the UTC Financial Aid Office to determine what action needs to be taken to accept that award. All offered awards are time-sensitive and will be cancelled if the student does not respond within 30 days. The student must complete this step by June 1 for fall enrollment.
Step 4 Complete all Loan Applications
First-time borrowers at UTC must complete an entrance interview and a Master Promissory Note with their chosen lender in order to receive loan funds. These steps may be completed on the UTC Financial Aid website www.utc.edu/Administration/FinancialAid/. The student must be enrolled in at least six credit hours to be eligible to receive Federal loan funds. The student must complete this step before July 1.
Step 5 Pay Fees
Students must pay fees through the Bursar's Office. Students with approved financial aid must also contact the Bursar's Office to confirm classes. This process must be completed by the deadline posted on the academic calendar, or registration will be cancelled for nonpayment of fees. Funds for students are authorized by the UTC Financial Aid Office and disbursed to the students by UTC Bursar's Office, based on set disbursement dates for the semester. Check with either office for disbursement dates for any given semester.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
The Federal Government requires schools that provide financial aid to review academic progress to ensure that only those students who are making good academic progress receive financial aid. According to this policy, students are immediately ineligible for financial assistance when they are not progressing academically because of poor grades, have withdrawn, or have been suspended or dismissed. For students to maintain satisfactory academic progress, they must meet the following two standards:
- Students must satisfy continuation standards to continue their education at the University according to the University's Standards of Continuation published in this Catalog;
- Students must earn a required number of hours each year based on enrollment status (part-time, three-fourths time, and full-time student) on the first day of each semester.
Students who are enrolled full-time must earn at least 20 hours per academic year to be classified as making satisfactory progress. The required number of hours is prorated for students enrolled less than full-time.
Students who attempt more than 150% of the hours required for graduation in their program of study are ineligible for additional financial aid funds.
Students receiving University scholarships must complete 24 hours per academic year to maintain the scholarship.
The Financial Aid Office provides a thorough explanation of satisfactory academic progress. The guidelines are available at the Financial Aid Office and on the UTC Financial Aid website. The
University annually publishes a separate continuation scale for the Chancellor's, Provost's, and Yes scholarships.
Students who lose their financial aid due to insufficient progress may appeal the action by submitting an appeal form available on the UTC Financial Aid website or at the Financial Aid Office. Students who are suspended or dismissed from the University must appeal to the Records Office to re-enroll in school. If readmitted, this information will be forwarded to Financial Aid.
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for complete information related to the suspension, non-renewal and appeal procedures.
Types of Financial Aid
Grants
Federal Pell Grants
Pell Grant awards range from $300 to $5,350 with the value of the award reflecting the Estimated Family Contribution and the number of credit hours in which the student has enrolled. The grant is the "base" award of financial aid and is awarded before other forms of aid. Regulations and provisions of the Pell Grant Program are subject to change by Federal legislative action.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
This grant, which ranges from $250 to $500, is available to undergraduate students with high financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Funds are limited, so it is essential that students complete the FAFSA and all other required documents as early as possible.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG Grant)
The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a Federal grant available to students who have completed the FAFSA, are eligible for the Pell Grant, are U.S. citizens, and are under the age of 20. This award is given to Freshmen and Sophomore students who have completed a qualifying rigorous high school curriculum as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Self-certification through the Federal website is required to apply. Recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA to receive the grant during the sophomore year. Awards range from $375 to $1,300 per academic year. Regulations and provisions of the ACG are subject to change by Federal legislative action.
Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
The SMART Grant is a Federal grant available to students who have completed the FAFSA, are eligible for the Pell Grant, are U.S. citizens, and have declared one of the eligible majors as defined by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must also have a 3.0 GPA in their declared major to receive these funds. The maximum award for the academic year is $4,000. Regulations and provisions of the SMART Grant are subject to change by Federal legislative action.
