Overview of Applying for Financial Aid
Step 1: Apply for a Federal Student Aid User ID & password at www.fafsa.gov.
The Federal Student Aid (FSA) Username and Password serves as your electronic signature for federal student aid.
Step 2: Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the US Department of Education. Feel free to come to the College’s Student Services Center for application assistance. A computer lab is available for students and parents to complete the FAFSA.
You may submit the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.gov. Students and parents, when applicable, must “sign” the application online using the FSA Username and Password.
FAFSA applications or renewal applications are to be submitted annually for the new academic year which begins with each fall semester. Applications can be submitted after October 1st of each year. It is recommended that students and/or their parents complete the FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval to import tax information, so financial aid arrangements can be made well in advance of the start of the term. Some funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Step 3: Talk with a financial aid counselor about grants, loans, or scholarships for which you may be eligible. (See details below for a discussion of various options.)
Step 4: Once awarded, an email will be sent containing a personalized College Financing Plan.
In addition to completing the FAFSA each year, to maintain eligibility for financial assistance, you must make progress toward your academic goal, and maintain a certain grade-point average (GPA); Pass Rate, and 150% credit hour limitation to demonstrate success. Be sure to consult the Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Progress outlined in the Student Handbook section of this catalog or on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/. Ask questions if you do not understand the requirements. It is important that you protect your eligibility.
More Details about Applying for Financial Aid
Applications for Financial Aid
The FAFSA can be submitted prior to being admitted to a program of study. However, the financial aid application cannot be considered for award until the applicant is accepted into an eligible program. Remember that some funds are limited and the best aid packages are sent early in the award cycle. Late applications generally cannot be funded to their full eligibility.
Request an official high school or GED transcript to be sent to Student Records if you wish to be considered for all forms of financial aid. To receive financial aid, high school transcripts must be provided from a public, private, home school or GED program under the South Carolina Law on Education, Title 59, Chapter 65. If the student completed a home school program in another state, the student must provide documentation indicating if it was a state-approved home school program. Students who live in South Carolina and complete unauthorized out of state home schooling programs will be considered non-high school graduates. If applicable, request official college transcripts to be sent to Student Records.
You can now complete your FAFSA with a free app on a smart phone.
Verification
Students selected by the US Department of Education for verification will receive an email notification from the Financial Aid Office. This process requires the students to submit documentation to verify certain data contained on the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents should request a copy of their federal tax transcript and/or W-2 documents from the IRS, which may be needed to complete the verification process.
Students enrolled in more than one college in the same semester may receive financial assistance from only one college at a time.
Every effort will be made to make an award provided the file can be brought to completion. The Payment Plan is made available through the Central Carolina Technical College Business Office. Information regarding the payment plan may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, the Business Office, or on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financialaid/payment-plan/.
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Funds
Federal Pell Grants
A Federal Pell Grant is based on need and does not have to be paid back. Generally, Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. For many students, Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added. Pell Grants for 2023-2024 range from $740 to $7395 for full-time students. Eligible students enrolled less than full-time will receive prorated awards. If eligible, Pell Grant may be used for up to 12 semesters.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need - those with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) numbers. Federal Pell Grant recipients receive priority for FSEOG awards.
Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money while pursuing their education. FWS students are issued paychecks monthly to assist with educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to a student’s course of study. Federal Work-Study awards are made on the basis of a student’s financial need. Participants in this program must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
Federal Direct Loans
Regular students who have completed a FAFSA and are enrolled in an eligible program of study at least half time (6 hours) may be eligible for the Direct Loan Program. Students must complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling to be considered for Direct Loan funding.
State Funds
South Carolina Need Based Grant
The South Carolina Need Based Grant (SCNBG) is funded by the State of South Carolina. The funds are awarded to students on a basis of need. Early applicants are given first priority for consideration. South Carolina Need Based Grant award amounts range from $250 to $1750. Participants must enroll in at least 6 credit hours and maintain a 2.0 Cumulative GPA. If awarded students must sign the SCNBG Certification for use of award.
SC Foster Care youth are eligible for additional Need Based Grant funding. Please contact the financial aid office for more information.
Lottery Tuition Assistance
Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) is available to South Carolina residents that complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet all other LTA eligibility criteria. According to state law, federal grants and need-based grants will be applied against technical college tuition before lottery-funded tuition assistance will be applied. The law states students can apply tuition assistance toward only one certificate, diploma, or associate degree program every five years, unless the additional certificate, diploma, or associate degree is necessary for progress in the field of study.
