Financial Aid

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The Financial Aid Office of University of North Georgia offers a comprehensive program of financial aid that recognizes the specific needs and talents of its students. The university’s Foundations, along with federal, state, and private agencies, provide funding for UNG’s financial aid programs.  These programs provide loans, grants, scholarships and employment.

A student may be eligible for financial aid under the following conditions:

1. A student must be admitted to UNG as a regular, transfer or transient student in a degree or certificate program. 
2. A student must make Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree or certificate.
3. A student must be enrolled in and attend courses offered through UNG. 
4. A student must be a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen. 
5. A student must register for the Selective Service, if required.
6. A student must not be in default on any Federal Loan, nor owe a balance on any Federal or State Grant.

Undergraduate students enrolled in certificate programs are not eligible for federal aid, but may apply for the HOPE Grant.

Students attending UNG as joint enrolled students may receive financial assistance through the State of Georgia ACCEL Program. However, joint enrollment students who do not participate in ACCEL are not eligible for financial aid.

Students attending UNG as transient students may be eligible for the HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship if they are eligible at their HOME institution. Transient students should contact the Financial Aid Office of their HOME institution to request that a ‘HOPE Scholarship Eligibility Certificate for Transient Study’ be sent to the Financial Aid Office of UNG.

Students attending UNG as special students in education courses needed for state certification may qualify for loans.  Contact the UNG Financial Aid Office for more information.

All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at least once.  The FAFSA is used to determine student eligibility for Federal Grants, Direct Student Loans, Work-Study, State Scholarships/Grants and UNG Foundation Scholarships.  The FAFSA must be completed each year to determine a student’s eligibility for federal aid. Apply online at www.fafsa.gov, using UNG’s Federal School Code 001585.

The State Scholarship Application (GSFAPPS) should be completed by students who receive a HOPE GED Voucher or who want to be considered for the HOPE Scholarship, the Zell Miller Scholarship or the HOPE Grant. Apply online at www.GAcollege411.org.

Both the GSFAPPS and the FAFSA are accessible online.

Many types of aid require that a student’s Financial Need be calculated before financial aid can be awarded. Information from the FAFSA is used in a federal formula to determine an EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION (EFC). Along with an estimated COST OF ATTENDANCE (tuition, fees, and allowances for books, supplies, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses), a student’s financial need is determined as follows:

FINANCIAL NEED = COST OF ATTENDANCE - EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION

Once financial need is determined, the Financial Aid Office will prepare an individual financial aid package for each student.

Any hours for audited courses are not counted as part of the total number of hours used to determine Federal Aid eligibility.

All types of financial aid require that a student make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree or certificate. To be viewed as making Satisfactory Academic Progress at UNG a student must (a) have a minimum 2.0 institutional grade point average (GPA), (b) successfully complete 67% of all college-level coursework attempted at UNG, and (c) finish their educational program before attempting 150% of the number of hours required for the program.

The U.S. Department of Education mandates that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) for students receiving financial aid. The University of North Georgia (UNG) applies these standards to all applicants for federal financial aid, state financial aid and Foundation Scholarships. Students who fail to meet one or more of the criteria listed below are not making SAP and may lose financial aid eligibility. Determination of SAP will be made at the completion of each semester.

Standards

A. Grade Point Average Requirements – To be eligible for financial aid, an undergraduate student must have “the equivalent of a C average”. At UNG, this is defined as a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0.  Graduate students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Grades for which the student has been granted Academic Renewal and grades for repeated courses will be included.  Grades for Learning Support (LS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses will not be included.

B. Pace of Progression Requirements - Student financial aid recipients at UNG must show measurable progress toward earning a degree or certificate. This is achieved by successfully completing at least sixty-seven percent (67%) of all college level courses attempted.

                 Cumulative Completed Hours
Completion Rate = ______________________________ *100%
                  Cumulative Attempted Hours

Semester hours completed will be those college level courses in which a grade of A, B, C, or D was received. Hours attempted will include all college level courses in which a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, NR, W, or WF was received. Hours for repeated courses and hours for which a student has been granted Academic Renewal will be included in the completed hours and/or attempted hours totals. Hours for coursework receiving a grade of CR or K, along with any Learning Support and English as a Second Language courses will not be included.

