GRANTS

Federal Pell Grant awards are based on

• financial need
• the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the federal government from information on your FAFSA
• your enrollment status in an eligible program
• your living arrangements.

Awards are processed after all requested documentation is received. All documentation must be received prior to your last date of enrollment. Pell Grant funds may be used for tuition and fees, books and course related supplies, and other college related expenses.

Tuition and fees will be deducted from the Federal Pell Grant.

You may use Pell awards that exceed your tuition and fees to charge textbooks and supplies directly related to your courses at the Campus Bookstore, operated by Barnes and Noble, during the first three weeks of the Fall and Spring semesters and the first two weeks of the summer semester. A valid SWIC, state or federal picture ID is required to receive a charge authorization. Keep the student copy of the completed charge authorization showing the total amount of your charge for your records.

Pell checks (your award minus tuition, fees and book charges) are mailed within 14 days of the date a credit balance appears on your account. Checks are usually mailed beginning the sixth week of the semester for fall and spring and the fifth week for summer. Checks are mailed to the address you have on file with Admissions and Records: make sure this address is correct.

If circumstances prevent you from receiving your check in the mail, submit a written request detailing your circumstances to the Assistant Director at least one week before the check is to be mailed. If circumstances warrant, you may pick up the check in person at the Business Office seven calendar days after the mail date of the check.

Contact the Assistant Director for assistance with lost checks. It takes a minimum of five working days to stop payment and replace a check. A stop payment request will not be made until 14 days have passed since the mailing date of the check.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a new grant program created by changes in Federal law. To be eligible for this grant a student must be a U.S. citizen, be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, be a first or second year undergraduate student, have completed a rigorous high school program of study after January 1, 2005, and be enrolled full-time in a two year degree program. First year students are eligible for maximum of $750.00 per year. Second year students are eligible for a maximum of $1,300.00 per year if their first year cumulative GPA is at least 3.0. Students will self-identity themselves as eligible when completing the FAFSA and the school will determine if the student meets all eligibility requirements. Disbursement policies are the same as for the Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Awards are based on need. Verification requirements and deadlines are the same as for the Federal Pell Grant. Due to limited funds, priority is given to students with the greatest need who have completed their financial aid file by the priority deadline, and are eligible to receive the Federal Pell Grant.

If you qualify for the FSEOG, the award amount will be included on your award letter. The FSEOG may be used for payment of tuition and fees and for other college related expenses. FSEOG funds will first be applied to any tuition and fees owed the college. Remaining funds will be disbursed in a check mailed within 14 days of the date a credit balance appears on your account. FSEOG check disbursement policies are the same as for the Federal Pell Grant.

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Programs

The Monetary Award Program (MAP) grant is based on need and Illinois residency. All verification requirements are the same as for the Federal Pell Grant. Most students must also verify their Illinois residency according to ISAC requirements. To apply, students complete the FAFSA indicating Illinois residency and attendance at Southwestern by dates specified by ISAC. Students are encouraged to apply early due to limited funding!

Students will be notified of their eligibility. The MAP grant has specific deadlines for receiving payment. The deadline may be prior to the end of the semester. Payment cannot be made after the deadline. Contact ISAC or the Financial Aid Office for these semester specific deadlines.

ISAC MAP Grant may be used for tuition only, in-district costs up to 15 eligible credit hours or the amount of your award (whichever is less). ISAC MAP Grant will not cover course, lab or miscellaneous fees, book and/or supply charges, some non-credit courses, or ineligible programs. Current year MAP Grant awards have been prorated.

Payment processing is a credit to the student's account. If tuition was paid by another source, a refund will be made to the source of payment. The credit is posted as soon as the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office has received official notification of the student's eligibility; actual disbursement of funds can vary. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific dates.

The Silas Purnell Illinois Incentive for Access Grant (IIA) is for Illinois residents that have a 0 (zero) EFC, are enrolled at least half-time, and are considered a freshman by Southwestern. The $500 grant can only be received once and is divided into two payments, one for each semester the student is eligible. Funds are not posted to the student's account until they are received by the college.

The Monetary Award Program Plus (MAP Plus) provides grants for Illinois residents who do not receive a MAP grant and whose families' adjusted gross income is less than $200,000 in the applicable tax year, are enrolled at least half-time, and are considered a sophomore by Southwestern. The maximum MAP Plus grant available to a qualified applicant is $500 per school year, is divided into two payments, one for each semester the student is eligible. MAP Plus grants can be applied only toward tuition. Funds are not posted to the student's account until they are received by the college.

