Financial Aid and Tuition Information

A college education is one of the most important investments you can make. SC4 believes that anyone who desires a college education and is capable of doing college work should have the opportunity to attend. The college understands that students often need help to finance their education. Through a combination of federal, state and private community funding sources, SC4 will work to help eligible students meet college expenses. Many programs base their awards on financial need, but some programs have other requirements such as academic achievement.

Students with questions concerning the financial aid process are encouraged to either call (810) 989-5530 or stop by the Financial Aid office. Staff members are available to meet with students to discuss financial aid options and provide assistance with completing the process. For additional information on financial aid, consult The Student Guide, published by the U.S. Department of Education, and The 5 Ws of Financial Aid, published by the Michigan Department of Treasury. Reliable Internet sources for financial aid information are The Financial Aid Page at www.finaid.org, U.S. Department of Education at http://studentaid.ed.gov or Michigan Student Financial Aid at www.michigan.gov/studentaid. All programs, criteria and funding are subject to change without notice.

Financial Aid Application Process

All students seeking financial aid at SC4 must first complete an Application for Admission to the college. To be considered for financial aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each academic year. Students are encouraged to complete the application online at www.fafsa.gov. Students MUST include SC4’s Title IV code, 002310, on their FAFSA to ensure the college receives their financial aid application.

The application process takes approximately four weeks to complete; therefore, students are encouraged to apply for financial aid as early as possible. Although Federal Pell Grants and student loans are awarded on a continual basis throughout the year, other state and federal grants, as well as student employment (work-study), are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited funds exist in some programs, and they may be depleted early.

An additional SC4 Financial Aid Request form is required for the summer semester. The application is available in the Financial Aid office in mid-February of each year.

Determination of Eligibility

Most awards are made to students who have demonstrated financial need. The Federal Methodology Formula measures a family’s ability to pay college expenses by assessing its financial strength. Family/student income and assets, family size, retirement needs of parents and number of children in college are just some of the factors considered with the federal formula. As a result of the FAFSA application (which supplies the data used in the Federal Methodology formula), each student will receive an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount calculated that the student/family could reasonably contribute toward educational expenses and is used in determining financial need.

Cost of Attendance

A student demonstrates need when the Cost of Attendance MINUS the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is greater than zero. The Cost of Attendance is an average of what it will cost to attend a particular institution for an academic year. It includes tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel costs and miscellaneous personal expenses. These costs are used only to calculate financial aid eligibility. Actual costs will vary from student to student. The Cost of Attendance for the average in-district, full-time student at SC4 was approximately $12,051 for the 2014-15 academic year. For detailed information on Cost of Attendance at SC4, contact the Financial Aid office.

Awarding Process

Students are selected to receive financial aid based on program eligibility requirements, deadlines and maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Funds are limited in some programs and awarded to early applicants who meet all requirements. Award amounts are based on demonstrated financial need, cost of attendance, enrollment status, program limitations and the availability of funds. SC4 awards financial aid in the following order: grants and scholarships, work-study programs and loan programs. The type of financial aid offered depends on the amount of need, program regulations, other funding sources, dependency status and availability of funds. Awards may be adjusted based upon the enrollment status of the student according to the following:

• Full-time = 12 or more credit hours
• Three-quarter-time = 9 − 11 credit hours
• Half-time = 6 − 8 credit hours
• Less than half-time = less than 6 credit hours

Returning SC4 Financial Aid Students

Students must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Program criteria, funding and maintaining satisfactory academic progress is used in determining eligibility for aid. In addition, students cannot owe an over-payment on any federal grant program, be in default on any student loan or have borrowed in excess of the student loan limits at any institution.

Attendance at Multiple Institutions

Students cannot receive financial aid at another institution and SC4 concurrently unless enrolled under an approved consortium agreement. Students will be responsible for any over-awards and will not be eligible for further aid until the funds are recovered.

Study Abroad

Students may be eligible for federal assistance while attending a study abroad program that is approved for credit by SC4.

