Financial Aid – Scholarships

FAQ

Applying For Financial Aid

  1. Apply for the FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form is available to students and parents to complete through the myStudentAid mobile app and the studentaid.gov website.

Download the myStudentAid app in the Apple App Store (iOS) or the Google Play store (Android). You will never be charged a fee to complete a FAFSA®.

The Federal School Code for Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is 016522.

Students and Parents of dependent students will need to create an account (FSA ID) to sign the FAFSA.  Please keep your FSA ID in a secure place for future use.  Never share FSA ID or create an account for anyone but yourself.

  • Complete the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov or on the mobile app
    • Click on Apply for Aid
    • Select Complete the FAFSA form

Watch your email for request for additional documents.  Financial Aid eligibility will be sent by email.

  1. Scholarships

 Try these free sources of information about scholarships:

  • your state grant agency 
  • your library’s reference section
  • foundations, religious or community organizations, local businesses, or civic groups
  • organizations (including professional associations) related to your field of interest
  • ethnicity-based organizations
  • your employer or your parents’ employers
  1. Federal Direct Loan Process

Student – You will need the FSA ID you created during the FAFSA process.

Complete the following:

  • Complete the Federal Direct Loan Request Worksheet located on the student portal or under financial aid forms.
  • Return worksheet to the Financial Aid Office by email or through the portal

Go to https://studentaid.gov

  • Click on Complete Aid Process
  • Select Complete Entrance Counseling
  • Select Complete Master Promissory Note – MPN for Undergraduates

Parent (Dependent student only) – Parent will need the FSA ID they created during the FAFSA process.

Complete the following:

  • Complete the Federal Direct Loan Request Worksheet located on the student portal
  • Return worksheet to the Financial Aid Office by email or through the portal

Go to https://studentaid.gov

  • Click on Apply for Aid
    • Select Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan
  • Click on Complete Aid Process
  • Complete Master Promissory Note – MPN for Parents

Alternative Loan Process

 https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/1099300

Visit tabs below for additional information

 

Grants

FAFSA Procedures

To be considered for Federal Student Aid students are required to complete the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Please only use the US Department of Education’s website, as this is free and available to all students. Before completing the application you will need to obtain a FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov. Once received please keep this FSA ID in a secure place for future use. The Federal School Code for Hobart Institute of Welding Technology is 016522. For your convenience we have available under forms a FAFSA Worksheet that you can print off and complete prior to entering the information online. After completing and submitting the FAFSA, you and the school will receive the processed results. Based on the information provided on the FAFSA, the federal government will make a determination of the amount the family is to contribute towards the student’s educational cost. This amount is called an EFC or Expected Family Contribution. We will review the FAFSA to determine what you may be eligible for as far as financial aid. We may ask you for additional information or notify you what you are eligible for if you are enrolled. If you specific questions regarding the above process please contact the Financial Aid Office at 937-332-9500.

Federal Pell Grants

In general, families showing financial need are eligible for grants, although families with higher incomes may also be eligible under special circumstance. To determine eligibility you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.ed.gov .

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program provides need-based grants to help low-income undergraduate students finance the costs of postsecondary education. When making FSEOG awards, the institution must give priority to those students with “exceptional need” and those who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients.

 

Loans

Federal Direct Loans (William D. Ford)

The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans are a low-interest loan designed to provide students with additional funds to assist in paying for education cost not covered by other sources of financial aid. There are two types of Direct Loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. To qualify, you must first complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online and be enrolled in either the Combination Structural & Pipe Welding, Program One, or Structural Welding, Program Two. Repayment begins 6 months after graduation, leave school, or cease to be enrolled.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The subsidized loan is based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The federal government pays the interest while you are in school.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The unsubsidized loan is not based on need, which means students at any income level can qualify. Interest will accrue while in school, during your grace period, and during any authorized deferment periods.  The student has the option of paying the interest during these times.

Federal Regulations require that all students borrowing Federal Direct Loans complete Entrance Counseling prior to the initial disbursement of loan funds. Students will be required to do this prior to completing the loan application. Students who obtain Federal Student Loans are also required to complete the Exit Counseling process prior to obtaining their diploma/certificate and official transcript from Hobart Institute of Welding Technology.   

