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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 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 follow the steps below:
- Apply for admission and request an official high school transcript, GED scores and certificates, and academic transcripts from other colleges previously attended.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may apply by one of three ways:
- FAFSA on the WEB (FOTW) Worksheet. Students are encouraged to use this online method for completing the application process. The FAFSA on the WEB (FOTW) worksheets can be obtained at high school guidance offices, college financial aid offices, and at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Download the PDF version of the FAFSA at FederalStudentAid.ed.gov, FAFSA Filing Options. Students can access the PDF, complete the form on the computer, and print it, or print the form and complete it by hand. This form must be mailed to the processing center.
- Paper FAFSA. Students and families can request up to three copies of the paper FAFSA by calling the Federal Student Aid Information Center toll free at 1-800-4-FED-AID.
- Every student must complete the application process for federal student aid as soon as the student (and the parents of a dependent student) completes the Federal Income Tax Return each year.
- 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:
- Have financial need, which is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution from the cost of education.
- 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.
- Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
- Sign a statement of educational purpose and a certification statement on overpayment and default (both are found on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA]).
- Be unconditionally admitted to Wallace Community College.
- Be registered with Selective Service, if required.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen.
VERIFICATION OF FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
Federal regulations require that certain information on selected applications be verified. Students whose applications are selected by the U.S. 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 and 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.
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 9-11 semester credit hours are considered three-quarter time, 6-8 semester credit hours are half time, and 1-5 semester credit hours are less than half time.
PAYMENT PROCEDURES
- Students are paid based on their training time as of the end of the published drop and add period. Students who completely withdraw or drop out are subject to the College policy on Title IV refunds. (See page 27.)
- Students are not eligible for financial aid for classes they never attend.
- Students who are withdrawn by the College for disciplinary reasons, nonpayment of charges, or other similar reasons are subject to the College policy on Financial Aid return of Title IV funds.
Additional information regarding Title IV refunds is published in the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog.
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.
MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Federal regulations require that all students meet minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress to receive federal financial aid. These standards are checked at least annually.
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.)
- Time Frame. Each student receiving financial aid is expected to complete his or her course of study within a period not to exceed one and one-half times the length of his or her program of study. For example, a two-year program of study (six terms) must be completed within three years (nine terms) of attendance.
- Qualitative Measures. Each student is expected to meet or exceed the following grade point average (GPA) at the indicated points in his or her 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
- 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.
Students who fail to maintain the required qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (two-thirds of hours attempted) measures above will be placed on financial aid probation or suspension. Students will receive written notification of the conditions of their probation or suspension status. If a student is placed on financial aid probation, he or she will remain eligible to receive financial aid during the probationary period. If a student is placed on financial aid suspension, he or she will not be eligible for financial aid but may appeal his or her suspension status as noted in Extenuating Circumstances and Appeals below.
Academic Suspension. When a student who is eligible for Title IV federal financial aid is suspended from Wallace Community College or other colleges, 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 grade point average required for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution or the grade point average 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 REGARDING FINANCIAL AID
As a student, you have the right to know the following information regarding financial aid at Wallace Community College:
- Financial aid programs that are available.
- Educational programs and services that are available.
- Cost of attendance for programs.
- Application process for all financial aid programs, including deadlines.
- How financial aid recipients are selected.
- Procedures for appealing decisions made by Financial Aid staff members.
- How the College determines your financial need.
- How and when you will receive your financial aid funds.
- Wallace Community College refund policy.
- Job description and rate of pay for any job assigned under the Federal Work-Study program.
- How the College determines if you are making satisfactory academic progress and what happens if you are not.
As a student, you have the following responsibilities:
- Completing applications correctly and on time.
- Reading and understanding all materials sent to you from the Office of Financial Aid and other agencies.
- Keeping copies of all documents submitted to the Office of Financial aid.
- Knowing and complying with the rules governing financial aid you receive.
- Providing all documentation and information requested by the Office of Financial Aid.
- Registering for the number of hours required for your financial aid disbursement.
- Maintaining satisfactory academic progress.
- Using financial aid only for expenses related to attending Wallace Community College.
- Checking your College student e-mail account for financial aid information.
- Keeping your e-mail and mailing addresses up to date with the College and other financial aid agencies.
