Financial Aid

**CARES II-Fund Exhaustion**

We have exhausted our CARES fund allocation and do not have remaining funds.

Any remaining CARES funds will be exhausted using the following metric:

Zero (0) EFC	$800
Greater than Zero (0) EFC	$600

Awards will be randomly awarded to those students who demonstrate need, based on information submitted on the 2022-2023 FAFSA. Once the remaining CARES II funds have been exhausted, no additional CARES II awards will be provided.

An exception to this awarding policy would be in instances where an awarded student(s) does not matriculate. In these cases, the awarded funds will be reallocated to students who demonstrate need.

Students are not guaranteed to receive this award.

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Gwinnett Technical college has been awarded an additional $10.9 million through The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support students who have exceptional need due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The third round of HEERF III funding is very similar to the HEERF II funds, as it still requires emphasis on students who exhibit exceptional need and non-Title IV eligible students are eligible for the funding.

Eligible students will receive automatic grants applied to their account. Gwinnett Technical College will disburse one payment in fall and spring terms for students enrolled in A/B terms and secondary payment for newly enrolled students for Term C. These amounts are based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula indicated on a completed FAFSA along with enrolled credit hours.

We encourage all students who have not completed a FAFSA to complete one as soon as possible to determine accurate CARES III eligibility. Please note, your enrollment and EFC at the time of disbursement will determine your fund amounts. The amount you receive in fall term may not be the same amount you receive in spring term. Any changes made after the initial fund disbursement, we will not increase those amounts.

The Department of Education released eligibility guidance regarding the HEERF III CARES Act funds. All CARES Act (HEERF III) funds released to the College will be disbursed to students who meet the following federal eligibility criteria:

• Enrolled in at least 1 credit hour for the fall 2021 and/or spring 2022 term
• Exemplify exceptional need as determined by completing the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution model
• Not enrolled as the following student types
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Transient

Allocation and Distribution Model:

Gwinnett Technical College has developed the following distribution model for the Emergency CARES Act (HEERFIII) funds based on student populations displaying exceptional need and enrollment hours. To find your EFC, please refer to your most recent Student Aid Report that was sent upon completion of your FAFSA. The same distribution model will be used for Spring 2022 terms. For any additional questions, please feel free to email: financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu.

February 17, 2022 Update:

Tier	Award
Zero EFC FT	2000
Zero EFC PT	1500
EFC < 5847	1000
EFC > 5847	775
No EFC – application not required	400

For any additional questions, please feel free to email: financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu.

*CARES funds are not awarded to those students who were fully withdrawn at the time of awarding and those students dual enrolled or of transient statuses.

** Those students with incomplete verification files will be awarded based on their associated tier.

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January 10, 2022

The total amount of HEERF III Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP as of December 31, 2021, is $528,900. The estimated number of students at the institution enrolled for at least one credit in degree programs who meet eligibility criteria and are thus eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under Section 2003 of the ARP is 6,743. The total number of students who received a HEERF III Fund Grant thus far is 514 as of 12/31/2021.

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November 8, 2021

The total amount of HEERF III Fund Grants distributed to students under Section 2003 (a)(1) of the ARP as of October 28, 2021 is $4,698,825 The estimated number of students at the institution enrolled for at least one credit in degree programs who meet eligibility criteria and are thus eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under Section 2003 of the ARP is 6,705. The total number of students who received a HEERF III Fund Grant thus far is 4979 as of 10/28/21.

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August 12, 2021 Update:

Gwinnett Technical college has been awarded an additional $10.9 million through The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) created by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to support students who have exceptional need due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The third round of HEERF III funding is very similar to the HEERF II funds, as it still requires emphasis on students who exhibit exceptional need and non-Title IV eligible students are eligible for the funding.

Eligible students will receive automatic grants applied to their account. Gwinnett Technical College will disburse one payment in fall and spring terms for students enrolled in A/B terms and secondary payment for newly enrolled students for Term C. These amounts are based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula indicated on a completed FAFSA along with enrolled credit hours.

We encourage all students who have not completed a FAFSA to complete one as soon as possible to determine accurate CARES III eligibility. Please note, your enrollment and EFC at the time of disbursement will determine your fund amounts. The amount you receive in fall term may not be the same amount you receive in spring term. Any changes made after the initial fund disbursement, we will not increase those amounts.

