FAQs
What is financial aid?
Financial aid is money used to pay for your education. Financial aid is generally in the form of grants, scholarships, and/or work-study program. (We do not offer loans.)
What type of financial aid is offered at Georgia Northwestern Technical College?
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers a variety of financial aid programs that include grants and scholarships that are non-repayable. We do not participate in any federal or state loan programs.
I probably don't qualify for aid. Should I apply for aid anyway?
Yes, many families mistakenly think they don't qualify for financial aid and prevent themselves from receiving aid by failing to apply for it.
What is the preferred method of applying for financial aid?
The preferred method is the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This way you are assured of receiving all aid you are eligible to receive.
Do I need to be admitted before I can apply for financial aid?
No. You can apply for financial aid anytime after January 1. To receive funds, however, you must be admitted and enrolled at the college.
Do I have to reapply for financial aid every year?
Yes. If your financial circumstances change, you may get more or less aid. After your first year you will receive a "Renewal Application" notification which contains preprinted information from the previous year's FAFSA. Renewal of your financial aid package also depends on your making satisfactory academic progress, such as earning a minimum number of credits and achieving a minimum GPA.
Do I need to apply every quarter?
No. A financial aid academic year is July 1 through June 30. All financial aid expires on June 30; therefore, you must reapply 6-8 weeks before starting a term the next academic year.
When will I get my Pell/SEOG check?
All checks are mailed to students around the 28th day of the quarter. They are mailed to the address in the Registrar’s Office. Please keep your address updated so you can receive your check.
Will I receive Pell/SEOG for my certificate program?
Pell/SEOG will pay for some certificate programs. Check with the Financial Aid Office.
How do I know if I have been awarded financial aid?
You will be able to view your award at our website www.gntc.edu. If there is a question, call the FAO.
Will I receive all the financial aid listed on the website or on my financial aid award letter?
Financial aid is awarded as if you will be full-time status. If you do not register as a full-time student, aid will be prorated. Aid will be paid for classes in your program of study and only if we have received all missing documents.
What will happen if I drop a class?
- If you drop before the first day of classes, nothing. All aid will be cancelled.
- If you drop a class within the first three days of the term, nothing—your aid will be cancelled.
- If you withdraw from some but not all of your classes from the 4th to 7th day, your aid will be adjusted.
- If you withdraw from all classes after the 4th day, your financial aid will be adjusted, possible probation or possible suspension. (Contact Financial Aid Office for a copy of Satisfactory Academic Progress Statement and the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.)
- Note: Not "showing up" for class is not withdrawing. You must complete the proper paperwork in the Records Office.
When can I use my HOPE Book Allowance?
The Business Office decides which day Book allowances will be available for use in the Camus Book Store.
What is an ACG Grant?
It is an academic grant for students who graduated High School after May 2005, who completed a rigorous high school program. Contact the FAO for more information.
When do I receive my $500.00 for my HOPE GED Voucher?
You must be enrolled in an eligible program of study to receive the proceeds from the HOPE GED Voucher. You can use it to buy books and supplies in the bookstore—see your FAO Counselor, or you can wait to receive your check for $500 when the Business Office mails the checks (usually 3-4 weeks into the quarter).
Do I have to apply for Financial Aid to use my HOPE GED Voucher?
Yes.
My HOPE GED Voucher is expired, can I get it replaced and still use it?
NO.
Do I have to pay my financial aid back?
Maybe. However, if you receive $100 HOPE Book allowance but were only due to receive $50, you will have to repay $50. For example: You register for 6 or more hours, a $100 Book allowance is awarded to you. If you drop some or all classes the first three days of the term and have already used your $100 book allowance, you will have to repay the book voucher. Also, if you withdraw (officially or unofficially) you are subject to the Return of Title IV funds policy which may mean you owe back federal funds. If you have any question, contact the FAO.
Do you have to be a HOPE Scholar to receive HOPE funds?
No, Diploma and Certificate majors are eligible for HOPE Grant (no high school GPA is required).
Degree, can I still receive HOPE funds?
Possibly. If you are a HOPE Scholar from high school with a 3.0 GPA (see the FAO). or after you have attempted 45, 90 or 135 credit hours that will transfer into the degree program with a 3.0 GPA, see the Registrar.
I am a dual major, degree and certificate. Do I get the HOPE Grant for both programs?
NO.
I did not file an income tax, what do I do?
