Financial Aid

The purpose of the Office of Financial Aid is to assist students in meeting their educational goals by providing appropriate financial resources. The staff of the Financial Aid Office is aware of concerns students may have regarding financing their college education, and wants to assist by providing the best service possible. Our goal is to meet individual needs in a timely, efficient, and equitable manner. Financial aid awards at Georgia College are based on scholastic ability, financial need, and contribution to the campus community, or a combination thereof. Students may receive aid in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, or work opportunities. All students are encouraged to apply. Programs with limited funding are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis based on eligibility.

Many students do not have the financial resources to accomplish their educational objectives. Through the financial aid programs, Georgia College makes every effort to assure that no qualified student will be denied the opportunity to attend school because of lack of funds. Each year over 80 percent of Georgia College students receive some form of financial aid. Once awarded packages are complete, they may be viewed online via GC’s secure website.

Because of the many federal, state, and local agencies that regulate financial aid programs, the administration of financial aid is complex and ever changing. To help simplify the process, the Federal government has a website that is updated regularly and can be found by visiting studentaid.ed.gov. It is important for students to understand the financial aid programs they are applying for and the requirements of those programs. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@gcsu.edu or 478-445-5149 should you have any questions.

Policies and procedures are subject to change without notice.

Application Process

Steps for Applying for Aid

1. Apply and be accepted for admission as a degree-seeking student to Georgia College.
2. Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at fafsa.ed.gov. (Students who have previously applied for aid and have supplied the Department of Education with an e-mail address, will be sent notifications electronically via e-mail) The GSFAPPS is the alternative application for student to apply for the HOPE and/or Zell Miller scholarships only. It is completed via Georgia Student Finance Commission’s website at GAfutures.org. You must create an account on this website to be able to access the application.
3. When completing the FAFSA, be sure to list Georgia College in the school section of the application using our Federal School Code of 001602. This will allow us to receive an electronic copy of the application. (Students should also be certain that all necessary electronic signatures are included.)
4. In no more than four weeks, the student will receive an e-mail notification with a direct link to the student’s online Student Aid Report (SAR). If an e-mail address was not provided on the application, the information will be mailed to the student. An electronic copy will also be sent to GC if so indicated. Please carefully read the comment section on the SAR to determine if any further action is required to complete the application process. If any information is incorrect, follow the instructions provided on the SAR.
5. Please verify with the GC Financial Aid Office that an electronic copy of the Student Aid Report (SAR) has been received.
6. Verification is the process by which the U.S. Department of Education requires schools to check denoted financial aid applications for accuracy. If the application is selected, the student will be asked to submit additional information to the Financial Aid Office. Typically, this will include a completed verification worksheet, student’s federal tax transcripts, and if applicable, the parent’s or spouse’s tax transcripts.
7. Parents of dependent students may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan online at www.studentloans.gov. Parents will start the Federal Direct PLUS application process and sign the master promissory note online using the parent’s FSA ID and password.
8. Students will be notified via their university e-mail of their eligibility for financial aid through either an electronic Award Letter notification or explanation of ineligibility. This notification is typically sent within a few weeks. However, it will take longer during peak processing times.
9. Be sure to report to the Financial Aid Office, in writing, any pending outside scholarships immediately when known, as adjustments to aid previously awarded may be necessary.

Determining Eligibility

Basic Eligibility Requirements

1. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible permanent resident.
2. Be in compliance with the Academic Requirements for receiving Aid.
3. Be fully accepted for admission at Georgia College in a degree-seeking program. Georgia College does not offer aid to students enrolled in certificate programs.
4. Transient students may receive HOPE Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship funds, if eligible. Eligibility is determined by the students “home” institution. Payment is made by the “visiting” institution in accordance with HOPE regulations.
5. Not be in default on any loan or have borrowed in excess of loan limits at any institution.
6. Not owe a refund on any grant at any institution.
7. Certify registration with Selective Service, if required.
8. Demonstrate financial need for need-based programs based on federal and/or state regulations.

Non-degree, transient, conditional, and/or unclassified students are not eligible for Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, or Federal Direct PLUS.

Effective July 1, 2000, students are ineligible for Title IV federal financial aid funds if convicted of an offense involving the possession of an illegal substance that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the students were receiving federal student aid (grants, loans and/or work-study).

The ineligibility period is:

• First Offense = 1 year
• Second Offense = 2 years
• Third Offense = Indefinite

For convictions involving sale of an illegal substance, the ineligibility period is:

• First Offense = 2 years
• Second Offense = Indefinite

A student may regain eligibility by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the U.S. Department of Education. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further details. Report any convictions involving an illegal substance on question #23 of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Procedures

Important Dates

October 1 - Free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available online at fafsa.ed.gov and is recommended for all incoming college freshmen. This application also serves as the HOPE Scholarship application.

November 1 - Early Action admissions deadline.

October/November - Qualifying students should submit President’s Scholarship Competition Interest Form and other materials as soon as possible.

