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Financial Aid Information

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General Information
Tuition and Fees
Other fees, expenses, policies
Assistance and Eligibility
Programs Available
Refund Policy
Academic Standing Requirements
Note on Commercial Truck Driving

For more information see the Financial Aid pages under the Prospective and Current Students sections

GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING TUITION AND FEES

Students attending Southeastern Technical College (STC) shall normally be charged tuition and related fees, unless otherwise exempted. Tuition for courses in curriculums leading to a certificate, diploma, or associate degree shall be charged on a uniform basis.

The Technical College System of Georgia shall annually review and establish application, tuition, and other fees charged by STC. In addition, student activity fees, non-revenue producing student-insurance fees, and miscellaneous services fees shall be adjusted annually.

Because of the availability of various state and federal financial aid programs, STC believes that no Georgia resident shall be denied access to technical education because of a financial inability to pay tuition and fees. Payment of tuition and fees may be deferred if the Office of Financial Aid has confirmation of the student's eligibility for financial aid whether from a government entity, business/industry, or other source of financial assistance.

NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS

Students who are classified as non-resident students shall normally be charged a rate of tuition twice that charged for students who are classified as resident students. Under no circumstances shall non-resident students be charged tuition or fees lower that that charged resident students.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

International students who are not residents of the United States and are in the United States pursuant to a student visa shall pay a tuition amounting to four (4) times that paid by a resident of Georgia. A presidential exception may be granted which waives the 4-times tuition rate. These students may pay in-state rates, but are not eligible for a HOPE Scholarship/Grant.

This applies to nonimmigrant aliens, those on I-20 Foreign Student VISAs, and other foreign non-immigrant personnel. Foreign immigrants who are permanent residents pay the same tuition as citizens of Georgia.

WAIVER OF STUDENT TUITION AND FEES

Residents of Georgia who are 62 years of age or older may request a waiver of tuition. This policy applies to regular and institutional credit courses only. It does not apply to continuing education courses, non-credit courses, or seminars. If tuition is waived under this policy, admission will be granted on a space-available basis. Senior citizens must meet all other admissions requirements as specified in the College catalog. Proof of age must be presented at registration to receive a tuition waiver. An individual admitted through this process is still responsible for all other fees, including application, insurance, technology, registration, activity and any additional required fees.

TUITION AND FEES

All tuition and fees are payable at registration for each quarter. Tuition and fees may be paid by cash, check, money order, or credit card and may be paid online through BannerWeb,by telephone, or in person. Checks should be made payable to Southeastern Technical College and may not be post-dated. Continuing education and specialty course fees are assessed on a cost recovery plus formula.

Tuition and fees are subject to change at the beginning of any quarter/course.

TECHNOLOGY FEE$35.00 (Not Eligible for Hope)
REGISTRATION FEE $26.00
STUDENT ACTIVITY FEE $16.00
ACCIDENT INSURANCE $4.00
TOTAL FEES:$81.00

In-State Tuition and Fees
HOURS TUITION TUITION and FEES
1 45.00 126.00
2 90.00 171.00
3 135.00 216.00
4 180.00 261.00
5 225.00 306.00
6 270.00 351.00
7 315.00 396.00
8 360.00 441.00
9 405.00 486.00
10 450.00 531.00
11 495.00 576.00
12 540.00 621.00
13 585.00 666.00
14 630.00 711.00
15 or more 675.00 756.00

In-state Tuition and Fees for Selected Technical Certificates of Credit
See specific courses below
HOURS TUITION TUITION and FEES
1 68.00 149.00
2 136.00 217.00
3 204.00 285.00
4 272.00 353.00
5 340.00 421.00
6 408.00 489.00
7 476.00 557.00
8 544.00 625.00
9 612.00 693.00
10 680.00 761.00
11 748.00 829.00
12 816.00 897.00
13 884.00 965.00
14 952.00 1,033.00
15 or more 1,020.00 1,101.00

Vidalia Campus TCCs at higher tuition rate:

Swainsboro Campus TCCs at higher tuition rate:


Fee Structure for Commercial Truck Driving
HOURS TUITION TUITION and FEES
1 292.00 373.00
2 584.00 665.00
3 846.00 957.00
4 1,168.00 1,249.00
5 1,460.00 1,541.00
6 1,752.00 1,833.00
7 2,044.00 2,125.00
8 2,336.00 2,417.00
9 2,628.00 2,709.00
10 2,920.00 3,001.00
11 3,212.00 3,293.00
12 3,504.00 3,585.00
13 3,796.00 3,877.00
14 4,088.00 4,169.00
15 4,380.00 4,461.00

Fee Structure for Nonstandard Program Courses
See specific courses below
HOURS TUITION TUITION and FEES
1 80.00 161.00
2 160.00 241.00
3 240.00 321.00
4 320.00 401.00
5 400.00 481.00
6 480.00 561.00
7 560.00 641.00
8 640.00 721.00
9 720.00 801.00
10 800.00 881.00
11 880.00 961.00
12 960.00 1,041.00
13 1,040.00 1,121.00
14 1,120.00 1,201.00
15 or more 1,200.00 1,281.00

NOTES:

See Advisor for Specific costs related to each program of study.

