Dalton State College Scholarships and Financial Aid: A Comprehensive Guide

Dalton State College is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for all qualified students. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Veteran Services plays a crucial role in this mission by providing financial assistance to eligible students. This assistance comes in various forms, including scholarships, grants, campus employment, and loans. Understanding the available options and application processes is essential for students seeking to finance their education at Dalton State College.

Understanding the Financial Aid Landscape

The college expects both the family and the student to contribute to college expenses to the best of their ability. To determine a student's ability to pay for educationally related expenses, the Department of Education assesses their financial situation. This assessment forms the basis for determining the amount of financial aid a student may receive.

Types of Financial Aid Available

Dalton State College offers a comprehensive range of financial aid options:

Scholarships: These are gift aids that do not need to be repaid. They are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. The Dalton State College Foundation offers numerous scholarships each year, and outside scholarships are also listed on the college website.
Grants: Similar to scholarships, grants are gift aid that does not need to be repaid, unless a student withdraws from classes or receives funds for which they are not eligible. Federal and state grant programs, such as the Pell Grant and the Federal SEOG Grant, are available to eligible students.
Campus Employment: Students can work part-time on campus to earn money to help cover their expenses. The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program and the Dalton State College Campus Work Program provide these opportunities.
Loans: Student loans offer a way to borrow money to pay for college, but they must be repaid with interest. Subsidized and unsubsidized loans are available, with varying terms and conditions.

Applying for Financial Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide

To access financial aid at Dalton State College, students must follow a specific application process:

Apply for Admission: Begin by applying for admission to Dalton State College and submitting academic transcripts from all previous institutions. Applications can be submitted online through the Admissions portal.
Apply for Scholarships: Explore and apply for Dalton State College Foundation Scholarships. Details and applications are available on the college website.
Complete the FAFSA: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov. Dalton State College's school code is 003956. The FAFSA is crucial for determining eligibility for federal and state aid, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. It is recommended to complete the FAFSA annually. To expedite the process, both the student and parent (if the student is dependent) should apply for an FSAID at www.fsaid.ed.gov.
Verification Process: Some FAFSA applications are selected for review in a process called verification. This requires submitting additional documentation to confirm the information provided on the FAFSA. Students who successfully linked their tax information from the IRS may not need to submit tax return transcripts. However, those who could not link their information will need to provide a Tax Return Transcript for every person whose income information is listed on the FAFSA. A Verification Worksheet must also be submitted. Additional supporting documents may be requested after the initial review.
Meet Deadlines: Pay close attention to financial aid deadlines for each term. Start the application process early to allow ample time for processing. A minimum of four weeks before the deadline for the semester in which you wish to enroll is recommended.

Important Documents to Gather

Before completing the FAFSA, gather the following documents:

Social Security numbers for student and parents (if dependent)
Driver's license number (if applicable)
Alien Registration Card (if not a U.S. citizen)
Federal tax returns (including W-2 forms) and other records of income from two years prior (e.g., for the 2024-2025 FAFSA, use 2022 tax information)
Records of untaxed income, such as Social Security benefits, veterans' benefits, or child support
Current bank statements and investment records

Scholarships at Dalton State College

The Dalton State College Foundation offers a variety of scholarships each year to new and returning students. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of scholarship donors and are awarded based on academic excellence, financial need, or a combination of both. Awards are typically for Fall and Spring semesters and generally require full-time enrollment.

New Endowed Scholarships

Among the scholarships announced during Scholarship Day this year, the Foundation awarded nine new endowed scholarships for the first time:

Andy Waters Memorial Scholarship for Murray County
Betty Smith Study Abroad Scholarship
John & Judy Schwenn Scholarship
Marilyn M. Helms Scholarship in Business
Mary & Ronald Taylor Scholarship in Nursing
Melvyn & Marilyn Ottinger Basketball Scholarship
Robert W. Weathersby II Memorial Scholarship in English
Sue L. Arthur B.E. Beatrice P. & Emory B.
Bob E. Bryan E. David E. Derrell C. Dixie H.
Donald E. Emily W. F. Harvey Howalt Jr. F. Paul & Peggy R. George L.
James E. James M. James Thomas Pope Jr. Jerry L. John A. Hutcheson Jr. John H.
June R. Kenneth E. & Dottie S. Kevin R. Kiwanis Club of Dalton / Dr. Kristin M. Larry W. Margaret H.
Marilyn M. Mary M. Richard A. Richard F. Robert W. Robert W. Ronald S. Ruth C. Sharon C. Sherry S.
Sue L. Terry L. Tom W. & Jeannette A. Walter M. & Fannie B. Wayne E.

