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APPLYING FOR FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
Wallace Community College awards financial assistance on a continuous basis for the entire year. Priority for the limited campus-based programs (FWS, FSEOG, and ASAP) is given to students whose applications are completed prior to May 1 of each year.
Students applying for financial aid must do the following:
Apply for admission and request a high school transcript, GED scores and certificates, and academic transcripts from other colleges previously attended.
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application forms can be obtained at high school guidance offices and college financial aid offices. This should be done as soon as the student (and the parents of a dependent student) completes the Federal Income Tax Return each year.
2. Mail the FAFSA to the Federal Processor. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent to the student in approximately four weeks. Students filing the FAFSA via the Internet can expect slightly faster response time. The SAR should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office to determine the student’s eligibility.
3. Complete verification documents if selected. Approximately one-third of all financial aid applications are selected by the federal government for a process called verification. Students who are selected are notified of the documentation requirements.
ELIGIBILITY
To receive Title IV student financial assistance, a student must meet the following requirements:
1. Have financial need, which is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution from the cost of education;
2. Have a high school diploma, a GED, or have passed an independently administered Ability to Benefit test approved by the U.S. Department of Education;
3. Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program;
4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress;
5. Sign a statement of educational purpose and a certification statement on overpayment and default (both found on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]);
6. Be unconditionally admitted to Wallace Community College;
7. Be registered with Selective Service, if required; and
8. Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
VERIFICATION OF FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
Federal regulations require that certain information on selected applications be verified. Students whose applications are selected by the Department of Education for verification are required to document the accuracy of application information, such as adjusted gross income, taxes paid, number of family members, untaxed income as well as other information from tax returns, and other documentation as requested by the Director of Financial Aid. Students cannot be certified as eligible for financial aid until the verification process has been completed and any errors outside the tolerance limits have been corrected.
FINANCIAL AID COURSE LOAD REQUIREMENT
To receive the amount of Pell Grant as indicated on the financial aid award letter, students must enroll for a full-time course load, which is a minimum of 12 semester credit hours each term. Pell grant awards for students who enroll for fewer than 12 semester credit hours will be adjusted according to the student’s registration status. Students enrolling in 9 to 11 semester credit hours are considered three-quarter time, 6 to 8 semester credit hours are half time, and 1 to 5 semester credit hours are less than half time.
FINANCIAL AID PAYMENT PROCEDURES
1. Students are paid based on their training time as of the end of the published drop and add period. Students who officially withdraw or drop out are subject to the Financial Aid Return of Title IV funds policy.
2. Students are not eligible for financial aid for classes they never attend.
3. Students who are withdrawn by the College for disciplinary reasons, non-payment of charges, or other similar reasons, are subject to the Financial Aid Return of Title IV Funds policy.
4. Additional information regarding the Title IV refunds policy is published in the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress. All students receiving financial aid under Title IV must meet the same Standards of Student Progress applicable to all students at the institution. (See Grading System in the General Policies section of this catalog for complete standards).
1. Time Frame. Each student receiving financial aid is expected to complete his or her course of study within a period not to exceed 1.5 times the length of his or her program of study. For example, a two-year program of study (6 terms) must be completed within three years (9 terms) of attendance.
2. Qualitative Measures. Each student is expected to meet or exceed the following grade point average (GPA) at the indicated points in their program of study:
12-21 semester credit hours 1.50 Cumulative GPA
22-32 semester credit hours 1.75 Cumulative GPA
33 or more semester credit hours 2.00 Cumulative GPA
3. Quantitative Measures. Each student on Title IV federal financial aid must earn two-thirds of the minimum number of hours required for each academic year to complete a program in the normal length of time allowed.
Financial Aid Suspension
When a student who is eligible for Title IV federal financial aid is suspended, whether the student serves the suspension or is readmitted on appeal, the student is not eligible to receive financial aid for the duration of the suspension. The student remains ineligible to receive financial aid until he or she meets the cumulative GPA required for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution or the GPA for that term is 2.0 or above (based on at least 12 semester credit hours or above attempted at the institution during that term).
Reinstatement
A student may have financial aid reinstated by (1) attending college at his or her own expense and (2) bringing grades into compliance with the minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Financial Aid when their grades are brought into compliance with the policy. Financial aid is not retroactively paid for any periods of enrollment during which the student is not eligible.
