Lottery Scholarships Increased for Spring Term

CONTACT: DR. DON C. GARRISON,
Work: 864-646-3636, Home: 864-859-7038, Cell: 864-314-2097

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/19/02
(By Rebecca Eidson)

PENDLETON --- Attending a technical college in South Carolina has just become even more affordable.

On December 18, State officials increased lottery-funded tuition assistance for students attending local technical colleges for spring term. Eligible full-time students can now receive up to $1,044 for spring semester and part-time students taking six to eleven credit hours can receive up to $87.00 per credit hour.

"We are very pleased about this increase," said Dr. Don Garrison, president of Tri-County Technical College. "Early in December, we were forced to raise tuition to offset State budget cuts, so this increase in tuition assistance will be a great help to our students."

According to Dr. Garrison, if students have not yet applied for a lottery scholarship, now is the time to do so. "The first step is to apply for federal financial aid," he said.

For example, an eligible full-time student applying for financial aid can receive up to $1,044 in lottery scholarship assistance, even if he/she doesn't qualify for any other type of financial assistance. "Our tuition is $1,125. That would leave a tuition balance of $81, which is considerably less than a student had to pay one year ago when tuition was $850 and there was no lottery scholarship program," said Dr. Garrison.

The first step in qualifying for a lottery scholarship is filing for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Students can pick up an application at Tri-County's information center in Miller Hall or apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

"Lottery scholarships are not based on financial need, but you must still apply for Federal Financial Aid," added Dr. Garrison.

If students received an award for fall, they will receive one for Spring Semester, too.

To be eligible, students must (at a minimum):
-- qualify for in-state tuition rates and be a legal South Carolina resident for a minimum of one year.
-- complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
-- be admitted to the College in a curriculum certificate, diploma or associate degree program, and enroll in and maintain at least six credit hours each term
-- make reasonable progress toward completion of the requirements of a curriculum certificate, diploma or associate degree program
-- not be the recipient of a LIFE scholarship.
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