Financial Aid—Programs

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

PELL GRANT
The Federal PELL Grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible applicants who attend post-secondary educational institutions at the undergraduate level and who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree from any institution.  PELL Grant awards vary and are determined by the amount of Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as a result of a submitted Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Awards range from the minimum of $400 to over $4,000 per academic year.  The award is divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters with any remaining funds being available for the summer semester.  The PELL Grant is considered gift aid and does not have to be repaid as long as the student attends class(es) through the 60 percent point of the term.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT (ACG)
ACG provides financial assistance for up to two academic years for undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens, PELL Grant recipients, enrolled full-time in a degree program, and who have completed a rigorous secondary school program.  Specifically, first-year students cannot have been previously enrolled in an undergraduate program and second-year students must have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average for the first academic year.  Also, students must have graduated high school after January 1, 2005.  Awards are $750 for eligible first-year students and $1,300 for second-year students.  ACG is considered gift aid and does not have to be repaid.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT (FSEOG)
FSEOG is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest EFC who are also PELL Grant recipients.  Awards vary depending on funding levels.  This grant is gift aid and does not have to be repaid.

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY (FWS)
Stanly Community College participates in the Federal Work-Study program that provides part-time employment for students who have financial need and who desire to earn part of their educational expenses.  At SCC, students work in a variety of offices and departments with their work schedules adapting to their academic schedules.  Students may work up to 20 hours per week while enrolled, earn an above minimum wage rate, and are paid monthly.  Interested students are required to complete a FWS application that is available on the SCC web site or in the Financial Aid Office.

STATE PROGRAMS

NORTH CAROLINA STUDENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM (NCSIG)
Students completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) automatically make application for this grant.  (The grant is administered by the College Foundation, Inc., of Raleigh, North Carolina.)  A recipient must be a legal resident of North Carolina and accepted into an eligible program as a full-time student.  Awards are $700 per academic year.

NORTH CAROLINA EARN SCHOLARSHIP (effective 2008-2009 academic year)
Students completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) automatically make application for this grant.  (The grant is administered by the College Foundation, Inc., of Raleigh, North Carolina.)  A recipient must be a legal resident of North Carolina, enrolled full-time, be classified as a “dependent” for Federal Title IV programs, must have student total family income not exceeding 200 percent of the applicable federal poverty guidelines, and be PELL eligible.  EARN awards are $4,000 each year and are limited to the equivalent of two academic years. 

NORTH CAROLINA COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRANT (NCCCG)
Students completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) automatically make application for this grant.  The NCCCG is a need-based grant established by the North Carolina legislature to provide funds to help meet the educational cost of attending a community college.  A recipient must be a North Carolina resident and enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student in an eligible curriculum program.  Awards range from $60 to $1,100 per academic year.

NORTH CAROLINA EDUCATION LOTTERY SCHOLARSHIP (ELSP)
Students completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) automatically make application for this grant.  Recipients must be a North Carolina resident and enrolled at least half-time as an undergraduate student in an eligible curriculum program meeting satisfactory academic standards.  Eligibility extends to students who have an EFC of 5,000 or less.  Awards range from $100 to $2500 per academic year.

NORTH CAROLINA STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM FOR HEALTH, SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
A North Carolina student who is enrolled full time in a degree program oriented toward a career in health, mathematics, or science may apply for financial assistance in the form of a loan from the state.  The College Foundation of North Carolina (www.cfnc.org) web site provides further program information and applications.

NURSE EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP LOAN (NESLP)
A North Carolina student demonstrating financial need and enrolled in a LPN or RN program may be eligible for a scholarship/loan program with a minimum of $2,000 per academic year.  The repayment of the loan may be forgiven by working full-time in an approved medical facility following graduation.  A minimum of six months of consecutive full-time employment with one employer is required to qualify for service cancellation.  Loans not repaid through service must be repaid in cash.  Recipients are chosen based on financial need and academic progression.  Interested students should contact the SCC Financial Aid Office.

