FINANCIAL AID
Purpose
North Georgia Technical College believes that the talents, hopes, and ambitions of our people are among the most valuable resources this nation possesses. With this thought in mind, North Georgia Technical College continues to promote grants, scholarships, and employment opportunities for its qualified, deserving students who must find funds in order to attend. Therefore, the fundamental purpose of the financial aid programs at North Georgia Technical College is to make it possible for students who would normally be deprived of a postsecondary education because of inadequate funds to attend. Scholarships and grants are available for credit students (associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs). However, amounts of assistance are subject to change from one fiscal year to another.
How to Apply
To apply for financial aid, a student must complete the FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA). To apply for HOPE funds only, the student will need to complete the GSFAPPS application at www.gacollege411.org. The FAFSA form may be obtained from high schools, North Georgia Technical College, other postsecondary educational institutions, and via the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. It is recommended that applicants take advantage of our ELECTRONIC PROCESSING. This will reduce processing time. The completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid may be delivered to North Georgia Technical College’s Clarkesville, Blairsville, or Currahee Campus for processing. If a student requires assistance in completing the application or would like for the NGTC staff to review the application, he/she needs to provide the information (tax records, social security information, etc.) used in the completion of the application.
Student Eligibility
In order for a student to receive financial assistance from federal or state aid programs, he/she must:
- Be a U.S. citizen/national or an eligible non-citizen
- Be registered with the Selective Service (if required)
- Attend a participating institution
- Be working toward a degree, diploma, or certificate
- Be making satisfactory academic progress
- Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal educational loan
- Have financial need (except for HOPE Program)
- Have a high school diploma, GED, or meet the ability to benefit (ATB) requirements (if required)
ALSO:
- Federal student loans must be repaid or deferred
- Less than half-time students may be eligible for Federal PELL Grants and some other student aid programs
- Students attending two schools in the same enrollment period must inform both financial aid administrators (students cannot receive PELL Grants at both schools)
- Students who have received a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Federal PELL Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, state HOPE scholarship, or Georgia LEAP but may be eligible for other student aid programs
- Convictions of drug distribution or possession may make a student ineligible
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid
All students receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory qualitative and quantitative progress in accordance with the statements listed below. Progress will be reviewed quarterly.
- Students enrolled in a degree, diploma, or technical certificate program must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (C) or higher. If a student’s GPA falls below 2.0, he/she will be placed on academic warning the following quarter. The student has the next quarter of attendance to bring up his/her quarterly and cumulative GPA to the required 2.0. If the quarterly and cumulative GPA is brought up to 2.0, the student is taken off academic warning. If the 2.0 is not achieved, the student will be placed on academic probation and will not be eligible for student aid. Quarterly and cumulative GPA’s are calculated based on all credit courses taken each quarter at the institution.
- To maintain satisfactory progress for financial aid, a student must successfully complete at least 67% of all courses attempted at NGTC. If a student fails to complete 67% of the credit hours attempted, he/she will be placed on financial aid probation for the following quarter. If the 67% completion rate is achieved the following quarter, the student is taken off probation. If the 67% completion rate is not achieved, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension.
- Students must complete their educational objective within a maximum time of 150% for full-time enrollment. Enrollment of less than full-time will be prorated accordingly. This means that once a student has attempted one and a half times the minimum number of credit hours necessary for completing diploma requirements, they will be ineligible for financial aid. However, factors beyond a student’s control, such as conflicts in scheduling classes, are considered.
- Students may receive aid while on financial aid probation but are not eligible for state or federal aid while on suspension.
- Degree-seeking students who are eligible for the HOPE Scholarship funds must maintain a HOPE cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B) or higher.
- When students are enrolled in a diploma and/or technical certificate program and they take more than 50% of their program course work on-line, there will be a suspension of financial aid. Federal regulations require that any student taking more than 50% of his/her course work on-line be placed on 50% Internet suspension and all federal aid must be terminated for the duration of his/her current program of study.
