Financial Aid

The mission of the Financial Aid office is to support the college’s Mission and Core Values by providing students and their family’s financial assistance programs that provide the maximum student support and funding options to assist students with meeting college costs to reach their educational goals. These funding options provide support through various federal, state and local programs and follow all regulatory requirements as defined by law.

The Financial Aid office is part of the Student Affairs Division.

Students accepted at the college and wanting to be considered for financial aid eligibility, including all scholarships, grants and loans, must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The FAFSA must be completed each year, following January 1st. Complex federal regulations, forms and procedures necessitate allowing time for all forms to be processed. The FAFSA should be completed prior to the academic semester for which financial aid is requested to ensure that the student is considered for the maximum amount of assistance available. Deadlines apply, please check the TCL website, www.tcl.edu, for current semester deadlines and to ensure you have submitted your information/request in a timely manner.

Students must complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Students having difficulties completing the FAFSA may contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-(800)-4FED-AID (1-800-433-3243). Additional contact options available at www.fafsa.ed.gov under “FAFSA HELP”

Additional assistance is available at any of our Financial Aid offices. Campus computers are available for use at no charge for individual wishing to complete the FAFSA application.

TCL’s school code is 009910.

Most Commonly Needed Information to Complete the 2014-2015 Financial Aid Process:

• All 2013 W2 1099 Statements, Federal Income Tax forms transcripts from the IRS (WWW.IRS.GOV)
• A copy of Leave and Earning Statement (LES) (for military and their dependents)
• Information on child support payments received/paid (voluntary or court order)
• Social Security benefits information (1099s or monthly statement notification)
• Proof of other family members in the household attending college (e.g., registrars certificate of attendance)
• Statement of unemployment benefits
• Proof of child support paid
• Proof of SNAP benefits

Financial assistance awards are used to pay student account balances. Any remaining awards will be disbursed according to a schedule provided by the Business Office and in accordance with Federal Title IV regulations. Students are responsible for payment of funds owed to the College if financial assistance funds are not received as anticipated or if student is registered for classes not in their major or not otherwise covered as outlined by the funds in which they have applied.

Financial aid packages composed of grants, scholarships, loans, and work study employment can assist students in reaching their educational goals at TCL. Determination of eligibility through needs analysis must be completed before financial aid can be awarded. The College participates in the following programs.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for federally funded programs, the student must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be admitted or enrolled in an eligible program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution.
• Not be in default or owe repayment on any loan program or other Title IV programs.
• Demonstrate financial need according to the federally approved system of needs analysis.
• Register with Selective Service, if required to do so.
• Demonstrate ability to benefit from educational training.
• Submit all documents requested by the Financial Aid Office to verify eligibility.

Financial Assistance Programs - Federal

The Title IV Federal Programs listed below, provide financial assistance to post-secondary students through grants, loans, or work-study opportunities. These programs are based on financial need as assessed by federal government regulations. Many grants have limited funding. Applying early and submitting all required documents is essential when requesting funding.

Grants may be awarded if you show financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The grants listed here are administered by TCL based on the guidelines set for each program by the US Department of Education and Title IV Regulations.

Federal Pell Grant

This is a need-based federal grant program for students who are seeking their first undergraduate degree and whose Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) ranges from $0 to $5,157. The annual award amount is determined by your EFC and enrollment status. The maximum scheduled award is $5,730.

Students who establish eligibility and have not exceeded their life time eligibility limits will be funded. All documents needed to establish eligibility must be received prior to the published financial aid deadlines to ensure payment prior to payment deadlines. Students who have not completed documentation prior to the payment deadline should make alternative payment arrangements for the current semester. Students may submit paperwork through the last date of enrollment, or June 30 of the award year, whichever comes first. Initial awards are estimated based on the results of the FAFSA and are based on a full time enrollment calculation.

Estimates will change if any criteria used to determine your eligibility, such as program of study, degree status, satisfactory progress, and income or family information changes. You may receive coverage only for courses that are required for your program of study and a maximum of 30 credit hours of required college-preparatory coursework. Actual payment will not be determined until after class attendance has been confirmed, seventeen days (17) days after the first day of class. Students registered for mini-mester classes will not receive Pell Grant payments until their last class has begun. The amount actually paid to you from the Federal Pell Grant will be prorated if you enroll for fewer than 12 credit hours in a given term or if you take courses outside your program of study. You must begin attending all of your classes on the first day. If you are withdrawn for non-attendance prior to the actual payment of Pell Grant funds, you are not eligible to receive federal funding.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is a need-based federal grant awarded to undergraduates seeking a first undergraduate degree in an eligible program who have exceptional financial need. The award amount at TCL varies by enrollment and allocation. Priority is given to students with an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) of “0” giving first consideration to students with an automatic zero as determined by the federal government. Limited funding is available in this program and funding is awarded on a first come-first served basis. Recipients are chosen based on EFC and application date, and funds are usually not available to late applicants. Initial awards are estimated based on the results of the FAFSA and assume a full time enrollment. Estimates may change if any criteria used to determine your eligibility, such as program of study, degree status, satisfactory progress, and income or family contribution changes. Actual payment will not be determined until after the add/drop period has ended and classes have begun. The amount actually paid to you from the FSEOG will be prorated if you enroll for fewer than 12 credit hours in a given term. You must attend all of your classes on the first day of each term. If you are withdrawn for non-attendance prior to the actual payment of FSEOG funds, payment for the withdrawn class(es) will not be made.

Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants

A student whose parent or guardian died as a result of U.S. military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001, may receive increased FSA funds if at the time of the parent or guardian’s death the student was either less than 24 years old or was enrolled in college.

If the student is ineligible for a Pell grant only because his EFC is too high, he may receive an Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. As with Pell Grants, there is a receipt limit of 12 semesters (600% LEU in COD), and this limitation is not limited to students who received their first Pell Grant on or after July 1, 2008, as was the previous limit of 18 semesters or equivalent. Payments are adjusted for students enrolled less than full time.

Federal Work Study Program

This is a federal work program for students with financial need. You may be employed on one of our campuses, or as a reading tutor in a local public school or library. As a work study employee, you may work up to 15 hours per week and earn at least minimum wage, up to the amount of your financial need. You may be offered work study as part of your overall award; however, if it was not included, you may inquire about your eligibility by visiting TCL’s Financial Aid office.

TCL Work Study Jobs

How will I receive a job assignment?

Work study awards are part of your overall financial aid package. Instructions to apply for Work Study Jobs will be available through email notification through the students’ email account and requires the completion of an in-house application for the work study program. If selected for a position, your supervisor will have you notify the Career and Transfer Services coordinator to complete the remaining assignment documents. You will need to bring your Social Security Card and proof of citizenship or eligibility to work in the U.S. with you to your meeting so you can complete your payroll paperwork.

How will I receive payment for my Federal Work Study Award?

Federal Work Study is an opportunity to work and build work experience. You will be paid by the TCL Payroll Department twice a month based on the time sheet you and your supervisor turn in to Financial Aid. You will receive a packet of information about this process when your assignment documents are completed.

Institutional Work Study

Various campus departments have funding to hire students as part-time work study positions. You should inquire through the Campus Life Manager or through the various campus departments about any available opening and program qualifications.

Community Service Learning (CSL) Program

A part of the Federal Work Study Program (FWS), students may be placed in community service work settings. Community service includes support services for students with disabilities, mentoring, welfare, and social services.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program -Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans

TCL students are eligible to participate in the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. There are three programs: the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan, the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, and the Parent Plus Loan for Undergraduate Dependent Students (PLUS). Applicants must first apply for grants by completing their FAFSA. Federal Direct Education Loans are established and supported by the federal government, and the Department of Education serves as the lender.

ALL FEDERAL STAFFORD EDUCATION LOANS MUST BE REPAID. To receive any loan, you must first apply for all types of federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. You must also enroll in at least 6 credit hours required for your program of study each term. Please note: TCL reserves the right to refuse to certify additional student loans if there is any indication you may be unwilling to repay your loan, if you have high existing loan balances or if you have ever defaulted on a prior student loan that you did not repay in full. If any of these conditions may apply to you, you should meet with a member of the TCL Financial Aid office for an in-person advising session about your loan status.

Subsidized Federal Direct Education Loan

This loan requires unmet financial need. The federal government will pay the interest while you are enrolled in school, and you must repay the loan plus interest beginning 6 months after you leave school or drop to less than half-time status. You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits per term. Students with fewer than 30 credits toward their current program at the time of application may borrow up to $3,500 per year or the amount of unmet financial need, whichever is less. Students with 30 credits or more toward their current program at the time of application may borrow up to $4,500 per year or the amount of unmet financial need, whichever is less.

Note: New law has eliminated the interest subsidy provided during the six-month grace period for subsidized loans for which the first disbursement is made on or after July 1, 2012, and before July 1, 2014. If you receive a subsidized loan during this timeframe, you will be responsible for the interest that accrues while your loan is in the grace period. This provision does not eliminate the interest subsidy while the borrower is in school or during eligible periods of deferment.

Time Limit on Direct Subsidized Loans

If you are a first-time borrower on or after July 1, 2013, there is a limit on the maximum period of time (measured in academic years) that you can receive Direct Subsidized Loans. This time limit does not apply to Direct Unsubsidized Loans or Direct PLUS Loans. If this limit applies to you, you may not receive Direct Subsidized Loans for more than 150 percent of the published length of your program. This is called your “maximum eligibility period.” Your maximum eligibility period is based on the published length of your current program. You can usually find the published length of any program of study in this catalog.

For example, if you are enrolled in a four-year bachelor’s degree program, the maximum period for which you can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is six years (150 percent of 4 years = 6 years). If you are enrolled in a two-year associate degree program, the maximum period for which you can receive Direct Subsidized Loans is three years (150 percent of 2 years = 3 years).

Because your maximum eligibility period is based on the length of your current program of study, your maximum eligibility period can change if you change to a program that has a different length. Also, if you receive Direct Subsidized Loans for one program and then change to another program, the Direct Subsidized Loans you received for the earlier program will generally count toward your new maximum eligibility period.

Certain types of enrollment may cause you to become responsible for the interest that accrues on your Direct Subsidized Loans when the U.S. Department of Education usually would have paid it. These enrollment patterns are described below.

I become responsible for paying the interest that accrues on my Direct Subsidized Loans, when:

• I am no longer eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans and I stay enrolled in my current program
• I am no longer eligible for Direct Subsidized Loans, did not graduate from my prior program, and am enrolled in an undergraduate program that is the same length or shorter than my prior program
• I transferred into the shorter program and lost eligibility for Direct Subsidized Loans because I have received Direct Subsidized Loans for a period that equals or exceeds my new, lower maximum eligibility period, which is based on the length of the new program.

Unsubsidized Federal Family Education Loan

This loan does NOT require financial need; however you must first establish eligibility for need-based financial aid by completing your FAFSA. Interest will accrue on this loan while you are in school. You must repay the loan, accrued interest and current interest beginning 6 months after you leave school or drop to less than half-time status. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per term. Dependent students with less than 30 credits toward their current program at the time of application may borrow up to $4,000 per year in combined subsidized and unsubsidized loans, not to exceed the cost of education less other financial aid. Independent students and students whose parents are denied a Parent PLUS Loan, may borrow an additional $4,000, not to exceed the cost of education less other financial aid.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Dependent Students (PLUS)

Parents of dependent students may borrow on behalf of their children. Income is not a factor, but the borrower cannot have adverse credit. The student must first apply for other types of financial aid by completing their FAFSA. Loan amounts must not exceed the cost of education less other financial aid. Parent loans must be repaid over a 10-year period with interest beginning 60 days after disbursement. The student will not be able to charge tuition or books against the Plus Loan without parental consent.

How do I apply for a Federal Student or Parent Loan?

You must first establish your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant by completing all application steps listed earlier in this publication. A separate in-house Loan Certification Request packet, Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) are required. The instructions on applying for a Federal Direct Loan are located at http://www.tcl.edu/financial-aid/forms. All certification requests must be made by the established deadline for each academic term. Loan certification requests will not be certified after the priority deadline published for each given term.

Complete an in-house loan certification request at www.tcl.edu/financial-aid/forms
Complete Master promissory note at www.studentloans.gov add TCL School Code: 009910
Complete Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov add TCL School Code: 009910

Important: Deadlines for completing requests for loan funds are strictly adhered to. Please check the TCL website for current semester deadlines.

Alternative Loans

There are a number of private loans which are available to credit-worthy students and/or their co-borrowers. Students should first determine their eligibility under the William D. Ford Direct Lending program before seeking additional funding under this option. To apply for a private loan you must contact the lender of your choice. Information on the eligibility criteria and loan terms are available on each lender’s website.

Applying for a Private Education Student Loan

1. Review Federal Aid First: The U.S. Department of Education Federal Aid First explains the difference between Federal and Private Loans.
2. We encourage you to have a completed financial aid services file, including the FAFSA, at the Technical College of the Lowcountry using our School Code of 009910. This will provide us with information to review your file for State, Federal, and Institutional funds before you borrow a Private Loan.
3. Choose a lender or Bank to apply for a Private Education Loan. TCL does not offer a preferred lender list for private loans. Students can check with their bank or research private loans on the Web. We strongly encourage students to borrow federal loans first as they offer better benefits and interest rates.
4. School Certification: Our office will certify the loan once we receive a certification request from your lending institution. Private loan limits are set by federal regulations and cannot exceed the cost of attendance minus any financial aid received. We are not responsible for the timeliness of private loans and students should address all customer service issues with their lender.

The Technical College of the Lowcountry offers an option for students to defer their tuition and fees past the payment deadline date. The payment option is managed by the college and is available to all students registering with balances in the current term. All registration fees assessed can be included in your agreement and no interest is charged, but there is a $35 enrollment fee each term. The payment schedule and due date is set for each semester. Details or more information on this plan can be found at http://www.tcl.edu/tuition-fees, or by contacting the college’s Business Office.

Federal Student Aid Payment Authorization Instructions

You must have a completed payment authorization on file to charge books and supplies. The Bookstore will have information about the amount of financial aid you have available for books and will allow you to charge your bookstore purchase against the expected financial aid. Changes to a student’s enrollment status may reduce funding available to the bookstore for book and supply charges. Students are expected to report any changes to their schedule after courses have begun but financial eligibility has not yet been adjusted. Students are responsible for all bookstore charges made during the adjustment period of Financial Aid.

Financial Assistance Programs - State

LIFE Scholarship

The LIFE Scholarship is awarded to South Carolina residents who have graduated from a South Carolina high school with a 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher. Students must be full-time and course work must be college-level. The maximum annual award is cost of full-time tuition for up to 15 credit hours of enrollment during the Fall and Spring semesters and $300 for books, annually for students at two-year colleges.

To maintain continued eligibility for LIFE Scholarship, students are required to earn a minimum 3.0 cumulative LIFE GPA by the end of each academic year and complete 30 credit hours annually.

• The LIFE GPA includes all grades and credit hours earned at all eligible institutions (in-state and out-of-state) and college courses taken while in high school.
• The LIFE GPA does not include: exempted credit courses, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), remedial/developmental courses, non-degree credit courses for an associate’s degree or higher.
• Pass/Fail and non-penalty withdrawal credit courses are also excluded.
• Students may receive their LIFE GPA upon written request to the Registrar. To learn more about the LIFE Scholarship program contact TCL’s Financial Aid Office.

Lottery Tuition Assistance

To be eligible for SC’s Lottery Tuition Assistance, students must:

• Qualify for in-state tuition rate and be a SC resident at least one year.
• Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. (FAFSA)
• Be enrolled in a certificate, diploma or associate degree program and maintain at least six credits per semester
• Take courses toward the completion of a certificate, diploma or associate degree.
• Not be a recipient of a LIFE scholarship award
• Not be in default on any government student loan program, or owe repayments of a grant.
• Lottery Tuition Assistance is available only when the student has unmet tuition costs.

South Carolina Need-Based Grant

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant Program is awarded by the State of South Carolina. The program is designed to provide additional financial assistance to South Carolina’s neediest students who wish to attend college in the State of South Carolina. Awards are contingent on funding availability so apply early. In addition to completing the FAFSA to be eligible, a student must:

• Be a resident of the State of South Carolina.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program of study that is not less than one year in length. Students must be working toward an associate degree, diploma, or a certificate.
• Possess a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution in accordance with Title IV regulations, and complete a minimum of 24 semester hours as a full-time student or 12 semester hours as a part-time student per academic year.
• Receive the grant not more than four semesters for a two-year degree program, or two semesters for a one year certificate or diploma program.
• Be of good moral character with no felony convictions.

Financial Assistance Programs - Local

TCL Foundation Student Assistance

Technical College of the Lowcountry Foundation Inc. awards assistance to a number of deserving students each year. See the TCL Foundation Office for application deadlines. To apply for TCL Foundation assistance:

• Complete and submit a FAFSA.
• Complete and submit a TCL Foundation Student Assistance Application.
• Submit two recommendation forms.
• Submit an essay demonstrating financial need.
• Students in the Nursing Program must submit letter of acceptance from the Nursing Program.
• The TCL Foundation Office reviews the application, recommendation forms and other documentation in addition to information provided by the Financial Aid office. Recipients are notified by the Foundation Office.
• To qualify for funds, applicants must register for a minimum of six credit hours each semester and maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA.

B3 Building A Better Beaufort Scholarship

The “B3 Scholarship” will ensure that any Beaufort County School District graduate who meets certain academic eligibility criteria will be guaranteed at least two free years of college tuition at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. The first scholarships will be awarded to students graduating in the Class of 2014.

What is the goal of the scholarship?
Beyond the value of providing two years of free tuition, the scholarship will encourage students to work harder in high school secure in the knowledge that a lack of family financial resources will not keep them from attending college. From an economic development perspective, the county will be able to attract businesses by developing a better-educated workforce.

What is the value of the scholarship?
The B3 can be used to enroll in an one-year occupational, two-year technical or college transfer program at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. The scholarship will cover the remaining tuition costs of attending TCL after all other available scholarship, lottery and financial aid funds have been secured for each student. The initial award must be used during the fall or spring semester following high school graduation.

How do students apply?
A separate application is not required. Complete the TCL Admission Process by the required deadlines, submit the FAFSA and submit an official high school transcript. The B3 scholarship is designed to fill in any financial gaps not filled by those scholarship funds. Other financial aid must be considered first, including federal Title IV, LIFE, SC Needs Based Grant and Lottery Tuition Assistance Deadline.

What are the scholarship’s academic eligibility criteria?

• Applicants must graduate from a Beaufort County School District High School (beginning with the June 2014 graduating class).
• The scholarship can be used to enroll in a one-year occupations, two-year technical or college transfer program at the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
• The student must have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA.
• The student must successfully meet TCL’s entry requirements, including South Carolina residency, U.S. citizenship and placement scores for college courses.
• The student must maintain a minimum course load of six credit hours per semester.
• The student must maintain TCL’s minimum GPA requirements.
• Funding is available for two years from the date of high school graduation (summer semesters are included if part of a specific program).
• The student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA.

Financial Assistance Programs - Veterans and Military

Veterans Education Benefits

TCL is an approved institution for administering the educational benefit programs of the Veterans Administration (VA). The College is committed to serving veterans and their eligible dependents and provides assistance to those qualified for benefits.

Curriculum courses are approved for training under Title 38 of the U.S. Code, Chapter 30 (New GI Bill or Montgomery Bill), Chapter 31 (Disabled Veterans), Chapter 32 (VEAP), Chapter 33 (Post 9/11), Chapter 34 (Old GI Bill), Chapter 35 (Widows and War Orphans), or Chapter 1606 and 1607 (National Guard & Reserves).

No benefits will be paid for a class or a degree that is not authorized and approved by the Veterans Administration. For more information, contact the TCL Veterans Services Office on the Beaufort campus in Building 2, Coleman Hall at 843- 470-5961. Students who may be eligible for Veterans benefits should contact the Financial Aid/ Veterans Education Benefits Office for information on how to apply. Applications should be submitted at least eight weeks prior to enrollment to allow time for processing.

All veterans must present a copy of their schedule to the Financial Aid/Veteran Office, including all schedule changes. Failure to follow this step may delay credit certification to the VA Office, which delays payments from the Veteran Affairs Administration.

Admission requirements are the same as those for other students. The Veterans Administration is responsible for determining eligibility and awarding benefits. Each student is responsible for notifying the Veterans Services Office of any changes in personal data, career goals, or changes in class schedule.

Payment for Veterans Benefits

For payment purposes, 12 credit hours per semester is considered full-time attendance for the fall and spring semesters; the Veterans Administration pays only for the minimum number of semester hours. Semester hour requirements vary during summer term.

Advance Payment Policy for Veterans

Students eligible for Veterans Administration benefits may apply for an advanced payment from 45 days, but no more than 120 days, prior to the first day of the term. Application processing takes from six to eight weeks after submission to the Veterans Administration, and the first payment includes pay for all days in the month the term begins the month following the end of the term.

Chapter 1606 or 1607 (Reserve and National Guard) Benefits

Developmental courses offered at TCL are not applicable for payment by the VA for those using Chapter 1606 or 1607 benefits with contracts signed prior to October 1, 1990. Students enrolled under this chapter must carry a minimum of six semester hours. If credit hours fall below six, only the cost of tuition will be paid by the Veterans Administration.

Previous Training (prior credits) Transcripts for Veterans

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain official transcripts from all schools and colleges they have previously attended to verify previous training and prior credits. The student will receive Veterans Administration benefits for only ONE term unless all transcripts are submitted to TCL’s Enrollment Services Office during the student’s first term at TCL.

Chapter 33 - Post 9/11 GI Bill

This chapter of benefits is for service members and veterans who served at least 90 days on active duty excluding training after September 10th 2001. You can also qualify if you served a minimum of 30 days and got discharged with a service connected disability. Depending on how much time was served after this date determines what percentage you will be rated at. If you have been discharged from the military you must have an honorable discharge or one of three medical discharges, (EPTS) Existing Prior to Service, (HDSP) Hardship, or (CIWD) Condition Interfering with Duty to qualify.

Benefits

Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school and will not surpass the schools in state tuition rate which is $186.00 per credit hour. Note that the tuition that the VA covers will not cover out of state tuition so it is very important to get classified as an in state resident through the school or you could financially be responsible for the remaining balance per credit hour even if you are classified at a 100% for Chapter 33 benefits.

Yellow Ribbon Benefits
The Technical College of the Lowcountry has voluntarily entered into an agreement with the VA to fund uncovered charges as the result of the Veteran being classified as out of state. This program is known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. The VA matches each dollar of unmet charges and the Technical College of the Lowcountry agrees to contribute funding up to one-half the total cost of the unmet tuition and fees. Yellow Ribbon Benefits are available for Chapter 33 students who are classified as out of state students, are considered full-time and tuition and fees are not covered by the Chapter 33 benefits due to their out-of-state status.

Monthly Housing Allowance is paid directly to the student and equals the BAH rate for an E-5 with dependents no matter what your pay grade was or is with the military. That rate is $1,329.00 and is calculated not by your zip code but the schools. BAH is now calculated by taking the amount of credits you are attending and dividing that number by the full time enrollment rate for that particular semester. Rates for a Veterans BAH allowance are determined by the Veterans Affairs Administration and not within the control of TCL.

Books and Supplies Stipend is paid directly to the student and maxes out at $1,000.00 per school year. This is calculated according to your percentage and caps off at 24 credit hours, no matter how those credits are organized through the school year.

Applying for Benefits
Now that you are ready to attend the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) there are a few steps that need to be completed so that your transition to the college is as smooth as possible. The first step is to complete the application process for your benefits. Here are the steps to complete the VA Online Application (VONAPP):

• Apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
• If you have never used this site before, you will need to create a user name and password.
• Completing the 22-1990 application online allows you to sign it electronically, as well as submit it to the VA electronically. As a result, the application process is more streamlined and is usually processed quickly.

The result of completing the VONAPP is a Certificate of Eligibility. This letter is sent to your address, indicates what benefits you qualify for, and will be used to process your VA paperwork at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Applications are available at TCL through the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

If by the time you have registered for classes you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility, we strongly encourage you to stop in Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office with your 22-1990 application so that we can start the process of certification for you. Please keep in mind that although your enrollment will be sent to the VA, it does not mean the VA can process it. Your application must be approved by the VA before your certification can be completed. If you have already registered for classes, please DO NOT wait for your certificate of eligibility to arrive in the mail. This will delay the certification process at the school as well as with the VA.