The Department of Education released eligibility guidance regarding the HEERF III CARES Act funds. All CARES Act (HEERF III) funds released to the College will be disbursed to students who meet the following federal eligibility criteria:

• Enrolled in at least 1 credit hour for the fall 2021 and/or spring 2022 term
• Exemplify exceptional need as determined by completing the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution model
• Not enrolled as the following student types:
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Transient

Allocation and Distribution Model:

Gwinnett Technical College has developed the following distribution model for the Emergency CARES Act (HEERFIII) funds based on student populations displaying exceptional need and enrollment hours. To find your EFC, please refer to your most recent Student Aid Report that was sent upon completion of your FAFSA. The same distribution model will be used for Spring 2022 terms.

Tier	Award
Tier 1: Zero EFC + FT	$1,750
Tier 2: Zero EFC + PT	$1,250
Tier 3: EFC $1 – $5,846	$750
Tier 4: EFC $5,847 – $99,999	$475
Tier 5: No EFC – (Foreign)* Will default to 0 EFC, amount based on credit hours
Tier 6: No EFC – Application Required	$250

If funds are not fully expended at the end of Spring 2022 term, the Office of Financial Aid will issue a notice to all enrolled students for Summer term to offer the opportunity to apply for additional emergency funding.

Students who did not complete a FAFSA will have to complete an application that will be placed on their BANNER account. For any additional questions, please feel free to email: financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu

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March 16, 2021 Update:

Gwinnett Technical College has been awarded an additional $2.6 million through the Federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to continue to support students who have exceptional need due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The second round of HEERF II (CARES II) funding is not the same as the first grant program. The new round of funding requires emphasis on students with exceptional need; therefore, eligibility requirements have changed. Students who were non-Title IV eligible may now be eligible for CARES II funds. Additionally, students who received the first round of CARES funds, may not necessarily receive the same level of funds this time, due to the new allocation formula.

Eligible students will receive automatic grants applied to their account. These amounts are based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula indicated on a completed FAFSA. We encourage all students who have not completed a FAFSA to complete one as soon as possible to determine accurate CARES II eligibility. Funds will be disbursed until fully expended. Please note, your enrollment and EFC at the time of disbursement will determine your fund amounts. Any changes made after the initial fund disbursement, will not increase amounts.

The Department of Education released eligibility guidance regarding the HEERF2 CARES Act funds. All CARES Act (HEERF2) funds released to the College will be disbursed to students who meet the following federal eligibility criteria: 

• Enrolled in at least 1 credit hour for the Spring 2021 term
• Exemplify exceptional need as determined by completing the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution model
• Not enrolled as the following student types:
  • DACA
  • International/Foreign
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Transient

Allocation and Distribution Model:
Gwinnett Technical College has developed the following distribution model for the Emergency CARES Act (HEERF2) funds based on student populations displaying exceptional need and enrollment hours. To find your EFC, please refer to your most recent Student Aid Report that was sent upon completion of your FAFSA.

The Department of Education released eligibility guidance regarding the HEERF2 CARES Act funds. All CARES Act (HEERF2) funds released to the College will be disbursed to students who meet the following federal eligibility criteria: 

• Enrolled in at least 1 credit hour for the Spring 2021 term
• Exemplify exceptional need as determined by completing the FAFSA and the Expected Family Contribution model
• Not enrolled as the following student types:
  • DACA
  • International/Foreign
  • Dual Enrollment
  • Transient

Allocation and Distribution Model:
Gwinnett Technical College has developed the following distribution model for the Emergency CARES Act (HEERF2) funds based on student populations displaying exceptional need and enrollment hours. To find your EFC, please refer to your most recent Student Aid Report that was sent upon completion of your FAFSA.

