HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Financial aid, 38
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application procedures
Financial aid eligibility requirements Types of financial aid, 38
Scholarships Grants Loans
Other available aid Veterans’ programs Taxpayer relief act of 1997 Hope scholarship
Lifetime learning tax credit Enrollment status, 41
Reciprocity, 41
FINANCIAL AID
A variety of financial aid options exist for WITC students to finance their education. Loans, scholarships, grants, work-study and other campus-based aid extends the opportunity for higher education to qualified applicants. Financial aid is designed to supplement you and/or your family’s resources while you attend college. In order to determine your eligibility for financial aid to cover tuition, fees, supplies, estimated room and board, transportation, and personal expenses, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you have received financial
aid before, you must reapply each school year.
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) APPLICATION PROCEDURES
If you are a new or continuing student, you should apply for financial aid by April 15 of the year preceding your enroll-ment using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available in paper form from your high school counselor or from any WITC Financial Aid or Student Services office. However the fastest way to apply for financial aid is over the Internet using FAFSA on the
web.
FAFSA on the Web: www.FAFSA.ed.gov
If you have access to a computer you may want to consider completing your FAFSA online instead of using the paper version. FAFSA on the Web is the fastest, easiest, and most accurate way to apply for financial aid. Before beginning, you’ll want to apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This will ensure your application will be processed in the most efficient and timely manner.
PIN Number: www.PIN.ed.gov
Students can use their U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN) to electronically sign their online FAFSA. Before you begin FAFSA on the
Web, visit www.pin.ed.gov and apply for a PIN. If you are
a dependent student, one parent must also apply for a PIN so they can electronically sign your FAFSA. The Department of Education will e-mail your PIN to you in 1 to 3 days. If you don’t have an e-mail address, your PIN will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 days. Besides signing your FAFSA on
the WEB electronically, your PIN number will allow you to
review and correct answers on your electronic Student Aid Report (SAR), print a copy of your SAR, electronically sign loan promissory notes, reapply for student aid every year, and view information about federal loans and grants you’ve received.
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to receive financial aid, you must be a U.S. resident, high school graduate or equivalent, apply for admis-sion at WITC (although you can begin the application process sooner), enrolled in at least 6 credits (Pell grants may be available even if you are taking fewer credits), and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Such factors as defaulting on a previous student loan without arranging repayment, academic suspension, probation, retakes, incompletes, and withdrawals can affect your financial aid eligibility. Refer to the Financial Aid Guide for more information or call the Financial Aid office.
TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
SCHOLARSHIPS
Student scholarships awarded by the WITC Foundation and other organizations or individuals are available at each WITC campus. Scholarship awards provide financial support for tuition, books, and other education costs and are open to incoming and continuing students in most program areas. Most scholarship awards are $250, $375, or $500, but may be as high as $1,000 per student per year. Scholarship information and application materials are available from the college advancement associate, Student Services, or Financial Aid offices at each campus or from WITC’s Web page at witc.
edu/s-servic/finance.htm. Scholarships are awarded in April
and November of each year. To apply for a WITC Foundation scholarship, you need to complete the application form and submit Scholarship Reference forms. Eligible students must be accepted into a degree or diploma program, and enrolled in a minimum of six credits.
GRANTS (NO REPAYMENT NECESSARY) Federal Pell Grant
Your eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need if you are a full- or part-time student. Your need is determined by your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG)
To be eligible for a WHEG award, you must be a Wisconsin resident, have financial need not met by other grants, and be enrolled at least half-time in a Wisconsin public post-secondary school. WHEG funds are limited and do run out. Apply for financial aid as early as possible each year.
Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant
The Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) provides additional grant money for students enrolled in WEOP who demonstrate special financial need or unusual family circumstances. This grant program is designed to aid the nontraditional or less-advantaged student. Under this program, awards are granted up to $1,800 to first-year college students. For an application, contact the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program, 204 E. Grand Avenue, 5th floor, Eau Claire, WI 54701, 715.836.3171; or the Wis-consin Educational Opportunity Program, 620 Beaser Av-enue, Ashland, WI 54806, 715.682.7976 or 715.682.7977.
Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Program
Grants of up to $1,100 per academic year, based on finan-cial need, are available to resident students whose heritage is at least 25 percent American Indian. Additional funds may be matched by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and contact the Tribal Education Office for an Indian Scholarship Application.
Minority Grant
This is a state-sponsored grant program available only to students who are members of one of the following minor-ity groups: African American, Hispanic, American Indian, and South East Asians from Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Students must be U.S. citizens and Wisconsin residents entering their second year of school. Minority grants are awarded to the students based on financial need. To apply, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Visual and Hearing Impaired Scholarship
Provides grants up to $1,800 for Wisconsin residents who are deaf, hard of hearing, or visually handicapped and who can demonstrate financial need. Applications can be obtained from local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Office or the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board, P.O. Box 7885, Madison, WI 53707-7885.
LOANS (REPAYMENT NECESSARY) Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
The Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan allows you to borrow directly from a bank, credit union, savings and loan associa-tion, or other participating lender who is willing to make the loan. The maximum annual amount that can be borrowed is $3,500 for the first academic year and $4,500 for the second academic year. The cumulative unpaid total of both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans borrowed while at WITC and other colleges may prevent you from borrowing ad-ditional loans while at WITC. Contact the Financial Aid advi-sor at the campus you will attend if you have additional ques-tions. Loan repayments begin 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below a half-credit load. The amount of your payment depends on your total loan indebtedness. A minimum of $50 per month is required. The maximum num-ber of years to repay the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is 10 years, but may be less depending on the size of the debt. To apply you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Master Promissory Note (MPN).
Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
The terms of the Unsubsidized Loan are the same as the sub-sidized except the federal government does not pay the inter-est while you are enrolled in school. The student is responsi-ble for interest during the grace period, period of repayment, or during authorized deferment. To apply, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Amounts vary up to $3,500 for your first year and $4,500 for your second year (less any Stafford Loan eligibility). The cumulative unpaid total of both Subsidized/Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans borrowed from WITC and other colleges may prevent you from borrow-ing additional loans to complete a degree at WITC. Contact the financial aid advisor at the campus you will attend if you have additional questions.
PLUS Loans (PLUS)
Part-Time Employment (Work-Study)
To participate in this part-time employment program, you must show evidence of financial need. Positions include office support, custodial, library, or laboratory aides in vari-ous departments and offices on the campus. Work-study positions are limited and are awarded to early financial aid applicants. If you were not awarded a work-study position on your award letter but are interested in working under this program, contact the Financial Aid office and request that your name be placed on a waiting list. If you are eligible, you will be contacted if/when a position becomes available. Contact WITC for the current work-study wage.
OTHER AVAILABLE AID Workforce Resource
If you are unemployed, underemployed, or economically disadvantaged, you may be eligible to receive financial assistance such as funds for tuition, books, and other support. This assistance is designed to help you receive the training you need to secure, maintain, or retain employ-ment. For more information, contact a WITC Financial Aid office.
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
Any Wisconsin resident, 16 years of age or older who has a disabling condition that constitutes a substantial handicap to employment, may be eligible for DVR aid. Contact the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation office near-est you for more information.
VETERANS’ PROGRAMS
Chapter 30, New Montgomery G.I. Bill
The G.I. Bill establishes educational benefits for individuals initially entering military service after July 1, 1985. Rates of pay are determined by the previous period of enlistment.
Chapter 31, Disabled Veterans, Vocational Rehabilitation
If you are a veteran with a 20 percent or more VA service-connected disability, you may be eligible for as many as 48 months of entitlement. For eligibility guidelines, contact the Veterans’ Administration, a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, or your county Office of Veterans’ Affairs.