NURSE SCHOLARS PROGRAM (NSP)
The Nurse Scholars Program is a competitive, merit-based scholarship/loan program available to students who have chosen to enter the nursing profession.  A Nurse Scholars Commission selects recipients based on superior academics, leadership potential, and desire to practice nursing on a full-time basis in North Carolina.  Recipients must be U.S. citizens and North Carolina residents.  Students must plan to enter a nursing program at one of the North Carolina colleges, universities or hospitals that offer nurse education programs that prepare students for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).  The College Foundation of North Carolina (www.cfnc.org) web site provides further program information and applications.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Stanly Community College Presidential Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a senior from each of the four high schools in Stanly County.  Applicants must have applied to Stanly Community College and plan to pursue their education in one of the college’s programs of study.  Applicants must have a “B” or higher average in high school courses.  Selection of a recipient is based upon the applicant’s academic achievement, potential, and career objectives.  Applications are available from the high school guidance counselors.

Katherine Sikes Crutchfield Scholarship

The Katherine Sikes Crutchfield Scholarship will provide twenty annual scholarships to prospective female students at Stanly Community College.  Priority will be given to Stanly County residents in associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science degrees.  Applicants must complete the SCC scholarship application. Selected applicants will be required to complete an interview process.

Dr. H. T. “Toby” Webb, Jr., Scholarship

The Dr. H. T. “Toby” Webb, Jr., Scholarship will provide twenty annual scholarships to prospective male students at Stanly Community College.  Priority will be given to Stanly County residents in associate in arts, associate in science, and associate in applied science degrees.  Applicants must complete the SCC scholarship application. Selected applicants will be required to complete an interview process.

Stanly Heritage Endowed Scholarship Program

Stanly Heritage Endowed Scholarships are offered through the SCC Foundation to curriculum students.  Applicants must complete the SCC scholarship application and provide any additional information requested for specific scholarships.  Students receiving scholarships must maintain satisfactory academic standards and are eligible for the same award during their second year provided they continue to meet established criteria and complete the second-year application process.

Stanly Community College Heritage Merit Scholarship

The SCC Heritage Merit Scholarship offers five endowed scholarships to high school senior who have applied to Stanly Community College and plan to pursue their education in one of the college’s curriculum programs of study.  Applicants must complete the scholarship application and have a weighted GPA of 3.50 or greater in high school courses.  Selection is based upon academic achievement, potential, and career objectives.  Applications are available from the high school guidance counselors.

The following scholarships will be awarded through the Stanly Heritage Endowed Scholarship Program:

William C. Cannon, Sr.
Edward J. Snyder, Jr.
Dr. H. T. “Toby” Webb, Jr.
Annie Ruth Kelley
*Professor E. F. Eddins
Vernie Scarborough Eddins Moore
George E. Eddins, Sr.
Daisy Outlaw Eddins
Frank Neville Patterson, Jr.
James W. Morgan
Wal-Mart/Stanly Community College Alumni
Elizabeth Catherine Matt Eddins
Margaret Ellen Patterson Thompson and Mary Louise Patterson
Josephine Beaver Morgan
Henry E. Farmer, Sr., and Joyce H. Farmer
Clyde Almond-Benton Farmer/Stanly Fixtures, Inc.
Elizabeth Lake Inman
Bertie Snuggs Patterson
Faith Anne Carroll Morgan
Damon F. Smith
Silas P. Dennis
Bob G. Furr
Russell Edwin Sigmon and Maggie Whitener Sigmon
Dr. George E. Eddins, Jr.
SCC Faculty and Staff
Ed, Les, Brown and Jim Bivens
Sandra Suzanne Hartsell
Miller James Hartsell
Charlie E. Richardson
Fannie Stewart Richardson
Charles B. Richardson
Herring Family
J. Theodore Ford
Novella Efird Dennis
Elbert L. Whitley, Jr.
Elizabeth Ann Eddins Laughridge
George E. Eddins, III
Chuck McManus
Barbara Eddins Little
Dr. Michael R. Taylor
Dr. Francis W. Green
Robert W. Odom and daughter Eloise B. Odom
Pamera H. Brafford
The “Gennie” in honor of Geneva L. martin
Mary D. Green
The Uwharrie Capital Corp./Nadine B. Bowers
Donald West Griffin and Rita Burris Griffin
Ann M. Kiser
P. J. Laton, Jr.
Claude Bryan and Bethie Almond Morton
Mary E. Foster Webb
Charlie Adam Lambert

*Two scholarships are given.