Late November - Mid-May - “Early Estimate” Awards for all students that have completed the FAFSA application process. Look for an “Early Estimate” Award email from the GC Financial Aid Office. Instructions for accessing the award information and explanations will be included.

Early December - President’s Scholarship Completion at Georgia College.

Mid-February - Georgia College Scholarship application for returning students must be submitted. Access the application from the Scholarship Application System within Unify. Emails will also be sent to students’ Bobcat email account notifying them of the final deadline.

Mid-May - Official Award Notifications will be made and students will be notified via e-mail. The Office of Financial Aid will begin processing Parent PLUS loan applications.

July 1 - Fall semester “soft” deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.

November 1 - Spring Semester “soft” deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.

April 1 - Summer Semester “soft” deadline for completion of all financial aid forms. Files completed after this date will be processed as time permits, and students will be reimbursed any funds awarded.

Students must submit complete financial aid applications to be considered for aid. Some programs have a limited supply of funds. Please note that this is not a guarantee of funds availability but rather a time frame based on previous history. All limited-funded programs are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Students must submit complete financial aid applications by these dates in order to use financial aid funds to pay for the semester’s bill. Students whose files are not complete by this date should be prepared to pay costs until applications are processed and eligibility is determined.

The Federal Processing Center must receive the application(s) before June 30, 2020, and all verification processes must be completed before September 1, 2020, for the student to receive consideration for the academic year 2019-2020 or Summer 2020. Electronic Student Aid Reports must be submitted to Georgia College before the student’s enrollment period ends in order to be considered for aid.

Outside Scholarships

Any resources that a student receives or expects to receive should be reported in writing to the Financial Aid Office. The receipt of outside scholarships or other resources may result in reduction, cancellation, and/or repayment of need-based aid as well as non-need-based aid.

Summer Session Financial Aid

Students who wish to receive financial aid (including HOPE or Zell Miller) for the Summer Session must have a current FAFSA or GSFApps on file. Summer financial aid awarding will coincide with Summer course registration. Students will be notified via Bobcat email when his/her financial aid file has been reviewed for the Summer Session which typically begins mid-March.

Study Abroad

The International Education Center (IEC) provides information on the various approved study abroad and exchange programs offered by Georgia College, the University System of Georgia, and other accredited academic institutions. Studying abroad enables students to increase knowledge of a foreign language, provides the opportunity to gain insight into and appreciation for the cultures and institutions of other people; facilitates the development of relevant career skills; and contributes to personal maturity, a sense of independence, self-knowledge, and confidence. Georgia College students who are eligible for financial aid may use that aid to participate in most study abroad and exchange programs approved by the IEC. Students must meet with their Financial Aid Advisor at least 4 weeks prior to their departure to finalize aid eligibility which will include instructions regarding the timeline for disbursement of funds. For specifics on transferability, contact the Financial Aid Office, 103 Parks Hall, 478-445-5149 for guidelines. In addition, a number of study abroad scholarships are available through the International Education Center in The Bone House, 478-445-4789.

Transient Study

Georgia College students who are planning on taking transient coursework with another institution may qualify for financial aid. In order for students to receive federal funds or other aid for transient coursework, a Consortium Agreement must be obtained from the GC Financial Aid Office and completed by the host institution. Please note that many institutions will not participate in the consortium process therefore causing student aid ineligibility.

Students are required to pay all costs at the host institution and receive aid as reimbursement.HOPE/Zell Miller eligible students may receive HOPE/Zell Miller if attending an eligible institution. HOPE/Zell Miller funds are paid by the host institution. Some institutions may choose not to process financial aid for transient students. Please check with the financial aid office of the school you wish to attend. For specifics on qualifying, contact the Financial Aid Office, 103 Parks Hall, 478-445-5149.

Transient students who are visiting Georgia College must contact their “home” institution to determine their policies regarding aid eligibility and processes. All payment deadlines established by Georgia College must be adhered to regardless of whether aid funds will be available at Georgia College. In many instances, visiting students will be required to pay out-of-pocket at Georgia College and be reimbursed by either their “home” institution for most aid programs or Georgia College for HOPE/Zell Miller funds.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Academic Requirements for Receiving Financial Aid

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by Program Integrity regulations passed on October 29, 2010, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a standard of satisfactory academic progress for students who receive financial aid. This standard must apply to the student’s entire academic history, whether Title IV financial aid was received or not. In order to remain eligible to receive aid at Georgia College, students must meet the standards specified for acceptable academic performance and for satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program of study. The standards are established within the framework of applicable federal regulations specifically for the purpose of determining the eligibility of students to receive aid under the generally funded Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Georgia’s HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship, and Federal Direct Loan Programs (Stafford, PLUS, and Grad PLUS). These standards should not be confused with Good Standing, Warning, Probation, Dismissal, or Exclusion as defined by Georgia College’s academic policies.

Please note that all transfer hours, as well as all attempts of courses repeated, are included in the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) calculations.

