CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE EUROPE - FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

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1 CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE EUROPE - FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES There are numerous types of financial assistance available to students. The most commonly used types of tuition assistance in overseas areas include: Federal Pell Grant (FAFSA) IRS Data Retrieval Tool Pell Grant Federal Loans FAFSA Verification Process Summer Intent Form Central Texas College Foundation Scholarships Military Tuition Assistance (TA) MyCAA (Military Spouse Career Advancement Account) Veterans Administration GI BILL (VA Education Benefits) Chapter 30 (GI BILL) Chapter 31 (VocRehab) Chapter 33 (New GI BILL 9/11) Chapter 35 (Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA)) Additional Aid Resources: Air Force Aid Society Spouse Tuition Assistance Program (AFAS STAP) Army Emergency Relief (AER (OSEAP/SEAP)) Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS STAP) Private Loans Tax Deductions Texas Residency Rate for DL courses Texas Application for State Federal Aid (TASFA) Employer Benefits (Ask your employer!) And more additional Financial Aid Resources Note: The address for Central Texas College for applying for all VA & Financial Aid benefits is our Main Campus address: Central Texas College P.O. Box 1800 Killeen, Texas USA QUICK S FOR QUESTIONS: financial.aid@europe.ctcd.edu financial.aid@ctcd.edu FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 1

2 FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) The FAFSA enables a student to apply for Federal Grants and Federal Stafford Loans. The most popular source of financial need based aid is the Pell Grant. This is considered the foundation of a student s financial aid package to which other financial aid awards are added. Currently almost all organizations offering financial aid to students require they complete a FAFSA application. Additional Information: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a free application. Student should be wary of websites that charge fees for filing the FAFSA. Instructions on completing the FAFSA: Have the student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at Instruct the student to have the Federal Pell Grant Student Aid Report sent to CTC in Killeen, Texas, by entering the school code on the FAFSA. CTC s school code is If the student completed the FAFSA for another college or university, but then decides to attend CTC, the student must correct his/her FAFSA by adding CTC s code, and resubmit to the Department of Education. IRS DATA RETRIEVAL TOOL The IRS Data Retrieval Tool allows students and parents to access the IRS tax return information needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students and parents may transfer the data directly into their FAFSA. If you are eligible to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, we highly recommend using the tool for several reasons: It s the easiest way to provide your tax data. It s the best way of ensuring that your FAFSA has accurate tax information. You won t need to provide a copy of your or your parents tax returns to your college. If you do not use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to provide tax information and your college requests a copy of your tax return or your parents tax return, you may be required to obtain an official tax transcript from the IRS. For more information on the IRS Data Retrieval Tool visit: a) b) FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 2

3 A student must report his/her living allowances as part of his untaxed income or benefits. This includes Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), and Clothing Allowance. By federal regulation, students are required to include the cash value for such allowances as part of their untaxed income, whether they resided in the barracks or housing. This website provides useful information about reporting housing allowances: Once a student fills out the FAFSA they will receive a SAR (Student Aid Report). On the SAR will be a number that is their EFC (Expected Family Contribution). The lower this number, the more aid the student will qualify for. The ideal is an EFC of zero. PELL GRANT For Grants, money the student gets for tuition never needs to be repaid. There are several different types of Federal grants, all range about $5, per year for students. The requirements for Pell are that the student needs to register for classes and receive a passing grade. Little else is required of the student for successfully receiving grants. Pell Grant Funds are released in the following four ways: Full time 12 credit hours per semester ¾ time 9-11 credit hours per semester ½ time 6-8 credit hours per semester Less than ½ time 1-5 credit hours per semester A student enrolled in five credit hours will receive the same award amount as student taking only one credit hour. It is required to call into the Business Office to verify Pell grant fund awards when students are using their grant for payment at registration. If the student can t see their Financial Aid awards in WebAdvisor then there isn t an award awarded yet. The student should contact the Financial Aid office with any questions. Note: PELL Grant funds will not be released until 10 days prior to the start date of classes. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 3