OTHER FEES AND EXPENSES

Application Fee

A student's first application for admission to any credit course must be accompanied by an application fee of $15.00. This fee is non-refundable. If a student desires to retest, a fee of $10 is charged.

Books, Tools, Uniforms, and Equipment

Each student is required to have books, tools, uniforms, and other equipment appropriate to the program of study; in most instances, these items will be useable in the student's employment following graduation. All required books, and many of the student's other needs, may be purchased in the Campus Shop.

Transcript Fee

A student who has discharged all financial obligations to the College is entitled to receive one transcript without charge upon written request. A charge of $5.00 will be made for each additional transcript requested.

Exemption Exam Fees

A student desiring to take an exemption exam must pay an exemption exam test fee. The fee is $20.00 for each course. This fee is non-refundable and not transferable.

Parking Decals

All students must have an STC Parking Decal. Each student receives one free decal; replacements are $5 each.

Graduation Fee

A fee of $35.00 is charged to each student who applies for graduation from a diploma or degree program and who wishes to participate in the graduation ceremony. A fee of $20.00 is charged for each student who applies for graduation from a certificate program and who wishes to participate in the ceremony. These fees defray part of the student's graduation expenses. Graduating degree, diploma and certificate students who do not wish to participate in the graduation or certificate ceremony are charged a fee of $10.00 per credential. A $10.00 fee is charged for each cover requested.

Nursing Exam Fee

Applicants for the Practical Nursing or Surgical Technology program who have met all other admissions requirements are scheduled for additional testing. The additional test is the Aptitude for Practical Nursing. Students are charged a fee of $15.00 to defray the cost of the purchasing, administration and grading of the test. There is a $25.00 re-test fee.

Health Occupations Exam Fee

Applicants for the Radiologic Technology, Medical Clinical Laboratory Technology, Pharmacy, or Surgical Technology program who have met the necessary requirements are scheduled for additional testing. The additional test is the Aptitude for Health Occupations. Students are charged a cost of $15.00 to defray the cost of purchasing, administration, and grading of the test. There is a $25.00 re-test fee.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

Cosmetology, Early Childhood Care and Education, and all Health Sciences programs students are responsible for the cost of the Hepatitis B vaccination. Although it is not required, all students are encouraged to be immunized against the Hepatitis B virus.

Background Checks and Drug Screens

Health Science program students are required to pay for a criminal background check and a drug screen prior to any clinical rotations. The amount will vary depending upon requirements of the respective programs.

Early Childhood Care and Education students must pay for a criminal background check of approximately $50 prior to any practicum/externship course.

Physical and Dental Exams

Practical Nursing; Medical Assisting; Certified Nurse Aide; HCA, Phlebotomy; Clinical Laboratory Technology; Radiologic Technology; Surgical Technology; Pharmacy Technology; Health Care Science, Phlebotomy; Dental Hugiene; and Imaging Science Services Assistant students are required to pay for physical exams. In addition, Surgical Technology and Dental Hygiene students are required to pay for a dental exam.

Student ID Badges

All students must have a Student Identification Badge. Each student receives one free badge; replacement badges are $10 each. If a student fails to attend New Student Orientation, the fee for the badge is $15.

ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All students are required to purchase accident insurance at registration. In case of an accident, the student is responsible for any expenses not paid by this accident insurance. Accident insurance provides partial (supplemental) coverage for medical expenses related to accidents (accidental injury or death) as specified below:

LIABILITY INSURANCE

All Health Sciences program students and some Human Services program students are required to obtain professional and personal liability insurance coverage in the internship, live-work, practicum, and clinical education and training areas that are a required part of these programs. (Please see the Course Information section for specific programs.)

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE FEE

Fees are charged for each continuing education course as indicated in the announcement of course offerings for each quarter. In addition, students are required, in some instances, to purchase textbooks and supplies pertaining to their courses.

AUDITING FEES

Students who audit courses must pay the regular fees for enrollment in any course(s).

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

A student who is delinquent in the payment of any financial obligation(s) may be removed from course(s) at the College and will not be allowed to register for another quarter until the delinquency is resolved. The student will not be issued quarterly grade reports, transcripts, or other student records.

PERSONAL CHECK POLICY

Personal checks will be accepted in the amount of fees, services, and/or books. Students paying by check must provide proper identification. When a bank refuses to honor such a personal check, the College will charge a service fee of $25.00 to the person who presented the check.

Students will be notified by mail of a dishonored check and given ten (10) days to satisfy the debt. If payment to the college in the form of cash, postal money order, or cashier's check is not made within ten (10) days, the College will place an "administrative hold" on the student's accounts and records. Until the "administrative hold" is cleared, the student will not be issued quarterly grade reports, transcripts, or other student records, or allowed to register, graduate or receive college services. If the dishonored check was for tuition, the college may also administratively drop or withdraw the student from class(es).

