Financial Aid & Veterans Information
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Student Enrollment Definitions
Full-time: 12 or more credit hours
3/4-time: 9 to 11 credit hours
Half-time: 6 to 8 credit hours
Less than half-time: 1 to 5 credit hours
Financial Aid
The College provides a comprehensive program of student financial assistance consisting of scholarships, grants, and student employment. All students applying for financial assistance are asked to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1st each year.
In order to be eligible for Title IV Funds (Financial Aid) a student must:
Be enrolled as a regular student in a degree-seeking or certificate program*
Complete a Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) for the award year and, if selected, complete verification
Not be concurrently enrolled at two schools
Have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent (SSC must have an OFFICIAL high school or HSE/GED® transcript on file for those who plan to use Financial Aid. In order for a transcript to be deemed “official,” it must be received in a sealed envelope and include the school seal and graduation date. A current state issued photo ID is needed for proof of residency. Contact Admissions at (708) 210-5718 or visit the SSC Circle on the Main Campus for more information. Se Habla Español.)
Have a valid social security number (SSN)
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
Be registered with selective service, if required
Not be in default on a Title IV loan
Not owe an overpayment of a Title IV loan or grant
Be making satisfactory academic progress
Not convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of drugs that occurred while receiving Title IV funds
*Financial Aid is not available for students enrolled in a certificate program that is less than 16 credit hours [i.e. Basic Nurse Assistant Training Program, (commonly referred to as C.N.A), or Truck Driving program]
Defaulted Student Loans
A student who is in default on a Federal or State student Loan are not eligible for Federal or state financial aid until he/she resolves the default status. In order to regain federal student aid eligibility, you must provide documentation from the Department of Education or a letter on institutional letterhead from the school associated with the loan, that your loan is paid in full, has been consolidated or that you are meeting satisfactory repayment arrangements. For more detailed information regarding defaulted loan(s), visit the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) for Students website at http://www.nslds.ed.gov. Click on “Financial Aid Review” and log in using your FSA USER ID or call 800-433-3243.
South Suburban College Foundation
The South Suburban College Foundation offers over 150 different scholarship opportunities that are awarded based on a student’s academic achievements, individual goals, and faculty recommendations. While awards will be made regardless of personal or family financial status, preference will be given to those presently not receiving any other form of financial aid.
These scholarships have been established through the generosity of businesses, associations, and individuals. The criteria for each scholarship may vary. Eligibility requirements have been established by the donors.
Scholarship announcements are made every May. The following must be submitted every March to be considered for scholarships in the summer or during the following academic year (beginning in the Fall) unless otherwise noted:
Completed application.
Personal statement of 250 words or less stating why the scholarship is important to your personal career goals.
One letter of recommendation from a faculty member.
Current transcript of grades.
In some cases, scholarship recipients must maintain eligibility requirements for each semester the scholarship is awarded. The complete list of scholarships and their descriptions can be accessed online through Foundation’s link on the SSC website www.ssc.edu or visit the Foundation Office in Room 2134.
Board of Trustees Scholarships
The South Suburban College Board of Trustees awards twoyear tuition scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who are in the top 15 percent of their high school graduating class or have a grade point average of least 3.5 on a 4.0 grading scale. Recipients must attend a high school within District 510 or reside in the district while attending another high school. Recipients are subject to renewal at the end of the first year and must maintain at least a 3.0 (B) grade point average to remain eligible. The annual BOT Scholarship application deadline is June 30.
Grants
South Suburban College participates in the following federal and state financial aid programs:
Federal Pell Grant— The Pell Grant is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on their Student Aid Report (SAR). Grants are a form of financial aid that does not have to be repaid. Grant amounts are determined by the students’ EFC and enrollment status. Students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards in order to remain eligible for Pell. The Federal Pell Grant has a lifetime eligibility limit. A student may receive Pell Grants up to a maximum of 12 semesters (600%), or the calculated equivalent.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)— The FSEOG is a need-based grant available to students who demonstrate exceptional need (i.e. eligible for Pell grant, zero EFC).
The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP)— Provides grants to eligible students demonstrating financial need. MAP grant funds are available to students who are residents of Illinois (independent students) or whose parent(s) is a resident of Illinois (dependent students). Students must meet the Standards of Academic Progress in order to remain eligible for state grants. Due to limited state funding, students are encouraged to complete and submit their FAFSA after October 1st each year.
Federal Work Study Program (FWS) On Campus Employment— All students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the applicable academic year. To be eligible for a Federal Work Study position, the student must have unmet financial need, be enrolled in at least six credit hours and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. Students can work up to 20 hrs. per week.
Students interested in federal work study employment should contact the Career Development and Jobs Center.
SGA/Cofer Emergency Book Loan Program
Limited funds are available under this program. Short-term loans are provided to eligible students for the purchase of books and supplies.
Students must be continuing, have a GPA of 2.0 and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours to be considered for this book loan.
Veterans Benefits
According to Federal and State guidelines, a veteran must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to be eligible to receive assistance. In order to award and certify veteran benefits, the student must be enrolled in a degree program and provide the Financial Aid Office the necessary documentation (ex. DD214, letter of eligibility, MIA/POW card). In addition, all students using veteran’s benefits must submit their official high school transcript or HSE/GED® transcript to the Admissions Office. All students who are eligible for federal or state veteran’s benefits need to complete the request for veterans benefits form located online and in the financial aid office. This form must be submitted for every semester for which the student is enrolled and receiving benefits.
Illinois Veterans Grant— An honorably discharged veteran may qualify for a state military grant, which pays tuition and fees (excluding lab fees) for veterans who entered service while residing in Illinois, returned to Illinois within six months after separation or served a minimum of one year active duty.
G.I. Bill— The Montgomery GI Bill® (MGIB) is available for those who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces. MGIB encompasses both the Montgomery GI Bill® – Active Duty (Chapter 30) and the Montgomery GI Bill® – Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606). It is the veteran’s responsibility to notify the office regarding periods of enrollment, number of credit hours enrolled for and any charges that would affect the benefits. Additional information about veterans’ programs can be found online at www.gibill.va.gov.
VA Pending Payment Compliance— Beginning August 1, 2019, and despite any policy to the contrary, this educational institution will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or vocational rehabilitation employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the US Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution:
Prevent their enrollment;
Assess a late penalty fee to;
Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:
Produce the VA’s certificate of eligibility by the first day of class;
Provide written request to be certified;
Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies (see our VA school certifying official for all requirements).