FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The purpose of the Office of Financial Aid is to assist students in meeting their educational goals by providing appropriate financial resources. The staff of the Financial Aid Office is aware of concerns students may have regarding financing their college education, and wants to assist by providing the best service possible. Our goal is to meet individual needs in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner. Financial aid awards at Georgia College & State University are based on scholastic ability, financial need, and contribution to the campus community, or a combination thereof. Students may receive aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work opportunities. All students are encouraged to apply. Programs with limited funding are awarded based on the application date of March 1.

Many students do not have the financial resources to accomplish their educational objectives. Through the financial aid programs, Georgia College & State University makes every effort to assure that no qualified student will be denied the opportunity to attend school because of lack of funds. Each year over 60 percent of Georgia College & State University students receive some form of financial aid. Once award packages are complete, they may be viewed on-line via GCSU's secure website.

Because of the many federal, state, and local agencies that regulate financial aid programs, the administration of financial aid is complex and ever changing. To help simplify the process, the Federal government has produced a publication, The Student Guide, to provide accurate, up-to-date information. It is important for students to understand the financial aid programs they are applying for and the requirements of those programs. Please contact the Financial Aid Office to request a copy of the publication.

Policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To receive consideration for federal and state aid:

1. A copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted to the address listed on the application.

   The FAFSA may be obtained from a secondary school or the Georgia College & State University Financial Aid Office located in Parks Hall. It may also be accessed via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

2. Other forms and documents must be submitted as requested.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. To be considered for student financial aid, you must:
   1. be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the United States, and
   2. have been accepted for admission and classified as a degree-seeker at Georgia College & State University by the Admissions Office; or be currently enrolled in an approved degree seeking program; and

      Exception: (Applicable to Stafford and PLUS Loans only). A non-degree seeker may be eligible for a loan under one or more of these programs if (s)he is enrolled or accepted for enrollment as at least a half-time student (5 hours) in a program that is necessary for either a professional credential or certification from a state if that credential or certification is required for employment in that state as an elementary or secondary school teacher, or to qualify him/her for enrollment in a degree or certification program. For financial aid purposes, these students are considered 5th year undergraduates.

   3. be making progress toward the completion of your course of study according to the Academic Requirements for Receiving Financial Aid ; and
   4. not be in default on any loan and have not borrowed in excess of loan limits under the Title IV programs at any institution; and
   5. not owe a refund on any grant received under the Title IV programs at any institution.
   6. register for selective service, if required.
2. First consideration will be given to any student whose file is complete by March 1.

SCHOLARSHIPS

HOPE TEACHERS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The HOPE Teacher Scholarship Program provides forgivable loans to the individuals seeking advanced education degrees in critical fields of study. Students must be accepted into graduate school and into an advanced teacher certification program. The amount of the scholarship is up to $10,000. Students earn their award by teaching in a Georgia public school after graduation. Applications may be obtained on-line at www.GAcollege411.org.

OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS

Some scholarships for graduate students available through the Alumni Association, are listed on the Financial Aid Office web site at /financialaid.

LOANS

FEDERAL PERKINS LOANS

The University participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program. Students demonstrating exceptional need to meet educational expenses are eligible to receive consideration for the loan.

The aggregate maximum loan amount a graduate or professional student may borrow is $18,000, including loans borrowed for undergraduate study.

Repayment begins nine months after the student graduates or leaves school. The student may be allowed up to ten years to repay the loan. During the repayment period, the student will be charged 5 percent simple interest on the unpaid balance of the loan principal. The minimum monthly payment is $40.

Students who complete the Georgia College & State University application process are considered for this loan.

FEDERAL FAMILY EDUCATIONAL LOAN PROGRAM (FFELP)

These federally sponsored, Title IV loans are arranged through the Georgia College & State University Financial Aid Office from private lending agencies (a bank, credit union, or other lender that participates in the FFELP program).

Subsidized

The Subsidized Stafford is a need-based loan program. For a qualified student, the federal government pays the interest until the student ceases enrollment as, at least, a halftime student.

The amount a student can borrow will vary, depending upon the student's demonstrated financial need. The maximum amount in any academic year may not exceed $8,500. The aggregate guaranteed unpaid principal amount of all subsidized loans made to a graduate or professional student may not exceed $65,500, including loans made for undergraduate study.

To apply, the student must complete the University application procedure.

Unsubsidized

Students, regardless of income, may borrow from this program. The unsubsidized loan's terms and conditions are the same as the Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan, such as loan limits, deferments and interest rates. Students are charged with interest while in school and during grace periods.

STATE DIRECT STUDENT LOANS

Under the State Direct Student Loan program, students may be eligible to borrow funds that are either repaid in cash or are service cancelable.

As a lender in the Georgia Federal Stafford Loan program the Georgia Student Finance Authority (GSFA) makes interest subsidized loans to students that are subject to the same eligibility, interest and repayment as other student loans made by commercial lenders and guaranteed by the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation.