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.

Financial Aid contact information:

Swainsboro Campus

Southeastern Technical College
Office of Financial Aid
346 Kite Road
Swainsboro, GA 30401
Phone Number: (478) 289-2262
Fax Number: (478) 289-2263
Email: Financial-Aid@southeasterntech.edu

Financial Aid Staff

Mitchell J. Fagler
Executive Director of Student Affairs/Financial Aid
(478) 289-2272
mfagler@southeasterntech.edu

Rosemerry Wilson
Financial Aid Technician
(478) 289-2262
rwilson@southeastentech.edu

Vidalia Campus

Southeastern Technical College
Office of Financial Aid
3001 East First Street
Vidalia, GA 30474
Phone Number: (912) 538-3100
Fax Number: (912) 538-3156
Email: Financial-Aid@southeasterntech.edu

Financial Aid Staff

Rebecca Ethredge
Assistant Director of Financial Aid
(912) 538-3107
rethredge@southeasterntech.edu

Krysta Jones
Financial Aid Specialist
Veteran's Officer
(912) 538-3127
kjones@southeasterntech.edu

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), Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG), Georgia HOPE Scholarship/Grant, HOPE for Students who complete a GED, Federal Work Study (FWS), and Georgia LEAP (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership) Grant Program, which may be offered as one 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
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 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.

Financial Aid Application Priority Dates for 2009-2010 are:

Summer 2009May, 28, 2009
Fall 2009August 20, 2009
Winter 2010November 5, 2009
Spring 2010February 18, 2010

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.

All financial 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.

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:

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) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Instructions on how to complete the application can be found on STC's Financial Aid web site or student's may pick up a pre-application worksheet from the Office of Financial Aid.

STC's Title IV Institution 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. Students must also complete, on an annual basis, the STC Certification, Authorization, and Agreement form and return to the Office of Financial Aid.

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 HOPE Scholarship/Grant.

Students will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid approximately two 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 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 and the HOPE Scholarship/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 at www.gacollege411.org to apply for the HOPE Scholarship/Grant. Please complete this application six weeks before your anticipated start date to allow the Office of Financial Aid time to determine your eligibility.

Students will also need the complete the STC Certification, Authorization, and Agreement form. Students will receive notification from the Office of Financial Aid approximately two 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

Students may authorize STC to deduct their tuition and fees from their quarterly award. The balance of the award will be paid directly to the student on the 28th 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 around campus stating the date, time, and place students may pick up their check(s). Each student must present his/her Student ID to pick up his/her check.

FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available for students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's PELL Grant award.

Eligibility requirements are:

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 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 1st - June 30th) by completing the FAFSA or the renewal application for the New Aid Year. Pell is not available to students who are in 097 and 098 learning support classes or institutionally accepted.

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 quarter 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 quarter. These students must also receive Pell and HOPE in the same quarter.

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 $200 per quarter or $800 per year.

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 quarterly 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 $7.00 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. Checks are disbursed 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:

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 and enrolled at least half time. 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.

STATE STUDENT AID PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Georgia HOPE Scholarship
(Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)

The HOPE Scholarship is a state funded award which will pay tuition and fees required of all students (there is one exception – HOPE will not pay activity and insurance fees for students who are taking all on-line courses). HOPE will also provide a book allowance of either $50 (for 5 or less credit hours per quarter) or $100 (for 6 or more credit hours per quarter). Students who do not use all of their book allowance to buy books will receive the remaining amount in the form of a check according to the fund disbursement policy of the college. A student must be a Georgia resident and not in default on a Federal student loan or owe a refund on a Federal grant and have graduated from high school in 1993 or thereafter with a 3.0 GPA or have a 3.0 GPA after attempting 45 college credit hours. At Southeastern Tech, degree students are eligible to receive this grant. Students who have already completed a bachelor's degree are not eligible for the Georgia HOPE Scholarship.

Georgia HOPE Grant

The HOPE Grant is a state-funded award which will pay tuition and fees required of all students (there is one exception – HOPE will not pay activity and insurance fees for students who are taking all on-line courses). HOPE will also provide a book allowance of either $50 (for 5 or less credit hours per quarter) or $100 (for 6 or more credit hours per quarter). Students who do not use all of their book allowance to buy books will receive the remaining amount in the form of a check according to the fund disbursement policy of the college. 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. At Southeastern Tech, a diploma, as well as a certificate-seeking student is eligible to receive this grant.

HOPE for Students Who Complete a GED

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 quarter 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 quarter 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.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Program

The Georgia Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP) Grant Program assists Georgia students, who demonstrate substantial financial need, with grant aid toward their cost of attendance at Georgia's eligible postsecondary institutions. Georgia LEAP Grant recipients must meet all of the requirements of the Federal Pell Grant Program, in addition to requirements specific to the Georgia LEAP Grant Program.

The federal government created the LEAP program for the purpose of encouraging states to provide need-based grants to their students. To participate in the LEAP program, a state must match federal LEAP funds, offered through the United States Department of Education, with at least one state dollar for each federal dollar. The State of Georgia began participating in the LEAP program starting with the 2001-2002 Award Year (State Fiscal Year 2002). The Georgia Student Financial Commission (GSFC) administers the Georgia LEAP Grant Program.

Eligible students may receive a Georgia LEAP Grant award of up to $2,000 per Award Year, depending on the extent of their financial need. Recipients may seek either a technical certificate or diploma at an eligible Georgia public postsecondary institution, or an undergraduate college degree from an eligible Georgia public or private postsecondary institution.

The Office of Financial Aid at the College will use the SAR/ISIR to consider all eligible students for LEAP. Checks will be cut and disbursed by the Business Office during the ninth week of the quarter. Fund availability will determine the number of students eligible for LEAP.

HERO Program

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

  1. Current members of the Georgia National Guard and United States Military Reserves who were deployed overseas on active service, on or after February 1, 2003, to a location designated as a combat zone;
  2. The children of Georgia National Guard members and United States Military Reservists who were deployed overseas on active service, on or after February 1, 2003, to a location designated as a combat zone;
  3. The spouses of Georgia National Guard members or United States Military Reservists who were deployed overseas on active service, on or after February 1, 2003, to a location designated as a combat zone, and who were killed in the combat zone, or died as a result of injuries received in the combat zone, or sustained 100 percent disability in the combat zone, or became 100 percent disabled as a result of injuries received in the 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 award years. The award amount is subject to change during the award year.

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 in special cases for students.

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.

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.

PROGRAM REGULATIONS

HOPE Scholarship Eligibility

FRESHMAN (1st Tier) ELIGIBILITY

  1. Beginning with the High School Graduating Class of 2007 and beyond, students meeting the college preparatory curriculum track requirements must graduate from an Eligible High School with a minimum of a 3.00 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale, in order to meet the academic requirements as a HOPE Scholar for the HOPE Scholarship at the First-Tier. Each grade earned for attempted coursework in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Foreign Language, that could, according to Georgia Department of Education classification, be used to satisfy a core curriculum graduation requirement for the college preparatory diploma, must be equated to a grade on a 4.00 scale, such that a grade of "A" equals 4.00, "B" equals 3.00, "C" equals 2.00, "D" equals 1.00, and "F" equals 0.
  2. Beginning with the High School Graduating Class of 2007 and beyond, students meeting the career/technology curriculum track requirements must graduate from an Eligible High School with a minimum of a 3.20 cumulative grade point average on a 4.00 scale, in order to meet the academic requirements as a HOPE Scholar for the HOPE Scholarship at the First-Tier. Each grade earned for attempted coursework in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science that could, according to Georgia Department of Education classification, be used to satisfy a core curriculum graduation requirement for the career/technology diploma, must be equated to a grade on a 4.00 scale, such that a grade of "A" equals 4.00, "B" equals 3.00, "C" equals 2.00, "D" equals 1.0, and "F" equals 0.
  3. Beginning with the High School Graduating Class of 2007 and beyond, Eligible High Schools located in Georgia are required to provide the Commission with electronic academic transcripts for all graduating Senior students, at the time and in the format as prescribed by the Commission. The Commission shall use such transcript data to calculate each student's cumulative grade point average for purposes of HOPE Scholarship eligibility.
  4. When calculating such student's high school grade average for purposes of HOPE Scholar designation, and for meeting the HOPE Scholarship academic requirements at the First-Tier, the Commission will remove the weighted portion, added by the student's eligible high school, from any grade earned from Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate coursework and convert the grade to a 4.00 scale. The Commission will then add a standard weight of .50 to such grade, up to the maximum of a 4.00 grade, if the corresponding course was attempted during the 2006-2007 school year or after. The Commission will then add a standard weight of 1.00 to such grade, up to the maximum of a 4.00 grade, if the corresponding course was attempted prior to the 2006-2007 school year. Grades for Honors courses or other special courses will not be weighted. The Commission will remove the 2008-2009 HOPE Scholarship Program at Public Institutions Page 24 of 53 weighted portion, added by the student's Eligible High School from any grade earned from Honors courses or other special courses.
  5. All of the academic requirements for designation as a HOPE Scholar and for meeting academic requirements for the HOPE Scholarship at the First-Tier, as provided by Section 105.1.of these regulations, also apply to any student previously designated as a HOPE Scholar from a High School Graduating Classes prior to the Class of 2007, if such student did not Enroll for the first time as a college Freshman at an Eligible Postsecondary Institution before May 1, 2007. The commission must calculate the high school grade average for purpose of the HOPE Scholarship for such students.
  6. A First-Tier recipient may receive HOPE Scholarship payment through the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours, unless such student first reaches an End-of-Spring Checkpoint or Three-Term Checkpoint with less than a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average.
  7. A First-Tier recipient Enrolled for 12 or more hours during at least one of his or her first three school terms must have a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.00 at the end of Spring term (End-of-Spring Checkpoint), in order to continue eligibility beyond Spring term.
  8. A First-Tier recipient Enrolled for less than 12 hours for each of his or her first three school terms must have a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.00 at the end of his or her third term (Three-Term Checkpoint), in order to continue eligibility beyond the third term.
  9. A First-Tier recipient who was Enrolled in less than 12 hours per term during his or her first two terms, but for 12 or more hours during his or her third term and the third term is after the End-of-Spring Checkpoint, is eligible to continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship at the First-Tier until such student has accumulated 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint), or reaches the next End-of-Spring Checkpoint, whichever occurs first.
  10. A Home Study student, who completed his or her Home Study program requirements in 1997 or later and a student who graduated from an in-state or out-of-state ineligible high school in 1997 or later, may retroactively receive HOPE Scholarship payment for the First-Tier if such student earns a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average after having accumulated 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours of college credit and meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements, including the End-of-Spring and Three-Term Checkpoints. In order for such student to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship at the First-Tier, the student must have met Georgia Residency requirements at the time he or she completed the Home Study requirements or graduated from an in-state or out-of-state ineligible high school. A student who graduated from an in-state or out-of-state Eligible High School is ineligible for a retroactive HOPE Scholarship payment.
  11. A student who earned a score in the eighty-fifth percentile or higher on a standardized college admission test, such as the SAT or ACT, meets the academic requirements of the First-Tier, if such student:
    1. Completed a Home Study program, in lieu of graduating from an Eligible High School or ineligible high school; or
    2. Graduated from an ineligible high school; or
    3. Did not graduate from an Eligible High School or an ineligible high school, or did not complete a Home Study program, but rather, received a General Educational Development (GED) diploma that was awarded by the Technical College System of Georgia after June 30, 1993.

