Financial Aid

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The Anderson University Office of Financial Aid Planning exists to inform and assist students and parents in finding financial assistance, and to enable students to attend Anderson University. Services offered include informing, counseling and assisting students and parents in a timely and equitable manner. All functions of the Financial Aid Planning Office are geared to enhance the overall learning and spiritual objectives of Anderson University.

The Financial Aid Planning Office is dedicated to helping students and their families make attending Anderson University affordable. There are many different sources of financial aid available to qualified students. It is best to complete and submit all required forms as soon as possible as most financial assistance is awarded on a first come, first served basis for qualified applicants. E-mail communication to the student’s AU assigned e-mail address is the official form of communication from the Office of Financial Aid Planning regarding scholarship awards, adjustments, notifications, and deadlines.

The Financial Aid Planning Office awards financial aid to qualified applicants without regard to race, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, disability or ethnicity.

Financial Aid Application Process

Applicants are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov in order to be considered for financial aid. The student and one parent will need to set up a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID and password with the Department of Education in order to electronically sign the FAFSA. If you do not currently have an FSA ID you can create one at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The completion and submission of the FAFSA allows financial aid administrators to determine how much parents are expected to contribute to the educational costs for the student. It is a fair and equitable system of establishing the financial need for each student. To be considered for full funding, students complete and file the FASFA form as soon as possible after January 1. All aid applicants are strongly urged to check with local service clubs, churches, or employers, about scholarships they might offer.

By completing the FAFSA, a student applies for federal, state, and institutional aid. Students should complete only one FAFSA each year. During the application process, students will have the opportunity to list any colleges to which they have applied. Each college listed will receive the FAFSA results electronically. Each college is identified by name and by code number. The Anderson University FAFSA code is 003418.

Completing the FAFSA is easy. Simply go online to the following web address and follow the step-by-step instructions. www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Traditional students must be enrolled full-time (12 hours or more), to receive institutional funds, federal funds, and all state funds. Students may receive institutional financial assistance for a total of four years or eight semesters. If students receive outside scholarships, Anderson University institutional funds may be adjusted (reduced) dependent upon eligibility or need for financial aid.

All students are initially awarded as boarding students unless notification has been received from the parent and/or the student that they will commute. If a student changes status from a boarding student to a commuting student, their financial aid could be affected. The financial aid budget will be adjusted (reduced) to reflect the difference between a boarding budget and a commuting budget and individual awards reduced/cancelled as outlined under the individual award requirements in this section. If you have questions, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Per Federal regulations, students are not eligible to receive financial aid funds in excess of the total Cost of Attendance as determined by the university each year regardless of the source(s) of aid.

Students are responsible for the purchase of books and supplies and should allow between $1,200 and $1,600 per year.

Award Limitations

All institutional aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must file their FAFSA by June 1st in order to be eligible to receive some institutional funds. As a general policy, institutional financial aid is awarded only to students who have earned an overall AU grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Any student with a cumulative AU GPA of less than a 2.0 will not be eligible for institutional aid. Federal financial aid does not pay for courses that do not pertain to the student’s degree program. Financial aid through Anderson University is not available to students who take classes at any other institution. University funded aid is not available for summer school, part time students, Adult Studies students, graduate level students, and students seeking either domestic or international studies (Study Abroad). University funded aid is not available for audited courses, independent study, directed study or applied music courses.

Aid applicants are reviewed and awarded individually and on an annual basis. In the awarding of institutional aid, factors such as need, academic potential, major, talents, and other aid received may be considered. Institutional aid is offered up to eight (8) consecutive semesters. Students can appeal extenuating circumstances to the Financial Aid Director prior to June 1.

