Financial Aid Opportunities
See a full breakdown of scholarships, pell grants, and much more…
FINANCIAL AID
The financial aid program at Faulkner State is under the direction of the Director of Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Committee acts as an advisory, review and decision-making council to the Director of Financial Aid.
The primary purpose of the Financial Aid Program is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. Additional information is available from the Director of Financial Aid located in the Financial Aid Office.
Financial aid is provided in the form of:
1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
3. Federal Work-Study Jobs
4. Institutional Work-Ship
5. Scholarships
6. Alabama Student Assistance Program
7. Federal Family Education Loans
In determining student need, the Financial Aid Director will use the Student Aid Report from the Free Federal Application for Student Aid. The student’s need will be considered on the basis of financial need and academic status. The amount of financial assistance students may receive depends upon their need as determined by: the parental contribution, the student contribution, and aid received from outside sources.
Financial aid is awarded on an academic year basis. Primary consideration is given to an applicant’s demonstrated financial need. Normally, the financial aid award will be disbursed in two payment periods, except a work-study award. The applicant receiving a work-study award will receive wages monthly.
All financial aid awardees are expected to maintain satisfactory grades at all times and those not making satisfactory progress toward graduation may be removed from all programs. To make satisfactory progress, a student must meet the Standards of Progress requirements applicable to all students at Faulkner State Community College. Students on Financial Aid are required to register for only courses in their Degree Plan. This ensures meeting the satisfactory academic progress towards graduation.
When a student who is eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid is suspended, whether the student serves the suspension or is readmitted upon appeal, the student is not eligible to receive financial aid for the duration of the suspension. Students will not be eligible to receive financial aid again until they earn the cumulative GPA required for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution, or the semester GPA is 2.0 or above (based on at least 12 credit hours or above attempted at the institution during that semester). Financial Aid recipients are required to complete at least 67% of all courses attempted per semester.
Eligible students may receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid for a period of time not to exceed 1.5 times the normal length of a specific program (the “normal length” of a specific program will vary, depending upon whether the student is half-time, three-quarter time, full-time or if the student changes programs). Students have the due process right to appeal any denial of student financial aid resulting from not meeting the satisfactory progress policy of the College. Such appeals should be directed in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. If the student is not satisfied with the decision of the Director of Financial Aid, the student can appeal the decision to the Dean of Student Services, whose decision will be final.
Students who do not meet these standards will be ineligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.
A Title IV Federal Financial Aid recipient who is enrolled in a developmental (remedial) course may not enroll in the same course more than three times and continue to receive financial assistance. A Title IV Federal Financial Aid recipient may not be paid for more than 45 credit hours of developmental work.
All student applicants for financial aid must be accepted for admission or be enrolled before the financial aid application receives final approval. If a student drops below the minimum number of hours to be classified as a full-time student, that student is required to report any change to the Financial Aid Office. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of the student’s Financial Aid Program.
Any financial aid commitment involving the use of federal funds is tentative and conditional upon subsequent congressional appropriations and actual receipt of the funds by Faulkner State Community College. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee reserves the right on behalf of Faulkner State Community College to review and cancel an award at any time because of changes in the student’s financial or academic status, changes of academic program or changes in the institutional award level.
HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit
The HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit enables taxpayers — you or your parents — to claim a nonrefundable tax credit against your federal income tax. The tax credit covers 100 percent of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees, and 50 percent of the second $1,000 during your first two years of postsecondary education (total of $1,500).
Federal Pell Grants
Students who need assistance to attend Faulkner State Community College may apply for a Pell Grant if they are undergraduate students enrolled in an eligible program.
Approximately six (6) weeks after submitting the application form, students will be notified whether they are eligible. The amount of their award, based on the determination of eligibility and the cost of their education, is determined by the U. S. Department of Education.
This grant program, authorized by the Educational Amendments of 1972, does not have to be repaid and is used to provide the “base” for a student’s financial package. The maximum amount varies from year to year dependent on published Office of Education payment schedules. Students may apply online. By applying online, students may also apply for other types of aid available, i.e., Federal Work-Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, at least by April 1. Students must apply online for federal financial aid. Upon receipt of the Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR), the Financial Aid Office will calculate the amount of federal Pell Grant the student is eligible to receive and will send an award letter to the student.
All students seeking financial aid, must complete the Pell Grant Application.
The Financial Aid Office will not recalculate a student’s Federal Pell Grant amount due to enrollment status change after the Drop/Add period. EXAMPLES: If student A enrolls for 12 credit hours and withdraws from 3 credit hours after the official Drop/Add period, then student A will be paid as a full time student. If student B originally enrolls for 9 credit hours and adds an additional 3 credit hours after the official Drop/Add period, then student B will be paid as a three-quarter time student, not as a full time student.
Federal Supplemental – Educational Opportunity Grants
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) is for students with exceptional financial need. If a student receives FSEOG, it cannot be less than $200.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for students who have financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses. The number of hours a student may work is determined by the student’s need for financial aid. A student may earn no less than minimum wage.