SOPHOMORE (2nd Tier) ELIGIBILITY

  1. A student must have accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours, but not more than 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours, and have earned a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint), in order to be eligible for HOPE Scholarship payment for the Second-Tier.
  2. Eligibility at the First-Tier is not a requirement or prerequisite for eligibility at the Second-Tier. A student who was not previously eligible for the HOPE Scholarship may enter the HOPE Scholarship Program at the Second-Tier Checkpoint, if he or she meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  3. A student who lost his or her HOPE Scholarship eligibility as a First-Tier recipient for failure to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the End-of-Spring Checkpoint or at his or her Three-Term Checkpoint and who has not yet reached the Second-Tier Checkpoint, can regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility for the Second-Tier if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is a 3.00 at the end of the school term he or she has accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint), and such student meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  4. A student is eligible to continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship at the Second-Tier through the school term he or she has accumulated 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint), unless such student first reaches an End-of-Spring Checkpoint with less than a 3.00.
  5. A student who earned a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint) can gain HOPE Scholarship eligibility, at any time, during the Second-Tier, even though he or she did not meet one or more of the other eligibility requirements at that time he or she reached the Second-Tier Checkpoint. Such student must meet all of the eligibility requirements in order that he or she may receive HOPE payment for a specific school term.

JUNIOR (3rd Tier) ELIGIBILITY

  1. A student must have accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours, but not more than 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours, and have earned a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint), in order to be eligible for HOPE Scholarship payment for the Third-Tier.
  2. Eligibility at the First-Tier and/or Second-Tier is not a requirement or prerequisite for eligibility at the Third-Tier. A student who was not previously eligible for the HOPE Scholarship may enter the HOPE Scholarship Program at the Third-Tier Checkpoint, if he or she meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  3. A student who lost his or her HOPE Scholarship eligibility as a First-Tier recipient, for failure to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the end of the school term he or she accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint), or at the End-of-Spring Checkpoint, or at his or her Three-Term Checkpoint can regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility for the Third-Tier if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 at the end of the term he or she accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint), and such student meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  4. A student who lost his or her HOPE Scholarship eligibility as a Second-Tier recipient, for failure to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the End-of-Spring checkpoint and who has not yet reached the Third-Tier Checkpoint, can regain HOPE scholarship eligibility for the Third-Tier if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 at the end of the term he or she accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint), and such student meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  5. A student is eligible to continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship at the Third-Tier through the school term he or she has accumulated 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint), unless such student first reaches an End-of-Spring Checkpoint with less than a 3.00.
  6. A student who earned a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint) can gain HOPE Scholarship eligibility, at any time, during the Third-Tier, even though he or she did not meet one or more of the other eligibility requirements at that time he or she reached the Third-Tier Checkpoint. Such student must meet all of the eligibility requirements in order that he or she may receive HOPE payment for a specific school term.