Components

The Georgia College definition of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for receiving financial aid includes the following components:

I. Qualitative (GPA) Standards

Georgia College uses the 4.0 grade point average and numerical code:

4.0 = A
3.0 = B
2.0 = C
1.0 = D
0.0 = F
0.0 = WF

Students are required to maintain the following overall cumulative grade point average (GPA) as indicated below:

Undergraduate Students

Have 0-29 earned hours AND have not reached the end of second academic year (measured in time not grade level) 1.75

Have 30 or more earned hours OR have passed the end of second academic year (measured in time not grade level) 2.00

Quantitative (Incremental Progress) Standards

Students are expected to successfully complete 67% of all attempted coursework. This cumulative calculation includes all Georgia College and any transfer coursework attempted. Attempted hours and successful completed hours are based on all courses included on the students’ official academic history. Further, all attempts of repeated coursework and non-credit coursework are included. The formula of this calculation is:

Cumulative Hours Successfully Completed divided by Cumulative Hours Attempted = Percent Completed

The following will be considered as hours successfully completed:

* Any below grades with % are considered Learning Support and will be considered as successfully completed.

Grades A, B, C or D

“S” (Satisfactory)

Likewise, the following will be considered as hours not successfully completed:

* Any below grades with % are considered Learning Support and will not be considered as successfully completed.

“F”

“WF” (Withdrew Failing)

“W” (Withdrew)

“U” (Unsatisfactory)

“I” (Incomplete)

“IP” (In Progress)

Maximum Time Frame Standards

Students will have a maximum of 150% of the average program to complete their degree requirements while continuing to qualify for federal and state aid. The maximum time frame allowed will consist of all attempted hours inclusive of hours described in the Quantitative Standards section of this policy. Students who have Learning Support courses will have a maximum of 30 hours excluded for the maximum time frame standard calculation. The allowable time frames at Georgia College are as follows:

Undergraduate Students 180 attempted hours

Allowances for 2 Bachelor degrees and a Specialist degree will be made for eligible aid recipients. Any credit received by examination (denoted with a grade of K) is EXCLUDED from all aspects of the three SAP components.

Review Process

At the end of each academic term (Fall, Spring and Summer semesters), the Financial Aid Office staff will determine whether students are meeting the minimum standards for each of the components (qualitative, quantitative and time frame). Students not meeting the Time Frame standard will immediately, without a Warning Semester, become ineligible for all federal and state aid programs. The Financial Aid Office has the authority to cancel aid and request immediate repayment of federal and state aid programs at any time that a student is deemed ineligible. This may occur when access to the student’s academic history is not fully available due to the short amount of time between semesters as well as receipt of final transcripts from transfer institutions.

Warning Semester

Students that are not meeting the Qualitative and/or Quantitative standards at the end of a term are automatically given one (1) Warning semester. During this Warning semester, students are allowed to receive federal and state aid. Students must be fully in compliance with all components by the end of the Warning semester to regain eligibility and receive funds for future semesters. Only one (1) Warning semester is allowed for a student’s entire degree program at Georgia College. Further, the Warning semester allowance is not applicable to the Time Frame standard.

Denial/Loss of Eligibility

Students that are not meeting the minimum Qualitative and/or Quantitative standards at the end of a term review and have received aid during a Warning semester will lose their eligibility for the upcoming and future terms. Students that are not meeting the maximum Time Frame standard at the end of a term review will immediately, without a Warning semester, become ineligible for aid.

Students will have a letter mailed to their current address on file with the Registrar’s Office. Students may receive consideration for aid reinstatement at the time they have satisfied all deficiencies with the Qualitative and/or Quantitative standards.

Appeal (Probation Period)

Students that experienced extenuating circumstances that attributed to their inability to meet the minimum standards have the option to submit a letter of appeal. An extenuating circumstance must be due to situations beyond their control such as serious injury, illness or mental health condition involving the student or their immediate family, or death of an immediate family member. In order to submit an appeal to the Director of Financial Aid, student must provide a description of the situation with accompanying documentation, as well as a summary of what has changed that will allow them to meet the minimum standards at the next evaluation. The form must be submitted online using the following link:

Appeal to the Director of Financial Aid

Appeals approved will require that the student be in compliance with all standards by the next evaluation (term). In some instances, an academic plan designed to ensure compliance with the standards at a specific point in time may be utilized in needed situations. An approved appeal will allow students to receive aid for a Probationary period (usually one term). The academic plan must ensure that the student is able to meet the satisfactory academic progress standards by a specific time, which must occur before the student reaches successful program completion of maximum time frame.

Students that have an appeal denied by the Director of Financial Aid may appeal the Financial Aid Internal Review (FAIR) Committee.The same type appeal documentation must be submitted online using the link below to the FAIR Committee. The FAIR Committee’s decision should be considered final. The same type appeal documentation must be submitted online to the FAIR Committee using the following link:

Appeal to the FAIR Committee

In instances where the student has additional information or documentation related to a denied appeal, they may appeal the decision to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management who has the final authority.