In addition, the GSFA makes loans, which can be cancelled through service to students preparing for professions in which there is a critical manpower shortage in Georgia. Applicants who are preparing for careers in certain health fields and members of the Georgia National Guard may be eligible to borrow funds and to have a portion or all of these loans cancelled by service.

Additional details and applications are available from the Georgia College & State University Financial Aid Office or the Georgia Student Finance Authority, 2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 200, Tucker, GA 30084.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Approximately twenty percent of the University's students hold part-time jobs on campus. Students fill a variety of positions in administrative offices, departmental offices, the library, science laboratories, residence halls and elsewhere.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who show financial need and who must earn funds to pay for part of their educational expenses. Most positions are located on-campus, but there are some off-campus positions available involving community service at nonprofit organizations, including positions serving as reading tutors under the U.S. Department of Education's "America Reads" program.

Students are paid bi-weekly and may work up to 19 hours a week.

Students who complete the University's application process are considered for this program.

GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Student Employment Program provides additional opportunities for students to secure campus employment. While financial need is often not a factor, earnings under this program could affect other aid received. Students are interviewed and hired by the various administrative offices, departmental offices, and others at the University. Jobs in this program are fewer in number than in the Federal Work-Study program and application should be made directly to the employing department.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a standard of satisfactory academic progress for all students who receive financial aid. This standard must apply to the student's entire academic history, whether Title IV financial aid was received or not. In order to remain eligible to receive aid at Georgia College & State University, students must meet the standards specified for acceptable academic performance and for satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program of study. The standards are established within the framework of applicable federal regulations specifically for the purpose of determining the eligibility of students to receive aid under the generally funded Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Georgia's HOPE Scholarship, and Federal Family Educational Programs (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, PLUS). They should not be confused with Probation or Good Standing as defined by academic regulations.

COMPONENTS

The Georgia College & State University definition of satisfactory academic progress for receiving financial aid includes the following components:

I. Qualitative Standards

Georgia College & State University uses the 4.0 grade point average and numerical code:

Any student whose institutional GPA falls below a 3.0 will be on financial aid probation.

II. Quantitative Process

Students are expected to successfully complete 67 percent of all enrolled course work.

The Financial Aid Office staff will verify enrollment status at the end of add/drop period according to the following table:

Students who attend during the summer are expected to successfully complete the appropriate number of hours required for the summer plus the required number for the academic year based upon their status.

III. Maximum Time Frame

Students who attend on a full-time basis at Georgia College & State University will have the following time frame (subject to individual program regulations) in which to receive consideration for financial aid:

The time frame for students who attend other than full time will be determined on a yearly basis taking into account the enrollment status of the student. Students who begin their education at another school and then transfer to Georgia College & State University will have their standing classified by the appropriate office. For these students, financial aid eligibility is identical to that of Georgia College & State University students with comparable hours. (e.g. Transfer students who are classified as juniors will have the same eligibility as Georgia College & State University juniors). Students, who are required to take learning support courses, may have their time frame extended.

REVIEW PROCESS

At the end of each academic year (usually Spring Semester), the Financial Aid Office staff will determine whether the student has successfully completed the minimum expected number of hours with the required grade point average and shown progress toward the educational degree for all completed semesters. The review, which will occur during the summer, will include all hours attempted during the student's attendance period.

The following will be considered as semester hours successfully completed:

The following shall not be considered as semester hours completed:

FINANCIAL AID PROBATION (WARNING)

A student will automatically be placed on financial aid probation in the event that the student fails to meet the institutional GPA and/or incremental progress requirements. A student in this category may receive financial aid for the next academic year, but by the end of that academic year, that student must have completed both the aggregate number of semester hours required and attain the overall institutional GPA required to establish satisfactory academic progress. If the student does not make up the deficiencies and remove himself/herself from financial aid probation, the student is considered to be making unsatisfactory academic progress and is placed on financial aid suspension. Financial aid suspension means the termination of all financial aid until the student has returned to a satisfactory academic progress standing.

A student who does not meet the time frame requirement will, without warning, become ineligible for financial aid.

CONDITIONS FOR REINSTATEMENT

A student whose financial aid has been suspended for failure to meet the institutional GPA and/or incremental progress requirements can become eligible for consideration for financial aid by attending Georgia College & State University (without financial aid) and reestablish satisfactory academic progress.

A student who fails to meet satisfactory progress requirements a second time will become ineligible for any further aid.

APPEAL

A student whose financial aid has been suspended may appeal in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. In the appeal, the student should state the reason(s) why satisfactory academic progress was not maintained, why aid should not be terminated, and list any extenuating circumstances that should be considered. A student wishing to appeal the decision of the Director may do so, in writing, to the Financial Aid Internal Review (FAIR) Committee. A student wishing to appeal the decision of the FAIR Committee may do so, in writing, to the Vice President for Institutional Research & Enrollment Services.