Apply Now – Direct Loans

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan is a federally sponsored education loan that offers a low, fixed interest rate. The Parent PLUS Loans are made to parents of dependent students attending the institution.  Parents are solely responsible for loan repayments – not the student. The standard repayment period is ten years, but there is no penalty for early payoff. These loans typically go into repayment 60 days after full disbursement, but you may delay repayment while your student is enrolled in school; however interest will continue to accrue.

Apply Now – Direct Loans

Alternative Lending

When federal aid is not enough, private loans are available to fill the funding gaps. These loans are not guaranteed or subsidized by the government. Instead, they are based on your credit and the credit of any co-signers you may have. Private loans can be necessary and a cost-effective way to fill the gaps that federal funding leave behind. Students and their co-signer can take advantage of private student loans if they need additional funds for education related expenses.

Disclosure: The lenders listed have extended loans to students at our institution within the last three years. You may choose one of the lenders listed or provide us with a lender of your choice.

FAST CHOICE – Review options available with Alternative Lending

 

Loan Repayment/Default

Steps to loan repayment:

Complete Exit Counseling

If the student received a federal student loan, the student is required to complete Exit Counseling before they graduate or leave school. Students are emailed directions to complete Exit Counseling prior to graduation or at the time of withdraw.

Review Your Financial Aid History

You can find information at www.nslds.ed.gov.  on the following items:

  • Loan Type
  • Amount you originally borrowed and the current loan balance
  • Expected repayment date
  • Servicer contact information, including website address

Keep in mind that the information provided at the National Student Loan Data Service only applies to the student’s federal financial aid when using the students unique FSA ID. It does not include Parent PLUS Loans obtained by the parent (dependent student) or Alternative Lending (for example: Sallie Mae or Wells Fargo) to pay cost not covered by federal financial aid for schooling or cost of living.The parent borrower can access NSLDS with their unique FSA ID to see Parent PLUS loan information.

Visit Your Servicer’s Website and Setup an Account

It is important to know who your servicer is and be familiar with the resources available to student borrowers.Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans and review the information on “How to Repay Your Student Loans” and utilize the Repayment Estimator.

Make Your Payments

Your loan servicer will provide you with a loan repayment schedule. There are several loan repayment plan options that you can discuss with your servicer prior to going into repayment.

Resolve Problems Quickly

Your federal student loans have a 6-month grace period and come into repayment when the grace period ends. Problems need to be resolved quickly to avoid penalties or default. If you see errors in your record contact your servicer immediately.

Stay Out of Default

Don’t miss payments. If you are unable to make payments contact your servicer to discuss repayment options.

More Information about Default

 

VA

The School Certifying Official (SCO) is a representative of an educational institute or training establishment who is authorized to submit enrollment certification to DVA (Department of Veterans Affairs) for VA education benefits.  SCO’s are not a VA representative.

For information on VA Education Benefits go to https://www.va.gov/education/

For information about GI Bill Benefits got to https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/

For information on Transfer for of Post 9/11 benefits – https://www.va.gov/education/transfer-post-9-11-gi-bill-benefits/

Applications for Benefits

VA students can submit VA applications online at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/

All VA students must file an application prior to the start of school before they can receive benefits. Students who have never received VA benefits must file an original application.  Once the application is received and approved the VA student will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE).  The COE must be submitted to the SCO for benefits to be certified.

Student Verification of Enrollment

Students receiving chapter 30 and 1606 must verify their enrollment monthly by Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) or by Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The monthly verification of enrollment has not been added for chapter 33 and chapter 35, with one exception. Chapter 35 Non-College Degree (NCD) students are mailed a monthly verification form (VA Form 22- 8979).

