Financial aid may have the reputation of being only for those who do not make any money or for those who only want to take out student loans, but in reality we have a lot more to offer. We do have numerous programs, such as the Federal Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study and the SC Need Based Grant that are based on a student's financial need. However, we also offer the SC Lottery Tuition Assistance which is not income contingent. In addition to grants we administer hundreds of scholarships every year. Many of these are awarded through the GTC Foundation. Many other scholarships are awarded by organizations from around our community.
If you have sought out all of the grants and scholarships that you are eligible for and still have a need for additional funds, we do offer loans through the Federal Stafford Loan Program. These loans have low interest rates between 6.0%-6.8% and you can defer the payments until 6 months after you graduate.
The most important piece of advice I would offer concerning financial aid is simply to apply! By not applying you virtually erase any chance of receiving any sort of financial aid. You can complete an application at www.fafsa.ed.gov .
If you have any specific questions please refer to other posts on this blog where I have tackled various financial aid programs and offered numerous hints and tips on how to make your financial aid experience the best it can be.
As always, please contact us at financialaid@gvltec.edu with any additional questions!
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I have a question about low grades and financial aid. My low math Compass scores required me to take MAT 101 and 102 as a prerequisite to MAT 120, which is required for my program of study. However, despite my best efforts, I find myself with a below C average in my MAT 101 class this semester, and unless I earn a particularly high grade on the upcoming final, my final grade will be a D. I am currently attending school on a Pell Grant, and also have Sub and UnSub student loans. How will this bad grade affect my financial aid? In my other class this semester, I received a high "A", so my semester GPA will not be too terribly low. Does the gov't. count individual class grades against grant recipients, or will I be able to continue my education and simply re-take the class without losing my financial aid? Thanks for responding.
ReplyDeleteIn order to maintain federal eligibility, you must maintain a cumulative 2.0 minumum GPA. So even if you are unable to maintain a 2.0 gpa in one class as long as your cumulative gpa is above 2.0 you will remain eligible. It is important to note however, that you also must maintain a 2/3 course completion rate. If you are unable to pass a class or withdraw from a class your completion rate will be affected.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your question!
Thanks for the reply. Two more questions: I am only taking two classes, or 6-7 credit hours at a time. Does a 2/3 completion rate mean that I must have a C or above in both of my classes? Or, because the "A" in my other class keeps my GPA above the 2.0, does the "D" count as a "pass", even though it is not transferrable? Also, a friend of mine said that receiving a "D" will merely put me on an academic probabtion, meaning that I must pass the class with an acceptable grade on the next attempt, or risk losing my financial aid at that point if I do not. Sorry to ask so many questions. I want to be clear about the consequences so that I can be well prepared.
ReplyDeleteSince you are only take 6-7 credit hours, you must complete both of the classes with a 2.0 gpa between the two classes. By making a D in the class, you will be considered "completing" the class in financial aid as long as your cumulative gpa is above 2.0. It is important to remember that financial aid eligibility and academic probation are handled differently. You may want to check with an academic advisor to verify that only making a "D" in your class will be sufficient to continue on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your question!
I have been on probation from financial aid and i was told that i have to pay for atleast 6 credit hours and pass my class before i can regain my financial aid, well i have already paid for four credit hours and passed this past spring. Doesn't this count. I believe that i should be credited for those four credits of six, and financial aid department should help with my tuition or atleast my books for the fall semester. The books is what i really need assistance with the most.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, the rule that allows you to regain your financial aid stipulates that you must take at least 6 non-remedial credit hours in the same semester, pass them with a C average or better, and pay for those classes without financial aid assistance to regain your financial aid eligibility. If you only completed 4 credit hours this last semester, then you would need to enroll in 6 additional credit hours this next semester to regain your financial aid eligibility.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your question!