Types of Aid

Grants, Loans, Federal Work-Study and a limited number of scholarships are available through this office to help with educational expenses at Georgia College. Grants do not have to be repaid. Most loans must be repaid in cash. Federal Work-Study awards are earned during period of enrollment. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to receive a Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct PLUS Loan. Federal Pell Grants are available for less than full-time students depending on need. HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarships are available for one or more hours of enrollment. All student aid will be awarded based on anticipated full-time enrollment unless otherwise noted on your Award Letter.

Grants / Scholarships

Federal Pell Grant Program

Federal Pell Grant Program is designated for undergraduate students working toward a first undergraduate degree. The amount of the grant is determined by the Cost of Attendance, the Expected Family Contribution provided by the U.S. Department of Education, and your enrollment status. Students who are enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours) will receive full eligibility. Students enrolled less than full-time will receive funds according to federal guidelines.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is designed for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. There is a limited supply of these funds, so they are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

HOPE Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)

HOPE Scholarship (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) provides students with funds for tuition. The tuition award amount is determined annually by the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the “per credit hour rate” is published on their website: www.GAfutures.org.

HOPE Check-Points for Continued Eligibility

Students are evaluated to insure they attained a “B” average at the following checkpoints:

30 attempted semester hours
60 attempted semester hours
90 attempted semester hours

At the end of every Spring Semester (except for beginning Freshmen enrolled below full-time)

HOPE attempted hours include: All regular coursework attempted after high school graduation, non-credit course work (LSS and Regents), all attempted transfer coursework, withdrawals, and dropped courses.

NOTE: To regain eligibility, students must reach 30, 60 or 90 attempted hours. Students cannot regain their eligibility at the End-of-Spring check point.

Limit of Eligibility

• Students are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship up to 127 attempted or paid hours whichever is reached first.
• Students are not eligible to receive HOPE Scholarship funds if they have attempted 127 semester hours or more.
• Students are eligible for a combined payment maximum of 127 semester hours. Hours for which students received payment from the HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant and the Accel program (through Spring 2011) are included in calculating the total Paid hours.

A student who has received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, may receive the HOPE Scholarship for up to 127 attempted hours, as long as the student continues to meet all other eligibility requirements.

A student who has not received HOPE Scholarship payment prior to Summer term 2011, and meets all other eligibility requirements for HOPE Scholarship, may receive the HOPE Scholarship until seven years after his or her high school graduation date, GED test date, Home Study program completion date, the date the student stopped pursuing a diploma, or the date the student completes a first undergraduate degree. A student who received his or her first HOPE (Zell Miller) Scholarship payment Summer 2019 or later, and meets all other eligibility requirements, may receive HOPE Scholarship funding until then years after the date of their high school graduation, GED test date, Home Study completion date, or the date of his or her petition to receive a high school diploma.

HOPE Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

HOPE GPA includes:

All earned grades since high school graduation (including both grades when a course is repeated)
Grades for non-credit coursework when given
Grades from all transfer work (even if courses are not accepted at GC)

HOPE GPA does not include:

Grades given of S, U, IP, W
Grades earned in college courses prior to high school graduation
Grades earned by examination (i.e., AP credit and CLEP)
Grades of I (incomplete) temporarily assigned. Once the final grade is assigned a review will be performed. If final grade affects eligibility, student may be required to repay funds dispersed.

Note: In some instances, the HOPE GPA may not be reflected on the student’s official transcript.

Second Chance to Regain HOPE

Students who lose HOPE Scholarship after 30 attempted hours or an End-of-Spring check-point may regain eligibility if they have a “B” average at the point of attempting 60 or 90 semester hours. A student can lose and regain HOPE Scholarship ONLY ONE time.

Zell Miller Scholarship

Zell Miller Scholarship pays full tuition charges for students who have the required 3.7 GPA (un-weighted) for all academic high school classes and a 1200 or higher score (from one sitting) on the Math and Verbal section of the SAT, or an ACT score of 26 or higher OR if the student is the Valedictorian or Salutatorian of their high school as reported to the HOPE office.

Zell Miller Scholarship Check-Points for Continued Eligibility

Students are evaluated to insure they attained a 3.3 average at the following checkpoints:

30 attempted semester hours
60 attempted semester hours
90 attempted semester hours

At the end of every Spring Semester (except for beginning Freshmen enrolled below full-time)

If the student does not maintain the 3.3 GPA requirement, but does have a 3.0 or higher GPA, the student can be reviewed for HOPE Scholarship.

Zell Miller attempted hours include: All regular coursework attempted after high school graduation, non-credit course work (LSS and Regents), all attempted transfer coursework, withdrawals, and dropped courses. NOTE: To regain eligibility, students must be at 30, 60 or 90 attempted hours. Students cannot regain their eligibility at the End-of-Spring check point or the date the student completes a first undergraduate degree.

Limit of Eligibility

Students are eligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship up to 127 attempted or paid hours whichever is reached first.

Students are not eligible to receive Zell Miller Scholarship funds if they have attempted 127 semester hours or more.

Students are eligible for a combined payment maximum of 127 semester hours. Hours for which students received payment from Zell Miller Scholarship, HOPE Scholarship, HOPE Grant and the Accel program (through Spring 2011) are included in calculating the total Paid hours.

