SOWELA

The Financial Aid process can take time and some funds are limited so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. All documents must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office before registration in order to use any aid you may be eligible for, to assist with fee payment. Please note our office is always open and welcomes the opportunity to assist you with completing your application.

Steps to Apply:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form may be found on the FAFSA website at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our office is happy to assist students in completing the application online. If a student needs assistance in applying, they should come to the Financial Aid Office with all 2008 income related information including their federal tax return and if applicable their parents tax return.
Submit any additional requested documentation to the Financial Aid Office.
Must be enrolled in an eligible diploma or associate degree program. The student must have a high school diploma or a G.E.D. in order to receive Title IV aid. In addition all males 18 or older must be registered with selective service.
An award letter will be mailed with the amount and type of aid you may be eligible to receive, you must notify the office if you wish to accept, decline, or reduce any portion of your award.

Please note:
All students awarded Title IV financial aid at Sowela are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) while receiving aid. This requires a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and an overall completion of at least 67% of classes pursued. Please stop by the Financial Aid Office for the full SAP policy.

Types of Aid Available:

Federal Pell Grant-
The Federal Pell Grant is considered gift-aid that does not have to be repaid. The amount the student receives depends on his/her financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Student must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Assistance). The Pell Grant award is based upon the student’s EFC and enrollment status. The Pell Grant award is based solely on financial need.

Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)-
The Academic Competitiveness Grant award is in addition to the student's Pell Grant award. The ACG is available for first-year students in an eligible degree plan, who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006, and for second-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2005. In addition, the student must have completed a rigorous high school curriculum program, such as the Louisiana TOPS core curriculum. The student must be enrolled at least half time and the award amount is based on the student’s enrollment status.

GO Grant-
The Go Grant is a state grant that does not have to be repaid. The grant ranges from $200 to $2000 per year depending on enrollment status. The requirements include but are not limited to, a Louisiana residence, must be a Federal Pell Grant recipient and must be enrolled in a certificate or degree program. The award is given to students who are either a 1) first time freshman OR 2) age 25 or older and have not enrolled in a college or university in credit-bearing courses for at least one academic year. The Go Grant award is based upon the student’s Education Cost Gap (ECG). The ECG will be determined by the Financial Aid Office.

TOPS program Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid-
The Tuition Opportunity Program for Student (TOPS) scholarship is awarded to graduating Louisiana high school seniors who have met certain academic requirements and have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The TOPS scholarship will only fund the tuition portion of institutional charges for 2 academic years. It does not cover the cost of books, supplies, and fees. TOPS recipients must enroll in an eligible school, as a full time student, within one year after graduation from high school. To maintain eligibility, completion of 24 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters, with a minimum overall GPA of 2.5, and yearly submission of the FAFSA are required. For more information, please contact your high school counselor or the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance (1-800-259-5626 ext: 1012).

Veterans Affairs Educational Benefits-
The potential recipient must complete the application process on-line at www.gibill.va.gov or through the local Veteran’s Affairs Office located at 1000 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or by Phone: (337)491-2309.
Verification of enrollment for the student is completed electronically by the Financial Aid Office after the application process and no sooner than the first week of class.

Note: Once the student receives an eligibility letter from the Department of
Veteran’s affairs, he/she should contact the Financial Aid Office.
Louisiana National Guard-
Members of the Louisiana National Guard may be exempt from paying the tuition portion of fees. The exemption only covers the tuition portion and the student is still responsible for any and all additional fees relevant to payment of classes before the semester of study begins. The student may claim the exemption at the time of registration by identifying himself/herself as an eligible recipient of this exemption. Eligibility is confirmed via a list of eligible recipients given to the financial aid office by the state.

Scholarships-
A number of SOWELA Foundation and institutional scholarships are available due to the generosity of local donors and supporters of STCC. A scholarship application may be completed in the Financial Aid Office. Notices will be posted in the Financial Aid Office and throughout the campus when a specific scholarship becomes available. Departmental scholarship notices will be posted within the specific department.

Withholding of Academic Transcripts-
Transcript requests will be denied for individuals who are in default on a federal student loan or who owe a refund on a federal educational grant. Please contact the financial aid office with any questions or concerns regarding this policy.