TSTC Consumer Information Guide

URGENT — Please read and keep for your records!!!

Texas State Technical College

Consumer Information Guide

An Introduction to Financial Aid

The Student Financial Aid Office staff is here to assist you with your financial aid questions and concerns. It is our desire to help you take advantage of every financial opportunity available to  assist you in at­taining your educational goals. The descriptions of available  financial aid listed in this brochure are for informational purposes and are not of a contractual obligation since changes may occur before another printing is made. This brochure has been prepared for you, the student consumer. You should review it carefully as it describes various types of student financial aid programs which may be available at Texas State Technical College. Your quest for financial assistance should not be limited to this brochure, but it will provide you with a good start­ing point. All materials distributed by the Financial Aid Office should always be read thoroughly.

The financial aid philosophy at Texas State Technical College is to provide financial resources to students who would otherwise be un­able to pursue a post-secondary education. However, the primary responsibility for paying for the cost of a college education lies with the student and his/her immediate family. Thus, financial aid should be expected only when the family is unable to meet the full cost of the student’s education.

Although financial aid programs are available to help students, please keep in mind that:

1      Not all students are eligible for grant assistance;

2.     The amount of money available for financial aid is limited and may not  meet all of your financial needs;

3.     Financial aid  is not always available when each term begins. Students must consider financial aid application processing time and federally mandated waiting periods.

Since financial aid may not pay for the entire cost of your education, we suggest that you plan ahead and make every effort to obtain as much money as possible from other resources to help with your college ex­penses. This may be particularly helpful at the beginning of each term before financial aid funds are made available.

The Financial Aid Office will attempt to meet the documented financial need of  eligible students who meet all requirements. Financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, based on financial need and availability of funds. You must complete enrollment requirements with the College Relations Office before any financial aid can be awarded.

Eligibility

To receive financial aid, a student must meet the following qualifications:

1.     Be accepted for admission to Texas State Technical College and be enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credit hours in a program of at least six (6) months in duration. Exception: The Federal Pell Grant program is funded for eligible students enrolled less than six (6) credit hours. All accepted students must have a high school diploma, a GED, or have demonstrated the “ability to benefit” from training provided at Texas State Technical College as determined by passing a standardized placement test.

2.     Have established  financial need as determined by a needs test application through an approved processor. Texas State Techni­cal College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3.     Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.

4.     Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Non-citizens should sub­mit an Alien Registration Card, Immigration and Naturalization Service Departure Record, or Temporary Resident Card.

5.     Have a valid Social Security Number.

6.     Not be in default on a Perkins Loan (National Direct Student Loan), Federal Stafford Loan (Guaranteed Student Loan), Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, or Federal Supplemental Loan for Students.

7.     Not owe a refund on  a Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or State Student Incentive Grant.

8.     Agree to use all federal student aid solely for educational and educationally related purposes.

9.     Sign a statement of educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and defaults, (included on FAFSA).

10.   Male students who are eighteen (18) years of age or older, are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, and are not currently on active duty in the Armed Forces are required to be registered with the Selective Service before any federal student aid can be awarded.

11.   Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined in enclosed satisfactory progress letter.

12.   Aircraft Pilot Training students must submit a copy of their Class II Medical Certificate before any financial aid can be processed. APT student budgets are adjusted to reflect flight costs. Any APT student who does not fly for a term will lose the budget adjustments.

13.   Students in the Dental Assistant Program must submit proof of DPT inoculation prior to enrollment.

General Information

The  Cost of  Your Education    

Information on educational costs at Texas State Technical College is readily available in the college catalog and through College Relations. Educational expenses will vary depending on a student’s area of study and personal money management.

Students should also include expenses such as transportation, room and board, and personal expenses when planning a budget. Information on the cost of books and supplies is available at the Texas State Technical College Bookstore.

When to Apply for Financial Aid

As soon as possible!  Separate applications must be submitted for each academic year of enrollment. An academic year is September through August of the next year (i.e. Sept. 1, 2008 - Aug. 31, 2009). Processing of financial aid applications is ongoing. However, priority for “free money’’ funds is subject to the following deadlines:

Fall 2008 – June 1, 2008

Spring 2009 – October 3, 2008

Summer 2009 – March 3, 2009

Verification of Your Financial  Aid Application

TSTC Waco only verifies the information of applicants whose files con­tain conflicting information, or who are selected by the US Department of Education. To verify data on the application, the student is required to provide copies of records including, but not limited to, income tax returns, W-2 statements, social security reports, AFDC/ADC reports, child support payment information, medical/dental expense information, and other records as requested. If inconsistent data is discovered during the verification process, additional information may be requested. No aid will be awarded until all information has been submitted and verified.