Tier	Award
Tier 1: Zero EFC + Full Time Enrollment(12 credit hours or more)	$1000
Tier 2: Zero EFC + PT(11 credit hours or less)	$750
Tier 3: EFC $1 – $5,711	$500
Tier 4: EFC $5,712 – $99,999	$250
Tier 5: No EFC – Application Required	$100

Students who did not complete a FAFSA will have to complete an application that will be placed on their BANNER account. For any additional questions, please feel free to email: financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu

CARES II disbursements will be made the week of March 22, 2021. All payments will be applied to the student’s Banner account, generating a refund. Refunds will then be distributed via BankMobile. If you have already made a refund preference with BankMobile then login to your account at bankmobilevibe.com to view your refund status. If you have not made a refund preference, visit www.refundselection.com to obtain your personal code and select a refund option. BankMobile refund options include an ACH to a bank account or opening a BankMobile Vibe account. Students who opted to have the funds applied to any outstanding balances will see the credit on their banner student account.

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January 6, 2021 Update:

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Report – Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

Gwinnett Technical College (OPE ID: 02288400) received education stabilization funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), Public Law No: 116-136. This Fund Report applies to the student portion received under the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund that is designated exclusively for emergency financial aid grants to students.

The college appreciates that Congress and the President have made these critical funds available for eligible students who have expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. We take receipt of these federal funds seriously and are distributing them in accordance with the CARES Act and implementing guidance

The college is making the below information available for transparency purposes and in compliance with the U.S. Department of Education’s (“Department”) Electronic Announcement of May 6, 2020.1 For questions or concerns regarding this Fund Report, please contact Felicia Ailster, Executive Director of Financial Aid @  failster@gwinnetttech.edu

The college signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students. The college has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

The total amount of funds that the college will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the college’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students is $2,668,288.

The total amount of emergency financial aid grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is:

Fund Report as of:

• 12/31/2020 2,307,125
• 10/31/2020 2,050,500
• 9/30/2020 1,988,500
• 8/31/2020 1,988,500
• 7/27/2020 1,965,250
• 6/29/2020 1,953,250

The estimated total number of students at the college eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and thus eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is:

Fund Report as of

• 12/31/2020 2032
• 10/31/2020 3,875
• 9/30/2020 3,892
• 8/31/2020 3,892
• 7/27/2020 3,880
• 6/29/2020 3,857

The total number of students who have received an emergency financial aid grant under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is:

Fund Report as of:

• 12/31/2020 4434
• 10/31/2020 3,875
• 9/30/2020 3,892
• 8/31/2020 3,892
• 7/27/2020 3,880
• 6/29/2020 3,857

The methods used by the college to determine which students receive emergency financial aid grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act are provided at Attachment A.

Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the college to students concerning the emergency financial aid grants are provided at Attachment B.

Funds will continue to be distributed to those students who request funding on a first come first served basis. If you feel as if you are eligible, please email financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu from your student email address and please include your student ID. Effective January 1st, 2021. Students who make the request for funding will have 30 days to complete the application. If the application is not complete within that timeframe, that application will be denied so we may assist the students who are needing help immediately.

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May 12, 2020 Update:

Gwinnett Technical College signed and returned to the Department of Education the Certification and Agreement for the HEERF Cares Act Funds. The College intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

The Department of Education has recently released some updated guidance about CARES Act funding. These funds released to the College will be disbursed to those students who meet the following federal eligibility criteria:

• Student must have a completed a 19-20 FAFSA, with no outstanding items, and determined to be Title IV eligible.
• Student must have been enrolled, in at least one credit hour, in a Title IV eligible program, Spring semester, after March 16th.
• Student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.
• Student must meet certain student type criteria established by the Department of Education. The following student types have been excluded:
  • “H” dual enrollment student (HS or equivalent must be completed)
  • coded as foreign “F”
  • coded as transient student (receive funds from home institution)
  • defaulted on student loans, overpayments, or other loan restrictions
  • Term B (part of term ended prior to March 16)
  • enrolled exclusively in online courses for the spring term

More specific information on eligibility criteria and fund information can be found here at the Department of Education’s website.

We encourage you to submit a 19/20 FAFSA if you have not already done so. If you completed a FAFSA, please check your financial aid status via your student Banner account, to submit any missing documents. (Instructions to do so can be found here.) This will allow the Financial Aid Office to determine your eligibility.

