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 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 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 PROCESS

STEPS FOR APPLYING FOR AID

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Georgia College & State University.

2. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. (Students who have previously applied for aid and have supplied the Department of Education with an e-mail address, will be sent notifications electronically via e-mail)

3. When completing the FAFSA, be sure to list Georgia College & State University in the school section of the application using our Federal School Code of 001602. This will allow us to receive an electronic copy of the application. (Students should also be certain that all necessary signatures are included.)

4. In no more than four weeks, the student will receive an e-mail notification with a direct link to the student's online Student Aid Report (SAR). If an e-mail address was not provided on the application, the information will be mailed to the student. An electronic copy will also be sent to GCSU if so indicated. Please carefully read the comment section on the SAR to determine if any further action is required to complete the application process. If any information is incorrect, follow the instructions provided on the SAR.

5. Please verify with the GCSU Financial Aid Office that an electronic copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) has been received.

6. Verification is the process by which the U.S. Department of Education requires schools to check a certain percentage of their financial aid applications for accuracy. If the application is selected, the student will be asked to submit additional information to the Financial Aid Office. At a minimum, this will include a completed verification worksheet, student's federal tax return, and if applicable, the parent's or spouse's tax returns.

7. Parents of dependent students who apply for the PLUS Loan must complete a PLUS application as well as the other listed requirements. PLUS applications are available from the Financial Aid Office or may be downloaded from /financialaid.

8. Students will be notified via their eCats e-mail of their eligibility for financial aid through either an electronic Award Letter or explanation of ineligibility not more than two weeks after they complete the application process.

9. Be sure to report to the Financial Aid Office, in writing, any pending outside scholarships.

DETERMINING ELIGIBILITY

BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

1.Be a U.S. citizen or eligible permanent resident.

2. Be in compliance with the Academic Requirements for Receiving Aid.

3. Be fully accepted for admission at GCSU in a degree-seeking program. Exception: (Applicable to Stafford or PLUS.) 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 (6 credit hours) student in a program that is necessary for either a professional credential from a state, if that credential or certification is required for employment in the state as an elementary or secondary school teacher or to qualify him/her for enrollment in a degree or certificate program. The latter is restricted to length of program, verified by Chairman of the Department. For federal aid purposes, these students are considered fifth-year undergraduates.

4. Non-degree, transient, conditional, and/or unclassified students are not eligible for Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Family Stafford Loan, and Federal PLUS.

5. Transient students may receive HOPE Scholarship funds, if eligible. Eligibility is determined by the students "home" institution. Payment is made by the "visiting" institution in accordance with HOPE regulations.

6. Not be in default on any loan or have borrowed in excess of loan limits at any institution.

7. Not owe a refund on any grant at any institution.

8. Certify registration with Selective Service, if required.

9. Demonstrate financial need for need-based programs.

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Effective July 1, 2000, students are ineligible for Title IV federal financial aid funds if convicted of an offense involving the possession of an illegal substance that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the students were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans and/or work-study).

The ineligibility period is:

• First Offense = 1 year
• Second Offense = 2 years
• Third Offense = Indefinite

For convictions involving sale of an illegal substance, the ineligibility period is:

• First Offense = 2 years
• Second Offense = Indefinite

A student may regain eligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further details. Report any convictions involving an illegal substance on question #23 of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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. Recipients 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 (HELPING 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. Recipients 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.

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.

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 critIcal 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

Continuing students will be considered for scholarships administered by GCSU by completing the GCSU Scholarship Application located on the MyCATS Web site. Students should access their MyCATS account at http://mycats.gcsu.edu and select "GCSU Scholarship Application" from the Financial Aid menu. The application will be available from mid-December 2008 until February 6, 2009.

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIP

There are several other opportunities to explore. 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 GCSU should contact the Scholarship Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office for further information. In general, private scholarship awards greater than $1,000 are evenly divided between fall and spring semesters.

FFELP PLUS (PARENT LOAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS)

PLUS Loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow monies. These funds are designated to help pay the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time (6 semester hours). The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the student's Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other financial aid the student is receiving.

Effective July 1, 2006, Federal PLUS loan interest rates are fixed at 8.5%. Repayment usually begins within 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the period of enrollment for which the funds are borrowed. Applications for the PLUS loan may be obtained from the GCSU Financial Aid Office or students may download the application from /financialaid and fax or mail it to the GCSU Financial Aid Office. Students must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for eligibility to be determined.

