The Tennessee Technology Center at Athens recognizes that even in a low-tuition school there are certain additional expenses related to attendance.   Many students would be unable to attend due to lack of financial resources.  It is the belief of the Center that no one should be denied training due to financial need.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR RECEIVING FINANCIAL AID

• Be enrolled in the school (attending full-time classes)

• Must be a U.S. citizen/national or an eligible non-citizen.

• Maintain satisfactory progress and attendance (as indicated in this Student Handbook).

• Be a high school (or G.E.D) graduate.

• Meet all financial aid deadlines.

• Must not be in default on a student loan.

• Must not owe Title IV aid to another postsecondary institution.

• Male applicants must be registered for Selective Service.

• Fill out and file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). May be completed via the Internet: www.fafsa.ed.gov

TELS Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant (Lottery Scholarship)

• Any Tennessee resident  who is at least 18 years or older or has a high school diploma/GED is eligible to apply for the Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grant.
• No minimum high school grade point average is required; NO ACT test required for admission.
• All individuals interested in applying for Wilder-Naifeh Grant need to have a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) processed by the deadline. Applications processed after the deadline will be accepted, but preference will be given to those processed before the deadline.  Earlier is better!  Don’t delay in submitting your form.
• To maintain the Wilder-Naifeh Grant students must simply maintain satisfactory academic progress (a grade of “C” or better and meet attendance requirements).
• Caution! Any individual who receives the Hope Scholarship will not eligible for the Wilder-Naifeh Grant. Hope Scholarship recipients who enroll in a community college or four year institution and drop out before completing their program cannot receive the Wilder-Naifeh Grant.

Eligibility for financial aid is based upon financial need and the ability to maintain academic progress and satisfactory attendance.

To apply for the financial aid:

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This can be done in the using the (FAFSA) or it can be completed on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov

• In approximately four (4) weeks, you will receive a Student Aid Report from the Department of Education.  Bring this to TTCA so your financial aid can be processed.
• If required, the Student Services Office will send you additional paperwork to complete, as well as information concerning documentation your may need to provide.
• When all paperwork is complete, your will receive a Pell Grant Notification.  This is for your records and you do not need to return it to the Center.

When all paperwork has been received, the Financial Aid Assistant will calculate your eligibility for assistance.  You will receive an "Award Letter," which will notify you of what you may receive.

FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY WILL NOT BE CALCULATED UNTIL ALL FORMS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED ARE RECEIVED   BY THE CENTER.

Veteran Assistance is an agency that exists to provide support with educational expenses to eligible veterans under the G.I. Bill. For more information contact the VA office at 1-800-827-1000.
Eligibility for Deferment of Payment of Tuition and Fees by Certain Eligible Students Receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Other Governmentally Funded Educational Assistance Benefits.

Service members, Veterans, and dependents of veterans who are eligible beneficiaries of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs education benefits or other governmentally funded educational assistance, subject to the conditions and guidelines set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated 49-7-104 as amended, may elect, upon formal application, to defer payment of required tuition and fees until the final day of the term for which deferment has been requested.  Application for the deferment must be made no later than 14 day after the beginning of the term, and the amount of the deferment shall not exceed the total monetary benefits to be received for the term.  Students who have been granted deferments are expected to make timely payments on their outstanding tuition and fees balance once education benefits are being delivered, and eligibility for such deferment shall terminate if the student fails to abide by any applicable rule or regulation, or to act in good faith in making timely payments.  This notice is published pursuant to Public Chapter 279, Acts of 2003, effective July 1, 2003.

Veterans Educational Benefits

For additional information, contact the student services office.  The Veterans Administration office in Nashville has a toll-free number for veterans who have questions concerning   veteran benefits (1-800-827-1000).

1. Complete and submit the free application for Federal Student Aid.
2. Be enrolled at least half-time as a regular student in an eligible program (Refer to Federal Guidelines for exceptions).
3. Be a U.S. citizen/national or an eligible non-citizen.
4. Show that he/she has need.
5. Attain and retain satisfactory progress in accordance with policy.
6. Not be in default on Federal Perkins/National Direct Student Loan, any Federal Family Education Loan Program (Stafford Student Loan, PLUS Loan, Supplemental Loan for Students, Income Contingent Loan, or a Consolidated Loan) and must sign a statement to that effect.
7. Not owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or a Byrd Scholarship, and sign a statement to that effect.
8. Have a signed statement of updated Information.
9. Provide verification of a High School Diploma, GED, or be beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in Tennessee, and have the ability to benefit from the education or training offered.
10. Must take and pass an independently administered examination approved by the Secretary of Education if without a high school diploma or GED.
11. Male citizens of the U.S. and male immigrant aliens 18 through 25 years old must be registered with the U.S. Selective.

Service System to be eligible for federal student loans and grants. Men can register at any post office, or register now on-line at http://www.sss.gov/regist.htm.