Student Services

Ohio Hi-Point Adult & Continuing Education offers a variety of financial aid options to those who qualify. Although not all services may meet your specific needs, it is important that you be aware of your options. The following information will help you get started with your financial aid application:

Student Eligibility
All of the following criteria must be met to receive aid from any of the federal student aid programs.
•             Demonstrate financial need, except for some loan programs.
•             Have a high school diploma or GED.
•             Be enrolled as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
•             Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
•             Have a valid Social Security Number.
•             Certify that federal student aid will only be used for educational purposes.
•             Not be in default on a federal student loan and not owe money on a federal student grant.
•             Be in compliance with the Selective Service registration requirements. Males aged 18 through 25 who haven’t yet registered may do so by checking a box on the FAFSA. Registration may also be completed on line at www.sss.gov.
•             Not be incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution.
•             Not have been convicted under federal or state law for the sale of or possession of drugs. Effect on eligibility depends on the type and number of convictions. For questions regarding individual status, call 1-800-433-3243.
•             Once enrolled, meet satisfactory academic progress standards set by the school.
 
Getting Started
Students are responsible for completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) so that a valid Student Aid Report (SAR) will be on file.
Financial aid awards cannot be determined without an SAR. You do not need to wait until you test or get accepted into an eligible program to start this process. Delays in completing financial aid applications may affect the ability of the school to determine awards prior to the beginning of class.

Please read the following instructions carefully:

Step 1. Go to www.pin.ed.gov and request a PIN #. If you are a dependent student, your parents should also request a PIN # to electronically sign your FAFSA.

Step 2. Collect documents and information that will assist in completing the FAFSA. Examples include tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, information on SSI, welfare, child support, etc.  You may be eligible to link to the IRS to have your tax information transferred directly onto your FAFSA!

Step 3. Once you have received your PIN #, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov and complete a FAFSA. The federal school code for Ohio Hi-Point Career Center is 016019.
If you are not able to apply on-line you may request a paper FASFA by calling 937-599-3010, extension 1402.
Step 4. You should be able to review your SAR immediately.  It will take 2-5 business days for Ohio Hi-Point to receive your SAR

Step 5. The financial aid office will review your SAR and determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant and/or Stafford Loan. An award letter will be mailed to you approximately two months prior to your start date.

Step 6. Review, complete, and return your award letter to the Student Services office. No student aid will be awarded without a signed letter of acceptance.     

Step 7. In order to accept and receive a Direct Stafford loan, you must first sign your Master Promissory Note that can be located at www.studentloans.gov 

Financial Aid Application Due Dates: Financial aid applications and all required documentation must be submitted by priority deadlines to ensure financial aid awards are finalized prior to billing due dates each quarter. 
Quarter                                                           Financial Aid Applications Due
Summer 2012                                                   4/27/2012

Fall 2012                                                          7/27/2012

Winter 2013                                                      10/26/2012

Spring 2013                                                       1/25/2013

SOURCES OF AID
Pell Grant – Need based federal grant that does not have to be repaid. Maximum grant for the 2011-2012 award year is $5,550 for 900 clock hours.
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan – Need based loan. The U.S. Department of Education pays interest while the borrower is in school. Maximum award amount is $3,500 for both independent and dependent first year students.
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan – Not need based. Borrower is responsible for interest during the life of the loan. Maximum amount is $6000 (1st year).
Plus Loan – Parents of dependent students may apply. Loan amount may not exceed total cost of attendance less any other aid. Parents should visit www.studentloans.gov to apply and to sign a Master Prommisory Note.
Alternative Loans -Alternative loans are private educational loans, based on a credit review, and offered by banks and other private lenders. These loans can cover the costs of education not covered by federal financial aid. You should first apply for federal financial aid before considering an alternative loan.
Bureau Of Vocational Rehabilitation (BVR) - For students with physical, mental or emotional disabilities with a handicap to employment. Aid may be available to cover tuition, books, and supplies. Contact your area Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation office.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) - Financial Aid may be available from this grant program for students who qualify. Students must contact their county One-Stop employment resource center to see if they qualify.
Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) - Available for students who have lost jobs or had hours and wages reduced because of foreign trade. Contact your employer or your county One-Stop employment resource center.
Veterans Assistance – Training money available to qualified veterans. Application information is available at www.va.gov.

Student with Disabilities:  Students with disabilities should contact the student services office for assistance with accommodations.  Ohio Hi-Point facilities are handicapped accessible.
Career and Placement Services:  The student services office offers assistance with career exploration monthly, at no cost.  These workshops are intended to assist students with identifying their employment interests. To register for a career exploration workshop, contact 937-599-3010, extension 1398.
The student services office assists with resume preparation, interviewing skills, and job search techniques.
Transfer credit:  Students who have completed prior coursework at an accredited college, university, or career technical school may be eligible for transfer credit.  Official transcripts must be submitted to Ohio Hi-Point adult education from the school granting credit.  Courses will be evaluated for compatibility with Ohio Hi-Point courses based on course objectives.  Time limits may apply to some coursework.  
Loan Deferment:  Students who are enrolled in full time career development programs at least half-time may be eligible for loan deferment.  For assistance with deferment of student loans, contact the student services office. 
Voter Registration:  For information and assistance with voter registration, contact the student services office. 

Other useful internet links:
www.ohiomeansjobs.com
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.students.gov
www.nslds.gov

Student Handbook 
Campus Safety & Security Report

For additional information or to receive a financial aid package contact:

Michelle Rutledge, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, 2280 State Route 540, Bellefontaine, OH 43311, 937-599-3010 ext. 1402 or email mrutledge@ohp.k12.oh.us