A student may receive Zell Miller Scholarship until seven years after his or her high school graduation date, Home Study program completion date or date the student stopped pursuing a diploma.

Zell Miller Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) Calculation

Zell Miller GPA includes:
All earned grades since high school (including both grades when a course is repeated)
Grades for non-credit coursework when given
Grades from all transfer work (even if courses are not accepted at GC)

Zell Miller GPA does not include:
Grades given of S, U, I, IP, W
Grades earned in college courses prior to high school graduation
Grades earned by examination (i.e., AP credit and CLEP)

Note: In some instances, the Zell Miller GPA may not be reflected on the student’s official transcript.

Second Chance to Regain Zell Miller Scholarship

Students who lose Zell Miller Scholarship after 30 attempted hours or an End-of-Spring check-point may regain eligibility if they have a 3.3 GPA average at the point of attempting 60 or 90 semester hours. A student can lose and regain Zell Miller Scholarship ONLY ONE time. If the student does not maintain the 3.3 GPA requirement, but does have a 3.0 or higher GPA, the student can be reviewed for HOPE Scholarship.

Scholarships for Entering Freshmen

Most scholarships available to entering freshmen are offered to students who are selected to participate in the annual President’s Scholarship Competition. The competition for freshmen is held each year on a Friday in late November or early December. For online registration and more information please visit the official President’s Scholarship Competition website.

If you have additional questions, contact the Office of Admissions and New Student Programs at 478-445-0948. Other scholarships offered to incoming freshmen, such as the Goizueta Foundation Scholarship, require a separate application. For details, select these scholarships from the freshmen section on the right.

Scholarships for Returning Students

Each year, students currently enrolled at Georgia College who plan to return the following academic year have the opportunity to apply for Scholarships for Returning Students. Note that these scholarships are not available to incoming freshmen or transfer students. The scholarship application is typically available late Fall Semester for the upcoming academic year with most deadlines being the first Friday of February. The Financial Aid Office notifies all enrolled students via their institutional email account when the application is available.

General criteria for most of the Scholarships for Returning Students are as follows:

• Full-time enrollment for Fall and Spring semesters (12 hours for undergraduate)
• Completion of 24 hours at Georgia College by the end of Spring Semester (students may apply before completion of these hours)
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA; however, these scholarships are competitive.

Students will be matched to scholarships based on their application answers. Please note that actual offerings for the upcoming academic year may change as funding is determined on a yearly basis.

Students will be notified of scholarship offers via their institutional email account and the offering will be posted on their Unify (PAWS) account. Students may be expected to sign into Unify and accept the scholarship as well as write a thank you letter to the donor. Please note that actual offerings for the upcoming academic year may change as funding is determined on a yearly basis.

Private Scholarships

Private Scholarships may come from a variety of sources. Check with your hometown civic organizations (such as Kiwanis Club, Elks Lodge, etc.), your place of worship, banks, credit unions, business organizations and other associations. They often have scholarships that are not advertised.

Many web-based search engines are available that enable students to search for personalized scholarship matches. The GC Financial Aid Department recommends www.fastweb.com, www.scholarshipexperts.com, and www.uncf.org/scholarships. Additionally, www.GAfutures.org offers a search engine for finding scholarships. As with any web-based product, students are encouraged to protect themselves from potential scams by spending some time reviewing expert advice that can be found at FinAid.org.

Students who are awarded a scholarship from a source other than Georgia College should contact the Scholarship Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office for further information. Generally, private scholarships greater than $1000 are evenly divided between fall and spring semesters, while awards $1000 or less are applied in full to one semester, unless this conflicts with the scholarship donor’s stipulations or federal aid regulations.

Scholarship checks should be made payable to Georgia College and mailed to: Georgia College Office of Financial Aid, 231 West Hancock Street, Campus Box 30, Milledgeville, GA, 31061. For more information contact the Financial Aid Office at 478-445-5149, or e-mail your questions to financialaid@gcsu.edu.

Loan Programs

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (Direct Loan) allows eligible students and parents to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. The Direct Loan programs include: Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Student (Stafford) Loans and Direct Parent PLUS Loans. These loans are repaid directly to the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are made in the student’s name and can be either subsidized or unsubsidized.

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. Students will not be charged any interest before they begin repayment or during authorized periods of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these periods. This loan must be repaid. Graduate students are not eligible for subsidized loans.

An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. Students will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. Any interest that accumulates will be capitalized-that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount. This will increase the amount that will have to be repaid. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for unsubsidized loans.

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students will be considered for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan. Our office will determine students’ eligibility and award the maximum amount students’ are eligible to receive. After applications are processed, students will receive an email notification with instructions to view awards online. Having eligibility determined for a Federal Direct Stafford Loan does not commit students to accepting the loan or the amount (students may borrow less than full eligibility).

Students should pay close attention to any additional requirements including Entrance Counseling and Promissory Notes, which are available online at www.studentloans.gov.

