Financial Aid and Scholarships

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General Information
Financial Aid Policies
Academic Scholarships
Grants
Employment
Loans
Entitlements
How To Apply For Financial Aid

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The general purpose of the USCA Financial Aid Office is to help students meet their educational expenses at the University of South Carolina Aiken. Financial assistance is awarded in the areas of scholarships, grants, loans, employment, or a combination of these programs. The primary responsibility for financing post-secondary education rests with the student and family; however, our office is available to assist applicants in obtaining financial aid assistance to bridge the gap between our educational cost and what the student and family are reasonably expected to contribute. The office is committed to timely delivery of financial aid proceeds in accordance with all federal, state, and institutional regulations. The financial aid packages are provided in correlation with the institutions recruitment and retention efforts.

General Information

The Office of Student Financial Aid at USCA provides a wide range of services and administers a variety of student financial assistance programs. Included among these are University scholarships, financial assistance programs originating outside the University, and all major federal student aid programs. Within these categories are financial assistance programs which are based upon financial need, academic merit, or other criteria. The different types of federal aid programs include grants, loans, and employment opportunities. The Financial Aid Office provides counseling for students, prospective students, and parents in such areas as financial aid opportunities, the financial aid application process, and financial planning as it pertains to managing financial aid funds and meeting educational expenses. Anyone interested in these topics should contact the Financial Aid Office to schedule an appointment. Below is a description of each category of financial assistance available at USCA:

Scholarships are usually based on academic merit and/or need and repayment is generally not required.

Grants are need based aid which do not have to be repaid.

Employment consists of part-time work that is arranged around the student’s academic schedule. This type of employment is known as work-study.

Loans are available to most students. Repayment is not required until the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Interest rates vary depending upon the type of loan.

Entitlements are awards that are not necessarily need based in nature nor do they have repayment requirements. Eligibility for most entitlements is based on certain special qualifications and circumstances.

More detailed information about the various financial assistance programs can be found in the USCA Financial Aid Brochure.

The USCA scholarship and financial aid programs are administered in accordance with the nationally established philosophy of educational financial assistance. The basis of this philosophy is the belief that the student and/or his/her parents are the primary responsible source for meeting educational expenses and that student financial aid should be viewed only as supplementary to the efforts and resources of the family.

The following statement of policies is to help high school principals, counselors, parents, and students understand the goals of the financial aid program at USCA.

1. The primary purpose of the financial aid program is to help students meet educational costs beyond what the student and/or his/her family can contribute based on a standard analysis of a family’s financial situation. USCA uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the need analysis.

2. In estimating the amount that a student’s family can provide for college expenses, USCA will consider the following factors affecting the family’s financial strength: income, assets, number of dependents, certain debts, retirement needs, etc. Under unusual circumstances, special financial problems confronting parents and students can also be considered.

3. The student is expected to secure resources to assist in meeting educational expenses.

4. Financial aid awards are payable only while the student is enrolled at least half-time at USCA, excluding the Federal Pell Grant Program.

5. Students who transfer to another college or university (including those within the USC system) cannot receive any financial aid which has been awarded by USCA.

6. Financial assistance received from any source that is not included in the award letter must be reported to the Financial Aid Office at USCA. This must be done even if the extra financial assistance has been reported to some other office at USCA. Failure to report extra financial assistance could harm a student’s chances of receiving financial assistance in the future.

7. The Financial Aid Office has established March 15th as the priority date for receipt of The FAFSA Information. Applications received after that date will be considered, but only if funds are available.

8. USCA makes every effort to meet a student’s need. Recipients are selected on the basis of general eligibility as well as specific program qualifications. Once a student has been determined to have financial need, awards are based on the enrollment status of the student and the availability of funds in each program. The determined award(s) comprise the student’s financial aid "package." This package may consist of a combination of: a) grants, scholarships, entitlements, b) loans, and/or c) employment.

9. Notification of awards will be made as soon as possible after the successful completion of the application process. Awards may be declined or adjusted within two weeks of award notification. Conditions of awards will be included with the award letter.

10. If the application has been submitted by the student in a timely fashion and financial aid has subsequently been awarded, the award will usually be paid in two disbursements (once during each registration period). The USCA Finance Office will apply the award(s) to your student account as appropriate.

