Financial Aid

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

Eligibility

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 be making 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 or state 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 Dual Enrollment Program. However, joint enrollment students who do not participate in the program 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.

How to Apply for Aid

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 the FAFSA website using UNG’s federal school code 001585.

The State Scholarship Application (GSFAPPS) should be completed by students who receive a HOPE GED Voucher, participate in the Dual Enrollment Program or who want to apply for the HOPE Scholarship, the Zell Miller Scholarship or the HOPE Grant. Apply online at www.GAfutures.org.

Both the GSFAPPS and the FAFSA are accessible online.

Financial Need

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. 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.

Audited Courses

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

Satisfactory Academic Progress

All types of financial aid require that a student make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree or certificate. To be viewed as making SAP at UNG an undergraduate student must (a) have a minimum 2.00 overall GPA, (b) successfully complete 67.0% of all college-level coursework attempted, and (c) finish their educational program before attempting 150% of the number of hours required for the program. Dual Enrollment students must maintain a minimum 2.50 overall GPA.

Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress

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. 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

Grade Point Average Requirements – Grades from all institutional and transfer coursework will be used to determine an overall GPA.  To be eligible for financial aid, an undergraduate student must have an overall GPA of at least 2.00. Grades for which a student has been granted Academic Renewal and grades for repeated courses will be included in the GPA, which will differ from the academic GPA. Grades for Learning Support (LS) and English as a Second Language (ESL) courses numbered below the 1000-level will not be factored into the overall GPA, but may be used to measure progress during the terms when the student is enrolled in only these courses. Dual Enrollment students must have an overall GPA of at least 2.50.

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 67.0% of all college level courses attempted.

                 Overall Completed Hours
Completion Rate = ______________________________ *100%
                  Overall 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 numbered below the 1000-level will not be included but may be used to measure progress during the terms when the student is enrolled in only these courses.

Maximum Length of Study Requirements - 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 coursework 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 numbered below the 1000-level will not be included. However, students are allowed to receive financial aid for no more than 30 semester hours of Learning Support courses.

Once a student exceeds the maximum length of study, they will no longer be considered meeting SAP toward their program of study and will not be eligible for financial aid. Students have the right to request an extension and will be notified via email. 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. Dual Enrollment students must contact the Academic Advising Center for appeal instructions. All other students who do not meet the SAP Standards will be classified as follows.

SAP Academic Plan - A student who was making good progress then fails to meet SAP Standards will be placed on a SAP Academic Plan. The student will be required to sign a document indicating their understanding of the academic plan requirements. The student will then be eligible to receive financial aid for that semester for which they otherwise qualify. Evaluation of the student’s SAP will be made at the end of the semester to determine if they have met the stipulations of successfully completing all courses and earning at least a 2.50 GPA for the term. Meeting the stipulations will allow for financial aid eligibility for the next semester unless the student has reached the Maximum Length of Study Limit. Once a student is making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the Standards, they will no longer be subject to the Academic Plan.

SAP Appeal Plan - A student who was unable to meet the stipulations under SAP Academic Plan will no longer be eligible for financial aid but will retain the right to appeal the determination based on extenuating circumstances. Students will be directed to complete an SAP Appeal Form, which will be made available on their Banner Web account. 

Maximum Length of Study Appeal Plan - A student who has reached the threshold of the Maximum Length of Study in pursuit of their degree or certificate is no longer eligible for financial aid but will retain the right to appeal the determination based on extenuating circumstances. Students must complete the SAP Maximum Length of Study Appeal Form, which will be made available on their Banner Web account.

Deadlines for Financial Aid Appeals

Fall Semester: November 1st

Spring Semester: April 1st

Summer Semester: July 1st

Review of Financial Aid Appeals

Financial Aid Appeals will be reviewed by the financial aid director with guidance from an SAP Appeal Committee, comprised of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs personnel. A decision will be made in one of two ways:

1. The student could be placed on a plan that will be designed to ensure that the student will be able to meet SAP standards by a specific point in time. Failure to meet requirements of their 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, students will be notified of a decision via their UNG email account.

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.

Any 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 45 days from the date of withdrawal to repay the amount owed. Failure to repay by the 45 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.

Federal Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to regularly admitted 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 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 by the University of North Georgia.

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant 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.  If a student does not complete the service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds received will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

State Scholarships and Grants

HOPE SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to new graduates from eligible high schools who meet all Georgia residency requirements and the 3.00 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, meet residency requirements and have at least a 3.00 HOPE GPA after attempting 30 semester hours of coursework.  For additional information on the HOPE Scholarship, refer to www.GAfutures.org or contact the Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

Note: HOPE Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.00 HOPE GPA and a 67.0% 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 if the student took college courses prior to high school graduation. 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 12 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 3.70 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.GAfutures.org or contact the HOPE Scholarship Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

Note: Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must maintain a 3.30 HOPE GPA and a 67.0% 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 12 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.GAfutures.org or contact the Hotline by dialing 1-800-505-GSFC.

The Dual Enrollment Program is for high school students at accredited public or private high schools or enrolled in a home study program in the state of Georgia.  This 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.

There are three steps to apply:

1. Apply for admission to University of North Georgia.
2. Apply for the Dual Enrollment Program online at www.GAfutures.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 disabled or killed in the line of duty. See www.GAfutures.org for more information.

The University of North Georgia ROTC Grant is awarded to Georgia residents who fully participate in the Corps of Cadets. The Cadet must complete at least twelve or more hours each semester, must have at least a 2.00 GPA and be in good standing with the Corps 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.GAfutures.org or 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 or more hours each semester, must have at least a 2.00 GPA and be in good standing with the Corps 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.GAfutures.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.GAfutures.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.

UNG Foundation Scholarships

UNG FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS assist students who meet specific scholarship criteria based on merit or financial need. Consult UNG’s Financial Aid Website for details on how and when to apply for these scholarships.

Loans

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 accepted, deleted or reduced using the Financial Aid Award Tab on the student’s Banner Web account. 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. 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 of a child who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled in at least six 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 an electronic Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov.

Consult UNG’s Financial Aid Website for details.

Employment

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 University, 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.

Details are available on the UNG Human Resources web page.

Other Programs

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 Veterans Benefits on 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.

Allowing Veterans to Attend or Participate in Courses Pending VA Payment

Background

Section 103 of Public Law (PL) 115-407, ‘Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018,’ amends Title 38 US Code 3679 by adding a new subsection (e) that requires disapproval of courses of education, beginning August 1, 2019, at any educational institution that does not have a policy in place that will allow an individual to attend or participate in a course of education, pending VA payment, providing the individual submits a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33.

Pending Payment Compliance

Per Title 38 US Code 3679(e), University of North Georgia adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. University of North Georgia will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).