Parent borrowers will need to select a lender for their loan. Suggested lenders are provided on our website based on borrower benefits and customer service. Neither Georgia College & State University nor the GCSU Financial Aid Office benefits in any way from the borrower's lender selection. While we have provided lender suggestions on our Web site, parent borrowers have the right to select any lender that participates in the Federal Family Education Loan Program. If parents have borrowed under the Federal PLUS program previously, and are satisfied with the lender's service, then we encourage borrowers to select the same lender each year. Multiple loans from multiple lenders could require you to make multiple payments at the same time.

The lender is the institution from which the money is actually borrowed, but the interest rates and terms of the loan are set by the U.S. Department of Education. Some lenders offer special incentives that reduce the borrower's loan fees, interest rates and/or loan balance.

Federal PLUS Loans will be disbursed after a Master Promissory Note has been electronically signed. The PLUS MPN has a multi-year feature. This multi-year feature allows a parent of a dependent student to only have to sign one promissory note that can be used for up to 10 years.

A parent will need to complete an application form each year in order for this loan to be awarded to the student. Passive confirmation will be used after the request for a PLUS Loan has been completed. The borrower must take action only if he or she does not want the loan, or wants to change the loan amount. With passive confirmation, loan funds will be disbursed after the borrower has been notified of the new loans.

Funds will first be used toward the student's bill at the Business Office. Any funds remaining can be used to purchase books at the GCSU PawPrints Bookstore approximately three days prior to the first day of classes through the end of the drop/add period. Any remaining funds will be disbursed in a check payable to the student or direct deposit if selected approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period each semester.

FEDERAL PERKINS

The Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest loan for students with exceptional financial need. Georgia College & State University is the lender. The loan is made with government funds with a share contributed by GCSU, so your payments are through the university.

Eligibility for this loan program will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis upon completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students may borrow up to $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study (the aggregate loan amount for undergraduate students is $27,500). For graduate students, a student may borrow up to $8,000 per year (the aggregate loan amount for graduate students is $60,000, which includes amounts borrowed as an undergraduate).

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 per cent simple interest on the unpaid balance of the loan principle. The minimum monthly payment is $40. Recipients must sign a promissory note in the Student Loan Collections Office prior to receiving funds. Students, currently receiving or who have received a Federal Perkins Loan through Georgia College & State University, who graduate, transfer, drop below half-time enrollment status, or otherwise leave school must arrange for an Exit Interview at the Student Loan Collections Office.

LOAN CANCELLATION

Borrowers who use loan funds to finalize Business Office bills may elect to cancel their loans and use another form of payment within 30 days of disbursement. The Financial Aid Office must be notified in writing of the cancellation within 30 days of disbursement to the student's account.

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

Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility is based on established financial need and at least half-time enrollment. Jobs are located on campus and work schedules are planned around the student's class schedule. FWS money is not available at registration to pay fees. Students are paid bi-weekly for actual hours worked. All FWS recipients will be able to view their award amount at http://mycats.gcsu.edu.

The FWS Coordinator facilitates placement of students in specific positions. Community service positions are also available through the FWS Program.

GCSU 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.

FINANCIAL AID POLICIES

DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL AID

A. General Information

1. Student must be enrolled before funds may be disbursed.

2. Student eligibility must be confirmed by the Financial Aid Office before funds are disbursed.

3. Students are expected to have sufficient funds for miscellaneous expenses when they arrive on campus.

4. Students who are eligible for Federal financial aid must have submitted a valid Student Aid Report in electronic form to the Financial Aid Office before funds are disbursed.

5. Students must be fully accepted for admission to GCSU before funds may be disbursed.

6. Specific questions on individual cases should be addressed to the Financial Aid Office at (478) 445-5149.

B. Loans (Students must be enrolled at least half-time.)

1. Federal Perkins Loan: Students awarded this loan must sign a promissory note in the Student Loan Collections Office before funds may be disbursed.

2. Federal Stafford Loan: Under Federal Law: Students must complete a Loan Entrance Counseling session and MPN with lender before funds may be disbursed.