4 FEDERAL STAFFORD LOANS The student is using borrowed funds that the student must repay with interest. Federal student loans usually offer borrowers many benefits not typically found in private loans. These include low fixed interest rates, income-based repayment plans, cancellations for certain employment, and deferment options, including deferment of loan payments when a student returns to school. For these reasons, students and parents should almost always exhaust federal student loan options before considering a private loan. There are two types of Federal Loans: Subsidized: Loans with deferred interest while attending at least half-time and the principle amount is deferred. Unsubsidized: The Principle amount is deferred but the student must pay the interest while still studying in college FAFSA VERIFICATION The FAFSA Verification Process is to confirm the information a student provided on the FAFSA application- Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students are either selected for Verification randomly or because their FAFSA application data was incomplete, estimated, or inconsistent. The U.S. Department of Education selects some students for the verification process and CTC will select others if we find conflicting information. We are required to ask you to provide documentation to confirm the information on your FAFSA. This will include a verification worksheet, 2013 IRS Tax Transcript, and 2013 W-2 forms. If you are a dependent student, we may also request a copy of your parent's 2013 IRS Tax Transcript with 2013 W-2 forms. To avoid having to submit a Tax Transcript we recommend student use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Verification Worksheets Independent Form: Dependent Form: FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 4

5 SUMMER INTENT FORM, PELL GRANT FOR THE SUMMER SEMESTER Summer semester is the trailer semester for the financial aid year of 14/15. If you used all of your financial aid during the fall and spring as a full time student (24 credit hours), you will not have any financial aid for use during the summer semester. If you were part time during one or both of those semesters, then you may use any balance remaining for the Summer semester. Download the Summer Intent Form from the Financial Aid website and submit it to the Financial Aid Office. However, remember that the summer semester is short and the funds will be pro-rated accordingly. Failure to indicate your intent to attend CTC during the summer semester(s) will result in not having Pell funds available to pay for registered classes. Link to the Summer Intent Form: Not Yet Released, Due March CENTRAL TEXAS COLLEGE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS The CTC Foundation has approximately 170 Scholarships providing roughly 200 awards to competitively selected students every year. The Foundation scholarships are both need and or merit based. Applications are accepted on-line January 1 through March 31 each year. The scholarships are awarded in late spring and are available to recipients for the Fall and Spring semesters of the following academic year. You MUST have APPLIED to Central Texas College and have a Central Texas College ID number in order to submit an application for scholarship. Visit to view a complete listing of scholarships available at Central Texas College. Students must submit the FAFSA to apply. Note: the application process will begin January 1, 2015 and end on March 31, FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 5

6 MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE Tuition Assistance (TA) is a Department of Defense (DOD) program. Tuition assistance is not administered by VA. TA rules vary by branch of service and can even vary between units depending on whether the unit is active, reserve or National Guard. TA must be approved by your service's education center before you enroll in a course. A rough statistic from a website stated: Ninety percent of servicemembers enter the armed forces for the educational benefits. However, less than 50 percent actually use their educational benefits. Coverage amounts and monetary limits Branch TA Coverage Addtl. Restrictions Where to Apply Air Force 100% up to $ per CR & $4, per Fiscal Year Apply through the Air Force Portal Air Force Reserves Army Navy Marines 75% up to $ per CR & $3, per Fiscal Year 100% up to $ per CR & $4, per Fiscal Year 100% up to $ per CR & $4, per Fiscal Year 100% up to $ per CR & $4, per Fiscal Year -16 credit hours per semester -One year of service following graduation from either AIT, OCS or BOLC. -16 credit hours per semester - Must attend TA Orientation Class known as College 101 -Minimum time in service of 24 months per active duty base date. Apply through the Air Force Portal Visit the Army TA webpage at: Login to WebTA Login to WebTA FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 6

