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2018-2019 Catalog

Financial Aid

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A variety of financial assistance is available at Trident Technical College to help you with the cost of attending Trident Technical College. TTC’s Financial Aid office assists prospective and current students and their families by providing information about financial resources, assisting applicants with the application process for financial assistance, calculating an applicant’s level of eligibility for financial assistance, awarding financial assistance based on an applicant’s enrollment status, and monitoring students’ satisfactory progress each semester for continued eligibility in financial assistance programs.

Types of Financial Aid

Financial assistance programs offered at TTC include federal programs under Title IV funds, state grants and scholarships. Federal financial assistance includes the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and direct student and parent loans. State financial assistance programs include South Carolina Lottery Tuition Assistance, the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and the South Carolina Need-Based Grant.

Eligibility for Financial Aid

Eligibility for federal (and some state) financial assistance awards requires:

  1. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
  2. A high school diploma or GED
  3. Documented financial need
  4. Enrollment in an eligible program of study that meets federal requirements
  5. No prior student loans are in default
  6. The applicant is not in repayment on any federal Pell or FSEOG grant
  7. Satisfactory academic progress as defined by TTC once you enroll in credit courses
  8. Selective Service match

Important Dates

Dates for applying for financial aid are published for each semester. You should apply for financial aid by completing your FAFSA and having your Student Aid Report sent to TTC prior to the semester in which you plan to enroll. Any documents requested by the Financial Aid office should be submitted to TTC’s Financial Aid office as soon as possible after the request. This will allow TTC to process your financial aid so that any eligible financial aid will be available prior to the beginning of the semester when you plan to enroll. All documents become the property of TTC and will not be returned to or copied for the student. If you submit your FAFSA after the published date, you should be prepared to pay your tuition and fees and purchase books by the fee payment deadline for the semester. Your financial aid will be processed in the order in which your Student Aid Report and additional required documents are received. You will be reimbursed if you are eligible for any financial aid. If you pay tuition and fees then become eligible for any financial aid, you will receive a refund after the financial aid credit applies to your account.

Applying for Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid programs, fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A new or renewal FAFSA must be submitted for each academic year (fall through summer) and is available for the upcoming academic year after Jan. 1. The FAFSA is available online at www.fafsa.gov. The results of your FAFSA can be submitted directly to TTC by placing TTC’s school code (004920) in the Release and Signature section of the FAFSA.

Your financial aid eligibility is determined from the information provided on the FAFSA. To complete the application, you will need a copy of your most recent federal tax returns and copies of any untaxed income received by the student and/ or family. A Student Aid Report (SAR) is generated and sent to you and also to TTC if you indicated this on your FAFSA. If corrections are required or additional information is requested, you submit it on the Web. Apply online at www.fafsa.gov. Your SAR will be sent to you electronically. It is important to review the report for accuracy and to respond promptly to any requests for corrections or additional information.

The Department of Education randomly selects financial aid applicants to provide verification of all information documented on the FAFSA. If you are randomly selected for verification, you will be notified by TTC’s Financial Aid office to submit a verification worksheet, IRS tax transcript and other necessary documentation. Students must submit all copies of required documents to TTC’s Financial Aid office. The documents become the property of TTC; the Financial Aid office cannot provide students with copies of submitted documents. Once all requirements are met, you will be sent an award letter, if eligible, specifying the amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive.

Financial Aid and Withdrawal

If you receive financial aid and withdraw from or stop attending all classes, you may have to repay a portion of your financial aid funds to the federal government. You may owe funds back to TTC.

You will be ineligible to receive federal financial aid at any college or university until you repay the debt. You will not be able to continue attending TTC until you satisfy the debt owed to the college either by paying all of the funds or making payment arrangements.