Program of Study
Students receiving financial assistance must be enrolled in a program of study that leads to a degree, certificate, or diploma.
Repeated Courses and Remedial Courses
A Title IV federal financial aid recipient who is enrolled in a developmental (remedial) course may not enroll in the same course more than three times and continue to receive financial assistance. A Title IV federal financial aid recipient may not be paid for more than 30 semester credit hours of developmental work.
Extenuating Circumstances and Appeals
Students who have had eligibility to receive financial aid terminated may appeal this decision in writing to the Director of Financial Aid, who will advise the student regarding the proper procedures and provide assistance in achieving an equitable solution to the problem.
Students' Rights and Responsibilities
Students have the responsibility of knowing the requirements for applying for financial aid, College refund and repayment policies, procedures relative to guidelines affecting a financial aid award, and procedures relative to disbursement of financial aid.
Financial Aid Overpayment Policy
In accordance with federal regulations (CFR 668-61), any financial aid overpayment made to a student must be repaid to the College to be refunded to the Title IV program from which the overpayment occurred.
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FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other federal and non-federal sources of aid may be added. The amount of a Pell Grant is based on a family’s financial circumstances. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Pell Grant. A Pell Grant is awarded for one academic year (3 terms). The financial aid year begins with the fall semester and ends with the summer term. Students are paid only after all required documents are received, reviewed, and approved by the Office of Financial Aid.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is designed
to assist students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to Pell Grant recipients who apply early. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Students who drop below half-time status (5 hours or fewer) or students who totally withdraw are not eligible for the award.
Federal Work-Study
Students who are selected for the Federal Work-Study program must be enrolled at least half time (6 hours). A student can work from 10-20 hours per week. The pay scale is based on the prevailing federal minimum hourly wage. To apply, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Wallace Community College Application for Federal Work-Study.
Alabama Student Assistance Program
This grant program is awarded only to Alabama residents. All applicants must complete the FAFSA. Priority awarding goes to students with the lowest family contribution who also receive Pell Grant.
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VETERANS' BENEFITS
The federal government and the state of Alabama have programs that provide financial assistance to veterans and their dependents. Wallace Community College believes that veterans are entitled to all benefits accrued through service to their country. The following information is given for those applying for veterans' benefits:
Alabama GI Dependents' Scholarship Program
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance to eligible dependents—child, stepchild, spouse, or unmarried widow(er)—of disabled veterans (living or deceased), who were permanent civilian residents of Alabama prior to entry into military service. Special consideration is given to dependents of permanently and totally disabled veterans who are bona fide residents or were prior to their death. Other benefits may be available to eligible dependents of the following: former prisoners of war (POW), declared missing in action (MIA), and those who died in service.
Maximum educational benefits include free tuition and required textbooks excluding non-credit and/or remedial courses for four standard academic years or a prescribed technical course at any state-supported junior or community college, university, or technical school.
Dependent children must file an application prior to age 26 (may be extended to age 30 in certain cases). A spouse or widow(er) does not have a filing deadline or age limitation.
For more information and application procedures, students should contact the nearest Veterans Affairs Office located in each county courthouse or write to the Alabama GI Dependents’ Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, AL 36102-1509.
Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 35)
This program provides financial aid for the education of dependent sons, daughters, and spouses of the following individuals:
1. Veterans who died or are permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected disability arising out of active service in the Armed Forces;
2. Veterans who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence;
3. Servicepersons missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force; or
4. Servicepersons forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power.
Eligible dependents under this program must provide the following items:
1. Completed VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance; and
2. Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Old GI Bill (Vietnam EraCChapter 34)
Benefits for veterans under the Old GI Bill were terminated December 31, 1989. Some benefits for these veterans were carried over to the new bill (Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30). Veterans who feel that they have some remaining eligibility under the Chapter 34 program should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551.
Veterans' Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 32)
To apply for benefits through the Veterans Educational Assistance Program, veterans with service beginning on or after January 1, 1977, through June 30, 1985, must provide the following items to apply for these benefits:
1. Completed application for educational benefits (Form 22-1990 available in the Veterans Office at Wallace Community College);
2. Copy of DD 214 (separation papers); and
3. Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 30)
Certain veterans with an honorable discharge and servicepersons may qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill. Veterans under this program must provide the following items:
1. Completed application for educational benefits (Form 22-1990 available in the Veterans Office at Wallace Community College);
2. Copy of DD 214 (separation papers); and
3. Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Active duty or servicepersons complete Form 22-1990 only.
Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606)
Members of the Selected Reserve who enlist, reenlist, or extend an enlistment in Selected Reserve so that the reservist has an obligation to serve for a period of not less than six years following the date of such action may qualify for Chapter 1606. Reservists under this program must provide the following items:
1. Completed application for educational benefits (Form 22-1990 available in the Veterans Office at Wallace Community College);
2. DD 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) completed by Guard or Reserve unit; and
3. Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program (ANGEAP)
The state of Alabama offers this assistance to an Alabama National Guard Educational Assistance Program applicant who is a resident of Alabama, and who is designated to be an eligible student enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program at an eligible institution, and is awarded to the student to defray direct educational-related expenses: tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, not to exceed $500 per term and not more than $1,000 annually.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
Vocational Rehabilitation is intended to help the service-disabled veteran become independent in daily living and, to the extent possible, to select, prepare for, and secure employment that is compatible with his or her interests, abilities, physical capabilities, and goals. Under Chapter 31, the Veterans Administration pays the cost of required tuition, fees, books, equipment, and supplies. The veteran also receives a monthly subsistence allowance.
Note: Interested students should contact the county Veterans Affairs Office or the Regional Veterans Administration at 1-800-827-1000.
REQUIRED STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS FOR VETERANS
To retain eligibility for veterans’ benefits, all veterans must meet the same Standards of Student Progress applicable to all students at the institution. (See Grading System in the General Policies section of this catalog for complete standards.)
CERTIFICATION OF VETERANS
The following criteria are used for certifying veterans or eligible dependents:
1. Certification is granted only for courses that are applicable to the declared program of study. Any deviation must be approved in writing.
2. Certification is granted only for hours required to complete the selected program of study.
3. Certification is not granted for audit or Continuing Education courses.
4. Veterans must be re-certified for education benefits each year, at the beginning of fall semester and when they reenter college after an interruption of their educational program. The Veterans Affairs Office does not certify enrollment for veterans to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) until after the last day of late registration. This is to ensure that the correct information is sent to the VA for the semester in which veterans are registering. However, the College will certify the veteran prior to registration for fall term based on the assumption that the veteran's enrollment status remains the same as summer term. Because of the early certification, the veteran could be overpaid or underpaid until the correct information is received and processed by the VA after the last day of late registration.
5. Veterans who have received college credit at other institutions are certified only for courses necessary to complete the declared program of study at Wallace Community College. Veterans are required to have an official grade transcript in WCC's Admissions and Records Office if they have attended any other college. It is the veteran's responsibility to notify the Wallace Community College Veterans Office when the transcript has been received in the Admissions and Records Office. Enrollment is certified to the VA for only two semesters until prior transcripts are received and evaluated by the Admissions and Records Office at Wallace Community College.
6. Benefits are paid on the following enrollment schedule:
Full time = 12 or more semester hours
Three-quarter time = 9-11 semester hours
Half time = 6-8 semester hours
Part time = 5 or fewer semester hours
A veteran may, under certain circumstances, be awarded credit in physical education (PED) for prior military service. A copy of the veteran’s DD 214 with honorable discharge must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office for credit to be granted. Credit for military learning experiences may also be granted. Veterans should refer to the General Policies section of this catalog for the official policy.
Payment and application processing by the Department of Veterans Affairs normally takes up to 90 days; therefore, the veteran must be prepared to pay all tuition and fees for the first two terms of enrollment before benefits are received. ELIGIBILITY IS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS.
ADVANCE PAY
Veterans may also apply for advance pay. To be eligible for advance pay, veterans must submit their application and other documentation in accordance with the deadlines established each term by the Office of Financial Aid at Wallace Community College. The advance payment is then mailed to the appropriate College location for delivery to the veteran on registration day. The advance payment includes an allowance for the portion of the month in which the school term begins as well as the next month’s allowance. Veterans will not receive another check until the end of the third calendar month of enrollment. Advance pay is based on full-time enrollment. If the veteran changes enrollment status to less than full time, the result is an overpayment which the veteran is responsible for resolving with the VA.