7 Marines (contd.) Coast Guard 75% up to $ per CR & $2, per Fiscal Year - Must have a minimum GT score of 100 or a minimum TABE score of Must complete Marine Corps Institute(MCI) Personal Financial Management (Course ID 3420G). - TA shall be authorized for firsttime TA applicants for only one course, unless documentation is provided that the Marine has at least an Associate s degree or at least 60 academic credits (credits earned through Joint Services Transcript do not count towards this requirement) and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Login to WebTA Using the GI Bill in conjunction with Military TA While the TA program is offered by the service branches, the GI Bill is a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) program. However, the GI Bill can work well with the TA program, as it can supplement fees not covered by TA. And the new GI Bill the Post-9/11 GI Bill funds are available to you for up to 15 years after you leave the military. TA, on the other hand, is a benefit available only while you're in the service. If a student receives education benefits from VA and receives TA benefits from the military, duplication of benefits may be an issue. The issue might involve VA regulations, DoD regulations or both, because VA and DoD both have regulations about receiving VA benefits and TA at the same time. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 7

8 The code of federal regulations states that active duty service members may not receive VA benefits for the same courses for which they receive TA from the military. If a student takes several courses, the student cannot receive Chapter 30 benefits for the courses for which TA is paid, but the student can receive Chapter 30 benefits for the courses for which TA is not paid. Recouping funds TA will not fund your college courses (and you will have to reimburse any funds already paid) in certain situations, including the following: a) If you leave your service before the course ends. b) If you quit the course for reasons other than personal illness, military transfer, or mission requirements. c) If you fail the course. MILITARY SPOUSE CAREER ADVANCEMENT ACCOUNTS (MYCAA) The Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) Program is a career development and employment assistance program sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). MyCAA helps military spouses pursue a license, certificate, certification or Associate s Degree (excluding General Studies and Liberal Arts) necessary for gainful employment in a high demand, high growth portable career field and occupation. Websites: or Training and Education Financial Assistance: MyCAA provides a maximum education benefit of $4, with an annual fiscal year cap of $2, to assist eligible military spouses in acquiring a professional credential needed to meet their Portable Career goal. Annual cap waivers are available if there is an upfront tuition cost that exceeds $2, (up to the maximum education benefit of $4,000.00). MyCAA Eligibility Spouses of service members on active duty in pay grades E-1 to E-5, W-1 to W-2, and O-1 to O-2 who can start and complete their coursework while their military sponsor is on Title 10 military orders, including spouses married to members of the National Guard and Reserve Components in these same pay grades. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 8

9 All spouses (even if you no longer qualify for the MyCAA program) that have had a MyCAA account can still access all your course information by logging-in into the MyCAA website. VETERANS ADMINISTRATION EDUCATION BENEFITS Students must advise the Office of Veteran Services each semester/term of courses in which they are enrolled. If students do not request certification their courses will not be sent to the VA and they will not receive reimbursement or monthly stipends. Each time students register for courses they must complete the CTC Veterans Enrollment Certificate and provide it to the Office of Veterans Services at the e- mail, fax number or address shown at the bottom of the form. Completed forms may be submitted electronically, saved, printed, faxed, sent as an attachment or mailed. For the CTC Veterans Enrollment Certificate go to: te.pdf Visit the VA website Additional information: Please refer to the CTC Guide Steps to VA Benefits with CTC, available on: CHAPTER 30 (OLD GI BILL): The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty, also called "MGIB" or Chapter 30, provides up to 36 months of education benefits to eligible veterans for: College, Business, Technical or Vocational Courses, Correspondence Courses, Apprenticeship/Job Training and Flight Training. The benefits may be used while on active duty or after separation from active duty. Veterans must receive a fully honorable military discharge for the period of service on which MGIB eligibility is based. Discharges under honorable conditions and general discharges do not establish eligibility. All participants must have a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before applying for benefits. Completing 12 hours toward a college degree before applying for benefits also meets this requirement. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 9

