Financial Information

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration each semester. Tuition and fees are charged according to the number of semester credit hours a student enrolls in. Minimum tuition for an in-district or out-of-district resident is $50, and minimum tuition for an outof- state or foreign resident is $200.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees or the state legislature.

Current tuition and fee rates are available on the WCJC website under “Admissions” > “Tuition & Fees”.

Tuition Installment Plan

Students may pay in full at the time of registration or may pay using an installment plan. Installment plans must be executed prior to the first day of class. A $35 non-refundable fee will be added to the first payment.

A $35 late fee will be assessed for each late installment payment. Installment plan information is available on the WCJC website under “Admissions” > “Tuition & Fees”.

Room and Board

A residence hall student must qualify as a fulltime student (minimum 12 semester hours) to live in a residence hall. All residence hall students are required to purchase the college meal plan.

Current room and board rates are available on the WCJC website under “Student Life” > “Housing”.

Room charges and the first board payment are due and payable at the time of registration and must be paid before occupancy is permitted. Students are required to show their receipts for payment to be admitted to residence halls.

Residence hall residents are required to make a deposit of $200 to reserve a room and to cover possible property damages. Students must also include a “Release of Background Information” form along with a $15 fee. To cancel the residence hall reservation and contract, the student must submit a written request to the Housing Office 15 calendar days prior to the first day of class. Returning residents must make additions to their deposit if damages were withheld to maintain a $200 balance prior to each semester in which they return as a resident. For non-returning residents, the deposit is refundable at the end of the semester upon written request of the student, if all provisions of the housing contract have been satisfied. A student who vacates the residence halls because of withdrawal from WCJC or graduation will have up to 30 days from the end of the semester to request the return of the deposit. If not requested within this time period, the deposit will be forfeited to the College.

Room assignments are made according to the date the deposit is received. All efforts are made to accommodate student requests for roommate preference; however, roommate preference is not guaranteed.

For students purchasing a college meal plan, three meals a day are served Monday through Friday, two meals on Saturday, and one meal on Sunday. The cafeteria is closed during holidays. The snack bar is open at scheduled times on weekdays. Residence halls and the cafeteria are closed during official college holidays and summer, as specified in the College’s academic calendar. During these holidays, students are expected to arrange for other housing and meals.

Residence hall and cafeteria charges are subject to change without notice by action of the Board of Trustees.

Students may request further information by contacting the Office of Student Life. The “Housing Application” form is available on the WCJC website under “Student Life” > “Housing”.

Refunds

Regulations of The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) govern the refund of tuition and fees. All refunds of tuition and fees are made on a percentage basis. Students are eligible to receive a 100% refund only if they drop courses prior to the first day of class or during the identified schedule change date at the beginning of a given part-of-term. After the schedule change period, students are eligible for percentage refund of tuition and some mandatory fees (no percentage refunds are available for technology fees). The chart below is standard for the application of the THECB refund policy. Last day for a refund indicates the total number of instructional days in the term not the number of times the course has met.

Students should access the WCJC website under “Programs” > “Classes & Registration” > “Drops & Withdrawals” to determine refund dates and final drop/withdraw deadlines for each semester/enrollment period.

Refunds for Continuing Education

Students seeking a refund must submit a request in writing to the Continuing Education (CE) Department at least three business days prior to the first class day unless an earlier refund date is published. The CE Department will process the request and the Business Office will issue the refund.

Refunds for Room and Board

When a student is dismissed from the residence hall or vacates the residence hall for any reason during the semester, the board payment and room rent will not be refunded.

If a student makes board payment and room rent prior to the start of the semester and then is unable to start classes for the semester, the student will be refunded his/her board and room rent.

In order for students to receive a 100% refund on their residence hall deposit, students must either (a) notify the College two (2) weeks in advance of residence hall “move-in day” that they will not be living in the residence hall and request, in writing, the return of their deposit or (b) complete a formal residence hall check out, with the residence hall supervisor, and that check out results in no findings of damage or failure to provide proper cleaning to the room.

Students are directed to the Residence Hall Policies and Procedures section in the Student Handbook and/or the Residence Hall Section of this catalog for additional information.

Delinquent Accounts and Records

Students are required to complete all admissions requirements, return all college-owned property, and make payment of tuition, fees, and fines owed the College or grades and transcripts will be withheld.

Students with delinquent accounts are not eligible for graduation or participation in commencement ceremonies.

Parking

Students who park motor vehicles at any WCJC location must register their vehicles and receive a parking permit. All vehicles, including motorcycles, must be registered with the Office of Security and Public Safety and display a current WCJC parking decal. The parking decals are valid for one school year and expire after each Summer II session. The decal must be affixed to the lower left corner of the rear window or left bumper of the vehicle. Motorcycle decals can be displayed on the windshield, the rear license plate frame, or rear fender. Violators of college traffic and parking regulations are subject to fines and/or other appropriate disciplinary action. Illegally parked vehicles are subject to towing at the owner’s expense. Parking and traffic regulations are set forth in detail in the Student Handbook.

WCJC students enrolled at the Sugar Land Campus may use accepted financial aid funds to purchase a parking permit through the University of Houston online payment portal. Information on purchasing a WCJC parking permit with financial aid can be found on the WCJC website under “Support” > “Health and Safety” > “Security and Public Safety” > “Parking”.

Textbooks and Supplies

Barnes & Noble operates bookstores on the Wharton and Richmond campuses for the convenience of students. Used and new books are sold at the beginning of the semester. At the end of the semester those books that are to be continued as textbook selections may be bought back by the bookstore for resale. The bookstores also carry many supplies required for the courses offered.

WCJC students may use accepted financial aid funds to purchase textbooks at the Barnes & Noble campus stores in Richmond and Wharton and through the Barnes & Noble online ordering portal. Information on the use of financial aid to purchase textbooks can be found on the WCJC website under “Student Life” > “Bookstores”.

Financial Aid

The financial aid program at WCJC operates with the goal of providing financial assistance through scholarships, grants, loans, and on-campus employment. Inquiries concerning student aid should be addressed to the Office of Financial Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®) should be completed and submitted along with any additional required forms by the priority deadline.

