Financial Aid
Programs
Federal Pell Grants
The Federal Pell grant is considered to be the “foundation” of a
student’s financial aid to which aid from other Federal and non-Federal
sources may be added. The actual size of a grant award will depend upon
the EFC number and enrollment status. Pell Grant does not have to be
repaid except in cases involving a student’s complete withdrawal. To
apply students must complete a “FAFSA” application.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
SEOG is similar to the Federal Pell Grant in that it does not have to be
repaid except in cases involving a student’s complete withdrawal. SEOG
funds are extremely limited and are distributed to the students with the
most need based on the student’s EFC number. A student must be eligible
for a Federal Pell Grant in order to be considered for a Federal
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. There is no special
application for these funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is
required to apply for SEOG.
Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (LEAPP)
LEAPP is an Alabama student assistance program. Funds are awarded to
eligible Alabama residents who demonstrate need and who are enrolled at
least half time. Students must be eligible for Federal Pell Grant to be
considered for the LEAP grant. There is no special application for these
funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is required to apply for
LEAP.
Federal Direct Loan Program
Although Jefferson State does not encourage students to borrow, there
are loan programs to help those students who otherwise would be unable
to attend school. Repayment normally begins six months after the student
completes their program of study or ceases to be enrolled as at least a
half-time. A freshman student may borrow up to $3,500 per year. Sophomore
students may borrow up to $4,500 per year. Jefferson State Community
College has a life-time loan limit of $31,000. This includes loans
received at previous institutions. There is no special application for
these funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is required to apply.
Federal Direct Subsidized Loans: provides students the opportunity to
borrow funds for education costs at low interest rates. For students
with a defined need, the federal government subsidizes the interest
during the certain specified periods.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: is not awarded on the basis of need.
The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed
until it is paid in full. If the interest is allowed to accumulate it
will be added to the principal amount of your loan.
A student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours to be eligible for
a loan. Additionally, a borrower must maintain a 2.0 GPA.
Students will be able to view their award notification and instructions
to receive their funds on their Pipeline account under the Financial Aid
tab once their award has been completed. If the student is receiving a
loan there are additional steps for students to complete. Click on the
Eligibility tab under Financial Aid tab, then click on the Loan Entrance
Review and Promissory Note to be directed to the Federal Web Page.
Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans is a fixed rate of 6.8 for new loans
first disbursed on or after July 1, 2007.
Jefferson State does not participate in the Direct Parent Plus Loan
Program.
Jobs
Federal Work Study Program
Students who qualify for financial aid may participate in the Federal
Work Study Program to help pay indirect educational expenses. Students
who participate in this program are paid at least minimum wage for hours
worked; checks are issued on a monthly basis. An effort is made to place
students in jobs that further their educational and career goals.
Students who are enrolled at least six or more credit hours in their
major may work a maximum of 24
hours a week, depending on their eligibility.
Students are being encouraged nationwide to become involved in community
service. Students eligible for the Federal College Work Study Program
are encouraged to accept positions with selected off-campus agencies
which provide community services.
Emergency Loans
Students who face financial emergencies may apply for an emergency loan.
Emergency loans can not exceed the cost of 6 credit hours and can be
used to cover tuition and fees only. Students must meet the following
requirements:
- Have a co-signer who is gainfully employed
- Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
- Be able to repay loan within 60 days