Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid
Various types of financial aid are available to students who need assistance to continue their education. A student begins the financial aid process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is used to provide a standardized objective analysis of the student’s and/or his/her family’s ability to pay for the education. The student’s financial aid package is based on his/her Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as determined by the Department of Education through the FAFSA, the student’s cost of attendance as determined by Pulaski Technical College, and the student’s enrollment status. Students must reapply each year for assistance. Regardless of the type of financial aid desired (loans, grants, or college work study), all applications and requests for information should be addressed to the Office of Financial Aid at Pulaski Technical College, 3000 West Scenic Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118. To ensure that funds are available on a timely basis, all accurately completed documents must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid by May 15 for the fall semester, October 15 for the spring semester and March 15 for the summer sessions.
Note: Before any financial aid funds from student loans, scholarships, and federal or state aid are released to a student, all charges or any monies owed to the college (tuition, books, fees) must be paid. All financial aid funds received will be credited to the student’s account. After all charges to the student’s account have been satisfied, remaining funds will be disbursed to the student by paper check. Refunds from financial aid awards will be available approximately during the third week of classes. Specific financial aid refund dates will be posted on the campus Web site. Initial disbursement of loan funds is subject to institutional policy and is established in accordance with federal regulations. After initial disbursement dates, student refunds continue to be made as monies are received and are available on a bi-weekly basis as determined by the Business Office.
High school students and students enrolled in courses at Baptist Health Schools of Nursing and Allied Health are not eligible to receive financial aid through Pulaski Technical College.
Transfer Students Applying for Financial Aid
Transfer students who have previously attended another accredited post-secondary institution must have their official academic transcript submitted to the Office of Admissions and Records and request a transfer transcript evaluation. Aid will not be awarded until all transfer transcripts have been evaluated by Pulaski Technical College’s Office of Admissions and Records. Federal regulations require schools to consider transfer credit hours in determining satisfactory academic progress.
The Effect of Withdrawal on Financial Aid
Recipients of financial aid who withdraw before the 60 percent point in time of the period of enrollment, calculated using calendar days, will be required to return a portion of Title IV funds awarded in accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Title IV funds to be refunded include Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, but not Federal Work-Study. The calculation of the return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to the college and/or the federal government. Students who intend to return will have their eligibility evaluated under the applicable satisfactory academic progress policy. Students who borrowed under the Stafford Loan program will be required to complete an exit interview at the time of their withdrawal, and their lender will be notified of their current status.
Pulaski Technical College Financial Aid Office
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Students are required by federal regulation to maintain satisfactory academic progress to receive federal financial aid funds. Progress will be measured by cumulative grade-point average, course completion and time frame to complete degree or certificate program.
| Cumulative Grade-Point Average (CGPA) | |
| Credit Hours Attempted | Required Minimum GPA |
| 1-29 hours | 1.75 |
| 30 hours or above | 2.00 |
Completion of Courses
Satisfactory Academic Progress will be reviewed after each fall and spring semester for degree and certificate seeking students. Satisfactory academic progress will be checked the first time aid is packaged for transfer students and then as listed above based on the course of study.
Each semester, a student is required to successfully complete a minimum number of credit hours. Below are the minimum requirements based on a student’s attempted hours.
| Semester Hours Attempted | Required Minimum Hours Earned |
| 12 or more | 9 |
| 9-11 | 6 |
| 6-8 | 3 |
| 1-5 | Must complete all hours attempted |
Successful completion of a course is defined as a passing grade. Grades of W(withdrawl), WX(administrative withdrawal), F(failing), NC(no credit) or INC(incomplete) are not considered successful completion. See example below.
Maximum Time Frame to Complete Program
Students can receive financial aid for no longer than 150 percent of the total hours required for the degree or certificate. Maximum hours attempted at PTC and accepted transfer hours are considered when determining financial aid eligibility.
| Associate Degrees | 100 credit hours |
| Certificates | 68 credit hours |
| LPN Program/Cosmetology | 75 credit hours |
| Automotive Maintenance (Technical Certificate) | 96 credit hours |
| Respiratory Therapy (AAS) | 112 credit hours |
| Aviation Maintenance Technology (AAS) | 134 credit hours |
Once a degree or certificate has been earned, a student must commit to another degree or certificate program before financial aid can be awarded. Students seeking multiple degrees or certificates are required to submit a degree audit with the Financial Aid Appeal form. All hours attempted for previous degrees or certificates earned will be included in evaluating SAP for his or her chosen degree or certificate.
Financial Aid Probation
Students who fail to meet the satisfactory academic progress policy will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for the following fall or spring semester of PTC enrollment. Students on probation will be eligible to receive financial aid. No appeal of probation is necessary.
Financial Aid Suspension
Students who fail to meet the minimum SAP requirements at the end of their financial aid probation semester will be placed on financial aid suspension and will lose their eligibility to receive financial aid. To regain financial aid eligibility the student must complete course work at his or her own expense until the above policy minimums are met. Once the above policy minimums are met, the student must complete a Financial Aid Reinstatement Form so the Financial Aid office can then review the student’s financial aid eligibility and award aid accordingly.