Alcoa Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled full time in one of the following programs:  Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Allied Health, Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Engineering Technology, Computer Information Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology, or Information Systems,

Almond Family Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled full time in one of the following curriculums:  Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, Allied Health, Associate in Arts, or Associate in Science.

Bank of Stanly Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a full-time student from Stanly County in one of the following curriculums:  Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, Associate in Arts, or Associate in Science.

Bear Insurance Service, Inc., Scholarship

This scholarship is available to a Stanly County resident who has enrolled in one of the following curriculums:  Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, Associate in Arts, or Associate in Science.

Emily Carter Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled as a second-year Respiratory Therapy student.

First Bank Scholarship

This scholarship is available to students who are enrolled in a two-year associate degree program, who have a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA, and who are a Stanly County resident.

Greg Harris Scholarship

Priority is given to South Stanly High School graduates.  Applicants must apply for scholarship with high school guidance counselor(s).

Home Savings Bank Endowed Scholarship

Applicants must be Stanly County residents enrolled full time in one of the following curriculums:  Accounting, Business Administration, Information Systems, Allied Health, Associate in Arts, or Associate in Science.

Michelin Aircraft Tire Scholarship

Applicants must be enrolled in the Electronics Engineering Technology program as full-time students.  Priority will be given to dependents of Michelin Aircraft Tire employees who meet all requirements.  Applicant must show a demonstrated financial need.

Stanly Funeral Home Scholarship

Applicants must be Stanly County residents, be a graduate of a Stanly County high school, strong academic achievement, and demonstrate evidence of community service.

State Employees Credit Union Foundation Scholarship

The “People Helping People” scholarship is given to those students who have demonstrated leadership, excellence of character, integrity and community involvement. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic achievement.

Wayne Oakes/Stanly County Managers’ Association Scholarship

This scholarship provides a scholarship to a student in the business or technical education programs.  Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, and have a minimum of 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

OTHER FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

North Carolina Department of Community Colleges Child Care Grant Program

Priority is given to single parents or displaced homemakers.  Applicants must be enrolled full time in an eligible program of study and have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Applications and details are available at the Financial Aid Office.

Stanly Community College Emergency Fund

Limited funds are available to assist regularly enrolled students with non-academic financial emergencies.  Further information about the emergency fund may be obtained from the Coordinator of Special Services located in the Career and Counseling Department.

North Carolina Community College Loan Program

Funds are available through the North Carolina Community College Loan Program for short-term, interest-free loans to assist with tuition and books.  Applicants must be returning student with at least a cumulative 2.00 GPA.  Loans are generally limited to $200 and must be repaid within 60 days.  Failure to repay loans will result in the student’s inability to register for classes and to receive grades and/or transcripts.  Students may apply for this loan in the Financial Aid Office.

Stanly Community College Loan Program

Funds are available through the SCC Loan Program for short-term, interest-free loans to assist with tuition and books.  Applicants must have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  Loan funds are generally limited based on availability and must be repaid within 60 days.  Failure to repay loans will result in the student’s inability to register for classes or receive grades and/or transcripts.  Students may apply for this loan in the Financial Aid Office.

Targeted Assistance Program

The Targeted Assistance Program provides financial assistance for students enrolled in low enrollment/high demand programs.  Preference will be given to students in those programs whose EFC exceeds PELL Grant eligibility and still have financial need.  Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and meet PELL eligibility requirements.

Less Than One-Half Time Enrolled Program

The Less Than One-Half Time Enrolled Program is designed to assist curriculum students who are PELL eligible and who are enrolled in fewer than six credit hours in a semester.  Recipients will have EFC’s ranging between 801 and 4000.

VETERAN’S EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

Stanly Community College curriculum programs of study are approved by the North Carolina State Approving Agency for the enrollment of persons who are eligible for veterans’ educational benefits.  The Financial Aid Office assists all persons who have questions concerning eligibility and the application process.

All students applying for veteran educational benefits are required to be fully accepted into and pursue a curriculum program listed in the General Catalog and Student Handbook prior to being certified as an enrolled student eligible to receive benefits.  VA benefit recipients must be certified for each semester’s enrollment.  It is the responsibility of the veteran students and/or eligible dependent students to inform the Financial Aid Office of new registrations and/or any changes to current registration.  All veterans and eligible dependents are held to the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Standards.  Recipients who do not maintain Satisfactory Academic progress will not be certified.