LIFE Scholarship
The Legislative Incentive for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship Program, approved by the General Assembly in 1998, is merit based. Students graduating from a South Carolina High School who have a cumulative Grade Point Average (UGS) of 3.0 or higher who enroll in 12 credit hours above the 100level will be eligible for the LIFE Scholarship. This scholarship pays up to $2500 in tuition costs each semester. Eligibility criteria may be found at http://www.che.sc.gov. It is the student’s responsibility to adhere to LIFE Scholarship criteria and to self-identify to the Financial Aid Office as eligible for LIFE funds. Students who are eligible for LIFE Scholarships must provide an official copy of their final high school transcript, and/or official college transcripts, and meet all enrollment requirements before the scholarship can be awarded. Once awarded students must complete a LIFE Affidavit for use of award.
IMPORTANT: Students receiving LIFE Scholarship funds at a technical college will not be eligible for lottery-funded tuition assistance (LTA) during the same academic year.
PALMETTO FELLOWS Scholarship
Initial eligibility for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is determined by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. In addition, STEM-related fields of study may qualify you for a Palmetto Scholarship Enhancement. Freshman receive $6,700. Sophomores receive $7,500. In order to retain eligibility for the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship after the initial year, the student must meet the following continued eligibility requirements: 1. Enroll and be continuously enrolled at an eligible two-year or four-year public or independent institution as a full-time, degree-seeking student at the time of scholarship disbursement; 2. Earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA at the home institution for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year; 3. Earn a minimum of thirty credit hours for graduation purposes by the end of each academic year. Exempted credit hours (such as AP, CLEP, etc.), credit hours earned before high school graduation, and credit hours earned the summer term immediately following high school graduation cannot be used to meet the annual credit hour requirement.
SC WINS Scholarship
The SC Workforce and Industrial Needs Scholarship (SC WINS) supplements Lottery Tuition Assistance to help cover tuition and mandatory fees left after applying all other scholarships or grants. Recipients can receive up to $2,500 total per academic year, after applying all other scholarships or grants. When combined with Lottery Tuition Assistance and other financial aid, many eligible students can attend with little tuition cost.
Institutional Programs
Foundation Scholarships
Scholarships are provided through the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation and the generosity of industries, businesses, professional organizations, civic clubs, and individuals.
Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis applying the following criteria: academic excellence, achievement, leadership qualities and need, or other criteria as stipulated by the donor. Awards usually include tuition and/or book assistance and require the recipient to maintain a minimum GPA to continue the scholarship. Each scholarship is awarded for one academic year beginning with the fall semester. Students must reapply each year. Students are encouraged to apply early. Screening of applicants will begin in mid-March.
Check with the Financial Aid Office and Outreach Campus front offices in Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee Counties for online applications and deadline dates or on the College website at http://www.cctech.edu/about/cctc-foundation/foundation-scholarships/. For further information, contact the Central Carolina Technical College Foundation Office at (803) 778-6641.
Central Carolina Scholars
Central Carolina Technical College along with community partners provides two years (six consecutive semesters) at Central Carolina Technical College tuition-free for high school students in the graduating class of 2022 and 2023 who graduate on time. The Central Carolina Scholars scholarship is an economic development tool for existing and new industries and will afford expanded higher education opportunities to students in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee counties.
High school students must meet Central Carolina Scholars Criteria. Once the criteria have been met, the Central Carolina Scholar scholarship is available for six (6) consecutive semesters. Some of the criteria to receive the scholarship:
- Instate residency as determined by SC residency laws.
- Graduation from a high school located in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw, and Lee counties; or a graduate of the South Carolina Virtual High School or Home School and a resident of Clarendon, Kershaw, Lee or Sumter County.
- Present a final high school transcript showing graduation date and minimum GPA of 2.0.
- Begin taking classes in the summer or fall semester immediately following high school graduation.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
For a complete list of criteria to receive a scholarship and to maintain scholarship eligibility, visit the College’s website, or contact the Financial Aid Office at (803) 778-7831.
Payment Plan
Central Carolina Technical College is pleased to offer a monthly payment plan to enable you to more easily afford your educational expenses. The deferred payment plan provides you with a low-cost plan for budgeting tuition, fees, and books. For more information on the payment plan, please contact the Central Carolina Business Office at (803) 774-3322 or 774-3350, or visit the payment plan page on the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/payment-plan/.
Central Carolina Technical College realizes how challenging meeting educational expenses can be and strives to help eligible students with the proper assistance to attend Central Carolina Technical College.
