Selection and Notification of Applicants
The Financial Aid Office reviews all applications and determines the amount and type of aid to be awarded. The amount awarded is determined by need, eligibility, timeliness of application, response to requests for information and amount of funds available. Summer school financial aid is limited and awarded based on the availability of funding.
GCC strives to provide each eligible student sufficient resources to meet their cost of attendance and to distribute the available resources across the eligible population in a fair and equitable manner. We strive to ensure that access to the student's chosen field of study is not limited due to lack of funding. GCC's goal is to make use of all available resources and, at the same time, minimize debt burden on students.
We provide a student employment pool for GCC and provide students work experience opportunities related to their academic programs whenever possible.
GCC also takes into consideration the amount of other resources that may be available to the student as well as the financial strength of the student's family compared to families of other aid applicants. GCC utilizes a combination of packaging models in awarding financial aid. Financial aid is awarded in the following order: Federal Pell Grant, grants and scholarships, and employment and loans.
An applicant who has completed his/her file by May 1 and has established need, will be given first consideration for available awards. This group of students may generally expect to be offered a financial aid package two weeks after the file becomes complete. A student may apply for financial aid after the deadline and will be offered aid based upon remaining available funds.
The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to retain a portion of program funds to respond to special circumstances of need arising during the academic year. A student with unforeseen needs or a major change in circumstances is invited to seek award adjustments. A student may schedule an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to discuss individual circumstances.
Award proposals will be mailed to the students, detailing the type and amount of financial aid being offered.- The student must formally accept or reject each award by completing the requested items on the award proposal and returning one copy to the Financial Aid Office.
- If a student fails to return an award proposal within the time frame specified on the proposal, all future listed awards may be canceled. A student may seek reinstatement through an appointment with the Financial Aid Director.
- Any financial aid provided by the college is not transferable to another college or university. Students transferring to another college must reapply for financial aid at that institution.
Financial aid is based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in. Students are classified less than half-time (1-5 credits), half-time (6-8 credits), three-quarter time (9-11 credits) or full-time (12 credits or above). All students will receive an original financial aid package based on the enrollment status listed on the FAFSA unless the Financial Aid Office is otherwise notified.
GCC determines eligibility for the types of aid the student will receive, but many times final approval is given by the state, federal, and/or lending agencies. No financial aid will be disbursed until the student and the school receives an official notice from the various sources. It is recommended that the student periodically check with GCC and the agencies to find out the status of the student's application.
The financial proposal is based on the information provided on the FAFSA. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right to revise, adjust, or cancel the award at any time based on new or conflicting eligibility information. The student is required to report all changes in his/her financial status. If a student receives any additional aid from any source, the financial aid package will be adjusted.