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Financial Aid

Financial aid at SCC is available for degree-seeking students in qualified programs through grants, scholarships, and/or work-study employment. A student must apply for financial assistance and may be offered a single type of assistance or a combination package depending on the level of need and eligibility requirements. Aid may be provided by or through the college, federal and state agencies, foundations, or corporations. All policies pertaining to financial aid regulations and procedures are available for viewing in the Financial Aid Office and on our website.

Rights & Responsibilities of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Student have the right to know:

• The financial aid programs available at ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ
• The policies and procedures necessary to be considered for financial aid.
• The method used for calculating need and the criteria used in selection of recipients.
• The various programs in the financial assistance package and how the amount was determined.
• The refund and withdrawal policies.
• The process for distributing financial aid to students and the frequency of those distributions.
• The school's procedure for facilitating eligible students to acquire necessary books and supplies by the seventh day of each payment period, along with the process for opting out.
• The special facilities and services available to those needing accommodations for disabilities.
• The right to know the deadlines for submitting the financial aid application and required documents.
• The right to request an explanation of the various programs in your financial aid package.
• The right to know how the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services determines whether you are making satisfactory academic progress and what happens if you are not.

Students are responsible for:

• Ensuring all required forms are completed accurately and submitted by designated deadlines, along with the accuracy of information provided in the financial aid application to the College.
• Keeping the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services informed of any changes in address, name, marital status, financial situation, or any additional changes in the student record.
• Reading and understanding all forms sent and/or signed and keeping copies of forms.
• Informing the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services about any scholarships, grants, or external resources obtained while receiving financial assistance from the College.
• Notifying the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services if the student withdraws from the College or changes enrollment status. 
• Maintaining satisfactory progress to be considered for financial aid.
• Comply with the terms of any agreements that they must sign (ex. Work-study contract).
• Performing, in a satisfactory manner, the work that is agreed upon in a work-study position.
• Understanding the college’s refund policy and the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Services policies pertaining to the return of federal and state funds.
• Completing a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every academic year. 

Federal Aid Eligibility Requirements

To receive aid, a student must follow these guidelines:

• File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.
• Take only courses that are needed to fulfill graduation requirements.
• Enroll as a degree-seeking student in an eligible program.
• Submit an official high school transcript indicating graduation with a diploma, a high school equivalency certificate (HSE), or an adult high school diploma, or college transcript(s) showing the award of an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution.
• Have all college transcripts on file with the Records & Registration Office within the timeframe required by college policy.
• Be a U. S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
• Demonstrate financial need.
• Make satisfactory academic progress.
• Not be in default on a federally subsidized education loan.
• Not owe a federal refund due to a withdrawal from all courses during a term of enrollment.

 

Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal student financial aid program. Pell grants are awarded to help undergraduates who are in curriculum programs pay for their education after high school. These grants may require repayment if the student does not fully complete the term. A student is eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant for the equivalent of six (6) years or twelve (12) full-time semesters of combined enrollment at all institutions; enrollment is not limited to time spent at ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The grant amount is determined by the federal government and awarded based on need. Students must complete the financial aid process prior to their last date of attendance in an academic year.

 

Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to Federal Pell Grant recipients with exceptional financial need.  These grants may require repayment if the student does not fully complete the term. Candidates for this grant are selected from applicants who have completed the FAFSA, and funding is limited.

 

Federal and Institutional Work-Study Program

The Federal and Institutional College Work-Study (WS) Programs provide jobs for students who need additional financial aid. WS gives students a chance to earn money to pay for their educational expenses and is a great way for students to gain valuable work experience. WS students are paid at a rate determined by the institution. Current job descriptions are listed on our website and are updated regularly.

The student must complete an online through Etrieve. The WS Coordinator will then determine financial eligibility and send the application to the hiring supervisor. Hiring supervisors are responsible for conducting interviews and making candidate selections for their positions. Before beginning work, all participants must review the Work-Study Handbook and complete all required employment paperwork. WS students are required to complete a monthly timesheet and are paid at the end of the following month.  Eligible students are placed in WS positions for each academic year based upon available funds.

 

Student Loans

½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ does not participate in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Alternative loans may be available for curriculum students. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.

 

Next NC Scholarship

The Next NC Scholarship is awarded to NC residents. These grants may require repayment if the student does not fully complete the term. Eligibility is determined by the State. Students enrolling at a North Carolina Community College with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $80,000 or less and a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $7,500 or less, as reported on the FAFSA, are guaranteed at least $3,000 from combined federal and state aid. Consideration for funding is automatic once the FAFSA is filed. The FAFSA filing priority date is August 15 for North Carolina Community Colleges. Applicants completing the FAFSA after these dates may be denied if insufficient funds are available.

