| 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 minimum wage 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 minimum wage. Job opportunities are very limited, and
students should apply early.
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| Loans |
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Federal Family Education Loans (Stafford Loans)
Subsidized Loans are awarded on the basis of financial need. Interest does not begin to accrue until 6 months after graduation or less than half time enrollment. Unsubsidized Loans are awarded without regard to financial need. Interest is charged from the date of disbursement.
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Federal PLUS Loans
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students are available to parents who need to borrow funds for their child(ren)’s educational expenses. A credit check is done, and a parent cannot borrow in excess of the student’s cost of attendance less other financial aid.
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Loan Limits
First year students can borrow up to a $3,500 base amount
Second year students may borrow up to a $4,500 base amount
Students may qualify for additional unsubsidized loan funds
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Loan Application Process
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Complete a Southern Union Loan Information Sheet (available in the Financial Aid Office or on this web site under Financial Aid Online Forms).
- Complete entrance counseling on the KHEAA web site at www.kheaa.com.
- Sign your promissory note using your federal PIN number at www.kheaa.com.
Federal eligibility requirements apply, including Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
IMPORTANT: STUDENTS MUST BE ENROLLED FOR AT LEAST SIX CREDIT HOURS TO RECEIVE A STUDENT LOAN.
LOAN FUNDS ARE NOT DISBURSED UNTIL AFTER 30 DAYS INTO THE TERM.
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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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