10 $600 BUY-UP PROGRAM Some service members may contribute up to an additional $600 to the GI Bill to receive increased monthly benefits. For an additional $600 contribution, you may receive up to $5,400 in additional GI Bill benefits. The additional contribution must be made while on active duty. Details: Contact your military payroll office for information. COLLEGE FUND PROGRAMS This military benefit is given to members who enlisted in specific job specialties. The college fund payments are added to the regular GI Bill payments and are prorated the in the same manner as regular GI Bill payments. CHAPTER 31 (VOCREHAB): A veteran or spouse who is approved for vocational rehabilitation benefits due to a service-connected disability falls under Chapter 31. The VA Form is the approval form used by students to enroll in college courses with Central Texas College and is the agreement from the VA that they will pay the cost of tuition and fees and books. Usually, the will have explicit details on what the student is approved to enroll in and just what VA will cover. It will also have the billing instructions shown on the form. The student must first get approval from their case manager to ensure that the selected course meets the student s degree program requirements. It is also the case manager s responsibility to complete the and get it to the financial aid administrator. CHAPTER 33 (NEW GI BILL 9/11): The new Post 9/11 GI Bill, which went into effect on August 1, 2009, will provide education benefits for service members who have served on active duty for 90 or more days since September 10, These benefits are tiered based on the number of days served on active duty, creating a benefit package that gives current and previously activated National Guard and Reserve members the same benefits as active duty service members. Chapter 33 monthly living stipends: As an eligible veteran or member of the National Guard or Selected Reserve the student may receive a monthly housing allowance (living stipend) based on the CTC Texas zip code, This stipend is based on the DoD website for an E-5 with dependents. This stipend does not require students to live on campus. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 10

11 The current rate for 2014 is: $1, per month. 100% online learners (Distance Learning courses only) are eligible for a housing rate that is equal to ½ the national average BAH for an E-5 with dependents. The full-time rate (12 CR) for an individual eligible at the 100% eligibility tier would be $ for Note: Service members currently on active duty and veterans (and eligible family members) taking courses on a half-time or less basis and/or only taking their classes at a distance (online) do not qualify for the monthly housing stipend but will receive the book stipend. Chapter 33 Yellow Ribbon Program: CTC IS NOW A YELLOW RIBBON SCHOOL! Only veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) or their designated transferees may receive Yellow Ribbon funding. Active duty service members and their spouses are not eligible for this program. Child transferees of active duty service members may be eligible if the service member is qualified at the 100 percent rate. CHAPTER 35 SURVIVORS & DEPENDENTS ASSISTANCE (DEA): This chapter provides educational opportunities to children, spouses and surviving spouses of veterans who died or were permanently and totally disabled from disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the U.S. Armed Forces. Children of service personnel currently MIA or POW for more than 90 days are also eligible. The eligibility period for a spouse or surviving spouse generally extends ten years from the date the veteran was first found to have serviceconnected total disability, permanent in nature, or from the veteran s date of death, whichever is or was later, or from the date the service person was listed for a total of more than 90 days as MIA or listed as POW. Benefits to children may be extended under certain conditions. Applications are filed with the Department of Veterans Affairs. If the applicant is a minor, the application must be filed with the VA by a parent or guardian. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 11

12 AIR FORCE AID SOCIETY (AFAS STAP) GENERAL HENRY H. ARNOLD EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM Applications for the academic year will be available on or about 1 November 2014 at the AFAS webpage: Since its inception in 1942, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) has been committed to helping Air Force members and their families realize their academic goals. In recent years, the Society's emphasis has been on direct funding of new initiatives that provide greater value to Air Force families. The centerpiece of the Society's education initiatives is the General Henry H. Arnold Education Grant Program which provides $2,000 grants to selected sons and daughters of active duty, Title 10 AGR/Reserve, Title 32 AGR performing full-time active duty, retired, retired reserve and deceased Air Force members; spouses (stateside & overseas) of active duty members and Title 10 AGR/Reservists; and surviving spouses of deceased personnel for their undergraduate studies. This grant program remains competitive in its need-based selection criteria, uniquely tailored to recognize the proper weighing of family income and education cost factors, and is administered by ACT Scholarship and Recognition Services. ACT, located in Iowa City IA, is an independent, not-for-profit organization with nearly 50 years experience in providing support services to scholarship sponsors. For Eligibility Requirements and Applications Procedures visit: TIMETABLE: MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Application Deadline is March 8, All applicants will be notified of their award status in early June Main Address: Air Force Aid Society, Inc. National Headquarters th Street, Suite 202 Arlington, VA Phone: Fax: FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 12