Allocation of funds:

• Gwinnett Technical College’s student allocation was $2,668,288. The eligible student population indicates that 4,202 spring semester students initially met the required criteria.
• Gwinnett Technical College will at the outset award all eligible students a standard amount. Eligible spring semester students will receive a $500 one-time disbursement totaling $2,101,000. $315,000 will be reserved for potential additional eligible students.
• The remaining funds will be available for $250, one-time grant requests, for eligible students experiencing emergency and substantial hardship, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. To apply for consideration of additional grant monies:
  • Eligible students can email a request through their student email account to FinancialAidOffice@GwinnettTech.edu
  • If the Financial Aid Office determines the student is eligible to apply, the application link will be added to the student Banner account.
  • Students must complete the electronic application and upload required supporting documentation, by June 30, 2020.
  • Grant requests will be reviewed within ten business days of submission. Funds will be awarded and disbursed upon application approval.
• Any funds not fully disbursed from initial allocations, will be added to the grant request funds. Should funds remain as of July 31, 2020, further disbursements may be made to eligible students enrolled summer semester, who were also enrolled Spring semester during the pandemic timeframe.

All payments will be applied to the student’s Banner account, generating a refund. Refunds will then be distributed via BankMobile. If you have already made a refund preference with BankMobile then login to your account at bankmobilevibe.com to view your refund status. If you have not made a refund preference, visit www.refundselection.com to obtain your personal code and select a refund option. BankMobile refund options include an ACH to a bank account or opening a BankMobile Vibe account.

The timeline of initial disbursements is as follows:
May 12: 4,202 initial payments of $500 awarded to student accounts
May 14: 4,202 initial refunds posted to student accounts. BankMobile will make refunds available 1-2 business days after May 14.
Students should monitor their student email accounts beginning May 14 for a refund status update from BankMobile.

Questions?

• For questions on eligibility, email FinancialAidOffice@GwinnettTech.edu from your student email account and include your name and student identification (900#).
• For questions on BankMobile access of funds distributed, email Bursar@GwinnettTech.edu from your student email account and include your name and student identification (900#).

1. Submit the FAFSA
   • Complete the 2023-2024 FAFSA for Fall 2023, Fall 2024, and Summer 2024 semester
2. Check Your Email
   • Check the email address you used on the FAFSA approximately 5 business days after you submit your application. We will send a notification that lists additional requirements, and how to obtain them on your Student Banner Account. For assistance with Student Banner navigation, click the FAQ’s and How-To’s link on the left panel.
3. Submit the Requested Documents
   • You must be accepted into a Financial Aid eligible program of study before we review your file and award funds. The Financial Aid process can be lengthy; it can take up to 4 weeks to review your eligibility. Please submit the requested documents as soon as possible.
4. Check Your Student Banner Account
   • Updates to your Financial Aid file can happen at any time. Review your Student Banner Account periodically for updates and award offers.
5. Accept Your Awards
   • Once you are accepted into a Financial Aid eligible program and your documents have been reviewed, we will send an award letter email to your GwinnettTech.edu account.
6. Review Financial Aid Authorizations
   • The Financial Aid Office will authorize your aid based on your enrollment status. The funds can be viewed in Banner on the “Account Summary by Term” screen by clicking on the semester name. If your “Authorized Aid” balance is greater than the “Account Balance,” or tuition and fees owed to the college, then you do not have to take further action. Please click on the FAQ’s and How-To’s link on the left panel for more information.

Gwinnett Technical College uses CampusLogic to assist our students who are chosen for verification or have conflicting information from the results of their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). We also use CampusLogic for Satisfactory Academic Progress and Professional Judgment Appeals.

If you are required to submit documents, you will be notified. In this notification, you will be instructed to create a CampusLogic account (if you have not already created an account). The account you create will be checked against the information from your FAFSA application so please remember to enter your demographic information when creating your CampusLogic account just as you entered it on your FAFSA application.

Professional Judgment allows the Financial Aid Office to modify Financial Aid awards based on Special Circumstances. Professional Judgment and qualifying factors for special circumstances form the basis of the financial aid appeal process.

Financial Aid Appeal Professional Judgment provides the Financial Aid Administrator (“FAA”) discretion on a case-by-case basis to modify FAFSA reported parent/student financial data when there are “special circumstances”.