SENIOR (4th Tier) ELIGIBILITY

  1. A student must have accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours, but not more than 127 semester or 190 quarter Attempted-Hours, and have earned a postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint), in order to be eligible for HOPE Scholarship payment at the Fourth-Tier.
  2. Eligibility at the First-Tier, Second-Tier, and/or Third-Tier is not a requirement or prerequisite for eligibility at the Fourth-Tier. A student who was not previously eligible for the HOPE Scholarship may enter the HOPE Scholarship Program at the Fourth-Tier Checkpoint, if he or she meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  3. A student who lost his or her HOPE Scholarship eligibility as a First-Tier recipient, for failure to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the end of the school term he or she accumulated at least 30 semester or 45 quarter Attempted-Hours (Second-Tier Checkpoint), or at the End-of-Spring Checkpoint, or at his or her Three-Term Checkpoint can regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility for the Fourth-Tier if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 at the end of the term he or she accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint), and such student meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  4. A student who lost his or her HOPE Scholarship eligibility as a Second-Tier recipient, for failure to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the end of the school term he or she accumulated at least 60 semester or 90 quarter Attempted-Hours (Third-Tier Checkpoint) or at the End-of-Spring Checkpoint, can regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility for the Fourth-Tier if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 at the end of the term he or she accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint), and such student meets all other HOPE Scholarship requirements.
  5. A HOPE Scholarship recipient at the Third-Tier, who failed to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at an End-of-Spring Checkpoint and who has not yet reached the Fourth-Tier Checkpoint, can regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility if his or her Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.00 at the end of the term he or she accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint).
  6. A HOPE Scholarship recipient at the Third-Tier, who failed to earn a 3.00 Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average at the end of the school term he or she accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint), cannot regain HOPE Scholarship eligibility.
  7. A student who earned a Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average of at least a 3.00 at the end of the school term in which he or she has accumulated at least 90 semester or 135 quarter Attempted-Hours (Fourth-Tier Checkpoint) can gain HOPE Scholarship eligibility, at any time, during the Fourth-Tier, even though he or she did not meet one or more of the other eligibility requirements at that time he or she reached the Fourth-Tier Checkpoint. Such student must meet all of the eligibility requirements in order that he or she may receive HOPE payment for a specific school term.
  8. A student is eligible to continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship at the Fourth-Tier through the school term he or she has accumulated 127 semester or 190 quarter Attempted-Hours, unless such student first reaches an End-of-Spring Checkpoint with less than a 3.00.
  9. A student is ineligible to continue receiving the HOPE Scholarship once he or she has accumulated 127 semester or 190 quarter Attempted-Hours, or has accumulated 127 semester or 190 quarter of Combined-Paid Hours, or has earned a Baccalaureate Degree, whichever of these limits occur first, except as provided for in Section 105.5.

HOPE Scholarship
End-of-Spring & Three-Term Checkpoint

Students who are eligible to receive HOPE as entering freshmen may receive payment through the term that they have attempted (not earned) at least 30 semester or 45 quarter hours. However, all HOPE Scholarship recipients must have a grade point average of at least a 3.0 at the end of every Spring term in order to continue their eligibility, except for freshmen enrolled for less than 12 credit hours for each of their first three school terms. Freshmen recipients who enroll for less than 12 credit hours for each of their first three school terms must have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 at the end of their third term in order to continue their eligibility.

All attempted hours and corresponding grades as shown on official transcripts are counted toward the HOPE cumulative grade point average, including remedial study. Additionally, withdrawals are counted as attempted hours even if there is no academic penalty. Any college degree credit hours attempted or earned before high school graduation and hours exempted by examination do not count as hours attempted and are not included when calculating the HOPE cumulative grade point average.

Hope Scholarship
Attempted-Hours Limitation

A student is ineligible to receive HOPE Scholarship payment once he or she reaches the Attempted-Hours limit of 190 quarter or 127 semester hours. However, students Enrolled in specific undergraduate Degree programs of study designed to require more than 190 quarter or 127 semester hours of coursework for graduation and First Professional Degree Programs are eligible for HOPE Scholarship payment for a maximum of 225 quarter or 150 semester hours of Attempted-Hours, or the number of hours for which the program of study is designed for graduation, whichever is less.

"Attempted-Hours" means the college Degree quarter or semester hours that are used to determine when the Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average must be checked for HOPE Scholarship eligibility, and to determine when a student has reached his or her maximum hours of eligibility for the HOPE Scholarship Program. If a student meets the academic requirements to be a HOPE Scholar, and is therefore eligible to enter the HOPE Scholarship Program at the First-Tier, then any college Degree level credit hours attempted by such student prior to high school graduation, or equivalent, are not considered to be Attempted-Hours for purposes of the HOPE Scholarship Program. If a student does not meet the academic requirements to be a HOPE Scholar, and is therefore ineligible for the HOPE Scholarship Program at the First-Tier, then any college Degree credit hours attempted by such student prior to high school graduation, or equivalent, which is accepted by the student’s Eligible Postsecondary Institution as college Degree credit, must be considered as Attempted-Hours for purposes of the HOPE Scholarship Program. For a student who did not earn a high school diploma, or equivalent, and is otherwise eligible to enter the HOPE Scholarship at the Second-Tier or higher, Degree level credit hours are counted as Attempted-Hours at the point the student stopped pursuing a high school diploma.

