WGTC - Financial Aid

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Financial Aid Types

Federal Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant --- a federal economic need-based grant that does not have to be repaid. The information used to calculate the award is taken directly from Tax Forms of the previous year (1040, 1040EZ, etc.) reported to the IRS by the student. The FAFSA is mailed directly to the U.S. Department of Education or completed online for evaluation and calculation using the standard formulas established by the U.S. Congress. The Pell award is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated during the processing of the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA sent to West Georgia Technical College electronically after processing, within 3 to 4 weeks.

The maximum award for full-time students in 2008-2009, for the entire year, is $4731 or $1183 per quarter. A student must complete 60% of their classes each quarter before they are eligible for their Pell monies. Payouts by check of Pell monies will begin prior to the end of the 4th week of classes.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant--- (FSEOG) is a Federal grant available to the “neediest” Pell eligible students. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. All students with a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) are awarded first. (FSEOG) funds can be used for any school related expense. A separate application must be completed for FSEOG. FSEOG awards are disbursed quarterly along with a student's Pell refund prior to the end of the 4th week of classes.

Federal Work Study---is a federal work program that allows eligible students, with a demonstrated financial need, to earn money for school. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Availability of federal work depends on the skills and class schedule of an eligible student. Hours awarded to work for the student depend on the individual student’s unmet financial need. The maximum hours any student may work is 20 hours, as dictated by Federal law.

Pay rates will vary depending upon work experience but is generally the Federal minimum wage. A separate employment application must be completed and submitted to the Financial Aid Office. All students must first be certified eligible by Financial Aid. Job placement will then place students in available job position on campus.

Federal work-study students must complete all required employment forms (federal and state withholding forms and verification of citizenship) before beginning work. Students assigned to the Childcare Center must also submit to a criminal background check.

State Programs

HOPE --- Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally is a Georgia scholarship program that provides financial assistance in degree, diploma, or certificate programs at any eligible Georgia public or private college, university or public technical institute. Georgia residents can benefit from HOPE in several ways.

HOPE GRANT--- is available to Georgia residents who are attending a Georgia public technical college to earn a certificate or diploma. Individuals with a Bachelors Degree or higher may be awarded Hope Grant (some restrictions apply). HOPE Grant covers tuition and mandatory fees while providing a book voucher of $50 for 5 or less credit hours and $100 for 6 or more credit hours per quarter. HOPE Grant will pay for a maximum of 95 credit hours.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP --- is available to Georgia residents who graduated from a Georgia high school in 1993 or later with a cumulative high school grade point average of 3.0 or better in a college preparatory track or a 3.2 cumulative grade point average in technical, vocational, or other curriculum tracks. Georgia residents who do not meet the aforementioned requirements may become eligible for the HOPE Scholarship after completing 45 hours of degree level courses if they have a grade point average of 3.0 or better. HOPE Scholarship covers tuition, mandatory fees and provides a book allowance of $50 for 5 or less credit hours and $100 for 6 or more credit hours per quarter. A student becomes ineligible for the HOPE scholarship after attempting 190 hours of degree level coursework.
HOPE also has a combined cap hour limit of 190 hours that includes both HOPE Scholarship and Grant payments.

HOPE GED VOUCHER --- is a one-time, $500 award to Georgia residents who earn a General Education Development (GED) diploma awarded by the State of Georgia. This award can be used toward tuition, educational costs and books at any eligible post secondary school. HOPE GED award recipients are eligible for the HOPE Grant during the same term.

HOPE LEAP --- Leap (Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership) is a new grant available to Georgia residents who demonstrate substantial financial need. Leap will not be offered to students during summer quarter but will be available all other quarters. Leap is an economic based grant that requires a student to fill out the FAFSA and be eligible for the PELL Grant and have a 3.50 GPA or better. The minimum yearly LEAP award is $300 and the maximum award is $2,000.

Other Assistance

Veteran Educational Benefits---Most of West Georgia Technical College’s programs are approved for Veteran Educational Benefits so that persons who qualify may receive benefits under the Montgomery G. I. Bill Chapter 30 or 32, Survivors' Benefits Chapter 35, Veterans' Vocational Rehabilitation Chapter 31, and National Guard Chapter 1606.

Vocational Rehabilitation---Students with any permanent disabilities that prevent employment may be eligible for funds to cover the cost of training at West Georgia Technical College. Applications for vocational rehabilitation assistance must be made to the Georgia Department of Human Resources.

Scholarship/Workships---Scholarship/workships may be available as funds permit through the West Georgia Tech Foundation, Inc. and outside school, civic and private organizations. Applications are in the Financial Aid Office.

Georgia Fatherhood Program---Any qualifying non-custodial parent who wants to support their children may receive services and training from the Georgia Fatherhood Program. Limited aid to eliminate the financial barriers of education is also available to those who qualify.

Americorp---Offers wages to students for working with elderly individuals while providing a school tuition voucher to be used for educational expenses throughout the USA. Vouchers for education are readily accepted at WGTC.