Financial aid eligibility is determined for only one academic year at a time. All approvals are based on the assumption that Congress will appropriate funds for the various aid programs; consequently, approved aid terminates if money is not allocated to Wharton County Junior College.

To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must:

1. Be accepted for enrollment (new students) or, if currently enrolled, be in good standing;
2. Not be in default on any student loan;
3. Not owe a refund on a grant previously received at any institution;
4. Meet WCJC’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy guidelines for eligibility;
5. Be a United States citizen or eligible noncitizen.

Students who complete a home school or nontraditional high school equivalence, including online high schools, may not be eligible for federal financial aid. Students are responsible for making sure their high school graduation requirements are met in an appropriate manner. Securing appropriate documentation of accreditation of a non-traditional high school, usually by a regionally recognized accrediting agency, is the responsibility of the student.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Under current federal law, all students who receive federal or state financial aid, including federal or state grants, loans, and work-study, must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the college in order to receive or continue to receive aid at WCJC.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Students must achieve the following requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility at WCJC:

• 67% completion rate (pace)
• 2.0 institutional GPA
• Maximum timeframe hours: 150% of degree or certificate hours attempted

• All recipients of financial aid must be enrolled in a program of study leading to an associate degree, an eligible certificate, or program that is transferable toward a baccalaureate degree.
• Students may only receive aid at one institution per semester.
• Students can only receive financial aid for classes that are required as part of their WCJC degree or certificate plan. Financial aid does not apply to courses taken by audit, credit hours earned by placement tests, continuing education courses, and courses taken outside a student’s degree plan.
• Students must have a diploma from an accredited high school or a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma, typically a General Education Development (GED) certificate. Transcripts from private and foreign schools and home school transcripts will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. WCJC reserves the right to deny financial aid to any student who does not have a high school diploma or GED from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Financial aid is available for only the first 30 semester credit hours of remedial or developmental coursework attempted. Remedial or developmental coursework is counted in the 67% completion rate. Remedial coursework includes courses that are not part of the student’s program plan but are prerequisite courses for entry into courses that are part of the student’s program plan.

67% Completion Rate (Pace)

Students receiving financial aid must successfully complete 67% of all institutional and transferrable credit hours attempted that are applicable to the WCJC program being pursued, regardless of whether financial aid was received for the credit hours. Wharton County Junior College only recognizes and accepts transferrable credit from colleges or universities that have been accredited by a Regional Accrediting Association, as defined in the college’s catalog. Credits completed at institutions outside the U.S. may be evaluated for credit. Refer to the WCJC Transfer Student portion of the current catalog.

To calculate completion rate, divide total hours successfully completed by total attempted hours. Total is not rounded up (EX: Completion of .6666667 is a 66% completion rate).

The completion rate of transfer students will be evaluated upon enrollment at WCJC. Students who have not met the 67% completion rate for whom it is mathematically possible to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment (defined as 12 semester credit hours) will enter on Warning (“Probation”) status. If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of full-time enrollment, the student will enter on Suspension status, with the opportunity to appeal.

2.0 Institutional GPA

Students receiving financial aid must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all college level credit hours attempted at WCJC (this includes developmental studies and dual credit hours) in order to remain eligible for financial aid.

Maximum Timeframe Hours

A student is eligible for financial aid for up to 150% of the credit hours required in their program. Eligibility is lost beyond this limit.

Example: An Associate of Arts Degree requires 60 credit hours. 60 credits hours x 150% = 90 credit hours. After 90 credit hours, eligibility for financial aid is lost.

SAP Evaluation

• SAP for new and returning students, including transfer students, will be evaluated upon enrollment at WCJC.
• SAP for continuing students will be measured three times per year, at the end of each semester, fall, spring, and summer. The evaluation will be made regardless of the number of credit hours attempted during the semester.
• Grades of A, B, C, and D are considered credit hours attempted and successfully completed (earned).
• Grades of F, I, and W are counted as credit hours attempted but not successfully completed (unearned).
• Course repeats are counted as attempted credit hours and either earned or unearned depending upon the grade assigned. The last grade is included for GPA purposes if course was attempted for the last time at WCJC.
• Only the first two attempts of a course completed with a passing grade can be paid by financial aid. The third attempt cannot be included for payment purposes.
• Course work attempted and grades earned in semesters forgiven through the State of Texas “Academic Fresh Start” program will be included in the SAP calculation.
• Students failing to meet a cumulative 2.0 GPA on institutional coursework and/or complete 67% of their transferrable and institutional coursework will be placed on “Warning” status for one term. Students in their warning period will have “Probation” posted as their financial aid status in Online Services.
• Students not meeting the minimum SAP criteria at the end of their warning (i.e. “Probation”) period will have a “Suspension” status (“NONSAP”) posted in Online Services and will be ineligible for financial aid.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Students placed on “Suspension” may continue to enroll at WCJC but must pay for their coursework from their own funds. Financial aid eligibility will be reinstated after a student meets the SAP criteria. Reinstatement will occur at the end of the academic term and will secure financial aid eligibility for the next term of enrollment.

Students who are on “Suspension” status may file a financial aid appeal.