- Informing the Office of Financial Aid of all colleges you are attending or have previously attended.
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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 (three 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.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG). The Academic Competitiveness Grant is for undergraduate students enrolled at least half time in an eligible program, who receive Federal Pell Grant and are U.S. citizens. Students also must have completed a rigorous high school program of study and be enrolled in their first or second academic year of a two or four-year degree program. First-year students must have completed high school on or after January 1, 2006, and second-year students must have completed high school on or after January 1, 2005. Second-year students must earn a grade point average of at least 3.0 from their first year to be eligible for the second-year grant disbursement. Eligible students will be awarded up to $750 for the first academic year and up to $1,300 for the second academic year.
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.
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP). This grant program is awarded only to Alabama residents. All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Priority goes to students with the lowest family contribution who also receive Pell Grant.
Federal Work-Study (FWS). Students who are selected for the Federal Work-Study program must be enrolled at least half-time (6 hours). A student may work 10-19 hours per week. To apply, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Wallace Community College Application for Federal Work-Study.
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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 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 noncredit 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. Only certain fees are covered.
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, Post Office Box 1509, Montgomery, Alabama 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:
- 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.
- Veterans who died from any cause while such service-connected disability was in existence.
- Servicepersons missing in action or captured in the line of duty by a hostile force.
- 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:
- Completed VA Form 22-5490, Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance.
- Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
It is strongly suggested that Chapter 35 dependents begin their application process at their local Veterans Affairs Office.
Old GI Bill (Vietnam Era-Chapter 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 (1-888-GIBILL1).
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:
- Completed Application for Educational Benefits (Form 22-1990, available in the Veterans Affairs Office at Wallace Community College).
- Copy of DD Form 214 Member 4 Copy (separation papers).
- 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:
- Completed Application for Educational Benefits (VA Form 22-1990, available in the Veterans Affairs Office at Wallace Community College).
- Copy of DD Form 214 Member 4 Copy (separation papers).
- Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Active duty or servicepersons complete VA Form 22-1990 only.
Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606). Members of the National Guard or Selected Reserve who enlist, reenlist, or extend an enlistment in National Guard or Selected Reserve so that the soldier 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. Soldiers under this program must provide the following items:
- Completed Application for Educational Benefits (VA Form 22-1990, available in the Veterans Affairs Office at Wallace Community College).
- DD 2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility) completed by National Guard or Reserve unit.
- Kicker Contract (if applicable).
- Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
Montgomery GI Bill – Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607) (REAP). A member of a reserve component who serves on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, under title 10 U.S. Code for a contingency operation and who serves at least 90 consecutive days or more is eligible for Chapter 1607. National Guard members are also eligible if their active duty is under section 502(f), title 32 U.S.C. and is supported by federal funds and they serve for 90 consecutive days when authorized by the President or Secretary of Defense for a national emergency. Individuals are eligible as soon as they reach the 90-day point whether or not they are currently on active duty. The Department of Defense (DOD) will fully identify contingency operations that qualify for benefits under Chapter 1607.
Disabled members who are injured or have an illness or disease incurred or aggravated in the line of duty and are released from active duty before completing 90 consecutive days are also eligible.
Soldiers under this program must provide the following items:
- For new applicants, a completed Application for Educational Benefits (VA Form 22-1990); for transfer students, Request for Change of Program or Place of Training (VA Form 22-1995). These forms are available in the Veterans Affairs Office at Wallace Community College.
- DD2384 (Notice of Basic Eligibility).
- Kicker Contract (if applicable).
- DD Form 214 Member 4 Copy.
- 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 (1) a resident of Alabama and (2) designated to be an eligible student enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program at an eligible institution. The assistance is awarded to the student to defray direct education-related expenses: tuition, mandatory fees, books, and supplies, not to exceed $500 per term and not more than $1000 annually. Certain restrictions apply. (See Veterans Coordinator at Wallace Community College.)
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 Department of Veterans Affairs pays the cost of required tuition, fees, books, equipment, and supplies. The veteran also receives a monthly subsistence allowance.
Interested students should contact the county Veterans Affairs Office or the regional Veterans Affairs Office at 1-800-827-1000.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). The Post-9/11 GI Bill is a new education benefit program for individuals who served on active duty on or after September 11, 2001. Veterans and dependents under this program must provide the following items:
- Certificate of Eligibility as issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Official grade transcripts from any colleges previously attended (submitted to the Admissions and Records Office).