Full Grant-In-Aid Information (Athletes)

A full grant-in-aid at Anderson University is valued at 35,440 (unlimited meal plan & double room) for full-time students living on campus and 25,880 for those who commute. The value of a full grant-in-aid is intended for the following expenses only: Tuition (12- 18 hours), Required Fees, Room (double occupancy), and Unlimited meal plan. A full grant-in-aid does not cover the following: Nursing School tuition in excess of 24,000, Nursing School lab and clinical fees, Nursing School technology fee, applied music lessons, private room charge, books, background checks required for internships, international or study abroad fees, fines, tuition overloads (over 18 hrs.) and any other charge not listed above. A full grant-in-aid includes all federal, state, institutional and outside grants and scholarships. The combination of this aid cannot exceed the valued amount for a boarder 35,440 or commuter (25,880).

Academic Requirements for Maintaining Financial Aid

Institutional academic scholarships have various renewal requirements. Please refer to the “Academic Scholarships” section for various renewal requirements. For additional information on AU scholarships and grants renewals, contact the Financial Aid Planning Office.

Academic Scholarships

Scholarship resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required in order to be awarded AU financial aid for AU student athletes and for students receiving full tuition and fees scholarship awards.

President’s Scholarship - $10,000 per year* • 3.5 High School GPA • 1300+ SAT or 29+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 AU GPA for renewal.

Founder’s Scholarship - $8,500 per year* • 3.5 High School GPA and • 1150+ SAT or 25+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.5 for renewal.

Provost’s Scholarship - $6,500 per year* • 3.0 High School GPA and • 1000+ SAT or 21+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

* Renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment. Full-time (12 credit hours or more each semester) enrollment at AU required.

Other Awards for Traditional Students

Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Scholarships are limited in quantity.

AU Grant - $4,000 per year* • Awarded to any entering freshmen not receiving a President’s, Founder’s or Provost’s Scholarship. Awards are limited in quantity.

Out-of-State Grant - $3,000 per year* • Awarded to any out-of-state entering freshman. Awards are limited in quantity.

Residential Grant - $1,500 per year* • Awarded to any full-time enrolled traditional students living in campus housing.

Gold Grant - award varies ($200 - $2000)*
Need-based grant determined by committee. Must submit FAFSA. Awards are very limited in quantity. Renewal of Gold Grant funds is not automatic and is dependent upon continued demonstration of financial need as determined by the FAFSA application and review by committee.

AU Assist Scholarship • Awarded on a very limited basis to students in high-need or demonstrating other circumstances which may require review by the Director of Financial Aid.

* Renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment. Full-time enrollment at AU required. Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU grade point average of 2.0 for renewal.

Scholarships and Grants for Transfer Students

Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Scholarships are limited in quantity. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required in order to be awarded AU financial aid.

Transfer Scholarship - $6,000 per year* • Must have a minimum 3.0 college GPA • Must maintain a AU GPA of 2.0 to renew award. Scholarships are limited in quantity.

Transfer Grant - $5,000 per year* • Awarded to any entering transfer with a GPA below 3.0 • Must maintain an A U GPA of 2.0 to renew award. Scholarships are limited in quantity.

AU Phi Theta Kappa Honors Scholarship - $1,000 per year; five awards per year*
Must be a U.S. citizen; have a minimum 3.5 GPA and have earned 30 semester hours. Scholarships are limited in quantity.

Out-of-State Grant - $3,000 per year*
• Awarded to any out-of-state entering transfer. Scholarships are very limited in quantity.

Required Cumulative GPA and Hours to Renew SC State and Federal Aid Programs

The following lists minimum cumulative A U GPA requirements and minimum completed credit hour requirements per academic year to maintain South Carolina state and federal financial aid.

SC Palmetto Fellows Scholarship - 30 earned hours per year/3.0 overall institutional GPA

SC LIFE Scholarship - average of 30 earned hours per year /3.0 LIFE GPA

SC Tuition Grant -24 earned hours per year/must be meeting minimum SAP*

Federal Work Study - Be eligible based on financial need (FAFSA) and meeting SAP*

Federal SEOG - Be eligible based on financial need (FAFSA) and meeting SAP*

Federal Pell Grant - Be eligible based on financial need (FAFSA) and meeting SAP*

Federal Direct Loan - Be eligible based on financial need (FAFSA) and meeting SAP*

*(SAP stands for Satisfactory Academic Progress, see below)

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students that receive financial assistance at A U of any type (federal, state, institutional, or outside scholarships/grants) must demonstrate both qualitative (cumulative GPA) and quantitative (credit completion) satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. At the end of the spring semester of each academic year, the Office of Financial Aid Planning evaluates the qualitative and quantitative academic progress of each student receiving financial assistance. This evaluation determines a student’s eligibility to receive financial assistance in the next academic year.