Transcripts from all previously attended institutions will be required to determine the number of hours UNG accepts as transfer hours. Grades reported as “In Progress” on a transcript will delay the processing of financial aid until the final transcript is received and reviewed.

C. Maximum Length of Study - Federal regulations require that schools measure a student’s pace of progression to ensure the completion of their program of study within the established maximum length of study. Eligible students may receive financial aid for up to 150% of the college level course hours required for a degree or certificate. Hours for repeated courses and hours for which a student has been granted Academic Renewal will be counted as part of the maximum length of study. Transfer credits accepted by UNG will be counted as part of the maximum length of study.

Hours for coursework receiving a grade of CR or K, along with any Learning Support and English as a Second Language courses will not be included. However, students are allowed to receive financial aid for no more than 30 semester hours of Learning Support courses. Also, a student who completes the academic requirements for a program, but has not yet applied for graduation is no longer eligible for financial aid.

Once a student exceeds the maximum length of study, they will no longer be considered making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their program of study and will not be eligible for financial aid. If a review of a student’s attempted hours at any point makes it clear that they cannot finish their program within the maximum time frame, they become ineligible for financial aid at that point. Students, in either case, have the right to request an extension by submitting a SAP Appeal Form to the UNG Financial Aid Office.

Students with prior certificates or degrees are given a limited amount of additional time to pursue new educational goals. A total of two degrees or certificates at the same level will be allowed.

The Maximum Length of Study criteria for each type of degree or certificate are as follows.

*The Maximum Length of Study does not extend beyond the completion of coursework for a degree or certificate.

Monitoring Satisfactory Academic Progress

Determination of a student’s SAP will be made at the completion of each semester. Students who do not meet the SAP Standards will lose financial aid eligibility, but have the opportunity to appeal the loss. 

Making an Appeal for an initial loss of Financial Aid

A student who fails to meet SAP Standards has the right to submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form to the UNG Financial Aid Office. The UNG SAP Appeal # 1 can be downloaded from the Financial Aid Website.

Making a Financial Aid Appeal based on Extenuating Circumstances

A student who fails to meet SAP Standards has the right to submit an appeal form based on extenuating circumstances, such as student illness, death in the family, a family crisis, etc. The UNG SAP Appeal # 2 – Extenuating Circumstances can be downloaded from the Financial Aid Website.

Review by the SAP Appeal Committee

The SAP Appeal Committee will review and evaluate the student’s appeal and make a decision in one of two ways:

1.      The student could be placed on an Academic Plan that will be designed to ensure that the student will be able to meet SAP Standards by a specific point in time. Failure of the student to meet requirements of their Academic Plan will result in the student being denied financial aid for future terms, unless they are once again meeting SAP Standards.

2.      The student could be denied further financial aid until they are meeting SAP Standards.

Following a review by the SAP Appeal Committee, students will be notified of a decision via their university email account and their permanent mailing address.  The decision of the SAP Appeal Committee is final.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility – Once eligibility for financial aid has been denied by the SAP Appeal Committee, a student can only regain financial aid eligibility by meeting the SAP Standards. A previously denied student who meets minimum GPA and pace of progression requirements, but has exceeded the maximum length of study, cannot regain eligibility.

When an Aid Recipient Withdraws from College

Federal regulations require recipients of the Federal Grants and Direct Student Loans to repay a portion of the Federal funds they received if they initiate a withdrawal from college before 60% of the semester has elapsed.

To initiate withdrawal, the student must contact the Registrar’s Office. The repayment amount is determined using a Federal formula and depends on the amount of Federal funds the student received as well as the percentage of the semester the student completed prior to withdrawal. (Students who discontinue attendance without officially withdrawing will have their repayment amount determined based on the last day of attendance or at the midpoint of the semester, if the dates of attendance cannot be determined.)

A student will have forty-five days from the date of withdrawal to repay the amount owed. Failure to repay by the forty-five day deadline will result in the debt being turned over to a collection agency and the student being ineligible for any future Federal, State, or Institutional student aid.