Under federal law, students must complete a Loan Entrance Counseling session before funds may be disbursed. It is important that students know and understand their rights and responsibilities as a student borrower. Students should contact our office if they have any questions.

Further, students must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). In most cases, students will sign only one promissory note that will be used for all loans at Georgia College. By signing the MPN, students are confirming their understanding that Georgia College may make new loans for the duration of their education (up to 10 years) without having to sign another MPN. Each academic year, GC will disburse loan proceeds to students’ accounts as indicated on the online Award Letter viewed from the GC Web Student Information System. Students are also agreeing to repay all loans made under the terms of the MPN. Therefore, it is very important to completely read and understand all of the information on the MPN before signing it.

Interest rates are established each year for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans for which the first disbursement is on or after July 1 through the following June 30. The rate is the sum of a uniform “index rate” plus an “add-on” that varies depending on the type of loan and whether the borrower is an undergraduate or a graduate/professional student. Under the new provision, interest rates are the same for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans taken out by undergraduate students, with a different rate for Direct Unsubsidized Loans taken out by a graduate/professional student and for PLUS Loans taken out by parent borrowers.

Under the law, the index rate is determined each year as the “high yield of the 10-year Treasury note” auctioned at the final auction held prior to the June 1 preceding the July 1 of the year for which the rate will be effective, plus a statutorily defined “add-on”. As noted, the add-on differs depending on the type of loan and the student’s grade level. Each loan type is also subject to a maximum interest rate (or cap).The interest rate for a loan, once established, applies for the life of the loan - that is, the loan is a fixed-rate loan.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized interest rates are fixed at 4.53% for Undergraduate students and 6.08% for Graduate students. Subsidized Stafford Loans interest rates are fixed at 4.53% effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. There are loan fees up to 1.062% (Origination and Default fees) that may be deducted proportionately from each delivery of loan proceeds. This money is passed on to the federal government to help reduce the government’s cost of supporting these low interest loans. Repayment must begin no later than six months following graduation or termination of at least half-time enrollment.

Independent students and dependent students whose parents are denied under the Federal Direct PLUS Loan may borrow additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan funds. Freshmen and sophomores may borrow an additional $4,000 per year; juniors and seniors may borrow an additional $5,000 per year. Both may not exceed the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA). The yearly maximum for the Federal Stafford Loan will cover Fall, Spring and Summer Semesters. If the maximum has been received over Fall and Spring semesters, students will not be eligible to borrow additional funds for the Summer term.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 or more hours for undergraduate students in order to have these funds disbursed to their student account. When the loan is approved, the funds will be disbursed directly into the system to go toward paying the balance of the account with the Business Office at the beginning of each semester. Please see the section entitled Disbursement of Financial Aid for specific details. Students, currently receiving or who have received a loan through Georgia College, who graduate, transfer, drop below half-time enrollment status, or otherwise leave school must arrange for an Exit Interview for the Federal Stafford loan at the GC Financial Aid Office.

Students, currently receiving or who have received a loan through Georgia College, who graduate, transfer, drop below half-time enrollment status, or otherwise leave school must arrange for an Exit Interview for the Federal Direct Stafford loan at the GC Financial Aid Office.

Direct PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)

PLUS Loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow monies. These funds are designated to help pay the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half-time (6 semester hours). The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) minus any other financial aid the student is receiving.

Interest rates are established each year for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans for which the first disbursement is on or after July 1 through the following June 30. The rate is the sum of a uniform “index rate” plus an “add-on” that varies depending on the type of loan and whether the borrower is an undergraduate or a graduate/professional student. Under the new provision, interest rates are the same for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans taken out by undergraduate students, with a different rate for Direct Unsubsidized Loans taken out by a graduate/professional student and for PLUS Loans taken out by parent borrowers or graduate/professional student borrowers.

Under the law, the index rate is determined each year as the “high yield of the 10-year Treasury note” auctioned at the final auction held prior to the June 1 preceding the July 1 of the year for which the rate will be effective, plus a statutorily defined “add-on”. As noted, the add-on differs depending on the type of loan and the student’s grade level. Each loan type is also subject to a maximum interest rate (or cap).The interest rate for a loan, once established, applies for the life of the loan - that is, the loan is a fixed-rate loan.

Effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020, Federal Direct PLUS loan interest rates are fixed at 7.08%. There are loan fees up to 4.248% (Origination and Default fees) that may be deducted proportionately from each delivery of loan proceeds. Repayment usually begins within 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the period of enrollment for which the funds are borrowed. Application for the PLUS loan is accessed electronically at www.studentloans.gov. Students must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for eligibility to be determined. PLUS applications must be completed annually from the studentloans.gov website in conjunction with the FAFSA application process.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans will be disbursed after a Master Promissory Note has been electronically signed with the Direct Loan Servicing Center. The PLUS MPN has a multi-year feature. This multi-year feature allows a parent of a dependent student to only have to sign one promissory note that can be used for up to 10 years.

