Student Catalog - Wiregrass Georgia Technical College

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College believes thatthe primary purpose of student financial aid is to provideassistance to students who, without such assistance, wouldbe unable to attend college. The main responsibility foreducational financing is the obligation of the student and his/her family.In most cases financial aid is awarded to eligiblestudents on the basis of financial need. Exceptions arescholarships, which have been provided by donors for thepurpose of recognizing academic promise or achievement,and the Georgia HOPE Scholarship and Grant. Students maybe eligible for more than one type of financial aid. SpecialAdmit students are ineligible for any federal or state financialaid. The college does not participate in any education loanprograms.Students may apply online for the federal Pell Grant andGeorgia’s HOPE Program at http://fafsa.gov or for HOPE athttp://www.gacollege411.org. Applications, computers, andassistance are available in the Financial Aid Office.FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEThe determination of financial need is provided toWiregrass Georgia Technical College electronically throughthe use of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). Financial aid is available in the form of federaland state grants, scholarships, federal work-study, andprivate sources. Information can be obtained online at http://federalstudentaid.ed.gov and www.gacollege411.org.All students applying for financial aid should completethe FAFSA. A FAFSA booklet can be requested by calling1-800-433-3243 or 1-319-433-3243. The completedapplication must be mailed in the envelope provided. TheFAFSA can also be filed electronically at www.fafsa.gov(which is the fastest and preferred method); or lastly throughFAFSA on the Phone by calling 1-800-433-3243 to speakwith a Federal Student Aid Information Center (FSAIC)customer service representative. The information reportedmust be accurate and is subject to verification. High schoolstudents and students possessing a bachelor’s degree (orhigher) should apply for financial aid by completing theGSFAPPS.Application for aid must be completed each academicyear. The academic year begins on July 1 and ends on June30. All applications for the current year must be completedand processed by the end of Spring Quarter of that year.Students wishing only to participate in Georgia’s HOPEprogram may apply online at http://www.gacollege411.org.Students can access all necessary forms for financial aid inFINANCIAL INFORMATION39the Financial Aid Department or by download at http://www.wiregrass.edu.General Eligibility Requirements —Who Gets Aid?Most students receive some type of financial aid. Toreceive federal and state financial aid a student must meeteligibility requirements:• Be enrolled as a regular or provisional student in aneligible certificate, diploma or degree program ofstudy and meet all specific program requirements;• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;• Demonstrate financial need (not applicable to theHOPE Programs);• Be at least 16 years of age;• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent;• Not hold a bachelors degree (not applicable to theHOPE Grant);• Maintain satisfactory academic progress;• Be registered with the Selective Service (Males18 years of age and older); (or show proof ofregistration);• Not be in default on a federal student loan orowe a refund on a previously received grant; orhave completed all requirements of a satisfactorypayment arrangement (this option will not restoreHOPE eligibility); completed an acceptablerehabilitation plan, or have an approved loanconsolidation;• Agree to use any funds received for educationallyrelated purposes only;• Certify that he/she will not engage in the unlawfulmanufacture, distribution, possession, or use of acontrolled substance while receiving financial aid;• Must not be recently convicted on felony drugrelated charges.Federal Financial Aid ProgramsFederal Pell GrantWiregrass Georgia Technical College participates inthe Federal Pell Grant program. Pell Grants are awardedto students who do not have a bachelor’s or professionaldegree and are enrolled in a certificate that is at least 480clock hours: diploma, associate degree, or eligible technicalcertificate. The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest