GENERAL INFORMATION
The student financial aid program at Wayne Community College is designed to assist deserving students in meeting the costs of attending college. The program consists of three major types of aid: federal and state grants, student employment, and scholarships. An eligible student may receive one or more of these types of financial aid.
In making award decisions, the Financial Aid Office first determines the student's financial need for college attendance. The need is the difference between the resources of the student and his or her parents and the costs of attending college. Any student who has completed the financial aid application procedure is considered for all types of financial aid without regard to the student's sex, race, color, disability, or national origin. In all financial aid awards, the student has the right to accept or reject all or a portion of the aid he or she has been offered.
Applying for Financial Aid
Procedures for New or Transfer Students
- Complete the Application for Admission/Readmission to Wayne Community College.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students are encouraged to apply early or as soon as possible after January 1st. All students must reapply for financial aid each year.
- Review the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR contains the information reported on the FAFSA including the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) which is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid.
- Complete any additional paperwork and/or submit documentation as requested by the Financial Aid office.
Procedures for Enrolled Students
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov as soon as possible after January 1st. All students must reapply for financial aid every year.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the WCC General Catalog.
- Complete any additional paperwork and/or submit documentation as requested by the Financial Aid office.
Dependency Status
Students will need to determine whose information to report on the FAFSA. An independent student will report income and asset information for self and spouse. A dependent student will report income and asset information for self and parents. Please note that dependency status for federal student aid is not based on whether the student lives with the parents or is not claimed as a dependent for tax filing purposes. Information concerning dependency status is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Veteran’s Affairs
Wayne Community College provides training under Public Law 358, G.I. Bill effective June 1966; Public Law 634, the children of deceased or disabled veterans; and Public Law 894, disabled veterans and Public Law 98-525. New G.I. Bill enacted October 1984 and under the Post 9/11 Veteran’s Education Assistance Act of 2008. Post 9/11 veteran’s and service members may be eligible for the new education benefits package to include tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance and a yearly stipend for books and supplies.
To initiate proceedings in applying for veterans' educational benefits, the student veteran should first contact the WCC veteran’s affairs coordinator. Information is also available online at www.gibill.va.gov or by calling 1-888-GI-BILL (1-888-442-4551).
Notification of Award Decisions
Students are notified of awards for the academic year by mail in a timely manner. Award offers are generally made for the Fall and Spring semesters.
Types of Financial Aid
Pell Grant - The Educational Amendments of 1972 established the Basic Educational Opportunity Grant program, hereinafter referred to as the Federal Pell Grant. Federal Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid. The amount of a student’s Pell Grant award is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), cost of attendance, enrollment status, and whether the student attends school for a full academic year or less. A student may not receive Pell Grant funds at more than one school at a time.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - A grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need, that is, students with the lowest estimated family contributions (EFC). Students must qualify for the Federal Pell Grant to be eligible for this program
Funding for this program is limited. Early filing is strongly recommended to see if you qualify.
Federal Work-Study Program - WCC offers employment opportunities to eligible students who wish to earn money while attending college. Students work in various areas on campus. On average, students work approximately 15 hours per week at a rate of $7.25 per hour. Most students earn about $3000 per year.
If interested in the federal work-study program, students should indicate this interest when completing the FAFSA. Upon receipt, a separate application may be mailed to students.
Please note that students who participate in this program are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress at all times.
N.C. Community College Grant (NCCCG) - Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; students not eligible for the Federal Pell Grant may be considered for the NCCCG based on their estimated family contribution (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Eligible students must be North Carolina residents enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours per semester in a curriculum program. Applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
N.C. Student Incentive Grants - A North Carolina undergraduate student with exceptional financial need may be eligible for a state grant. In order to receive priority consideration for this grant, students should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form as soon as possible after January 1 of each year.
NC Targeted Assistance Program- Need-based assistance available to students enrolled in high demand/low enrollment programs or to eligible Vocational Rehabilitation students.
To be considered for these funds, students must complete the FAFSA and meet the requirements to receive a Pell Grant, be a NC resident, and be enrolled in an approved program for a minimum of six credit hours per semester.
NC Less than Half-Time Grant- Limited financial assistance provided to eligible students who are enrolled in less than six credit hours per semester.
To be considered for this grant, students must complete the FAFSA and have an EFC that is between 801-4000.
Scholarships-WCC provides notification of all available scholarships via Campus Cruiser and CamNet. Information regarding available scholarships may also be obtained in the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office may be asked to assist in awarding the following scholarships:
- Jeanne Boykin Scholarship
- Dameron Scholarship Endowment Fund
- Ruby Godfrey Pinkham Scholarship
- Wachovia Technical Scholarship
- Wayne County Livestock Development Association, Inc. Scholarships
- Bertha Shepard Wooten Scholarships
- Progress Energy Power Careers Program
- SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship
- Allen Ryan Todd Scholarship
In addition, many churches, alumni groups, and various other organizations and agencies have scholarship funds available to assist students.