FINANCIAL AID AWARDING/DISBURSEMENT POLICIES
Federal Pell Grant, ACG, and FSEOG, ISAC MAP, ISAC MAP Plus, and IIA grant

(For awarding/disbursement policies for other programs, refer to the information concerning that program in this handbook or call the Financial Aid Office.)

Awarding

A financial aid award is made when your financial aid file is complete and we verify your eligibility. A financial aid award is shown on your Award Letter, and appears as 'Estimated Aid' on your billing statement. A financial aid award does decrease the amount of tuition and/or fees you owe, but does not create a credit balance until disbursed. Financial aid awards will be adjusted for enrollment status changes according to the policy statement found in this handbook. To view the detail of charges and credit posted to your student account, log into your Student Center in eSTORM.

Remember: adding a class may not increase your award(s), however, dropping a class and class cancellations will probably decrease your award(s).

Disbursement

Disbursement occurs when the Financial Aid funds are credited to the amount you owe Southwestern (tuition, fees, and book charges). If the disbursement amount exceeds the amount owed, a credit balance will occur. Credit balances are sent to the student in the form of a refund check within 14 days of the date the credit balance occurs. Refund checks are mailed to the address on file with Admissions and Records. To view disbursement information, log into your Student Center in eSTORM.

Cash and Credit Card Refunds

Students expecting a refund of cash and/or credit cards should speak to the Business Office about when to expect the refund.

Other Illinois Student Assistance Commission Programs

Illinois Veteran Grant (IVG)

This award is not based on need and covers tuition and certain fees for courses taken at state funded institutions by a qualified Illinois Veteran. If you are eligible to receive the IVG, you may not receive MAP. Contact the Veterans' Services Office at your campus or ISAC's web site http://www.collegezone.com/ for applications, Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards and more detailed information.

MIA/POW Scholarships

This award is not based on need and covers tuition for dependents of Illinois residents who are missing in action, died while in the military or from a service-related disability, or are at least 90 percent disabled. Applications are available in the Veterans Services Office at your campus or on the internet at http://www.collegezone.com/.

Illinois National Guard Scholarships

This award is not based on need and covers tuition for Illinois reservists on active duty status who have served at least one year. A completed application must be submitted to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission for each academic year. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Illinois Student Assistance Commission at http://www.collegezone.com/ or the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office.

Southwestern has deadlines established by ISAC for requesting payment on a student's behalf. Information on Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards is in this booklet and available in the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office.

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SCHOLARSHIPS

The Southwestern Illinois College Scholarship Program is part of an ongoing effort to attract students who are outstanding in academic, athletic, and activity areas. Scholarships are awarded in the following three categories:

Top 10% Scholarship

Students must be graduating, or have graduated, from a Southwestern Illinois College District 522 public or private high school in the top ten percent of their graduating class in January or June immediately prior to the academic term for which the award is made. Southwestern Illinois College must be the first college of matriculation after high school graduation; college transfer students are not eligible. Top ten percent status must be verified with an official 7th or 8th semester high school transcript. Home schooled students age 16 and older who are District 522 residents may qualify based on ACT scores in the 90th or better percentile (e.g., top ten percent) nationally for the testing year. District 522 GED graduates may qualify based on test scores in the top ten percent of scores attained by Southwestern GED graduates who tested during the academic year.

Applicants must complete a Top Ten Percent Scholarship application and apply for financial assistance using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), listing Southwestern Illinois College in the college release section. If the student is eligible for federal or state grant aid additional information may be required and will be requested by the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office.

The scholarship is awarded for up to six consecutive semesters (96 credit hour maximum), that may begin as soon as the first Southwestern term following the recipient's high school graduation. Students must maintain a semester 3.0 GPA and 67% completion rate for continued eligibility. There are no `leave of absence' provisions. The scholarship pays tuition only. Fees and books are not covered by the scholarship. The scholarship can be used at any campus and/or extension center. Any other tuition-only scholarship award supersedes the scholarship.

