Federal Pell Grant

The purpose of the Pell Grant is to provide funds to qualified students who demonstrate financial need that will assist them in obtaining the benefits of a postsecondary education. Every student enrolled in a degree, diploma, or Pell-eligible certificate should complete and electronically submit a FAFSA. To apply, the student may complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov. A Pell award is a grant provided for educational costs and does not have to be repaid unless the student has been over awarded.

If a student withdraws from all classes during the semester, Federal regulations require that Columbus Technical College calculate the amount of “earned” and “unearned” Title IV financial aid for the semester. The amount of Title IV aid earned is first used to pay the tuition, fees, and The Campus Store charges deferred to the student aid account. If any funds remain after deducting 100 percent of tuition and fee charges, the student will receive the balance. If the amount of Title IV aid earned is not sufficient to cover the tuition, fees, and The Campus Store charges, the student will be responsible for paying the balance due.

The “earned” percentage is determined by dividing the number of calendar days in the semester up through the date of withdrawal by the number of calendar days in the semester. If the student completes 60 percent or more of the semester, 100 percent of the financial aid for that period is earned. If the student withdraws before completing 60 percent, the amount of aid “unearned” is returned to the Department of Education.  The student’s account will be placed on hold until the amount of “unearned” aid is paid to Columbus Technical College.  Students are notified if they owe for a Return to Title IV calculation via CTC student e-mail.