The Veteran’s Affairs Office at the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s primary goal is to set up each student’s benefits as soon as possible, so that everyone can be compensated for their hard work and dedication to our country.

Requirements to be certified at TCL

New Students

• Certificate of Eligibility OR
• 22-1990 Application
• (VONAPP)

Transfer Students

• 22-1995
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

Transient Students

• Facts.org paperwork
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

The above items should be brought to a VA Representative at any of our campuses after you have registered for classes, prior to payment deadlines. The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by a VA Representative after the above documents have been received and reviewed.

As a student using chapter 33 you are entitled to a VA tuition deferment every semester at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. This deferment will allow you a 60 day extension for payment of your tuition and fees. Chapter 33 recipients are still eligible to apply for Financial Aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In fact, we strongly encourage that you apply in the event that you need additional financial assistance while at the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Applying for Financial Aid can also serve as a backup for payment at the college in the odd event that your benefits are delayed. All Credit hour Programs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry are approved for VA certification and benefits.

Chapter 30 - Montgomery GI Bill

This chapter of benefits is for active duty service members who served a minimum of two years on active duty and contributed $1,200.00 for the bill. Chapter 30 can provide up to 36 months of education assistance. You may use this benefit while on active duty or once you have ended your contract with your branch of service. If you are a veteran you must also make sure you have an honorable discharge or you may lose your chapter 30 benefits. If for any particular reason your contract ended early you need to make sure that your early discharge does not conflict with your trying to use your benefits. If you have any questions regarding these matters, you may contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

Applying for Benefits

Now that you are ready to attend the Technical College of the Lowcountry there are a few steps that need to get accomplish to make your transition here as smooth as possible. The first thing that needs to happen is applying for benefits.

• Go on line to http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp.
• Here you will need to create a user name and password if you have never used this site before. The key is to be able to put your electronic signature on the bottom of the application so that you can send it electronically to the VA. The reason this is so important is because it can speed up the process of getting your Letter of Eligibility sent to your address and your being able to use benefits.

Applications are available at TCL through the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

If by the time you have registered for classes you have not received your letter of eligibility you are highly encouraged to stop in with your 22-1990 application and your DD-214 member 4 so that we can start the process of certification for you. Just know that even though we can certify your enrollment that does not mean the VA can process it. They still have to process your application before your certification. Please DO NOT wait until your letter of eligibility has come in if you already registered for classes this will only hold up your VA process. Our goal here is to set up your benefits as soon as possible so that you can be compensated for your hard work and dedication to our country.

Requirements to be certified at TCL

New Students

• Certificate of Eligibility OR
• 22-1990 Application
• (VONAPP)

Transfer Students

• 22-1995
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

Transient Students

• Facts.org paperwork
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

The above items should be brought to the VA Representative at TCL and turned in once you have registered for classes. The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by the Representative once we have received the above documents.

As a new student you are entitled to request an advance payment for the first semester of attendance however the VA requires a forty-five (45) day advance notification. If you need the advance payment, please see the VA Coordinator to ask for one.

Note that while using this benefit your tuition is due by the school’s scheduled due date. If tuition is not paid by that scheduled payment deadline date your classes will be dropped. You may also apply for Financial Aid to assist in this matter even though you are using Chapter 30 benefits. If approved for financial aid it could make the transition from semester to semester an easier one. It can also help if your benefits are held up for any reason.

WAVE

WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) is a system that will need to be used to verify your enrollment here at TCL each and every month. If this process does not happen the monthly entitlement will not be sent out, even if the VA Representative certified you at the beginning of the semester. This process can be completed by either going on line at www.gibill.va.gov or you can call the voice response system at 1-877-823-2378 if you don’t have access to the internet.

Chapter 35 - Survivors & Dependents Assistance

This chapter of benefits is for spouses and children of veterans who passed away, or are 100% disabled as a result of a service connected situation to include MIA (Missing In Action) and POW (Prisoner Of War). Chapter 35 benefits can provide up to 45 months of full time benefits. If you are a spouse of a qualifying veteran you have 10 years from date of eligibility to use the benefits or 20 years if the veteran passed away while on active duty. Children may use the benefit from the age of 18 to 26. If there are any issues with these time constraints you may be able to have them extended by contacting the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

Applying for Benefits

Now that you are ready to attend Technical College of the Lowcountry there are a few steps that need to be completed so that your transition to the college is as smooth as possible. The first step is to complete the application process for your benefits. Here are the steps to complete the VA Online Application (VONAPP):

• Apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp
• If you have never used this site before, you will need to create a user name and password.
• Completing the 22-5490 application online allows you to sign it electronically, as well as submit it to the VA electronically. As a result, the application process is more streamlined and is usually processed quickly. The result of completing the VONAPP is a Certificate of Eligibility. This letter is sent to your address, indicates what benefits you qualify for, and will be used to process your VA paperwork at the Technical College of the Lowcountry.

Applications are available at TCL through the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

If by the time you have registered for classes you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility, we strongly encourage you to stop in Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office with your 22-5490 application so that we can start the process of certification for you. Please keep in mind that although your enrollment will be sent to the VA, it does not mean the VA can process it. Your application must be approved by the VA before your certification can be completed. If you have already registered for classes, please DO NOT wait for your certificate of eligibility to arrive in the mail. This will delay the certification process at the school as well as with the VA.

The primary goal of the Veterans Affairs Office at the Technical College of the Lowcountry is to set up each student’s benefits as soon as possible, so everyone can be compensated for their hard work and dedication to our country.

Requirements to be certified at the Technical College of the Lowcountry

New Students

• Certificate of Eligibility OR
• 22-1990 Application
• (VONAPP)

Transfer Students

• 22-1995
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

Transient Students

• Facts.org paperwork
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

The above items should be brought to a VA Representative at our Beaufort Campus after you have registered for classes. The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by a VA Representative after the above documents have been received and reviewed. Please be aware that while using VA benefits, tuition and fees are due to the school by the scheduled due date.

If tuition is not paid by that scheduled date, your classes will be dropped.