13 ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF (AER SPOUSE SCHOLARSHIP ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SEAP) The application deadline for the academic year is May 1, The Spouse Education Assistance Program (SEAP) is a need-based education program designed to provide spouses of active duty or retired Soldiers, and widows(ers) of Soldiers who died either on active duty or in a retired status with financial assistance to pursue a four year college degree. Applicants must apply each year. Scholarship awards do not exceed four academic years for full-time students, and do not exceed eight academic years for part-time students. ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for SEAP, applicants must: Be a part-time (minimum of 6 credit hours per semester or term) or full-time (minimum 12 credit hours per semester or term) student working on an undergraduate degree. Be a Spouse of an active duty Soldier; widow(er) of a Soldier who died while on active duty; spouse of a retired Soldier or widow(er) of a retired Soldier who died while in a retired status. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 grading scale. Active Duty Soldiers are not eligible. SEAP is not an entitlement or automatically approved. Scholarships are based on financial need, as evidenced by information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SEAP does not apply to second undergraduate degrees or graduate level courses. The scholarship is not available for summer courses. Requirements: Step 1: COMPLETE AND SUBMIT AN APPLICATION Applicants must submit an online application found at the AER web site at Applicants must complete and submit a new application each academic year. Read instructions carefully before submitting. Step 2: SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS a) If the applicant will be a college freshman (never attended college before), then transcripts are not required. b) If the applicant is currently in a post secondary school or has previously taken undergraduate courses, send the transcripts of all post secondary FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 13

14 courses in order to verify cumulative GPA. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable as long as they include the student s name, school name and cumulative GPA based on a 4.0 grading scale. Step 3: IF APPLICABLE, SUBMIT ORDERS, DD FORM 214 OR CASUALTY REPORT a) National Guard and Reserve Soldiers Submit orders directing the Soldier to active federal service (Title 10, United States Code) for the entire academic year (August May). b) If the applicant has previously served in the military submit a copy of Discharge Orders or DD Form 214. c) If applicable, submit a copy of the Soldier s Army Casualty Report (DD Form 1300). Step 4: COMPLETE THE FAFSA APPLICATION The FAFSA is available online at A copy can also be obtained from your school Financial Aid Office or education advisor. Submit the FAFSA application to the processing organization in the FAFSA instructions, NOT AER. Processing the FAFSA may take as long as six weeks so plan accordingly. Step 5: PRINT AND SUBMIT THE STUDENT AID REPORT (SAR) Once the FAFSA has been processed, the SAR can be downloaded and printed. The SAR is the resulting analysis of the FAFSA application, and provides the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number. The EFC is used to determine your eligibility for financial assistance. The SAR will not be accepted if the EFC number is left blank or filled with an asterisk (*). the SAR to AER not later than May 1, TIMETABLE: MARK YOUR CALENDAR! There will be no extensions to the grant program deadlines! APRIL 2, 2015: Online scholarship applications deadline. APRIL 2, 2015: Transcript(s) deadline date. APRIL 2, 2015: All other supporting documents from step 3 above such as active duty orders, Army Casualty Report and applicant s DD Form 214 deadline date (if applicable). MAY 1, 2015: SAR deadline date. JUNE 2015: AER mails scholarship award letters to scholarship recipients. JULY 9, 2015: Deadline for Scholarship recipients to return the AER Scholarship Agreement Form. JULY 9-31, 2015: HQ, AER disburses scholarship funds to schools. DECEMBER 2015: Applications for the Academic Year (AY) will be available on the (AER) web page FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 14