Other scholarships may be available through the WCC Foundation.
Vocational Rehabilitation - Many states offer educational assistance to students who have a significant disability. A North Carolina student should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, N.C., or in the student's local community. A student from another state should contact his local Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.
N.C. Community Colleges Foundation Endowment for Teacher Preparation Scholarship/Loan for Prospective Teachers- A North Carolina student who plans a teaching career in the state may wish to apply for a Prospective Teachers' Scholarship-Loan. The award is valued at $2,500 per semester for up to two consecutive semesters of full time study. Recipients may reapply for a second year of funding. Each year's stipend may be canceled by a year of public school teaching in North Carolina. Information and an application form may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction, Raleigh, N.C. or online at www.cfnc.org.
NC Health, Science, and Mathematics Scholarship Loan Program - A North Carolina resident student for tuition purposes accepted as a full time student in an accredited program leading to a degree in a specified health, science, or mathematics related fiel. Award recipients are chosen according to major, academica capabilities and financial need. Information and application may be obtained online at www.cfnc.org.
N.C. Veterans' Affairs Scholarship - The Department of Veterans' Affairs offers scholarship assistance to North Carolina children of deceased or disabled veterans or of certain veterans who were listed in a POW/MIA status. An eligible student should write to the N.C. Department of Veterans' Affairs, Raleigh, N.C., for information.
American Opportunity, Hope, and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits - These income tax credits may reduce a family's federal taxes. They are based on the student's qualified educational expenses, minus grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance. The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOC) is a new credit that replaces the Hope Credit for most taxpayers. The AOC can be claimed for the first four years of post-secondary education, up to a maximum of $2,500 per eligible student. The AOC is not available to single filers with a modified adjusted gross income greater than $90,000 or joint filers with a modified adjusted income greater than $180,000. The Hope Credit is a non-refundable credit that normally applies to 2008 and earlier tax years. This credit is available only during the first two years of college up to a maximum of $1800 for single filers with a modified adjusted gross income less than $60,000 or joint filers with a modified adjusted gross income under $120,000. The Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available for any level of post secondary study up to a current maximum of $2,000 per return. The credit is not available to single filers with a modified adjusted gross income greater than $60,000 or joint filers with adjusted gross incomes greater than $120,000. Tax payers who file “married filing separately” are not eligible to take either the American Opportunity, Hope, or Lifetime Learning credit. Also note that only one type of credit (American Opportunity, Hope, or Lifetime Learning) may be claimed for the student in any given year.
For more information about these or other credits or deductions, please contact your tax preparer or refer to the information at the IRS web site.
Other Sources of Assistance
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) System - Wayne Community College offers training under the WIA system. The program is especially designed for individuals who require skill training for employment. All individuals enrolled in the WIA program must qualify under program guidelines.
Services provided by the WIA program may include financial assistance with tuition, fees, books, equipment and supplies, plus personal services such as counseling, job development, job coaching, and follow up assistance. Participants are required to follow strict program guidelines and regulations.
Applicants should contact the WIA office, located at the Employment Security Commission (ESC) for information about applications and/or assessment. The Wayne County office of the ESC is located at 309 N. William Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530. You may reach them by phone at 919-731-7950.
Alternative or Private Loans – These loans bridge the gap after students have exhausted all potential federal grants, scholarships and work-study funds. These loans are also available to students who do not qualify for federal financial aid. Student eligibility is based on credit worthiness as determined by the participating lender. Eligibility is also determined based on the school’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid or the annual loan maximum amount determined by the lender. Students are advised to borrow responsibly and to review all repayment options thoroughly.
**While there are a variety of lending options available, Wayne Community College does not recommend the services of one lender over another. Listed below is a profile of lenders selected by our students. Be advised that this information has been reviewed and is current as of February 5, 2010.
Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan
www.salliemae.com
Interest Rate: (VARIABLE) Based on borrower and co-borrower (if required) credit history.
No repayment fee, disbursement fee of zero to 3%
$1000 minimum loan amount
Six month grace period after graduating or leaving school (interest payments must be made while in school)
Wells Fargo Collegiate Loans
www.wellsfargo.com/student
Interest Rate: (VARIABLE) Based on borrower and co-borrower (if required) credit history.
No origination, disbursement, or repayment fees.
Generous loan limits not to exceed school’s cost of attendance.
Repayment begins six months after leaving school or graduating