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to students with financial need who have not earned a Bachelor’s or Professional Degree. The information from the FAFSA is reviewed by the Department of Education, using a formula established by Congress, to evaluate each application and determine the student’s eligibility.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) was established by the Higher Education Act of 1965 and is awarded to students with exceptional financial need.  While there is no guarantee every eligible student will receive this grant, students are awarded based upon the availability of funds at the time financial aid awards are packaged at University of North Georgia.

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (FTEACH) is designed for students who intend to teach full time in a high-need field at a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.  Students who receive the TEACH Grant must fulfill a service obligation, have at least a 2.0 GPA and be in good standing with the Corp of Cadets.  The Cadet may be eligible for up to $750 per semester depending upon their UNG Financial Aid Cost of Attendance and other resources.  Funding is provided by the State of Georgia.

HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to new graduates from eligible high schools who meet all Georgia residency requirements and the 3.0 grade point average requirements as determined from high school transcripts received by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC).  A student who was not originally a HOPE Scholar may earn the HOPE Scholarship if they have graduated high school within the last seven years and have at least a 3.0 HOPE GPA after attempting 30 semester hours of coursework.  For additional information on the HOPE Scholarship, refer to www.GACollege411.org or contact the Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

Note: HOPE Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.0 HOPE GPA and a 67% completion rate of all coursework. The HOPE GPA and the UNG GPA may not be equivalent if the student has taken Learning Support classes prior to Fall 2011 or has transfer credits. The HOPE GPA is checked at the end of every Spring Semester and after attempting 30, 60, and 90 semester hours of coursework. [Part-time students (less than six semester hours per term) will have their first HOPE GPA checkpoint after three semesters.]

ZELL MILLER SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to incoming freshmen who meet all Georgia residency requirements, the 3.7 grade point average requirements as determined from high school transcripts received by the Georgia Student Finance Commission, and at least a 1200 on the Math and Reading portions of the SAT or a 26 composite score on the ACT.  For additional information on the Zell Miller Scholarship, refer to www.GACollege411.org or contact the HOPE Scholarship Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

Note: Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.3 HOPE GPA and a 67% completion rate of all coursework.  The Zell Miller GPA is the same as the HOPE GPA. This GPA is checked at the end of every Spring Semester and after attempting 30, 60, and 90 semester hours of coursework [Part-time students (less than six semester hours per term) will have their first checkpoint after three semesters.]

HOPE GRANTS are awarded to eligible students classified as Georgia residents who enroll in approved certificate programs and who have not earned a Bachelor’s or Professional Degree.  For additional information on the HOPE Grant, refer to www.GACollege411.org or contact the Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

The ACCEL Program is for students classified as high school juniors and seniors at accredited public or private high schools in the state of Georgia.  The program allows students to pursue postsecondary study at approved public, private and technical colleges while receiving dual high school and college credit for courses successfully completed.  The ACCEL Program is not available during the summer term.

There are three steps to apply for ACCEL:

1. Apply for admission to University of North Georgia.
2. Apply for ACCEL online through the Georgia Student Finance Commission at www.GACollege411.org.
3. Contact your high school counselor to set up your class schedule.

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant and Public Safety Memorial Grant are available to assist the dependent children of Georgia law enforcement officers, firefighters, and prison guards who were permanently disable or killed in the line of duty.  See www.GAcollege411.org for more information.

The University of North Georgia ROTC Grant is awarded to Georgia residents who fully participate in the Corp of Cadets.  The Cadet must complete at least twelve hours or more hours each semester, must have at least a 2.0 GPA and be in good standing with the Corp of Cadets.  The Cadet may be eligible for up to $750 per semester depending upon their UNG Cost of Attendance and other resources. See www.GAcollege411.org for more information.

The University of North Georgia Future Officers Grant is awarded to Georgia residents who complete their contract before the beginning of their Senior year.  The Cadet must complete at least twelve hours or more hours each semester, must have at least a 2.0 GPA and be in good standing with the Corp of Cadets.  The contracted Cadet may be eligible up to $1,500 per semester depending upon their UNG Cost of Attendance and other resources.  See www.GAcollege411.org for more information.

The Georgia HERO Scholarship program was created to provide educational grant assistance to members of the Georgia National Guard and the U.S. Military Reservists who served in combat zones or for the children of such members.  See www.GAcollege411.org for more information.