15 The mailing address is: Headquarters, Army Emergency Relief, ATTN: Spouse Education Assistance Program, 200 Stovall St., Alexandria, VA ARMY EMERGENCY RELIEF MG JAMES URSANO SCHOLARSHIP The application deadline for the academic year is May 1, The MG James Ursano Scholarship Program assists children of Soldiers in obtaining a 4-year undergraduate degree. Children of Soldiers on active duty, children of retired Soldiers, or children of Soldiers who died while on active duty or in a retired status are eligible. This program provides need and merit based scholarships to students up to $3,500 per year. TIMETABLE: MARK YOUR CALENDAR! There will be no extensions to the grant program deadlines! AER will mail a notification letter to each applicant in early June 2015 announcing whether or not they have been awarded a scholarship for the academic year. Please remember the DEADLINE for the Student Aid Report (SAR) is due no later than May 1, the complete report to Ursano@aerhq.org. NAVY AND MARINE CORPS RELIEF SOCIETY The NMCRS Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP) was modified to a need-based, no-interest loan, available to spouses residing with their active duty service member sponsors, while stationed outside the fifty United States. STAP nointerest loans are available for part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate studies. The STAP program offers significantly expanded eligibility with loans of up to $3, per 12-month period. These modifications increase the number of qualified spouses and offer an excellent opportunity to complete an undergraduate or graduate degree when stationed overseas. To learn more about this program, please contact your local NMCRS office. Loan repayment starts immediately; terms are based on ETS or 24 months, whichever is shorter. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 15

16 In addition to NMCRS STAP there are also other programs for Navy and Marine veterans and dependents. Go to NMCRS Website: for details. Eligible students should contact NMCRS HQ at or call directly at (703) or DSN PRIVATE LOANS A private student loan is a nonfederal loan issued by a lender such as a bank or credit union. A popular lender of student loans is from Salliemae.com Private student loans often have higher interest rates and loan fees than federal loans; they usually require a credit check and do not usually provide the benefits of federal student loans. If students are not sure of whether they re being offered a private loan or a federal loan, they should look at the name of the loan: does it include the word Federal? If not, ask financial.aid@europe.ctcd.edu TAX DEDUCTIONS IRS TAX CREDITS Question: What expenses qualify for an education credit? Answer: Expenses that qualify for an education credit are qualified tuition and related expenses paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Qualified tuition and related expenses are tuition and fees required for the enrollment or attendance of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse or the taxpayer's dependent at an eligible educational institution for courses of instruction. An eligible educational institution means a college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary educational institution that is accredited and eligible to participate in the student aid programs administered by the Department of Education. American Opportunity Credit (formerly the Hope Credit) provides a tax credit based on the family's income and the tuition the family pays. Qualified families may claim up to $2,500 per student. The credit was extended to apply for tax year 2013 by the Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of The new credit makes the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student. The full credit is available to individuals, whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 16

17 or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits. Lifetime Learning Tax Credit is available to individuals who file a tax return and owe taxes. For the tax year, you may be able to claim a lifetime learning credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all eligible students. For details on your eligibility, make sure that you check with the IRS. For the tax year, you may be able to claim a lifetime learning credit of up to $2,000 for qualified education expenses paid for all eligible students. Note: A taxpayer cannot claim both a Lifetime Learning Credit and a Hope Credit for the same student in the same year. TEXAS RESIDENCY RATE Students enrolled in courses at CTC locations outside Texas pay the tuition and fee rates based upon the applicable military contract or memorandum of understanding. Bona fide Texas residents enrolled in distance learning courses through the Central Campus in Killeen may be eligible for in-state tuition rates. Texas Success Initiative Distant learners in Texas and out-of-state distant learners who are bona fide Texas residents receiving in-state tuition rates must meet the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) requirements unless TSI exempt or waived; and submit substantiating documents for residency purposes. The TSI program is a statelegislated mandated program to ensure that students have the skills to be successful in freshman academic coursework. The program includes (1) an assessment to diagnose students basic academic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics; and (2) developmental instruction to strengthen academic skills that need improvement. Distant learners must contact an online counselor to determine their TSI status and educational plan. TEXAS APPLICATION FOR STATE FEDERAL AID (TASFA) For students ineligible to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are a Texas resident but are not eligible for federal student aid because you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you may use this form to apply for Texas state financial aid only. Certain categories of foreign-born and immigrant students in the state FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 17

