vacant Work-Study positions;
4. Work-Study candidates will be contacted to interview for jobs;
5. The Director of Career Services will contact the Office of Financial Aid once a student is employed;
6. The newly hired student will complete all required payroll paperwork and return it to the departmental payroll person;
7. On the twelfth day of the month, student employees will complete a monthly time sheet, which must be signed by their supervisor and forwarded to the departmental payroll person;
8. The Office of Financial Aid will verify monthly hours and salary information on student employees.

More information is available on the Federal Student Aid Work-study website.

To apply, contact the Career Services Office.

State Student Aid Programs

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship is a state funded award which will pay 100% of the cost of tuition. Students graduating from an eligible Georgia high school with a minimum grade point average of 3.7 (determined by GSFC) and having a SAT score of 1200 (critical reading and math) or ACT score of at least 26 may apply for the Zell Miller Scholarship. Zell Miller Scholarship pays 100% of current academic year standard tuition amount. The Zell Miller Scholarship will also be awarded to the top two (2) graduates from each high school (must still meet HOPE Scholarship eligibility requirements excluding the SAT/ACT test score and the minimum 3.7 high school GPA). Recipients must maintain a 3.3 grade point average for all check points (30/60/90 semester hour check points).

If the student’s GPA falls below 3.3, but is at least a 3.0, the student would be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. If a student loses eligibility for any reason, they may regain eligibility one (1) time if they re-qualify at one (1) of the checkpoints. This provision takes into account prior eligibility status.

If a student had lost eligibility in the past and has since regained it, another loss of eligibility would be permanent.

More information is available on the ZELL Miller Scholarship page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Georgia lottery. The HOPE Scholarship covers a portion of tuition for students seeking a degree at a technical college or university. The HOPE Scholarship does not cover fees or provide a book allowance. The student must be a 1993 or later high school graduate with a minimum 3.0 GPA (as calculated by GSFC) to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. Beginning with students graduating from an eligible high school on or after May 1, 2015, students must complete a specific number of academically rigorous courses, as identified on the Academic Rigor Course List, in addition to meeting the GPA requirements. This does not include students who received a high school diploma through petition of his or her local school board, in accordance with O.C.G.A. §20-2-281.1, nor does it apply to students graduating from home study programs. A nontraditional student may qualify for the HOPE scholarship after completing 30 semester hours in the diploma program and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Grade point averages are recalculated at 30, 60, and 90 semester hours at which time the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the HOPE Scholarship. The student must be Georgia resident and not be in default of a student loan.

More information is available on the HOPE Scholarship page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

Zell Miller Grant

The Zell Miller Grant is a state-funded award which will pay 100% of tuition costs. A student must be a Georgia resident and not be in default on a Federal student loan or owe a refund on a Federal grant in order to receive this grant. Students must have a 3.5 GPA at the end of each term. At Southeastern Tech, a diploma, as well as a certificate-seeking student is eligible to receive this grant.

More information is available on the Zell Miller Grant page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

Georgia HOPE Grant

The HOPE Grant is a state-funded award which will pay a portion of tuition costs. A student must be a Georgia resident and not be in default on a Federal student loan or owe a refund on a Federal grant in order to receive this grant. Students must have a 2.0 GPA after attempting 30 semester HOPE paid credit hours. At Southeastern Tech, a diploma, as well as a certificate-seeking student is eligible to receive this grant.

More information is available on the HOPE Grant page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

HOPE Career Grant

Students enrolled in selected Certificate and Diploma programs and are receiving a HOPE Grant award for a term are also eligible for a HOPE Career Grant award for that term. High school students participating in Dual Credit Enrollment are not eligible for the HOPE Career Grant award.

A student’s HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount per term based upon the student’s program of study and number of hours of Enrollment.

A student receiving a HOPE Career Grant award for Commercial Truck Driving is only eligible to receive the award for one (1) term.

A student who meets all eligibility requirements of the HOPE GED Grant, the HOPE Grant and the HOPE Career Grant is also eligible to receive full payment from all programs for the same school term up to the student’s Cost of Attendance.