When a Student Withdraws from School

Students who withdraw from school will have federal aid pro-rated according to the percentage of calendar days completed for the term. Students may request an example of how refunds are determined by con­tacting the Student Accounting Office. Refunds will be returned to lender if a loan was obtained by the student. All refunds for students receiving Title IV Financial Aid are based upon the last date of attendance. Please refer to the TSTC catalog or www.tstc.edu for more information.

Your Financial Aid Award Letter

Normally, award letters are sent to the student in advance of registration, or shortly after the aid is awarded. In most cases, the financial aid awards shown on the letter assume that the student will be enrolled on a full-time basis (12 or more credit hours). Financial aid awards may be reduced or eliminated for students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours.

Receipt of Your Financial Aid

Financial aid, depending on the individual program, is disbursed to the student each term, through the student identification card, TechOne. But, you have three different options regarding the way you receive a refund. You may choose to have funds transferred to an optional checking account, the OneAccount, providing you easy and secure access to bank­ing services, and you will receive your funds within days of processing.  Or, you may elect to have funds transferred to a third-party bank (such as your existing bank account) or you may receive a paper check from Higher One.

An academic year at TSTC is defined as 36 hours-three terms for a total of 45 weeks.  Each student’s annual award will be divided into three dis­bursements.  No aid will be awarded for period of non-enrollment.  Refer to TSTC Financial Aid Information sheet for disbursement information. 

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?

All students participating in financial aid programs must meet satisfactory academic progress requirements in order to continue receiving financial aid. A student must maintain at least a 2.0 grade point average for each term, as well as a cumulative 2.0 GPA for all courses attended includ­ing developmental studies. Additionally a student must complete the required number of credit hours as outlined in the enclosed  Satisfactory Progress Standard.

Eligible Courses Covered by Financial Aid

Financial aid may be used only for eligible courses. Eligible courses are those courses which are required for graduation from a particular edu­cational program and may include developmental studies. Financial aid will not be approved for audit or continuing education courses.

Transferring Students

Students transferring from another post-secondary institution will be treated as first-year students for purposes of determining loan amounts. Transferring students who have already received an undergraduate degree are not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Students have the right to know the following:

•  What financial aid programs are available

•  The deadline for submitting applications for each of the programs

•  How financial aid will be distributed

•  How financial aid will be determined

•  Costs of attending the institution

•  What resources are considered in the calculation of “financial need”

•  The institution’s refund policy

•  What portion of financial aid received must be repaid and what portion is grant aid

•  The details regarding any loan offered

•  Satisfactory  academic progress guidelines for aid recipients     

•  That all or a portion of aid may have to be repaid if the student with­draws or changes enrollment status

Students applying for financial assistance must:

•  Complete all application forms accurately and submit them to the Financial Aid Office before the mandated deadline

•  Provide correct information 

    NOTE: Misreporting information on a financial aid form is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense, which could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Code.

•  Return all additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office

•  Be responsible for reading, understanding and keeping copies of all forms that require a signature

•  Live up to all signed agreements

•  Perform work assigned as Federal or Texas Work Study employee

•  Be aware of and comply with deadlines for application or reapplication for assistance

•  Report any change in name and /or address to the Financial Aid Office

•  Be aware that upon withdrawing or changing enrollment status, it is possible that a portion of any aid received may have to be repaid

•  Complete an Entrance Loan Counseling session, which includes a test, before the loan funds can be released to the student

•  Complete an Exit Loan Counseling session before leaving school

Federal Financial Aid Programs Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education

Federal Pell Grant

Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is based upon a student’s financial need. The student’s need is determined by submitting a Free Applica­tion for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All financial aid applicants must apply for the Federal Pell Grant. After submitting your completed FAFSA, you will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) through the mail.   The amount of your grant will range from $0 to $4731 for the 2008-09 academic year. This amount is subject to change as determined by Congress. Eligible students may receive a Federal Pell Grant when taking less than six (6) credit hours.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG awards are given to Federal Pell Grant recipients who have exceptional financial need. FSEOG funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to those students who have complete files by the application deadline.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

The Academic Competitiveness Grant, or ACG provides grant funds for students in the first and second years of their undergraduate programs who have not completed the first baccalaureate degree.

To be eligible for the ACG, a student must be a Federal Pell Grant re­cipient, a U.S. citizen, enrolled full-time, and must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study after January 1, 2006, for first year students and after January 1, 2005, for second year students. To receive the ACG during the second year of undergraduate study, students must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent.

A first year student may receive an ACG of $750. A second year student may receive an ACG of $1300.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

Eligibility is based upon a student’s financial need and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis by the Financial Aid Office. Priority is given to those students who have complete files by the application deadline. Seven percent of Federal Work-Study funds are allocated to students working in community service jobs. TSTC Waco also offers Federal Work-Study positions through the America Reads program. For more information, contact the Student Employment Office. On campus work assignments are made through the Student Employment Office. Students may work a maximum of 15 hours per week at the current minimum wage.