Credit hours are considered Attempted-Hours regardless of whether or not the course was completed, the hours were earned, or a letter grade was recorded on the student’s official academic transcript. Credit hours are considered Attempted-Hours regardless of whether or not the student receives payment for those hours from the HOPE Program. Credit hours attempted as part of a technical Certificate or Diploma program of study are only counted as Attempted-Hours if a postsecondary institution ever accepted those hours as credit hours toward a college Degree. Courses that appear on a student’s transcript with no credit hours will be assigned 3 semester or 5 quarter credit hours for the purpose of determining a student’s Attempted-Hours, unless the Eligible Postsecondary Institution’s official college catalog lists the course as a zero-credit course. Credit hours earned by examination are not counted as Attempted-Hours. Continuing Education or Audit coursework is not considered Attempted-Hours.

Students transferring from Certificate or Diploma programs into Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) Degree programs receive a "block" of credit hours for coursework taken in the Certificate or Diploma program, rather than on a course-by-course basis. In order to determine the number of Attempted-Hours, the value of the "block" of credit hours is dependent upon the number of hours the student is required to complete in order to receive an AAS or BAS degree. The Postsecondary Cumulative Grade Point Average is based on the cumulative grade point average for the full "block" of credit hours. Credit hours earned as a result of military training or experience are not counted as Attempted-Hours, unless such hours were granted or accepted as Degree credit by any postsecondary institution that is separate and independent of the military.

Hope Scholarship Combined Paid-Hours Limitation

A student is ineligible to receive HOPE Scholarship payment once he or she reaches the Combined Paid-Hours limit of 190 quarter or 127 semester hours from any combination of HOPE Scholarship Paid-Hours, plus HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, plus Accel Program Paid-Hours. However, students Enrolled in specific Undergraduate Degree programs of study designed to require more than 190 quarter or 127 semester hours of coursework for graduation and First Professional Degree Programs are eligible for HOPE Scholarship payment for a maximum of 225 quarter or 150 semester hours of Combined Paid-Hours, or the number of hours for which the program of study is designed for graduation, whichever is less.

Hope Grant
Paid-Hours Limit

A student may receive HOPE Grant payment for all course work required by an Eligible Postsecondary Institution for a program of study leading to a technical Certificate or Diploma, including Learning Support course work. However, recipients are limited by the number of credit hours for which they can receive HOPE Grant payment, referred to in these regulations as the HOPE Grant Paid-Hours limit.

The HOPE Grant Paid-Hours limit is 95 quarter or 63 semester hours of HOPE Grant payment for technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours that meet the definition of Paid-Hours, except for students Enrolled in specific technical Certificate or Diploma programs of study designed to require more than 95 quarter or 63 semester hours of course work. Such students are eligible for HOPE Grant payment for the number of hours required by the program of study, up to a maximum of 130 quarter or 86 semester HOPE Grant Paid-Hours.

Technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours attempted prior to Summer term of 2003 are not counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, regardless of HOPE Grant payment.

Technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours attempted beginning with the Summer term of 2003, for which the student received HOPE Grant payment, must be counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, unless the student was a high school Joint Enrollment or Dual Credit Enrollment student during such term.

Technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours for which a student received HOPE Grant payment for Summer term 2003, Fall term 2003, Winter term 2004, Spring term 2004, or Summer term 2004 are not counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, if the student was also Enrolled in high school as a Joint Enrollment or Dual Credit Enrollment student for such term.

Technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours for which a Joint Enrollment or Dual Credit Enrollment high school student received HOPE Grant payment for Fall term of 2004, through the Spring term of 2008, must be counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours.

Technical Certificate or Diploma credit hours for which a Dual Credit Enrollment high school student received HOPE Grant payment for Summer term of 2008, and all terms following Summer term of 2008, are not counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours. However, such credit hours for which a student received HOPE Grant payment prior to his or her high school graduation must be counted as HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, if the student was participating in Joint Enrollment, rather than Dual Credit Enrollment.

HOPE Combined Paid Hours Limit

In addition to the HOPE Grant Paid-Hours limit, a student is ineligible to receive HOPE Grant payment once he or she reaches the Combined Paid-Hours limit of 190 quarter or 127 semester hours from any combination of HOPE Scholarship Paid-Hours, plus HOPE Grant Paid-Hours, plus Accel Program Paid-Hours.

ACCEL Program

The Accel Program is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education and administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. It is designed to pro-vide participating high school students with financial assistance toward the cost of postsecondary course-work. In order to be eligible for Accel funds, a student must be enrolled for college degree-level courses, rather than postsecondary coursework toward technical certificate or diploma programs of study. If they meet all other requirements, high school students who are simultaneously seeking a technical certificate or diploma from an eligible Georgia public postsecondary institution are eligible to participate in the Georgia HOPE Grant Program.