18 of Texas can meet state requirements for residency. Such students are able to pay the resident tuition rate while attending public institutions of higher education in Texas. To be considered, all students MUST: a) Complete the CTC admissions application process and be admitted to Central Texas College. b) Be classified as a Texas resident as determined by the Admissions Office. c) Complete the application and submit it to the Financial Aid Office with supporting income verification documents. Application is found here: OTHER STUDENT AID RESOURCES U. S. Department of Labor, Scholarship Search Institute of International Education GovBenefits.gov GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government, with information on over a thousand benefit and assistance programs. They include education grants and loans, health, housing and other types of assistance. To obtain a tailored list of benefit programs for which you may be eligible, complete the free and confidential questionnaire on the GovBenefits.gov homepage. Or search for all programs by state, category, state or federal agency by going to Benefits. Students.gov This U.S. Department of Education site links students with information on financial aid, tuition assistance and scholarships. There is a section for military members and their families. Start your search by going to Pay for your education. U.S. Department of Education U.S. Department of Education website that provides information on educational programs and financial aid regulations. Air Force Spouse Scholarship Program FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 18

19 The Air Force Spouse Scholarship program is designed to encourage Air Force spouses worldwide to pursue associate, bachelor, or graduate and postgraduate degrees. The applicant must be a spouse of Air Force Active Duty, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve to be eligible. Spouses who are also members of the service are not eligible. Additional requirements are available on the website. American Association of University Women The American Association of University Women offers scholarships for women. These scholarships are awarded to eligible women who meet the specific requirements of AAUW branch and state offices. The American Legion Legacy Scholarship The American Legion wants to ensure higher education is a possibility for children whose parents have been killed while serving our country. It is a civic duty to provide them with equal opportunity. The Legion offers its support through the Legacy Scholarship Fund. There has been a significant shortfall in government money allotted to children with parents lost in war. The government gives these children a college education stipend worth slightly more than $37,000. Taking into account living expenses, textbooks and rising tuitions, this benefit covers only a little more than half of college costs in the most affordable situation. And the price tag of higher learning will only continue to rise. The most conservative estimates predict a 5- percent annual increase, meaning that in 16 years the most affordable college education will be $132,800. Obviously, military compensation will not keep up. AMVETS AMVETS annually awards scholarships to veterans/active military, their sons, daughters or grandchildren. A son, daughter or grandchild of a deceased veteran is also eligible. Awarded on the basis of academic excellence and financial need, the scholarships go to deserving high school seniors, high school JROTC students and veterans pursuing a higher education. The following scholarships, funded by the AMVETS National Service Foundation, are awarded annually: Six $4,000 scholarships for high school seniors (PDF) ($1,000 a year of a four-year undergraduate program or at an accredited technical/trade leading to certification or a degree; one selected from each district). FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 19

