Financial Aid: Grants, Work Study, and Loans
GHC participates in a variety of federal and state grant, work-study, and loan programs. These programs are designed to assist you in paying for your educational expenses. For more information, visit Student Funding. Students should apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) http://www.fafsa.gov OR the Washington State Financial Application for Aid (WAFSA) http://wsac.wa.gov/wasfa, but not both. Eligibility for the following programs will be evaluated for all individuals who complete the financial aid application process:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal SEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants)
- Washington College Grant (formerly the State Need Grant)
- College Bound Scholarship
- Passport to Careers
- Need-Based Tuition Waiver
- GHC Grant
- Work Study
These programs require an additional application:
- Subsidized Direct Loan
- Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
For more information on financial aid opportunities, visit our website at http://www.ghc.financialaid, contact us by calling (360) 538-4081, send an email to finaid@ghc.edu, or stop by Student Funding in suite 3261 on the 2nd floor of the tulalW (3000) Building.
Grays Harbor College does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on success in securing enrollments or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting or admission activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial aid assistance. This paragraph shall not apply to the recruitment of foreign students residing in foreign countries who are not eligible to receive Federal student assistance.
Student Financial Aid Portal
Students may access their ctcLink portal and use the financial aid tab to check financial aid information after completing the FAFSA/WASFA application. It is important that you also apply for admission to the college at the same time as you are applying for financial aid.
Questions concerning financial aid should be referred to the Grays Harbor College Financial Aid Office at (360) 538-4081, finaid@ghc.edu, or stop by Student Funding in suite 3261 on the 2nd floor of the tulalW (3000) Building.
Federal and State Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for financial aid, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a high school diploma or GED certificate or equivalent.
- Be admitted to Grays Harbor College.
- Submit a Program form for a financial aid eligible degree or certificate program at GHC and enroll in required classes for that degree or certificate.
- Enroll in at least 6 credits in order to be eligible for Direct Loan Program, SEOG, and work-study funds.
- Demonstrate financial need (for most programs).
- Make Satisfactory Academic Progress in your studies and meet the minimum Pace of Progression requirements.
- Are not currently in default on a student loan received at any school.
- Are not in repayment of grant funds at any college attended.
- Be a citizen or a permanent resident of the United States if you are filing a FAFSA, or be a Washington resident under certain circumstances if you are filing a WASFA.
- Submit your FAFSA or WASFA and turn in any required documents, following the GHC Application Process and Deadlines (check your ctcLink portal and email for any requested additional information).
Student Emergency Financial Assistance
The college offers emergency assistance to students who are experiencing a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses, which causes financial hardship. If you are experiencing a financial hardship that is impacting your ability to complete your GHC classes, you can find information about emergency assistance programs at our Workforce Funding website: www.ghc.edu/student-services/workforce-funding/.
Scholarships
Students can find information about scholarships at the GHC Foundation webpage: www.ghc.edu/foundation/students/. Another recommended site is the WashBoard.org website: www.washboard.wsac.wa.gov/login.aspx/. For local residents, the Grays Harbor Community Foundation offers scholarships: www.gh-cf.org/scholarships/about/. Be cautious about providing information to scholarship websites. Not all sites have accurate information.
GHC Foundation Scholarships
The Grays Harbor College Foundation offers a variety of scholarship opportunities generously provided by many area organizations and supportive individuals. Applications and guidelines about the scholarship process are available at www.ghc.edu/foundation/students.
The Grays Harbor College Foundation offers two General Scholarship cycles per year for students attending GHC. Cycle 1 is open from January 2 - February 28 and Cycle 2 is open from June 1 to July 23 every year. Students may receive up to $5000 per academic year. Awards apply to GHC classes only. Scholarships may be awarded based on academic performance, financial need, and/or course of study. Some scholarships are available to any GHC student.
For information on the scholarship process, including how to apply, please visit: www.ghc.edu/foundation/scholarships. Students may also direct inquiries to (360) 538-4024 or scholarships@ghc.edu.
Tool Scholarships
The Grays Harbor College Foundation offers the Hughes Tools Scholarship program to eligible students.
Established in 2004 by Lawrence “Pat” Hughes and late his wife, Mary Ellen, the Hughes Tool Scholarship helps GHC Industrial Technology, Nursing, and Medical Assistant students purchase tools required for their field of study. The Hughes believe students learning valuable job skills need to start with quality tools that can later be utilized when entering the workforce. Funds from the James Davis Tool Scholarship are utilized for Forestry and Natural Resources students attending Grays Harbor College. These scholarships assist students in obtaining the necessary tools and equipment for their coursework, which they will then use in their future careers.
Details regarding the scholarship process, including how to apply, are available at www.ghc.edu/foundation/hughes-tool-scholarships. Students may also direct inquiries to (360) 538-4024 or scholarships@ghc.edu.
Athletic Scholarships
If you have an interest in competing in athletics at the collegiate level, there may be tuition assistance available for those able to make the rosters of our sports programs. Go to our website at www.ghcathletics.edu and contact the coach of the sport program you would like to join.