Disbursement of Financial Aid

Students who have been awarded grants, scholarships or loans will have their accounts credited toward the cost of tuition and fees. Remaining funds will be transferred to the bookstore prior to the beginning of each semester and will remain on the bookstore account through the last day to add and/or drop with a refund.

Any remaining funds after tuition, fees and bookstore charges will be disbursed to the student after the conclusion of the institutional refund period. Credit balances from grant and/or loan awards will be refunded to the student as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days from the date the credit balance occurs on the student account.

Students are responsible for payment of any remaining balance after all financial aid has been applied.

Financial Aid Program

The following section provides a brief description of the financial aid programs available at SC4. Enrollment requirements vary by program and can range from less than half-time to full-time enrollment each semester. Awards are based on meeting eligibility criteria, satisfactory academic progress and the availability of funding. Generally, grants and scholarships are tax free if they are used for qualifying tuition and course-related expenses. Questions regarding tax issues should be directed to the IRS or your tax preparer.

Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federal grant program for students without a bachelor’s degree enrolled in an undergraduate program who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The award range is set by the federal government each academic year and currently ranges from $626 to $5,775. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This is a federal grant program for students without a bachelor’s degree, enrolled in an undergraduate program who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The award is determined by the college and is based on funds available each year. Enrollment requirements range from less than half-time to full-time depending on individual eligibility.

Tuition Incentive Program (TIP)

This is a high school completion program that offers to pay for the first two years of college and beyond for identified students who graduate from high school or complete their GED before age 20. Contact the Office of Scholarship and Grants at (888) 447-2687 for an application.

Scholarships

Students are encouraged to apply for scholarships by completing the online scholarship application at www.sc4.edu/money. Students can apply for scholarships for the upcoming year between Jan. 1 and mid-March. Applicants must have an application for admission on file in order to submit the scholarship application.

For further information regarding scholarships, contact the Financial Aid office at (810) 989-5530. Students also are encouraged to seek additional scholarship information from high school counseling offices; fraternal, civic, state and national organizations; and employers who issue information through their own publications.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program

This state scholarship program provides up to $676 per academic year to students who achieve required scores on the ACT exam, who demonstrate financial need, are citizens or permanent residents and have been continuous residents of Michigan for 12 months. The state of Michigan determines the award.

Student Employment

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This work study program provides funds for part-time employment on campus as well as at some off-campus locations. Employment normally is limited to 20 hours a week for students who enroll for a minimum of six credit hours a semester, maintain satisfactory academic progress and demonstrate financial need. Students eligible for work-study employment should contact Career and Employment Services in Room 100, Acheson Technology Center or by calling (810) 989-5515 for assistance in locating positions.

College Payroll Student

The college employs a limited number of students with specialized skills who are not eligible for the Federal Work Study program. Contact the Financial Aid office for more information.

Additional Resources

Tax Credits

Tax credit opportunities are available for qualifying college students. Questions regarding tax issues should be directed to the IRS or your tax preparer. Visit www.IRS.gov for additional information.

Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver

Native North Americans who are members of a U.S. federally recognized tribe certified by the state of Michigan and who are legal residents of Michigan may be eligible for a tuition waiver. Call (517) 241-7748 for additional information.

Student Loan Programs

Federal Loan Programs

To qualify for a loan, a student must complete the FAFSA as well as a loan request form available in the Financial Aid office or online at www.sc4.edu/financialaid. All students must participate in entrance and exit counseling as a condition of loan acceptance. Money from federal loans are disbursed in several payments. The amount of a loan is determined by the student’s financial need, the student’s enrollment status, other aid received and program limits. The school determines eligibility for a Federal Direct/Federal Direct PLUS Loan. If reasons are documented and explained to students in writing, financial aid administrators may decline to certify an otherwise eligible loan application. In addition, a loan may be certified for an amount less than that for which the student would otherwise be eligible. Interest rates, repayment terms and borrowing limits vary with each loan program.

Federal Direct Loan Program

This low-interest loan program is available to students who attend college at least half-time. To receive a Subsidized Direct Loan, the student must demonstrate financial need. This loan is exempt from interest accrual until six months after the student ceases attending on at least a half-time basis. The Unsubsidized Direct Loan has the same terms as a Subsidized Direct Loan, except borrowers are responsible for interest that accrues while they are in school, and the loan is not based on need. The interest rate for subsidized and unsubsidized loans for undergraduate students first disbursed between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016 is 4.29%.