Funds will first be used toward the student’s bill at the Business Office. Any funds remaining can be used to purchase books at the Barnes & Noble at Georgia College bookstore approximately three days prior to the first day of classes through the end of the drop/add period. Students must complete the electronic authorization via their PAWS account prior to visiting the bookstore. Any remaining funds will be disbursed in a check payable to the parent, or check/direct deposit made payable to student as indicated on PLUS application approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period each semester.

Loan Cancellation

Borrowers who use loan funds to finalize Business Office bills may elect to cancel their loans and use another form of payment within 30 days of disbursement. The Financial Aid Office must be notified in writing of the cancellation within 30 days of disbursement to the student’s account.

Student Financial Aid Ombudsman

If a problem or dispute regarding a student’s federal education loan(s) arises that cannot be resolved through reasonable efforts, the student may contact the Student Financial Assistance Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s office can propose solutions that may help all parties come to a final agreement. The student should make sure good records of conversations and people involved are documented prior to calling this office. Students can reach the Ombudsman at:

Office of the Ombudsman

SFA US Department of Education

4th Floor, UCP-3/MS 5144 830 First Street, NE

Washington, DC 20202-5144

1-877-557-2575

www.ombudsman.ed.gov

Student Employment

Each year Georgia College offers currently enrolled students the opportunity to earn funds through student employment to help meet their educational and living expenses. These programs also allow students to gain valuable work experience while working around their class schedule. Information regarding two types of student employment offered at Georgia College is listed below. Students interested in applying may access information regarding available positions at www.gcsujobs.com. Select the STUDENT tab.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study (FWS) eligibility is based on established financial need and at least half-time enrollment. Jobs are located on campus and work schedules are planned around the student’s class schedule. Community service positions are also available through the FWS program. Detailed information may be found at Student Aid on the Web.

FWS money is not available at registration to pay for the student’s fees. Students are paid on a bi-weekly basis for the actual hours worked. All FWS recipients will receive an Award Letter with the amount per semester the student is eligible to earn. The Student Employment Coordinator facilitates placement of students in specific positions.

Georgia College Student Employment

The University Student Employment program provides additional opportunities for students to secure campus employment. While financial need is often not a factor, earnings under this program could affect other aid received. However, students are not required to complete the FAFSA and should select position listings that do not include FWS in the title. Students are interviewed and hired by the various administrative offices, departmental offices, and other offices at the University. Jobs in this program are fewer in number than in the Federal Work-Study program and application should be made directly to the employing department.

Once a position through FWS or University Student Employment has been offered to and accepted by the student, an employment packet must be completed by the student through the Office of Human Resources. Students will be notified via e-mail from Human Resources once the process is complete and they are cleared to begin working.

Financial Aid Policies

Disbursement of Financial Aid

1. General Information
   1. Student must be enrolled before funds may be disbursed. For more rules regarding Federal Aid program requirements, please refer to the Course Program of Study FAQ on our website.
   2. Student eligibility must be confirmed by the Financial Aid Office before funds are disbursed.
   3. Students are expected to have sufficient funds for miscellaneous expenses when they arrive on campus.
   4. Students who are eligible for Federal financial aid must have on file a valid Student Aid Report in electronic form to the Financial Aid Office before funds are disbursed.
   5. Students must be fully accepted for admission to GC before funds may be disbursed.
   6. Specific questions on individual cases should be addressed to the Financial Aid Office at 478- 445-5149.
2. Loans (Students must be enrolled at least half-time.)
   1. Federal Direct Stafford Loan: Under Federal Law: Students must complete a Loan Entrance Counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note before funds may be disbursed.
   2. Federal Direct PLUS Loan: Parents who are awarded a Federal PLUS Loan must receive an approved credit decision from the lender and complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) before funds may be disbursed. Remaining proceeds from the PLUS loan after the student’s bill is paid in full, will be disbursed in a check payable to the parent or check/direct deposit made payable to student as indicated on PLUS application, approximately 7 days after the end of the drop/add period each semester.
   3. Federal Direct Stafford, Federal Direct PLUS Loans: Borrowers who use these funds to finalize Business Office bills may elect to cancel their loans and use another form of payment within 30 days of disbursement. The Financial Aid Office must be notified in writing of the cancellation within 30 days of disbursement.
3. Disbursement Procedures
   
   Once all requirements have been met:
   1. 1. Funds awarded from the following may be applied directly to the student’s Business Office account:

      GRANTS	LOANS
      Federal Pell	Federal Direct Stafford Loans
      Federal SEOG	Federal Direct PLUS Loans
      HOPE ScholarshipZell Miller Scholarship

       