It is very important for you to consider the financial implications of withdrawing or not attending all of your classes. Withdrawing from classes could cause you to lose financial aid eligibility for failure to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). TTC’s SAP policy is available in the student portal.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance (COA) establishes your financial need. It sets a limit on the amount of aid you may receive. The COA is an estimate of a student’s total educational expenses. The COA is different for each category (dependent/independent; in county/out of county/out of state). Costs may vary according to individual circumstances and choices. Note: See academic year updates on TTC’s website in the Financial Aid section.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grant provides financial assistance to those who demonstrate financial need. The Pell Grant is intended to be the floor of a financial aid package and may be combined with other forms of aid to help meet the costs of education. Any student working toward an eligible degree/diploma/certificate may be eligible for the Pell Grant, depending on the number of semesters attending, the number of credit hours enrolled each semester, and eligibility as calculated by the Department of Education. A FAFSA must be completed to determine eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides additional assistance for qualified students who demonstrate financial needs beyond the Pell Grant. FSEOG recipients must be eligible for a Pell Grant. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first served basis until depleted.

South Carolina Need-Based Grant

South Carolina Need-Based Grant is available to Pell eligible South Carolina residents who are seeking their first undergraduate degree. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to receive the grant. Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis until depleted. A South Carolina Need-Based Grant affidavit must be completed before any funds can be paid to the student’s account.

Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time employment opportunities to defray educational expenses. FWS jobs are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of hours assigned is determined by financial need as well as the student’s ability to maintain a good academic standing. The number of jobs available is based upon the funds allocated by the federal government for the year. To be eligible for FWS, students must be enrolled in at least six semester credit hours, maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Funds are paid directly to the student monthly to assist with daily expenses.

Institutional Work-Study

A limited number of Institutional Work-Study (IWS) positions are also available. IWS applicants do not have to demonstrate financial need but must be enrolled in at least six semester credit hours and maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Contact the Student Employment office at Main Campus to apply for IWS.

Student Loans

Student loans are available to students enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program. Federal student loans accrue interest and require payment of principle, fees and interest. See TTC’s website for additional information.

The interest rate is variable and set each year on July 1. Students must sign the federal Master Promissory note and successfully complete the federal entrance loan counseling session to accept a student loan and borrow loan funds. Loan repayment begins six months after the student is not enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours).

Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. To qualify for a subsidized loan, a student must demonstrate need according to federal guidelines. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is in college and during a grace period (six months). Unsubsidized loans are available to students who do not demonstrate financial need according to federal guidelines (FAFSA). Interest begins to accrue immediately and is added to the loan principal. Interest payments are deferred while the student is in college.

Details of eligibility are available at www.studentloans.gov.

The U.S. Department of Education requires students to complete exit student loan counseling when there is a change in enrollment status. If you have a student loan and withdraw from all your classes or withdraw from one or more courses, resulting in an enrollment status of less than six credit hours, you must complete the student loan exit counseling. Students graduating from any TTC academic program must complete exit counseling before graduation. Complete the student loan exit counseling at www.studentloans.gov. You will receive a letter from your lending agency about repayment of your student loan.

Federal Parent Loan for Students

The Federal Parent Loan (FPLUS) is for parents of dependent students. This loan is not need based and may not exceed the cost of attendance. The student must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours) in an eligible program of study. The parent must repay the principle, fees and interest. Repayment begins immediately after disbursement of the loan.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available from industries, businesses, professional organizations, civic clubs and individuals. The TTC Foundation selects recipients for its scholarships. Scholarships are usually awarded prior to the beginning of Fall Semester. Application information and deadlines are on the TTC website.

SC LIFE Scholarship

The LIFE Scholarship is available for qualifying South Carolina residents. Recipients must be full-time, degree-seeking students not taking developmental or bridge courses. First-time entering freshmen must have graduated from high school with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative S.C. uniform grade point average. Students must sign the LIFE Scholarship affidavit each academic year. Additional information and details are available at www.che.sc.gov. Click on the “Students and Parents” tab.

S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance

Lottery Tuition Assistance (SCLTA) is not based on financial need. Students may be eligible for lottery assistance if they qualify for in-state tuition rates according to state law. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or SCLTA waiver is required for each year. The SCLTA award is not retroactive and only applies to either the current semester or future semesters. Assistance is paid to the college, not the student, and only applies toward tuition.

Federal Tax Benefits for Education

For additional information on tax benefits, seek advice from your tax consultant or the IRS website at www.irs.gov to obtain Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

South Carolina Tuition Tax Credit

South Carolina Code Section 12-6-3385 provides a refundable individual income tax credit for tuition paid to an institution of higher learning. The credit for each taxable year is equal to 50 percent of the tuition paid, not to exceed $1500 for a student attending either a four-year institution or a two-year institution.

