• Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
• Types of Financial Aid
• Institutional Loan Programs

Purpose and Philosophy
Southern Polytechnic State University subscribes to the principle that the primary purpose of a financial assistance program is to provide aid to students who without such assistance would be unable to attend or remain in school. The financial aid program is intended to assist students in meeting normal university expenses and to help as many students as possible. An applicant should realize, however, that the amount of financial aid which may be granted seldom meets all the student's educational expenses.

The primary responsibility for financing an education rests with the student and his or her family. The family of the applicant is expected to make a maximum effort to assist the student with college expenses. The student also has a responsibility to contribute to his or her college expenses through such sources as savings and summer earnings.

Eligible students receive financial aid from funds provided to the institution by the federal and state governments, community organizations, and local industries. In most cases, the aid package is a combination of a grant, scholarship, loan and/or employment.

The Student Financial Aid Office serves more than 3000 students each year. Over ten million dollars is awarded to these students to assist them in meeting educational costs and in furthering their education.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
To be considered for any need-based financial aid awarded by the Student Financial Aid Office, a student must be accepted for enrollment. However, freshmen or transfer students should not wait to be admitted to the university before applying for financial aid.

Transfer and readmitted undergraduate students must have financial aid transcripts sent to the Student Financial Aid Office from each college they previously attended.

All applicants for aid (new and returning students) must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available at the Student Financial Aid Office.

Although applications are processed until all federal funds are expended, students who apply by the March 15 deadline have a greater chance of receiving financial aid than those who apply late. Aid awarded to a student one year does not mean that he or she is eligible to receive aid in a subsequent year, unless the student continues to demonstrate need as defined by the U.S. Office of Education. An application, each year, is required to continue to receive financial aid.

Information and applications concerning financial aid may be obtained by writing to:

or by calling the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday thru Thursday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, at 678/915-7290 or 800/635-3204, or email at finaid@spsu.edu.

Types of Financial Aid

The Federal Pell Grant
The Federal PELL Grant is the "foundation" of the total financial aid program. All undergraduate aid applicants must apply for a PELL Grant. Pell Grants are awarded to students who show a financial need and do not require repayment. Students desiring the PELL Grant should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) no later than March 15 preceding the academic year in which they would like to receive funds.

Campus Based Aid
Campus based aid includes the following programs:

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a grant assistance; therefore, repayment is not required. Only undergraduate students with financial need qualify. The number of Supplemental Grants available each year is limited. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be submitted as early as possible, and no later than March 15 preceding the academic year in which funds are desired.

The Federal Work Study Program (FWSP) provides part-time employment to students who show a financial need. The FWS positions are normally on campus; and, work schedules are arranged around the student's class schedule. The FAFSA should be submitted no later than March 15 prior to the academic year in which funds are desired.

The Federal Perkins Loan, formerly the National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) is a loan program which allows eligible students to borrow funds for educational expenditures. The amount a student may borrow depends on their financial need (as determined by the Office of Education). The funds are repaid at an annual interest rate of five percent upon graduation or withdrawal from school. The loan amount may not exceed $4,000 per year of college and an aggregate of $20,000 as an undergraduate student. Graduate students may borrow $6,000 per year and a total of $40,000, including undergraduate loans. The FAFSA should be filed no later than March 15 preceding the academic year in which funds are desired.

State Aid

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, of which the U.S. Department of Education is the lender, includes the Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) and the Direct Loan Programs for Parents (PLUS).

The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program is unique in that it offers loan assistance to students who demonstrate financial need (Subsidized) as well as loan assistance to students with no demonstrated financial need (Unsubsidized). When a student qualifies for the Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan, the federal government pays the interest while (s)he is enrolled at least half-time. Students who qualify for the DirectUnsubsidized Stafford Loan are responsible for interest that accumulates while (s)he is enrolled.

Depending on financial need, the maximum that a student may borrow from the combined Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program is:
 

The total undergraduate loan amount is $23,000.

New borrowers who receive the first loan on or after July 1, 1994, may expect a variable interest rate capping at 8.25%. Students who currently have a 7%, 8%, 9%, or 8/10% Stafford Loan may expect the interest rate on additional Stafford student loans to be variable.

Applicants for a Direct Stafford student loan must submit a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) approximately three months prior to the period they expect to use the loan funds.

The Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program enables parents with good credit histories to borrow funds for each child who is enrolled at least half-time and is a dependent student. The yearly loan limit is the student's cost of education minus any estimated financial aid (s)he is eligible to receive. The interest rate, for PLUS loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 1994, will be variable, but will not exceed nine (9%) percent. PLUS borrowers must begin repaying the loan within 60 days after the last loan disbursement, unless the lender agrees to allow the borrower to defer the loan payment.