Bishop Scholarship Program
Continuing College Education for Juniors, Seniors, and Graduate Students
Grays Harbor College administers the E.K. & Lillian F. Bishop Scholarship program for eligible students. While this program is not exclusively for students who earned associate degree from Grays Harbor College, applicants must have successfully completed their freshman and sophomore years in pursuit of a bachelor degree program or be enrolled in a master degree program. This endowed scholarship program, created in memory of two generous benefactors, continues to recognize deserving Grays Harbor collegians with financial support to help them follow their educational pursuits.
Details regarding the scholarship process, including how to apply, are available at www.ghc.edu/foundation/bishop or for direct inquiries contact the Office of College Development by email at scholarships@ghc.edu or call (360) 538-4024.
Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET)
The BFET program provides funding and support to students who receive or are eligible to receive Basic Food Assistance (food stamps) but do not receive TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families). BFET can help with tuition, books and fees, and other support services. BFET also assists students with accessing child care subsidies through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Enrolling in BFET and participating in an eligible academic program keeps Basic Food recipients in good standing with DSHS so their food benefits will continue while they attend college. For more information about available services and eligibility, please stop by the 2nd floor of the tulalW (3000) Building, or call (360) 538-4058.
Opportunity Grant
The Opportunity Grant program is designed to help low- income students get prepared for and enter high wage, high demand occupations participating in an eligible academic program. The grant provides tuition and fees for up to 45 credits, as well as $1,000 for books and tools. The program is available for students at or below 200% of the poverty level who have been Washington State residents for at least a year, have earned less than an associate’s degree, and are interested in an eligible professional technical program. For more information about available services and eligibility, please stop by the 2nd floor of the tulalW (3000) Building, or call (360) 538-4058.
Passport to Careers
The Passport to Careers program helps former foster youth (WA State or Interstate Compact Program, Federal, or Tribal) and unaccompanied homeless youth prepare for and succeed in college, apprenticeships, or pre-apprenticeship programs. Passport to Careers includes two sub-programs:
- Passport to College
- Passport to Apprenticeship Opportunities
Through the Passport to College at Grays Harbor College, students are eligible to receive a scholarship, emergency funds, and support services from college staff. Funds can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and some personal expenses. Contact the campus support staff in the TRiO office for more information at (360) 538-4076 or email trio@ghc.edu.
WorkFirst Services
The WorkFirst program provides funding and support to eligible parents who are currently receiving the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) cash grant from the Department of Social and Health Service (DSHS) and would like to participate in an eligible academic program. Support includes: assistance with tuition, books and fees, paid work-study positions, and referrals to college and community resources. For more information about available services and eligibility, please stop by the Student Funding Office in the tulalW (3000) Building, call (360) 538-4058.
Worker Retraining
Worker Retraining is available to students in certain categories of employment or unemployment. These include those who receive or have received unemployment insurance benefits within the last 48 months and are still unemployed, and those who have been notified they will be laid off. Worker Retraining is also available to Veterans, military members who are soon to be separated, those in stop-gap employment, the formerly self-employed (including, but not limited to, farmers, ranchers, and fishermen), and “displaced homemakers.” Worker Retraining supports students in Professional/Technical (CTE) programs, Pre-Nursing, Bachelor’s degrees, and Transitions programs. All students in these pathways are encouraged to apply for Worker Retraining. Supports may include tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation.
For more information about eligibility and to apply, please visit the Worker Retraining webpage at www.ghc.edu/student-services/workforce/worker-retraining/. Students may also visit the Student Funding office, suite 3261, in the tulalW (3000) building or call (360) 538-4058.
Veterans Tuition Waivers
Veterans may qualify for a 25% tuition waiver and dependents of service-connected deceased or 100% service-connected disabled veterans may qualify for tuition waivers. Contact the Veterans Office at (360) 538-4174 or veterans@ghc.edu for additional information.
Selected programs of study at Grays Harbor College are approved by the Washington Student Achievement Council’s State Approving Agency (SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, USC.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition Refunds and Financial Aid
Any student who withdraws, stop attending, or fails all of their classes from a quarter after receiving federal or state financial aid will have a refund calculated according to federal regulations governing the return of these funds. The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount of the refund and to which program it will be returned and will notify the Business Office. Students who completely withdraw or stop attending all of their classes may have to repay a portion of the funds they received. The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount and type of repayment and will notify the student if a repayment must be made. It is essential that students who will no longer be attending classes officially withdraw. Students receiving federal or state financial aid, who withdraw and receive a refund and/or owe a repayment, will have funds returned to the appropriate financial aid program within 45 days. The funds will be allocated in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Federal Stafford loans
- Subsidized Federal Stafford loans
- Federal PLUS loans received on behalf of the student
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
- Other Title IV programs (except work-study)
- State programs
- The student
The refund and/or repayment is allocated up to the full amount the student received from a particular program.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fee information is available on the ghc.edu website and each term at Tuition and Fees. Students are required to pay tuition and fees in full by the designated date.
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