What aid is available from the Federal Government?

What aid is available?

Federal Government
1. Federal Pell Grant
  The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation program of federal student assistance. It is awarded to students on the basis of financial need and does not have to be repaid. Funds received from the Federal Pell Grant may be used for all legitimate educational expenses, including tuition, fees, books and related living costs.
2. Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)
  This grant was established in 2006, and provides additional funds to college students during their first and second years of college who have completed rigorous high school course work in January 2005 or later. Other qualifying factors that need to be meet for the award are Pell grant eligibility, enrolled full time in an associate degree program, and have a 3.0 gpa at the end of the freshman year of college (24 credits earned) to receive the second year award. The qualifying high school curriculum for students entering college in 2008 or later must include:
  - Four units of English (not including speech or yearbook)
  - At least three units of math, including algebra I and a higher level class such as algebra II, geometry, or probability and statistics
  - At least 3 units of science, including one year from at least two of the following categories – biology, chemistry and physics
  - Three units of social studies. These classes can vary, and include, but are not limited to: history, geography, sociology, civics, economics, and humanities
  - Two units of foreign language; sign language is included, computer science is not
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  This is an additional federal grant administered and awarded by JWCC. The FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional need and the amounts will vary by enrollment status.
4. Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
  Part-time work-study jobs are available to eligible JWCC students. These include a limited number of clerical, secretarial and maintenance positions. FWS students typically work ten hours per week.
5. Federal Stafford Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
  This loan program allows students to borrow money for educational expenses. The interest rate is variable and may change on July 1 or each year. Repayment of principal need not begin until six months after the student either graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (minimum of six credits per term).
  
  To apply for either the subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, a student must first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The student may then follow the checklist provided under Loan Information.
  
  The combined amount that may be borrowed from both the subsidized and unsubsidized loan programs is $3,500 during the first year and $4,500 for those students who have attained sophomore standing. (These amounts will be less if the student’s program is less than an academic year in length.) John Wood Community does have an aggregate loan limit for independent and dependent students that potentially can be appealed.
  
  Since all loans must be repaid, students are urged to approach borrowing with extreme caution. The Federal Stafford Loan program provides an excellent means of obtaining needed funds for educational expenses, but these funds become a debt which must be included in the borrower’s future financial planning.

Contact Information

The Financial Aid Office is located in Enrollment Services at 1301 South 48th Street in Quincy.

Stacey Schnelle
Financial Aid Specialist
(217)641-4333

Lindsay Tenhouse
Financial Aid Specialist
(217)641-4315

Kathy Neisen
Financial Aid Specialist
(217)641-4312

Kathy Gerecke
Financial Aid Specialist
(217)641-4311

Melanie Lechtenberg
Director
(217)641-4310

Bonnie Scranton
Dean of Enrollment Services
(217)641-4336