3. Federal PLUS Loan: Parents who are awarded a Federal PLUS Loan must receive an approved credit decision from the lender and complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) before funds may be disbursed.

4. Federal Perkins, Federal Stafford, Federal PLUS Loans: Borrowers who use these funds to finalize Business Office bills may elect to cancel their loans and use another form of payment within 30 days of disbursement.

The Financial Aid Office must be notified in writing of the cancellation within 30 days of disbursement.

C. Disbursement Procedures

Once all requirements have been met:

1. Funds awarded from the following may be applied directly to the student's Business Office account:

GRANTS LOANS

Federal Pell Federal Perkins Loans

Federal SEOG Federal Stafford Loans

HOPE Scholarship Federal PLUS Loans

ACG/SMART

2. These awards will be authorized to the student's Business Office account once classes have been

reserved.

3. Any remaining balance to the student's account must be paid to the GCSU Business Office prior to the published deadline in order to reserve classes.

4. Eligibility is reviewed again at the end of the drop/add period (census date), and appropriate funds are disbursed to the student's Business Office account.

5. Once the Business Office bill has been settled, remaining aid with the exception of the HOPE Book Allowance, which is released in a check or direct deposit, If selected, may be used toward the purchase of books at the GCSU Bookstore beginning approximately 3 days prior to the first day of classes through the end of the drop/add period.

6. If the amount of financial aid awarded exceeds tuition and fees due at registration, the difference will be disbursed in the form of a check or direct deposit, if selected, by the GCSU Business Office, 111 Parks Hall, approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period.

7. Students who use personal funds to pay for tuition and fees may receive reimbursement checks or direct deposit, if selected, from the GCSU Business Office approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period.

8. Financial aid awards made after the student's bill is satisfied will be disbursed within 10 days after awards are made.

9. Other. GHEAC Service Cancelable Loans and loans made by Georgia Student Finance Authority. Funds are sent electronically to GCSU and then disbursed to the students who have been awarded these loans.

Once the Business Office bill has been settled, remaining funds will be released in a check. Permitted funds may be used toward the purchase of books at the GCSU Bookstore beginning approximately three days before classes begin.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION

Awards are based on the information students provide on applications for aid.

Change to that information (marital status, number of dependents, place of residence, withdrawal from period of enrollment, reduction in the number of hours carried, change in academic program, Social Security or Veteran's benefits, etc.) must be reported promptly in writing to our office for a determination of the impact, if any, on the amount of funds awarded to you. It is often necessary to revise awards, especially if federal or state funds are a part of the award, in order to avoid exceeding your demonstrated financial eligibility. We must, therefore, reserve the right to review and /or modify your award at any time. Failure to contact us may jeopardize continuation of your aid, cause cancellation of aid, or require repayment of funds already disbursed to you. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds.

ENROLLMENT STATUS

Requirements for the number of semester hours of credit you must maintain for loans, scholarships, grants, and work may vary. At Georgia College & State University, most financial aid is packaged based upon anticipated full-time enrollment: 12 hours for undergraduate, 9 hours for graduates.

REPAYMENT

Students who register, then withdraw, drop out, are expelled, or change enrollment status are subject to the University's Refund and Repayment policy (page 12), and may have to repay a portion or all of the aid received to the University.

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 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

FEDERAL TITLE IV FUNDS

Students who are entitled to a refund for withdrawal and are receiving student financial aid (SFA) are subject to having all or part of the refund returned to the appropriate financial aid programs. For those students who withdrew prior to 60 percent of the enrollment period elapsing, a pro-rated schedule is used to determine how much SFA funds were earned at the time of withdrawal.

• The University must return to SFA Programs the lesser of:
• The amount of SFA Program funds that the students do not earn; or
• The amount of institutional costs that students incurred for the period of enrollment multiplied by the percentage of funds unearned.

However, students are not required to return 50 percent of the grant assistance received.

SFA funds must be returned in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Stafford Loans
• Perkins Loans
• Federal PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants
• ACG
• SMART
• Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grants
• State Scholarships

If more aid is received that could have been reasonably spent for non-institutional costs (excluding Federal Family Loan Programs), the unearned portion must be returned to SFA Programs.

Per federal regulations, students who fail to earn a passing grade in any course are considered to have unofficially withdrawn from GCSU.

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 Authority until the refund is paid.