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 Office of Financial Aid 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 institution’s recruitment and retention efforts.

General Information

The Office of 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 Office of Financial Aid 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 Office of Financial Aid 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.

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 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 or she will become ineligible for federal financial aid. Students are considered to be making satisfactory progress only if they:

Summer session enrollment is not assessed in the determination of a student’s total semesters of enrollment. However, semester hours earned during the summer session 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 or her record to compliance with this standard through summer session enrollment ONLY at USCA or approved transient work at another USC system school. If a student who has been deemed ineligible successfully changes his or her standing relative to this policy, it is the responsibility of the student to notify the Office of Financial Aid 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 future 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 Office of Financial Aid.

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 Office of Financial Aid insures that the monitoring compliments the SS&P policy and is in compliance with Title IV satisfactory academic progress regulations.

USCA Scholarships
USCA has a number of established scholarships. These scholarships are designed to recognize qualities of leadership, merit, and academic performance and to assist students in achieving their educational goals. All fully admitted, degree-seeking students are automatically considered for these scholarships annually based on their student profiles. Some awards can be renewed for up to 3 additional years.

South Carolina Student Aid Programs
For complete information on the LIFE, SC HOPE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship programs, please visit the USCA Financial Aid Web Page at www.usca.edu/financialaid.

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.

South Carolina Need-based Grant
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 10 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.

Psychology Graduate Student Assistantships
In an effort to enhance the student’s opportunity to gain important practical experiences while at the same time providing a degree of financial support, USC Aiken has agreed to provide stipend support for select students when available. Each available stipend will be provided on a semester basis. A student receiving a stipend will be required to enroll in a minimum of 6 credit-hours per semester, and will be required to work in a selected setting for a maximum of 15 hours per week. The total amount of weekly work time will be determined by the amount of funding that is available for the student. Generally, the student’s work placement will be in a community mental health agency, in an applied clinical/counseling setting at USC Aiken, or a research setting at USC Aiken. In addition to the direct financial support that is gained through the stipend, USC Aiken has also agreed to provide a substantial tuition reduction for each student receiving a stipend. Stipends are generally provided to students during the 9-month academic year. However, a few stipends are available in the summer months. In order to receive a stipend in the summer months, it is necessary to enroll in summer classes.

While an effort will be made to provide stipend opportunities for all interested and qualified degree-seeking students, available funding is limited. Accordingly, eligibility for stipends will be determined by an evaluation of the admission criteria for entering students, and by evaluation of existing performance criteria for more advanced students enrolled in the degree program. For eligible students, ongoing participation in this assistantship program will be contingent upon satisfactory performance within the setting, as evaluated by USC Aiken’s clinical faculty and appropriate agency staff (when applicable). Due to limited funding opportunities, not all students enrolled in the graduate program will be eligible for stipends. Receiving a stipend during a particular academic period does not guarantee continued funding during subsequent academic periods. For additional information, see the Psychology Graduate Student Handbook.

Education Graduate Student Assistantships
For information on available assistantships contact the School of Education.

Loans

The Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized)  
The Federal Stafford Loan Program (subsidized) provides low-interest (fixed at 6.8%), long-term loans to eligible students through lenders outside the University. The Federal Stafford Loan program provides loans up to $3,500 for the first year of undergraduate study, $4,500 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 (fixed at 6.8%), long-term loans to eligible students through lenders outside the University. The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program provides loans up to $3,500 for the first year of undergraduate study, $4,500 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 $12,000 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 $7,500 for the first year of undergraduate study, $8,500 for the second year, and $10,500 per academic year for upperclassmen and $20,500 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 fixed interest rate of 8.5%. 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.

Federal PLUS Loan for Graduate Students  
The Federal Graduate PLUS Loan provides long-term loans to graduate students through lenders outside the University. Loan amounts under this program are limited to the student’s cost of education minus other financial aid awards. Graduate students may be denied a PLUS Loan due to adverse credit history. Graduate students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a PLUS Loan; and are only considered for this loan after applying for the maximum Stafford Loan. Sixty days after disbursement, students begin repayment at a fixed rate of 8.5%. Students have the option of requesting an in school deferment from their lender. 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 student 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 109, (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 109, 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 109. 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.

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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