Chapter 35, Dependents/Spouses or Surviving Spouses
Dependents of veterans who are 100 percent disabled or who have died from a service-connected disability may
be eligible to receive VA educational assistance. Generally, eligibility for a spouse extends 10 years from the date of the veteran’s death or the date the veteran was found to have a total service-connected disability. Eligibility for a child ends on the child’s 26th birthday, unless extended under certain conditions. If the veteran is not receiving monthly disability benefits, the student is usually not eligible for Chapter 35. Contact your county’s Veterans’ Service Office for more information.
Chapter 1606, Montgomery G.I. Bill-Selected Resources
This aid is available for members of the National Guard and Reserve who enlist, re-enlist, or extend an enlistment for a period of not less than 6 years.
Wisconsin G.I. Bill
The Wisconsin G. I. Bill provides a waiver (“remission”) of tuition for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to 8 full-time semesters or 128 credits. A 100% remission is pro-vided to the veteran, qualifying unremarried surviving spouse and children of a veteran who died in the line of duty, and to the spouse and children of a veteran with substantial service connected disabilities (combined VA service-connected dis-ability rating of 30% or greater). For qualifying spouses, the benefit must be used within 10 years of the date of death or the initial disability rating of 30% or greater. For qualifying children, the benefit is available from ages 18 through 26. For the Wisconsin G. I. Bill, the veteran must have entered service as a Wisconsin resident. The benefit recipient must reside in Wisconsin. An initial application must be made to the school within 14 days of the start of the semester.
For additional information, contact the financial aid advisor at the campus you plan to attend or http://dva.state.wi.us.
TAXPAYER RELIEF ACT OF 1997
As part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, two new tax credit programs were established to help 12.9 million students and their parents: The HOPE Scholarship and Lifetime Learn-ing Tax Credits. To claim the credit, the taxpayer must file a tax return and owe taxes. The taxpayer must also claim the eligible student as a dependent unless the credit is for the taxpayer or their spouse. 1098T forms will be completed by the WITC Business Office for all students. Claiming the tax credit is the student’s responsibility.
HOPE SCHOLARSHIP
percent credit on the second $1,000. This credit is avail-able for tuition and required fees less grants, scholarships, and other tax-free educational assistance. You must be enrolled at least half-time in an approved program leading to a degree or certificate and be in the first two years of undergraduate study. The HOPE credit is not refundable for families who do not pay taxes or who owe less in taxes than the maximum amount of the HOPE tax credit. This credit is phased out for joint filers who have between $87,000 and $107,000 of adjusted gross income, and for single filers who have between $43,000 and $53,000 of adjusted gross income. A taxpayer can claim a credit for his or her tuition expenses or for the expenses of his or her spouse or dependent children.
LIFETIME LEARNING TAX CREDIT
A family may claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax year for the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse, or any eligible depen-dents for an unlimited number of tax years. The amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit is 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses paid for all eligible stu-dents. Therefore, the maximum amount of a Lifetime Learn-ing tax credit is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills, unlike the Hope credit which is only available for two years.
ENROLLMENT STATUS
Students are considered full-time students if they are tak-ing 12 or more credits each semester. Three-quarter-time enrollment is 9, 10, or 11 credits per semester. Half-time enrollment is 6, 7, or 8 credits per semester. (Summer full-time is 6 credits, three-quarter-time is 5 and half-time is 3-4 credits.)
RECIPROCITY
WISCONSIN - MINNESOTA
Minnesota students pay resident material and program fees while attending WITC and they are considered nondistrict state residents for tuition purposes.
WISCONSIN - MICHIGAN
A separate reciprocity agreement exists between Gogebic Community College in the upper peninsula of Michigan and WITC that allows residents of the Gogebic Community Col-lege district to pay the resident program fee for each credit taken at WITC.
TUITION AND FEES FOR 2007-2008
Fees are due 7 days before the beginning of each instructional term. An annual course fee will be assigned for each course. The course fee combines the uniform statewide program and material fees and the board-established incidental fee. Course fees apply to credit courses regardless of the location at which the course is offered. If you are in a Basic Skills program, you may be exempt from paying fees.