For detailed eligibility information, visit the Veterans Affairs Web site at www.gibill.va.gov, or call toll free at 888-442-4551 (888-GIBILL1).
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 for federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits:
- Certification is granted only for courses that are applicable to the declared program of study. Any deviation must be approved in writing.
- Certification is granted only for hours required to complete the selected program of study.
- Certification is not granted for audit or continuing education courses.
- Remedial classes, based on placement test scores, can be certified to VA; however, online remedial classes cannot be certified to VA.
- Veterans must be recertified 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 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.
- 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 the Admissions and Records Office if they have attended any other college. It is the veteran’s responsibility to notify the Wallace Community College Veterans Affairs 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 staff at Wallace Community College.
- Benefits are paid on the enrollment schedule below:
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
Under certain circumstances, veterans and dependents can be paid at an accelerated rate for a lesser number of credit hours. This typically occurs during mini-terms and summer terms. A veteran may, under certain circumstances, be awarded credit in Physical Education (PED) for prior military service. A copy of the veteran’s DD Form 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.
Application and payment 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 and dependents may also apply for advance pay. To be eligible for advance pay, veterans and dependents 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 and dependents 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 and dependent change enrollment status to less than full-time, the result is an overpayment which the veteran or dependent is responsible for resolving with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For additional information about the full range of veterans’ programs available through the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans and dependents should contact their local Veterans Affairs Office, regional Veterans Affairs Office at 1-888-442-4551 (1-888-GIBILL1), or 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 institutional scholarships that are awarded primarily to students who excel academically, exhibit outstanding leadership skills, or possess talent in the area of music or the arts. Institutional scholarships are tuition and fee waivers that cover 100% of in-state tuition and mandatory fees. Scholarships are awarded for a one-year period. If conditions are met, a scholarship may be renewed for one and one-half times the length of the program in which the student originally enrolls not to exceed 82 semester credit hours total. (Some exceptions apply.) All students interested in applying for an institutional scholarship must also complete an Application for Admission to the College and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Scholarship applications may be obtained from high school counselors, from the Wallace Community College Office of Financial Aid, and from the College Web site from Current Scholarship Applications link below.
Current Scholarship Applications
Academic.
These scholarships are based on academic achievement. Eligible students must meet all high school graduation requirements and have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Allied Health and Nursing.
These scholarships are based on academic achievement for students enrolling in allied health and nursing programs. Eligible students must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Athletic.
The College 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 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 Athletic Director.
Diplomats.
Diplomats serve as official ambassadors for the College. Eligible students must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
Performing Arts.
These scholarships are awarded to talented students for participation in The Wallace Sound as well as in art and drama. Eligible students must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
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, including books, 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.
Technical.
These scholarships are based on academic achievement in technical and general education courses as well as recommendations from high school teachers and counselors. Eligible students must have and maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
Other Scholarships.
Wallace Community College also offers a number of privately funded scholarships through external agencies and the two College Foundations. These scholarships may have specific requirements beyond those established by the College. Consideration is given to student who meet requirements set forth in the respective scholarship guidelines. For information about these scholarships, please contact the Office of Financial Aid.
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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.)
2012 Troy University Scholarships - Fall 2012 - Deadline March 1, 2012
Fall 2012 - Association of Service Agencies Memorial Scholarship - Deadline 4:00 P.M. March 16, 2012
Sallie Mae Private Student Loans
www.scholarships.com
This website 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.)
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OTHER FORMS OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
State Vocational Rehabilitation. Students with certain disabilities that interfere with their ability to work or attend college may be eligible for assistance through the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services Office. Rehabilitation services may provide assistance with all costs associated with school attendance. For additional information, contact the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services 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 funds for individual referral training if the applicant meets all requirements. Interested applicants must contact the local state employment service to determine eligibility.
LOANS
Wallace Community College does not participate in the Federal Student Loan program; however, the Office of Financial Aid will process private student loans as requested by students.
For information regarding financial aid resources, contact the Wallace Community College Office of Financial Aid nearest you. For the Wallace Campus in Dothan, call 334-556-2476. For the Sparks Campus in Eufaula, call 334-687-3543, Ext. 4226.
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