Financial Aid Appeals

• A student who has been suspended from financial aid for failure to meet SAP requirements due to extenuating circumstances may appeal the decision by completing an appeal form, explaining the extenuating circumstances, and providing appropriate documentation to support their claim. Appeals without documentation will not be considered.
• Financial aid appeal information is available on the WCJC website. Students are advised these circumstances include but are not limited to:
  • Student health issues or significant trauma that resulted in withdrawal from the college
  • Verifiable errors by college that resulted in withdrawal
  • Deployment into active military service
• Appeals for attempting below a 67% completion rate require a copy of a degree plan, an appeal form, and an explanation why coursework was not successfully completed, with supporting documentation as relevant to the situation.
  • Students for whom it is mathematically possible to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of fulltime enrollment (defined as 12 semester credit hours) and who successfully appeal enter the next semester on Warning (Probation) status and must achieve 67% completion at the end of the term.
  • If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a 67% completion rate in one semester of fulltime enrollment and the student successfully appeals, the student will be placed on an academic plan, which they must follow. Students must complete 67% of the classes for which they register each term and maintain both a term and overall grade point average of at least 2.0. Violation of any of these conditions will result in the appeal becoming void.
• Appeals for attempting beyond the maximum timeframe hours (150% of certificate/degree requirements) require a copy of a degree plan and an appeal form explaining why the additional coursework is necessary.
• Students approved for over 150% of program length will be placed on an academic plan, which they must follow. Students must complete 67% of the classes for which they register each term and maintain both a term and overall GPA of at least 2.0. Violation of any of these conditions will result in the appeal becoming void.

Rounding

WCJC SAP guidelines do not allow rounding of financial aid SAP standards. For example, a 66.7% completion rate would not meet the 67% completion rate standard, and a GPA of 1.95 does not meet the 2.0 standard.

SAP and Veteran Benefits

Students receiving veteran benefits must adhere to the academic progress policy of the state or federal program to achieve and maintain eligibility. Students may appeal a “Suspension” status.

VA’s Standard of Academic Progress:

• VA regulations require that a student receiving VA educational benefits make satisfactory progress according to the Academic Standing section in the WCJC catalog. If a student is placed on suspension, the VA will suspend the student’s VA benefits for the following fall or spring semester.
• Students will only be certified for classes on certificate/degree plan.

Hazlewood Standards of Academic Progress:

• Meet the GPA requirement (2.0) of the institution’s satisfactory academic progress policy in a degree or certificate program as determined by the institution’s financial aid policy and, as an undergraduate student, not be considered to have attempted an excessive amount of credit hours.
  • This requirement does not apply to spouses or children of veterans who died from a service-related injury or illness, or who were classified as missing in action (MIA) or killed in action (KIA).
• Students will only be certified for classes on certificate/degree plan.

Student Responsibility

Students are responsible for understanding and monitoring their own SAP status. Students can check their SAP status in real-time through the Online Services student portal. Although the Financial Aid Office attempts to notify students of their financial aid status, failure to receive notice does not affect the calculated status and is not a reason to appeal.

Summary of SAP Requirements

Financial Aid Application Procedure

Each student requesting consideration for financial assistance during the academic year (fall term through summer term) must complete and file a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA^®). This application is available on the Federal Student Aid website (www.studentaid.gov).

Students who have attended other postsecondary institutions must supply the Office of Admissions and Registration with the academic transcripts from each institution attended.

Information obtained from the FAFSA^® is used to determine the student’s financial need and the types of financial aid for which the student qualifies. Financial Aid offers made through WCJC’s Office of Financial Aid fall into two categories: (1) gift aid, which includes grants and/or scholarships and (2) self-help funds, which include the Work-Study Program and federal loans. The amounts offered through financial aid plus the student’s resources and those of the parents (if the student is dependent according to the Federal Government’s guidelines) cannot exceed the cost of attendance as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

Federal law requires that actual (not estimated) financial information be included on the FAFSA^®.

After establishing the student’s financial need, the Office of Financial Aid constructs a financial aid offer. This offer may be a combination of grants, Work-Study, scholarships, and/or loans. Students can view their financial aid offer through the Online Services portal.

Financial Aid Policy

Eligible students may receive a financial aid offer to help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, and other necessary expenses. Financial aid offers will be adjusted according to hours of enrollment for students taking less than a full-time course load. Students receiving federal financial aid funds must be enrolled in courses that are a part of the degree plan for their declared major. Students receiving financial aid who enroll for courses that are not a part of their declared degree major will lose financial aid funds.

The Department of Education requires schools to use contact hours, rather than credit hours, to determine financial aid amounts for certificate programs that are not a part of or do not roll into an associate degree program. Consequentially, students in certain certificate programs may experience a reduction in the financial aid amounts quoted in the offer letter.

Priority Deadlines

Applications for financial aid should be completed accurately. All applications, along with the additional required forms, should be received in the Office of Financial Aid by the following dates:

Fall semester - June 1st
Spring semester - November 1st
Summer semester - April 1st

For priority consideration, the FAFSA® should be submitted four to six weeks PRIOR to the above deadline dates. The Office of Financial Aid will continue to process files completed after the deadline; however, the office cannot ensure that aid will be available at registration. Corrections to an application or verifying unusual conditions delays processing.

Return of Funds

Federal regulations require return of funds for all students who receive Federal Title IV aid and subsequently withdraw during a payment period (i.e. a semester). The length of time during which a return of funds is calculated is up to sixty percent (60%) of the semester. Students not receiving federal funds are subject only to WCJC’s refund policy.

The refund to the Title IV program is applied to student’s financial aid in the following order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Direct Plus Loan
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

WCJC makes all refunds in compliance with current federal regulations.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants, authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1972, provide assistance to undergraduate students who show exceptional financial need. Unlike a loan, the Pell Grant does not have to be repaid.

The Federal Supplementary Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) program is intended for students of all levels of academic performance. The primary criterion for student eligibility for FSEOG is financial need by the student who, without the grant, would be unable to continue his or her education.

The Texas Public Education Grant program is funded through tuition payment and is available for students with exceptional financial need.

The Texas Educational Opportunity Grant program was established to provide grant money to enable well-prepared eligible students to attend public community colleges, technical colleges or public state colleges in Texas. To be eligible for this grant the student must be a Texas resident who has financial need and is applying for their first award. To be eligible for this grant, the student cannot have been convicted of a felony and must be enrolled at least half time. This grant is continuous for up to 75 semester hours, for four years, or until the student receives an associate’s degree, whichever comes first. To remain eligible, the student must maintain a 2.5 GPA and complete 75% of their attempted courses.

Changing Schools

Financial Aid does not automatically transfer when a student transfers to another school. Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid at the new school as soon as they decide to transfer.