In addition, at the end of both the fall and spring semesters, the Office of the Registrar reviews the qualitative academic progress of all degree-seeking students to determine the eligibility for continued enrollment at AU. Qualitative measures are described in the satisfactory academic progress guidelines under academic policies section of this academic catalog.

The satisfactory academic progress standards applicable to students receiving federal assistance are equal to those standards applicable to students receiving only institutional assistance. On the other hand, the standards applicable to students receiving state awards are prescribed both by the individual states funding those awards and by the institution.

In determining whether or not an undergraduate student is making satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to receive financial assistance, the following factors are considered:

1. AU cumulative GPA,
2. percentage of credits completed/earned versus credits attempted at AU, and, if applicable,
3. total transfer credits plus the total credits attempted at AU.

Baccalaureate Students

1. The minimum AU cumulative GPA requirement is 2.0 after 65 attempted credit hours
2. The minimum earned credit hour completion requirement is 2/3 or 67% of all attempted hours (including W’s, repeats, and incompletes as outlined in this section below)
3. Students are considered to be meeting qualitative (GPA) requirements unless they fall below the GPA standards outlined in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
4. A student will be considered to no longer be meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements once they have attempted more than 150% of his or her published degree completion requirements. If a student has changed majors, consideration may be made for credits attempted and grades earned that do not count towards the new major

A course withdrawal, a course repetition, a course incomplete, and a noncredit course are counted in the total credit hours attempted for financial aid eligibility; however, a remedial course for which no credit is awarded but that is successfully passed is counted as credit hours completed/earned for financial assistance eligibility purposes. For financial aid purposes, AU must always include courses applicable to a student’s satisfactory progress standards. A student is only permitted to receive financial aid for repeated coursework when the course was previously not passed and may only be repeated once and still count in their enrollment for aid eligibility in compliance with the Federal Student Aid Handbook.

A student who loses financial assistance due to a lack of satisfactory progress is again eligible to receive financial assistance when he/she meets the minimum requirements at the end of any subsequent academic year or upon approved appeal of their satisfactory academic progress at the end of a payment period or semester.

Financial Aid Ineligibility

At the point of review for satisfactory academic progress after the spring term, any student found not to be meeting SAP as outlines above will no longer be eligible for financial aid for the following academic year or until he/she successfully completes courses to again be making SAP.

Financial Aid Appeal

A student on financial aid ineligibility due to not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress may submit a SAP appeal form along with a written letter of appeal, a copy of students most current IPW (Individual Program Worksheet) signed by their advisor, as well as any supporting documentation to the Office of Financial Aid Planning. The appeal must state the reasons why the student failed to meet the SAP requirements and what steps have been taken to ensure academic success in the future. This process is separate from the academic appeals process and must be handled through the Office of Financial Aid Planning as indicated in their Financial Aid Ineligibility notification they receive from the Office of Financial Aid Planning.

Upon an approval of such an appeal, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and may receive financial aid on a probationary status as described in their appeal response. Any appeal conditions will be outlined in the response and may include an ongoing academic plan or timeframe for which a student must meet certain requirements to bring them into satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to receive financial aid. If a student fails to make satisfactory progress during the period of financial aid probation as assigned, and/ or fails to correct academic deficiencies within the prescribed time, that student will be then notified by the Office of Financial Aid Planning of their change to financial ineligibility, subject to total loss of financial aid, and the loss cannot be appealed again.

Notification of Satisfactory Academic Progress Deficiency

Both undergraduate and graduate students that are not meeting quantitative and qualitative satisfactory academic progress are notified by the Office of Financial Aid Planning via email to their assigned AU student email at the end of the spring semester for the upcoming award year.

