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Financial Aid

There are several sources of financial aid for Southern Crescent Technical College students. Students may call the Financial Aid Office at (770) 228-7368 for Griffin, (706) 646-6386 for Flint River, or (770) 467-6049 for Henry Campus or visit the office for additional information. Students may be eligible for more than one type of financial aid. Special Admit students are ineligible for any Financial Aid Assistance.

By accepting financial aid awards, students are agreeing to be liable for all tuition, fees, and/or other monies paid on their behalf or directly to them should the financial aid source fail to provide adequate funds or should the student prove to be ineligible for financial aid. To decline awards or if the student does not agree to the previous statement, he/she must come to the Office of Financial Aid and decline the awards in writing.

Sources

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Direct Stafford Loan
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Work Study (FWS)
  • HOPE Grant
  • HOPE Scholarship
  • HOPE Zell Miller Scholarship
  • HOPE Zell Miller Grant
  • Georgia HOPE GED Voucher
  • Hope Career Grant
  • Student Access Loan (SAL)
  • Dual Enrollment (High School)

Financial Aid: To Apply

  • For financial aid, including HOPE, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov) at least four weeks prior to the registration date.
  • A Student Aid Report (SAR) is mailed or emailed directly to the student from the Federal Processing Center. An electronic version of the Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to the financial aid office at SCTC by the federal processors if the student enters Southern Crescent Technical College’s school code (005621) on their FAFSA.
  • For the HOPE Scholarship (degree programs only), submit a completed HOPE Scholarship Evaluation Request Form to the Registrar’s Office. The form may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or on the financial aid webpage at www.sctech.edu.
  • Please refer to www.GAfutures.org for more information on state funded programs.
  • Report to the Office of Financial Aid all types and sources of assistance received

Priority Deadlines :

In October, students can begin applying for Financial Aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Application for financial aid is completed once a year.

All students seeking financial assistance are required to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. SCTC’s priority deadlines are:

  • Fall Semester – July 1
  • Spring Semester – November 1
  • Summer Semester – April 1

If selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, the student must submit an IRS transcript of federal tax return and a Verification Worksheet (available in the Financial Aid Office) to receive Federal Funds.

Drug Conviction and Financial Aid Eligibility

If a student has a federal or state drug conviction during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving federal aid, the student is disqualified from federal financial aid funding. Students self-report this information on the FAFSA. Question 23 on the FAFSA form asks if the student has ever been convicted of a drug related offense. Answering this question falsely, if discovered, could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both. In situations of conflicting information, the School is required to confirm this information. Students convicted of drug offenses committed while receiving Federal Financial Aid may be ineligible for federal financial aid for one (1) or more years from the date of conviction.

Federal Aid includes:

  • Federal Student Loans
  • Federal Grants
  • Federal Work Study

Penalties for Drug Convictions in Eligibility

Possession of Illegal Drugs:

  • First Offense: One (1) year from the date of conviction
  • Second Offense: Two (2) years from the date of conviction
  • Third and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

Sale of Illegal Drugs:

  • First Offense: Two (2) years from the date of conviction
  • Second and Subsequent Offenses: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

Regaining Eligibility after a Drug Conviction

You can regain eligibility for the federal programs no matter how many or what type of drug convictions you have if you successfully complete an acceptable drug rehabilitation program that meets the standards set by Congress and the Department of Education. You will regain eligibility on the date you complete the program.

An acceptable drug rehabilitation program requires passing TWO (2) unannounced drug tests AND be either:

  1. Qualified to receive funds from a federal, state or local government agency or program, or from a state or federally licensed insurance company, or
  2. Administered or recognized by a federal, state or local government agency or court, or by a state or federally licensed hospital, health clinic, or medical doctor.

Convictions During Enrollment

According to the United States Department of Education, if a student is convicted of a drug offense after receiving Federal aid, he or she must notify the Financial Aid Office immediately and that student will be ineligible for further aid and required to pay back all aid received after the conviction.

Federal Pell Grant

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to students who have not earned a four-year degree and are enrolled in a diploma or degree program of study. Most of our technical certificate of completion (TCC) are program eligible for the Pell Grant. The amount a student receives is determined by the federal processors. Full-time enrollment for purposes of Pell is based on 12 semester hours for a degree or diploma program (including summer term). If a student does enroll for at least 12 credit hours, Pell awards will be adjusted based on credit hours. Students must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. It takes approximately six to eight weeks to receive the results of this application. Students should be prepared to pay their first semester fees if sufficient time is not allowed for the necessary processing. All Pell awards are good through summer term each aid year. Students must reapply for Pell each aid year by completing a new FAFSA.

  • Learning support, provisional, adult education, continuing education, transient, and special admit students are not eligible for federal financial aid benefits.

Federal Pell Grant Recalculation Policy

SCTC awards PELL Grants based on a projected full-time enrollment status. The Pell Grant amounts are then prorated based on the enrollment level of the student during each term. The College utilizes the student’s latest census date for all classes when disbursing federal Pell each semester and Pell awards will be issued based on the enrollment level calculated at that time. For more information regarding Federal Pell Grants, please go to: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell.