11. Under certain circumstances, a student may be deemed ineligible to receive financial aid. These circumstances include: a) not making satisfactory academic progress (standards are listed below); b) being in default on a federal student loan; c) owing a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant; d) not demonstrating financial need; e) not enrolling in a degree-seeking program. If any of these conditions apply, feel free to contact the Financial Aid Office at USCA for additional clarification.

12. USCA students taking classes at the Beaufort, Sumter, and Salkehatchie campuses should contact the USCA Financial Aid Office concerning the method of disbursement 60 days prior to the begin date of the academic term(s).

Satisfactory Academic Progress

On the basis of federal regulations, financial aid is awarded only to students who are meeting the USCA standards of satisfactory academic progress. These standards have been established to ensure that recipients of financial aid are making measurable progress toward the completion of degree requirements within a reasonable period of time. At the time he/she applies for financial aid and at the end of every major semester thereafter, the academic record of each financial aid applicant is evaluated for compliance with the standards described below.

Students are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress only if they are meeting all of the standards set forth in this policy. If a student fails to meet any particular standard or combination of standards, he/she will become ineligible for financial aid. Students are considered to be making satisfactory academic progress if they:

C. meet the maximum total enrollment and minimum earned hours stipulations specified below:

1. Maximum total enrollment

This assessment applies to all work attempted at any post-secondary institution. It is not limited to enrollment at USCA or to semesters in which financial aid is received. To be eligible for financial aid, a student’s total enrollment must be within the applicable time limitation as follows:

The semester maximum for the two-year Associate of Science in Nursing at USCA (based upon information provided by the School of Nursing) is 6 semesters.

2.Minimum earned hours

To be making satisfactory progress, a student must earn a minimum number of semester hours each year, based upon his/her enrollment status. Each period of enrollment included in the student’s record is assessed. This assessment is not limited to semesters in which financial aid is received. To be eligible for financial aid, a student must:

Summer session enrollment is not assessed in the determination of a student’s total semesters of enrollment. However, semester hours earned during summer sessions are assessed with regard to the student meeting the minimum earned hours requirement. Therefore, a student who is not meeting the minimum earned hours requirement may restore his/her record to compliance with this standard through summer session enrollment at USCA or approved transient work at another USC system school. If a student who has been deemed ineligible successfully changes his/her standing relative to this policy, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office of this change. Otherwise, the student’s financial aid file will remain in an inactive status.

A student whose total number of credit hours earned is not greater than three hours below the minimum number of credit hours required for that student shall be allowed to receive student financial aid for two consecutive major semesters following this determination. At the conclusion of this probationary period, the student must meet the University’s non-probationary Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards in order to receive further student financial aid. This probationary standard will never be applied more than once for any student.

Students who are determined to be ineligible for federal financial aid under this policy may appeal this determination under specifically prescribed conditions. Such appeals are subject to all applicable deadlines. Detailed information regarding the appeal process can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

The standards set forth in this policy apply to all federal financial aid programs including grants, loans, and work funds. These standards will be applied to any determination or certification of satisfactory progress standing.

USCA has an established Academic Forgiveness Policy. When reviewing satisfactory academic progress for a student who has been granted Academic Forgiveness in consultation with the Scholastic Standing and Petitions (SS&P) Committee, the Financial Aid Office insures that the monitoring complements the SS&P policy and is in compliance with Title IV satisfactory academic progress regulations.

USCA has a number of established scholarships. The number of scholarships is increasing in proportion to the enrollment growth of the campus. Scholarship awards are primarily based on academic merit and require a separate application due on February 1st of each year.

House Bill 4535, Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarships, was approved by the South Carolina General Assembly during the 1998 legislative session and signed into law by the Governor in June 1998. This Bill authorizes funding for scholarships in the amount of $3,000 to eligible students attending four-year public and independent colleges and universities in SC. Eligible students attending two-year SC public or private institutions may receive the cost of tuition and fees for 30 credit hours/year.

Initial Enrollment:

§ Students graduating in 2002 must have an SAT score of 1100 or ACT score of 24. Students entering college in a year different than the high school graduation year must meet the established SAT/ACT score requirement for the year they graduated from high school.

Continuing Students:

§ Must earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average by the end of the academic year (Fall, Spring, Summer).

All Students:

Eligibility lost may be regained by meeting eligibility requirements in the next award year.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

Students may apply for a Federal Pell Grant if they are enrolled in a program of study which is six months in length or longer and have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Education. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, students should complete a FAFSA. You may use the paper FAFSA or the electronic FAFSA (FAFSA on the Web). You will receive notification of eligibility within six weeks. The amount of the award will be based on the determination of eligibility and the cost of attendance at USCA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

Using funds provided by the federal government, the University makes Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants available to a limited number of undergraduate students with greatest financial need.