The following programs are eligible for the HOPE Career Grant:

More information is available on the HOPE Career Grant page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

HOPE Payments Amounts

For the 2020-2021 Aid Year, the HOPE Grant and HOPE Scholarship payment amount is $76 per credit hour up to a maximum of 15 credit hours. The following charts represent the payment breakdown and student responsibility portions for the year:

HOPE Payment Amount for All Programs Except Commercial Truck Driving and HOPE Career Grant Programs

If you have Pell or Loans, the student responsibility can be taken from the Pell or Loan amount.

HOPE Payment Chart for HOPE Career Eligible Programs

If you have Pell or Loans, the student responsibility can be taken from the Pell or Loan amount.

HOPE Payment Chart for Commercial Truck Driving

Commercial Truck Driving is not Pell-eligible. Commercial Truck Driving requires only nine (9) hours.

*Student may only receive HOPE Career Grant for Truck Driving once.

**Does not include student out-of-pocket expenses.

HOPE GED Grant

Students who earn a GED on or after July 1, 1993 that are Georgia residents are eligible for a state grant of $500. After passing the GED test, students will receive a voucher by mail. Students must sign and turn their voucher into the Office of Financial Aid during the term of enrollment in which they wish to redeem their voucher. Students must enroll and attend classes for a certificate or diploma program in order to use their voucher. Vouchers must be redeemed the first term of attendance, and within 24 months of passing the GED. Students will be issued a check for the voucher amount after satisfactorily completing classes through midterm.

NOTE: A student is ineligible for HOPE GED Grant payment if he or she began seeking a college degree or received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to earning a GED diploma.

More information is available on the HOPE GED Grant page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, complete the GSFAPPS application on the GAfutures website.

Instructions for completing the online application are available on the Southeastern Technical College website.

Georgia HERO Scholarship Program

The Georgia HERO (Helping Educate Reservists and their Offspring) Scholarship Program was created to provide financial aid to students seeking a postsecondary education.

To be eligible to apply for the Georgia HERO Scholarship Program, a student must meet one (1) of the following criteria.

1. Be an active member of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves who is a Georgia resident and was deployed outside the United States for active duty service to a location designated as a combat zone and served in such combat zone for at least 181 cumulative days, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, or served less than 181 cumulative days in a combat zone, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, but was evacuated because of severe injuries.
2. Be the child of a parent who was a member of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves and a Georgia resident when he or she was deployed outside of the United States for active duty service to a location designated as a combat zone and served in such combat zone for at least 181 cumulative days, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, or served less than 181 cumulative days in a combat zone, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, but was evacuated because of severe injuries. Such child must have been born prior to the qualifying term of service or within nine (9) months of the beginning of the qualifying term of service and must have been 25 years of age or younger during the qualifying term of service.
3. Be the child of a parent who was a member of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves and a Georgia resident when he or she was deployed outside of the United States for active duty service to a location designated as a combat zone, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, and who was killed while serving in such combat zone, or died or became 100 percent disabled as a result of injuries received in such combat zone. Such child must have been born prior to the qualifying term of service or within nine (9) months of the beginning of the qualifying term of service and must have been 25 years of age or younger during the qualifying term of service.
4. Be the spouse of a former member of the Georgia National Guard or U.S. Military Reserves who was a Georgia resident when he or she was deployed outside of the United States for active duty service to a location designated as a combat zone, beginning on or after February 1, 2003, and who was killed while serving in such combat zone, or died or became 100 percent disabled as a result of injuries received in such combat zone.

The Georgia HERO Scholarship Program is funded by State Appropriations. The maximum amount awarded to an eligible student is $2,000 per award year, for no more than four (4) award years. The award amount is subject to change during the award year.

More information is available on the Georgia HERO Scholarship page on the GAfutures website.

Apply online by completing the HERO application available on the GAfutures website.

Dual Enrollment

The Dual Enrollment is for students at eligible high schools who wish to take college level coursework for credit toward both high school and college graduation requirements. Eligible students must meet certain criteria. The program is offered during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms of the school year.