2015-2016

Financial Aid Awarding Policies and Procedures

ATTENTION ALL FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENTS:

1. The receipt of institutional financial aid is a privilege as opposed to an entitlement or expectation. Anderson University reserves the right to revise a student’s financial aid award at any time in its sole discretion due to institutional circumstances and/or considerations and changes in the student’s enrollment status, state residency status, boarder/commuter status, and/or mid-year increases and/or decreases in SC state or federal scholarship or grant funding, etc. Institutional financial aid is contingent upon full-time enrollment at Anderson University.
2. The expression of gratitude for scholarships and grants received from the generosity of donors and legislators is a basic expectation of civil and mannerly behavior and a characteristic behavior of an educated individual. Accordingly, students offered AU funds and state-funded scholarships and grants accept their grants and scholarships on the condition that they will write a letter of appreciation to donors who give funds and to members of the South Carolina Legislature who pass legislation and state budgets that provide financial aid to our students. Failure to write a letter of appreciation will result in the loss of A U institutional financial aid indefinitely.

If a student receives additional scholarships and/or grants from other resources, Anderson University institutional funds may be adjusted (reduced or cancelled).

Students must report all outside scholarship sources. (Examples: Scholarships from businesses, companies, churches, high schools, etc.) If the outside scholarship agency requires a billing statement for the student before funds can be released, contact the Financial Aid Office for billing arrangements. Outside scholarship funds are reflected on student’s award letter once the funds have been received in the Financial Aid Office.

Students may not receive more than the cost of tuition, fees, room and board from all resources in financial assistance, excluding student, parent and/or alternative loans. For students receiving full grant-in-aid scholarships, please refer to your original contract.

Students are responsible for purchasing books and supplies (estimated at $1200-$1600 per academic year).

If a student is selected for verification, federal aid will be held until all required documents have been submitted and the verification process is complete.

The remaining balance not covered by financial aid may be covered by applying for a flexible payment plan through Tuition Management Systems (TMS).

The amount of a Work Study award should not be deducted from any balance due to AU. Students can earn up to the amount awarded. Eligible Work Study students are paid on a monthly basis up to the award amount.

South Carolina (SC) Residents

All SC State scholarships/grants are contingent on the final high school transcript and the receipt of a signed and dated SC Certification Form annually.

All SC State aid offered is contingent on approval of funds by the SC State Legislature.

Student Loans

Federal Direct Loan

Anderson University participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. Contact the Office of Financial Aid Planning for more information or to check for your eligibility to participate in the federal loan program. A current and valid FAFSA is required.

Federal Direct Loans are educational loans made to students based on the student’s need for financial aid as determined by the FAFSA. Undergraduate students may be eligible to borrow up to the following amounts in Subsidized Federal Direct Loans as determined by the FAFSA and year in class: Freshman - $3,500; Sophomore - $4,500; Junior and Senior - $5,500. Students may also borrow an additional $2,000 in Unsubsidized Direct Loan funds per academic year. Graduate students may be eligible to borrow up to $20,500 each academic year in a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan. Federal Direct loans (subsidized) are interest free and repayment is deferred until six months after termination of at least half time enrollment. At that time, repayment begins with a fixed interest rate dependent on the year the loan was disbursed. All Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans will be at a fixed interest rate determined annually by the Department of Education. Students who are not eligible to receive a Subsidized Federal Direct Loan may apply for an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. Students receiving an Unsubsidized Federal Loan are responsible for interest accrued at a fixed rate while in school and repayment is deferred until six months after termination of at least half-time enrollment. A student must enroll on at least a half-time (6 credit hours) basis, (3 credit hours per semester for some master’s degree candidates) to be eligible for a Federal Direct Loan.

All first-time borrowers through the Federal Direct Loan Program must complete a loan entrance counseling session and sign the master promissory note online (www.studentloans.gov) before their funds can be disbursed. All borrowers must complete an exit interview (www.nslds.ed.gov) prior to graduation or withdrawal from the University.

