Types of Financial Aid

 

Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Friday: Closed
Hours vary during holidays and breaks


 

Vidalia Campus
3001 E. First Street
Vidalia, GA 30474
(912) 538-3100
Fax: (912) 538-3156

Rebecca H. Ethredge
Director of Financial Aid
(912) 538-3107

 

Swainsboro Campus
346 Kite Road
Swainsboro, GA 30401
(478) 289-2200
Fax: (478) 289-2263

Rosemerry Wilson
Financial Aid Technician
(478) 289-2268

 

Federal Programs


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 (prior to Fall Term of each year) by completing the renewal application or the FAFSA for the new year.

**Please make sure that you wait until the IRS accepts your tax return and those of your parents for Dependent students prior to completing the FAFSA and that you use the IRS Transfer Tool to populate the tax information on your FAFSA. If you do not use the transfer tool, you will be selected for Verification and will have to acquire tax transcripts from the IRS. We will not be able to accept a copy of your tax return.

Federal Work-Study

This is a needs-based federal grant to help students fund educational expenses by providing work sites on campus. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a valid EFC (expected family contribution) issued by the Department of Education before being considered for this grant. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six hours). The Federal Work Study grant is not available to students who are in developmental studies classes and institutional accepted (IA00).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are based on financial need. Students must be undergraduates enrolled in an eligible program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate at an eligible college. Students must be enrolled at least one term to receive FSEOG. Students must meet citizenship requirements as required for all Title IV Programs, as well as all other eligibility listed in the Federal Student Financial Aid Handbook. Priority for supplemental grants will be given to students with the lowest EFC, the greatest need, and the highest cumulative grade point average.

The Office of Financial Aid will use the SAR/ISIR to consider all eligible students for FSEOG. Checks will be cut and disbursed by the Business Office to eligible students.

Maximum FSEOG Award - The maximum FSEOG a student may receive per academic year at the College will depend on the availability of funds, but will not exceed $400 per semester for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters or $1,200 per year.

More information is available at studentaid.ed.gov


State Programs

Zell Miller Grant

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

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

Zell Miller Scholarship

A student who graduated high school with a 3.7 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and with an SAT score of 1200 or an ACT score of 26, on a single administered test, is eligible for the Zell Miller Scholarship. The Valedictorian or Salutatorian from a high school graduating class is considered automatically eligible, regardless of GPA/SAT/ACT. Starting Fall semester 2011, current students will have to meet the GPA/SAT/ACT requirement from high school and have a least a 3.3 GPA at the 30, 60, or 90 semester hour check point of their college coursework.

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

HOPE Grant

This is a state grant funded by the Georgia lottery. The HOPE Grant covers a portion of tuition for students seeking diplomas and certificates. For technical colleges, there are high school graduation requirements. Recipients must be residents of Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months and not be in default of a student loan.

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

HOPE Career Grant (formerly SIWDG)

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

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

Program of Study Enrolled Hours Award Amount
Commercial Truck Driving 9 or more $1,000.00
All other SIWDG Programs 9 or more $500.00
All other SIWDG Programs 3 to 8 hours $250.00
All other SIWDG Programs 1 to 2 hours $125.00

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

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

The following programs are eligible for the HOPE Career Grant:

  • Administrative Support Specialist
  • Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Certificate
  • Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
  • Air Conditioning Technology Diploma
  • Air Conditioning Technician Assistant Certificate
  • Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist Certificate
  • Automotive Climate Control Technician Certificate
  • Automotive Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician Certificate
  • Automotive Engine Performance Technician Certificate
  • Automotive Engine Repair Technician Certificate
  • Automotive Technology Diploma (Effective Spring 2018)
  • Automotive Transmission/Transaxle Tech Specialist Certificate
  • Basic CNC Technician Certificate
  • Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
  • Business Healthcare Technology Diploma
  • Business Technology Diploma (Effective Summer 2021)
  • Cisco Network Specialist Certificate
  • Commercial Truck Driving Certificate
  • Commercial Wiring Certificate
  • CompTIA A+ Certified Preparation Certificate
  • Criminal Justice Technology Diploma (Effective Fall 2022)
  • Cybersecurity Diploma
  • Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Diesel Electrical/Electronic System Technician Certificate
  • Diesel Engine Service Technician Certificate
  • Diesel Equipment Technology Diploma
  • Diesel Truck Maintenance Technician Certificate
  • Early Childhood Care & Education Basics Certificate
  • Early Childhood Care & Education Diploma
  • Early Childhood Program Administration Certificate
  • Electrical Contracting Technician Certificate
  • Electrical Construction Technology Diploma
  • Electrical Systems Assistant Certificate
  • Electronics Fundamentals Diploma
  • Electronics Technology Diploma
  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate
  • EMS Professions Diploma
  • Flux Cored Arc Welding Certificate
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding Certificate
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Certificate
  • Healthcare Billing & Reimbursement Assistant Certificate
  • Healthcare Office Assistant Certificate
  • Healthcare Office Assistant Certificate: Health Care Technician
  • Healthcare Office Assistant Certificate: Phlebotomy
  • Health Care Professional Certificate
  • Help Desk Specialist Certificate
  • Industrial Electrical Technology Diploma
  • Information Technology Professional Diploma
  • Mammography Certificate
  • Medical Administrative Technician Certificate
  • Medical Assisting Diploma
  • Microsoft Network Administrator Certificate
  • Nurse Aide Certificate
  • Paramedicine Diploma
  • Practical Nursing Diploma
  • Pre-Hospital EMS Operations Certificate
  • Residential Wiring Technician Certificate
  • Welding & Joining Technology Diploma

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

HOPE Scholarship

This scholarship is funded by the Georgia lottery. The HOPE Scholarship covers a portion of tuition for students seeking a degree at a technical college or university. Effective Fall semester 2011, the HOPE Scholarship does not cover fees or provide a book allowance. The student must be a 1993 or later high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA in a college preparatory track or a 3.2 GPA in a technical curriculum track to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. A nontraditional student may qualify for the HOPE scholarship after completing 30 semester hours in the diploma program and maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Grade point averages are recalculated at 30, 60, and 90 semester hours at which time the student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain the HOPE Scholarship. The student must be Georgia resident and not be in default of a student loan. Also effective Fall semester 2011, students who graduated from high school over seven years ago will not be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship unless they were previously awarded as of June 30, 2011.

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

HOPE GED Voucher

Students who earn a GED on or after July 1, 1993, receive a $500 voucher that can be applied toward the cost of education. Student must be eligible for the HOPE grant to redeem the voucher.

More information is available at www.gafutures.org.

Veteran Programs

Southeastern Technical College is approved for veteran’s training under various programs. These programs are briefly described in the following paragraph. Check with the Financial Aid Office prior to enrolling in a course to assure that a particular course meets current approval for VA benefits. Students must apply through the VA to determine eligibility and must turn in a Certificate of Eligibility or a copy of the veterans DD214 to be certified.

  • Chapter 30: Active duty educational assistance for veterans with service prior to September 11, 2001
  • Chapter 32: Vietnam-era veterans educational assistance (VEAP)
  • Chapter 33: Active duty educational assistance for veterans with service after September 11, 2001
  • Chapter 35: Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance (children/spouse of veteran with service-connected permanent and/or total disability or fatal injury)
  • Chapter 1606: Selective reserve educational assistance
  • Chapter 1607: Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)
  • VRAP: Veterans Retraining Assistance Program

More information is available at www.gibill.va.gov.

Apply online at www.gibill.va.gov.

Private Student Loans

Southeastern Technical College does not participate in the Federal Stafford Student Loan program or the Federal Parent PLUS Loan program. Loans should be used as a last resort to pay for education. Students needing loans to finance their education must consider private loan options. Private student loans are different from federal student loans in that they are not guaranteed by the federal government, require a credit check, and often require a co-signer. Terms and conditions vary significantly by lender. Carefully consider your needs, and then select a loan product that best meets your individual situation.