For additional information about the full range of veterans' programs available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans and dependents should contact the Veterans Affairs Regional Office at 1-888-442-4551, their county Veterans Affairs Office, or the Office of Financial Aid at Wallace Community College at (334) 556-2469, (334) 687-3543, ext. 4285.
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WCC SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
Wallace Community College has a limited number of scholarships awarded primarily to students who excel in areas identified below. State-supported scholarships (waivers) provide 100% of in-state tuition, not to exceed 18 semester hours per term for full-time. Categories and levels of support for other scholarships are determined by the agencies or individuals managing those funds. Consideration is given to students who meet requirements set forth in the individual scholarship.
Current Scholarship Applications
Academic Scholarships
These scholarships are based on academic achievement, and 100% of in-state tuition (Facility Renewal/ Technology Fee not included) is provided for the number of terms needed to complete an associate degree, not to exceed a two-year calendar period. Applications are available from high school counselors or Student Affairs.
Athletic Scholarships
WCC awards athletic scholarships for men’s baseball and women’s softball. Tuition is provided for two years and must be used within a two-year calendar period. Fees for each term of scholarship support are waived. Students receiving athletic scholarships must participate in and be declared eligible for the sport under which they signed the scholarship agreement. Interested students should contact the College’s Athletic Director.
Diplomats
WCC Diplomats receive 100% of in-state tuition (Facility Renewal/Technology Fee not included) not to exceed two terms, as long as they maintain eligibility to participate in the Diplomat program and remain in good standing.
Performing Arts Scholarships
These scholarships are awarded to talented students for participation in the Chamber Choir as well as in the areas of drama and art, and 100% of in-state tuition (Facility Renewal/Technology Fee not included) is provided, not to exceed a two-year calendar period. Information is available from The Arts and Behavioral Sciences Division.
Technical Scholarships
These scholarships are based on academic achievement in technical and general education courses as well as recommendations from high school teachers and counselors. Qualified students receive 100% of in-state tuition (Facility Renewal/Technology Fee not included) for the number of terms needed to complete a degree or certificate, not to exceed a two-year calendar period. Applications are available from high school counselors or Student Affairs.
Wallace College Singers
These scholarships are awarded to talented vocalists for participation in the Wallace College Singers, and 100% of in-state tuition (Facility Renewal/Technology Fee not included) is provided to full-time students, not to exceed a two-year calendar period. Members of the Wallace College Singers are selected during spring semester auditions.
Senior Citizens Waivers
Students aged 60 or over may enroll in credit courses, tuition free, at Wallace Community College if space is available. Fees and other costs, excluding tuition, are paid by the senior adult student. Senior citizens granted a tuition waiver under the Senior Adult Scholarship Program may receive such waiver only one time per course.
Privately Funded Scholarships
Wallace Community College also offers a number of privately funded scholarships. These scholarships may have specific requirements beyond those of the College. For information about these scholarships, please contact the Office
of Financial Aid.
LINKS TO OTHER FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES
www.fastweb.com
This website contains free scholarship search. (Please be aware of sites that you have to pay for to use.)
The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies - Fall 2009-Spring 2010 - Postmark Deadline December 15, 2008
www.srnexpress.com
Scholarship Resource Network Express contains free scholarship search. (Please be aware of sites that you have to pay for to use)
www.scholarshipexperts.com
This website contains free scholarship search. (Please be aware of sites that you have to pay for to use.)
OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
State Vocational Rehabilitation
Students with certain disabilities which interfere with their ability to work or attend college may be eligible for assistance through the Rehabilitation Services Office. Rehabilitation services may provide assistance with all costs associated with school attendance. For additional information, contact the State Rehabilitation Office.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
This Act was designed to provide training to individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, unskilled, or recently dislocated from a job because of layoff or plant closure. Assistance through the WIA program includes tuition, fees, books, tools, and supplies. Eligibility for a daily training allowance is assessed on an individual basis. For information, contact the local state employment service in your home county.
The Trade Adjustment Act (TAA)
This Act was designed to assist individuals in returning to suitable employment after becoming unemployed as a result of increased foreign imports. The TAA provides Trade Act funds for individual referral training if applicant meets all requirements. Interested applicants must contact their local state employment service to determine eligibility.
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