Scholarships

Through the generosity of donors, WCJC students have the opportunity to apply for endowment scholarships. Students apply for these scholarships using an online application available on the WCJC website.

The following scholarships are awarded by WCJC.

The Rachel Haden Abshier Memorial Scholarship has been endowed by Mrs. Priscilla Sliva, daughter of Rachel Haden Abshier, her family, and friends. Income from the fund will provide a scholarship to a Wharton High School graduate who will be majoring in nursing at Wharton County Junior College.

The Sol and Betty Alpard Endowment Scholarship Fund was established in January 1983, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The American Association of University Women Scholarship was established in July 1973. It is awarded to a female student on the basis of need and scholastic ability. Both freshman and sophomore students are eligible for the scholarship.

The Zula Mae Baker Scholarship Fund has been endowed by the friends of Ms. Baker.

The Barnes and Noble Endowed Scholarship was established by the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in 1993, to assist returning sophomore students holding a minimum 3.5 GPA for previous work at WCJC.

The Don Baylor Memorial Chemistry Scholarship was established by Mrs. Don Baylor and Mr. Jack Brannon in memory of Mr. Don Baylor, a long time chemistry teacher at Wharton County Junior College. The amount of the scholarship is up to $400 per semester. Need and scholastic ability to profit from a college education are the basis upon which the award is made.

The Virgie and W. H. Blaylock Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Virgie C. Krueger Blaylock of Wharton, Texas, as a memorial to her late husband, W. H. Blaylock. The income from this endowment is used to provide scholarships to high-school graduates from Jackson, Matagorda, and Wharton counties.

The C. Francis Bowie and May Shelmire Duncan Memorial Scholarship was endowed by Mr. and Mrs. G. Cameron Duncan, Sr.; their sons, G. Cameron Duncan, Jr. and Francis Bowie Duncan; and their daughters, May S. Duncan and Genevieve L. Duncan to honor their parents and grandparents, Mr. Francis Bowie Duncan and Mrs. May Shelmire Duncan. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan were pioneer ranchers and cattle breeders in Wharton County near the town of Egypt. The permanent endowment provides annual scholarship assistance to students from the Egypt area selected by the Wharton County Junior College Scholarship Committee.

The Melissa Chambers Scholarship Fund was endowed by donations from family and friends. Income from the fund provides one scholarship annually to qualified students.

The L. E. Colton Scholarship was established by the late Mr. L. E. Colton, former owner of Wharton Electric and Plumbing Company. Since 1960, this endowment has made scholarships available to residents of the Wharton County Junior College District. Need and ability to profit from a college education are the basis upon which the awards are made.

The Duncan Wills Corbett Endowed Scholarship was established in May 2005 and the proceeds are used to assist students in the nursing program and attending the Wharton Campus.

The Louis Willams Cumings III and Elinor Pascoe Cumings Nursing and Allied Health Professions Scholarship was established in 2022. “This scholarship is in honor of family members past and present who are/were nurses. We believe strongly in serving others throughout our 61 year marriage, which we have done through service in YMCA, church ministries, social work, and volunteer work with agencies serving others, especially children.”

The Del Papa Distributing Company College Endowment was established in 2010 to commemorate the company’s 100th year of business. Del Papa Distributing, founded in 1910, first opened its doors in Galveston, Texas, and now serves 17 counties along the Texas Gulf Coast. The purpose of this endowment is to give back to the communities who have helped in the success of the business over its 100-year history.

The Kay Duplichan Memorial Scholarship was established in 2020. Kay Duplichan was a lifelong learner and giver. She volunteered for many projects. She believed in being active. Kay started long distance running at the age of 41 and competed in over 1,000 races from 5K to marathon distances. She ran the Boston marathon in 3:44. Proceeds from this endowment are used to assist full-time students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education. Recipients for this scholarship will be determined by the Wharton County Junior College Scholarship Committee.

The Exceptional Eye Care Scholarship was established by Faris Ohan, O.D. to assist needy students from Wharton who are enrolled in an Associate in Applied Science Degree program.

The Fiesta Hispano Americana Scholarship was established in 2021. Its primary purpose is to advocate for continued education among students of Hispanic descent by providing scholarships to qualified Hispanic (or Hispanic descent) high school graduates in their quest for seeking higher education.

The Fine Arts Scholarship Fund was established through the generous donations of supporters of the arts. The amount of each scholarship is up to $500 per semester. This award is made on the basis of talent in the fields of drama, forensics, and music.

The Horton Foote Scholarship was established to benefit drama majors who exhibit superior talent and attitude, actively participating in college productions, and succeed academically.

The Hubert and Helen Galloway Memorial Scholarship was established by family and friends in memory of Mr. H. O. Galloway, a long time agriculture instructor at Wharton County Junior College. Proceeds from the endowment are used to fund a scholarship for a deserving agriculture student.

The T. Gordon Endowment Scholarship was established in November 1963 by Mr. Toby Gordon, who was interested in providing financial aid to deserving students. Under the terms of the endowment, interest from $1,000 is used annually for a scholarship. This scholarship is open to either freshman or sophomore students.

The Harold Hansen Endowment Scholarship was established in 1982, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Chester Harris Endowment Scholarship was established in 1983, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Anna Harrison Endowment Fund has been endowed by donations from Dental Hygiene alumni in honor of Anna T. Harrison. The recipient must be a Dental Hygiene student and will be selected by the Dental Hygiene faculty according to financial need.

The W.C. Hastings Family Scholarship was endowed by Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Hastings and their sons, Robert C. and William L. Hastings. Income from the fund provides three scholarships annually to qualified students in vocational nursing, pre-pharmacy, associate degree nursing, or other health-related fields.

The Charles Hermansen Memorial Scholarship was established in January 1985, and the proceeds are used to assist students who are graduates of El Campo High School based upon need and ability to profit from a college education. The scholarship is awarded by El Campo High School.

The Mary Jo Hlavinka Scholarship was established in 1991 and is awarded to a music major who has completed the freshman curriculum at Wharton County Junior College. The scholarship is based on talent, attitude, extent of participation in college concerts, and grade-point average.

