Financial Aid

Sandra Girdner and Judy Merrill are the designated employees responsible for administering financial aid information to current and prospective students on all campuses. The office hours for the Muskogee campus are 7:30 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. For assistance or to schedule an appointment contact:

Sandra Girdner 1-800-375-8324 or 918-687-6383 ext 7950 sandrag@ictctech.com

Judy Merrill 1-800-340-2594 or 918-456-2594 judym@ictctech.com

The fundamental purpose of the financial aid office is to provide assistance for financially disadvantaged students who, without such aid, would be unable to further their education.  Financial assistance includes grants, scholarships, and tuition fee waivers. The primary responsibility for financing education lies first with the student and the student's family (parents or spouse).  When the total resources they can provide do not meet expenses, the financial aid will provide assistance to the student.

Financial aid is awarded to the student according to institutional policies and federal  regulations on the basis of need and ability to benefit from the training without regard to age, ethnicity, religion, or gender.  Information on any of the available financial aid programs may be obtained from the school office and online.  When a student has a need of financial assistance, arrangements should be made prior to the beginning of the student's training.  Every effort will be made to meet the student's need through a variety of available financial asistance programs.  Grants and scholarships, as well as assistance from other agencies are available to assist most students.  Students who are sponsored by an agency or organization shall be responsible for providing an approval letter or voucher from that agency to the financial aid office no later than two weeks after the first day of class.  It is the student's responsibility to keep the financial aid office informed of any changes in their address and enrollment status.  

Federal PELL Grant

The Federal PELL Grant Program is an entitlement program in which a student's eligibility is determined by a standard formula computed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal PELL Grant awards are based on family size, income, and assets of the student and family, and on the actual number of clock hours attended by the student. A Federal PELL Grant is an award to help undergraduates pay for their education after high school. For the Federal PELL Grant Program, an undergraduate is one who has not earned a Bachelor's degree.  Any adult student may apply by going online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or for individual assistance, make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office listed above. ICTC SCHOOL CODE: 010053

A student is eligible for a Federal PELL Grant if he or she:

·         Is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

·         Is registered with Selective Service (male only, at least 18 years of age)

·         Does not already have a B.S. or B.A. degree.

·         Has financial need as determined by the Department of Education.

·         Enrolled as a regular student in an eligible program.

·         Is attending at least 12 clock hours per week.

·         Is working toward a certificate.

·         Has a high school diploma or GED or meets the requirement on the 'Ability to Benefit'

·         Is not in default on any student loan previously received and does not owe a refund on any student grant previously received.

·         Verification:  If selected by the Department of Education

·         Is not incarcerated in a Federal or State Penal institution

·         Has not been convicted of possessing or selling an illegal drug that occurred during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV aid. 

·         Signs a statement of updated information, Registration status, Anti-Drug Abuse Act Certification, Education purpose/statement of refunds and defaults.  Student will not be entitled to receive Federal PELL Grant payments from more than one institution concurrently

Criteria for Selecting Recipients from Group of Eligible Applicants

·         All eligible students in a Title IV approved course will be paid.

Federal Pell Grant Eligibility

To be eligible for Federal PELL Grant, a student must have an eligible Federal PELL Grant Index number called the 'Expected Family Contribution' (EFC). The neediest student will have an EFC of zero and may be eligible for the maximum award.  As the EFC increases, the amount of the award decreases.  The EFC is printed on the Student Aid Report which is the official notice of the student's eligibility (or ineligibility) for a Federal PELL Grant. The EFC is computed by the Central Processing System in Iowa and is based on the information reported by the student on the financial aid applications.

Criteria for Determining Amount of Student Aid Grant:

·         Expected Family Contribution (EFC). 

·         Tuition and book cost for the program plus living allowances (dependent or independent student)

·         Length of program and length of time student is enrolled

Verification Policy

If an application for federal aid is selected for verification, an asterisk will appear     by the EFC number and comments will appear on Part One of the Student Aid Report and comments listed will address the verification requirements. The student will be notified of required documents for review and will have 45 days to return requested information to the Financial Aid Office. If a correction is needed which will affect the award amount, we will notify the student within 30 days. The student must return all verification forms requested before final award and disbursements will be made.  Cases of suspected fraud will be referred to the Regional Office of the Inspector General if they cannot be resolved locally. Information needed for verification: 