Gainful Employment

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 was designed with the intent to help students and families make better informed decisions about higher education. Southern Crescent Technical College is required by this federal law to provide information about our programs offered at our institution to the College community. For additional information pertaining to cost, graduation rates check out The Financial Aid Shopping Sheet. Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of Gainful Employment programs can be found on our job placement page. Located on www.sctech.edu.

Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU)

A federal law effective with the 2012/13 school year that limits the amount students can receive in the Federal Pell Grant. Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) includes all awards received prior to the 2012/13 year, some students will already be ineligible at the start of the year. Others will have some eligibility but not enough to receive 100 % of their award. It includes any Pell Grant award received at any school and it’s a limit to receive it at any school. Students can’t transfer and receive additional awards at another school. There are no exceptions and it isn’t possible to appeal. The school has no legal ability to award a student beyond the limit.

The limit is 6 years of full time attendance. It’s prorated for part time students. It’s calculated based on 600% of annual awards. When students are awarded a Pell Grant, he/she is given a maximum annual Pell Grant award. If students attend full time for two semesters you receive 100% of it. If he/she attend half time for two semesters receive 50% of it. Each semester students receive a percentage. When that total reaches 600% you’re no longer eligible for the grant. Students you must be eligible for the Pell Grant to receive the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant FSEOG). Once a student has reached the limit, you aren’t eligible for either grant.

Students may view their Pell Grant used by logging into www.NSLDS.ed.gov. NSLDS is where students can find and track their financial aid history. Students will need their federal student ID to access the NSLDS portal.

To read more about the LEU and how it’s calculated including examples click on the link below for a message from the U.S. Department of Education:

  • LEU greater than 450% but less than or equal to 500% - These students likely will have full eligibility for 100% of their Pell Grant scheduled award, unless a later disbursement moves their LEU to greater than 500%.
  • LEU greater than 500% but less than 600% - These students will not have full eligibility for a Pell Grant, but likely will have eligibility for a portion of that scheduled award.
  • LEU 600% or higher – These students will have no Pell Grant eligibility for the award year.

http://ifap.ed.gov/eannouncements/attachments/040612CalPGLifetimeEligUsedSAOTWPage.pdf

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Just like Pell Grants, the FSEOG does not have to be repaid. Not all students will be awarded this fund as FSEOG funds are limited.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Programs

Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are federal student loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school. The U.S. Department of Education offers eligible students at participating schools Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Subsidized Loans :

Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need.

  • Your school determines the amount you can borrow, and the amount may not exceed your financial need.
  • The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan
    • while you’re in school at least half-time,
    • for the first six months after you leave school (referred to as a grace period*), and
    • during a period of deferment (a postponement of loan payments).

*Note: If you received a Direct Subsidized Loan that was first disbursed between July 1, 2012, and July 1, 2014, you will be responsible for paying any interest that accrues during your grace period. If you choose not to pay the interest that accrues during your grace period, the interest will be added to your principal balance.

Unsubsidized Loans :

  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students; there is no requirement to demonstrate financial need.
  • Your school determines the amount you can borrow based on your cost of attendance and other financial aid you receive.
  • You are responsible for paying the interest on a Direct Unsubsidized Loan during all periods.
  • If you choose not to pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, your interest will accrue (accumulate) and be capitalized (that is, your interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan).

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six semester hours) to received loan funds!

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program, FWS, provides a method for post-secondary education students to earn funds that are used towards their education. The FWS program helps students earn monetary awards towards their post-secondary education. The program is based on financial need and students must be accepted into the program to qualify. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Current and completed FAFSA on file
  • Must have need, as established by the Federal Processor
  • Enrolled in at least 6 semester hours

HOPE Grant

The HOPE Grant is the Georgia state tuition assistance program funded by the Lottery for Education to assist eligible students enrolled in a certificate or diploma program. The HOPE Grant has a lifetime cap of 63 semester hours that will pay towards a certificate or diploma program. All courses including learning support count towards the 63 semester hour cap. To be eligible for the HOPE Grant, a student must declare Georgia as their legal domicile residence for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately prior to the first day of class of the school term for which HOPE Grant payment is sought if they graduated from a Georgia high school – twenty-four (24) consecutive months if they did not graduate from a Georgia high school - be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien, and not have any student loan defaults or recent controlled substance convictions. Male students born as of 1/1/1960 or thereafter must have registered with the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 25 and must provide their Selective Service number.

Students applying for any HOPE funds (Scholarship/Grant) must apply on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

  • Students must have a 2.0 GPA at the 30th semester hour to remain eligible.
  • Students who lose eligibility at the 30th semester hour can regain eligibility once at the 60th semester hour with a 2.0 GPA and HOPE will pay for the remaining 63 hours of eligibility.
  • Students with a baccalaureate degree or higher cannot receive HOPE Grant.
  • Learning support coursework and Dual Enrollment coursework are excluded from GPA calculation and checkpoints. GPA calculati

    Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years from the date of the student’s high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test, if the student meets all other requirements. The expiration of eligibility date will be June 30th of the seventh academic year following the student’s date of high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test.

    ons at the checkpoints will begin with fall term grades. Learning support coursework tuition will continue to be paid by the HOPE Grant.
  • The HOPE Grant will pay for 63 semester hours. The term that a student meets the cap, the Grant will pay only for hours up to the cap. Example: A student has 60 semester hours at the end of fall semester. The student registers for six credit hours spring semester. The HOPE Grant will only pay for three credit hours spring semester.
  • Effective Fall 2019, the HOPE Grant will pay $76.00 per credit hour.