Chapter 35 recipients are still eligible to apply for Financial Aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In fact, we strongly encourage that you apply in the event that you need additional financial assistance while at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Applying for Financial Aid can also serve as a backup for payment at the college in the odd event that your benefits are delayed.

Chapter 1606 - Selected Reserve Montgomery GI Bill

This chapter of benefits is for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Reserves as well as the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Chapter 1606 can provide up to 36 months of education benefits for those individuals as long as they have completed their initial active duty training and are in good standing with their reserve unit. Benefits typically last 14 years from date of eligibility or when you get discharged, whichever comes first. If you were not able to use your benefits you could call the VA to possibly get an extension by calling 1-888-442-4551.

Applying for Benefits

Now that you are ready to attend the Technical College of the Lowcountry there are a few steps that need to be completed so that your transition to the college is as smooth as possible. The first step is to complete the application process for your benefits. Here are the steps to complete the VA Online Application (VONAPP):

• Apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp

If you have never used this site before, you will need to create a user name and password.

Completing the 22-1990 application online allows you to sign it electronically, as well as submit it to the VA electronically. As a result, the application process is more streamlined and is usually processed quickly. The result of completing the VONAPP is a Certificate of Eligibility. This letter is sent to your address, indicates what benefits you qualify for, and will be used to process your VA paperwork at TCL.

Applications are available at TCL through the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

Certificate of Eligibility, we strongly encourage you to stop in Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office with your 22-1990 application and your NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility) so that we can start the process of certification for you. Please keep in mind that although your enrollment will be sent to the VA, it does not mean the VA can process it. Your application must be approved by the VA before your certification can be completed. If you have already registered for classes, please DO NOT wait for your certificate of eligibility to arrive in the mail. This will delay the certification process at the school as well as with the VA.

The primary goal of the Veterans Affairs Office at the Technical College of the Lowcountry is to set up each student’s benefits as soon as possible, so everyone can be compensated for their hard work and dedication to our country.

Requirements to be certified at the Technical College of the Lowcountry

New Students

• Certificate of Eligibility OR
• 22-1990 Application
• (VONAPP)
• NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility)

Transfer Students

• 22-1995
• NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility)
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

Transient Students

• Facts.org paperwork
• NOBE (Notice of Basic Eligibility)
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

• The above items should be brought to a VA Representative at any of our campuses after you have registered for classes.
• The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by a VA Representative after the above documents have been received and reviewed.
• Please be aware that while using VA benefits, tuition and fees are due to the school by the scheduled due date. If tuition is not paid by that scheduled date, your classes will be dropped.
• Chapter 1606 recipients are still eligible to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In fact, we strongly encourage that you apply in the event that you need additional financial assistance while at TCL. Applying for financial aid can also serve as a backup for payment at the college in the odd event that your benefits are delayed.

WAVE

WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) is a system that will need to be used to verify your enrollment here at TCL each and every month. If this process does not happen the monthly entitlement will not be sent out, even if the VA Representative certified you at the beginning of the semester. This process can be completed by either going on line at www.gibill.va.gov or you can call the voice response system at 1-877-823-2378 if you don’t have access to the internet.

Chapter 1607 - Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP)

This chapter of benefits is for reservist either in the Selected Reserves or Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) and National Guard who are ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency, if declared by the President or Congress. Chapter 1607 can provide up to 36 months of education assistance, and benefits may be used while in the reserves. You can also use it after your contract ends with your branch of service for up to 10 years if you separate from the Selected Reserves and Not the Individual Ready Reserves or National Guard. If you have any questions regarding these matters you may contact the VA at 1-888-442-4551.

Applying for Benefits

Now that you are ready to attend Technical College of the Lowcountry there are a few steps that need to be completed so that your transition to the college is as smooth as possible. The first step is to complete the application process for your benefits. Here are the steps to complete the VA Online Application (VONAPP):

• Apply online at http://vabenefits.vba.va.gov/vonapp
• If you have never used this site before, you will need to create a user name and password.
• Completing the 22-1990 application online allows you to sign it electronically, as well as submit it to the VA electronically. As a result, the application process is more streamlined and is usually processed quickly.
• The result of completing the VONAPP is a Certificate of Eligibility. This letter is sent to your address, indicates what benefits you qualify for, and will be used to process your VA paperwork at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Applications are available at TCL through the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office. Please be aware that if you fill them out on campus, they are sent via US Postal service and it can delay your approval.

If by the time you have registered for classes you have not received your Certificate of Eligibility, we strongly encourage you to visit the Financial Aid and Veterans Education Benefits office with your 22-1990 application so that we can start the process of certification for you. Please keep in mind that although your enrollment will be sent to the VA, it does not mean the VA can process it. Your application must be approved by the VA before your certification can be completed. If you have already registered for classes, please DO NOT wait for your certificate of eligibility to arrive in the mail. This will delay the certification process at the school as well as with the VA. The Veteran’s Affairs Office at the Technical College of the Lowcountry’s primary goal is to set up each student’s benefits as soon as possible, so that everyone can be compensated for their hard work and dedication to our country.

Requirements to be certified at the Technical College of the Lowcountry

New Students

• Certificate of Eligibility OR
• 22-1990 Application
• (VONAPP)

Transfer Students

• 22-1995
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

Transient Students

• Facts.org paperwork
• Certificate of Eligibility (if you still have a copy)

• The above items should be brought to a VA Representative at any of our campuses after you have registered for classes.
• The rest of your requirements will be provided to you by a VA Representative after the above documents have been received and reviewed.
• Please be aware that while using VA benefits, tuition and fees are due to the school by the scheduled due date. If tuition is not paid by that scheduled date, your classes will be dropped.

Chapter 1607 recipients are still eligible to apply for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov). In fact, we strongly encourage you apply in the event that you need additional financial assistance while at the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Applying for financial aid can also serve as a backup for payment at the college in the odd event that your benefits are delayed.

WAVE

WAVE (Web Automated Verification of Enrollment) is a system that will need to be used to verify your enrollment here at TCL each and every month. If this process does not happen the monthly entitlement will not be sent out, even if the VA Representative certified you at the beginning of the semester. This process can be completed by either going on line at www.gibill.va.gov or you can call the voice response system at 1-877-823-2378 if you don’t have access to the internet.

