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.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
ACG is a new grant which is limited to students who have completed a
rigorous secondary school program of study in high school. A student
must be enrolled full-time (12 or more credit hours per semester) and be
eligible for Federal Pell Grants. There is no special application for
these funds; completion of the FAFSA is all that is required to apply
for ACG.
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 $3500 per year. Sophomore
students may borrow up to $4500 per year. Jefferson State Community
College has a life-time loan limit of $16,000. 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. A first-time
student cannot receive a check until 30 days into the enrollment period.
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