Jobs include work on campus in the cafeteria, library, administrative offices, dormitories, labs, gymnasium, buildings and grounds maintenance department, and off-campus with a public or private nonprofit agency, such as the public school system.
In arranging a job and determining how many hours a week a student may work under this program, the Financial Aid Director will take into account: (1) need for financial assistance; (2) class schedule; (3) health; and (4) academic progress.
Federal Work-Study job assignments are made according to the date students complete their file and receive a Federal Work-Study award. The students’ job preference and skills are given first consideration; however, other factors may determine final job placement.
Students who indicate no skills or job preference are placed in areas needing the largest number of student workers. Those students who fail to complete their files prior to orientation are considered late and are placed in the areas with remaining jobs.
Institutional Work-Ship
This program of student employment provides jobs for students who are interested in campus-based jobs. Students may earn no less than minimum wage. Jobs are the same as the Federal College Work-Study Program. Students must be full-time and make satisfactory academic progress.
Alabama Student Assistance Program
The Alabama Student Assistance Program provides a supplemental source of financial assistance to qualified undergraduate students with an established financial need from families with income below the prescribed maximum levels provided by law.
Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study leading to a degree other than a field of preparation for a religious profession. They must be legal residents of the State of Alabama and must maintain satisfactory progress.
Federal Family Loan Programs (FFEL)
The Federal Stafford Loan Program provides financial assistance through lenders such as banks and credit unions. The Federal Stafford Loan Programs are two types: Subsidized and Unsubsidized.
Subsidized Stafford Loan – The student borrower is required to demonstrate a financial need. The federal government, on behalf of the borrower, pays the interest that begins to accrue while a student is in school, during authorized deferment periods, and for six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – The student borrower is not required to demonstrate a financial need to qualify for the unsubsidized loan. However, repayment begins immediately upon disbursement or payment may be delayed. If repayment is delayed, the applicable interest payment begins to accrue upon disbursement.
Depending on the student’s cost of attendance, a student can borrow from $3,500-$9,500 on both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program for the First Year, and between $4,500-$11,500 for the Second Year. A student can borrow a lesser amount than listed above and is encouraged to do so.
Federal Plus Loan (Loan for Parents)—A Plus Loan enables a parent with a good credit history to borrow to pay the educational expenses of each child who is a dependent undergraduate student. Eligibility is not based on income. This loan program is intended to supplement the Federal Stafford Loan Program.
A parent may borrow an amount not to exceed the student’s estimated cost of attendance minus any financial aid that have been awarded for the enrollment period. Return of Title IV Funds Policy
If students receive Title IV Funds and terminate their education by withdrawal from classes before 60% of the semester has been completed, the funds may be subject to the Return of Title IV Funds Policy. Specific rules and regulations concerning this policy will be mailed to all students who apply for Title IV funds. These are also available in the Financial Aid Office. If a student officially withdraws, drops out, or is expelled from school before the first day of classes in a payment period, the student is not entitled to any Title IV funds.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Faulkner State Community College offers several types of scholarships to beginning freshmen students. The Scholarship Committee awards scholarships for proven performance in academics, leadership, athletics, cheerleading, and performing arts. Detailed information and applications for scholarships may be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid. Students applying for any type of scholarship must file the FAFSA in order to qualify for the scholarship award. Only citizens of the United States or resident aliens are eligible for Institutional Scholarships.
Academic Scholarships
High school valedictorians, salutatorians, National Merit finalists, and National Merit semifinalists may be offered scholarships to attend Faulkner State Community College. The Scholarship Committee actively recruits student scholars with a proven academic track record. The College fosters quality education and welcomes the opportunity to assist promising scholars, regardless of their chosen fields of study. Students awarded academic scholarships are designated “Presidential Scholars.”
Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Program
The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance to eligible dependents (child, stepchild, spouse or unremarried widow(er)) of disabled veterans (living or deceased) who were permanent civilian residents of Alabama prior to entry into military service. Special consideration is given to permanently and totally disabled veterans who are bona fide residents or were prior to their death. Other qualifying veterans’ categories are former prisoners of war (POW), declared missing in action (MIA), and those who died in service.
Maximum educational benefits include free tuition, required textbooks and laboratory fees for four standard academic years or a prescribed technical course at any state-supported junior or community college, university or technical school. Noncredit courses are excluded.
Dependent children must file an application prior to age 26 (may be extended to age 30 in certain cases). A spouse or widow(er) does not have a filing deadline or age limitation.
For more information and application procedures, contact your nearest Veterans Affairs Office located in each county courthouse or you may write to the Alabama GI Dependents’ Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509.
Athletic Scholarships
Additional scholarships are offered each year to outstanding athletes. Faulkner State Community College has developed an impressive intercollegiate reputation over the past years and strives to maintain its lead in athletic programs.
Cheerleading Scholarships
Cheerleading and Mascot scholarships are awarded annually to students who exhibit outstanding cheerleading abilities and skills. The Faulkner State Community College Cheerleaders have been National Cheerleading Champions in 1989 and 1991 and continue to excel in this winning tradition.
