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Federal Pell Grant:

The grant program, authorized under the Education Amendments of 1972, does not have to be repaid and is used to provide the"base" for student's financial aid package. The maximum amount varies from year to year dependent on published Department of Education payment schedules. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available from high school counselors and the College Financial Aid Office or apply on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The priority date for financial aid applicants is April 1. Students receiving the grant must be enrolled in an eligible program. The amount of the grant is determined by (1) the Federal Pell Grant Expected Family Contribution Number, (2) the cost of the student's attendance, and (3) the number of credit hours attempted, i.e., 1-5 credit hours equals less than ½ time, 6-8 hours equals ½ time, 9-11 hours equals 3/4 time, and 12 credit hours or more equals full time.

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Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant:

The program provides a limited number of grants for students who receive Pell Grant and who have exceptional need. Students apply for FSEOG by completing the FAFSA. Funds are limited and students are encouraged to apply early. April 1 is the priority deadline for FSEOG.

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Alabama Student Assistance Program Grant :

This grant program is awarded only to Alabama residents. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Priority awarding goes to students with the lowest family contributions who also receive Pell Grants.

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College Work Study Program:

Federal Work Program: The Federal College Work Program is designed to promote the part-time employment of students from low income families. A student working under the Work-Study Program may work approximately 10-15 hours per week at $5.50 per hour in the College dining hall, learning resource centers, maintenance department, America Reads Tutorial Program, or administrative/faculty offices. Job opportunities are limited, and eligible students are encouraged to apply early. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for job assignments.

Institutional Work Program: A work program, funded by the College, provides opportunities for students to work in college departments for approximately 10-15 hours per week at $5.50 per hour. Job opportunities are very limited, and students should apply early.

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Loans
  • FFEL Stafford Loans
    1. Subsidized loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. Interest is deferred prior
    to repayment beginning and during authorized periods of deferment.
    2. Unsubsidized loans are not awarded on the basis of need. Interest is charged from the date the loan is disbursed until the loan is repaid.

  • FFEL PLUS Loans
    1. PLUS loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow funds for educational expenses for each dependent child.

  • Loan Limits
    1. $2625 for dependent first-year students.
    2. $3500 for dependent sophomores who have at least a full academic year left in their program.
    3. Independent students may qualify for higher limits based on cost of attendance, expected family contribution, and program of study

  • Loan Application Process
    1. Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) paper version, or Internet version www.fafsa.ed.gov.
    2. Arrange an interview with a financial aid counselor.
    3. Complete entrance counseling on a KHEAA web site
    https://ww2.kheaa.com/entintro.html
    4. Upon approval, the loan is certified and a promissory note is mailed to the student. Student should sign and mail promissory note to lender. Funds are sent to the College and will be posted to the student's account. Balances due the student will be disbursed by check and mailed to the student's home address.

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Veterans' Programs

Veteran students and/or their dependents may qualify for VA educational benefits. The Veterans' Affairs Office is the certifying authority for veterans, service members, and their dependents. It serves as a link between the Regional Veterans' Affairs Office and the VA benefit recipient.

Documentation: Required documentation for veterans as required by the Veterans' Administration and Southern Union State Community College is as follows:

1. DD214 (separation papers). Certified or original copy of Member 4 for Chapter 30
and Chapter 32 Veterans.
2. Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
3. File number for veteran's dependents for Chapter 35.
4. Chapter 1606, National Guard and Reserves, are required to provide Form 2384 (NOBE).

Certification: The following criteria will be used for certifying veterans eligible persons:

1. Certification will be granted only for those courses which are applicable to the declared program of study (major). Any deviation must be approved by the VA certifying official.

2. Certification will not be granted for courses audited.

Payment Schedule: Payments for veteran's benefits will be based upon the following schedule:
Full-time students payment 12 credit hours or more
Three-fourths payment 9-11 credit hours
One-half payment 6-8 credit hours
Reimbursement for tuition and fees 5 or fewer hours

Change of Enrollment Status: Students should promptly notify the College of any change in enrollment status as this could result in overpayment of VA benefits. Students should provide statements regarding mitigating circumstances for reductions and terminations.

Academic Standards of Progress: Students should follow the required academic standards of progress as outlined for Title IV programs.

Additional Information: Department of Veterans Affairs toll free information line is 1-888-442-4551, and the web site is www.gibill.va.gov.

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Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Program

The Alabama Department of Veterans' Affairs offers financial assistance to eligible dependents (child, stepchild, spouse, or not remarried widow(er) of disabled veterans (living or deceased) who were permanent civilian residents of Alabama prior to entry into military service.

For information and application procedures, contact your nearest Veterans' Affairs Office located in each county courthouse or write to the Alabama G.I. Dependents Scholarship Program, P. O. Box 1509, Montgomery, AL 36102-1509.

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Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance

This program provides financial assistance to Alabama National Guard members for education at an accredited postsecondary institution in Alabama. Additional information is available from the commander of each National Guard unit.

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Vocational Rehabilitation

Students who have physical or mental conditions that interfere with their ability to work may be eligible for assistance through the Vocational Rehabilitation Services. For further information, students should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation office in their home county.

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Other Financial Aid Programs

1. Workforce Investment Area

a.. TRA
b. Alabama Technical Scholarships

2. Police Officers', State Patrol, and Firefighters' Survivors Program(eligibility determined by Alabama Commission on Higher Education).

3. Scholarships for Students of Blind Parents (eligibility determined by Chancellor of Postsecondary Education).

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