HOPE Scholarship

The HOPE Scholarship is the Georgia state tuition assistance program funded by the Lottery for Education to assist any eligible student accepted into a degree program. Full-time enrollment is not required. The student must be a Georgia resident. The Georgia Residency requirements for the HOPE Scholarship will continue to be set at 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes of the school term for which HOPE Scholarship payment is sought if they graduated from a Georgia high school – twenty-four (24) consecutive months if they did not graduate from a Georgia high school.

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years from the date of the student’s high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test, if the student meets all other requirements. The expiration of eligibility date will be June 30th of the seventh academic year following the student’s date of high school graduation, home study completion, or successful GED test.

The FAFSA must be completed and processed in order to apply for the HOPE Scholarship. Once a student has completed 30 degree-level hours, he or she can request a HOPE Scholarship evaluation be completed by the Registrar’s Office. At that time, to qualify, he or she must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Students may renew the HOPE Scholarship for the sophomore, junior, and senior years by maintaining a 3.0 GPA, reapplying, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

The HOPE Scholarship program pays $76.00 per credit hour. Students are responsible for remaining balance.

Beginning fall term 2011, learning support coursework will be excluded from attempted hours. However, all learning support coursework previously counted in attempted hours will remain in the attempted hours calculation. Beginning fall term 2011, the HOPE Scholarship will no longer pay for learning support coursework.

Students can lose and regain eligibility once beginning fall term 2011. Any previous gains/losses prior to fall term 2011 will not apply.

Students who lost the HOPE Scholarship twice prior to fall term 2011 but have regained eligibility, may continue to receive the HOPE Scholarship. If the student loses the HOPE Scholarship after receiving it fall term 2011, they will not regain it again.

Students who received the HOPE Scholarship prior to summer term 2011 are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30, 2099, regardless of high school graduation date. First time HOPE Scholarship recipients, summer term 2011 or later, are bound by the seven-year rule.

For students who have not received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to summer term 2011, an expiration date will be set for each student as June 30th of the seventh academic year following his or her high school graduation.

For students who graduated from a home school program or received a GED, the date of the student’s home school completion/graduation or the GED test date will be used as the basis for determining the seven-year expiration date.

A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30th following the completion of the seventh full year after the first of one of the following events has occurred:

  1. His or her high school graduation date; or
  2. The graduation date of the student’s high school class if the student withdrew from high school prior to his or her
  3. graduation date; or
  4. His or her Home Study completion date; or
  5. His or her successful GED test date.

A student that serves on active duty in the military during the seven-year period after his or her high school graduation, Home School completion or successful GED test date will have that active duty period of his or her military service added to the seven-year limit.

A student who is enrolled during a term that begins prior to his or her expiration of eligibility date and ends after his or her expiration of eligibility date may be paid for the term.

A student who received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to summer term 2011 (FY2012) is not subject to the Seven Year Limit.

The HOPE Scholarship will pay for 127 semester or 190 quarter hours. The term that a student meets the cap, the scholarship will pay only for hours up to the cap. Example: A student has 124 semester hours at the end of fall semester. The student registers for six credit hours spring semester. The HOPE Scholarship will only pay for three credit hours spring semester.

Students with a baccalaureate degree cannot receive HOPE.

No book allowance or fees will be paid by HOPE.

For complete and current information regarding Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship and Grant Program Regulations, visit the web site at: www.GAfutures.org or call for more information in metro Atlanta at (770) 724-9000 or toll free in Georgia at 1-800-505-GSFC (4732).

The Georgia HOPE GED Voucher

The GED Voucher of $500.00 is awarded to students receiving a GED. This is a one-time only award to be applied to the costs of attending an institution of higher education. The HOPE voucher accompanies the GED diploma. To receive the $500.00 voucher award, students must be enrolled in a program of study leading to a technical degree, diploma, or certificate.

Students receiving a HOPE GED voucher should submit it to the financial aid office for processing. In order for the financial aid office to process the voucher, students must complete a FAFSA for the current academic year in which they plan to utilize the GED voucher. Students must also meet the Georgia residency requirements, not have a defaulted student loan, register for Selective Service (males only), and not be convicted of a drug-related felony within two semesters of enrollment.

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship program is for students who have demonstrated academic achievement and that are seeking a college degree. Zell Miller Scholarship pays 100% of tuition; students will be responsible for fees. Generally, to become eligible, a student must graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.70 GPA and a minimum score on the SAT/ACT. For more information, review the Zell Miller Scholarship Regulations online at: www.GAfutures.org.