Sophomore Scholarships:

Awarded to outstanding sophomore students (three per campus - Belleville, Granite City, Red Bud) who meet established criteria. The criteria is as follows:

1. The student must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) listing Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in the college release section. The student must have completed at least 30 semester hours at SWIC but less than 46 hours at SWIC, with a cumulative 3.5 GPA. Transfer hours from another institution are NOT included. The student is encouraged to take as many credit hours as possible at the sponsoring campus. A counselor at the appropriate campus will review the recipient's schedule and sign-off on the schedule prior to the July 1 Scholarship deadline. Enrollments at another campus necessary to complete major requirements will be taken into consideration.
2. The scholarship is for tuition only. Any other tuition only scholarship award supersedes the Sophomore Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded for the fall and spring semesters. The scholarship does not cover the summer semester. It is awarded for two consecutive semesters (no leave of absence). The student must be enrolled full-time to receive the scholarship. If the student is eligible for federal and state grant aid additional information may be required and will be requested by the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office.
3. The student must maintain a 3.0 (or above) semester GPA. The student must maintain at least a 67% completion rate every semester according to the published Financial Aid Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress. The student must submit to the Scholarship Specialist a Sophomore Scholarship Application that 1) describes his/her educational plans and career choices and 2) explains how he/she plans to finance his/her education and 3) how the scholarship will benefit them. The application deadline (for ALL materials) is July 1 for the following academic year. The Scholarship Committee will determine the recipients based upon the above criteria.

Activities Scholarships:

Awarded to full-time students involved in:

The scholarship pays tuition for up to one academic year (two continuous semesters). Students are required to complete the FAFSA, and a Tuition Scholarship Award Application, and meet all of the following criteria:

• Maintain eligibility according to the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements as explained in this handbook.
• Enroll full-time (minimum 12 hours) and complete 67% of hours attempted each semester with a GPA of 2.0.
• Perform the duties defined by your Activities scholarship sponsor.

Contact the Student Activities Office or the department in which you are interested for more information.

Athletic Scholarships:

Awarded to full-time students involved in:

The amount of the award varies. Athletes must be nominated by their head coach, complete a Tuition Scholarship Award Application, meet NJCAA eligibility criteria and should complete the FAFSA.

Foundation Scholarships

A variety of scholarships are available from the Southwestern Illinois College Foundation. Scholarships are generally based on academic merit and have an application deadline in March for the following academic year. For information regarding specific criteria and an application, visit the Foundation's website at http://www.swicfoundation.com/scholarships.html.

Private Scholarships

Southwestern Illinois College administers many scholarships sponsored by community organizations.

Students awarded a community sponsored scholarship will be notified when the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office receives official notification and payment from the donor. Recipients should contact their donor for exact scholarship guidelines and should thank their donor in writing.

The student's account will be credited for tuition and/or fees payment. For scholarships allowing book purchases, the recipient may obtain a voucher from the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office one week prior to the beginning of the semester through the end of the third week of the Fall and Spring semesters (through the second week of the Summer semester). If the guidelines of the scholarship permit remaining funds (those not used for tuition, fees and books) to be disbursed to the student, the student will receive a check after all Southwestern Illinois College charges have been paid.

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EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work Study provides part-time employment opportunities based on need as determined by the award letter. Those students who request student employment on the FAFSA will be considered for this program. All Federal Pell Grant eligibility and verification requirements apply. If you demonstrate need, your financial aid award letter will include the dollar amount of your Federal Work-Study award. The amount on the award letter indicates the maximum earnings permitted during the academic period. It does not guarantee you a job nor that you will be able to earn the stated maximum.

Complete and return the "Application for Student Work" included in your award letter. Remember: a neat and complete application makes the best first impression on prospective employers. Check the Bulletin Board at the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office for openings. Inquire at campus offices about upcoming jobs.

All student employees must maintain financial aid satisfactory academic progress and a minimum of 6 credit hours of enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. Failure to do so will result in termination of employment. Students earn minimum wage, and are paid bi-monthly from the Payroll Office. Contact the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office for a copy of the Student Worker Handbook that further describes the terms of employment. There may be an opportunity to perform community service as part of your work-study program.

Regular Student Work provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) during the fall and spring semesters. Contact the Financial Aid Office for summer semester enrollment requirements. Financial aid eligibility is not required but all student workers must maintain satisfactory academic progress as described in this handbook. Students who are currently in default on any educational loan or owe a repayment of Title IV funds are ineligible. All other information is identical to that described under Federal Work-Study.

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LOANS

To participate in the loan programs, the student must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Loans are not processed retroactively for prior completed semesters.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

This loan is based on need determined by the award letter. The federal government pays the interest on the subsidized loan while the borrower is enrolled at least half-time in school and until repayment begins.

A student's eligibility to receive gift aid, such as the Federal Pell Grant, must be calculated before loan eligibility can be determined. A minimum of half-time (6 credit hours) enrollment must be maintained in an eligible program of study and all eligibility and verification requirements are the same as for the Federal Pell Grant.

