Federal and State Assistance
Grants are considered gift aid and do not require repayment unless the student reduces his/her course load, never attends class, quits attending class, or withdraws from school prior to the completion of the semester. Any repayment due would be calculated in accordance with appropriate regulations governing the particular grant program.
Federal Pell Grants. The Federal Pell Grant is designed to provide eligible students with a foundation of aid to help defray the cost of education. It is always the first program considered for each applicant. Although the Financial Aid Office determines the amount of each student’s Pell Grant, eligibility is determined on the basis of a formula developed by the U.S. Department of Education. A student may be ineligible for a Federal Pell Grant; however, he or she may qualify for other financial assistance. The Federal Pell Grant is to be used solely for educational purposes, which includes tuition, fees, room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
In order to receive a Pell Grant, the Department of Education must have processed a valid student aid report (which is the result of filing the FAFSA form) with an official expected family contribution while an eligible student is enrolled for the award year. Verification documents (if applicable) must be received and be accurate no later than 120 days after the last day of enrollment or the Department of Education’s published deadline, whichever is earlier. A student’s duration of Pell eligibility is limited to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). The FSEOG is offered to first time undergraduate students with the lowest expected family contributions who are also receiving Federal Pell Grants and have financial need. Amounts are based on the student’s enrollment and are made in accordance with program regulations and on a first come, first served basis.
Texas Public Educational Grant Program (TPEG). The TPEG program is funded from tuition paid by credit students attending VC. The applicant must be enrolled at least half-time during the term or terms for which the grant is offered and have financial need. Amounts are based on the student’s enrollment and are made in accordance with program regulations and on a first come, first served basis.
Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG). The TEOG Grant is offered first come, first served to Texas residents who are enrolled at least half-time and meet the following eligibility requirements: have financial need and have an expected family contribution that is below the cap as defined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; are registered with selective service (if required); and have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving a controlled substance. Initial recipients must be enrolled in the first 30 hours of an associate’s degree or certificate program and must meet Vernon College’s satisfactory academic progress standards.
Preference for initial recipients is given to 2020 high school graduates who earn a Distinguished Level of Achievement under the Foundation program. Continuing eligibility requires the student to have a financial aid cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and a 75% successful completion rate in his or her most recent academic year. The maximum time frame for receiving the grant is the first of: 4 years from the start of the semester in which the student received the first offer through the program; 75 semester credit hours attempted while receiving the grant; or completion of an associate degree.
The maximum TEOG Grant is determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Amounts will be prorated in relation to the student’s enrollment status on the day after the census date. In order for eligible recipients to receive a renewal offer for the 2020-21 school year, they must complete their financial aid file by August 1, 2020. Students who fail to meet this deadline cannot be guaranteed a renewal offer.
College Work-Study Employment Programs. Both the federal and state work-study programs provide jobs on campus for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need who must or prefer to work while in school in order to meet their educational expenses. Work hours are flexible and generally fit the student’s class schedule. Students are paid the prevailing minimum wage twice monthly. Each work-study student is offered an amount that cannot be exceeded. Once the student’s work-study amount is earned, employment is terminated.
Employment through the work-study program does not make the student eligible for unemployment compensation when the job is terminated and/or the school term ends. Students in the state work-study program must be enrolled at least half-time. Eligible students should apply for the work-study program by completing an application for work-study employment in the Financial Aid Office. Job notices are posted in the Financial Aid Office and on the Vernon College Financial Aid home page. The student is responsible for scheduling interviews with supervisors of jobs in which they are interested.