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

Foundation Scholarships

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC and is established to honor the Southeastern Technical College President. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher and be enrolled full time. The student should exhibit outstanding leadership qualities. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is awarded each October 6th on the Day of Grace (see www.dayorgrace.org for more info). It is available to a student enrolled in the Nurse Aide, Practical Nursing, or Associate Degree of Nursing program. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Spring and Summer Semesters after attendance is established. This scholarship established by Community Hospice and the parents of Grace E. Smith, is made possible through donations by family and friends in memory of Grace, the daughter of Eric and Laura Smith. This scholarship is only open to students who are in a health related field and have a desire to pursue a career in hospice. Scholarship recipient must agree to put in at least 10 hours of volunteer service at a local hospice (outside of clinical hours) during each semester they receive the scholarship (Spring and Summer 2020).

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a Criminal Justice diploma or degree program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established. This scholarship is made possible by donations given in memory of Grady Toney, a former Criminal Justice Instructor at Swainsboro Technical College.

This scholarship is named in honor of William J. Peterson, Jr., from Treutlen County. The Foundation has chosen to award this scholarship in honor of Mr. Peterson and his 17+ years of service as a Trustee on the STC Foundation. Mr. Peterson was instrumental in starting the Swainsboro Technical College Foundation in 1997. He continued to serve on the Foundation through the merger with Southeastern Technical College and actively participated until 2014. This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC and meets the TCSG non-traditional criteria (The student is enrolled in a program for which the field of work is comprised by less than 25 percent of his/her gender). The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled in the Early Childhood Care & Education Program at either campus of STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

The Gene Haas Foundation was established by Gene Haas, founder and owner of Haas Automation, Inc., to support the needs of the local community, through grants to local charities. Seeing a growing need for skilled manufacturing employees industry wide, The Gene Haas Foundation expanded its mission to include support for manufacturing training programs throughout North America and beyond. By providing scholarship grants, sponsoring individual and team CNC competitions, and partnering with the very best CNC training programs in the world, the Foundation helps expand the availability of high-quality manufacturing technology training worldwide. These scholarships are available to any student enrolled in the Machine Tool Technology program at STC.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC in the any of the medical fields including Nursing, EMS, Medical Assisting, Radiologic Technology, Clinical Laboratory Technology, Dental Hygiene, and/or Paramedicine. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. Five (5) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. Five (5) $1,000 scholarships will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC on the Swainsboro Campus. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC on the Vidalia Campus. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a certificate program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full time. One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $250 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a certificate program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to the Vidalia Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year recipient. The student must be enrolled and attending Southeastern Technical College. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and be enrolled full time. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship is awarded to one Dental Hygiene Student per year for tuition and supplies. The Dental Hygiene program director makes the determination of the recipient.

This scholarship is awarded to one student enrolled or accepted in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and must be enrolled full time. One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $250 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established. This scholarship is made possible by donations given in memory of Jimmy Lee Edwards, Jr., a lifelong Toombs County resident and 1997 graduate of Toombs County High School. The scholarship was established by Jimmy’s family and by Chicken of the Sea, where he was an employee for over eight years.

This scholarship is awarded to one student enrolled or accepted in an Automotive or Diesel Mechanics Certificate or Diploma program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and may be enrolled as a full or part time student. One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $250 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established. This scholarship is made possible by donations given in memory of Bobby Lee McMillan, Sr., a former Automotive Technology Instructor at Swainsboro Technical College.

This scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Samuel Holton, STC Instructor who taught from 2004 until his death in 2021. Over the course of his STC career, Dr. Holton taught developmental English and Reading, English for Dual Enrollment and diploma programs, and Public Speaking. He also served as the Advisor for STC’s chapter of the National Technical Honor Society. This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and may be enrolled full or part time. Students from Treutlen County will be preferred. One (1) scholarship will be awarded each year in the amount of $1,000 for full-time students or $500 for part-time students. It will be paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 (FT) or $250 (PT) for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship was established by the Vidalia Presbyterian Church to honor Julia P. Musgrove and the faithful and loving leadership that she gave its youth from 1990-1995. It is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and may be enrolled full or part time. One (1) scholarship in the amount of $250 will be awarded in one (1) installment for Summer semester after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma, degree, or certificate program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and can be enrolled full or part time. Multiple $250 scholarships will be awarded and paid in one (1) installment for Summer semester after attendance is established.

This scholarship is available to any student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher and must be enrolled part time. Multiple $500 scholarships will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $250 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

This scholarship will be awarded based on an applicant’s character, goals, financial need, and availability of funds. To receive a scholarship, students must: 1) possess a high school diploma or high school equivalency; 2) be enrolled in an industrial program of study full-time or part-time in a certificate, diploma, or degree program at Southeastern Technical College for the length of the scholarship; 3) have completed 50% or more of the program of study, and: 4) commit to work as an apprentice or an intern at Giro Pack Inc.

 

Endowed Scholarships (Not Awarded Annually)

The Temples Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any traditional-age student enrolled or accepted in a diploma or degree program at STC in need of financial assistance. The student must be a married or single parent. First preference will be given to married students 26 years of age or younger. Second preference will be given to single parents 26 years of age or younger. This is an endowed scholarship donated by Dent and Marsha Temples and is not distributed on an annual basis.

The Shot and Jean Strange Scholarship
This scholarship is available to residents of Emanuel or Toombs County, who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and are enrolled full time. This is an endowed scholarship donated by Larson “Shot” Strange and is not distributed on an annual basis.

Available to Area High School Students

Matthew Anders Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior from Swainsboro High School enrolled or accepted in a degree or diploma program at STC. The student should reflect interest in sports endeavors at Swainsboro High School along with involvement in extracurricular school activities, have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better, and be enrolled full time. This scholarship was established by Harvey and Martha Anders in memory of their son. One (1) $250 scholarship will be awarded and paid Fall semester after attendance is established. Recognition of this award will be made at the Swainsboro High School annual academic honors ceremony.

Louie and Betty Calhoun Scholarship
This scholarship is available to any graduating high school senior from Montgomery County High School enrolled or accepted in a degree or diploma program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and be enrolled full time. The student should exhibit outstanding moral character and a determination to succeed in life. This scholarship is made possible through donations in memory of Betty and Louie Calhoun who both worked tirelessly to contribute to the success of Montgomery County High School students. Mr. & Mrs. Calhoun are also the parents of STC President, Larry Calhoun. One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded and paid in equal installments of $250 Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established. Recognition of this award will be made at the annual Montgomery County High School academic honors ceremony.

Scott Meehan Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to a graduating Robert Toombs Christian Academy, Toombs County High School, Vidalia Heritage Academy, or Vidalia High School senior enrolled or accepted in a degree or diploma program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better and be enrolled full time. This scholarship is made possible through donations in memory of Scott Meehan, a former student of Southeastern Technical College and the son of the former STC President Emeritus, Dr. Cathryn Mitchell. One (1) $1,000 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $500 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.

Jack Hill Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to a graduating Tattnall County High School senior enrolled or accepted in a degree or diploma program at STC. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or better and be enrolled full time. This scholarship was established in 2021 by the Reidsville Rotary Club to honor Jack Hill, a Georgia State Senator from Georgia’s 4th District, who died on April 6, 2020. At the time of his death, Senator Hill was serving his 15th two-year term and was considered the longest-serving Georgia State Senator. Senator Hill was a life-long resident of Tattnall County and a strong supporter of higher education and Southeastern Technical College. One (1) $500 scholarship will be awarded and paid in two (2) equal installments of $250 for the Fall and Spring semesters after attendance is established.