The Dual Enrollment program offers Georgia public and private high school and home-schooled students the opportunity to earn credit hours toward an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree, Diploma or Certificate, as they simultaneously meet their high school graduation requirements as Dual Credit Enrollment students, by providing financial assistance toward their postsecondary educational costs. In order to be eligible for Dual Enrollment funds, a high school student must be taking coursework leading to an Associate or Baccalaureate Degree or Diploma or Certificate.

The award amount received by eligible students and the total amount of funds appropriated for the program are established each year by the Georgia General Assembly during the prior legislative session, and are subject to change during the Award Year.

Student Participation Considerations

Careful consideration should be taken before a decision is made to participate in the Dual Enrollment program, formerly Move on When Ready. The high school student, his or her parents, the high school counselor and principal, and officials of the Eligible Postsecondary Institution should be confident that it is in the best interest of the student to participate in Dual Enrollment. It is critical that students understand that the credit hours for which they receive payment from the Dual Enrollment program will not be included in the maximum total number of credit hours of payment they can receive from the HOPE Scholarship Program, after graduating from high school.

The following factors should be assessed before a student enters into the Dual Enrollment Program:

• It is important for the student and his or her parents to have a serious and open discussion of the student's postsecondary educational and career goals.

• A high school student's social and emotional maturity can often be the major determinate of success as a Dual Credit Enrollment student.

• The quality and quantity of the academic coursework the student has completed, as early as the 8^th grade, should be evaluated to determine exactly what additional coursework is required to meet high school graduation requirements and what coursework the high school can offer the student for the remainder of his or her high school studies.

• Although the Dual Enrollment program does not mandate specific academic requirements for participation, it is important for the student to understand that college credit hours earned as a Dual Credit Enrollment student, may not be accepted by certain postsecondary institutions. Each institution has its own specific academic requirements and policies as they relate to the acceptance of transfer credit.

• As the student and his or her parents make this major decision, full advantage should be taken of the knowledge and experience of officials at the student's high school and at the Eligible Postsecondary Institution the student plans to attend.

More information is available on the Dual Enrollment page on the GAfutures website.

To apply, contact your high school counselor.

General Aid

Various local, civic, social, and professional organizations provide scholarships for qualified students. In most cases, financial aid is awarded based on need, educational costs and availability of funds. See the Director of Financial Aid for details.

Other Aid Available on Campus

Rehabilitation Services

This program provides assistance to qualified students with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities.

Social Security Benefits

For more information concerning Social Security payments while attending Southeastern Technical College, students should contact the local Social Security Office.

STC Foundation

The mission of the STC Foundation is to promote the cause of technical and adult education by acquiring and administering monetary gifts, grants, and other funds and properties principally from area industries, businesses, individuals, other organizations, as well as faculty, staff, and other friends of Southeastern Technical College. Many of the donations received are used for scholarships for students. More information is available on the Foundation Scholarship page.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Students receiving TANF should contact their case manager at the area Department of Family and Children Services to see if they qualify for any child care/transportation assistance.

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and North American Free Trade Agreement

Transitional Adjustment Assistance/NAFTA-TAA is available to workers who lose their jobs or whose hours of work and wages are reduced as a result of increased imports.

Veteran Programs (VA)

Southeastern Technical College is approved for veteran's training under various programs.

Title 38 United States Code Section 3679(e) School Compliance

NOTE: A Covered Individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits.

• Southeastern Technical College’s policy permits any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website – eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

1. The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
2. 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

• Our policy ensures that Southeastern Technical College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

In addition, the statute allows our policy to require the covered individual to take the following additional actions:

1. Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of education.
2. Submit a written request to use such entitlement.
3. Provide additional information necessary to the proper certification of enrollment by the educational institution.
4. The Southeastern Technical College policy may also require additional payment or impose a fee for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

WIA is a federally funded program operated by the Georgia Department of Labor designed to provide assistance to those in need of occupational skills training.