The financial data calculates the family Expected Family Contribution (“EFC) by subtracting the Cost of Attendance to establish family demonstrated financial need.

When you file a financial aid appeal, the FAA using PJ can lower your EFC increasing your family financial need resulting in an increase in your financial aid package award.

Examples of special circumstances include:

• Recent unemployment of family member/s,
• Medical, dental, or nursing care expenses not covered by health insurance,
• Changes in the family’s income and/or assets,
• Unusual one-time income event that inflates adjusted gross income

If you feel you have qualifying circumstances, please contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaidoffice@gwinnetttech.edu and request instructions on completing an appeal.

• Be a regularly admitted student enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required)
• Be a high school graduate or have a recognized equivalent (official high school transcript, GED certificate, etc.)
• Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe an over payment on a Federal Student Aid (FSA) grant or loan;
• Not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for FSA
• Be registered with the Selective Service (if required)
• Be satisfying Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Not have been convicted of an illegal drug-related offense committed while receiving financial aid. If convicted, the student must visit the FAFSA website to complete the FAFSA. The student will be asked about their drug conviction status and provided a “Drug Worksheet” to complete in order to determine eligibility. Additional help is available by calling 800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243)
• Be enrolled at least half-time if applying to receive Federal Direct Loan funding
• Not be incarcerated
• Certify the federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes
• Demonstrate financial need for the Pell Grant program or Subsidized Loan programs.
• Students must apply for federal student aid every year.  In order to determine financial aid eligibility, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Gwinnett Technical College Federal School Code is 016139.

Students should complete their FAFSA, using our school code 016139, as soon as possible.

The FAFSA and requested documents should be submitted to Gwinnett Technical College Financial Aid Office once the student has been notified that more documentation is needed or if a student wants to receive Financial Aid. This gives the Financial Aid Office time to process and award aid to students. This process can take up to 4 weeks. We encourage students to apply early and monitor the GTC Student email.

If your file is not completed by the priority payment deadline, you should consider paying for your educational costs using the Nelnet Payment Plan. Click “Payment Plans” on the right panel for more information.

Please note: Nelnet is NOT available for the Mini-Mester Term C. If you have not been awarded Financial Aid or agreed to a Nelnet plan by the Tuition/Fee Payment Deadline, your courses will be dropped.

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Federal and State Grants are automatically accepted on your behalf in your Student Banner Account. Grants are awarded based on your enrollment status each semester. Loans must be accepted each semester on your Student Banner Account and may require additional actions. Please click on Federal Funds and State Funds options in the panel on the right for more information.

Financial Aid funds are initially awarded for Fall and Spring semesters only. If you are interested in taking summer courses and would like to use your remaining aid, please submit the Summer Survey. The survey will be available on your Student Banner Account in the early Spring. 

Please note: If you receive loan disbursements in the Fall and Spring semesters, you may not have loan funds available for the Summer. Please budget accordingly.

Gwinnett Technical College utilizes a Census Date to determine Pell Grant Eligibility. This date will refer to the point in which your enrollment at Gwinnett Technical College is locked for the semester. This enrollment lock does not apply to any other types of Financial Aid. Student enrollment as of 11:59 on the Census Date will determine Pell Grant Eligibility. If you have a schedule that includes a class in Mini-Mester Term C, your Pell Grant Census Date will defer to the Mini-Mester Term C Census Date. Any withdrawals before that can be subject to your Pell Grant being reduced.

If a student has a schedule that initially includes a Mini-Mester Term C class, and they decide to drop that class, the applicable census date will automatically revert back to the Pell Census Date for Terms A/B.

New students who are registering during Mini-Mester Term C registration will default to the Mini-Mester Term C Census Date only.

2023 – 2024 Gwinnett Tech Pell Grant Census 

The Pell Grant Census date is scheduled the day after add/drop each semester and Mini-Mester as of 11:59 p.m. EST. 

• Fall 2023 Terms A/B         August 20
• Fall 2023 Mini-Term C             October 12
• Spring 2024 Terms A/B           January 14
• Spring 2024 Mini-Term C       March 7
• Summer 2024                         May 15

Please refer to the academic calendar for exact dates. 

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