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What kinds of
financial aid can I apply for at Okefenokee Technical College?
Depending upon your course of study, the two main types of financial aid are HOPE and Pell. Other sources of aid are Work Study, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Veterans Administration Benefits, and others.
I heard that
EVERYBODY who goes to OTC gets HOPE. Is that true, and, what
does HOPE cover?
Students who meet the Georgia residency requirements, and who are not in default of a federal student loan, or owe a refund on a federal student aid program, are eligible to receive the HOPE Grant. The HOPE Grant will pay a percentage of tuition. The HOPE Scholarship is for freshmen degree-seeking students and will pay a percentage of tuition. Students must have graduated from a Georgia high school in 1993 or later with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). If the student graduated prior to 1993, he must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the end of 30 attempted hours that will transfer to his degree. If applicable, male students must be registered with Selective Service.
I heard that there is a limit to HOPE. What is the total number of hours HOPE will pay?
HOPE Grant payments are capped at 63 semester hours. HOPE Scholarship hours are capped at 120 hours. Please contact the Financial Aid office for any questions relating to your particular program of study.
Who is eligible
for the Federal Pell Grant?
To be eligible for federal aid, you must be a citizen (or eligible non-citizen) of the United States, have a high school diploma or GED or pass an independently administered Ability to Benefit test, be enrolled in a Pell-eligible program, and be registered with Selective Service, if required.
How do I apply
for these programs?
To apply for the HOPE Grant, you may
apply on-line at www.gacollege411.org.
To apply for the Pell Grant, you apply on-line at www.fasfa.ed.gov .
I applied for
Pell and now have learned that I am being “verified.”
What does that mean?
The agency that processes your Pell application automatically selects somw applications and requires the student to bring copies of tax forms or other documents which the Financial Aid office will use to compare with information on your application.
How do I use
my financial aid?
When you complete the registration process, you will be able to view your HOPE and Pell, if applicable, on BannerWeb. If you are eligible, HOPE will have paid for your tuition and fees not covered by HOPE may be covered by Pell. If you do not qualify for Pell, you will be responsible for these fees. If your Pell application has already been processed, any additional amount for tuition, fees, and books will be taken out of your Pell award. If your Pell has not been processed, you will be responsible for the additional payment for tuition, fees, books and other supplies.
When will I
receive my Pell refund?
Remaining Pell money will be available to you approximately four weeks after the beginning of the term at the Cashier’s office. Withdrawal from OTC or dropping classes may reduce your Financial Aid award. You are responsible for the outstanding balance if the award is reduced.
Do I have to
apply for Financial Aid every term?
No. If you completed a GSFAPPS or paper HOPE application, you will not need to complete another application. However, you MUST renew your Pell Grant application (FAFSA) every spring to account for changes in your financial, tax, or personal circumstances. It is recommended your FAFSA be submitted by May 15 each year.
Can I apply
for work-study money?
If you are receiving Pell and have unmet need, you may apply for work-study for up to 15 hours per week. We will hold your application on file and make it available to OTC faculty and staff needing help. They will choose from among the applications based on your skills and available work hours.
I received
a letter saying that I was on Financial Aid Warning. Why?
You have not maintained Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). You will be placed on Financial Aid Warning if (1) your GPA or cumulative GPA falls below 2.0, or (2) you fail to complete at least 50% of your ATTEMPTED hours for a term, or (3) you attempt more than 150% of the required credit hours for graduation in your certificate, diploma, or degree. If you drop a class after the end of the third business day of the term or you complete a class with a IP, W, or WP, the hours for those classes will count as your ATTEMPTED hours. If you change programs of study, your attempted hours and GPA will transfer to the new program also.
Does this
mean I won’t be eligible for Financial Aid?
Your Financial Aid Warning lasts for one term and serves as a warning that you must remedy the condition. You will still be eligible for Financial Aid during that term.
What happens
if I can’t remedy the situation?
You will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension and will have to pay for your classes when you return. You must also meet the SAP policy that term.
I am taking Learning Support classes,
and I do not receive Pell. Why?
Federal Financial Aid will only pay for classes at the post-secondary (after high school) level. Students classified as Learning Support/Developmental are not eligible for Pell. Once you complete this level of classes, you will receive Pell, if otherwise eligible. You may, however, receive HOPE during this time.
I have some
other questions about Financial Aid. Who can I call?
Your Financial Aid office staff includes Debbie Yawn, Financial Aid Technician, at 338-5252, Tiffany Crosby, Financial Aid Specialist, at 287-5811, and Angie Wilson, Financial Aid Director, at 287-5819. Normal hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. During busy times of the term, we are available later in the evenings.
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