Zell Miller Grant

The Zell Miller Grant Program provides grant assistance to residents of Georgia pursuing Certificates or Diplomas at Georgia’s public eligible postsecondary institutions. The Zell Miller Grant Program does not include a high school academic requirement, however, recipients are required to have a minimum postsecondary cumulative grade point average of 3.5 at the end of each term. The Zell Miller Grant pays 100% tuition; students will be responsible for fees. The purpose of the Zell Miller Grant Program is to encourage Georgians to obtain technical education in order to increase the knowledge and skills of Georgia’s workforce.

Hope Career Grant

Beginning with the fall semester 2013, SCTC students who are receiving the HOPE Grant may also be eligible for additional financial assistance from Georgia’s Hope Career Grant Award.

To qualify, an SCTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in an eligible program and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term.

The amount of the Hope Career Grant Award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:

Program of Study Enrolled Hours Award Amounts
Commercial Truck Driving 9 or more (one term only) $1000.00*
Hope Career Grant Programs 9 or more credit hours $ 500.00
Hope Career Grant Programs 3 – 8 credit hours $ 250.00
Hope Career Grant Programs 1 – 2 credit hours $ 125.00

*Eligibility for the Hope Career Grant Award for the Commercial Truck Driving program is for one term only. The HOPE GED Grant, HOPE Grant, and Hope Career Grant Award can be awarded in the same term, if all other eligibility requirements are met up to cost of attendance. High school students in Dual Enrollment programs are not eligible for the Hope Career Grant Award.

Seven Year Limit

  1. A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until June 30 following the completion of the seventh full year after the first of one of the following events has occurred:
    1. His or her high school graduation date; or
    2. His or her Home Study completion date; or
    3. His or her successful GED test date; or
    4. His or her petition date where his or her diploma was received pursuant to the local school board in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 20-2-281.
  2. A student is not eligible for payment for any term prior to the date used to determine his or her Seven Year Limit.
  3. A student that serves on active duty in the military during the seven-year period after his or her high school graduation, Home Study completion or successful GED test date will have that active duty period of his or her military service added to the Seven Year Limit.
  4. A student who is enrolled during a term that begins prior to his or her expiration of eligibility date and ends after his or her expiration of eligibility date may be paid for the term.
  5. A student who received a HOPE Scholarship award prior to Summer term 2011 (FY2012) is not subject to the Seven Year Limit.

10 Year Scholarship Expiration Date

Regulation Note: Students who qualify for the 10 Year Expiration:

Must receive their first ever HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship payment Summer term 2019 or later (FY 2020 or later). Eligibility ends on June 30th of the 10th full year following whichever occurs first:

  • High school graduation date OR
  • GED test date OR
  • Home study program completion date OR
  • Petition date if high school diploma was received from the local school board in accordance to O.C.G.A. 20-2-281

Student Access Loan (SAL)

The Student Access Loan (SAL) Program is a need-based, low interest loan program administered by the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). The SAL Program may be funded by state general funds, proceeds from the Georgia Lottery for Education and public and/or private donations. The purpose of the program is to assist with the affordability of a college education at one of Georgia’s public technical colleges and encourage timely persistence to the achievement of postsecondary credentials. The loans, or portions of the loans, are forgivable for recipients who graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 in the program that the loan was originally borrowed under.

Students applying for SAL must meet all general eligibility requirements, citizenship, Georgia residency, enrollment status, satisfactory academic progress, selective service, defaulted loan, Drug-Free Act, and incarcerated.

All students applying for SAL must complete a FAFSA and an application with Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) at www.GAfutures.org . GSFC shall designate an open application cycle period for the state fiscal year and only collect applications during such period. Application cycle periods are subject to available funding and application volume. The application process is first come, first serve with priority to our SAL recipients and HOPE and Zell Miller Scholars.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours). Students cannot borrow more than $3,000 in an award year and no more than $1,500 in one term. The aggregate loan limit per borrower may not exceed $12,000. Borrowers are required to make monthly Keep In Touch (KIT) payments while enrolled in school and while in grace period (six months). Monthly KIT payments will be due each month, approximately sixty days after the first loan disbursement and in accordance with the repayment schedule set by Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA). Students must exhaust all federal funding before receiving a SAL.

Things to know

  • Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA) will have open Application Process all year until funds are depleted.
  • There is priority processing given for prior SAL applicants, Hope Scholarship and Zell Miller Scholarship recipients. Any following selections will be based on first come, first serve until all funds are depleted.
  • Selection does not guarantee approval; your eligible postsecondary institution may decline the loan or certify for a reduced amount based on financial aid status.
  • GSFA will notify applicants via email when approved or denied.
  • If approved applicants will receive a Promissory Note packet via email or mail (student’s preference) which MUST be returned to GSFA in 14 days or GSFA will administratively cancel the application.
  • After 40 days if the application is not certified or denied by the postsecondary institution GSFA will administratively cancel the application.
  • Loan disbursements are sent directly to the student’s chosen eligible postsecondary institution and are not transferable.
  • If you apply for this loan, you understand that this is a private education loan that must be repaid and cannot be combined or consolidated with federal loans
  • Borrow smart! When applying for a loan, request only the amount of funds needed for your educational costs and that you can repay.