REFUND POLICY AND PROCEDURES

FINANCIAL AID RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS

Effective Fall Semester 2000, federal law specifies how an institution must determine the amount of Federal Student Aid assistance that a student earns if they withdraw from school. This new law requires that when a student withdraws during a payment period (semester) the amount of federal assistance that a student has earned up to that point be determined by a specific formula. If the student was disbursed less assistance than the amount that they had earned, they will be able to receive those additional funds. If the student was disbursed more federal aid than they earned, the student and the institution will share in returning excess funds to the appropriate federal agency.

If the student received excess funds based on this calculation, the school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of

• the student's institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of funds earned,

  or

• the entire amount of the excess funds.

If the school is not required to return all of the excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. The order of funds that the institution and student must return these funds is as follows:

The student would repay the "loan" funds in accordance with the terms of the promissory note so repayment would not be required until originally scheduled. If the student is responsible for returning "grant" funds, they do not return the full amount. The law provides that the student is not required to return 50 percent of the grant assistance that they were calculated to return. Any "grant" amount that a student must return is considered a grant overpayment. Therefore, they must arrange with the school to repay these funds within 45 days.

Students who fail to earn a passing grade in any course are considered to have "unofficially withdrawn" from GCSU and are subject to return of Title IV Funds regulations.

Example A:

Student A received the following financial aid:

Student A withdrew from school after completing 10 percent (# of days completed / total # days in semester = percent) of the total semester.

• Fall Semester began August 18th and ended December 17th
• Student withdrew on August 29th
• This is the 12th day of a semester that is 120 days long.

Federal law states that this student has "earned" 10 percent of Federal aid disbursed:

The institution and the student will share the 90% of unearned aid to be returned. The institution's portion is determined by multiplying the total charges ($1200.00) by the unearned percentage (90%), which will be $1080.00. This will be returned to the Subsidized Loan Program.

The student will be responsible for the remaining balance.

The balance of the loan, $195.00, will be returned in accordance with terms of the promissory note. The remaining $165.00 would be returned at a 50% rate to the Federal Pell Grant program.

Student A would need to make arrangements with GCSU to repay $82.50 to the Pell Grant Program within 45 days.

Example B:

Student B received the following financial aid:

Student B withdrew from school after completing 40% (# of days completed / total # days in semester = %) of the total semester.

• Fall Semester began August 18th and ended December 17th
• Student withdrew on October 5th
• This is the 48th day of a semester that is 120 days long.

Federal law states that this student has "earned" 40% of Federal aid disbursed:

The institution and the student will share the 60% of unearned aid to be returned. The institution's portion is determined by multiplying the total charges ($3000.00) by the unearned percentage (60%), which will be $1800.00. This will be returned to the Unsubsidized Loan Program.

The student will be responsible for the remaining balance.

Because the $360.00 of the student share represents loan funds, Student B will not repay these funds until entering repayment on all loans.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

A limited number of graduate assistantships are offered through the departments which have graduate degree programs and a few service offices. Recipients provide educationally beneficial assistance to the department which awards the assistantship. Duties are relevant to the student's major field of study and of academic value. Students are only eligible for the financial assistance provided by a graduate assistantship for two years (24 months) applicable to the completion of only one graduate degree.

A graduate assistant must have regular admission to a graduate program and have at least a 3.0 GPA on any graduate courses taken at Georgia College & State University. To continue an assistantship, the graduate student must maintain academic good standing. If a student's grade point average falls below 3.0 (academic warning) the student will have one semester to improve and return to academic good standing before termination of the assistantship. Should a student fail to return to good standing after one semester, or should a student receive academic exclusion and be dismissed from the degree program, the assistantship will be terminated at once.

Students with an assistantship will receive a stipend and be required to work between fifteen and twenty hours per week while enrolled in at least six graduate hours per semester. The assistantship will waive the tuition, but the student is responsible for all appropriate fees, including a reduced matriculation fee, a technology fee, a University health fee, a student activity fee, a parking fee, and an athletic fee.

Applications for graduate assistantships should be directed to the school dean or graduate coordinator. Approval is granted by the hiring department, the student's graduate coordinator and the appropriate school dean. For more information, visit the Graduate Assistantship web page.

SENIOR ARMY ROTC

The mission of the United States Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program is to attract, motivate and prepare selected students with high potential to receive a commission in the United States Army Reserve. In addition to providing the courses required to earn a commission through the ROTC program, military science instruction and associated activities have the aim for all students of developing leadership and managerial potential, providing an understanding of the requirements and organization for national security, and instilling a strong sense of personal integrity and individual responsibility.

Selected students may enter the two-year Senior Army ROTC program available to Georgia College & State University. Qualified applicants may receive $150 per month for up to twenty (20) months or a maximum of $3,000. Additionally, students receive approximately $750 for a six week leadership practicum taught during the summer at a major military installation.

Additional information and applications can be obtained by calling collect (478) 445-2730 or writing, Army ROTC Opportunities, Box 829, Milledgeville, GA 31061.

VETERANS SERVICES

In addition to the regular benefits, veterans can obtain financial aid in the form of work study. For further information, contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office, 730 Peachtree Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA. 30365. The Veterans Secretary in Parks Hall 107 is available to assist you.