123 Acheson Technology Center (ATC)

(810) 989-5530,
Fax: (810) 989-5774
financialaid@sc4.edu
Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 www.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.ed.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 spring and summer sessions. The application 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 is approximately $11,321 for the current 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. Students will be responsible for any overawards 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 one week 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 PROGRAMS
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 $400 to $5,550. 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 pick up a copy of the Scholarship Book available in the Financial Aid office between February 1 and mid-March. The Scholarship Book contains current scholarship offerings, criteria and deadline dates. The Financial Aid office also announces student scholarships as they become available through the Student Connection, a weekly newsletter e-mailed to students, as well as online at www.sc4.edu/scholarships. The following is a list of scholarships that have been made available to students attending SC4:

• Howard A. Acheson Memorial Scholarship

• American Legion Post 449 Scholarship

• Helen Alexander Scholarship

• K. Altherr Memorial Endowment

• Vera Andrus Scholarship

• Robert Ange Scholarship

• Beacon Home Care Scholarship for Excellence in Nursing

• Theodora Beard Memorial Scholarship

• Norman D. Beauchamp Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Wilford Beauvais Memorial Scholarship

• Irvin and Agnes Bedford Scholarship

• Donald Bezenah Memorial Scholarship

• Guido and Elizabeth Binda Scholarship

• Del James Blessinger Scholarship

• Blessinger Grant in Aid

• Blue Water Chapter of Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel

• Blue Water Garden Club Scholarship

• Blue Water Shipmasters

• Blue Water Sportfishing Scholarship

• Blue Water Women Lawyers

• Clara E. and Joseph M. Bourke Memorial Scholarship

• Emerson and Lucilda Brown Scholarship

• Edward Bush Memorial Scholarship

• Mayme Bush/Inez Innes Memorial Scholarship

• Joseph Caimi Scholarship Fund

• Jack S. Campbell Memorial Scholarship

• Frank V. & Bula A. Carney Memorial Scholarship

• Cardiology Associates of Port Huron Scholarship

• Clay Township Good Fellows Scholarship

• Darin Conrad Memorial Fund

• Howard D. and Annabelle Crull Scholarship

• Delta Kappa Gamma Scholarship

• Disabled American Veterans - Chapter 12 of St. Clair County Scholarship

• E & A Credit Union Scholarship

• Jerry Ebner Memorial Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Erie Square Gazette Scholarship

• Virginia Fadel Memorial/Grace Goodwin Scholarship

• Foreign Language Scholarship

• Fort Gratiot Lions Club Scholarship

• Fort Gratiot Rotary Scholarship

• Vera Fuller-Hansen Educational Trust Fund

• Catherine C. Gellein Scholarship Fund

• Theron and Eleanor Godbold Endowment

• Charles Myron Gossman Scholarship

• Pauline Groff Music Scholarship

• Christian B. and Agnes A. Haas Memorial Scholarship

• James H. Halamka Memorial Scholarship

• Donna Jean Hale Memorial Scholarship

• Raymond and Mary Haley Memorial Scholarship

• Thomas A. Hamilton Scholarship

• Jeff Harrington Memorial Scholarship

• Lillian Hill Memorial Scholarship

• Hispanic Council of St. Clair County Scholarship

• Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship

• Hon. Edward T. Kane Memorial Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Ellen Kean Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Kahmann Memorial Scholarship

• Janet Kelly Memorial/Social Science Department Endowment

• Barbara Ann Kessler Saph Memorial Scholarship

• Charles A. Koppel Scholarship

• Robert and Marilyn Kovach Scholarship

• James T. Kreger Memorial Scholarship

• League of Catholic Women Scholarship

• Hazel and Harold Lewis Memorial Scholarship

• Little Brothers / Little Sisters of St. Clair County Scholarship

• Mari-Lu Rea McDannel Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Alfred Maxwell Memorial Scholarship

• May-O'Brien, VFW Post 8465 Scholarship

• Marilyn K. Moore Scholarship

• Marian Pollock Moore Scholarship

• Bessie I. Mueller Endowment

• E. B. Mueller Endowment

• Mueller Brass Scholarship

• Nebraska Book Company Tuition Scholarship

• Dr. Carol Nowakowski Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Nursing Program Scholarship

• Lillian M. Perry Scholarship Fund

• Police Officer's and Fire Fighter's Survivor Scholarship

• Port Huron Garden Club Scholarship

• Port Huron Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship

• Port Huron Lion's Club Scholarship

• Port Huron Museum/Blue Water Indian Fund

• Port Huron Police Association Scholarship

• Port Huron Rotary Club Scholarship

• Port Huron Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

• Port Huron VFW Post 796 Scholarship

• Prestolite Endowment

• Prichard Scholarship

• Prichard Nursing Scholarship

• Mary Regling Memorial Endowment

• Gordon and Marlene Rady Scholarship

• River District Hospital Auxiliary - McFern-Smelzer Scholarship

• St. Clair County AFL-CIO Scholarship

• SC4 Board of Trustees Grant

• SC4 Board of Trustees Honors Scholarship

• SC4 Board of Trustees Scholarship

• SC4 Alumni Association Scholarship

• St. Clair County Community College Retirees Scholarship

• SC4 Student Scholarship

• F. William and Patricia Schwarz Fund

• Carl Schwedler Memorial Endowment

• Clarence Scott Memorial Scholarship

• Evelyn Sharrow Memorial Scholarship Fund - SC4 Foundation

• Cyril Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Student Government Scholarship

• Sydney Spofford Scholarship

• Carl Steinborn Memorial Endowment

• Student Services Grant

• Randy Sugars Memorial Scholarship

• Beverly L. Tansky Memorial Scholarship

• Thomas A. Treleaven Communication Scholarship - SC4 Foundation

• Trumble Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Watson Bros. Centennial Scholarship

• WGRT Broadcasting Scholarship

• James T. Wilhelm Memorial Scholarship Fund

• Vivian Williams Minority Scholarship

• John F. and Rose Marie Wismer Community Foundation Scholarship

• Bert D. and Rose E. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund

Michigan Competitive Scholarship Program
This state scholarship program provides up to $1,300 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 Employment Services (Room 120, 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
The 1997 Taxpayer Relief Act created two tax credit programs for college students. The Internal Revenue Service provides the requirements for the Hope Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit programs. 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 is 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 fixed interest rate for subsidized loans is 3.4% for the 2010-11 academic year. The unsubsidized interest rate is fixed at 6.8%.