The preferred verification method is WAVE, which includes features not in IVR. When students are awarded benefits, the award letter they receive describes WAVE and IVR. The earliest date students can verify their enrollment is the last calendar day of each month.  WAVE allows students to verify their enrollment on the Internet. WAVE is on the Education Service website at https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do

Students must be currently enrolled in an approved educational program and must have a current benefit award to use WAVE. The WAVE system permits students to perform a multitude of functions. For instance, students may:

  • Verify that enrollment has not changed
  • Report a change in enrollment
  • Change mailing address
  • Initiate or change direct deposit information
  • View the enrollment period and monthly benefit amount
  • View the remaining entitlement
  • Sign up for a monthly e-mail reminder

IVR allows students to “phone in” (1-877-823-2378) their monthly verification if there are no changes to the enrollment during the previous month. If there were changes in the enrollment the student must contact the VA Certifying Official to submit a change in status and the payment may be delayed until the reduction is processed

eBenefits

Students are strongly encouraged to register and utilize eBenefits to assist them in the following:

  • Obtaining up to date information on their educational entitlement
  • Updating their Direct Deposit and personal contact information
  • Downloading VA letters and personal documents
  • Viewing the current status of their payments (both education and disability)

To access eBenefits go to https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/homepage  Students can register for either a Basic or Premium account but must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) to obtain either account type.

 

Financial Aid Forms

 

 

 

Scholarship Applications and Search Tools

Search Tools:

 

 

NSLDS Student Access

National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS)

The National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) is the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED’s) central database for student’s aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, guaranty agencies, the Direct Loan program, and other Department of ED programs. NSLDS Student Access provides a centralized, integrated view of Title IV loans and grants so that recipients of Title IV Aid can access and inquire about their Title IV loans and/or grant data. Your privacy is very important. You will be asked to provide information, including your Social Security Number, which is protected by the Privacy Act of 1974 (as amended). You will also need your FSA ID you obtained when you completed your FAFSA or you will need to create one if you completed your financial aid process prior to May of 2015.  To review your past and current financial aid, please click here.

 

Net Price Calculator

Important Information

The estimate provided using the Net Price Calculator does not represent a final determination, or actual award of financial assistance, or a final net price. The estimate applies to full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate students only. It is an estimate based on cost of attendance and financial aid provided to students in the 2020-2021 academic year.

With these facts in mind, click the button to continue.

Calculate Now

 

Financial Aid Shopping Sheet

Important Information

The estimates provided using the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet does not represent a final determination or actual award of financial assistance. The estimate applies to full-time, first-time degree/certificate-seeking undergraduate prospective students only. It is an estimate based on cost of attendance and financial aid provided to students.

Financial Aid Shopping Sheet – Combination Structural and Pipe Welding Program

Financial Aid Shopping Sheet – Structural Welding Program

 

Ohio Education and Training Voucher Program

The Ohio Education and Training Voucher Program is a federally-funded, state-administered program designed to help youth who were in U.S. foster care. Students may receive up to $5,000 a year for qualified school related expenses. Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible students. Applicants must complete the ETV application which includes documentation each semester that is sent directly from the school to ETV confirming enrollment, the cost of attendance (COA) and unmet need.

 

Link https://www.fc2sprograms.org/ohio/

 

TAA/WIOA/BVR

TAA (Trade Adjustment Act) and WIA (Workforce Investment Act) funds are available for dislocated workers who are eligible. Contact your local Unemployment Office for more information.

BVR (Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation) also called DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation) provides services to help individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

On July 22, 2014, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law as Public Law 113-128.  WIOA supersedes the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and amends the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, the Wagner-Peyser Act, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The purpose of the law is to: • Increase opportunities for individuals, particularly those with barriers to employment • Support alignment of workforce investment, education, and economic development systems • Provide workers with the skills and credentials to secure and advance employment • Promote improvement in the structure and delivery of services • Increase the prosperity of workers and employers • Increase the employment retention and earnings of participants and the attainment of recognized post-secondary credentials

WIOA Implementation page covers the designation of Local Areas, historical and current funding in the area, handouts, waivers, and external links to additional resources.

WIOA Handout

 

 

Internet Resources

https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalStudentAid – Federal Student Aid YouTube Channel – Financial Aid Tutorials

studentaid.ed.gov – General Information on Financial Aid, US Department of Education Information Website

fafsa.ed.gov – Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application website

studentloans.gov – Federal Student Loans Website

nslds.ed.gov – National Student Loan Data System – Database for all federal student aid

www.va.gov – US Department of Veterans Affairs

http://dvs.ohio.gov – Ohio Department of Veterans Services

https://www.facebook.com/FederalStudentAid – Federal Student Aid Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/gibillEducation -The Post-9/11 GI Bill, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/32887353939 – Hobart Institute of Welding Technology Group