The M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Scholarship Fund was established in 1988 by the trustees of the M. G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation of Wharton. The proceeds of this permanent endowment are used each year to provide scholarship support to students enrolled in medically related programs at the college. Applications are made to the Director of Financial Aid, and scholarship recipients are named by the WCJC Scholarship Committee.

The Harris and Eliza Kempner Scholarship was established in 1988, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Minnie Koons Endowment Scholarship was established in 1985, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Julius LaDieu Industrial Trades Scholarship was established in 1988 by Lucy LaDieu and friends, and the proceeds are used to assist students in the industrial trades based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Donald Paul Losack Endowed Scholarship and the Martha V. Losack Endowed Scholarship was established in 2006, by Donald Losack to honor his mother. The proceeds are used to assist students whose families reside in areas served by Wharton County Junior College.

The Lucy Macha LaDieu Endowed Scholarship for Women in Business Vocations was established to assist women who reside in the WCJC taxing district, who desire a career in a business-related discipline, who need additional financial assistance, and who desire to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree.

The Linnie Leroux Endowment Scholarship Fund was established in April 1983 with $5,000 (with interest earned) bequeathed to the College for the purpose of providing scholarships to needy individuals seeking to enter Wharton County Junior College.

The Wilma Mason Memorial Scholarship was endowed by Mr. E. O. Mason and friends in memory of his wife and their esteemed friend, Mrs. Wilma Mason, to provide scholarship assistance to students in a nursing program.

The William R. McAllister Memorial Scholarship was established in December 1993 in memory of Dr. William R. McAllister by his many friends, students, and family. Dr. McAllister was a respected scholar in his field of study and admired by all who knew him. The income from this endowment is used to assist students based upon need and scholastic ability.

The Will Northington Meriwether permanently Endowed Scholarship was provided by his wife of more than 30 years, Ednamaye Reese Meriwether, upon his death in 1968. He was a lifelong resident and rancher in the Egypt community. He was an ardent supporter of FFA, giving generously to youth activities and was supportive of many educational activities. Over time, he provided numerous private scholarships to WCJC. Proceeds from this scholarship may be awarded by the WCJC Financial Aid Department to Wharton County residents east of the Colorado River and north of U.S. Highway 59. Students awarded this scholarship must make Satisfactory Academic Progress in a degree program.

The Waldo E. Moeller Endowment Scholarship was established through the generosity of the Waldo E. Moeller Foundation and is awarded to WCJC students with need.

The Irving Moore, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 by the Trustees of the M. G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation. This endowment is used each year to provide scholarship support to students enrolled in allied health or pre-allied health programs at WCJC.

The Wharton County Junior College Music Major Scholarship can be awarded to any student who auditions successfully for the Wharton County Junior College Pioneer Band and enrolls in the College as a full-time music major. The scholarship is awarded to a student that shows exceptional potential musically and academically.

The Jessie L. Myatt and Minnie Mae Myatt Endowment Fund is an endowment of $50,000 which was given to the College in February 1983. The interest earned from the cash contribution is used to provide assistance to deserving students who reside within the Wharton County Junior College District and who have attained a 2.0 or higher GPA or is used to purchase instructional program equipment. The specific disposition of the fund is determined by a committee appointed by Minnie Mae Myatt.

The Frances A. Nelson Scholarship was established in December 1987, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Ney/Arnold Memorial Scholarship was established in 2003 by Kenneth and Betsy Arnold Cates in honor of her parents, Samuel E. “Hank” Arnold and Kitty Belle Ney Arnold. It is available to Eagle Lake residents who are Rice High School graduates.

The George H. Northington, Sr. Scholarship was established in 1961 in memory of one of Wharton County’s pioneer settlers - George H. Northington, Sr., of Egypt, Texas. A gift of $4,000 was given anonymously by “one who benefited from Mr. Northington’s help and encouragement.” Income from the gift is used to pay tuition and fees for as many male students as possible that reside in Wharton and Colorado counties.

The Jerald W. and Anne K. Obenhaus Endowment Scholarship was established in 1982 in memory of Jerald W. and Anne K. Obenhaus of Bonus, Texas, by family members. This scholarship is available to high-school graduates on the basis of need and scholastic ability to profit from a college education. Recipients must reside in Wharton or Colorado counties. Application should be made to the Obenhaus Scholarship Fund, Box 433, East Bernard, Texas 77435.

The Carol Wied Webb O’Bryant Memorial Endowment was established by her son, Christopher Webb, and husband, Julian O’Bryant, to honor her memory. Carol was born and raised in Bay City in very modest circumstances. Through hard work and dedication, she found employment and a 37-
year career at a large multinational company. Her education at Wharton County Junior College was the stepping stone to that job. Carol asked her family to establish this scholarship so that others could have the same opportunities she did.

The Ty Pate Memorial Endowed Scholarship was established in 2011 by his friends and colleagues to honor Ty Pate. Dr. Pate was a former student of WCJC and longtime faculty member and administrator that possessed a great love for education and its students and faculty.

The J. R. Peace Endowment Scholarship was established in December 1966. Earnings from the endowment fund are used for a scholarship in the amount of $50 per semester for a sophomore student in a vocational/technical program.

The Lawrence J. Petersen Endowed Scholarship was established in memory of Lawrence J. Petersen who was a third generation cotton farmer in Danevang, Texas, who also served many years on the Board of Trustees of Wharton County Junior College.

The Phillips-Hartmann Scholarship was established in 1993 and is used to assist a graduate of Lamar Consolidated ISD based upon need, scholastic standing, and the ability to profit from a college education.

The endowment for the Sister Mary Alma Pilarski Nursing Scholarship was given to Wharton County Junior College in the memory of this exemplary and inspiring nursing educator and leader by her grand-niece, Carol M. Ashton M.D., M.P.H of Blessing, Texas. It is hoped that the scholarship, given to support second-year students in the WCJC Associate Degree Nursing Program, will encourage recipients to serve the health care needs of rural communities and/or to launch a career in nursing education.

