Federal Financial Aid Programs
The U.S. Department of Education provides a number of funding opportunities for those who qualify. Remember, to apply for Federal assistance you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form each year.
 
Keep in mind that grant and scholarship programs do not require repayment. Only Loan programs will require repayment following completion or separation from the institution. There are a variety of funding opportunities available.
 
Federal Funding Options:
Federal Pell Grant
The Title IV funded Federal Pell Grant program is a need based grant program developed to promote access to postsecondary education to those students who demonstrate financial need. This is the largest of the federal student assistance programs and does not require repayment. The Pell Grant is available to students enrolled in associate degree programs as well as some diploma and certificate programs at Savannah Technical College. The amount  you are eligible to receive depends on a number of factors:
  1. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is the Department of Education’s calculation based on the income, asset, and other information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
  2. The number of credits enrolled each semester (full-time is 12-15 credits; 3/4-time is 9-11 credits; part-time is 6-8 credits; and less-than ½-time is less than 6 credits per semester).
    • Savannah Technical College calculates earned Pell Grant funds based on attendance. A student receiving Title IV federal funds, such as the Pell Grant, withdraws prior to attending sixty percent (60%) of the semester will be eligible for only the earned portion of their award amount. See Return of Title IV Fund Policy for details.
  3. The Cost of Attendance (COA), and 
  4. The size of the federal appropriations as determined by Congress.

Students who receive federal aid are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Academic progress is evaluated and monitored each semester after grades are posted.

 Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is supplemental aid for Pell Grant eligible students with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) are considered first for a FSEOG. The FSEOG, similar to the Pell Grant, does not have to be repaid and students who receive FSEOG funding must meet all the same eligibility requirements as the Pell Grant (enrollment requirements, SAP, COA, and available funding).
 
For more information on the FSEOG program, visit the Department of Education Student Aid website at http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/FSEOG.jsp

Federal Work Study (FWS)

The Federal Work Study (FWS) program provides jobs for students with financial need allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student's program of study. The pay rate for Federal Work Study is$7.25 per hour. All students receiving Federal Work Study must apply for financial aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and be eligible to receive Pell. Students must also pass a criminal background check prior to employment at Savannah Technical College.

Student requirements and responsibilities for participating in the Federal Work Study program:

  • be enrolled in at least six credit hours;
  • meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements;
  • re-certify prior to first week of each semester to continue employment in current position;
  • no compensation for hours in excess of award amount;
  • report to work at scheduled time;
  • abide by college policies outlined in the FWS employment packet; Student Handbook; and College Catalog
  • wear appropriate attire (shorts, tank-tops, midriff tops, etc. are not acceptable);
  • provide advance notice to supervisor if absence is necessary;
  • must have prior approval to transfer from one position or site to another. 
 Federal Direct Stafford Loans
 Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program, are low-interest loans for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education.

Direct Stafford Loans include the following types of loans:

  • Direct Subsidized Loans—Direct Subsidized Loans are for students with financial need. Savannah Technical College Financial Aid Office will review the results of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine the amount you can borrow. You are not charged interest while you’re in school at least half-time and during grace periods and deferment periods.
  • Direct Unsubsidized Loans—You are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Like subsidized loans, Savannah Technical College will determine the amount you can borrow. Interest accrues (accumulates) on an unsubsidized loan from the time it’s first paid out. You can pay the interest while you are in school and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or you can allow it to accrue and be capitalized (that is, added to the principal amount of your loan). If you choose not to pay the interest as it accrues, this will increase the total amount you have to repay because you will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.
Program description excerpts from the U.S. Department of Education's Student Aid website. To learn more about these Federal funding opportunities visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/funding.jsp#02.