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 is fixed at 7.9%. Parents who have no adverse credit history are eligible for PLUS Loans. Students are required to complete the FAFSA before Plus Loan elegibility 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.

• 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 Fee Information section of this catalog. There are additional implications to consider before dropping classes or completely withdrawing from all 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. 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 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. You will be responsible for repaying any unearned aid that you 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 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 where aid was received. 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.The following guidelines describe the requirements necessary to maintain financial aid eligibility at SC4:

1. Eligibility Requirements - Each semester a student must:
   1. Along with transfer credits, have successfully completed at least 67% of all of the credit hours attempted 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 93 credit hours or 150% of the student's official SC4 academic program requirements. This is true whether or not financial aid was received or the student paid for some classes from his/her resources.
2. Evaluation of Eligibility
   Eligibility is determined at the time a student applies for financial aid and is reviewed 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. Applicants who have not made satisfactory academic progress are notified by mail.
3. Appeals
   A student whose financial aid has been terminated may appeal in writing. All appeals should include appropriate documentation. Extenuating circumstances considered for appeals include 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 or parole officer; or a copy of a death certificate, divorce decree and/or academic records. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee reinstatement of eligibility for financial aid. The student will be notified of the appeal results in writing. An appeal may result in a denial of reinstatement, a reinstatement of the student's eligibility or a probationary period. All appeal decisions are final.
4. Warning
   Financial aid applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be granted a semester of financial aid to move toward acceptable grade point average or completion rates. This also applies to students who did not meet initial eligibility requirements. Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress after the warning semester will be terminated from financial aid eligibility until they meet the standard or have an acceptable appeal. During the period, financial aid for the next semester will not be disbursed until FINAL GRADES from the previous semester are available. It is the student's responsibility to contact the Financial Aid office to initiate action for reinstatement of financial aid. Loans may be awarded to students on warning if tuition and fees are not covered by other resources.
5. Audits and Credit by Exam
   Classes taken for audit or credits earned by exam are not considered when determining financial aid eligibility. Details of the complete policy & procedure are available online at www.sc4.edu/financialaid or by contacting the Financial Aid office in Room 123, Acheson Technology Center.

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.sfahelp.ed.gov or write to: Office of the Ombudsman, Student Financial Assistance, U.S. Department of Education, Room 3012, ROB #3, 7th and D Streets, SW, Washington, DC 20202-5144

HOUSING LISTS
You may go to www.emrha.org/index.html for a listing of housing opportunities available in the Blue Water area.

VETERANS INFORMATION
123 Acheson Technology Center (ATC)
(810) 989-5526

The college maintains and staffs an office for veteran services where veterans, dependents and selected reservists are provided information about education benefits available to them.

Application Process

Students are encouraged to apply at the earliest possible date. Applications are available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website, www.gibill.va.gov. Electronic application (VONAPP) and paper applications are accessible for both veterans (Form 22-1990) and dependents (Form 22-5490). The Department of Veterans Affairs will normally provide the applicant with a Certificate of Eligibility when approved. Visit the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official, Room 123 Acheson Technology Center after you have applied or have received your certificate of eligibility or notice of award.

Note: The VA strongly recommends that veterans and other beneficiaries submit their education benefits application online to expedite processing. You may call the VA National Education Help Line at (888) 442-4551 for assistance.

Chapter 31 - Vocational Rehabilitation
This program is available to veterans with a service-connected disability. For more information, contact the Veterans Administration Regional Office (28), Patrick V. McNamara Federal Building, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, MI 48226 or call (800) 827-1000. Upon approval, deliver the Authorization and Certification of Status (Form 28-1905) to the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official, Room 123 Acheson Technology Center.

EARNED CREDITS
If students have previously drawn educational benefits, a "Request for a Change of Place and/or Program" (Form 22-1995) must be filed. An official transcript from other colleges must be sent to SC4 for evaluation of credit as soon as possible. Benefits can be suspended if credits granted for previous training are not reported to the Veterans Administration.

PAY RATE
Monthly rates vary according to which VA program is providing the assistance and the student's course load. For more information, contact the SC4 Veterans Certifying Official, Room 123 Acheson Technology Center.

SATISFACTORY PROGRESS FOR VETERANS
Students receiving VA benefits need to understand the college's policy regarding academic probation. They must maintain a GPA equal to or better than a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (C average). A 2.0 GPA is required to meet graduation requirements. If the GPA falls below 2.0, students will be placed on probation with VA. Failure to raise the cumulative GPA to 2.0 within two consecutive semesters will result in termination of VA educational benefits. The college will inform the Department of Veterans Affairs and the student in writing of this fact. The student can be re certified in the future under one of two conditions: (1) the cumulative GPA is raised to 2.0 or (2) a request for resumption of educational benefits is submitted to the VA and the VA reinstates benefits based on evidence supporting the student's claim.

GUIDELINES/RESPONSIBILITIES