January 31, 2007
Financial Aid for Education is Available at NETC

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month and the Northeastern Technical College Office of Student Financial Assistance is a resource for information about programs available to help students and families afford higher education.

“The lack of personal money should not deter you from pursuing your college education dreams,” said Sheryll Marshall, coordinator of financial assistance at Northeastern Technical College.  “We can help you identify the resources and options available to help with tuition, fees, books and supplies so you can start your pathway to a college degree.”

Marshall explained that funding is often perceived as a major road block for people wishing to go to college.  However, many students across the state and enrolled at Northeastern Technical College are able to attend college because of financial aid programs.

“More than 75 percent of our students at NETC are receiving some sort of financial assistance,” she said.  “Because there are a variety of assistance options, we are able to support many students who otherwise would not be able to attend college.”

Financial assistance is typically available in three different forms: federal, state and other aid programs.  Federal programs include Pell Grants, work-study programs, academic competitiveness grants and Stafford Loans.  State programs include need-based grants, Lottery Tuition Assistance (LTA) and Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarships (LIFE).  Other aid programs include scholarships and grants that are privately funded, local charities, vocational rehabilitation and tuition management programs.

More information about these programs is available by visiting www.netc.edu and clicking on “Financial Aid,” by calling the office of student financial assistance at 843-921-6939, or by visiting the office on the campus of NETC Cheraw.

“Whether you plan to start this summer or in the fall, the sooner you start the financial aid process the better,” said Marshall. 

Most awards are issued on a first come, first serve basis, so Marshall encourages students to make the time to come by the office and apply as soon as possible. The office is open from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm Monday through Thursday.

Ashley Herndon, of Bennettsville, is a student at Northeastern Technical College and first applied for financial aid through the college’s website.  Eventually she was awarded assistance through the work-study program on the college’s campus in Cheraw.

“It’s very convenient and fits well into my class schedule,” she said.  Herndon works about 15 hours a week in the office of student financial assistance while also taking courses toward an associate degree in business. “I can walk back and forth between work and school.”

Herndon explained that even though she encounters students who think the financial aid process is difficult, it’s really a matter of following directions and starting early. 

“As long as students start early enough, we can take the time to assist anyone who needs help applying for aid,” she said adding that without the program she wouldn’t be able to get through college at her current pace.  She hopes to graduate in 2008.    

“You can’t knock it until you try it,” she said. “There are plenty of aid options available to students who want to go to college.”

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