·         Adjusted gross income for the base year

·         U. S. income tax paid for the base year

·         Number of family members in household

·         Number of family members attending post-secondary institutions at least half-time

·         Certain untaxed income and benefits for the base year

·         Social Security benefits

·         Child Support Received or Paid

·         Untaxed payments to IRA and/or KEOG plans

·         Foreign income exclusion

·         Earned income credit

·         Interest on tax-free bonds

·         Other untaxed income from the U. S. income tax return (excluding schedules) 

Method and Frequency Disbursement

Payment is by check from ICTC. Checks are usually disbursed two (2) times during a semester. Disbursement dates are posted outside the financial aid office on all campuses.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant

The Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) may cover up to 50 percent of your tuition costs depending upon your eligibility. This Grant is administered by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

The application for OTAG is the same application for PELL. The information from the PELL application is sent to the state you show as legal residence. OTAG deadline is stated on the front of the PELL application.

Eligibility requirements for OTAG:

·         Legal residence in Oklahoma for at least one full year.

·         Financial Need - EFC under 1700

·         Enrolled in a full-time or half-time basis in an eligible program as currently defined for Federal Title IV student financial aid programs.

·         The Federal PELL Grant and the OTAG do not have to be repaid.

·         Apply with the FAFSA application before April 15.

Other Assistance

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

This program provides job training and employment opportunities for economically disadvantaged, unemployed, and under-employed people.  The program also provides retraining for certain people unemployed as a result of plant closing or layoff (Dislocated Worker).  Job training programs include occupational training, on the job with private employers, youth employment training (under 21 years of age) programs, literacy training, and others.
>Muskogee County - 918-682-3364
>Adair County  - 918-696-2910
>Cherokee County - 918-456-2561
>Sequoyah County - 918-775-2532
>Wagoner County - 918-485-4422

Tribal Assistance

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Training and Employment Center offers educational assistance if you can provide your Tribal Agency with proof of residence in Oklahoma, income for your household, and Indian descent (CDIB card).

Cherokee Nation
P.O. Box 948
Tahlequah, OK 74465
PH 918-456-0671   Stilwell 918-696-3124  Sallisaw 918-775-6226

Creek Nation
Box 580
Okmulgee, OK 74447
1-800-482-1979

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

The Vocational Rehabilitation program is for individuals who have a physical or mental disability that is an obstacle to employment. Assistance may include tuition, books, and supply cost. Contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Department: 
>Muskogee - 918-781-4150
>Tahlequah - 918-456-6193

Nursing Student Assistance Program

The Nursing Student Assistance program is for the Practical Nursing student and is administered by Physician Manpower Training Commission.  Applications can be picked up in the Financial Aid Office or Practical Nursing Office.

Muskogee Regional Medical Center Auxiliary (MRMC)

M.R.M.C. (Muskogee Regional Medical Center Auxiliary) is for the Practical Nursing student. A limited number of scholarships and interest-free loans are made to qualified applicants. You must have a letter of acceptance from the P.N. Program to apply.

Scholarship Opportunities

Indian Capital Technology Center Foundation

ICTC Foundation awards scholarships to students who may not qualify for other assistance.  Awards are based on need and commitment demonstrated during the current school year.

Charles Williams Scholarship - Muskogee Campus

The Charles Williams Scholarship available on the Muskogee campus of ICTC is for adult enrollment only in Automotive Service Technology.

The Oklahoma Vocational-Technical Foundation

The Oklahoma Vocational-Technical Foundation awards scholarships to students who may not qualify for other assistance.  Awards are based on need and commitment demonstrated during the current school year.

Senior Scholarship

The Senior Scholarship program is open to any recent high school senior/graduate, within the Indian Capital Technology Center district.  The $525.00 tuition waiver offers the high school senior the opportunity to attend ICTC the following year they graduate high school  See the counselor for more details.

NOTE: Indian Capital Technology Center does not participate in FSEOG, Federal Work Study, the Stafford Loan, PLUS or SLS Programs.

Other Resources

Below are links to additional resources for scholarships.

www.SchoolSoup.com

www.fastweb.com

Students Receiving Financial Aid

Financial Aid Probation

In order to be eligible to continue receiving financial aid, a student must be making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) as stated on ICTC policy.  It is the policy of ICTC's Financial Aid Office to require F.A. probation with students not meeting the SAP requirements.  If at the grading period (mid-term quarter, or semester) the student receives an unsatisfactory progress report, probation will occur.  Financial aid will continue for one more disbursement, unless the student withdraws or is dropped, in which all future disbursements will be cancelled.  A warning of 'suspension' for future financial aid will be sent to the student.