Appeals to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Students who can demonstrate and document unusual or mitigating circumstances, such as illness or death in the student’s immediate family, may appeal the financial aid suspension by completing a Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Form. This form, along with supporting documentation, must be submitted to the Financial Aid office within 15 days after receiving notification of suspension. Students will be notified in writing of the results of the appeal. The committee may request additional documentation before reaching a decision. The committee decision is final.
Grants, Loans, and Other Financial Aid Programs
Federal Pell Grant
A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a post baccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Pell Grant). The maximum yearly award is determined by the Department of Education. The amount a student receives depends on financial need as determined by the FAFSA, costs to attend school, the student’s status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
This program is a campus-based program administered directly by the Financial Aid office at the school. Unlike the Federal Pell Grant Program, which provides funds to every eligible student, the campus-based program provides a certain amount of funds for each participating school to administer each year. When the money for the program is gone, no more awards can be made from that program for that year. This program is for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need on the FAFSA. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest EFCs will be the first to get FSEOG. These grant funds are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree.
Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
The Federal Subsidized Student Loan is free of interest to the student while enrolled at least half time, during the grace period after enrollment ends, and during periods of authorized deferment.
The Federal Unsubsidized Student Loan is not interest free at any time. The student is responsible for the interest from the date of disbursement. However, interest payments are deferred while the student is in school at least half time, during the grace period, and during authorized periods of deferments. The interest will continue to accrue and will be added (capitalized) to the principal balance once repayment begins. Both loan programs have a six-month grace period after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. That means a student has six months before he or she has to start making payments on the loans.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program is a campus-based program that provides part-time employment for students who have financial need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is required for financial need to be determined. Upon completion of the FAFSA, students should contact the PTC Financial Aid office to see if they are eligible to participate in the work-study program. Available work-study jobs are posted on the Federal Work-Study bulletin board outside the Student Services office in the Administration building and on the PTC Web site. The available positions usually consist of employment opportunities in an office or lab on the PTC campus. Students should contact the supervisor indicated on the job description to apply for the position.
Upon getting a work-study job, students should complete the Student Job Assignment form with their supervisor and submit it to the Work-Study coordinator along with personnel documents that are required. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours weekly and receive a paycheck every two weeks. The amount a student can earn in a year is determined by the amount of financial need and other aid awarded as part of the financial aid package.
Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
Students with physical or mental disabilities may be eligible to attend college under the sponsorship of Rehabilitation Services. Call Arkansas Rehabilitation Services at (501) 686-2800 for more information.
Veterans Affairs Benefits
Pulaski Technical College has been approved by federal and state agencies governing Veterans Affairs to provide training to veterans. Veterans and their dependents may be entitled to educational assistance programs from the Department of Veterans Affairs to pay their tuition for the approved training. Veterans should apply for admission to the college and visit with the VA representative in the Office of Admissions and Records prior to enrolling in classes to apply for benefits. If approved, veterans will be required to maintain full-time status (12 credit hours) per semester and to follow their chosen degree plan to be eligible for full benefits. Veterans should be aware that dropping a class during a semester may affect their benefits and should discuss this situation with the VA representative prior to dropping a class. Courses completed with a passing grade may not be repeated. The VA representative may be contacted at (501) 812-2360.
If veterans’ benefits are not available at the deadline for payment due each semester, the veteran should make other arrangements to pay the tuition and fees. VA rehab payments must be documented at the time of the deadline or the veteran will be required to make payment.
Workforce Improvement Grant
This grant program is administered by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education. Awards of up to $2,000 annually are made to students who are at least 24 years old. Awards are based on financial need. Students apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Awards are made by Pulaski Technical College. Students enrolled part-time are eligible to receive this grant.
Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
This program is designed to provide training for unemployed persons if definite employment opportunities are available in their chosen field of study. Financial assistance may cover tuition, books, supplies, and transportation and is subject to the availability of funds. For more information, call (501) 399-3424 for Little Rock residents or (501) 676-2721 for central Arkansas residents.
Scholarships
Argenta City Club Scholarship
Awarded to one student who resides in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The student must demonstrate financial need, college and community service and have a 2.0 GPA. A 300 word essay will be required.
Deadline to Apply: April 1
Application: May be obtained at the PTC Financial Aid Office.
Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship
Awarded to Arkansas high school seniors who demonstrate need and academic achievement on the American College Testing (ACT) assessment and in pre-collegiate or tech-prep core curricula.
Amount: $3,500 maximum/year
Deadline to apply: June 1
Application: Contact the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (800) 54-STUDY.
Arkansas Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (AASFAA)
Awarded to at least two Arkansas students planning to attend a member institution. Recipients will be selected at a random drawing during the Spring AASFAA Conference.
Amount: $500
Deadline to apply: March 21
Application: May be obtained at the PTC Financial Aid office.
Ben Wyatt Scholarship
Awarded to a PTC student seeking an associate degree or technical certificate. It is based on leadership, honors, activities, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed up to four semesters if a 2.5 GPA is maintained, along with full-time enrollment (12 hours or more).