Students who are in default on their KIT payments with GSFC may not be eligible for aid until their accounts are back in good standing. Students will be required to submit a clearance letter from GSFC.

Dual Enrollment (Formerly Move On When Ready)

The new Dual Enrollment Program combined Accel, HOPE Grant Dual Enrollment and old Dual Enrollment programs. It provides for participation in Dual Credit Enrollment for eligible high school and home study students. These students earn postsecondary credit hours and simultaneously meet their high school graduation or Home Study completion requirements as Dual Credit Enrollment students.

State revenues provide funding for this program. The award amount received by eligible students and the total amount of funds appropriated for the program is established each year by the Georgia General Assembly during the prior legislative session and is subject to change during the Award Year.

A student must be in ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade at an eligible high school. An eligible high school is any private or public secondary educational institution within the State of Georgia and any Home Study program operated pursuant to O.C.G.A. 20-2-690. A student must be admitted and classified as a Dual Credit Enrollment student by an eligible postsecondary institution. A student is eligible for the Dual Enrollment Program up to a maximum of 15 hours per semester. A student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), as defined and certified by his or her eligible postsecondary institution.

The postsecondary credit hours taken as a Dual Credit enrollment student, for which Dual Enrollment payment was made, are not counted as Attempted-Hours nor are they included in the Combined Paid-Hours limit for purposes of HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship eligibility. However, hours for which a student may have received payment from the Accel Program (through FY2011), are included in the combined paid-hours limit.

To participate in SCTC’s Dual Enrollment Program, students must submit a Dual Enrollment Program Application, SAT scores, ACT scores, PSAT scores, Accuplacer scores, or their high school GPA, and must complete any required secondary paperwork with their high school or home study program administration. Students must also submit a Dual Enrollment Program funding application prior to the start of each semester. Upon receipt of the student funding application, each semester an authorized high school or home study program official will then submit their section of the funding application, and will include each eligible high school course that student will be substituting with a postsecondary course. An authorized postsecondary official will then submit their section of the funding application, and will include each postsecondary course the student will take in place of a high school course.

A student must complete a Dual Enrollment Program Application and submit it to his or her eligible high school or Home Study Program.

The Dual Enrollment Program pays full tuition for an eligible participant. The Dual Enrollment Grant covers funding for up to a maximum of 15 hours per semester at the eligible postsecondary institution. For more information on the Dual Enrollment Program, visit www.GAfutures.org.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To be eligible to receive Student Financial Aid (SFA) funds (PELL, SEOG, FWS, Loans, HPE); students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Southern Crescent Technical (SCTC) is required by the U.S. Department of Education to establish minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) means the student is proceeding in a positive manner toward fulfilling educational requirements. Students attending SCTC must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress to receive federal and state aid. SCTC uses the following standards to monitor student’s progress toward their diploma, degree, or certificate. Students attending SCTC must be in good academic standing and making satisfactory progress with a minimum GPA and completion rate in accordance with the maximum time frame, as stated below.

Grade Point Average Requirement

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 to remain in good standing each term. A student's GPA will be verified at the end of each term. A student whose cumulative GPA falls below a 2.0 is placed on financial aid warning for their next term of attendance. A student will be allowed one term to increase the cumulative GPA to the satisfactory level. If, after one term, the GPA remains below 2.0, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Completion Rate

In order for students to graduate within the maximum "time frame" of hours, they are expected to have completed at least 66% of their credit hours attempted. A student who has not successfully completed 66% of his/her cumulative hours attempted (at the end of any term) will be placed on financial aid warning during the next term of attendance. A student will be allowed one term to increase the cumulative completion rate to the satisfactory level. If, after one term, the cumulative completion rate remains below 66% the student will lose financial aid eligibility (placed on financial aid suspension).

Total hours attempted consist of all hours attempted at Southern Crescent Technical College. All transfer credits are included in the computation for the cumulative GPA for financial aid.

Grades

Grades of W (withdrew) and I (incomplete) are not included in calculating a student’s GPA, but are counted as coursework attempted, thus they count against the 66 percent completion rate. F (Failing) grades are calculated in the student’s GPA and count against the SAP 66% completion rate. Grades received for learning support courses do not affect the GPA, but the hours are calculated in the 66% completion rate.

  • Z grades are used to denote unsuccessful completion due to COVID-19 emergency.  Z grades are excluded from attempted hours and GPA calculation.  

Note: Z Grades Effective AY2020 spring and summer terms only

Repeated Courses

All repeated courses and their grades would be included in the 66% and Maximum Allowable Total Attempted Hours calculations.

Maximum Time Frame

There are a maximum number of hours that students may attempt in pursuing their program of study. All students must complete their educational objective within a maximum time frame of one and one half (150 percent) times the length of the program in which they are enrolled. This means that once a student has attempted one and one half times the minimum number of credit hours necessary for completing program requirements, the student is ineligible to receive financial aid.

Example of maximum time frame calculation for a program:

  • If a program requires 62 credits for completion
  • Then, 62 x 150% = 93 attempted credits is maximum time frame.