Careful consideration should be taken before a decision is made to participate in the Accel Program. The high school student, his or her parents, the high school counselor and principal, and officials of the postsecondary institution should be confident that it is in the best interest of the student to participate in Accel. It is critical that students understand that the credit hours for which they receive payment from the Accel Program will be included in the maximum total number of credit hours of payment they can receive from the HOPE Scholarship Program, after they graduate from high school. The following factors should be assessed before a student enters into the Accel Program.

Participation Guidelines and Considerations:

Again, 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 postsecondary institution the student plans to attend.

HOPE Distance Learning Students

Distance Learning students are eligible to receive HOPE payment from each institution to cover the tuition charged by the institution, HOPE approved-mandatory fees for Distance Learning students, and the HOPE book allowance. The only HOPE-approved mandatory fee for Distance Learning students attending TCSG institutions is the Registration Fee.

Eligible non-citizens

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


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 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 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) calendar days (including holidays) of each quarter will receive 100% of tuition charges refunded for each course dropped. Students who withdraw/drop after third (3rd) consecutive calendar days (including holidays), following the first day of class, will receive no refund of tuition and fees.

Federal Refund Policy

Students receiving assistance from Title IV programs (Federal PELL Grant or FSEOG) will be awarded aid depending upon the amount of aid earned. If the student completed more than 60% of the term, he or she will have earned 100% of the aid for that period. If the student completed 60% or less of the term, the percentage of the period completed is equal to the percentage of aid earned.

The percentage completed will be calculated by counting the number of days completed up to the point of withdrawal divided by the total number of days in the term. This percentage will be applied to Title IV funds for which the student established eligibility prior to the withdrawal date.

The Title IV aid earned is first used to pay the tuition, fees, and bookstore charges the student has deferred to their Title IV aid account. If any funds remain after deducting these charges, the student will receive the balance due in the form of a refund check prior to the end of the quarter. If the amount of Title IV aid earned is insufficient to cover these charges, the student is liable for these charges that must be paid before being allowed to enroll in another quarter of study at Southeastern Technical College. Examples are available in the Office of Financial Aid.

Refund of Books and Supplies

Students will receive a full refund if:

No refunds will be made for:

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

OVER-AWARDS

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

Any information, which 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.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS

Educational institutions are required to limit financial aid to those students who, according to institutional standards, are in good standing and are making satisfactory academic progress toward their program of study. In accordance with this federal policy, the Office of Student Services and the Financial Aid Office at Southeastern Technical College have developed the following standards of satisfactory academic progress that a student must achieve in order to maintain federal and/or state financial aid eligibility:

For purposes of determining financial aid eligibility, transfer students will be considered to be maintaining satisfactory academic progress during their first quarter of enrollment. After the first quarter, the student will be fully responsible for meeting all Southeastern Technical College satisfactory academic progress requirements.

To maintain eligibility for receipt of financial aid at Southeastern Technical College, students must complete at least 67 percent of the credit hours attempted each quarter and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Students who fail to meet the required minimum hours or cumulative GPA at the end of any quarter will be placed on financial aid probation during the following quarter of enrollment and may receive financial aid for the quarter they are on probation.

Students who fail to bring their cumulative GPA up to the required 2.0 and/or complete the required 67 percent during the probationary quarter will have their financial aid suspended. Students may have their financial aid reinstated after they complete an additional quarter at their own expense AND meet satisfactory academic progress requirements during that quarter.

Courses in which the student receives grades of F, F*, IP, W, WP and WF are not considered completed hours but are counted as coursework attempted. If a course is repeated, all hours attempted will be counted for purposes of the two-thirds requirement (67 percent) and maximum time frame. If aid has been terminated because of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, the student must pay all educational expenses until he or she is eligible for reinstatement.

Students accepted as Learning Support Admits are not eligible for PELL Grant or Federal Work-study. Grades assigned for Learning Support classes do not count in the calculation of GPA but do count in hours attempted.

Students must complete their educational objective within a maximum time frame of 150 percent of the published length of the program in which they are enrolled. This means that students will no longer be eligible to receive federal financial aid once they have attempted one-and-one-half times the minimum number of credit hours required for graduation in the program in which they are enrolled. Satisfactory academic progress determinations will be made quarterly, prior to the disbursement of quarterly awards.

Appeals Process

Students have the right to appeal a finding that they are not making satisfactory progress if they feel that there are extenuating circumstances, which have prevented them from meeting the specified requirements. Students will need to complete an Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension form. The appeals must specifically address the extenuating circumstances, include supporting documentation, and must be filed with the Office of Financial Aid. An appeal form may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid or the financial aid section of the STC Web site.

All satisfactory academic progress appeals will be reviewed. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student of the decision made regarding the appeal. All decisions made are final.

COMMERCIAL TRUCK DRIVING PROGRAM

Because of the high cost of the Commercial Truck Driving program, the HOPE Grant will only pay the full cost of the program once. If a student does not complete the program and wishes to retake it, the HOPE Grant will only cover 50% of the cost during the second term attended in the program.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS (HOPE)

HOPE will cover all required course work as outlined in the standards for certificate, diploma and degree programs, including learning support courses. The existing instructional requirements of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Title IV programs will be applied for the following:

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.