Eligible Non-Citizens

To receive financial aid, eligible non-citizens must provide proper documentation of residency. Proper documentation can include:

• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551)
• Resident Alien Card (Form I-551)
• Arrival/Departure Record (CBP Form I-94)

Selective Service

Virtually all men born on January 01, 1960 or after in the U.S. are required to register with Selective Service within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Men must be registered to be in compliance with federal law and stay eligible for student loans and grants, government jobs, job training, all security background clearances, and U.S. citizenship for immigrants. Visit the Selective Service System website (www.sss.gov) for more information.

Financial Aid Refund Policies

A refund is money due a student or financial aid source when a student has withdrawn or dropped a class. Two (2) refund polices are in effect at Southeastern Technical College. The refund policy used varies depending on the type of financial aid a student is scheduled to receive or if the student has completely withdrawn from school or have been administratively dropped.

STC Refund Policy

This refund policy applies when a student has totally withdrawn from school and paid cash or received a HOPE Scholarship/Grant payment. This policy states that pre-registered students may receive a full refund of all tuition and fees paid if they cancel prior to the scheduled enrollment date. Students who withdraw/drop during the first three (3) school days of each term will receive 100% of tuition charges refunded for each course dropped. Students who withdraw/drop after the third (3rd) consecutive school day will receive no refund of tuition and fees.

Refund of Books and Supplies

Students will receive a full refund if:

• Books are returned with proof of purchase (receipt); and
• Books are returned in new, resalable condition (no marks, writing, or soiling; plastic packaging or boxes unopened).

No refunds will be made for:

• Expendable supplies and equipment (i.e. cosmetology kits, tools, uniforms, diskettes, etc.);
• Books that have been written in.

NOTE: Refund requests for books and supplies must be made within two (2) weeks of the term in which they were purchased and intended for use. This deadline is enforced in all cases.

Return to Title IV Withdrawal Policy

Federal Title IV funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend school for the entire semester or program for which the financial aid has been awarded. Federal regulations require Southeastern Tech to perform a return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation for students who did not receive at least one passing grade (F,WF, I, IP, W) for the semester. Due to the specific requirements, applicable to leaves of absence under Title IV, any Southeastern Tech approved leave of absence and all withdrawals are treated as withdrawals for Title IV purposes. This calculation is performed using a specific formula required by the U.S. Department of Education. During the first 60% of the semester, a student earns funds in direct proportion to the length of time they remain enrolled. Students who have completed more than 60 percent of the term will have earned 100 percent of the aid for that period. If a student completed less than 60 percent of the term, the student will have earned the financial aid equivalent to the percentage of the period completed.

The percentage completed will be calculated using the following method:

Determine the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student

• Days attended / Days in Enrollment Period = Percentage Completed
  • If the calculated percentage exceeds 60%, then the student has earned all Title IV aid for the enrollment period.
  • Days in enrollment period includes all calendar days but excludes breaks of five (5) days or longer

Multiply the percentage completed by the student’s Title IV aid eligibility to determine the earned aid

• Title IV Aid Eligibility x Percentage Completed = Earned Aid

Determine the amount of unearned aid to be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program

• Total Disbursed Aid - Earned Aid = Unearned Aid to be Returned

If the aid already disbursed equals the earned aid, no further action is required. If the aid already disbursed is less than the earned aid, a late disbursement will be made to the student. If the aid already disbursed is greater than the earned aid, the difference must be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program. The student will then be responsible for returning the unearned portion of aid and any tuition, fees, and other applicable charges not covered by aid to the Southeastern Tech Business Office.

Title IV aid is returned in the following order:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Unofficial Withdrawal Policy

Students are expected to follow the Withdrawal Policy process if they are unable to meet the attendance requirements for a course. Southeastern Tech abides by the federal regulation (HEA, Section 484B 34 CFR 668.22), stipulating that an institution must determine the earned and unearned portions of Title IV aid as of the date the student ceased attendance. In addition, colleges are required to review students who received federal financial aid and did not successfully pass any courses. An assessment must be made to determine whether the student earned the non-passing grades while attending classes or stopped attending classes but did not officially withdraw. Students who stopped attending classes may be required to repay a portion of the federal financial aid for that semester. If it is determined that a student never began attendance in some or all classes, aid may be canceled.