Financial Aid Suspension

Suspension will occur if the student does not regain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) after the 'Probation Period' (as defined above).  No further aid will be disbursed until the student has regained SAP at the end of the next grading period (mid-term, quarter, or semester).  A student whose financial aid has been suspended is responsible for paying in full their account balance (tuition and books).

Disbursement of Federal Pell Funds

The first disbursement of funds to new students requires no progress check, provided, the first disbursement is issued during the first semester or payment period of training.  In order to be eligible to continue receiving financial aid, a student must be making satisfactory progress toward the completion of their course of study.   Attendance is extremely important at ICTC.   Attendance is a part of the student's daily grade and also a determination when a student is eligible for disbursement of funds.  The number of clock hours completed will be reviewed prior to second or subsequent disbursements to verify 90% attendance of the previous payment period has been maintained.  

Disbursement Dates and Schedules

It is the policy of ICTC to inform students of the disbursement dates.  The student will be notified during the award process.  Scheduled disbursement dates are posted outside the financial aid office on each campus.   Pell checks are disbursed twice in a semester (exception for individualized option nursing students).  If eligible, Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) checks are disbursed once a semester.

Requirements for Reinstatement of Financial Aid

A student whose financial aid has been terminated may apply for aid to be reinstated once the student has completed one semester or grading period of training in an approved program with a semester grade of 'C' or better. A student whose financial aid has been terminated is responsible for paying tuition in full.

Any student receiving Title IV aid that is suspended from school will be terminated from financial aid for at least one semester.

Post Secondary Students Withdrawal from School

Procedures to follow for officially withdrawing from School:

The counselor on each campus is the designated person responsible for receiving and approving an official withdrawal. Students needing to terminate their program of training before the end of the school year must take the following steps:

1.     Obtain withdrawal form from the office

2.     Return all school-owned books and unused supplies

3.     Provide current address to office

4.     Return withdrawal form signed by instructor and counselor or student service personnel for official clearance for withdrawal.

5.     A student must also withdraw from the cooperative enrollment program if participating in the program.

For adult students the last date attended will be considered the withdrawal date. If the student has been disbursed financial aid and withdraws or drops from class, the student could be responsible for repayment to the school (as stated by ICTC's refund policy) and to the Title IV program. This could jeopardize future financial aid at ICTC and at other institutions if repayment is not made. The return of Title IV fund process will not be calculated unless the student's financial aid file is complete. The student has 30 days to complete his/her file.

Example: Verification Process

Students will automatically be dropped after 10 consecutive days of non-attendance.

Financial aid recipients who have been disbursed funds and, withdraws or drops before the 60% point of any payment will likely owe a repayment of financial aid funds disbursed. The 60% point of time normally falls somewhere within the 12th week of class.

If a student must withdraw from ICTC for personal reasons, the student may reapply for financial aid if the student is able to return to school at a later date. Students who return to school within the same award year or at a later date may reapply for Title IV aid (if necessary) and will be eligible to receive further disbursements providing they complete all hours in the previous payment period and are making satisfactory academic progress and are in compliance with all other guidelines of Title IV policies.

If a student withdraws or is dropped by the school before receiving Title IV aid for which the student was otherwise eligible, the Federal PELL Grant post-withdrawal disbursements for the student may be delayed at least one month in order to determine the percentage of the grant the student may receive for living expenses and the percentage of the grant the school may keep for tuition, fees, and books based on the hours the student actually attended.

Refund Policy

Day Program Refund Policy

The refund for the Indian Capital Technology Center is as follows:

After three (3) weeks' attendance in a semester there will be NO REFUND for that semester. An emergency clause enables a person to make a request based on the condition of a serious illness or unforeseen circumstances of the student. This must be documented with a doctor's statement or any other documentation requested by the school and must be approved by the campus director and superintendent of ICTC. Tuition deposits are non-refundable.

A refund is made by nine week intervals. For example: If you enroll in 1st Semester class, withdraw after three weeks, and qualify for the emergency clause, you will get the 2nd nine-week tuition payment refunded. If full-time tuition is $525.00, you will get a $262.50 refund. If part-time tuition is $262.50, you will get a $131.25 refund.