South Carolina Teachers Loan

(www.scstudentloan.org)

The South Carolina Teacher Loan is available to students planning to teach in one of the critical subject areas or in a depressed geographical area as designated by the state. Graduate students are eligible to borrow up to $5000 each academic year. Application forms for the South Carolina Teachers Loan are available in the Financial Aid Planning Office or online at the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation (www.scstudentloan.org). Eligible students must meet academic requirements outlined on the SC Teacher Loan Application.

Maximum Amounts are listed below.

Freshman and Sophomore - up to $2,500
Junior and Senior - up to $5,000

• Graduate students must maintain a 3.5 GPA. A prerequisite for eligibility is the successful completion of the EEE or Praxis I Exam.

South Carolina Teachers Loan for Career Changers

(www.scstudentloan.org)

The South Carolina Student Loan Corporation has a Teacher Loan Program for Career Changers. All applicants must have been employed for a minimum of three years. Also, the student must have completed a baccalaureate degree at least three years ago or have worked as an instructional assistant in South Carolina public schools. If you meet the criteria, please contact the Financial Aid Planning Office for an application and further details. 864.231.2070.

Federal and SC State Scholarships and Grants

To apply for all Federal and State Aid, complete and submit the FAFSA. Read below for a listing of all Federal and State Aid Programs offered:

Federal Pell Grant: Eligible students may receive up to 5,775 maximum award for 2015-2016 academic year. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered. Funding levels are subject to change based on Federal funding limitations.

FSEOG Grant: Federal grant reserved for Pell eligible students with consideration given to the students with the highest need first. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered. Award amounts vary. Limited funding is available.

Federal Teach Grant: The College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA) establishes the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEA CH) Grant Program, students can receive up to $4000 per year in Teach Grant assistance if they plan on becoming teachers or are teachers who are obtaining graduate degrees. In exchange for the grant, candidates must agree to serve as a full-time teacher at certain low income schools and within certain high-need fields for at least four academic years within eight years after completing the course of study for which the candidate received a grant. Federal TEACH Grant counseling and an Agreement to Serve are required. Please note that if requirements for the TEACH Grant are not fulfilled, the gr ant will turn into an Unsubsidized Federal Loan with interest accrued retro-actively back to the date of the disbursement of the Teach Grant funds. For more information on the Federal Teach Grant, go to www.studentaid.gov or contact the Financial Aid Office at (864) 231-2070 or finaid@andersonuniversity.edu.

Federal Work Study: Student work program available to students throughout the academic year. Students receive a monthly paycheck for hours worked from the previous month. FAFSA must be completed to determine eligibility. Job listings can be reviewed on the Anderson University website. Limited funding is available.

All SC state programs are contingent upon funding by the General Assembly.

South Carolina State Tuition Grant: South Carolina residents who qualify and apply on time may receive up to “3,100 as a traditional student and 1,270 as a non-traditional (Adult Studies) student in SCTG. More information is available at http://www.sctuitiongrants.org. The FAFSA serves as the SC Tuition Grant application and must be received by the Department of Education on or before June 30 deadline in order to be considered for eligibility.

SC LIFE Scholarship: Eligible South Carolina residents must meet two (2) of the following three (3) criteria: a 3.0 high school GPA (State Uniform Grading Scale), 1100 SAT (Math and Verbal Score) or 24 ACT score, or top 30 per cent of high school graduating class in order to receive this $5,000 scholarship. For renewal students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA and complete 30 credit hours each academic year (fall, spring and summer semesters). For incoming freshmen students, the Financial Aid Planning Office, upon receipt of the final high school transcript, determines eligibility for the scholarship.

SC HOPE Scholarship: Scholarship for first time freshmen students who do not meet the requirements for the LIFE Scholarship only. Students with a 3.0 grade point average (State Uniform Grading Scale) but do not meet one of the other LIFE scholarship requirements are eligible. The scholarship awards $2,800 for the academic year. HOPE can only be received for two semesters and cannot be combined with the LIFE Scholarship. The Financial Aid Planning Office, upon receipt of the final high school transcript, determines eligibility for the scholarship.