These grants are awarded to eligible full-time undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. In order to determine eligibility, you must complete the FAFSA. Funds in this program are very limited and are awarded to students with the greatest financial need.

The South Carolina General Assembly created a South Carolina Need-based Grant Program beginning with the 1996-97 academic year. The SC Need-based Grant is available for a maximum of eight full-time semesters. The Grant will not be available for summer school or periods of attendance other than fall and spring semesters.

In order to qualify for consideration for a South Carolina Need-based Grant at USCA, a student must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program

This program provides jobs for students who have financial need. USCA participates in the Federal Work-Study program and helps coordinate job placement on campus.

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time on-campus and community service employment to USCA students. The salary is at least equal to the current minimum wage. You must complete a FAFSA in order for eligibility to be determined. Students must be enrolled at least half-time. Students who are awarded FWS may be employed for up to 15 hours per week. The average award usually allows 11 hours per week. The students’ work schedule will be set around their class schedule. Funds in this program are limited and are awarded on a first come/first served basis.

Loans

The Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized)  
The Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized) provides low-interest (variable-capped at 8.25%), long-term loans to eligible students through lenders outside the University. The Federal Stafford Loan program provides loans up to $2,625 for the first year of undergraduate study, $3,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per academic year for upperclassmen. The aggregate limit for undergraduate Federal Stafford Loans is $23,000. This total includes the Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year, not to exceed the $65,500 aggregate limit for both undergraduate and graduate. Repayment does not begin nor does interest accrue until six months after enrollment drops below half-time (6 semester hours). The repayment period may be as long as 10 years, depending on the amount borrowed.

The Federal Stafford Loan Program (unsubsidized)  
The Federal Stafford Loan Program (unsubsidized) provides low-interest (variable-capped at 8.25%), long-term loans to eligible students through lenders outside the University. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program provides loans up to $2,625 for the first year of undergraduate study, $3,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per academic year for upperclassmen. The aggregate limit for undergraduate Federal Stafford Loans is $23,000. This total includes the Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan described in this bulletin. Graduate students may borrow up to $10,000 per year, not to exceed $73,000 aggregate limit for both undergraduate and graduate. Interest begins to accrue and may be payable upon disbursement of funds; however, principal payments begin six months after enrollment drops below half-time. The repayment period may be as long as 10 years, depending on the amount borrowed.

The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program provides increased annual maximums for independent students up to $6,625 for the first year of undergraduate study, $7,500 for the second year, and $10,500 per academic year for upperclassmen and $18,500 for graduate students.

Federal Perkins Loan Program  
Federal Perkins Loan Program provides low-interest (5%), long-term loans to eligible students. The USCA program provides up to $3,000 per academic year, not to exceed $15,000 for the completion of undergraduate study. For first time borrowers, repayment does not begin nor does interest accrue until 9 months after you have ceased to be enrolled at least half-time. Repayment for previous borrowers will begin six months after ceasing at least half-time enrollment. Minimum payments of $120 per quarter ($40 per month) are required, and you may have up to 10 years to repay, depending on the amount you have borrowed. Under certain circumstances, you may be eligible to cancel or defer some repayment.

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) 
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) provides long-term loans to parents for their dependents through lenders outside the University. Loan amounts under this program are limited to the student’s cost of education minus other financial aid awards. Parents may be denied a PLUS loan due to adverse credit history. If the PLUS Loan is denied, the student is eligible for an additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. Sixty days after disbursement, parents begin repayment at a variable interest rate with a ceiling of 9%. PLUS Loan funds will be disbursed in two equal payments, one at the beginning of each semester (Fall -- August, Spring -- January). One semester loans are disbursed at the beginning of the semester for the full loan amount. The lender will make the checks co-payable to the parent and the University and will mail the check to the school for endorsement.

South Carolina Teachers Loan Program  
South Carolina Teachers Loan Program provides loans in amounts up to $2,500 for the first and second years of undergraduate study and $5,000 per academic year for upperclassmen and graduate students. Loan indebtedness will be cancelled at the rate of 20% or $3,000, whichever is greater, for each year of full-time teaching in a critical subject or critical geographic area in South Carolina. If you teach in both a critical subject and geographic area simultaneously, your loan shall be cancelled at the rate of 33 1/3% or $5000, whichever is greater, for each full year of full-time teaching. The subject areas deemed critical at the time you apply will be honored for cancellation when you begin teaching; critical geographic areas must be deemed critical at the time of employment. If you decide not to teach, the interest rate shall be the rate on the Federal Stafford Loan plus 2%. This is a variable rate not to exceed 10.25% annually.