Bring copies of W-2 forms or any other proof of income. Also, get your proof of non-filing from the IRS.
Will HOPE Grant pay my $35 Technology Fee?
NO.
Can I authorize my $35 Technology Fee to come out of my HOPE Book?
Yes. See the Business Office.
Will Pell pay my $35 Technology Fee?
Yes, if your file is complete (no missing documents) prior to the starting of the quarter.
If I start out as a Diploma or Certificate student and later change to an Associate Degree, can I still receive HOPE Funds?
Possibly, After you have attempted 45, 90 or 135 quarter hours that will transfer to your degree program with a 3.0 GPA. (All prior College credit taken will be counted toward attempted hours) See the Registrar Office.
Why do I have to include my parents’ income if I no longer live with them or they do not support me?
Federal Regulations may require it. Call the FAO Office.
What happens if I change my major?
Nothing. However, it may affect the type of aid you are eligible for and could possible affect your making satisfactory academic progress because of completion rate.
Will my financial aid pay for my books and tuition?
If you qualify for HOPE funds, HOPE will pay tuition and $46 of fees, for classes in your program of study. In addition, Pell and FSEOG will pay. Also, HOPE will pay up to $100 in books for 6 or more hours.
Is there a HOPE cap on the number of hours that HOPE will pay?
Yes. A cap of 95 hours for certificate and diploma programs and 190 quarter hours for degree. Check with the FAO office on the cap hour regulations.
Will Financial aid pay for an elective?
Financial aid will pay for approved electives; however, you do not need to exceed your required number of elective hours. Please remember any transfer credit may count as your electives.
I’m on financial aid probation. Do I have to pay?
No.
How often is my GPA checked for the HOPE Scholarship?
At the 45, 90 and 135 hour. Also each Spring Quarter. If less than full time for first 45 hours, at the end of third term. See FAO for more details.
Do I have to be a full time student to get my financial aid?
No.
What happens if I have to quit GNTC because of personal or other reasons? Will I be eligible for aid the following quarter? Will I have to pay my financial aid back?
You will be checked for Satisfactory Academic Progress. All courses taken at GNTC will be considered in the GPA and/or Completion Rate in computing your eligibility for continuing on financial aid. If you are suspended from financial aid, you will need to return to GNTC at your own expense until you have met the required standards. You have the right to appeal your suspension. Only extraordinary circumstances that can be properly documented will be accepted. Failure to "show-up" for classes will not be accepted as extraordinary circumstances.
In most cases, you will not have to repay your financial aid. However, the College is required to follow federal regulations on federal funds received; and this may cause you to have to repay some federal funds.
Will financial aid pay for audit or exempt classes?
No.
How do I apply for HOPE and Pell?
You must apply online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Also, complete the Georgia Northwestern Technical College Certification, Authorization and Agreement Form. See FAO for special instructions.
What exactly is FAFSA on the phone?
FAFSA on the Phone is a non-Web, paperless alternative to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). With the assistance of Federal Student Aid Information Center (SAIC) customer service representatives (CSRs), student are given the flexibility to complete the FAFSA by relaying their information over the phone. This service is geared toward students who have limited or no access to the Internet with a convenient option to complete the FAFSA. Also the service is also aimed at students who face pressing state and federal deadlines and have no other option available to complete the application.
What is the telephone for FAFSA on the phone?
1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243)
Mon – Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight Eastern Time
Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Closed on Sundays
For Assistance, Please Contact:
Gordon County Campus
Financial Aid: 706-624-1114
Floyd Campus
Mary Bramlett, Financial Specialist, 706-295-6895
Lynn Gore, Financial Aid Specialist, 706-295-6942
Sonya Richards, Assistant Financial Aid Director, 706-295-6936
Walker Campus
Brenda Hill, Financial Aid Specialist, 706-764-3732
Brigitte Kay, Financial Aid Specialist, 706-764-3696
Meagan Matthews, Financial Aid Tech, 706-764-3560
Brenda Mostiller, Financial Aid Specialist, 706-764-3575
Chris Oliver, Assistant Financial Aid Director, 706-764-3784
Sarah H. Twiggs, Director of Financial Aid, Floyd Campus
Floyd Camus 706-295-6936; Walker Campus 706-764-3523
Fax # 706-764-3527 (Walker County); 706-295-6944 (Floyd Campus)
706-624-1120 Gordon Campus and 770-684-5696 (Polk Campus)