Federal PLUS Loans

Federal PLUS Loans are for parents who want to borrow money to help pay for their dependent children’s educations. The interest rate was fixed at 5.84% for loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2015 and before July 1, 2016. Parents who have no adverse credit history are eligible for PLUS Loans. Students are required to complete the FAFSA before Plus Loan eligibility can be determined.

Private Donor Loans

The following are loan funds that have been established to assist eligible students attending SC4. For complete details and application materials, contact the Financial Aid office.

• Foley Gilbert Nursing Loan
• Jeff Jones and Stephen Endean Memorial
• Mary Koerber Memorial Loan
• Phelps Loan
• Donald Shephard Memorial Loan
• Joseph and Elizabeth Stowe Loan
• Townley Medical Education Loan

All of the Private Donor Loans are interest free. Students are still responsible for the repayment of the loan.

Withdrawals, Refunds and Return of Title IV Funds

The SC4 refund policy is printed in the Tuition and Fees Information section of this catalog. There are additional implications to consider before dropping classes or withdrawing from any courses during a semester in which a student receives financial aid. One implication is the effect that withdrawals can have regarding the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress. The complete policy is printed in the section below. Another issue is the Return of Title IV Funds Policy. Title IV programs include Federal Direct Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). Return of Title IV Funds is the process of calculating the student’s earned and unearned portion of Title IV aid when a student completely withdraws from classes (or stops attending classes) before 60 percent of the semester has passed. For example, if a student completes only 30% of the semester before completely withdrawing, the student has earned only 30% of the aid package awarded to them. If the student received more aid than earned, the college and/or the student may then be required to return some of the funds awarded. Owing money to a federal program may prevent the student from receiving further financial aid. Students are responsible for repaying any unearned aid they were not entitled to receive. Further information regarding the Return of Title IV Funds Policy is available in the Financial Aid office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Financial Aid Recipients

All financial aid recipients are required to meet satisfactory academic progress guidelines established by SC4, pursuant to federal regulations. This policy applies to all students receiving assistance from any financial aid program administered by the college. Federal regulations require that the policy include reviewing enrollment periods in which the student did not receive aid, as well as the semesters he/she did receive aid. This policy is separate from the College’s general probation policy and is monitored each semester the student receives aid.

To receive financial aid, the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate at SC4. The following guidelines describe the requirements necessary to maintain financial aid eligibility at SC4:

Eligibility Requirements - Each semester a student must meet all three of the following:

1. Receive a passing grade in at least 67% of his/her overall credit hours attempted on a cumulative basis, including transfer credits or be a first-time student at SC4, and
2. Maintain a cumulative SC4 grade point average of at least 2.00, and
3. Along with transfer credits, not have attempted (whether or not earned) more than 150% of the student’s official SC4 academic program requirements

1. Pace Requirement (Completion Rate):
   Students must complete with a passing grade a minimum of 67% of the credit hours attempted coupled with any transfer credits accepted by SC4. Attempted credits are defined as credits a student is enrolled in at the end of the drop and add period.

   Consequences of failure to meet this requirement: Students who fail to complete 67% percent of their attempted/transferred in courses in a semester will be placed on warning for one semester. Failure to complete 67% in the next enrolled semester will result in aid denial until the completion rate is brought above 67%. Semesters of non-attendance are not counted in this calculation. Incompletes, withdrawals and courses in which the student receives a failing grade are considered unsatisfactory when determining the 67% completion rate.

2. GPA Requirements
   Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00. Consequences of failure to meet this requirement: Students with a cumulative GPA below the standard will be placed on warning. If the cumulative GPA is still below a 2.0 at the end of the next semester of enrollment, the student is denied financial aid until he or she regains the required cumulative minimum GPA.
3. Maximum Time Frame Requirement
   Any student who has attempted 150% of the published length of his/her specific program (as measured in credit hours) is not considered to be making academic progress, and therefore, is ineligible for financial aid funds. Transfer credit hours are counted toward the maximum eligibility. (Example: Liberal Arts = 62 credit hours x 150% = 93 credit hours.)

Evaluation of Eligibility

Eligibility is determined at the time a student applies for financial aid and is reviewed at the end of each semester. To establish initial eligibility for financial aid as a current SC4 student, it is required that the past SC4 academic record be reviewed even if the student paid for the classes out of his/her own resources. Written notification will be sent to students placed on Financial Aid Warning, Financial Aid Probation, Financial Aid Termination and Financial Aid Reinstatement if making SAP status.

Financial Aid Eligibility Status

For Completion Rate and GPA measures, students who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress standards in one semester will receive one additional semester of aid while on Financial Aid Warning status. At the end of the warning period, a student who still has not met the standards is changed to Financial Aid Termination* status. The student’s federal aid is terminated at this point and is not reinstated unless the student subsequently meets the required standards.

For Maximum Time Frame measures, students who attempt 150% of the published length of their specific program will be placed in Financial Aid Termination* status. If the student files an appeal which is approved, the status will be changed to Financial Aid Probation if the student can meet all of the SAP requirements at the end of that semester. If the student cannot mathematically achieve SAP standards in one semester then the student will be placed on a Financial Aid Academic Plan. The student will be monitored at the end of each semester within the appeal period. If the student meets the requirements of the academic plan, the Financial Aid Academic Plan status will continue until the appeal period ends. Students on a Financial Aid Academic Plan will have their aid eligibility reinstated and can continue to receive aid as long as all conditions of the plan are met. If the student does not follow the stated academic plan, the status will revert to Financial Aid Termination*.

Appeals

A student who does not meet the eligibility requirements due to extraordinary circumstances may appeal in writing to the SAP Appeals Committee. All appeals must be completed using the form found on the SC4 website at www.sc4.edu/forms and must include appropriate documentation. In order for appeal to be complete:

• All questions must be completed on the appeal form or it will be returned to the student.
• As part of the appeal, information regarding why the student failed to make SAP and what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to demonstrate SAP at the next evaluation must be included.
• Extenuating circumstances considered for appeals include documented personal illness or accident, serious illness or death within an immediate family, or other circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the student. Students in extended credit hour programs and/or second-degree programs may submit appeals.

Acceptable documentation includes letters from a physician, attorney, social service agency, parole officer, or a copy of a death certificate, divorce decree and/or academic records. An appeal reviewed by the committee does not guarantee reinstatement of financial aid. The student will be notified of the appeal results in writing. All appeal decisions are final.

Reinstatement

Students may regain eligibility by successfully achieving an overall completion rate of 67%, achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher or through a granted SAP appeal. Credits transferred in from institutions other than SC4 will be taken into consideration. Grades from other institutions will not be taken into consideration.

Students may be awarded using one of the following options:

• Financial Aid Probation - Student must have the ability to earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA and a 67% completion rate.
• Financial Aid Academic Plan (FAAP) - Student is actively on an academic plan and continues as long as he/she has earned a 2.0 GPA and a 75% completion rate.
• Financial Aid Academic Plan Maximum (FAAP-Max) -Students must enroll for only the classes listed on the plan. Any classes for which the student registers that are not listed on the plan will result in financial aid being cancelled for all classes. Student must earn a 2.0 GPA and a 75% completion rate for that semester.

Grades/Successful Completion/Repeats

Credit hours attempted include all grades recorded on the transcript of A, B, C, D, E, I, W, R, S, U, Z and transfer credits. Repeated courses are identified on the transcript and are considered as credit hours attempted.

Successful grades are: A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+,C, C-, D+, D, D- and S.

Unsuccessful grades are: E, I, W, R, U and Z. Unsuccessful grades are considered attempted and not passed for purposes of determining satisfactory academic progress.
Financial aid is limited to one repeat of a previously passed course in which a grade of “D” or better was earned.

Audits and Credit by Exam

Classes taken for audit (with a grade of “X”) or credits earned by exam are not considered when determining financial aid eligibility.