   2. These awards will be authorized to the student’s Business Office account once classes have been reserved.
   3. Any remaining balance to the student’s account must be paid to the GC Business Office prior to the published deadline in order to reserve classes.
   4. Eligibility is reviewed again at the end of the drop/add period (census date), and appropriate funds are disbursed to the student’s Business Office account.
   5. Once the Business Office bill has been settled, remaining aid may be used towards the purchase of books at the Barnes & Noble at Georgia College bookstore beginning approximately 3 days prior to the first day of classes through the end of the drop/add period. Students must complete the electronic authorization via their Unify (PAWS) account prior to visiting the bookstore.
   6. If the amount of financial aid awarded exceeds tuition and fees due at registration, the difference will be disbursed in the form of a check or direct deposit, if selected, by the GC Business Office, 111 Parks Hall, approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period.
   7. Students who use personal funds to pay for tuition and fees may receive reimbursement checks or direct deposit, if selected, from the GC Business Office approximately seven days after the end of the drop/add period if aid is received after payment is made.
   8. Financial aid awards made after the student’s bill is satisfied will be disbursed within 10 days after awards are made.
   9. Students are encouraged to enroll in direct deposit in order to access their refunds faster. Students who choose not to enroll in direct deposit will have their refund checks mailed to their current mailing address on file.

Change of Information

Awards are based on the information students provide on applications for aid.

Change to that information (marital status, number of dependents, place of residence, withdrawal from period of enrollment, reduction in the number of hours carried, change in academic program, Social Security or Veteran’s benefits, etc.) must be reported promptly in writing to our office for a determination of the impact, if any, on the amount of funds awarded to you. It is often necessary to revise awards, especially if federal or state funds are a part of the award, in order to avoid exceeding your demonstrated financial eligibility. We must, therefore, reserve the right to review and /or modify your award at any time. Failure to contact us may jeopardize continuation of your aid, cause cancellation of aid, or require repayment of funds already disbursed to you. All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Enrollment Status

Requirements for the number of semester hours of credit you must maintain for loans, scholarships, grants, and work may vary. At Georgia College, most financial aid is packaged based upon anticipated full-time enrollment: 12 hours for undergraduate. Only courses required for your degree will be considered when determining eligibility for Federal Aid programs. For more information, please see Course Program of Study FAQ.

Course Program of Study

Only courses required for degree completion can be used to determine your aid eligibility for federal financial aid programs such as grants, work-study, and loans. This does not include HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships. This means that a course must fulfill a core, major, required concentration, or degree requirement or be necessary to help you earn the total hours required for your degree. Taking courses that are not required to complete your degree could result in your receiving less or no federal aid or in owing money back to Georgia College. You are responsible for registering for appropriate coursework and for notifying the Office of Financial Aid if you choose to enroll in courses that are not necessary for your degree. For more information, please see Course Program of Study FAQ on the Financial Aid website..

Exception: If you are taking preparatory coursework that is required for another eligible program and enrolled in at least half time in these courses, you may qualify to receive Federal Direct Loans for one consecutive 12-month period beginning on the first day of the loan period. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 478-445-5149.

Repayment

Students who register, then withdraw, drop out, are expelled, or change enrollment status are subject to the Department of Education’s regulations regarding Return of Title IV (R2T4) aid and may have to repay a portion or all of the aid received to the University.

Refund Policies and Procedures

Federal Title IV Refunds

Students who are entitled to a refund for withdrawal and are receiving student financial aid (SFA) are subject to having all or part of the refund returned to the appropriate financial aid programs. For those students who withdrew prior to 60% of the enrollment period elapsing, a pro-rated schedule is used to determine how much SFA funds were earned at the time of withdrawal.

The University must return to SFA Programs the lesser of:

• The amount of SFA Program funds that the students do not earn; or
• The amount of institutional costs that students incurred for the period of enrollment multiplied by the percentage of funds unearned.

However, students are not required to return 50 percent of the grant assistance received.

SFA funds must be returned in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
• Subsidized Stafford Loans
• Federal PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplement Educational Opportunity Grants
• State Scholarships

If more aid is received that could have been reasonably spent for non-institutional costs (excluding Federal Direct Loan Programs), the unearned portion must be returned to SFA Programs.

Per federal regulations, students who fail to earn a passing grade in any course are considered to have unofficially withdrawn from Georgia College. At the end of each semester, the Financial Aid Office will identify any such students and will notify them with further explanation denoting any calculated financial obligations of unearned aid. A student’s failure to respond to this notification within the specified time frame will result in the university imposing its due diligence procedures regarding outstanding balances.

HOPE/Zell Miller-Only Refund

If a refund is due and the student received HOPE/Zell Miller funds only (no federal aid), then such amounts must be refunded to HOPE/Zell Miller, rounded to the nearest dollar, by applying the institution’s refund policy to the student’s original HOPE/Zell Miller award for tuition and HOPE/Zell Miller-approved mandatory fees. The book allowance is not part of the refund calculation.

Title IV and HOPE/Zell Miller Refund

If the student received federal Title IV funds in addition to HOPE/Zell Miller funds, the school must follow the Title IV Return of Funds policy for any federal aid received. To determine the refund to HOPE/Zell Miller, the school must then follow their institutional refund policy, if different from Title IV Return of Funds. If all or part of the student’s Title IV aid was disbursed directly to the student, the school must bill the student for the refund. This will prevent the student from receiving any additional scholarships or grants from the Authority until the refund is paid.