SC Palmetto Fellows: State scholarship of $6,700 for a student’s first year, and $7,500 for the second, third, and fourth years. Eligible students must be a SC resident, have a 3.5 GPA on the current SC Uniform Grading Policy (UGP) at an eligible High School,, 1200 SAT (Math and Verbal Scores) or 27 ACT, and rank in the top 6 per cent of their High School graduating class in order to be considered. Students can apply through their high school guidance office. Students must maintain a 3.0 Institutional GPA and earn 30 hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms) in order to remain eligible. The alternate criteria is a score of at least 1400 on the SAT or 32 on the ACT through the November test administration of the senior year and earn a minimum 4.00 cumulative GPA on the SC UGP at the end of the junior year, without regard to class rank. For more information about deadline dates and eligibility information, see www.che.sc.gov.

SC Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship Enhancements: The State of South Carolina has created $2,500 per year Enhancements for Palmetto Fellows and/or LIFE Scholarship recipients majoring in science or math fields. To receive the Enhancement, a student must be a second year student or beyond and meet first-year requirements. The first-year requirements must be completed in the student’s first year which includes the fall, spring and summer semesters. First Year requirements, complete at least: 14 hours of science or math. To meet the first-year requirements, students can use credits from AP/IB/CLEP, high school dual enrollment, courses taken the summer before the first year and courses taken as pass/fail. You can find the list of math and science courses that meet the 14 hour rule requirement for the Palmetto Fellows and Life Enhancements at Anderson University on our website http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/freshmen/financial-aid/scholarships. Please note that although these types of courses count toward the first-year requirements for an enhancement, they do not count toward meeting the renewal criteria of Palmetto Fellows.

Developmental, remedial and non-degree (does not apply towards graduation) courses do not count for the first-year requirements. AU majors for SC Palmetto Fellow or LIFE Enhancement Program: Mathematics, Mathematics: Secondary Education, Pre-Engineering, Biology, Biochemistry and Nursing.

*Further information on the SC LIFE, SC HOPE, and SC Palmetto Fellows programs can be obtained at www.che.sc.gov.

SC Teaching Fellowship: State program that awards a $6,000 fellowship to eligible applicants who wish to pursue a career in teaching. This is a loan that can be forgiven for teaching within the state. One year of teaching cancels each year the Fellowship was received. $5,700 of the fellowship is applied to direct university costs while the remaining $300 is escrowed by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention and Advancement (CERRA) for summer enrichment programs. Students must earn a 2.75 GPA and earn 30 hours per academic year to renew the Fellowship. Students can contact their guidance counselor or the Anderson University Teaching Fellow Program Director at (864) 231-2074. Recipients of this scholarship will not qualify for the College of Education scholarship.

Other Resources

Veteran Benefits: Veterans and their dependents may receive benefits to which they are entitled. The program is administered through the VA Certifying Official at 231-2072. More information is available at www.gibill.va.gov.

Vocational Rehabilitation: Persons with physical disabilities which are vocational handicaps are eligible for financial aid from state departments of vocational rehabilitation. Information may be obtained from the vocational rehabilitation department in the student’s home state.

Tuition Exchange: The Tuition Exchange Program is a reciprocal scholarship program for children and other family members of faculty and staff employed at over 530 participating institutions. The Tuition Exchange, Inc., a non-profit association, serves higher education by making careers at colleges and universities more attractive. More information can be found at www.tuitionexchange.org. You may also contact our Tuition Exchange Liaison in the Office of Financial Aid Planning for more information on Anderson University’s various tuition exchange programs.

State Tuition Prepaid Plans: Anderson University is a cooperating partner with many different state prepaid tuition plans. We handle all billing requirements for the state prepaid tuition plan. Contact us at (864)231-2070 or 1-800-542-3594 to set up these arrangements.

Outside Scholarships: As a service, any students with outside scholarships that require billing can be handled by the Financial Aid Planning Office. Please contact the outside scholarship coordinator at (864)231-2070 or 1-800-542-3594 for more information.