20 Three $4,000 scholarships for veterans (PDF) ($1,000 a year of a four-year undergraduate program or certification/degree from an accred-ited technical/trade school; no regard for dis-trict boundaries). One $1,000 scholarship for a JROTC high school senior (PDF) entering any undergraduate programs (no regard for district boundaries). Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association It links to various grants and scholarship opportunities. See website for details and application dates. Army Scholarship Foundation The Army Scholarship Foundation offers scholarships for spouses of enlisted active duty Army members, as well as for spouses of active duty Guard and Reserve members. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Scholarships Every student in the United States deserves the chance to go to college. Most U.S. high school students want to attend college. They recognize that higher education is the most direct path to success in their future careers. College also provides opportunities to explore talents and develop leadership skills they can use to participate more fully in adult life at home, at work, and in their communities. Millions of students can t afford the tuition. It s estimated that between 2006 and 2016, nearly 4.5 million students won t pursue college degrees because their families can t afford the high costs of higher education. Low-income students and students of color are particularly hard hit. Only one in 10 low-income students can expect to graduate from college. And disproportionately fewer students of color earn bachelor s degrees. This is not due to a lack of talent but instead to the high costs of tuition and to the fact that many graduate high school without the skills they need to succeed in college. They also lack guidance on how to choose a school, apply for admission, and fill out financial aid forms. We will help more than 27,000 low-income students get to college by Thousands of low-income, minority students are highly motivated and ready for college every year. We re working to help them get there through our scholarship programs. We re also creating programs in lower performing schools FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 20

21 designed to help low-income students get ready to enter and then succeed in college. We believe in educating future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. We encourage leadership and public service in the U.S. and abroad. We will provide scholarships for graduate study in fields that benefit local and global communities. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation Provides college scholarships to the children of soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who died in combat or in training. Scholarships awarded based on need, and intended to supplement other public and private sources of funding to cover tuition, room and board, or books at any accredited college or university. Amounts based on individual needs and available funding. They have already awarded over $3.6 million in scholarships to 260 children. Deadline: Applications accepted and scholarships awarded on a rolling basis throughout the year. The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund The Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund was founded to help support surviving U.S. Military children who have lost a parent in the Afghanistan or Iraq wars by providing them with College Grants. Our program has been expanded to include spouses of our fallen as well as those whose parent or spouse has suffered a severe disability as a result of their efforts in either war. Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Coast Guard Mutual Assistance Education grants and loans foster long-term financial well-being by helping Coast Guard families pursue their academic goals through post-secondary education. College Board It allows students to search for available grants and scholarships. Heroes' Legacy Scholarships Program Dependent unmarried children under 23 with ID cards of active duty, guard, reserve, retired and deceased service members. Applicants must be in DEERS. Award amount varies depending on proceeds from the book "Of Thee I Sing. A Letter to My Daughters" written by President Barack Obama. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 21

22 Local Spouses Clubs Organizations Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Honoring Marines By Educating Their Children Military.com Scholarship Finder Navy Wives Clubs of America The Navy Wives Clubs of America offers a scholarship program for spouses of enlisted Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard members. Pat Tillman Foundation The Pat Tillman Foundation offers Tillman Military Scholarships for service members and their dependents. Thanks USA Thanks USA offers scholarships to spouses and dependents of active duty service members or Reservists and National Guard members who have been activated. For the Academic Year: April 1 - May 15, 2014 or when 10,000 applications are received. United Negro College Fund The United Negro College Fund administers numerous college scholarship programs. Each program has its own eligibility criteria, deadlines and document requirements. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Every student should apply for FAFSA and research other financial aid possibilities. 2. Students should look for Need Based scholarships as well as Merit Based scholarships depending on their abilities. Need Based scholarships seek out students who need help affording college. Merit Based scholarships award students with exceptional abilities or a certain degree program. Abilities can be anything from athletic, a personal talent, or a high G.P.A. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 22

23 3. Scholarships have deadlines. These deadlines usually revolve around the term dates, after these deadlines have passed these benefits can become unavailable. Students should apply for financial aid well before a term starts. Scholarships can be awarded on a first come first serve basis. Students shouldn t miss out by applying early! 4. Submit a FAFSA, even if you think you don t qualify. Being rejected for federal aid is sometimes a prerequisite for receiving private awards. FOR STUDENTS OF THE REAL WORLD 23