Eligibility Requirements
Financial aid programs are funded by federal and state governmental agencies and are administered according to the laws and guidelines of each program. Essentially, eligibility requirements are the same for all financial aid programs at VC. In order to receive financial assistance, a student must:
- be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen and have a valid social security number;
- be registered with Selective Service if a male who is at least 18 years old and born after December 31, 1959, unless not required to register; (The Federal Government will verify compliance with the registration requirement.);
- have a high school diploma or GED certificate;
- be enrolled or plan to enroll at least part-time as a regular student in an eligible program (The Pell Grant Program will permit eligible students to enroll less-than-half-time and still qualify for assistance.);
- be working toward a degree or certificate;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress in a course of study;
- not be in default on any loan or owe a refund on any grant made under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, at any institution; and
- not have a federal or state conviction for the possession or sale of illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid.
A regular student is someone who is enrolled or accepted for enrollment for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate offered by VC. Summer transient students are not eligible to receive financial aid.
The U.S. Department of Education frequently changes regulations pertaining to financial aid. Since Vernon College attempts to comply with all legislative mandates and federal regulations, the Financial Aid Office reserves the right to make policy and procedure changes during the award year. If changes occur, they will be posted in the Financial Aid Office.