Anderson University Scholarship/Grant Opportunities

Anderson University scholarships and grants can only be used for fall and spring semesters. AU funds are not available for summer school coursework.

Anderson University Fellows Scholarship: A competitive scholarship awarded to entering first-time freshmen students who apply for and are selected as a recipient. An additional application is required by the stated deadline to be submitted to the Office of Admission. Awards are limited in quantity and are chosen by a scholarship committee. Recipients must first be a Palmetto Fellows recipient. Details of scholarship awards and limitations are outlined in the AU Fellows contract provided to recipients upon selection. A current FAFSA is required.

Students must complete 30 cumulative hours and maintain a cumulative A U 3.0 GPA for renewal. The scholarship is valid for four consecutive years or eight (8) consecutive semesters. If federal or state financial aid (scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other aid) is reduced prior to or during the student’s enrollment, the student is responsible for paying the amount by which the aid is reduced. AU Fellows recipients must cover the cost of any fees, books, or supplies not included as part of the award as outlined in their contract.

AU Fellows recipients are required to live on campus for the freshman and sophomore years of study. Junior and Senior A U Fellows recipients may choose to commute. The amount of the AU Fellows for Junior and Senior recipients who choose to live off campus will be reduced. AU Fellow recipients who live off-campus will have their awards adjusted to reflect the difference between and boarding and commuting budget. A U Fellow recipients should refer to their scholarship contract at the time of initial enrollment for additional policies and requirements. AU Fellow scholarships are limited in quantity. Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion.

Anderson University Fellows Presidential Scholarship: A limited number of AU Fellows Presidential scholarships will be offered to select entering first-time freshmen who apply for and are chosen by the scholarship committee. An additional application is required by the stated deadline from the Office of Admission. Awards are limited in quantity and are determined by the Scholarship Committee. Details of scholarship awards and limitations are outlined in the AU Fellows Presidential scholarship contract provided to recipients upon selection. A current FAFSA is required. Contact the Admission Office for an application and scholarship details.

Out of State Presidential Fellows Scholarship: A limited number of Out of State Presidential Fellows scholarships will be offered to selected entering first-time freshmen from out of state who apply for and are chosen by the scholarship committee. An additional application is required by the stated deadline from the Office of Admission. Awards are limited in quantity and are determined by the Scholarship Committee. Details of scholarship awards and limitations are outlined in the Out of State Presidential Fellows scholarship contract provided to recipients upon selection. A current FAFSA is required. Contact the Admission Office for an application and scholarship details.

Palmetto Boy’s and Girl’s State Scholarship: Anderson University is privileged to serve as the host for the annual Palmetto Boy’s State event. AU offers $1,000 in a Boy’s or Girl’s State scholarship to any entering first-time freshmen or transfer named a Boy’s or Girl’s State citizen by their state. In order to receive the Boy’s/Girl’s State Scholarship students must be living on campus.

Palmetto Boy’s State Presidential Scholarship: Anderson University has committed one $10,000 per year Palmetto Boy’s State Presidential Scholarship to be awarded in recognition of our special partnership with the Palmetto Boy’s State program. In order to be considered, applicants must be named a Palmetto Boy’s State Citizen, submit the required application and participate in the scholarship interview event coordinated and hosted by the Office of Admission. Contact the Admission Office for more details.

Anderson University Gold Grant: The Financial Aid Planning Office offers assistance to full-time boarding and commuting students who demonstrate high need and complete the FAFSA prior to June 30. Awarded amounts vary based on boarder/commuter status. Renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment and continued demonstrated need. Students must file the FAFSA annually. Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Awards are limited in quantity.

Out of State Grant: First time out-of-state students can receive up to $3,000 annually. Funding is limited. Renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment. Must maintain a 2.0 GPA to renew award. Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Awards are limited in quantity.

Athletic Grants: As a NCAA Division II school, scholarships are awarded to athletes in intercollegiate sports. Please see Athletics for a complete listing of sports offered.