The Frankie/Pickett Scholarship was established by donations from former members and friends of Wharton County Junior College’s athletic programs under coaches Johnnie Frankie and Tom Pickett. The income from this endowment is used to provide scholarships to members of Wharton County Junior College’s athletic programs.

The Miriam Russ Powell Scholarship was established by her family in her memory. Mrs. Powell was a dedicated teacher with the Wharton Independent School District and taught continuing education courses at Wharton County Junior College. The amount of the scholarship is $1000 per year. Recipients are selected by the WCJC Scholarship Committee.

The Frank C. Prochaska Memorial Scholarship has been endowed by the Frank C. Prochaska Family and Friends in memory of Frank C. Prochaska who was an Instructor of Economics at WCJC for 36 years. Because of Mr. Prochaska’s dedication to the field of education, this fund will provide one scholarship annually to students who graduate from Wharton or Boling High School who will benefit from the financial assistance while pursuing an education.

The Betty and Lowell Raun Endowment Scholarship was established in January 1988, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Mary Ann Rider Roades Memorial Scholarship has been endowed by her husband of 54 years, Edgar Roades. Mary Ann graduated from Boling High School in 1947, and enrolled at Wharton County Junior College. There she met Edgar Roades a graduate of El Campo High School. Mary Ann was an outstanding student and became a member of the newly organized Zeta Xi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of WCJC in February, 1948. Not only was Mary Ann an outstanding student, she was an outstanding person who was always full of love for her God, family, and friends. A compassionate and generous person she was always available to provide assistance to anyone who needed her. Income from this endowment will provide assistance annually to at least one graduate from Boling High School and at least one graduate from El Campo High School.

The C. H. “Ham” Rugeley Nursing Fund was established by donations of $4,000 in 1982. The interest earned is used to provide assistance for a nursing major (LVN or ADN) showing financial need and scholastic ability. Other conditions apply.

The Lloyd Rust Memorial Endowment Scholarship was established in 2014 by the Trustees of the M.G. and Lillie A. Johnson Foundation to recognize his service on the Board of Trustees of the Johnson Foundation. The proceeds of this permanent endowment are used each year to provide scholarship support to students enrolled in allied health or pre-allied health programs at WCJC.

The J. Daniel Schuhmann Endowment Scholarship was established in 1988, and the proceeds are used to assist students based upon need and ability to profit from a college education.

The Louise Parry Sealock Scholarship was established in 2000 to provide scholarships for second-year students pursuing studies in mathematics, physical science, engineering, or computer science.

The Betty and Lloyd Shoppa Scholarship has been endowed by the family and friends of Betty and Lloyd Shoppa. Income from this endowment will provide assistance annually to at least one full-time student from the areas served by Wharton County Junior College.

The Maner Stafford Endowment Scholarship was first awarded as a scholarship in the fall of 1969 by Mr. and Mrs. Maner Stafford of Wharton. In 1979, the scholarship was altered to become a permanent endowment, establishing regular income to be used for scholarships. Selection of recipients is made each year by the WCJC Scholarship Committee.

The Guy F. Stovall, Sr. Memorial Scholarship awards two scholarships that were established by Mrs. Guy F. Stovall, Sr., and Mr. Guy F. Stovall, Jr. in memory of Mr. Guy F. Stovall, Sr. The amount of each scholarship is $300 per year. Need and ability to profit from a college education are the bases upon which the awards are made.

The Florence M. Trull Memorial Scholarship Fund was endowed by The Trull Foundation of Palacios and by Robert B. Trull, Margaret S. Trull, Jean Trull Herlin, Gladys Trull Brooking, and Laura Trull Shiflett to honor their mother, Florence Margaret Roberson Trull. Mrs. Trull was born in Kingman, Kansas, on August 7, 1888. After graduating from Washburn College in Topeka, Kansas, she married B. W. Trull and moved to Texas. They lived first in Midfield, then in Palacios on the Texas Gulf Coast. The Trulls were active in banking, farming, real estate, and mineral interests. Mr. Trull died in 1957; and Mrs. Trull passed away on December 13, 1984, after a short illness. Always a compassionate and generous person, Mrs. Trull, together with her children, established The Trull Foundation in 1967 for religious, charitable, and educational purposes.

The Joe Mike Valenta and Becky Valenta Rolf Endowment Scholarship Fund was established in January 1977 in memory of Joe Mike Valenta. Income from the endowment is used to provide assistance to at least two students annually from the Boling Independent School District. Recipients are selected by the WCJC Scholarship Committee.

The Jordyn Kaylee Walther Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 in memory of Jordyn, by her loving family and friends. Jordyn was a former student at WCJC and was majoring in education. The income from this endowment is used to provide financial assistance to a college student majoring in education.

The Clinton Phillip White Memorial Scholarship has been endowed by his wife of 54 years, Wanda White. Clinton graduated from Boling High School in 1948 excelling in all sports activities and winning a scholarship to play football at Wharton County Junior College. It was at WCJC that Clinton met his future wife. Clinton was a football star and Wanda was a twirler at WCJC. Clinton was a dedicated employee of Texas Gulf Sulfur for 40 years. Clinton taught himself to play the trumpet and won a music scholarship to Sam Houston State University where he was spotlighted in their spirit that was loved by everyone. There were no limits to his interests in our world and his ability to express that compassion to all of those lucky enough to have been around him. Income from this endowment will provide assistance annually to graduates from Boling High School and from Wharton High School.

The Nancy Stephens Woodson Memorial Endowment Scholarship was established by the family of Nancy Stephens Woodson in 1998 and is awarded to one or more theatre students each year. Recipients are chosen by a committee from the WCJC Speech and Drama Department.

The Valedictorian Scholarship is offered to the highest-ranking graduate of every fully accredited high school in Texas by the Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees. A tuition exemption for each semester of the freshman year will be offered. The superintendent or principal of the high school must certify the name of the honor graduate to the Texas Education Agency. Application is not necessary.