Applications for the PLUS loan programs are available in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

The HOPE Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to students attending Georgia post-secondary institutions who achieve academic excellence throughout their high school studies. HOPE scholarships are used to pay tuition and a book allowance at public and private colleges and universities in Georgia, as well as technical institutes. HOPE scholarships at public colleges may only be applied to any tuition amounts not covered by federal grants such as the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant.

To be eligible for HOPE, a student must be a Georgia resident, (a) graduated from a Georgia High School in 1993 or later and earned at least a "B" average (80 in the college preparatory track and 85 in all other tracks), or (b) must have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average at the time he/she attempts/attempted 30/60/90 semester hours in college.

HOPE for students already in public college or returning to public college: Students who graduated from high school before the HOPE program began in 1993, or students not academically eligible for a HOPE scholarship immediately after high school graduation, may be eligible for a HOPE scholarship after attempting 30 or 60 hours of study if they have a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

The applicant will be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the HOPE Alternative Application.

Institutional Loan Programs

Emergency Loan Funds
The Marietta Rotary Club, the Marietta Lions Club, the Marietta Civitan Club, the Kiwanis International Club, the Optimist Club, and other generous friends of the university have established funds of varying amounts which are used for emergency loans only. Loans may be granted to any enrolled student and will bear no interest. Except in very unusual circumstances, loans will not exceed $50 and must be repaid within ten working days.

Short-Term Loans
Information regarding the Short-Term Loan Program can be obtained from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Outside Sources of Aid
The Ty Cobb Scholarship was established by the late Tyrus R. Cobb for the purpose of assisting capable, deserving and needy residents of Georgia in completing their college education. Scholarships are granted to undergraduate students beyond the freshman year. Ty Cobb recipients must maintain full time enrollment and may apply for renewal of the scholarship annually. The application and supportive documentation deadline is June 1.
 
The Georgia Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Georgia Foundation Scholarship is designed to recognize Georgia residents who attend a postsecondary institution in the University System of Georgia. Selection is based on academic achievement and financial need as established by the Department of Education. Consequently, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be submitted. Contact Scholarship Coordinator between July 1 and July 15 for deadline.

The Georgia Engineering Foundation Scholarship/Loan Program provides financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in an engineering or engineering technology degree program. The scholarships are awarded competitively to worthy students, and the loans are awarded to students who have a financial need. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens and legal residents of the State of Georgia. The application deadline is September 1, and applications may be obtained from the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. Other supporting data (letters of recommendation, transcripts) must also be submitted by the September 1 deadline.

The Industrial Distribution Scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Technical Sales and Distribution Option of the Industrial Engineering Technology degree program and who maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. One of these scholarships was established specifically for Florida residents, while the others are open to all state residents. Selection is made by the Industrial Engineering Technology Department, and the application deadline is July 31. Recipients must maintain full time enrollment, and the maximum award amount is $500 per year.

Textile Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Apparel/Textile Engineering Technology program and who maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00. Applications should be made in the ATET Department no later than July 31. Recipients must maintain full time enrollment for an award amount of $400 per term. Textile scholarships are funded by corporations within the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association.

ATET Scholarships are available to students enrolled in the Apparel/Textile degree programs. Selection is based on academic achievement, and application must be made through the ATET Department. Yearly award amounts normally vary from $250 to $2,500.

The Fred and Drucilla Beck Kiwanis Scholarship is available to full-time undergraduates who are deserving of recognition for their academic achievements and their strong commitment to service in the community. To apply students must complete the SPSU General Scholarship Application by March 15 each year. Scholarship applications are in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

The Gilbert Scholarship is established to assist needy and worthy students beyond the freshman year who are enrolled in the Construction or Civil Engineering Technology degree program. Recipients of the Gilbert Scholarship must demonstrate financial need and show academic achievement. Applicants must complete and submit the Financial Aid Form (FAF) to the College Scholarship Service in Princeton. Recipients must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50. Other variables considered include activity in professional societies, social organizations, and other student activities. The award amount is $500.

The Harry P. Leu Foundation Grant is awarded to worthy students pursuing a degree in Industrial Distribution. Recipients must be residents of the state of Florida and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.00. The minimum award is $500. For further information, please contact the IET Department at (678) 915-7243.

The PCEA Golden Hammer Scholarship is established by the Atlanta Chapter of the Professional Construction Estimators Association. This scholarship is awarded to students in good standing at the sophomore or junior level and enrolled in the Construction degree program. Preference will be given to above average students. Applications and additional information are available in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Maintaining Eligibility for Financial Aid
As of October 6, 1983, federal regulations required the college to establish policies to measure whether students applying for financial aid are in good academic standing and making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of their degree programs.

A more detailed description of the policy is available in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

Payment for Noncredit Courses
For a student to receive financial aid funds for remedial work, the coursework must be necessary for the student to pursue the eligible post secondary program. Students may not receive financial aid funds to pay for courses which they audit.