Cost of Attendance

The following are average* costs of attendance for a full-time student attending both the Fall and Spring Terms of the 2014-2015 school year (9 month budget for Fall and Spring) :

* It is very important to note that the average expenses are estimated based on local cost of living information for use in calculating financial aid eligibility. Individual expenses will vary based on your choice of lifestyle and living arrangements.

Fees not included in the cost of attendance chart as listed above include program specific test fees, courses having high fees, program specific fees, insurance fees, etc. Fees and billing are handled by the Business Office and information on specific course fees can be located http://www.tcl.edu/tuition-fees.

** Non-South Carolina Residents include out-of-state students and international students. Review The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Information for Residency Classification.

***This cost of attendance is subject to revision after the publication of the 2014-2015 catalog. Please check online at http://www.tcl.edu/financial-aid for updates and additions to the Cost of Attendance information related to financial aid.

What will it cost to attend The Technical College of the Lowcountry?

College cost, which is sometimes referred to as the Cost of Attendance (COA), includes both direct and indirect costs. Students are advised to review their budget and plan ahead. Financial aid is available to assist with your cost of attendance.

Direct costs at the Technical College of the Lowcountry

These are costs that the family is billed for by the college-such as tuition and fees. Tuition is set based on a semester credit hour charge. For example, a full-time student enrolled in 4 classes (3 credit hours per class) will be charged for 12 credit hours and any associated course fees. The Technical College of the Lowcountry’s Tuition and Fee Schedule.

Indirect costs while attending The Technical College of the Lowcountry

These are the costs that don’t show up on the college bill. They include books, supplies, and travel, as well as personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, and pizza. Since you will be living off-campus, room and board costs will also be indirect costs. You can control indirect costs to some degree, by making smart spending choices.

Five Basic Cost Components The Technical College of the Lowcountry uses to determine your Cost of Attendance (COA) for Federal Student Aid Purposes

Tuition and Fees - Direct Cost

These are the charges for your education. They may vary based on academic program and number of credit hours attending each semester. The tuition and fee charges will appear on the bill. At The Technical College of the Lowcountry, your COA will represent the average tuition and fees for a student.

Books and Supplies - Indirect Cost

This expense covers your course materials. At The Technical College of the Lowcountry, your Books and Supplies component will represent the average cost for a student. You can charge books and supplies against your financial aid awards at The Technical College of the Lowcountry prior to the start of the semester.

Room and Board - Indirect Cost

The Technical College of the Lowcountry does not have on-campus housing so it is necessary for students to make an estimate of these expenses.

Personal Expenses - Indirect Cost

The costs for things like laundry and telephone fall under personal expenses. Keep careful track of these as they can quickly build up.

Transportation - Indirect Cost

Transportation is added to your COA and represents a student’s average cost for transportation.

Disclaimer

The Financial Aid Office has taken care to insure the accuracy and timeliness of the information contained in this publication. However, contents are subject to change without notice because of changing federal, state or institutional policies. All financial aid awards are contingent upon availability of funds and the student’s final eligibility determination.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid

Duration of Eligibility

Students receiving financial assistance through federally funded programs will be required to complete their curriculum programs within a specified time period. For example, full-time students pursuing an associate degree may receive financial assistance for up to two years and one semester. Students required to take Developmental Education courses will be allowed a maximum of one year and one semester to complete the courses before entering their program of study.

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for Recipients of Financial Aid

Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for Financial Aid Eligibility Federal regulations (34 CFR 668.34) require a student to move toward the completion of a degree or certificate within an eligible program when receiving financial aid. Specific requirements for academic progress for financial aid recipients are applied differently than college Academic Standards, Warning, Probation, and Suspension. Federal regulations state that Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards must include a review of all periods of enrollment, regardless of whether or not aid was received. The student must meet all the minimum standards in order to receive financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed at the end each Spring term, all aid awarded during the next term is tentative until the SAP review is complete.

1. Evaluation of Financial Aid Eligibility
   Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) are applied at the end of every semester to determine eligibility for the next term. SAP standards are calculated using the cumulative GPA and cumulative completion rate. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and a completion rate of 67% or more.
   • Students will be placed on financial aid suspension if they have not met the standards of satisfactory academic progress. Students will be ineligible for aid during the suspension. Students will need to raise their GPA and/or completion rate to meet the minimum SAP requirements to regain financial aid eligibility. You may appeal financial aid suspension, please see a Financial Aid representative for more details.
   • The evaluation period will be based on attendance in all prior semester(s) and will include all classes attempted whether federal aid was received or not. The initial evaluation at the Technical College of the Lowcountry will be based on all previous institutions attended once the transcripts are received, evaluated, and posted to the student’s record. SAP will be reviewed at the end of each semester and transcripts from all previously attended colleges must be submitted to the Enrollment Services office. Students who fail to submit transcripts from previously attended colleges will be considered as not making satisfactory academic progress and will be suspended from receiving financial aid. The student’s cumulative GPA and completion ratio must meet the minimum standards or the student will be placed on suspension.
   • Credits evaluated will include credits attempted at the TCL, transfer credits accepted by TCL, and courses funded through consortium agreement.
   • Students who do not meet the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will be notified through the my.tcl.edu student email account.
   • Students not meeting federal financial aid satisfactory academic progress will be suspended from receiving any additional Title IV funding and will have an opportunity to appeal.
   • Students must meet the federal standards of satisfactory academic progress before any additional Title IV funding will be disbursed.
   • Students who have submitted an appeal and find they meet the requirements will be placed on Financial Aid Termination.
2. Eligibility - Financial Aid
   1. Students must meet the following criteria:
      1. Students must complete all courses with a passing grade for 67% of all credits attempted.
      2. Students must maintain a TCL GPA requirement of 2.0; only courses taken at TCL.
      3. Students must complete their program of study within the 150% timeframe of their degree or eligible certificate program. For example, if a program is 60 credit hours then the student must complete all required coursework within 90 credit hours. This includes repeated grades and college preparatory coursework.

Note: Grades of F, I, W, WP, WF, and courses not yet graded are considered attempted but not meeting progress standards for the purposes of financial aid.