TUITION GUARANTEE
WITC affirms that education and training are designed to en-able eligible persons to acquire occupational skills necessary for full participation in the workforce.
The WITC Board, in compliance with Wisconsin Statute 38.24(4), provides a fee exemption for up to 6 credits to a graduate who is unable to obtain employment within 6 months of graduation or whose employer certifies that the graduate lacks entry-level job skills in the graduate’s field of study.
Applications for fee exemption should be made to the campus dean of students, who will determine if the graduate quali-fies for the exemption. To respond to this policy, the Board stipulates that a graduate of an associate degree or technical diploma program who is a resident of the state of Wisconsin, is exempt from program and material fees for up to 6 credits within the same occupational program for which the degree or diploma was awarded if the graduate applies for exemption of fees within 6 months of graduation and either of the follow-ing two conditions apply:
1. Within 90 days after initial employment, the graduate’s employer certifies to the WITC Board that the graduate lacks entry-level job skills and specifies in writing the areas in which the graduate’s skills are deficient. 2. The graduate certifies in writing that all of the following
conditions apply:
a. The graduate has not secured employment in the occupational area in which (s)he received a degree or diploma.
b. The graduate has demonstrated that (s)he has actively pursued employment in that occupational area. c. The graduate has not refused employment in that occupational or related field.
TUITION FEES 2007-2008 Program Fee - $92.05 per credit
All programs are subject to a uniform fee per credit estab-lished by the Wisconsin Technical College System Board and state legislature. The rate is subject to change. Certain unique courses and programs are exempt from program fees.
Material Fee – $4 minimum per course
All courses are subject to a material fee per credit estab-lished by the state. These fees vary by both the program you are in and the different costs of materials used in each course. Certain unique courses and programs are exempt from material fees.
Incidental fee - $5.95
A per-credit incidental fee is charged to help fund a wide range of services to students including parking, library and media services, student activities, records processing, health services, and other miscellaneous student support activities.
Out-of-State Tuition – resident program fee plus $478.50 per credit
Out-of-state nonresident students pay $92.05 per credit program fee plus $478.50 per credit out-of-state tuition fee (total $570.55) and materials fees.
Supplementary Supplies and Materials – Fees Vary
Certain classes will require a fee to cover special laboratory costs, supplies, duplication, uniforms, etc.
Challenge Exam/Portfolio – work experience evaluation fee - $20 per credit
A standard fee of $20 per credit will be charged to students who attempt the challenge exam of a class or obtain credit for work or life experience.
Fee for Online Courses - $10 per credit
The instructional fee for all online courses is $10 per credit, with a minimum charge of $10 per course.
Application Fee—$30
The nonrefundable $30 application fee must accompany your application for admission for all state- and college-approved credit programs and certificates that require basic skills assessment and are financial aid eligible. This is a one-time lifetime fee as of March 8, 1999.
Criminal Background Check Fee—$7.50
This fee is collected by WITC to process background checks from the Wisconsin Department of Justice required under the Caregiver Background Check Law.
Graduation Fee—$35
A graduation fee is a one-time charge for each school year, assessed in the final semester preceding graduation. (If you graduate from a program and wish to participate in the commencement ceremony in December of 2007 and also in May of 2008, the graduation fee is only paid once. If you graduate from an additional program in December 2008 this is a new school year and requires an additional graduation fee.)
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You can pay your fees by check; Visa, Mastercard, or Dis-cover; money order; or with your financial aid award. Cash is accepted when you are paying for your fees in person. If you have applied for financial aid but it is not available, you can talk with your campus business office technician about sign-ing a Contract for Payment. When a contract is signed, you may be responsible for a $35 nonrefundable processing fee and you also may be responsible for a down payment of your fees. Whenever a company or agency is sponsoring your education, you will need to arrange payment with them and bring this written documentation with you when you register. Students must pay full tuition and fees or have a Contract for Payment in place by 7 days before start of the term. Your class space is subject to cancellation if fees are not paid. Online payment option: Credit card, auto debit to checking or savings, or Contract for Payment ($300 or more tuition balance).
