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The Verification Process
Verification is a quality control process requested by the US Department of Education to certify the accuracy of the financial and family information on the Student's FAFSA.
If a student is chosen for verification, he or she must complete and submit all financial aid forms requested in order for his or her financial aid paperwork to be considered complete. Verification requires a copy of the students, parents and spouse’s tax return transcript along with additional verification forms that may be required before the financial aid file is complete.
A student’s financial aid award package is determined annually and is based on the student’s current estimated family contribution (EFC), cost of attendance, state residency, and other specific financial aid eligibility requirements. Once a student’s financial aid award package is complete, he or she will be notified via mail or student e-mail of their financial aid award.
How Pell is Awarded
Pell refunds are loaded to the student Southern Union Discover Card by approximately the 3rd week of classes.
All Associate Degree Programs are awarded by Credit hours for Pell Grant as follows:
  • 12 or more credit hours = 100% of Pell award
  • 9-11 credit hours = 75% of Pell award
  • 6-8 credit hours = 50% of Pell award
  • 1-5 credit hours = 25% of Pell award
Not all Programs at SUSCC are eligible for PELL grant. . Many Short Certificate Programs are not eligible for Pell. Programs must have at least 16 credit hours and 600 clock hours to receive Pell.
Several Programs are also awarded by Clock hours not Credit hours like the Cosmetology, Associate Degree Program. Surgical Technician, Therapeutic Massage and Practical Nursing Program's Pell award is calculated by Clock hours rather than Credit hours. Clock Hours are divided by 2 to calculate the credit hour equivalent for the Pell award. Students in these three classes would be awarded Pell as follows:
  • 24 or more Clock Hours = Full time or 100% of the PELL award
  • 18-23 Clock hours = Three quarters time or 75% of the PELL award
  • 12-17 Clock hours = One Half time or 50% of the Pell award
  • 2-11 Clock hours = Less than half time or 25% of the Pell award
All students with completed Financial Aid Files will receive leftover Pell funds once all financial obligations are paid to SUSCC and the Bookstore.
USE of Pell in Bookstore
PELL Grant may be used in the Barnes and Noble Bookstores located on the Opelika , Valley and Wadley Campuses. The Bookstore will take PELL grants 3 week before and 1 week after classes begin. Once Pell Refunds are paid out the bookstore does not accept Pell. Remember to purchase your books early.
Pell Refund Calculations
A student must attend 60% of the semester in order to receive their full PELL award. Should a student drop within 3 weeks of the semester start date they would have earned 20% of their award. This could cause an over award situation and the student would owe SUSCC money back for tuition and books if the student has already received their Pell Refund check. Holds will be placed on the student's account . These funds must be paid back. If you register after final registration, drop or add classes at any time during the quarter, please contact a Financial Aid Advisor to determine any affects it may have on your financial aid status.
  • Financial Aid Deadlines
  • Financial Aid has set Priority Deadlines for each Semester to ensure the timely processing of student FAFSA Applications. In so doing, students can be assured their Financial Aid Files will be processed and ready to be utilized in the Bookstore and for tuition charges when the semester begins.
  • Priority Processing before the deadline dates include the following processes:
      Admissions Application is complete
      All Official High School, GED , College Transcripts must be in the student's file and reviewed by the Registrar's Office.
      The FAFSA must be received, complete and processed in Financial Aid Office.
      All requested verification documentation must be submitted and approved in the student's file.
  • Failure of students to meet this priority deadline dates may cause delays in the awarding of their Financial Aid in a timely manner. Students will be responsible for full payment of all tuition and fees charges if their Financial Aid is not complete.
  • If you do not have your tax returns and you wish to apply for Federal aid, you have two easy and convenient options for getting copies of your federal tax return information--tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts--by phone or by mail.
  • Request transcripts by calling 1-800-829-1040, or order by mail using IRS Form 4506T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). This is a free service. Allow two weeks for delivery.
In 2010 The IRS is now linked to the FAFSA as they will provide tax information for the previous year when the student applies on line. The FAFSA and the IRS can link only with student and parent approves the linking permissions. Some problems may occur for individuals that have changed their names, changed their marital status , have not filed or used a foreign tax return.
 