Civic/Business Scholarships
Additional scholarships are provided to Faulkner State Community College students through funds donated by area merchants, businesses, civic groups, and other patrons of the College. The eligibility requirements for these scholarships vary and depend on students’ needs, skills, and other factors.
Dogwood Trail Pageant Scholarship
Faulkner State Community College provides two Presidential Scholarships to two graduating seniors who previously placed in the top ten of the Dogwood Trail Pageant. The two scholarship recipients must be graduating seniors who are identified by the Dogwood Trail Pageant Committee. The scholarship recipients must enroll in the Summer or Fall Semester following their graduation and complete the two years in consecutive terms excluding Summer Semester. The Dogwood Pageant Committee must notify FSCC’s Financial Aid Office of the two scholarship recipients’ names by April 1 following the pageant.
James D. Martindale Memorial Scholarship
The James D. Martindale Memorial Natural Science Scholarship is awarded in the spring of each year to a deserving science or science-related major; the recipient must be a rising FSCC sophomore. The scholarship pays tuition and fees for one academic year. The student’s application will be reviewed and the scholarship will be awarded by the Division Chair of the Natural Science Division, the Martindale family (or their designee), and the FSCC Scholarship and Financial Aid Committee. This memorial scholarship is named in honor of James D. Martindale who was the first instructor and Division Chair of Faulkner State’s Natural Science Department. The scholarship was established in January 2008 by the family, FSCC faculty and friends.
E. Gaylon McCollough, MD Surgeon’s Assistant Scholarship
The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a career as a surgical assistant. The selection of the McCollough Scholarship recipient shall be made by the Faulkner Foundation Scholarship Committee.
Ernest I. (Boots) Thomas, Jr.
Marine Corps Memorial Scholarship Fund
This endowment fund was established by the United States Marine Corps League and Jack Thomas in memory of his brother who led his platoon up the steep slopes and hoisted the first American flag atop Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. Platoon Sergeant Thomas was killed in action on Iwo Jima on March 3, 1945. The scholarship fund is permanent. Income earned from the fund may be used only toward the recipient’s tuition and fees. Selection of the recipient will be determined by a representative of the Marine Corps League, the Director of the Fairhope Campus and the Scholarship Committee.
Sheriff Taylor D. Wilkins, Sr.
Memorial Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund
This scholarship was established by Mrs. Lynn M. Wilkins in memory of her late husband, Sheriff Taylor D. Wilkins, Sr. The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to those deserving students who plan to major in the field of criminal justice.
Fine and Performing Arts Scholarships
The Scholarship Committee offers scholarships to students who show potential in the fine and performing arts, such as art, commercial art/computer graphics, music, theater, and photography.
Leadership Scholarships
Faulkner State Community College also recognizes the importance of demonstrated leadership in high school and its significance at the college level. Scholarships may be extended to students who have served as senior class presidents, presidents of student bodies or student councils, editors of newspapers, and other significant leadership positions.
Milton Jackson Memorial Scholarship
The Milton Jackson Memorial Music Scholarship is named after Dr. Milton Jackson who was an instructor in the Music Department for 23 years, and for many years served as Division Chair of the Fine Arts Department. This memorial scholarship was established in December of 1999 by the faculty of the music department, and is awarded in the spring of each year to a deserving music major. Only those students who demonstrate outstanding musicianship and show a GPA of 3.0 or greater will be considered. The student’s application and audition will be reviewed and awarded by the music department faculty.
Vinson Hammond Endowment Fund for Music Scholarship
This endowment fund was established by Hubert and Jenny Hammond. The endowment is named and shall be known in perpetuity as the Vinson Hammond Fund for Music Scholarship. The endowment is permanent. Only the income earned from the endowment may be used for the specified expenditures. Earnings from the endowment may be used only toward tuition for a piano student each year. Selection of the recipient will be determined by members of the music faculty.
Senior Adult Scholarship Program (60-Plus Students)
This scholarship program is granted to Alabama residents who are 60 years of age or older and who enroll for classes either part-time or full time for credit or audit. This program covers only tuition cost.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES PROGRAM
The Student Support Services Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is designed to provide supportive services to first generation, low-income and/or disabled participants in order to enhance their skills and increase their retention and graduation rates, and, as appropriate, to facilitate their entrance into graduate and professional programs. Through the Student Support Services Program, assistance is provided in the academic and personal development of qualified students. The Student Support Services Program offers to participants a variety of services designed specifically for them, including individual tutoring, individual and group counseling and financial aid assistance. The needs of each student are assessed, and those services needed by the individual student are provided.
Financial aid is available to each Student Support Services participant to the extent of the student’s need, provided the necessary procedures are followed in applying for aid.
Students applying for the Student Support Services Program must be United States citizens, must show academic potential, and must meet one or more of the following requirements:
• meet certain financial requirements as established by the United States Department of Education;
• show a need for assistance in overcoming a poor academic background;
• have a disability; and/or,
• have limited English-speaking ability.
Further information on the Student Support Services Program, as well as application forms, may be obtained by writing or calling the Dean of Federal Programs, McGowan Hall, Faulkner State Community College, 1900 US Highway 31 South, Bay Minette, Alabama 36507, telephone (251) 580-2106.