Federal Title IV Return of Unearned Funds Policy

PELL Grant, when a student withdraws or drops from a program:

1.     Federal law now specifies how a school must determine the amount of Federal financial aid* that a student earns if he/she withdraws, drops out, is dismissed, or takes a leave of absence prior to completing more than 60% of a payment period.

2.     The amount of Federal financial aid assistance that the student earns is determined on a pro-rata basis. Once the student has completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, all financial aid assistance is considered to be earned.
Percent earned = Number of clock hours completed up to the withdrawal date.**
total clock hours in the payment period or period of enrollment
Percent unearned = 100% minus percent earned

3.     When a student receives federal financial aid in excess of earned aid, the school returns the lesser of: Institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage, or Title IV federal financial aid disbursed multiplied by the unearned percentage. The student returns: any remaining unearned aid not covered by the school (any grant amount the student has to return is a grant overpayment, and arrangements must be made with the school or Department of Education to return the funds).

4.     The student can be billed for funds the institution is required to repay.

*Federal financial aid includes the Federal Pell Grant

** Withdrawal date is defined as the student's last date of attendance as determined by the institution from its attendance records. This also includes students who do not return from an approved leave of absence.

NOTE: Treatment of Title IV funds will not be calculated for those students whose financial file is incomplete (missing or incomplete documents such as:  incomplete verification, proof of ability to benefit, and unsigned or incomplete documentation).

Withdrawal From School

The counselor on each campus is the designated person responsible for receiving and approving an official withdrawal. Students needing to terminate their program of training before the end of the school year must take the following steps: (1) obtain withdrawal form from the office, (2) return all school-owned books and unused supplies, (3) provide current address to office, and (4) return withdrawal form signed by instructor and counselor or student service personnel for official clearance for withdrawal. High school students must have prior approval from home school principal. For adult students the last date attended will be considered the withdrawal date. If the student has been disbursed financial aid and withdraws or drops from class, the student could be responsible for repayment to the school and to the Title IV program. This could jeopardize future financial aid here and at other institutions if repayment is not made.

Treatment of Title IV funds (Pell) will not be processed on withdrawal/drop students unless financial aid file is completed prior to withdrawal.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Adults

1.     Attendance is taken daily and is a part of the student's grade. The school's policy requires the student to be in attendance 90% during the payment/grading period for passing.

2.     The student must be making a grade of 'C' or better.

3.     The student must be progressing in a timely manner, not to exceed 110% of the allowed time for the program to receive his/her certificate.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students receiving assistance through the Federal Pell Grant are required to meet two separate requirements in maintaining their financial aid eligibility at ICTC.  First, students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade of a 'C' or better.  Second, students are required to be progressing at a rate no less than 110% of clock hours to complete their program on schedule.  Example of 110% would be:  A student enrolled in a 1050 (10 months) clock hour program could not take longer than 1155 clock hours (11 months) to complete.  SAP is checked every grading period.  A grading period is every quarter and semester or tri-semester of study.

Campus Security Policy

It is the intention of Indian Capital Technology Center to provide a safe and secure facility dedicated to the promotion of a learning atmosphere for all students attending classes in their chosen career field.

The procedure for reporting any crime taking place or that has taken place on the Indian Capital Career and Technology School property is as follows:

1.  Report the incident to the Director or Assistant Director and include as many details about the crime as you have direct knowledge of (should not be hear-say information).  If neither the Director nor the Assistant Director is available and the crime is not an emergency, please fill out the crime report and leave with the receptionist.

2.  The Director or Assitant Director will determine what action needs to be taken, given the severity of the crime.

The annual security report is released by October 1 of each year and is available on each campus upon request.  The security report is also posted on this website.

The procedure for reporting any crime taking place or that has taken place on the Indian Capital Technology Center school property is as follows:

* Report the incident to, the Director or Assistant Director and include as many details about the crime as you have direct knowledge of (should not be hear-say information). If neither the Director or the Assistant Director are available and the crime is not an emergency, please fill out the crime report and leave with the receptionist.

* The Director or Assistant Director will determine what action needs to be taken, given the severity of the crime.

Statistical Report

www.ope.ed.gov/security  Select: OPE Campus Security Statistics Website Select: 1) Group Search, 2) Name of Institution State & City, 3) Confirm Group, and 4) Select Options Download Data.

Students Right to Know: Completion Rates