TESC Enrollment Cost and Financial Aid

[bogey72]

I've searched and can't find the answer regarding if Federal financial aid can be used for TESC's spendy enrollment fee. I need to enroll and sign up for one 6 hr course (out of state rate) to graduate. I sent an email to financial aid but from what I've read here, the financial aid office at TESC leaves alot to be desired.

Before I break down and call them, can someone that has enrolled give me the scoop on financial aid and the enrollment fee?

PS I've alread filled out my FAFSA and am currently on a small loan at my B&M school so I know I'm eligible for Fed'l loans.

[bricabrac]

Yes, the annual enrollment fee is taken out of the student loan. Not sure if you know that TESC FA is divided into four semesters (12wks each). So depending upon your award, it may take two quarters/semesters to process the complete amount.

Have patience with the FA dept, I think they may be understaffed. I either fax or email my documents then call after a week or so to confirm (even if it takes a few attempts to get through). In my few years at the school they've always been extremely helpful to me.

[Storyteller]

Ditto, bricabrac.
Emailing and faxing are the way to go with TESC. My experience with them has been very positive.

[mrs.b]

Various fees including the annual enrollment fee can be paid for by FA, but you must meet the assorted requirements, which include taking a minimum of six credits per defined term in the award letter, and those six credits must come from TESC Guided Study or Online courses (TECEP, ePack, PLA do not meet the FA requirements). I'm not familiar with a TESC course that is six credits, but you would need to call to see if they would still require two courses so your passing grade requirement is not based solely on that one class (don't waste your time emailing, you won't get a response this decade). If you need to send them any forms, I recommend fax, then call to confirm they received it. Emailing documents sends your important correspondence into some as-yet-unnamed black hole. Phone and fax: only way to get in touch with that particular office. The other offices at TESC are fine (great, even) for email responses, but that one seems to work too closely with government bureaucratic offices and reminds me fondly of trips to the DMV whenever I've needed to contact them...so be prepared and don't let their 'tude get you down.

Edit: Or maybe I've been unlucky after reading others' responses. I've always received the same person on the phone. I don't remember her name, but she's just not polite.

[bricabrac]

MrsB,

There are three six credit courses available (both OL and GS). I think all that have taken one or more have given high recommendations and they are all okay for financial aid. Most students take them for just that reason, one course that still qualifies for finanical aid. It's a lot of reading but the same amount of written assignments as a three credit course.

social psychology PSY379
global environmental change ENS314
war and american society HIS356

[mrs.b]

I peeked at the syllabi and they do look very reading intensive, but interesting and tempting. I learn something new every day - thanks for the course titles!

[bogey72]

The 6 hour course I was speaking of was the ENS314 Global environmental change course. It is the only class I need to graduate with a BA Nat. Science. Truth is I just don't have the money to pay for the enrollment fee/class/graduation etc. I can swing $1000 or so but I'll need aid for the rest. I'll call the financial aid office and get the ball rolling.

[bogey72]

Just talked to a very polite lady at TESC Financial Aid. She gave me all the info I needed and I have now updated my FAFSA with TESC's school code. I also just emailed my request to cancel upcoming financial aid at my B&M school. Hopefully, I can get enrolled in the February 2012 guided study or online course.

I've searched here and it looks like guided study would be best for me but if someone took the online course ENS314 Global Environmental Change course and thinks that is the way to go, please give me your opinion.

I also need to pick a CLEP to take for a Social Science. Other than the 6 hour Global Enviro Change course, it is the last credit I need to graduate with a BA Nat. Sci degree. I was thinking of scheduling it very soon and taking it before my class started so I would have only 1 thing on my plate when it starts.

I really need an "A" in the ENS 314 class b/c it is the only class I will take with TESC and will be my GPA for my degree. It would really stink to have a 3.9 GPA over all of my 300 or so credits and then make a B for this class. I don't mind working for an "A" but I would hate to get one of those super hard instructors that pride themselves and their egos on making classes difficult just for the sake of making themselves look more important in their own eyes.

Thanks for all your help so far. I really appreciate this website and the helpful people here.

[bricabrac]

bogey72,

Happy to hear your experience with FA went well; it's always been the same for me.

On your class, just a small bit of advice....be sure to cite your written assignments and discussion forums (if you take the OL course) thoroughly. This is where many students get low grades on the first few WAs until they catch on. I always made 100s on both written assignments and discussion forums because I went the extra mile. It actually saved me on one course where I did not do as well on my exams. Those extra percentage points do help! Midterms/Finals answer all questions thoroughly as best you can. If final project be sure to follow the rubric. With your background I can't see you earning less than an A. Good luck and enjoy the course!

Hopefully Lindagerr will comment on the best mentor for this course. Both she and another forum member, Jacanyardie, have discussed this course in the past and given great feedback...maybe try a search?

Found on the tesc site Dr Keith Earnshaw (best), Dr Carlos Morales, and Karen Erstfeld have all received positive feedback (avoid Trainor). Seems OL version got better feedback (may be due to the fact Dr Earnshaw usually has the OL course).

[nerako]

bogey 72,

Im in your same position. I need to take 1 class at TESC for the GPA but also need the Financial Aid to pay for it fully (enrollment fee, class fee, grad fee, book, etc). I was going to take LIVING IN THE INFO AGE but after reading your thread realize that it wont suffice for Financial Aid. Im intersted to know the info you got from TESC. How does the whole FA thing work? Could I just sign up for this one class and get FA? Would a 6 cr class per quarter be consider PT or FT? Do you know if it would qualify us to receive not just loans but also scholarships and Pell?

Also, did you find anything else about this GLOBAL ENVIR CHANGE class? Are you enrolled in it now? What about the mentors? Easy class/hard class?


Any info would be so helpful, thanks!