Career Changers Program
The Career Changers Program provides loans to individuals wishing to enter the teaching profession. The program provides annual loan amounts of $15,000, up to a cumulative amount of $60,000. Loan indebtedness will be cancelled at the rate of 20% or $3,000, whichever is greater, for each year of full-time teaching in a critical subject or critical geographic area in South Carolina. If you teach in both a critical subject and geographic area simultaneously, your loan shall be cancelled at the rate of 33 1/3% or $5,000, whichever is greater, for each full year of full-time teaching. The subject areas deemed critical at the time you apply will be honored for cancellation when you begin teaching; critical geographic areas must be deemed critical at the time of employment. If you decide not to teach, the interest rate shall be the rate on the Federal Stafford Loan plus 2%. This is a variable rate not to exceed 10.25% annually.

Veterans Benefits
The following policies and procedures are of primary concern to veterans, servicepersons, members of guard and selected reserves, and other eligible persons who receive VA educational assistance while enrolled at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Academic standards of progress and attendance are covered under school standards of progress, as specified by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, License Division, and required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Enrollment Certification
Certification by the USCA VA Certifying Official, located in the Office of the Registrar, Penland Administration Building, Room 108A, (803-641-3550) is required for eligible students who wish to receive VA educational assistance checks. Students must initiate their own requests for enrollment certification, as the Certifying Official processes certifications and other forms to the VA only for those students who have made such a request and completed the necessary paperwork.

VA requires that eligible students must have completed University admissions requirements and matriculation into degree-seeking status before they may receive VA educational benefits. However, those students admitted as Provisional, Military Special, or Transient or students enrolling for prerequisite courses required for admission into a professional degree program or school may request VA certification if they provide appropriate documentation. VA students in these categories should contact the USCA VA Coordinator for details. Only the federal VA has the final authority to award benefits to students in such admission categories.

All VA students who have earned college credit at another school or in another USC degree program are required to provide the USCA VA Certifying Official with a transfer credit evaluation from its academic department. The VA generally pays such students for one semester only, pending receipt of the amount of "prior credit" applied to their current degree program. It is also recommended that undergraduate veterans contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office (803-641-3366) for consideration of college credit for military schools.

Students can best ensure receipt of benefits by informing the school VA Coordinator, Office of the Registrar, Penland Administration Building, Room 108A, of their intent to register for classes and by supplying the number of credit hours for which they will enroll each semester. Students who are enrolled less than one-half time must request certification on a semester-by-semester basis. Eligible VA students should recertify for each new academic year at least 45 days in advance.

VA payments may be made only for those courses that are required by the academic department for the student’s current degree program. All students receiving educational assistance checks from the VA are responsible for notifying the school VA Coordinator of changes in their degree program and /or course load during a semester, including drop/add, withdrawal, audit status or involving pass/fail option in a course, or Distance Education enrollment, independent study, internship or practicum courses.

Benefits related information and forms are available from the University Veterans Affairs Coordinator, located in the Registrar’s Office, Penland Administration Building, Room 108A. Each student request will be handled individually according to the VA benefit program and enrollment status at the University.

Vocational Rehabilitation
Students with disabilities may obtain grants-in-aid covering fees, books, supplies, and maintenance through the Vocational Rehabilitation Service. Detailed information may be obtained from the Vocational Rehabilitation Department in Aiken.

1. Make application for admission to USCA. Financial aid is awarded only to students who satisfactorily complete the requirements for admission.

2. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Forms may be obtained from the high school guidance office or from the USCA Financial Aid Office.

3. After students have been formally accepted for admission, their requests for aid will be considered. Official award notices will be made in May for the academic year, near November 1 for spring semester only, and near May 1 for the summer terms.

4. All students who wish to apply for financial aid for the summer terms are required to complete a summer student aid application and submit the application to the USCA Financial Aid Office by the established deadline. These applications are available by March 1 of each year.

Financial aid is important to USCA students. Funds are limited, but available. The key to receiving aid is to know what has to be done, when to do it, and how to do it correctly.

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