 

Childcare Grants

Limited childcare subsidies are available to assist students with childcare needs. An application may be obtained online or in the Financial Aid Office. The open application period begins in June, and the process of awarding childcare subsidies starts in July. Applications are received on a continuing basis during the school year, and a waiting list is maintained until the following June. All students must re-apply for each academic year. A history of satisfactory academic progress is required, and the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving a childcare subsidy.

 

Endowed and Donor Scholarships

SCC offers many endowed and donor scholarships. A student completes a single application to apply for all SCC Scholarships. The application must be completed online at www.sandhills.edu beginning in November of each year. There are two deadlines for scholarships. The early consideration deadline is February 28, and the late consideration/final deadline is May 1. Selection of recipients is made by the College during the spring term for scholarship funds to be used for the upcoming school year beginning in the fall.

 

The ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ Promise Program

The ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ Promise Program is for Moore and Hoke County residents who graduate from a public/private high school or registered home school having completed four dual enrollment courses at ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and a 67% completion rate by the time of high school graduation.  For students who qualify, the College will pay the tuition, technology, activity, and CAPS fees up to the in-state rate for two years, including summer terms.  The two years of eligibility begin in the fall semester after high school graduation and end following the summer semester of the second year.  To apply, students must complete both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the SCC Scholarship Application annually.  For more information, students may contact the ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ Promise Office.

 

Other Funds and Outside Scholarships

Other outside scholarships and funds are available to assist students. Some of these include employer-paid tuition, the Workforce Investment Act through the Employment Security Commission, Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Social Services, and Veterans Administration. Please see the appropriate agency to determine qualification for any of these programs.

 

Federal Aid Enrollment Classification

For all semesters of enrollment (fall, spring, summer), full-time credit hours for financial aid is 12 or more credit hours. A student’s actual grant amount is based on their enrollment status at the financial aid freeze date. The financial aid freeze dates can be found on our website at /financial-aid/deadlines-and-disbursements.html. 

Students who are enrolled for fewer than 6 credit hours per semester may be eligible for only a small amount of Pell Grant, or no Pell Grant at all. Students enrolled for fewer than 6 credit hours are not eligible to receive certain State and Federal grants. Next NC Scholarship is not awarded to students who are less than half-time credit hours.

Financial Aid Withdrawal (Return to Title IV) Policy

Federal funds shall be returned in accordance with federal policies at the time of withdrawal. The percentage of the period of enrollment or payment period for which federal aid was awarded is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days within the period of enrollment or payment period (excluding scheduled breaks of 5 days or more) into the number of calendar days completed as of the day of the student withdrew.

The percentage of aid earned during this period is equal to the percentage of the term completed. The percentage of unearned aid is determined by subtracting earned aid from 100%. The school is required to return the lesser of the unearned aid percentage applied to the institutional charges and the unearned percentage applied to the total federal aid received.

Once a student completes 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, a student is considered to have earned all their financial aid and will not be required to return any funds.

Students withdrawing prior to completion of 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment may owe additional funds to the institution due to the loss of federal aid. Students are urged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to consider this factor prior to making the decision to withdraw from school.

 

Academic Progress Policy for Students Receiving Financial Aid 

All financial aid recipients are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) according to Federal regulations and policies set by ½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ (SCC). The intent of these policies is to ensure that students who are receiving financial aid are making measurable progress toward completion of an approved degree, diploma, or certificate program in a reasonable period of time and within a reasonable number of credit hours attempted in their program of study.

Students that receive financial aid through SCC must maintain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, must complete 67 percent of all the credit hours attempted, and must complete their program of study within 1 1/2 times the normal credit hours required to complete the program. The Financial Aid and Veterans Services Office will check the students’ grades and progress at the end of each semester to be sure they are meeting the standards. Students that do not meet the standards may be placed on a one semester warning period during which time they will need to meet the minimum standards or lose eligibility for financial aid until the standards are met. To access the complete policy, including how to appeal, contact the Financial Aid and Veterans Services Office or visit our Rights and Responsibilities page.

 

Veterans Benefits, Programs, and Guidelines 

Veterans Services

½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ education programs are approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency for the enrollment of persons eligible for education assistance benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Those entitled to VA benefits are eligible veterans, participants in the Montgomery G.I. Bill® contributory program, active-duty military in voluntary education programs, drilling National Guard, drilling Reservists, and spouses and children of disabled or deceased veterans. The VA certifying official in the on-campus Veterans Center provides information and assistance to students applying for VA education benefits. The following is a general description of the veteran benefit programs available at SCC. Please see the VA certifying official regarding any specific questions regarding these programs.

½ñÈÕ¿´ÁÏ is a member of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SMOC), a participant in the Concurrent Admissions Program (ConAP), and a Principles of Excellence educational institution.