3. Maximum Timeframe Eligibility - For Financial Aid
   Students who have attempted more than 150% of the credits required for their program of study are not considered to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress and therefore, are ineligible for financial aid funds.
4. Repeated, Audited, Consortium, Remedial Courses, Enrollment
   Financial aid eligibility will include repeated courses which were not successfully completed. Students who are on their third attempt of a class must pay the full cost of tuition and the hours will be deducted when calculating enrollment status, i.e. full-time, three quarters time, half-time and less than half time, for the purposes of financial aid.
   • Financial aid eligibility will include repeating a course one time if the student earned prior credit for the course with a grade of a “D”. All classes taken must be counted as attempted classes regardless of academic forgiveness.
   • Audited courses, continuing education, credit by examination, and any credit for prior learning option (as outlined in the catalog) are excluded when determining eligibility for financial aid.
   • Courses funded through a consortium agreement are included in determining academic progress.
   • All attempted remedial credits will be included when evaluating SAP. (A maximum of 30 remedial credit hours, excluding ESL courses may be funded.)
   • Enrollment in any part of term will be considered in the respective fall, spring, or summer term to be evaluated for SAP in the annual calculation.

5. Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility
   • A student who has lost financial aid eligibility may be reinstated; upon approval of an appeals, or after the student has taken classes to meet the minimum requirements of an overall and TCL GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative completion rate of 67% of all credit hours being evaluated. Title IV funding will not be provided until the student has met the minimum requirements of an overall GPA and TCL GPA of 2.0 GPA and a cumulative completion rate of 67%.
   • All classes including those taken at other institutions will be taken into consideration for reinstatement purposes.
   • A student must be able to complete his or her degree or certificate within the 150% timeframe.
   • It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid office when this condition has been met.
   • Students who exhaust the 150% timeframe and have failed to meet the 2.0 GPA requirement cannot be reinstated for financial aid at the Technical College of the Lowcountry.
   • For more information about the appeal process and to access the form, visit the Financial Aid website, or visit the office to speak with a Financial Aid Representative.

67% Completion Chart for Successful Progression toward a Degree or Eligible Certificate.
The chart below demonstrates 67% for attempted hours in a semester. The left hand column is the attempted hours and the corresponding number in the right column is the number of hours you must successfully complete with a 2.0 GPA to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. For example, if you register for 14 credit hours, you must complete 10 credit hours with a 2.0 GPA or higher to meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements for the semester. Both the 2.0 GPA and completion rate of 67% applies to both the semester and cumulative credit hour on your transcript.

Academic Progress and Loss of Financial Assistance

Technical College of the Lowcountry is required by federal and state regulations to define and enforce standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students who withdraw from all courses after the add/drop period will be placed on financial assistance warning. Students who withdraw from all courses after the drop/swap period a second time in the same academic year will be subject to loss of financial assistance.

Students are not eligible for financial assistance for courses which have been attempted and/or failed twice. A course completed with a grade of “C” or better may not be repeated. Students receiving financial assistance will be permitted to change their curriculum once without loss of funding.

Students will not be eligible to receive financial assistance for courses taken outside their program of study with the exception of required electives or up to two additional electives approved by an instructional Division Dean.

Students will lose financial aid eligibility for classes for which they register, but never attend; or for which they have excessive absences.

Academic Progress

Satisfactory Grade Point Average
Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses within their curriculum, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to qualify for any degree, diploma, or certificate of completion award from the Technical College of the Lowcountry. Students dropping classes after the fourth week of a term should provide the College’s Veterans Services Office with a statement indicating any mitigating circumstances. This statement will be sent to the regional Veterans Administration for consideration in determining any overpayment. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Veterans Services of any change in course load and/or course substitutions and grade changes.

Notification of Standards and Unsatisfactory Progress
Each student receiving Veterans Administration educational benefits will receive a copy of the standards of satisfactory academic progress from the Veterans Services Office at the time of initial certification. Should the student fail to make satisfactory academic progress, the student and the Veterans Administration will be notified at the conclusion of any term upon failure to meet minimum standards for three consecutive terms, at that time benefits will be terminated.

Refunds/Returns - Federal Title IV and Veterans Administration
TCL adheres to Federal Program guidelines in its refund policy for Title IV, Federal Financial Aid Programs. Students receiving Title IV funds follow the same refunding schedule outlined above. However, if a student completely withdraws after the College’s official award date, a return of unearned assistance is calculated for the appropriate program in accordance with federal guidelines.

Federal regulations require a student to attend all courses in which they are registered to earn the aid in which they have been awarded. Students who fail to attend class have earned no funding for the class in which they have failed to attend. All funding received for a course in which a student has failed to attend must be returned to the college immediately.

Federal regulations require that a student receiving financial assistance who withdraws from all classes prior to attending classes 60% of the term are required to return a portion of the financial aid award to the federal government. Adjustments will be made by the Financial Aid office when a student has completely withdrawn. The Business Office notifies the student of outstanding balances and any portion due to be returned as a result of a complete withdrawal.

Adjustments and refunds for the Title IV aid are administered according to current Title IV regulations

Refunds/Returns - Veterans Benefits
Refunds for students receiving Veterans Education Benefits will be issued to the student/veteran or returned to the Veterans Affairs Regional Offices in accordance with the current regulations and guidance of the United States Departments of Veteran Affairs.

Rights and Responsibilities of the Financial Aid Recipient
As a student financial aid consumer you have the right to:

• Information about financial aid application procedures, cost of attendance, aid available, and renewal requirements as well as about the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) academic programs and policies.
• Confidential protection of your financial aid records. The contents of your financial aid file are maintained in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
• Request a review of decisions made by the Technical College of the Lowcountry financial aid office staff. A letter discussing your situation in detail and the decision you wish to have reviewed should be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid, Technical College of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 1288, Beaufort, SC 29901-1288

You have the responsibility to:

• Complete applications correctly and on time.
• Read and understand all materials sent to you from Financial Aid Office and other financial aid agencies by e-mail and/or letter. Keep copies of all forms and materials submitted.
• Know and comply with the rules governing your aid programs.
• Maintain a current mailing address and phone number as well as your assigned student email account.
• Comply with the provisions of any promissory note and all other agreements you sign.
• Register for the number of credits required and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• Request personal assistance if you have questions or do not understand the information provided to you.