The Wharton Business and Professional Women’s Club Fund was established in 1997. The proceeds of this permanent endowment are used to provide a scholarship to students in financial need and with educational potential.

The Wharton County Junior College Alumni Association Scholarship was established by the Wharton County Junior College Alumni Association in 1993. It provides annual scholarship assistance in the amount of $600.00 to students who will benefit from a college education. Selection of scholarship recipient(s) is made by the Wharton County Junior College Alumni Association Scholarship Awards Committee appointed by the Association’s Board of Directors. Award of scholarship assistance is made without regard for race, color, creed, sex, or disability. Applicants must use an Alumni Scholarship Form that may be obtained in the Office of Financial Aid or the Alumni Office, both located on the Wharton campus.

The Wharton County Junior College Alumni Association Memorial and Honorarium Scholarships were established in 1998 in recognition of people who have helped the college’s alumni to achieve their goals. Scholarships are awarded by the Alumni Scholarship Committee. Scholarships are awarded based on grades, financial need, and area of interest. Applicants must use an Alumni Scholarship Form that may be obtained in the Office of Financial Aid or the Alumni Office, both located on the Wharton Campus.

The Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees Scholarships are made available to outstanding students in the fields of music, athletics, drama, and art. These scholarships are awarded through competitive examinations and/or auditions. Arrangements should be made through the heads of WCJC’s Athletic Director or the Chair of the Communications and Fine Arts Division. All financial aid and other scholarships must be applied to tuition, fees, room and board before Board of Trustees scholarship money is applied.

The Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees High Honor Scholarship was established by the Board of Trustees in December 1973. A High-Honor tuition and fee scholarship is awarded to high-school graduates who rank in the top five percent of their graduating class.

• Tuition and fee scholarships are awarded to full-time freshman students entering Wharton County Junior College who graduated from a public high school within the college service area (approximately 55 mile radius of the college). Weimar and Industrial High Schools are outside this radius but are considered within the Wharton County Junior College service area. Final decisions regarding fringe area schools are determined by the Financial Aid Committee.
• All financial aid and other scholarships must be applied to tuition, fees, room and board before Board of Trustees scholarship money is applied.
• Students must maintain a minimum of 3.0 grade-point average to retain the scholarship for the second semester.

The Wharton County Junior College Booster Club Scholarships were established in 1974. The awards are made each year to residents of the Wharton County Junior College District and are based on need and educational potential.

The W.W. Wendtland Scholarship in Music has been endowed by Dr. William W. Wendtland and his mother, Mrs. Lillie W. Wendtland to encourage and support the study of music at Wharton County Junior College. Dr. Wendtland was band director for the College from fall 1968 through spring 1978 and was an inspiration to all who participated in his music program. The permanent endowment provides annual scholarship assistance to students of music and is awarded by the WCJC Scholarship Committee.

Recipients may receive this scholarship for a maximum of four consecutive semesters provided they remain in good academic standing.

Other Scholarships

The following scholarships may be available to qualified applicants. Applicants should contact donors directly for award availability.

ADN Club Scholarship Fund, Wharton, Texas
Boling Bull Shooters, Boling, Texas
Anne McCormick Sullivan Firefighter Scholarship, Sugar Land, Texas
Pilot Club of Wharton, Inc. - Suellen Rowe Memorial Scholarship, Wharton, Texas
Nell Mick Pugh Scholarship of Comfort Wood Chapter, DAR, Wharton, Texas
Rice Belt Water Works Association, West Columbia, Texas
Rocking W Rodeo Club, Wharton, Texas
Frank Sorrel, Jr. Scholarship, Wharton, Texas
Raymond R. Thomas, M.D. Memorial Scholarship - Victor Scott, Eagle Lake, Texas
Trull Scholarship Fund, Palacios, Texas
Wade Waters Scholarship, El Campo, Texas
A. J. Wendel Scholarship, El Campo, Texas
Wharton Business & Professional Women’s Club, Inc., Wharton, Texas
Wharton County Youth Fair, Wharton, Texas

Additional scholarships may be available through various scholarship search engines on the internet including fastweb.com.

Student Loans

DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM: These loans are obtained through the federal government. In order for a student to apply for a loan, they must first fill out the FAFSA® and will be notified of eligibility in their financial aid offer. Dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to $5,500 for freshman students and $6,500 for sophomore students per year. Interest is charged at the current rate as stated in federal regulations. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime.

Student Employment

WORK-STUDY PROGRAM: Students who demonstrate financial need may be provided with a job to help pay for college expenses under the federally supported CWSP. Part-time employment on campus includes such jobs as secretary/clerk, maintenance worker, library clerk, laboratory assistant, cafeteria worker, IT worker and bookstore clerk.

To apply for Work-Study, complete the FASFA^® by June 1st for the fall semester and November 1st for the spring semester.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Texas Workforce Commission and Texas Health and Human Services Commission are state agencies that provide students with disabilities with services designed to assist them in becoming as independent as possible by entering or returning to gainful employment. To be eligible for services, the individual (a) must have a physical or mental disability that constitutes or results in a substantial handicap to employment and (b) may be reasonably expected to benefit, in terms of employment, from vocational rehabilitation services.

Thousands of college students with disabilities receive services from the Commission each year. All Commission clients are entitled to diagnostic evaluation, counseling and guidance, career planning, job-development placement, and follow-up. In those cases where economic need can be demonstrated, the following services may be provided to college students with disabilities: tuition and required fees, textbooks, physical restoration, and assistive devices. Severely disabled students may also be eligible for room and board, mobility assistance, note-takers, tutors, and attendant care.

The Rehabilitation Counselor and the student identify intermediate and long-range goals. They determine actions needed to achieve those goals, and they work together to reach them. The ultimate goals are to assist each student in completing his or her college education, in getting a good job after graduation, and in achieving the highest degree of independence possible.

Workforce Investment Act

WCJC is an approved vendor of the Gulf Coast Workforce Development Board and Houston- Galveston Area Council to provide vocational training for eligible participants in workforce programs under the federally funded Workforce Investment Act. Participants qualifying for programs funded under the Workforce Investment Act receive free tuition, fees, books, and possibly uniforms, tools, and financial assistance with transportation and childcare. Applicants may apply for services under the Workforce investment Act through their local Work Source office. For more information, contact the Work Source office at 979-531-0730.