Foundation Scholarship Requirements

Unless otherwise stated, Foundation Scholarships generally require the recipient to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of application and during the time of the award.

External Scholarship Opportunities

The Dalton State College Financial Aid Office maintains an online list of scholarship opportunities outside Dalton State. This list is updated regularly. Students are encouraged to search free national scholarship databases at www.finaid.org, www.fastweb.com, www.goodcall.com, and www.scholarshipexperts.com. The college advises students to NEVER pay anyone to find scholarships for them, as they can often find as much, if not more, information on their own through diligent research.

Grants at Dalton State College

Grants are another form of financial aid that does not require repayment, unless certain conditions are not met. Dalton State College offers a variety of grant programs to eligible students.

Read also: The Rise of Dalton Schultz

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federal grant program available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. The amount of the Pell Grant is determined by the cost of attendance, the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the FAFSA processor, and the student's enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

The Federal SEOG Grant is another federal grant program available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility for the Federal SEOG Grant is based upon Pell Grant eligibility and exceptional financial need. A FAFSA filed by the priority deadline is recommended. SEOG recipients should be enrolled at least half-time. Initial grant offers are based on the enrollment status reported on the FAFSA and are prorated based on the actual class schedule.

HOPE Grant and Scholarship

The Georgia HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) program is funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. To qualify for HOPE, students must be Georgia residents for at least twelve months prior to the start of the semester for which they are applying for HOPE.

HOPE Grant: HOPE Grants are for Georgia residents enrolled in Certificate or Mini-Certificate programs. The HOPE Grant will only pay for required Certificate and Mini-Certificate classes.
HOPE Scholarship: HOPE Scholarships are for HOPE Scholars who enroll in Dalton State College associate and bachelorâs degree programs. Students who were not HOPE scholars following high school graduation may qualify for the HOPE Scholarship after attempting 30, 60, or 90 college credit hours with a 3.0 HOPE GPA. HOPE Scholarship recipients must have a HOPE GPA of 3.0 at the end of each Spring Semester and after 30, 60 and 90 attempted hours in order to maintain their HOPE Scholarship. Students may lose and regain HOPE Scholarship one time. Students with attempted credit hours (Dalton State college and prior higher education institutions) or HOPE Scholarship/HOPE Grant/Zell Miller paid hours of 127 hours or more do not qualify for the HOPE Scholarship. A ten-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during summer term 2019 (FY20) or later. A seven-year limit exists for students first receiving the HOPE Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year (FY12) or later.

Zell Miller Grant and Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship is another Georgia state scholarship program for students who demonstrate high academic achievement.

Zell Miller Grant: Zell Miller Grants are for Georgia residents enrolled in Certificate or Mini-Certificate programs. The Zell Miller Grant will only pay for required Certificate and Mini-Certificate classes.
Zell Miller Scholarship: Zell Miller Scholarships are for students who enroll in Dalton State College associate and bachelorâs degree programs. Zell Miller Scholarship recipients must have a HOPE GPA of 3.3 at the end of each spring Semester and after 30, 60 and 90 attempted hours in order to maintain their Zell Miller Scholarship. Students with attempted credit hours (Dalton State College and prior higher education institutions) or HOPE Scholarship/HOPE Grant/Zell Miller paid hours of 127 hours or more do not qualify for the Zell Miller Scholarship. A ten-year limit exists for students first receiving the Zell Miller Scholarship during summer term 2019 (FY20) or later. A seven-year limit exists for students first receiving the Zell Miller Scholarship during the 2011-2012 academic year (FY12) or later.

Campus Employment Opportunities

Dalton State College offers two primary avenues for students seeking on-campus employment: the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program and the Dalton State College Campus Work Program.

Read also: The Making of Andy Dalton

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

The FWS program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. Financial need is required for students employed in the Federal Work-Study (FWS) program. Complete the FAFSA early, as early applicants with Federal Work Study eligibility will have the first chance to interview for campus jobs. Estimated FWS earnings are factored into the calculation of eligibility for other aid, such as the Federal Stafford Loan.

Dalton State College Campus Work Program

The Dalton State College Campus Work Program is another source of on-campus job opportunities for students. Students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in programs eligible for federal aid may participate. Limited jobs are available on campus, and work schedules are planned around student class schedules. Wages are paid on a bi-weekly basis directly to the student. Students may work up to 19.5 hours per week starting at $9.25 per hour.

Student Loans at Dalton State College

Student loans provide a means for students and their families to borrow money to finance their education. These loans must be repaid with interest, so it's crucial to understand the terms and conditions before borrowing. Students enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) in programs eligible for federal aid may borrow low-interest Student Loans.