Federal financial aid recipients who did not earn at least one (1) passing grade are identified on a grade report at the conclusion of the semester. The Last Date of Attendance (LDA) is also listed along with each grade and a determination is made as to whether this grade is considered an earned or unearned grade. Students who unofficially withdraw and are awarded all F’s or a combination of F’s, WF’s, and W’s will be subject to the college’s Federal Refund Policy/Return to Title IV Policy. Instructors report the last date of an academically-related activity at the point of grade processing. The Office of Financial Aid pulls the All F’s report following the rolling of grades and process Return to Title IV calculations on these students. Unearned grades are any grades with a date reported prior to the last date of class for the term. The institution has 30 days from the time the Financial Aid Office is notified to perform a complete withdrawal calculation.

If a student follows institutional procedures and officially withdraws during the semester, their financial aid refund calculation will be completed according to the Federal Return of Title IV Funds Refund Policy, currently outlined above.

For additional withdrawal information, please refer to the Withdrawing from a Class(es)/All Courses section in this Catalog and Handbook.

Over-Awards

An overpayment is any amount paid directly to the student greater than a student is entitled to receive. This may occur when:

• Awards or disbursements are made incorrectly;
• A student reports incorrect information on his/her financial aid application; or
• A student withdraws from school.

Any information the Director of Financial Aid discovers as incorrect must be corrected according to procedures outlined in the federal regulations. The student will be notified, collections of these funds will be attempted, and the collected funds will be repaid to the appropriate source of funding. If the student refuses, the appropriate agencies will be notified.

The maximum amount of Federal Work-Study wages that a student may receive above the student's need is $300. If the student's earning in excess of need is more than $300, the College may not use Federal Work-Study funds to cover the overage. Non-need-based earnings are not counted in determining the $300 over-award limit. If FWS is awarded in conjunction with other campus-based aid, the $300 over-award limit is in effect for total aid from all campus-based programs.

PELL Recalculation Policy

Each term, the financial aid office will set a Pell Recalculation Date to coincide with the end of that term's initial drop/add period. This is typically after all course registrations have been finalized and all No Show’s have been processed. Any changes to enrollment after this date will not change a student's calculated Pell award. Exceptions to this policy include when a student adds a class for the first time that semester (i.e. adds a mini-session class that starts later in the term as their initial enrollment), when a student fails to begin attendance in a class, or when the college receives an initial FAFSA for the student. In these cases, Pell must be recalculated.

For example, if a student enrolls in six (6) credit hours Fall term in August and in October decides to add a class for the mini-session that begins in October, the student will not receive additional Pell funds for the October class. The student is only eligible for the Pell funds calculated on the initial six (6) hours of enrollment.

This only applies to Pell funds. The Pell Recalculation Date is published on STC’s Academic Calendar.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

According to federal regulations, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in their course of study to continue receiving Federal Title IV financial aid. Federal Title IV financial aid includes the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), and Federal Work Study (FWS).

Any state administered financial aid programs (i.e. HOPE Grant, HOPE Scholarship, HERO, Public Safety Memorial Grant, and Law Enforcement Personnel) follow the same requirements.

Satisfactory Academic Progress includes two (2) standards: qualitative and quantitative. Students must meet both standards to continue receiving financial aid. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and their respective status.

Qualitative

In order to maintain eligibility for financial aid with the qualitative standard, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. The cumulative grade point average will be used to determine academic standing for financial aid. The cumulative GPA includes grades of A, B, C, D, F, and WF. Grades of I, W, and WP do not affect the GPA. The cumulative GPA, which is determined by the Registrar's Office processes, will be checked at the end of each term for Satisfactory Academic Progress. The student on good academic standing will remain eligible.

Quantitative

Regulations allow a student to maintain financial aid eligibility for attempting credit hours that are within 150% of the credit hours required to receive a degree, diploma or certificate. In order to meet this quantitative standard, students must complete and pass (earn) 67% of all courses attempted, inclusive of all transfer credits. Courses earned include grades of A, B, C, D, or S. Courses attempted include any course in which grades of A, B, C, D, F, W, WF, I, S, U or IP were given. The 67% criteria will be checked at the end of each term.