Vocational Support Services

The Carl D. Perkins Grant is a federally funded program that provides community colleges with the resources to develop and maintain programs in Career and Technical Education. Students majoring in an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Certificate as listed in the WCJC course catalog may be eligible for financial support. Eligibility for support services is based upon the student’s major, special or unique circumstance, full-time status, and availability of Carl D. Perkins Vocation and Technology Grant funds. Students may be eligible for services if they identify with one or more of the following unique or special circumstances:

• Individual with disabilities
• Individual from economically disadvantaged families, including lowincome youth and adults
• Individual preparing for occupation in nontraditional fields
• Single parent, including single pregnant women
• Out-of-workforce individual
• Homeless individual
• Youth who are in, or have aged out of, the foster care system
• Youth with a parent who is a member of the armed forces and is on active duty
• Individual with other barriers to education achievement, including individuals with limited English proficiency

For information, contact the Vocational Support Coordinator at WCJC.

Veterans’ Benefits

WCJC is approved by the Texas Veterans Commission for Veterans Affairs (VA) educational benefits for veterans and children and spouses of veterans (Chapters 30, 32, 33, 35, and 1606-1607, Title 38, U.S. Code).

Students who are veterans may receive assistance from the Office of Financial Aid in applying for benefits. To expedite payment of benefits, veterans should contact the Office of Financial Aid at least 30 days prior to the first class day of each term to complete all necessary paperwork for that period of study.

SELECTION OF COURSES: Veterans receive monthly payments for their entitlement based on the course work for which they enroll. Caution should be given to the selection of courses, making certain that each course undertaken meets the requirements for payment. The following are requirements for courses to be eligible for payment:

1. Each course must be a requirement for graduation in the declared degree program.
2. No course may be taken for audit.
3. No course may be a repeat of a course for which credit has already been received.
4. Each course must be completed and assigned a grade that is used to compute GPA and progress toward a degree.

Withdrawals, without mitigating circumstances, resulting in no credit awarded or no punitive grade being assigned, results in benefits being terminated from the beginning date of the semester. This creates an over-award scenario and possible repayment to the VA may be required.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS: To remain in good standing, a student receiving veteran benefits must achieve VA or Hazlewood Standards of Academic Progress. Students who do not achieve SAP are encouraged to re-examine their educational objectives, course load, etc. to improve their academic record. Students receiving veteran benefits who have a “Suspension” status will have the certification terminated until the student raises his or her term and cumulative GPA to 2.0 and completes 67% of attempted coursework or until the VA Regional Office authorizes recertification.

The SAP policy is posted on the WCJC website.

In compliance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, section 3679(e) of Title 38, United States Code, WCJC conforms to the following policy for “covered individuals”, defined as any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or Chapter 33, Post-9/11® GI Benefits.

• Any covered individual may attend or participate in the course of education during the period beginning on the date on which the individual provides to Wharton County Junior College a certificate of eligibility for entitlement to educational assistance under chapter 31 or 33 (a “certificate of eligibility” can also include a “Statement of Benefits” obtained from the VA website - eBenefits, or a VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes) and ending on the earlier of the following dates:
  • The date on which payment from VA is made to Wharton County Junior College.
  • 90 days after the date Wharton County Junior College certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.
• Wharton County Junior College will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, or any covered individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to Wharton County Junior College due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

The Texas Hazlewood Act for Veterans

The Hazlewood Act is a State of Texas benefit that provides qualified Veterans, spouses, and dependent children with an education benefit of up to 150 hours of tuition exemption, including most fee charges, at public institutions of higher education in Texas. This does NOT include living expenses, books, or supply fees.

The Hazlewood Act forms are available online through the Texas Veterans Commission website.

Isakson Roe Veterans Bill

Wharton County Junior College will NOT charge a tuition rate higher than the rate charged for residents of Texas to any covered individual receiving educational assistance under Chapters 30, 31, or 33, as long as the covered individual is currently living in Texas (regardless of the covered individual’s state of legal residence).

Students can access the College Financing Plan (CFP) through the Online Services student portal. An estimate of total program cost can be calculated by multiplying the figures in the CFP by years in the student’s program.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Students with disabilities may be entitled to financial assistance from the Texas Commission for the Blind, Texas Commission for the Deaf, Texas Workforce Commission, or Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Other state and local resources may be available to qualified students. For more information, contact the Office of Counseling and Disability.

Tuition Rebates for Certain Undergraduate Students

A tuition rebate program was created by Senate Bill 1907, 75th Texas Legislature, and is authorized by Section 54.0065 of the Texas Education Code.

The purpose of this program is to provide tuition rebates that will provide a financial incentive for students to prepare for university studies while completing their high school work, avail themselves of academic counseling, make early career decisions, and complete their baccalaureate studies with as few extraneous courses as possible. Minimizing the number of courses taken by students, results in financial savings to students, parents, and the state.

To be eligible for rebates under this program, students must meet all of the following conditions:

1. They must have enrolled for the first time in an institution of higher education in the fall 1997 semester or later;
2. They must have received a baccalaureate degree from a Texas public university;
3. They must have been a resident of Texas and entitled to pay resident tuition at all times while pursuing the degree, and;
4. They must have attempted no more than three hours in excess of the degree in the catalog under which they were graduated.

Hope Scholarship Income Tax Credit

Tax paying (students or their parents) may be eligible to claim a nonrefundable Hope Scholarship Tax Credit against their federal income taxes. The Hope Scholarship Credit may be claimed for the qualified tuition and certain related expenses (not housing/dining) of EACH student in the taxpayer’s family (i.e. the taxpayer, their spouse, or an eligible dependent) who is enrolled at least halftime in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other organized educational credential. The credit that may be claimed varies, depending on the family and student financial situation, but may be as much as $1,500 for a freshman or sophomore.