The credit may be claimed by the student paying the tuition or by an individual paying the tuition who is eligible to claim the student as a dependent on his federal income tax return, whoever actually paid the tuition. It may be claimed for no more than four consecutive years after the student enrolls in an eligible institution.

Refer to form I-319 under forms and instructions on the South Carolina Department of Revenue website.

Financial Aid Criteria

 Program

 Pell Grant**

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)**

South Carolina Need-Based Grant (SCNBG)**

Federal Work- Study (FWS)

Who’s Eligible to Apply

Students who have documented financial need and have never received
a bachelor’s degree. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent
resident, pass Selective Service matches and not be in grant over payment or default on student loans.

Students carrying at least six semester credit hours who are Pell Grant eligible and are maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Students who are South Carolina residents, maintain a
2.0 cumulative GPA, carry at least six credit hours, and who do not have a bachelor’s or associate degree or are not working on a second certificate or diploma program
of study.

Students carrying at least six semester
credit hours who have documented financial need. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, pass all federal eligibility matches and not be in grant overpayment or in default on student loans.

Award

Based on federal guidelines, fall and spring or summer

Varies

Varies

Hourly wage paid monthly.

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the South Carolina Need-Based Grant, students must complete a S.C. Need-Based Affidavit after receiving the award. Do not submit an affidavit form unless SC Need-Based Grant is awarded.

  1. Apply for and be accepted for admission to TTC as a regular, degree-seeking student.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov and list TTC to receive the information (code 004920).
  3. Submit the completed FAFSA form online. In two to four weeks you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). TTC will receive your Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR). If corrections are required, or additional information requested, you can submit it on the Web. Your SAR will be sent to you electronically. You can make your corrections electronically as well. It is important to respond promptly to any requests for corrections or additional information, or your FAFSA cannot be sent to TTC or accurately processed for financial aid awards.
  4. FAFSA forms must be completed and ISIRs received in the Financial Aid office by the Financial Aid Priority Date for financial aid to be available for the next semester’s registration. If you miss the priority date, you will need to be prepared to pay your tuition/fees and then you will be reimbursed based on your eligibility when your financial aid is processed. The Financial Aid office continually processes applications (ISIRs) according to the date they are received.

**Grants do not require repayment. ***Loans must be repaid.

Award Information: Financial aid is processed for one academic year (fall, spring and summer), per application.

All Financial Aid programs are subject to change. For up-to-date information on how S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance through the South Carolina Education Lottery will affect tuition, scholarships and/or fees, visit www.tridenttech.edu.

Financial Aid Criteria

Program

S.C. Lottery Tuition Assistance

S.C. LIFE and Other Scholarships

Student Loan Programs***

Parent Loans***

Veterans Educational Benefits

Who’s Eligibleto Apply

Students who qualify for in-state tuition and are legal South Carolina residents for at least one year. Must be enrolled in at least six credit hours and cannot have arned an associate degree within five years of the award year.

Requirements vary with different scholarships. Visit TTC’s website for more details.

Students enrolled in at least six semester credit hours who have filed a FAFSA. Applications must be approved by the Financial Aid office and the Department of Education.

Parents of dependent students carrying at least six semester credit hours. Also available to some students. Inquire with the Financial Aid office to determine your eligibility.

Qualified veterans, active-duty personnel, active reserve and national guardsmen, widows and children of deceased or disabled veterans.

Award

Varies

Varies

Varies
Award is for fall/spring/summer

Varies

Varies

How to Apply

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Contact the Financial Aid office. LIFE scholarship recipients must complete a LIFE Scholarship affidavit and submit final official high school transcripts.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). First-time borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling and a master promissory note (MPN). All borrowers must complete exit counseling when graduating or leaving TTC.

Check with the Financial Aid office.

Contact the Veterans Assistance office on TTC’s Main Campus.

***Loans must be repaid. 

Enrollment for Financial Aid: TTC awards financial aid based on credit hours per term of enrollment at the end of Drop/Add. No adjustments to the student’s awards will occur based on changes after Drop/Add unless a class is cancelled by the college or the student withdraws.