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: July 1
Application: Contact the PTC Financial Aid office, (501) 812-2289.
Caterpillar Dealer Excellence Scholarship
Awarded to a PTC student enrolled in the Diesel Mechanic program. An essay of 300 words or fewer outlining your desire to complete training and become employed in the diesel mechanic profession is required. List any diesel mechanic work experience, honor and or achievements – this may be part of your essay or listed separately.
Amount: $500
Deadline to apply: April 1 and November 1 of each year
Application: Available through the diesel mechanic instructor or the PTC Foundation Office.
Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship
Awarded to students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. They must have completed 100 hours of community service within the previous 12 months and be planning to enroll in at least two courses during the next term at a two-year institution. Nominations will be made for two PTC students.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline to apply: May 31
Application: May be obtained at the PTC Financial Aid office.
Crain Automotive Team of Dealerships Scholarship
Awarded to a PTC student enrolled in Automotive Technology program. An essay of 300 words or fewer outlining your desire to complete training and become employed in the automotive repair profession is required. List any auto repair work experience, honors and or achievements – this may be part of your essay or listed separately. Selected applicants will be interviewed by a scholarship committee.
Amount: up to $1500
Deadline to apply: April 1 and October 1 or each year
Application: Available through the automotive technology instructor or the PTC Foundation Office.
Frank White Rotary Club of Little Rock Scholarship
Awarded to one PTC student who demonstrates financial need, college and community service, has a GPA of 3.0 or above, and is an Arkansas resident. A 300-word essay will be required.
Deadline to apply: March 15
Application: May be obtained at the PTC Financial Aid Office.
Fred’s Second Opportunity Scholarship
Awarded by PTC to students 21 and older who demonstrate need and potential for success. It may be renewed up to four semesters if a 3.0 GPA is maintained.
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: Varies
Application: May be obtained at any Fred’s Dollar Store.
GED Scholarship
Awarded to first-time entering students who score an average of 600 on the General Educational Development (GED) exam. Applicants must have taken GED at a center in Pulaski, Saline, Lonoke, or Faulkner counties during the preceding 12
months. The scholarship may be renewed up to four consecutive semesters if a 3.0 semester GPA is maintained with
full-time status.
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: July 15
Application: Contact the Enrollment Coordinator, (501) 812-2231.
James A. Jones Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a student seeking a technical certificate or Associate of Applied Science, based on leadership, honors,
activities and need. Renewable up to four semesters with a 2.25 GPA (first semester), 2.5 GPA (second semester) and 2.75 GPA (third semester).
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: July 1
Application: Contact the PTC Financial Aid office, (501) 812-2283.
Presidential Scholarship
Awarded to high school seniors in Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke, and Saline counties and Sheridan, Arkansas.
ACT scores of 19 in English, Math and Reading or comparable COMPASS scores or rank in the top 20 percent of
graduating class required. The scholarship may be renewed up to four consecutive semesters if a 3.0 semester GPA is
maintained with full-time status.
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: June 1
Application: Contact the Enrollment Coordinator, (501) 812-2231.
Rotary Club of Little Rock Scholarship
Awarded to one PTC student who demonstrates financial need, college and community service, has a GPA of 3.0 or
above, and is an Arkansas resident. A 300-word essay will be required.
Deadline to apply: March 15
Application: May be obtained at the PTC Financial Aid Office.
Simmons First National Bank Endowed Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time, second-year student pursuing an associate degree.
Student must be head of low- to moderate-income household and must have a 3.0 GPA. Renewable for one semester.
Amount: Varies
Deadline to apply: May 1
Application: May be obtained through the Pulaski Technical College Foundation office.
Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Pulaski County (SPSF)
A competitive scholarship awarded to single parents who are residents of Pulaski County. Applicants must have custody of children ages 17 years or fewer and meet other qualifying requirements.
Amount: $650
Deadline to apply: Varies
Application: Contact Sylvia Crockett at (501) 812-2226 or the Central Arkansas Career Center (501) 376-4119.
SkillsUSA High School Level Scholarship
Awarded to students placing in the high school state SkillsUSA competitions. Full-time enrollment must begin during the fall semester immediately following high school graduation. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Renewable up to four semesters.
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: Open
Application: Submit certificate of placement to Financial Aid office.
Skills USA College Level Scholarship
Awarded to student placing first or second in college-level competition. Scholarship must be used the fall semester following the win. Student must be enrolled full-time and maintain a 3.0 GPA. Renewable for two semesters. High school winners are not eligible for this award. Other stipulations may apply.
Amount: Tuition
Deadline to apply: competition winners
Application: Certificate of Placement
Tyson Foundation, Inc. Scholarship
Awarded to a student enrolled in Accounting, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, Computer Information Systems, Electromechanical Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Office Technology or Practical Nursing. Preference is given to Tyson employees and employees’ dependents or growers.
Amount: $1,000
Deadline to apply: August 1
Application: Contact the PTC Financial Aid office, (501) 812-2283.