FINANCIAL AID

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 according to 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 80 per cent of Georgia College & State University students receive some form of financial aid. Once awarded packages are complete, they may be viewed on-line via GCSU's secure Web site.

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. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and submitted at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. When filling out the FAFSA enter in the GCSU school code, 001602, to ensure that we receive the information.
2. If only interested in the HOPE Scholarship, you may fill out the GSFApps application found online at www.gacollege411.com.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. To be considered for student financial aid, a student 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-seeking student 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 seeking student 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 (6 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; and
   6. register for selective service, if required.
2. First consideration will be given to any student whose file is complete by 1 March.

GRANTS / SCHOLARSHIPS

FEDERAL PELL GRANT

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal student financial aid program administered by the United States Department of Education. It is intended to be the first and basic component of an undergraduate student's financial aid program. For this reason, students are required to apply for the Federal Pell Grant before consideration for other need-based aid can be given. To apply, the student must complete the Georgia College & State University application procedure.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is a federal program administered by the Financial Aid Office at Georgia College & State University to assist undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients are given priority for this grant. The average grant amount ranges from $300 to $1000 a year. The federal funding for this program is usually limited; therefore, funds are rapidly depleted. To receive consideration, complete the Georgia College & State University application procedure.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT (ACG)

Provides funding for traditional first and second year under undergraduate study. Recipents must be U.S. citizens, eligible for the Pell Grant, enroll full-time and have successfully completed a rigorous high school program no earlier than January 1, 2005, as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. Further, second year recipients must have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and earned 30 semester hours.

NATIONAL SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS ACCESS TO RETAIN TALENT GRANT (SMART)

Provides funding for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are U.S. citizens, eligible for the Federal Pell Grant, and majoring in physical, life or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering, or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. Recipients must have maintained a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major and earned between 60 and 120 semester hours. Continued eligibility is reviewed upon completion of each semester.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

The Georgia Student Finance Commission administers the HOPE Scholarship program according to laws passed by the Georgia General Assembly. These regulations are subject to change. The HOPE Scholarship provides non-repayable financial assistance to eligible Georgia residents. Students must graduate from an eligible Georgia High School with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the College Preparatory Curriculum track. This scholarship will cover tuition, mandatory fees at predetermined levels, and a book allowance at Georgia public colleges for eligible students. Under this program, students may receive this scholarship to 127 attempted semester hours provided the student maintains the required grade point average. Students may not receive funds for any HOPE Program after being paid for 127 hours.

HOPE PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP

The purpose of this Program is to attract high-achieving undergraduates into the teaching profession and provide them with financial assistance beginning their junior year and continuing their senior year. Scholarship recipients agree to teach in a Georgia public school at the preschool, elementary, or secondary level after graduation. If a recipient fails to meet this obligation, the scholarship becomes a loan, which must be repaid in cash, with interest.

HOPE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP

The HOPE Promise Teacher Scholarship is a forgivable loan of up to $3,000 a year for students who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA and are at either the junior or senior level. These students must have declared education as a major, and have been accepted for enrollment into a teacher education program leading to initial certification. Students may obtain applications at www.gacollege411.org.

GEORGIA'S HERO (HELP EDUCATE RESERVISTS AND THEIR OFFSPRING) SCHOLARSHIP

This program provides assistance to members of the Georgia National Guard and US Military Reservists who served in combat zones of the children of such members. Recipiants may receive up to $2,000 per academic school year for a maximum of $8,000 for the equivalent of four years of study. Students may obtain applications at www.gacollege411.org.

INSTITUTIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS: ENTERING FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

Students who are admitted by February 1 are automatically considered for most academic scholarships. Those students who apply by November 1 are given preference. The selection process is highly competitive. Generally, students should graduate from high school with a 3.0 GPA based on a 4.0 scale, and have a combined score of 1200 or better on the critcal reading and math sections of the SAT or a 26 composite score on the ACT.

Students must be enrolled full-time during both fall and spring semesters in order to receive their scholarships. Listed below are the Georgia College awards. Be aware that hometown churches, clubs, professional organizations, and civic groups sometimes offer scholarships. Students who are awarded a scholarship from a source other than Georgia College should contact the Scholarship Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office for further information. For more information on any scholarship questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at (478) 445-5149 or log on to /financialaid/scholarships/index.htm

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

The GCSU Financial Aid Office maintains an on-line Scholarship application for all institutional funds which is accessed via the student's on-line access account. Typically, the scholarship application is available late Fall Semester for the upcoming academic year with most deadlines being the first Friday of February.

General criteria for most institutional scholarships are as follows:

• Full-time enrollment for Fall and Spring semesters (12 hours for undergraduate and 9 hours for graduate)
• Completion of 24 hours at GCSU by the end of Spring Semester (students may apply before completion of these hours)
• Minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA; however, these scholarships are competitive.

GUIDE TO THE HOPE SCHOLARSHIP

HOPE Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) provides students with funds for tuition and fees. HOPE also provides for a book allowance to eligible Georgia residents.

HOPE Check-Points for Continued Eligibility

Students are evaluated to insure they attained a "B" average at the following checkpoints:

NOTE: Students can only lose their eligibility at the End-of-Spring check point. To regain eligibility, students must be at 30, 60 or 90 attempted hours.