To apply, request a student loan on the FAFSA. If you have financial need and meet all other eligibility requirements, your financial aid award letter will state the dollar amount of your loan eligibility. Federal Stafford Loans will not be awarded or certified for less than $ 200. Sign and return the award letter within the specified time to have the loan processed.

All students requesting a loan for the first time at Southwestern Illinois College must complete Loan Entrance Counseling. To complete your entrance counseling requirement, visit the Mapping Your Future web site at: http://mappingyourfuture.org/ . Students may complete their Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Commonly Used Lenders list . The school establishes a disbursement schedule for the lender when certifying the loan. Disbursement is the date the lender can send the loan proceeds to the school. The student should allow at least 14 days for the school to receive the loan proceeds and process them for release to the student. All loans are disbursed twice per semester. Fall and spring loans are disbursed on the 6^th and ll^th week of each semester. Summer loans are disbursed the 5^th and 6^th week of the semester.

Students that have loans guaranteed (returned signed award letter accepting loan, Loan Entrance Counseling completed if required, signed Master Promissory Note with lender) and have loan funds in an amount greater than tuition and fees will be able to charge books at the college bookstore. A valid picture ID, your SWIC ID number, and checking "yes" to release your information to the bookstore on the SWIC Financial Aid Application are required. Books may be charged the first three weeks of each semester Fall and Spring, and the first two weeks of the Summer semester.

Loan proceeds are released only if the student meets all eligibility requirements. All outstanding charges must be paid even if you are on a on a payment plan. A student must maintain at least half-time enrollment throughout the loan period or subsequent loan disbursements will be canceled.

All student loan borrowers must attend an exit counseling session prior to withdrawal from school or graduation. This can be completed on the Web by going to: http://mappingyourfuture.org/. Your information will be sent to the school electronically.

Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

Low interest, non-need based loans are available to students who do not qualify for a maximum subsidized Federal Stafford loan. All other requirements are the same as those for the subsidized Federal Stafford Loan except that the borrower is responsible for payment of the interest on the loan from the date the funds are disbursed.

Loan limits

The cumulative maximum for the Federal Stafford Loan, subsidized and unsubsidized, at Southwestern is $8,000.

*Students who expect to borrow for summer term need to reduce borrowing in Fall and Spring.

To be classified as a sophomore you must have earned at least 30 semester credit hours before the start of the Fall semester of the current academic year. If a student is transferring from another institution to Southwestern Illinois College, all prior borrowing at other schools is considered in the $8,000 total (Stafford, SLS, FISL). If the cumulative total exceeds the $8,000 maximum he/she will not have loan eligibility at Southwestern Illinois College.

Federal PLUS Loan

Applications are available from your lending institution. This loan is not based on need but is subject to approval by the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office. Southwestern Illinois College students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and complete all requests for documentation and verification to receive a PLUS loan.

Federal PLUS Loan checks are disbursed by the lending institution to Southwestern in two disbursements each semester. Loans may not be certified for amounts greater than the cost of attendance minus other aid.

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans will be certified at the student's request. Loans may not be certified for amounts greater than the cost of attendance minus other aid.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information about any of the above loan programs, contact your lending institution, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, or the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office.

If you wish to appeal the maximum loan limits, contact the Financial Aid and Student Employment Office for information.

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OTHER

Veterans' Benefits are available to qualified veterans attending Southwestern Illinois College. Benefits vary by program, enrollment hours and number of dependents. For more information, contact the Veterans' Services Office at your campus.

Department of Human Services (DOHS)

Financial assistance is available to students with disabilities who could benefit from training. Students should contact their local Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Special Services Center at Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville Campus..

Vocational Special Needs

Grant assistance is available to vocational students enrolled in vocational classes who demonstrate financial need. To apply, contact the Special Services Center at Southwestern Illinois College, Belleville Campus.

WIA Workforce Investment Act

Financial assistance is available for students in specific vocational programs that have a job lay-off or meet income guidelines. Contact the Selsius™ Corporate and Career Training at the Belleville campus or your local WIA Agency for additional information.

ROTC Transfer Scholarships

Students transferring to an eligible state university who have been accepted into the ROTC program may apply. Southwestern Illinois College is allowed to award three ROTC scholarships per year, and the criteria will vary each year depending on the number of applicants. To apply, a nomination letter must be sent by your ROTC sponsor at the state university to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Student Employment at Southwestern Illinois College.

Senior Citizens Tuition Waiver Program

Senior citizens aged 60 and older with an annual household income of less than $14,000 are eligible for the Special Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver. Contact the Admissions Office for information.

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