HOPE AND LIFETIME LEARNING TAX CREDITS

These income tax credits may reduce a family’s federal taxes.  They are based on the student’s college tuition and fee charges, minus grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance.  The Hope Tax Credit can be claimed during the first two years of college up to a maximum of $1,500.  The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available for any level of post-secondary study up to a current maximum of $1,000.  The credits are not available to single filers with adjusted gross incomes greater than $50,000 or joint filers with adjusted gross incomes greater than $100,000.  Also note that only one type of credit (Hope or Lifetime Learning) may be claimed for the student in any given year.  Questions and/or concerns can be addressed to the IRS web site at www.irs.gov.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS STANDARDS
(As related to Financial Aid)

Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress and satisfactory progress toward program completion. The following standards apply to all students receiving financial aid funds:

Academic Progress Standard:

All financial aid recipients must maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. If a student’s cumulative grade point average falls below a 2.00 GPA, the student will be placed on financial and academic probation and will be notified in writing. The student then has a probationary period of enrollment (the next semester the student is enrolled) to achieve a 2.00 cumulative GPA for total credit hours attempted. If at the end of the probationary period a cumulative 2.00 cumulative grade point average is not achieved, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid. The student may regain financial aid eligibility by improving the GPA to 2.00.

Program Completion:
Maximum Time Frame Standard
Students are required to complete their programs within 150 percent of the program length. For example, the Computer Engineering Technology program is 70 hours in length; a financial aid recipient enrolled in CET may take up to 105 hours (150 percent of 70) to complete the program. All hours attempted at SCC, regardless of when they were attempted, are counted toward this maximum time frame for program completion. Financial aid recipients who exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame standard will no longer be eligible for financial aid.

Completion Standard

Financial aid recipients must complete at least two-thirds or 67 percent of all hours attempted each semester. If a financial aid recipient falls below the 67 percent completion rate, the student will be placed on program completion probation and will be notified in writing by the Financial Aid Office. The student has a probationary period of enrollment (the next semester the student is enrolled) to achieve a cumulative 67 percent completion rate. If at the end of the probationary period the 67 percent completion rate is not achieved, the student will no longer be eligible for financial aid. The student may regain eligibility for financial aid once the student has achieved at least a 67 percent completion rate.

Double Majors (Concurrent Curriculum Program)

Students who are enrolled in two or more concurrent curriculum programs (double majors) will receive funding for eligible classes in only one curriculum program.  An exception occurs if the student is completing one curriculum program and beginning another curriculum program, the student will receive funding for both curriculum programs in one semester.

Appeal Process

Students may appeal their loss of financial aid. The student should submit a written statement explaining any circumstances that may have rendered the student unable to meet the standards. Along with the statement, the student may attach any documentation that supports the appeal. The written statement must be filed with the Director of Financial Aid and Veteran Affairs and may be delivered in person or by mail. All appeals must be received before the first class day of the next semester. The Vice President of Student Services will consider the appeal and the decision will be final.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students will regain eligibility for financial aid the semester following the semester in which the satisfactory academic progress or satisfactory program completion standard is met.

RETURN OF TITLE IV FUNDS POLICY

Students who are receiving Title IV aid, i.e., PELL Grant, SEOG, or ACG, and officially withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60 percent of the semester will be subject to a Return to Title IV Funds calculation.  Stanly Community College is required by Federal guidelines to determine how much grant assistance the student has earned prior to complete withdrawal.  The student’s aid will be recalculated based on the fact that aid is earned on a per diem basis up to and including the 60 percent point of the semester.  The Financial Aid Office will notify students in writing of any and all unearned aid that is due and payable by the student.

Financial aid recipients enrolled after the 60 percent point of the semester are deemed to have earned 100 percent of federal aid awarded.

Financial Aid Links:

Financial Aid Home

Financial Aid Programs

Financial Aid Estimators
  and Tuition Cost Schedule

Financial Aid Staff

Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credit

Frequently Asked Questions

2008-2009 Scholarship Application

2008-2009 Verification Forms

2008-2009 Budget/Cost of Attendance