If a student graduates from a program and wishes to seek an additional degree or diploma then the cumulative hours for completion of the previous program will be added to the cumulative hours for completion of the second program plus 50 percent of the total will be used to establish maximum time frame.

Example of maximum time frame calculation for an additional program after graduation:

  • If the completed program and current programs require 116 credits for completion (62 credits for previous program and 54 credits for current program)
  • Then 116 x 150% = 174 attempted credits is maximum time frame.

Attempted hours include all attempted hours at SCTC and all accepted transfer credits.

If the student qualifies for graduation in a particular major but makes a personal decision to remain in school and take additional classes, the student is no longer entitled to receive Federal Title IV Aid. If the time limit is exceeded, aid eligibility ends. The student shall be placed on financial aid suspension status.

Transfer Students

Transfer students accepted by SCTC, not previously enrolled at SCTC, will be classified as maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress for the first term enrolled. Only classes transferred in will be used in the completion rate calculation. At the end of the first term, the student's grades will be measured in accordance with the college's Satisfactory Academic requirements.

Warning/Suspension

If a student fails to meet the cumulative GPA, cumulative completion rate, or the maximum time frame standards at the end of a term, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. The student will continue to receive financial aid while on financial aid warning. However, if the student does not meet the satisfactory academic progress standards by the end of the warning period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. The student can continue taking courses while on suspension, but will receive no financial aid assistance.

Financial Aid Probation

Financial Aid probation is assigned to students whose SAP appeal has been approved. The probation status is good for only one term to allow the student time to make SAP. During the probationary period, the student must maintain a 2.00 GPA and a 66% completion ratio. Withdrawing from any classes while on probation will change the student's status to Financial Aid Suspension. In order to receive financial aid after the probation period, a student must meet all SAP requirements or meet all requirements of an Academic Plan that has been established for him/her by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. Students who are on Financial Aid Probation and fail to meet SAP requirements or the requirements of an Academic Plan after one term on probation will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension. Students who are on Suspension are not eligible for financial aid.

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

Students have the right to appeal their suspension of financial aid if they have mitigating circumstances that prevented them from making satisfactory academic progress. A student wishing to appeal financial aid suspension must do so in writing with supportive documentation. The form may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or Southern Crescent Technical College's financial aid website.

The Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals Committee will review appeals prior to the beginning of each semester. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student of the committee's decision as soon as possible. Decision results will also be available on Banner Web. The committee's decision is final. If approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation status for the subsequent semester(s) and given an academic plan to follow. While at this status, the Financial Aid Office may require the student to maintain a specified percentage of semester coursework, cumulative GPA, and tutorial assistance. If any of the prescribed conditions are not met during the semester, eligibility will be denied and the student will be placed back on financial aid suspension at the conclusion of the semester.

Academic Plans

Students who successfully appeal a financial aid suspension and are placed on probation may be required to follow an Academic Plan as determined by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee in order to continue receiving financial aid. Students on an Academic Plan are required to meet all requirements of the Plan each term. The fulfillment of these requirements will be evaluated at the end of each term. Failure to meet all requirements of the Academic Plan will result in the student being placed on financial aid suspension. A student has the right to appeal the financial aid suspension, if there were mitigating circumstances that prevented him/her from meeting the requirements of the Plan.

Academic Plans require students to complete all attempted courses with a grade of C or better. In addition, students cannot withdraw from any course while on an Academic Plan. The components of a student's Academic Plan may include, but are not limited to:

  • a requirement to meet with the student's academic advisor and/or a member of Student Affairs Retention staff
  • a restriction on registering for online classes
  • a requirement to enroll as part-time
  • to repeat a specific course
  • to take a particular course
  • to participate in a specific workshop on campus, or
  • any other requirement mandated by the Appeals Committee.

The Financial Aid Office will verify that all requirements of the Academic Plan have been met prior to posting aid for the next term.

Dual Majors

Students may add a second major to his/her existing program as long as both majors have the same level and the same cost.

  • Same level - the primary and secondary area of study will have to be the same level, for example, diploma to diploma, degree to degree, certificate to certificate
  • Same cost - the cost per credit hour for the required courses of both majors will have to be the same.

Dual major for unlike program levels may be granted to students on a case by case basis

NOTE: Some financial aid may not cover courses in unlike dual program levels. Students may be responsible to cover any out-of-pocket expenses that accrue from registering for unlike dual program level courses.

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

F (Failing) Grade

This grade signifies that a student has completed the term; however, the student did not academically meet full course requirements. This grade is calculated as a failing grade (“F”) in the student’s GPA and may affect academic status and financial aid. (Updated Spring 2018).

Withdrawals and Financial Aid

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 established the concept that financial aid must be earned through class attendance. When you totally withdraw from all classes, The Student Financial Aid Office must calculate the amount of financial aid you have earned prior to withdrawing. Any Title IV aid received in excess of the earned amount is considered unearned. Unearned aid must be returned to the respective Federal Aid program(s).