*Financial Aid Termination means the same as Financial Aid Denial for Title IV financial aid purposes.

Ombudsman for Students

The U.S. Department of Education provides an Office of the Ombudsman to help resolve loan disputes and problems. The following options are available for contacting the office: call toll free at (877) 557-2575, visit the website at www.ombudsman.ed.gov or write to U.S. Department of Education at:

FSA Ombudsman
830 First Street, NE
Fourth Floor
Washington, D.C. 20202-5144

Tuition

Students attending SC4 are responsible for payment of tuition and fees to the college, as well as other costs of attendance including, but not limited to, books, supplies, transportation and other personal expenses. SC4 receives financial support from the taxpayers of the SC4 District through a voter approved millage and the taxpayers of the state of Michigan through state appropriations. Recognizing this support in addition to student tuition and fees, SC4 has established the following tuition structure based on legal residency:

• In District - Legal residents of the SC4 District. Does not include St. Clair County residents of the Anchor Bay, Armada, Croswell-Lexington or Richmond school districts.
• Out of District - Legal residents of the State of Michigan living outside the SC4 District.
• Out of State - Legal resident of United States outside the State of Michigan.
• Foreign - International students enrolled through visas.

Please refer to the Resident and Non-Resident Policy in this catalog for residency information.

Credit hours are the number of credits the student earns toward graduation. Contact hours are the number of hours the student is in class with the instructor. Additional class time is required for some courses, usually those requiring lab sessions. All students are billed for tuition based on the number of registered contact hours.

Fees

• Student fee - A non-refundable fee assessed at time of registration once per semester
• Technology fee - Charged per contact hour
• Laboratory fee - Applies to certain classes only
• Facility fee - Applies to classes taught at off-campus centers outside St. Clair County
• Online fee - Charged per online course
• Program fee - Applies to certain programs of study only
• Other fees may apply

Payment Due Dates

Payment due dates for tuition and fees vary according to the date of registration. For tuition and fee payment requirements, refer to the current semester schedule. Payment methods accepted are cash, checks, Visa, MasterCard and Discover. A payment plan is available for fall, winter and summer semesters. For information regarding the payment plan, contact the Business Office, by phone at (810) 989-5513 or in person in Room 220, Main Building.

Residents of the college district age 60 and older may qualify for a tuition reduction on most credit courses. This reduction does not apply to any course fees.

Students auditing a class pay the same tuition and fees as students taking classes for credit.

A registration restriction will be imposed for students who have been dropped for non-payment twice in the same semester.

Current tuition and fee rates can be found on the SC4 website at www.sc4.edu/tuition-and-fees. The tuition and fee schedule is subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.

Refund Policy

Tuition and refundable fees for courses dropped during the established deadlines below will be refunded in full.

The student fee (assessed at the time of registration each semester) is non-refundable.

Refunds for less than $5 will be processed upon request. No refund will be made for courses dropped after the established deadline dates, unless said course(s) are dropped as a result of student illness or injury, or student military service. The student will be required to provide a physician’s (or equivalent) verification of illness or injury or proof of being called up for military service. (The student must already be in the service to qualify.) Refunds granted due to illness, injury or military service will be pro-rated. Ill, injured or military students unable to drop in person should have a family member or friend contact the One-stop Student Services office to initiate the process.

Students who receive Title IV Federal Aid and withdraw from any classes during the first 60% of the semester must have the amount of financial aid they are entitled to recalculated. The student/school may be required to return a portion of the federal funds awarded to the student back to the Federal Government. Further information may be obtained in the Financial Aid office. Students disputing any balance due on tuition/fees must do so within 90 days of the end of the semester in which the dispute has occurred.

St. Clair County Community College/Lambton College Twinning Agreement

In the true spirit of international cooperation, St. Clair County Community College and Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, have signed a Twinning Agreement which allows residents of St. Clair County and Lambton County to access opportunities for education not readily available in their own county. St. Clair County residents can complete programs not offered at St. Clair County Community College and offered at Lambton College at the Ontario resident fee. For further information, contact the One-stop Student Services office, Room 105, Michigan Technical Education Center, (810) 989-5500.