 

Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB)

The MGIB program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. This benefit may be used for approved degree and certificate programs at SCC. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following an individual’s release from active duty. This program is also commonly known as Chapter 30.

 

Montgomery GI Bill® - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR)

The MGIB-SR program may be available to a student if he/she is a member of the Selected Reserve. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for approved degree and certificate programs here at SCC. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

 

Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® provides up to 36 months of education benefit. This benefit is for eligible individuals who served on active duty after 09/10/01. This benefit may be used for approved degree and certificate programs at SCC. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 15 years following an individual’s eligibility date, unless a student qualifies for the Forever GI Bill® detailed below. There is a transferability component for eligible individuals to transfer this benefit to their spouse or dependents. This program is known as Chapter 33.

The Veterans Benefits and Transaction Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407) provides provisions regarding GI Bill® processes. GI Bill® beneficiaries (Chapter 33) are allowed to attend their course(s) of education or training without paying tuition and fees out of pocket if the beneficiary provides the school certifying official a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) or a valid VA Form 22-1990. The college will not impose a penalty or payment requirement on the beneficiary based on late (more than 90 days) payments from VA. However, the CoE or VA Form 22-1990 must be received no later than the first day of the program.

 

Forever GI Bill®

The Forever GI Bill® eliminates the 15-year time limitation for service members (and dependents) discharged on or after January 1, 2013. As with the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the benefit may be used for approved degree and certification programs at SCC. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

 

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA)

DEA provides education and training opportunities to eligible dependents of veterans who are permanently and totally disabled due to a service-related condition or who died while on active duty or as a result of a service-related condition. The program offers up to 36 months of education benefits. These benefits may be used for approved degree and certificate programs at SCC. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

 

Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31)

The Veterans Benefits and Transaction Act of 2018 (Public Law 115-407) provides provisions regarding Chapter 31 processes. VR&E beneficiaries (Chapter 31) are allowed to attend their course(s) of education or training without paying tuition and fees out of pocket if their assigned VR&E Counselor send the SCO an approved authorization letter. The college will not impose a penalty or payment requirement on the beneficiary based on late (more than 90 days) payments from VA. However, the authorization letter must be received no later than the first day of the program.

 

VA Work-Study Program

Work-study is available on a limited basis to students receiving VA education benefits and attending school at least three-quarter time. An individual working under this program may work at the college’s Veterans Services office or at approved state employment offices. Work-study is paid at the minimum wage rate, and students can work up to 25 hours a week.

 

NC National Guard Tuition Assistance Program (NC TAP)

NC TAP is available to any student who is a member of the North Carolina National Guard and pays tuition/fees. Students who wish to apply for the benefits must do so through the website .

 

VA General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for educational benefits, the student must be enrolled in an approved curriculum, taking only those courses required for graduation in the chosen curriculum. Students must make and maintain academic progress in their program of study for their benefits to be continuously certified.

The VA will not pay for enrollment in the following: (1) course audits, (2) repeated courses previously passed unless a higher grade is required for approved program of study, (3) credit by examination, (4) courses not required in chosen curriculum, (5) continuing education classes, and (6) dropped or withdrawn classes.

 

Academic Progress Policy for Students Receiving VA Educational Benefits

Students receiving VA Educational Benefits must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. Failure to maintain a GPA of 2.0 will result in a warning status for the subsequent term of enrollment. If, at the end of the warning semester the student has not reached a 2.0 cumulative GPA, VA Educational Benefits will be terminated. The student will remain ineligible until the student regains satisfactory academic progress. Eligible veterans or dependents may appeal their termination of benefits by completing an appeal form in the Veterans Services Office.

 

VA Documentation

VA regulations governing institution-approved training of veterans and/or dependents of veterans require that certain documents be on file prior to certification of enrollment. Certification will not be made until the VA certifying official receives all documentation. It takes 60-90 days from the date of certification for benefits to start. Required documentation is as follows:

1. Application for admission with all required documentation.
2. Certificate of Eligibility or VR&E Approval or Purchase Order.
3. Copy of Member4 of the DD-214 or National Guard form DD-2384 "NOBE" signed by the Unit Commander.
4. Official high school transcript or HSE scores and all academic transcripts from each college or trade school previously attended.

All veterans and dependents of veterans are required to submit a VA Certification Request form to the institution’s Veterans Services office each semester. A student will not be certified for their enrollment until this form is submitted and approved.

Students receiving VA benefits must notify the VA certifying official of any changes in course load, attendance, or enrollment status within three days of the change. Failure to notify the VA certifying official of these changes may result in termination of benefits and certification of future benefits at the end of the subsequent term upon receipt of the student’s official grade report.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at .