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  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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  The ASAP grant for exceptionally needy student (Pell Grant recipients) who are Alabama residents. Students must meet Federal Academic Progress rules and requirements. Funds are limited and awards may vary from $300-$1000 per academic year depending on State funding  
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  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 up to 19 hours per week at $7.25 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 up to 19 hours per week at $7.25 per hour. Job opportunities are very limited, and students should apply early. 		 
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  Federal Direct Student 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.
Federal Direct PLUS Loans
  1. PLUS loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow funds for educational expenses for each dependent child. PLUS loan applications are available upon request from the Financial Aid Office.
Loan Limits
  1. Freshman can receive up to $3500 in subsidized loans per academic year, or $1750 per semester.
  2. Sophomores can receive up to $4500 in subsidized loans per academic year, or $2250 per semester. (Students must have earned 32 hours to be considered a sophomore)
  3. Dependent students may qualify for an additional $2000 in unsubsidized loans per academic year, or $1000 per semester.
  4. Independent students may qualify for an additional $6000 in unsubsidized loans per academic year, or $3000 per semester.
Loan Application Process
  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov.
  2. Complete a Direct Loan Application and mail to the Wadley Financial Aid Office.
  3. Complete Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov.
  4. Sign promissory note electronically at www.studentloans.gov with FAFSA pin.
  5. Upon approval, the loan is certified. Award letters will be mailed out to notify students when their loan has been processed.
  6. Balances due to the student will be loaded onto a Southern Union Discover card that is mailed to the student.
LOAN FUNDS ARE NOT RECEIVED BY THE SCHOOL AND DISBURSED UNTIL AFTER 30 DAYS INTO THE TERM. AFTER THE FIRST DISBURSEMENT, LOANS ARE DISBURSED EVERY TWO WEEKS.

Please refer to the Southern Union Direct Loan Application for more information about Direct Loans. 		 
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Veteran students and/or their dependents may qualify for VA educational benefits. Students must self identify themselves with the school certifying official (SCO) located in the financial aid office.

Prior to contacting the SCO in the financial aid office, please log on to our VA website VETSED at www.suscc.edu/vetsed.aspx to review all VA benefits available.

Benefits include but are not limited to:
Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Program

Alabama National Education Assistance Program

Tuition Assistance

Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves (MGIB-SR)

Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and Active Duty MGIB

Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation (Disabled Veterans)

Chapter 33 Post 9/11

Military Spouse Accounts (MyCAA)

Chapter 35 Survivors/Dependents Educational Assistance

Veteran students and/or their dependents should apply for benefits and obtain documentation showing approved entitlement by the VA for education benefits.

After reviewing the VETSED website additional information is required, please contact Ashley Crane, Veterans Affairs Coordinator, at (334) 745-6437 ext 5312 or email at acrane@suscc.edu.
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  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.
Local Vocational Rehabilitation Contact Information:
       Opelika Office – 334-749-1259
       Auburn Office – 334-844-4473 		 
  Trade Readjustment Act (TRA)  
  Dislocated workers may be eligible for additional benefits through the Trade Readjustment Act for any technical skills training programs. Contact you local Career Center for more information on how to apply for financial assistance. Once approved for financial assistance, all new TRA students must sign a third party agreement before registering for class. You may contact the Financial Aid Office for additional questions.  
  Workforce Investment Act (WIA)  
  Economically disadvantaged students or displaced workers may receive financial assistance with any technical skills training programs. Contact your local Career Center for information on how to apply for financial assistance. Once approved for financial assistance, all new WIA students must sign a third party agreement before registering for class. You may contact the Financial Aid Office for additional questions.  
  Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) & Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Telephone Numbers:  
            Alex City Career Center: 256-215-4494
          Anniston Career Center: 256-832-0147
          Opelika Career Center: 334-749-5065
          Roanoke Career Center: 334-863-8114
          Talladega Career Center: 256-480-2109
          Valley Career Center: 334-756-0024
  
  State Scholarships for Alabama
Police Officer, State Patrol and Firefighter's Survivors Program (Eligibility is determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.)

Scholarships for Students of Blind Parents (Eligibility is determined by the chancellor of Postsecondary Education.)

PACT students
There is an authorization form available in the Financial Aid Office. You may also print the PACT Usage Form found in Online Forms or return by mail. This form must be in Financial Aid before a student registers for classes. Start this process early to avoid delays. 		 
 
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Southern Union State Community College is an Equal Education Employment/Opportunity Institution. Click here for official policy of non-discrimination.
750 Roberts Street
Wadley, AL 36276
(256) 395-2211 		1701 LaFayette Parkway
Opelika, AL 36801
(334) 745-6437 		321 Fob James Drive
Valley, AL 36854
(334) 756-4151
 
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