Subsidized Loans

Subsidized loans are available to students with financial need. The federal government pays the interest on subsidized loans while the student is enrolled at least half-time and during the six-month grace period after graduation or leaving school. The Unsubsidized Student Loan interest rate for loans first disbursed after July 1, 2023 and before July 1, 2024 is 5.5%.

Unsubsidized Loans

Unsubsidized loans are available to students regardless of financial need. However, the student is responsible for paying the interest on unsubsidized loans while in school and during the six-month grace period, or they can request that the interest be added to the balance of the loan.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To remain eligible for financial aid at Dalton State College, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). This means meeting certain academic standards, including:

Maximum Time Frame: Students must complete their degree within a reasonable time frame. To determine the maximum time frame, multiply the total hours required for the degree by 150%.
Pace of Completion Ratio: Students must complete and pass at least 66.5% of all credit hours they attempt. Courses earned include grades of A, B, C, D, or S.
Qualitative Requirement: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.00 GPA to remain in good academic standing at DSC. The cumulative GPA includes grades of A, B, C, D, F, FW, UF, and WF.

SAP Warning and Failure

If after any term of attendance at DSC you are not making SAP, you will be put on a Warning status and allowed to keep aid for one term. Failure to make SAP standards (Course Completion Rate and/or GPA), for two consecutive terms of attendance will result in SAP Failure. Your SAP status is based on your entire academic record, at all schools attended (including all transferrable and non-transferrable hours), regardless of whether you received financial aid. SAP is evaluated after each term of attendance.

SAP Appeals

Students who fail to meet SAP requirements may appeal the decision if they have extenuating circumstances. The appeal process involves submitting a typewritten explanation of the circumstances, along with supporting documentation, to the Financial Aid Office.

Transient Study and Financial Aid

Students planning to take courses at another institution as a transient student must follow specific procedures to ensure their financial aid is processed correctly.

Federal Aid: To receive federal aid based on transient hours at Dalton State College, students must check with their home schoolâs financial aid office to see if they participate in consortium agreements. If they do, the home schoolâs financial aid office must send a consortium agreement to the Dalton State College Financial Aid Office.
HOPE Scholarship: HOPE-eligible students must inform the Dalton State College Financial Aid Office so that a HOPE Eligibility Certificate for Transient Study may be sent to the host school.
Consortium Agreement: To receive federal aid based on transient hours, the student must complete a consortium agreement in the Dalton State College Financial Aid Office. If the Dalton State College Registrar approves the transient hours, the Financial Aid Office will send a consortium agreement to the host institution.

Study Abroad Scholarships

Dalton State College encourages students to participate in study abroad programs to broaden their educational experiences. Several scholarships are available to help students finance their study abroad opportunities.

Dalton State Foundation Study Abroad Scholarship: The Dalton State Foundation awards a number of scholarships to Dalton State students to participate in various study abroad programs.
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship: This is a government-funded scholarship opening to Pell Grant recipients. undergraduate and graduate students to add an important international and language component to their educations. national security, broadly defined, and underrepresented in study abroad.
Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships: The Rotary Foundationâs oldest and best-known program was founded in 1947. Since then, more than 40,000 men and women from about 100 nations have studied abroad under its auspices. It offers a variety of options.
Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant: Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grants are designed to help support undergraduates as they seek knowledge and experience in their academic fields by studying abroad. Fifty $1,000 grants are awarded each year.
NAFSA Scholarship Lists: A variety of organizations and institutions provide scholarships and grants for study abroad from the United States.

Veteran Benefits

Dalton State College is committed to supporting veterans and their dependents in their pursuit of higher education. Veteran Benefits and Veteran Dependent Benefits are available to qualified veterans and children of deceased or 100% disabled veterans. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office. The Dalton State Collegeâs School Certifying Official begins the certification process two months prior to the start date of each semester. Ch 33, Post 9/11 and Ch 31, Vocational Rehabilitation students will be notified when the certification document is ready for completion prior to semester certifications.

Important Considerations

Dropped Classes and Withdrawals: Dropped classes or withdrawals may result in suspension of financial aid. For certain classes, attendance is monitored at the beginning of each term; students who never attend these classes or stop attending will be considered unofficially withdrawn. Students may be required to pay back all or a portion of their aid if they withdraw, officially or unofficially, from their classes.
Financial Aid Deadlines: Adhering to financial aid deadlines is crucial to ensure timely processing of aid. If a student's financial aid file is not complete by the deadline for the term they plan to enroll, they should be prepared to pay for tuition, fees, and books out of pocket.

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