Financial Assistance Programs

Students who need financial assistance in paying their educational expenses should apply for the various financial aid programs available. Many students incorrectly assume that they will not be eligible for financial aid because they feel financial aid is only for the extremely needy. Financial Aid is intended for all students who need help in paying for their education. The Financial Aid Office, therefore, recommends that all students who are having difficulty paying for their education take the time to apply for financial aid by completing the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid'' (FAFSA). This application is available in the Financial Aid Office or by clicking on the underlined words.

There is no charge or fee to apply for Financial Aid or to receive assistance in completing any application form.

Various financial assistance programs, designed to help needy students achieve their educational goals, are available through Wright College. The amount of financial aid that can be awarded is based on demonstrated student need. Essentially, need is the difference between the cost of pursuing a college education and the amount of money a student's family can contribute toward that cost. Included in the cost of education are all expenses related to attending college such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other living expenses. A person who is found to have financial need is awarded a financial aid package consisting of one or more programs. Because funds for the various campus-based financial aid programs available at Wright College can be depleted early, it is wise to apply for financial aid as early as possible.

After filling out and mailing the "Free Application for Federal Student Aid,'' you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) at your home address. You should bring your SAR to the Financial Aid Office to begin a Finacial Aid file. If you are found eligible for financial aid, the cost of tuition may be deferred and a book voucher of up to $400 may be issued prior to your receiving any direct payment from Financial Aid sources.

Required Documentation

One of the primary functions of the Financial Aid Office is to verify the information you submitted to the Department of Education. To do this correctly and promptly, the following documents are requested before we can complete your file.

1. The first and the most important, is the SAR--both parts sent to you in response to the ``Free Application for Federal Student Aid.''

2. Proof of citizenship, or Immigration and Naturalization Service documentation of permanent residency status or any other non-temporary status granted.

3. Verification of income.

   1. A signed copy of your Internal Revenue Service (federal) income tax return for the prior year. Students living with their parents or under the age of 24 must provide a signed copy of the parents' income tax return for the prior year. If you are married, a signed copy of your spouse's tax return is required.

   2. Where no income tax return has been filed because you or your family only receive non-taxable income, a verification from the agencies or persons providing for your support must be obtained. Examples of non-taxable income sources are Public Aid, Unemployment Compensation, Social Security and Veterans' Administration benefits.

4. Proof of High School Graduation or GED completion must be provided.

Financial aid cannot be awarded until these documents and any others requested by the Financial Aid office are submitted. If the required documents are unavailable or lost, copies must be obtained from the appropriate agencies. In some cases this may take several weeks. Therefore, we advise you to gather these documents early.

Financial aid can be issued to eligible part-time students. Generally full-time students who carry twelve or more credit hours receive larger awards.

What Financial Aid is Available?

Financial aid programs are divided into two major categories:

The Grant Programs consist of the Federal Pell Grant and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Monetary Award Program(MAP).

1. The Federal Pell Grant provides assistance to students to help pay for their college education. The amount of the award depends on the cost of attendance for each semester, the student's enrollment status, and whether the student has made sufficient progress towards a degree. At Wright, the Federal Pell Grant awarded can be as much as $4,000 per academic year. This award is a grant and does not have to be repaid to the school or the federal government.

2. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Monetary Award Program(MAP) is awarded to Illinois resident students, who are enrolled for 1/2 time or more, to cover tuition and fees. The MAP Grant will pay for a maximum of ten semester and is dependant on the Expected Family Contribution(EFC), that is calculated by the Department of Education. At Wright, the maximum ISAC award will depend on the number of hours for which you register. Payment of the monetary award is made directly to Wright College. If a student has already paid the tuition to the college, any money provided to the college by ISAC is refunded to the student.

3. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) Illinios Incentive for Access Program(IIAP) is for all students who are freshmen, eligible for a MAP grant, have an EFC of zero. The Award is a maximum of $250 for two semesters.

The second major category of financial aid is known as campus-based aid. These financial aid programs are intended for students whose financial need is not sufficiently met by the programs explained above.

1. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is available to students who have exceptional need. Awards can range from $200 to $500 per academic year.

2. The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) provides funds for the part-time employment of a student on or off-campus. Students awarded FWS must be hired by a supervisor on-campus or at a not-for-profit off-campus agency approved as a FWS site. All employment offered under the FWS program is intended to provide students an opportunity to earn money to help pay educational costs.

Notice

AS OF FALL 2002 WRIGHT COLLEGE WILL NO LONGER PARTICIPATE IN STUDENT LOAN PROGRAM.

FOR INFORMATION ON PERSONAL STUDENT LOAN GIVEN BY OTHER LENDERS STUDENT HAS TO DIRECTLY CONTACT THE LENDERS

SOME OTHER LENDERS:

WWW.PLATOLOAN.COM

1-800-GO-PLATO EXT - 405

WWW.CHARTERONE.COM/PF

1-800-252-2500 EXT. 2210

Return of Title IV Funds

Students who officially withdraw(WTH), are administratively withdrawn(ADW), and/or "no-showed"(NS1) from all their classes prior to completing 60% of the period of enrollment charged will be required to return a portion of Title IV funds received. Title IV funds include the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant(FSEOG).

The City Colleges of Chicago will apply a federally regulated calculation "Return of Title IV Funds" to determine the amount of unearned tuition, fees, room and board, and other charges that may have been overpaid. Students are responsible to return this money. Students who do not repay these funds will be placed on hold prohibiting future registration, denied requests for academic transcripts from any City College of Chicago, and denied financial aid in the future.

Harold Washington Academic Scholarships

Each year Wright College offers 100 scholarships to academically qualified high school seniors or students successfully completing the GED examination. These scholarships require a high school B average or a high score on the GED test and are renewable if a student maintains a B average at Wright. This scholarship is limited to tuition costs. For more information contact the Admissions Office.

Other Scholarships and Awards

The Financial Aid Office keeps a current file of special interest scholarships offered by groups such as public service agencies, educational institutions, and charitable foundations. In addition, a number of reference books and periodicals are on reserve in the college library for students who may wish to obtain information on academic and special interest scholarships. Students interested in more information on any scholarships should contact the Financial Aid Office, FAST WEB or consult the PEPSI scholarship computer software in the Learning Resource Center.

Veterans or Military Benefits

Students who are veterans may use their Federal Educational Benefits at Wright College. The Veterans Affairs Office, located in Room A139, will assist veterans in preparing the required application for a Certificate of Eligibility to the Veterans Administration (VA).

Wright College is approved by the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs, State Approving Agency.

For additional information relating to DVA administered programs, please contact the Office of Veterans Affairs.

Male Students NOTE: Selective Service System
Register on-line at http://www.sss.gov/regist.htm

Other Sources for Financial Aid