Grades of W and WP are not used in calculating a student’s GPA but are counted as credit hours attempted. WF is counted as an
F. If a course is repeated, all hours attempted will be counted for purposes of the 67% completion rate and maximum time frame requirements; and all grades except for IP will be used in calculating the minimum GPA of 2.0. The IP will be considered the next quarter when a grade is inserted.
Satisfactory academic progress for transfer students for the first quarter enrolled will be assessed based on previous transcripts. After the first quarter, only the student’s academic record at the current school will be evaluated. However, transfer records are considered when measuring the maximum time of 150%.
A student will be notified in writing by the Financial Aid Office if he/she is in violation of the standards of satisfactory progress and of the termination of the Title IV funds and/or state funds.
Financial Aid Appeal Procedures
Students have the right to appeal the denial of financial aid if they feel that they have extenuating circumstances which prevent them from making satisfactory progress. This appeal must be made in writing to the Financial Aid Director within ten calendar days of notification of the suspension of financial aid. If a student fails to provide a written appeal to the Financial Aid Director, the student must then submit a letter and supporting documentation to the Vice President for Student Affairs or his/her designee for review. A decision concerning reinstatement of financial aid will be communicated to the student in writing.
HOPE Only Refund
If a refund is due and the student received HOPE funds but did not receive federal Title IV funds, 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.
Title IV and HOPE Refund
If, in addition to HOPE funds, the student also received federal Title IV funds, then such amounts must be refunded to HOPE, rounded to the nearest dollar, by following these steps:
- Determining the amount of the federal Title IV refund as prescribed by the federal “Return of Title IV Funds” policy.
- After applying the institution’s refund policy, any remaining portion of the student’s HOPE tuition-and-fees refund not already refunded to the federal programs must be refunded to HOPE.
Title IV Refund
If a refund is due and the student received Title IV (PELL) funds, then such amounts must be refunded to Title IV by applying the following steps:
- Determine the withdrawal date.
- Determine the amount the student earned (include amounts that were or could have been disbursed).
- Return unearned funds to Title IV programs.
- The withdrawal date is the last date as determined by the institution’s attendance record.
STATE STUDENT AID PROGRAMS
HOPE Grant
The State HOPE Grant is available to qualified Georgia residents who are enrolled in a diploma or technical certificate program. Assistance will cover all tuition, some mandatory fees, and/or a book allowance with the exception of the Technology Support Fee. High school grades, graduation dates, and family income are not a consideration in determining eligibility for the HOPE Grant. To apply, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or GSFAPPS Application and other necessary forms. (Room and board costs are not covered through the HOPE Grant.)
The HOPE Grant also awards a $500 voucher to any qualified Georgia resident who passes the GED exam. The voucher is to be applied toward the cost of education in a degree, diploma, or technical certificate program.
HOPE Scholarship
The State HOPE Scholarship is available to qualified Georgia residents at the time of his/her high school graduation (1993 or later HOPE Scholar) and the time of enrollment in a Technical College System of Georgia institution under a degree-bound program. The HOPE Scholarship is also available to qualified Georgia residents who have attempted 45 or 90 quarter hours toward a degree with a HOPE cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better. Assistance will cover all tuition, some mandatory fees, and/or a book allowance. (Room and board costs are not covered under the HOPE Scholarship.)
Georgia Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Georgia LEAP is awarded to Georgia residents who are enrolled full-time and have demonstrated substantial financial need based on information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
FEDERAL STUDENT AID PROGRAMS
PELL Grant
The Federal PELL Grant is a Title IV Program that provides eligible students with aid to help meet the cost of postsecondary education. Eligibility is based on need.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is based on financial need. Students must be qualified undergraduates enrolled in an eligible program leading to a diploma or degree.
Federal Work-Study Program
The work-study program gives employment to eligible students to help meet the costs of postsecondary education. Work-study awards are made on a fiscal year basis. Application may be made in the Financial Aid Office.
HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit
North Georgia Technical College will actively participate in the HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learning tax credit. Tax credits are subtracted directly from the tax a family owes. Specific information about this Financial Aid program is available in the Financial Aid Office. Tax forms are distributed annually for consideration and tax preparation by the Administration Business Office.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships are administered through a partnership between North Georgia Technical College and the North Georgia Technical College Alumni Association. Applications for scholarships must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office by the Friday following the mid-term date of each quarter. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office. Students will be required to meet selection criteria as established by each individual scholarship. The Scholarship Committee will determine which scholarship best fits the applicant’s situation. Upon receiving a completed application, the Scholarship Committee will meet to determine if the applicant is eligible. All awards are dependent on the availability of funds. All scholarships awarded by the Scholarship Committee will be issued to the recipient after the first day of class. Any applicant who is reported as a no-show or withdraws within the first seven days of classes will be required to repay the scholarship, and a hold will be placed on his or her account until repayment is received.
A&M Perpetual Scholarship
These scholarships are provided by alumni of the Georgia Ninth District School of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (A&M School). The school operated on the NGTC campus from 1907 to 1933. Scholarships are awarded to deserving resident students demonstrating a financial need.
Lake and Effie Copeland Scholarship
The Lake and Effie Copeland Scholarship is established by the descendants of Lake and Effie Copeland to honor these two people. The scholarship is not restricted and will be used for any academically qualified NGTC student needing financial assistance.
J.C. and Belva Harris Memorial Scholarship
The purpose of the J.C. and Belva Harris Memorial Scholarship at NGTC is to honor J.C. and Belva Harris for long devotion to both family and community and for their support of technical education. This scholarship is awarded to residents of Franklin County.
Patterson Pump Scholarship
The purpose of the Patterson Pump Scholarship is to assist Stephens County’s graduating high school seniors in furthering their education at NGTC. Information may be obtained from the Stephens County High School counselor.
Lenora M. Sarling Perpetual Scholarship
The Lenora M. Sarling Scholarship was designed to honor Lenora Sarling and her interest in technical education. This scholarship is awarded by the Scholarship Committee to deserving students.
William C. Clary, Jr., Perpetual Scholarship
This scholarship honors W.C. “Bill” Clary, Jr., of Toccoa who was a key figure in the founding of NGTC. He helped select the site for the school in 1943. The Clary scholarships are given to students who are residents of Stephens County.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
The following scholarships are not administered/awarded by the Scholarship Committee.
Martha Clarke Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship
The Martha Clarke Campbell Memorial Nursing Scholarship was founded by Emmett and Martha Shotts in memory of Mrs. Shotts’ mother, Martha Clarke Campbell. The scholarship will be awarded each Spring Quarter. This scholarship gives preference to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) who continue his or her education at NGTC. It is open to any NGTC student who has been admitted into one of the Allied Health fields. Interested students should contact the NGTC Foundation for more information.
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS
Marlowe-Evans GOAL Scholarship
The Marlowe-Evans GOAL scholarship was established in 2004 to honor former NGTC President Jim Marlowe and former State Board of Technical and Adult Education Member Bob Evans. Both men were instrumental in starting the GOAL program in Georgia. The $500 Marlowe-Evans GOAL scholarship is presented each year to one of the 12 NGTC GOAL finalists who have demonstrated the best in community service.
North Georgia Technical College Foundation Scholarships
The NGTC Foundation and Board of Trustees administer scholarships to deserving students with an unmet need. Interested students should request an application from the Director of Institutional Advancement and follow established procedures.
OTHER FINANCIAL AID
Vocational Rehabilitation
Benefits may be available to students with physical or emotional disabilities as defined by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Information is available from area Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Offices.
Veterans' Benefits
Veterans' Benefits are available to veterans, widows of veterans, and children of disabled or deceased veterans. More information is available from area Veterans' Administration Offices.
