If this will be your first experience taking a postsecondary course you should contact the technical college  that is offering the course. If you are enrolling in courses from more than one college you should determine which college would be your "home school" and contact the financial aid office at that college.

Currently Enrolled Students

If you are currently enrolled in a participating GVTC college that institution will administer any financial aid for which you might qualify. If you are taking courses from other institutions, your "home institution" will still administer your financial aid.

GVTC college's financial aid offices provide assistance with completing applications. To contact a financial aid representative via email, choose the appropriate college from the list of DTAE colleges.

Students needing financial assistance are encouraged to complete a FAFSA in order to apply for the types of assistance described below:

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is available to students who demonstrate financial need according to federal guidelines as outlined by the Department of Education. A full Pell award for the 1999 -2000 academic year is $3,125. This amount is subject to change in future academic years. This award does not have to be repaid. Some requirements for receiving the Pell Grant are as follows:

• Students may not have earned a baccalaureate degree, and
• Students must be accepted into a diploma, associate degree program or approved certificate program.
• Awards range from $400 - $4,000 per academic year 2002-2003;$400 - $4050 per academic year 2003-2004.
• Certificate/diploma students cannot take more than 50% of their courses in a program via the Internet and receive Title IV aid.
• If a student chooses to take his/her program of study totally via the Internet, he/she is ineligible for Title IV aid. 

*Please check with your technical college financial aid director for further information concerning Title IV funds for online courses.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The SEOG may be awarded in the amount of $300 - $900 per academic year to students with exceptional financial need. SEOG funds are extremely limited, so students are strongly encouraged to complete their FAFSA early each year. This award does not have to be repaid. Some requirements for receiving the SEOG are as follows:

• Students may not have earned a baccalaureate degree,
• Students must be enrolled in a diploma or associate degree program, and
• Students must be attending a minimum of half-time.

State Student Incentive Grant (SSIG)

The SSIG is available to Georgia residents enrolled full-time with a minimum GPA of 3.0. This program is based on financial need, and does not need to be repaid. Funds for this program are extremely limited, so students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA early.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant

This grant is available to children of Georgia law enforcement officers, fire fighters and prison guards who have been permanently disabled or killed in the line of duty. This award is $2000 per academic year and does not need to be repaid. This grant is not based on financial need.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship

This program is available to all Georgia residents who meet the following educational requirements:

• Students must not have earned a baccalaureate degree.
• Students must be accepted into an associate degree program.
• Students who graduated from a Georgia High School after 1993 with a 3.0 GPA, or 85% in vocational education classes.
• Students who graduated from high school prior to 1993 must have earned 45 credit hours of post-secondary education with a 3.0 GPA.

This scholarship pays the student’s tuition charges and does not need to be repaid. Full-time enrollment is not a requirement. This program is not based on financial need.

An  e-HOPE application  is now available for your convenience in applying for the HOPE Scholarship online. 

Georgia HOPE Grant

This program is available to all Georgia residents who meet the following educational requirements:

• Students must be accepted into a certificate or diploma program.
• Students are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

This grant pays the student’s tuition charges and does not need to be repaid. Full-time enrollment is not a requirement. This program is not based on financial need.

An  e-HOPE application  is now available for your convenience in applying for the HOPE Grant online. 

Georgia HOPE Book Award

This program is available to all Georgia residents who meet the eligibility requirements for Georgia HOPE Grant, and Georgia HOPE Scholarship. This award is intended to help meet the cost of books and supplies. The amounts awarded are as follows:

• Students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours or more) will receive $100.
• Students enrolled in less than half-time will receive $50.

This award is paid in the form of a check directly to the student, and does not have to be repaid. This program is not based on financial need.

Federal College Work Study (FWS)

FWS may be awarded in the amount of $500 - $2000 per academic year to students who demonstrate financial need. This program provides students part time jobs on campus with flexible hours revolving around their school schedule. Students are limited to 20 hours per week. Awards received in FWS are paid in the form of bi-weekly paychecks, and this award does not have to be repaid. The funds for FWS are very limited, so students are strongly encouraged to complete their FAFSA early.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan

This program offers long-term, low interest loans to students who demonstrate financial need. The federal government pays interest and payments are deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Students receive a six-month grace period after graduation or if attending less than half time before repayments begin.

Loans are available through the school’s participating lenders, or the participating lender of the student’s choice. First time borrowers are required to attend an “entrance interview” offered by the school before funds will be released. Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans have a variable interest rate with a maximum of 8.25% for new borrowers. The current interest rate is 7.6%

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans

This program has the same rules as the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, except this loan accrues interest over the life of the loan. In addition, students do not need to demonstrate financial need to receive this loan. Students receive the same deferred payment benefit while maintaining enrollment of at least half-time. Interest compounds quarterly and is added to the principle balance. Students may choose to pay the interest each quarter.

Scholarships

The Scholarship Help website educates students about scholarship access and the necessary requirements for achieving maximum financial aid. In addition, information is provided free of charge to help students avoid scholarship scam artists and misleading authors who promise "secrets" to what is essentially publicly available information.

Veteran's Benefits

Some associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs at GVTC colleges are approved for Veteran's Educational Benefits, but not all.  Please check with your technical college for further information concerning VA benefits for online courses.