Withdrawal Policy

Through the end of the ninth week of fall and spring semesters and through the fifth week of summer semester, a student may withdraw from any or all courses on his or her schedule. Students are responsible for withdrawing themselves from any or all of the classes. Students are able to withdraw themselves through BannerWeb or with assistance from the Academic Affairs Office. Following the policy that is set by the Technical College System of Georgia, withdrawals that occur after day 3 of the semester receive no refund. No charges are reduced for withdrawals that occur beginning day 4 of the semester.

No withdrawals will be processed after the ‘W’ period ends as defined on the academic calendar for the applicable term. Students who choose to not withdraw from classes will be assigned the grade(s) earned.

Any student receiving federal student aid (Unsubsidized loans, Subsidized loans, Pell, and SEOG) who completely withdraws from all classes during a given period of enrollment and completes less than 60 percent of the term (based on the determination of last date of attendance) may be required to return funds to Southern Crescent Technical College and/or the U.S. Department of Education.

Unofficial Withdrawals

A student who earns all Fs in a given term or a combination of Fs and Ws (meaning the student withdrew from a class) may be considered an ‘unofficial withdrawal’. Unofficial withdrawals are those who simply cease attending class(es). Faculty must enter a last date of attendance for students who earn a grade of ‘F’ for the class. Once grades are submitted and faculty rosters are verified at the end of a term, unofficial withdrawals (those who earned the F due to ceasing attendance) may be required to return funds to Southern Crescent Technical College and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Students who truly earned Fs that were not due to ceasing attendance are not considered to have withdrawn; therefore, those students’ aid is not recalculated for the class(es) in question.

The institutional refund policy and federal aid refund policy (Return to Title IV) are found at https://www.sctech.edu/currentstudents/student-services/financial-aid/financial-aid-news/. We encourage you to be aware of these policies and how you are affected by them should you withdraw or otherwise cease attendance before a term concludes—officially or unofficially.

How will a withdrawal affect my federal financial aid?

Title IV (federal) financial aid funds are awarded under the assumption that a student will remain enrolled for the entire academic semester for which funds were awarded and disbursed. When a student withdraws from all courses, regardless of the reason, they may no longer be eligible to receive the full amount of federal financial aid for which they were originally awarded. The return of these funds to the federal government is based on the idea that a student earns financial aid based upon the length of time for which they were enrolled. A pro-rated calculation determines the amount of federal financial aid that they earned. Once the 60% point in the semester is reached, a student is considered to have earned all of their financial aid and will not be required to return any funds.

A calculation is required if any of the following criteria are met:

  1. The student completely withdrawals from the college (Official withdrawal)
  2. The student stops attending before the semester ends (Unofficial Withdrawal)

If the Southern Crescent Technical College student does not attend any classes during a given semester, they are not eligible to receive any federal funds for that semester and must repay all of the aid that was originally received.

How does the calculation work?

Aid recipients earn the aid they receive by remaining in classes. The amount of aid earned is based upon a pro-rated calculation. Students who withdraw or do not complete all of the classes in which they were enrolled may be required to return some of the aid originally awarded.

The following is an explanation of the formula used to determine the percentage of aid that must be returned to the federal government:

  • The percent earned is equal to the number of calendar days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total number of calendar days in the payment period
  • The payment period for most Southern Crescent Technical College students is the full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters)
  • The percent unearned is equal to 100 percent less the percent earned.
  • Breaks of 5 days or longer are not included in the count of total days in the payment period.

How is the Withdrawal Date calculated?

The date of withdrawal used to compute refunds is the date the student last attended class, as recorded by the Academic Affairs Office.

Is there a specific order in which federal funds are returned?

The Financial Aid Office will return funds in the following order: 1. Unsubsidized Direct Loans 2. Subsidized Direct Loans 3. Pell Grant and 4. Federal SEOG funds.

What happens to my aid if I want to return to Southern Crescent Technical College in the future?

As long as the student left Southern Crescent Technical College in good academic standing as outlined in our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy (https://www.sctech.edu/currentstudents/student-services/financial-aid/eligibility/#sap-policies), the Financial Aid Office will reinstate all institutional funds in full. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for consideration of need-based assistance from the Federal Government.

Financial Aid Always Affected by Class Withdrawal

Per the Enrollment Processing Implementation Committee (EPIC) policy, students that withdraw from a course by the end of the third (3rd) instructional day of the semester will receive no grade for the course and will receive a 100% refund of applicable tuition and fees. Students who withdraw/drop a class as of the fourth (4th) instructional day of the semester will receive a “W” grade, which counts toward their financial aid SAP completion ratio, and will be charged 100% tuition and fees. No refunds.

HOPE considers withdrawn or dropped credit or learning support classes as attempted hours. Although you have not completed the course to earn a grade, these hours count toward the lifetime cap of hours that HOPE will pay toward a degree (127 semester hours). All hours attempted (including withdrawals) will count toward the evaluation of your GPA that will occur after you attempt 30, 60, and 90 semester hours - this is for ALL Hope recipients - and at the end of every spring semester - this is for associate degree seeking students only.