The Georgia Military Scholarship is available to forty-two Georgia high school seniors who attend the University of North Georgia and commission as officers in the Georgia Army National Guard after graduating with a Bachelor’s degree.  Details are available online.

Our University’s FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS assist the gifted student (actor, artist, debater, musician, scholar, student leader, or writer), the needy student, and those who meet specific scholarship criteria. Consult UNG’s Financial Aid Website  for details on how and when to apply for these scholarships.

Federal Direct Loans are low-interest loans for students and parents to help pay for the costs of a student’s education after high school.  The lender is the U.S. Department of Education and it is the responsibility of the borrower to pay off the loan.  Eligibility for this loan program will be determined upon completion of the FAFSA and enrollment in at least 6 semester hours of coursework per term.

Students are awarded the BASE annual amount for a Federal Direct Loan, as determined by their grade level.

The BASE Amount will be awarded as a Subsidized Direct Loan, an Unsubsidized Direct Loan, or a combination of the two.

The federal government subsidizes (or pays) the interest on the Subsidized Direct Loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time (6 hours).  A Subsidized Direct Loan is awarded to eligible students who show financial need as determined by the FAFSA.  Subsidized loans are always awarded to eligible students before unsubsidized loans.

With an Unsubsidized Direct Loan, the student is responsible for paying the interest on the loan from the date that the loan is made.  The student has the option of paying the interest while enrolled or letting the interest accrue.

Students are also allowed an additional Unsubsidized Direct Loans, as determined by their dependency status on the FAFSA.

When a completed file is reviewed, the loan offer will automatically be placed on a student’s financial aid package. The loan amount can be deleted or reduced using the Financial Aid Award Tab on the student’s Banner Web account.  Any requests for other adjustments to the Direct Loans must be made by the student through their Banner Web account, using the Comment Box on their Financial Aid Award page. Note that all loan amounts are automatically split between two semesters. 

When a Direct Loan is accepted, the student is required to complete an online Loan Entrance Counseling session before funds may be disbursed.  It is important that each student knows and understands their rights and responsibilities as a student borrower.  In addition, the student must complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN).  In most cases, the student will sign only one promissory note which will be used for all direct loans at UNG.  Both the counseling session and the MPN are accessible at studentloans.gov.

The Federal Direct Loan (PLUS) enables parents with good credit histories to borrow money from the U.S. Department of Education.  PLUS Loans are designated to help pay the expenses a child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled in at least 6 semester hours of coursework.  The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is equal to the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received.  Parent borrowers must complete a UNG PLUS Loan Application (available on our website) and complete an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov.

The Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest (5%) loan for students with exceptional financial need.  UNG - Dahlonega is the lender.  The loan is made with government funds with a share contributed by UNG.  Payments are made through the University. 

For more information on loans, consult our website:  www.ung.edu/financial-aid/

The FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM funds part-time employment in various on- and off-campus work settings for students showing financial need. Applicants must maintain good academic standing while employed under this program.  Students eligible for the Federal Work-Study Program will have an offer placed on their Banner Web account.  Note that there will be fewer jobs than eligible students. 

The INSTITUTIONAL WORK-AID PROGRAM, funded by the College, provides on-campus jobs for students who may or may not show financial need. The availability of jobs is dependent on the needs and resources of the institution.

A listing of Federal Work-Study, Institutional Work-Aid, and OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES can be found on the Job Board on the UNG Career Services web page.

THE TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (TAP) is available to full-time benefits-eligible employees of the University System of Georgia who have successfully completed at least six months of employment in a benefits-eligible position, as of the date of the TAP application deadline for the desired academic semester. For further information, contact Human Resources.

VETERANS ADMINISTRATION EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS are available to students who are eligible reservists, veterans, or dependents (spouses and children) of veterans who were killed, disabled or listed as missing as a result of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unless otherwise specified as a condition of a scholarship, the application of scholarships is not restricted to tuition and fee payment only, and funds may be used for supplementary educational expenses.  For further information, students should consult the UNG Financial Aid Website or contact the Veterans Administration (1-888-442-4551).

VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION AND EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE is available to certain individuals with physical or mental limitations. To apply, students should contact their local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, a division of the Georgia Department of Human Resources at www.vocrehabga.org.