Financial Assistance
Okefenokee Technical College realizes that many students need financial assistance in order to attend school. Several sources of financial aid are available for Students at Okefenokee Technical College: Federal PELL Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work Study (FWS), Georgia HOPE Grant, Georgia HOPE Scholarship, Georgia LEAP Grant, Department of Labor (DOL), Veterans Administration Benefits, Rehabilitation Services, and various other grants and scholarships.  Contact the Financial Aid Office at 912-287-6584.

FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

Federal Pell Grant
The PELL Grant is a federally funded grant available to students who meet certain income guidelines. The amount of the PELL Grant award will depend on the family contribution (EFC Number) amount shown on the Student Aid Report, whether the student is full or part time, the number of hours enrolled, and the program of study.  It is not available to anyone who has received a bachelor’s degree, owes a refund to any Title IV Aid Program, or is in default on a student loan. In addition, PELL is not available to students who are classified as Learning Support.   

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is a need-based federal grant to help students with exceptional need meet educational expenses. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and have a valid EFC (expected family contribution) issued by the Department of Education before being considered for this grant. FSEOG is not available to students who are classified as Learning Support.

Federal Work Study (FWS)
This is a need-based federal grant to help students fund educational expenses by providing work sites on campus. The student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and have a valid EFC (expected family contribution) issued by the Department of Education before being considered for this grant.  The Federal Work Study grant is not available to students who are classified as Learning Support. 

Georgia HOPE Grant (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally)
This is a state grant funded by the Georgia lottery. The HOPE grant covers a percentage of tuition based on a factor rate set by the Georgia Legislature each year.  Recipients must be residents of Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months, or in some cases 24 consecutive months, not be in default of a student loan or overpayment of a grant, and be registered with the Selective Service.  At 30 and 60 attempted credit hours, GPA will be checked. To retain eligibility for the HOPE grant, students must have attained a 3.0 GPA at this checkpoint. The HOPE grant may be lost and regained once. The HOPE grant is limited to 63 attempted credit hours.

HOPE Scholarship
The HOPE Scholarship is funded by the Georgia lottery. The HOPE Scholarship covers a percentage of tuition based on a factor rate set by the Georgia Legislature each year for students seeking a degree at a technical college or university. The student must be a 1993 or later high school graduate with a 3.0 GPA in a college preparatory track or a 3.2 GPA in a technical curriculum track to be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship. A nontraditional student may qualify for the HOPE scholarship after completing 30, 60, or 90 semester credit hours that will transfer to the selected degree program and have maintained a 3.0 GPA. Grade point averages are recalculated at 30, 60, and 90 credit hours, at the end of spring term, and at the end of 3 part-time terms for beginning students.  At the time of GPA calculation, the student must have maintained a 3.0 GPA to retain the HOPE Scholarship grant. Recipients must be residents of Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months, or in some cases 24 consecutive months, not be in default of a student loan or overpayment of a grant, and be registered with the Selective Service. The HOPE Scholarship is limited to 127 attempted credit hours.

HOPE GED Voucher
Students who earn a GED receive a $500 voucher that can be applied toward the cost of education.  Students must be eligible for the HOPE grant to redeem the voucher.  The GED voucher expires 24 months after being issued.

Rehabilitation
This service assists students with physical, mental, and/or emotional disabilities. Application is made through the local Office of Rehabilitation Services, and on-campus assistance is provided through the Coordinator of Special Services.

Social Security Benefits
For information concerning Social Security payments while attending Okefenokee Technical College, applicants should contact the local Social Security Office.

Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF)
Students receiving TANF should contact their case manager at the area Department of Family and Children Services to see if they qualify for any child care/transportation assistance.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
A federally funded program, WIA is operated by the Workforce Investment Board designed to provide assistance to those in need of occupational skills training. Please call (912) 287-9943 for more information.

Veteran Programs
Okefenokee Technical College is approved for veteran’s training under various programs. Veterans should check with the Financial Aid Office before enrolling in a program to assure that a particular course meets current approval for VA benefits. Please call 338-5252 for information.

Scholarship Opportunities
Various scholarships are available on a limited basis. The Okefenokee Technical College Foundation office announces new external scholarship availability to the student body as openings arise. Contact the OTC Foundation Executive Director for additional information and to obtain applications.