If a student has not maintained a cumulative 2.0 and/or has not completed 67% of the cumulative attempted hours at the time Satisfactory Academic Progress is checked, the student is placed on Financial Aid Warning. During the Financial Aid Warning period, the student may continue to receive financial aid for one (1) term only. If, at the end of that term, the student has raised his/her cumulative GPA to at least a 2.0 and a 67% cumulative completion rate, the student is placed in Good Standing. If the student is still not making Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of that term, the student's financial aid will be suspended.

Appeals

Any student on Satisfactory Academic Progress Suspension may appeal to the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. An appeal for reinstatement must be based on specific extenuating circumstances. Examples may include but are not limited to health reasons, family reasons, or personal reasons. The appeal statement of the student should explain the extenuating circumstances. Documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances must be submitted. Documentation may include one (1) or more of the following: a signed statement from a physician on letterhead, death certificate or newspaper obituary, signed statement from employer on letterhead, etc. The appeal form and procedures may be obtained on the STC website under "Admissions", "Financial Aid", and then "Forms".

The deadline for submitting the appeal for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility is 10 Days from the date the student is notified of Suspension. The student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for the following term if the appeal is granted. Financial Aid Probation is good for one (1) term only. The student is expected to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress at the end of that term; or be successfully following an academic plan designed to ensure the student will be able to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress by a specific point in time. The academic plan is developed by the Vice President of Student Affairs or his designee. If a student fails to raise his/her cumulative GPA to at least a 2.0 and achieve a 67% cumulative completion rate following the Probationary term, the students aid will again be suspended.

Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee is final and cannot be appealed further. Students will be notified of the decision of the Financial Aid Appeals Committee through the College's official means of communication.

A student may only appeal Satisfactory Academic Progress Suspension twice.

To regain eligibility for financial aid, a student must meet the required standards.

Determining Maximum Time Frame

Maximum time frame is 150% x total number of hours required to complete their program of study. Ex., if a student is an Accounting major, and the requirements listing in the catalog require 123 credit hours to complete this program, then a total of 123 hours is required for the program of study x 150% = 185 attempted credit hours. The maximum number of hours is therefore 185 attempted hours for this student.

Determining Minimum Completion Ration of 67% attempted hours earned:

Divide the cumulative number of hours the student has successfully completed by the number of hours the student has attempted.

Audit Courses

Students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audit courses. Audited courses are not included in the number of hours attempted or earned for Satisfactory Academic Progress determination. Students do not receive a grade in audited classes.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit will be included in the cumulative completion percentage when determining eligibility for financial aid. If no credits transferred in, then Satisfactory Academic Progress will be evaluated solely on work at STC. Transfer credits must also be included when determining progress toward the maximum time frame allowed.

Incomplete Courses

Any course with 'I' or ‘IP’ is counted in hours attempted (quantitative). When an 'I' or ‘IP’ is changed to an actual grade, the course will be considered completed (qualitative).

Withdrawals

Any course with a 'W', 'WP', or 'WF' is considered as hours attempted. Students should be aware that excessive withdrawals from classes could result in the loss of financial aid at some point in future semesters due to the 67% quantitative standard for Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Students who unofficially withdraw and are awarded all F’s or a combination of F’s, WF’s, and W’s will be subject to the college’s Federal Refund Policy. Instructors report the last date of an academically-related activity at the point of grade processing. The Office of Financial Aid pulls the All F’s report following the rolling of grades and process Return to Title IV calculations on these students.

Repeating Courses

Repeated courses are included in the qualitative and quantitative calculation. Students may repeat each previously passed course only once for Title IV purposes.

This Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is effective beginning the 2011-2012 academic year and supersedes any previous regulation.

Notification

The Office of Financial Aid will notify a student through the College's official means of communication if he/she is in violation of the aforementioned standards of satisfactory academic progress and of the termination of their eligibility to receive financial aid.