Fund Your Future with Financial Aid

By Lee Valdez, staff writer

Concerned about the cost of college? Worry less and visit the Financial Aid office to learn about how to attend college affordably. Located on the third floor of the Medlin Campus Center, the Financial Aid office is an essential campus resource, and you should know about it.

Financial aid exists to help students pay for college. The office is equipped with computers for students to complete the FAFSA or Federal Application for Student Aid, which grants students the opportunity to receive federal funding for school.

In addition to federal services, advisors at the Financial Aid office can direct you to scholarships offered by GTCC and the state of North Carolina. These resources are extremely valuable, especially if a student does not qualify for federal aid.

After you complete the FAFSA, an advisor will guide you through the process of reviewing and accepting your financial aid award package. This document summarizes the benefits you qualify for, the total cost of your tuition and fees and your estimated refund amount.

Finally, the Financial Aid office offers an opportunity for students to work as employees under the Federal Work Study program. This benefit is a great chance for students to gain work experience and income while at school.

Assistant Director of Financial Ryan Bonner emphasizes that “you are going to make several important personal and career choices” throughout your college experience. Bonner says the the Financial Aid office strives to “help you navigate the financial aid side of things so you can focus on everything else you have going on.”

Visit the GTCC website to learn more about Financial Aid under the How to Pay for College tab. The Jamestown Campus office, located in Medlin 3301, is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Hours and locations for offices on other campuses are listed under the Financial Aid tab.

Don’t let the cost of college keep you from committing to your future. Lean on the supportive services of the Financial Aid office to accomplish your goals.