Limit of Eligibility

Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship up to 127 attempted or paid hours whichever is reached first.

Students are not eligible to receive HOPE Scholarship funds if they have attempted 127 semester hours or more.

Students are eligible for a combined payment maximum of 127 semester hours. Hours for which students received payment from the HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant and the Accel program are included in calculating the total Paid hours.

HOPE Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

HOPE GPA includes:

• All earned grades (including both grades when a course is repeated)
• Grades for non-credit coursework when given
• Grades from all transfer work (even if courses are not accepted at GCSU)

HOPE GPA does not include:

• Grades given of S, U, IP, W
• Grades earned in college courses prior to high school graduation
• Grades earned by examination (i.e., AP credit and CLEP)

Note: In some instances, the HOPE GPA may not be reflected on the student's official transcript.

Second Chance to Regain HOPE

Students who lose the HOPE scholarship after 30 attempted hours or an End-of-Spring check-point may regain eligibility if they have a "B" average at the point of attempting 60 or 90 semester hours.

Non-Traditional Students

Students who graduated from high school prior to 1993 or who were not HOPE eligible upon high school graduation may become eligible for HOPE if they have a "B" average at the point of attempting 30, 60, or 90 semester hours.

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 this loan. The aggregate amount of funds eligible students may borrow is (1) $4,000 per year for undergraduates and (2) $6,000 for graduates.

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 the 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. In general, students who have not completed the first year of an undergraduate program may borrow up to $2,625 per year, and students in the second year of the undergraduate program may borrow up to $3,500 per year. Students who have completed their first two years of an undergraduate program may borrow up to $5,500 per year not to exceed an undergraduate total of $23,000.

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

UNSUBSIDIZED

Students may borrow through the unsubsidized loan program regardless of income. 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 during in school and grace periods.

PLUS (PARENT)

The PLUS program provides educational loans to parents on behalf of their dependent undergraduate student. The maximum amount a parent may borrow on behalf of each eligible student is the average cost of attendance less any financial aid awarded per academic year. Students must have a complete financial aid file to apply for this loan.

Repayment begins 60 days after the last disbursement is made. The parent makes arrangements with the lender to begin installment payments, including interest at a rate not to exceed 10 percent per year.

Applications are available from the Georgia College & State University Financial Aid Office.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Approximately 20 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 a part of their educational expenses. Most jobs are located on campus, but there are off-campus positions available involving community service work at non-profit organizations. Positions as reading tutors in public elementary schools may also be available 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.

UNIVERSITY STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The University 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 other offices 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 that institutions of higher education 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 Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Georgia's HOPE Scholarship, and Federal Family Educational Loan 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:

Undergraduate students are expected to maintain the following overall institutional grade point average (GPA) based on the number of semester hours attempted:

Semester Hours Earned (exclusive of Learning Support, inclusive of transfer work)

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 Georgia College & State University on a full-time basis at 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.

Students may receive consideration for financial aid for learning support and other non-credit course work up to 30 semester hours provided they meet Georgia College & State University requirements for making satisfactory progress in the program.

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:

1. "A" through "D" grades
2. "S" satisfactory
3. "K" credit
4. "IC" institutional credit

The following shall not be considered as semester hours completed:

1. "F" grade
2. "I" incomplete
3. "W" withdraw
4. "U" unsatisfactory
5. "V" audit
6. "WF" withdraw failing
7. "IP" used in Learning support Services

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 Management.

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:

• Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
• Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
• Federal Perkins Loan
• Federal PLUS
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal SEOG Grant
• Other Title IV programs

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 receive a passing grade in any course are considered to have "unofficially withdrawn" 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.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP REFUND POLICY

If a student officially withdraws, drops out, drops hours, is expelled, or otherwise fails to complete a period of enrollment, and is entitled to a refund, a portion of such refund may need to be returned to the HOPE fund. If the student was awarded the HOPE Scholarship, the school must determine the amount of the refund for tuition and fee charges, and return that amount to the HOPE fund. The remainder of the HOPE award for tuition and fees is retained by the school to cover the school's cost for the portion of the school term that the student was enrolled. The HOPE award should cover the actual tuition and fees charged to the student after the school's refund policy was applied, plus the HOPE book allowance. The HOPE book allowance awarded to the student is not included in the HOPE refund calculation. Refund procedures are as follows:

HOPE-ONLY REFUND

If a refund is due and the student received HOPE funds only (no federal aid), then such amounts must be refunded to HOPE, rounded to the nearest dollar, by applying the institution's refund policy to the student's original HOPE award for tuition and HOPE-approved mandatory fees. The book allowance is not part of the refund calculation.

TITLE IV AND HOPE REFUND

If the student received federal Title IV funds in addition to HOPE funds, the school must follow the Title IV Return of Funds policy for any federal aid received. To determine the refund to HOPE, the school must then follow their institutional refund policy, if different from Title IV Return of Funds. If all or part of the student's Title IV aid was disbursed directly to the student, the school must bill the student for the refund. This will prevent the student from receiving any additional scholarships or grants from the State until the refund is paid.

HOPE Refund Policy Example A

HOPE Refund following school's refund policy (in this case same as Title IV Return of Funds Policy)

*Total Aid is Title IV Aid plus the HOPE Scholarship (not including Book Award)