Veterans’ and Active Duty Education Benefits
Central Carolina Technical College is approved by the State Approving Agency for training service persons, veterans, dependents, and reservists under Title 38, U.S. Code for the following VA educational benefits:
- Montgomery GI Bill ® (Chapter 30)
- New GI Bill ® - Selected Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1606)
- Reservists called or ordered to serve in response to a war. (Chapter 1607)
- Survivors and Dependents (Chapter 35)
- Vocational Rehabilitation (Chapter 31)
- New GI Bill ® Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008 (Chapter 33)
- Tuition Assistance and CAP
A student may apply for VA Benefits online at www.ebenefits.va.gov to determine eligibility.
CCTC will permit any covered individual to attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to the educational institution a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “statement of Benefits: obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
- The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
- 90 days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
CCTC will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under Chapter 31 or 33.
CCTC requires the covered individual to take the following actions:
- Submit a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance.
- Submit a written request each semester to use such entitlement. (Veterans Certification Request Form)
- Provide additional information necessary to the proper certification of enrollment by the educational institution.
- CCTC will require additional payment or fee for the amount that is the difference between the amount of the student’s financial obligation and the amount of the VA education benefit disbursement.
Specific information regarding each Veterans’ program may be obtained from the Veterans’ Affairs Office in Building M300, Room M315 on the Main Campus.
Free Tuition for Children of Certain Veterans
Children of certain disabled veterans and/or purple-heart recipients may be eligible for free tuition. Eligibility and application information may be obtained from the Financial Aid/Veterans Affairs Office or any county Veterans Affairs Office or from the Governor’s Office, Division of Veterans Affairs, 6437 Garners Ferry Road, Suite 1126, Columbia, SC 29209. Call (803) 647-2434.
VA Certification for Online Courses
In order to meet VA certification requirements for off-campus courses such as Practica, Internships/Externships and residencies, as well as courses offered via the Internet or other modes of distance education, Central Carolina Technical College acknowledges that these courses are part of the College’s approved curriculum, are directly supervised by the College, are measured in the same unit as other courses, are required for graduation, and are part of a program of study approved by the State Approving Agency. The College requires that the faculty teaching these courses use a grading system similar to the grading system used in resident courses and include statements in the course syllabus that indicate that appropriate assignments are needed for the completion of the course and that the student is expected to demonstrate, at least once a week, that he/she is actively involved in the class. Examples of activities that can be used to demonstrate this involvement include, but are not limited to, the following: posting/receiving e-mails, participating in online class discussions and class chat rooms, and completing and submitting course assignments. Further, the College requires that these courses have schedules of time for training and instruction which demonstrate that students shall spend at least as much time in preparation, instruction, and training as is normally required by the College for its resident courses.
Standards of Academic Progress for VA and or National Guard Educational Benefits
Academic progress will be measured at the end of each evaluation period. Failure by a student to maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 and/or have a less than 67% pass rate for any evaluation period will result in that student being placed on academic probation (warning) for the next enrolled term per Federal and CCTC Standards of Academic Progress.
Failure by the student to attain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.0 during the probation term and/or obtaining a less than 67% pass rate will result in academic suspension (termination of student/Veteran’s benefits) for one term; the next enrolled term. The interruption will be reported to the Veterans Administration (VA) using VA Form 22-1999b or the applicable National Guard educational benefit administrator. Student must obtain a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher during the suspension term (next enrolled term) and obtain a pass rate of 67% or higher to be considered for reinstatement of VA educational benefits. VA/CAP educational benefits will not be paid during a suspension term.
Veterans/students who obtain a 2.0 or higher cumulative GPA and a 67% pass rate during their suspension term are eligible to be considered for reinstatement of VA educational benefits. Veterans/students who fail to attain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 during the return term (after suspension) and/or less than 67% pass rate will be placed on academic dismissal for 2 terms; next 2 enrolled terms. Reinstatement after dismissal will be granted only if mitigating circumstances exist and are presented/documented with appeal. VA/CAP educational benefits will not be paid during dismissal terms.
Mitigating Circumstances: Mitigating circumstances are those which directly hinder pursuit of a course and which are judged to be beyond the student’s control.
Pass rate is computed based on attempted hours and hours receiving a passing grade. Receiving a “W”, “I”, “WA”, or an “F” for a class is considered a grade and used in computing a student’s pass rate.
Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid
Students receiving financial assistance must be making satisfactory progress towards a degree, diploma, or certificate. Students receiving financial aid through state programs will, at a minimum, meet the same standards when specific criteria are not prescribed. See Student Handbook for details or the College’s website at http://www.cctech.edu/financial-aid/.
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