When you withdraw, the Federal Pell Grant is reduced according to the number of days in the semester you have completed. If you withdraw from SCTC, there is a possibility you will be billed for tuition and fees depending on your withdrawal date. Also the Office of Financial Aid considers ‘unofficial’ withdrawals when determining financial aid eligibility. If you stop attending courses and receive a grade of F due to your stop attending, then financial aid will have to recalculate your eligibility to determine what portion of your financial aid you earned. A portion of those funds may be required to be returned, leaving you with a balance.

Failing to maintain SAP puts your Pell Grant and HOPE aid in jeopardy.

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible for financial aid.

*Special Covid-19 Note:

The Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law on March 27, 2020, as a direct result of the COVID-19 Pandemic, giving institutions increased flexibility in financial aid regulations. In accordance with Executive Orders issued by Governor Brian Kemp on March 16, 2020; March 26, 2020; April 1, 2020; and April 2, 2020, to stop the spread of COVID-19, all TCSG colleges, including Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC), closed its campuses to students/guests, requiring students to complete the rest of the Spring 2020 term via remote learning technology.

Due to the COVID-19 health emergency, students who withdraw from class(es) after March 13, 2020 and prior to the last day of classes may be eligible to receive a Z grade.  Z grades are used to denote unsuccessful completion due to COVID-19 emergency.  Z grades are excluded from attempted hours and GPA calculation.  Note: Effective AY2020 spring and summer terms only.

Return to Title IV (R2T4) Calculations - Federal law specifies how Southern Crescent Technical College must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that students earn if they withdraw from school. If a student withdraws due to a COVID-19 related emergency, the student will not owe a repayment for the withdrawn class(es). However, students receiving all W or F grades prior to March 13, 2020, will be required to return any ineligible funds received due to the R2T4 calculations. Students who unofficially withdrew (stopped attending) from classes prior to March 13, 2020, will also be responsible for returning any unearned funds, unless they can provide documentation of a qualifying emergency.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) - In accordance with Federal regulations, financial aid recipients are required to meet SAP requirements. The CARES Act allows institutions to exclude from SAP calculations any attempted credits that were not completed due to a qualifying COVID-19 emergency for the Spring 2020 term without requiring an appeal from the student. Students who withdraw or fail class(es) on or after March 13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 health emergency, will not have the withdrawal/ failing grade(s) counted against their quantitative SAP calculation, and may be eligible to continue to receive financial aid. Please note that this exception does not apply to the qualitative component of SAP. Students not meeting the 2.0 GPA SAP requirement or students who withdrew or failed classes prior to March 13, 2020 will have their financial aid suspended. These students will be allowed to submit a SAP appeal and must provide documentation of a qualifying emergency before aid can be restored.

Foundation Scholarships

The Southern Crescent Technical College Foundation, Inc., offers scholarship opportunities to students. Scholarship funds are NOT paid directly to the student. Please read all application materials carefully—some restrictions apply. Application deadlines are posted on the applications.

For additional information on scholarships contact:

Advancement Division

(770) 229-3466

Email: scholarships@sctech.edu

Veterans Benefits

Veterans’ benefits are available to qualified veterans and dependents of disabled or deceased veterans. Applicants needing information about VA Education Benefits may contact the Southern Crescent Technical College VA Certifying Official at (770) 229-3095, Mobile 6A, Griffin Campus or the Veterans Administration at 1-888-GIBILL (1-888-442-4551).

Deferment of Schedules for Chapter 31 and 33 Students

Students using Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment) or Chapter 33 (the Post 9/11 GI Bill®) benefits are permitted to attend or participate in the course of study beginning on the date on which the student provides to the Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) a Certificate of Eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33. SCTC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees or the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other college facilities. SCTC will not require any student who is using Chapter 31 or 33 to borrow additional funds due to the student’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to SCTC due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs under Chapter 31 or 33.

Students must submit their Certificate of Eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance no later than the first day of a course of study for which they have indicated they would like to use their educational benefits and provide a copy of their schedule to the Veteran’s Center located in mobile unit 6A on the Griffin Campus or call 770-229-3095. A student is then protected in his or her courses while the Veterans Administration processes payment to SCTC. This benefit is afforded to the student as long as he or she is receiving benefits under Chapter 31 or 33. Students are responsible for notifying the college school certifying officer if his or her schedule should change. Failure to do so could cause an overpayment of VA funds.

Vocational Rehabilitation

Vocational Rehabilitation cooperates with Southern Crescent Technical College by providing additional funds and services to students who have handicaps or disabilities. Applicants needing information should call the local Vocational Rehabilitation office.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services provide assistance to students that are unemployed or underemployed. Individuals eligible for WIOA services must lack a marketable skill, be in an approved WIOA training program, and have the ability to complete successfully a training program as a full-time student. Financial assistance is available for tuition, fees, books, required equipment, tools, uniforms, required certificate exams for employment, and all other requirements that assist in successful return to the workforce. A participant may also be eligible to receive assistance with childcare needs and daily travel allowance. A WIOA Coordinator is available to assist students with individualized career counseling, budgeting, financial planning, intensive job search assistance, and vocational assessments. Interested individuals may contact WorkSource Three Rivers, WIOA Coordinator at 770-229-9799 for more information.