Federal Stafford Loan

Loans are certified by the Financial Aid Office and are made by an ap­proved lender (bank, credit union, savings and loan association, etc.). TSTC participates in Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation’s Loans by Web process. Instructions will be mailed to the student along with the award letter explaining how to complete the loan process through Loans by Web.

A student who qualifies for a subsidized loan (has demonstrated finan­cial need) will have his/her interest expense paid by the government until repayment begins. A student qualifying for an unsubsidized loan (has no demonstrated financial need) will have his/her interest expense added to the loan while in school. If the interest expense is not paid while the student is in school, that expense will be carried forward when repayment begins and calculated into the monthly payments.

Subsidized and unsubsidized loan repayment begins six (6) months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students

This loan program may be used by parents of DEPENDENT students (dependent as defined by the federal government). Eligible loan applica­tions are certified by the Financial Aid Office and made by a commercial lender (bank, credit union, savings and loan association, etc.). A credit check of the parent is performed by the lender. For information on how to apply, please refer to “Parent Loan Information.”

Other types of Financial Aid

Texas Public Educational Grant (TPEG)

Eligibility is based upon a student’s financial need. Funds are limited and awarded on first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to those students who have complete files by the application deadline.

Leveraging Educational Assistance Program (LEAP)

Priority is given to students who are enrolled full-time. Awards are disbursed during the fall term only and awarded on first-come, first-served basis. Priority is given to those students who have complete files by the application deadline.

Line-Item Scholarship

Eligibility is based on a student’s financial need and is awarded through a competitive scholarship application process during the fall and spring terms. A separate application packet may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office.

Valedictorian Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to every valedictorian of an accredited high school by the Texas Education Agency. This scholarship is accepted at any state-supported college or university, including Texas State Techni­cal College. The scholarship provides exemption from tuition payment for the first year after graduation from high school. For additional information, contact the Student Accounting Office.

Other Scholarships

Other scholarships such as industry sponsored, Tech-Prep or private scholarships are honored at Texas State Technical College. Anyone who has accepted a scholarship must comply with the requirements of the sponsoring organization or individual and be accepted to the college.

Tuition and Fee Loans

This short term loan is for students who have demonstrated an inability to pay tuition and fees on registration day. Books, tools and other sup­plies are NOT covered by this loan.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

The Private Industry Council or the Council of Governments in your area may offer payment of tuition and/or other services to students who qualify for this program. Interested applicants should contact the nearest agency as far in advance of registration as possible.

Trade Readjustment Act (TRA)

The Texas Employment Commission may offer payment of tuition and/or other services to students who qualify for this program. In­terested applicants should contact the Texas Workforce Commission Office in the county where the applicant now resides as far in advance of registration as possible.

Toward Excellence, Access & Success (TEXAS)

Awards are made to cover tuition and fees for certain students who grad­uated from an accredited high school in Texas no earlier than December 1999. Student must have completed the recommended or distinguished high school curriculum, enroll in an eligible Texas college or university within 16 months of high school graduation, and have financial need. For more information please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS)

DARS may offer payment of tuition and/or other services to students who qualify for this program. Interested applicants should contact their nearest DARS Office as far in advance of registration as possible. For additional information, contact the DARS office at TSTC Waco at (254) 867-3750.

Hazlewood Act

Honorably discharged veterans who were residents of Texas at the time of enlistment in the armed forces, who are Texas residents at  the time of registering at Texas State Technical College, who served more than 180 days of active duty service (not including training time) and who are no longer eligible for VA to cover tuition and certain fees, may ap­ply for an exemption from payment of tuition and certain fees through the Hazlewood Act.  An applicant may obtain information and assistance from the Veterans’ Certification Officer, who is located in the Student Records  Office.

Benefits for Veterans (or Veteran Dependents)

Texas State Technical College is approved by the Texas Education Agency and the Department of Veterans Affairs to educate and train veterans and other eligible persons. This approval includes most  academic, technical, and vocational certificate and degree programs. Veterans and depen­dents whose veteran parent is deceased or was totally and permanently disabled, either while on duty or as a result of service, may be eligible for educational allowances.   An applicant may obtain information and assistance from the Veterans’ Certification Officer, who is located in the Student Records  Office.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL AID,  PLEASE CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE:

TELEPHONE: 1-800-792-8784 OR 254-867-4814

Fax: 1-254-867-3200

TTY:  1-254-867-3322

Financial Aid Office

3801 Campus Drive

Waco TX 76705

About the College

Texas State Technical College is accredited by the Commission on Col­leges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award As­sociate of Applied Science degrees and Certificates of Completion.

Texas State Technical College is part of the state-wide technical college system of Texas. The College offers many technical education programs. Equal opportunity shall be afforded within the Texas State Technical College System to all employees and applicants for admission or em­ployment regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age or disability. TSTC will make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities.

Publication Date: 01/08