Baptist Scholarship: Students can earn $300 per year for four years by meeting the following requirements: 1) member in good standing at a church in the South Carolina Baptist Convention or other Baptist church; 2) be a full-time student and living on-campus; and 3) gain acceptance to Anderson and maintain a 2.0 cumulative AU GPA while enrolled. Renewable for up to eight (8) consecutive semesters of enrollment. Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Scholarships are limited in quantity. In order to receive the Baptist Scholarship students must complete the Baptist Scholarship Form on the website http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/freshmen/financial-aid/baptist-scholarship and attach a letter on church letterhead indicating they are a member along with required signature.

College Scholarships: Limited scholarships may be are available for returning students in their major depending on the College of study. Funding is limited and may require an additional application. Students can maintain their scholarship by remaining within their College and meeting the renewal requirements as assigned by that College. Students must also have a 3.0 A U GPA, thirty hours earned per academic year (fall, spring, and summer) and fulfill all club/activity requirements set by the Dean. College Scholarships are limited to eight consecutive semesters. Institutional aid resources are limited and the University reserves the right to place a cap on the number of scholarships or grants offered or awarded at any time, or reduce or increase scholarships at its discretion. Scholarships are limited in quantity.

Withdrawal, Charges and Refund Policies

Determining the official/unofficial withdrawal date for all students:

An official withdrawal date is defined as the date the student begins the withdrawal process as defined by Anderson University. To officially withdraw from the University the following must occur:

1. begin process in the Center for Student Success; the official withdrawal date is defined as the date the student initiates the withdrawal process in the Center for Student Success
2. review financial obligations with the Financial Aid Planning Office.

An unofficial withdrawal occurs if a student fails to complete a period of enrollment but does not officially withdraw from Anderson University. The last date of class attendance in all classes becomes the applicable withdrawal date as determined by attendance records, computer assisted instruction, academic counseling, turning in a class assignment, or attending a study group assigned by the instructors. Faculty members will report the last date of attendance to the Registrar and the Office of Financial Aid Planning when the student is determined to be no longer enrolled. A grade of WF or WP will be assigned.

Withdrawal from the University within the first 14 calendar days of enrollment: Fulltime students who officially withdraw within the first 14 calendar days of enrollment will be charged 15% of full tuition, fees, room, and board for the semester.

Withdrawal from the University after the first 14 calendar days of enrollment: Fulltime students who officially withdraw after the first 14 calendar days of enrollment will be charged full tuition, fees, room and board for the semester.

The Registrar will publish a summer calendar that indicates the dates of financial responsibility for each session and term. Enrolled students who do not request a withdrawal by the published date will be financially responsible for all charges related to their course registration including tuition, fees, and books.

Return of Title IV Funds. The return of Title IV funds policy assumes that a student earns federal aid based on the period of time the student remains enrolled. During the first 60% period, a student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time the student remains enrolled. Unearned Title IV aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV aid that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned under the formula. Unearned Title IV funds must be returned to the Department of Education according to the Return of Title IV Funds return policy. A student who remains enrolled beyond the 60% point earns all federal aid for that term. No federal Title IV aid will be returned when a student remains enrolled beyond the 60% period. An example of the federal refund calculation is available upon request. Institutional and state aid are considered earned after the financial responsibility date. After a student withdraws and the return of Title IV calculation is complete, the Financial Aid Planning Office will bill the student for any amount owed to the University. Payment is expected within thirty (30) days of receipt of the bill.

Funds to be returned to respective federal programs will be allocated in the following priority: Federal Direct Loans, Perkins Loan program, Federal Direct PLUS, Pell Grant, SEOG and TEACH Grant.

Return of SC State Funds Policy - Reversal or return of state scholarship funds will depend upon the timing of the withdrawal from the university. Once state scholarship funds have been received from the state agency, no reduction or return of state aid will take place upon withdrawal. If the student withdraws prior to the review of full time enrollment (typically DFR and enrollment verification by the University Registrar), then state funds will be removed.

Return of Outside Scholarship Funds Policy - No refund(s) will be made to any Outside Scholarship Program, regardless of the withdrawal date.

Refund Policy Provisions (At-A-Glance)*

DFR = Date of Financial Responsibility
FT = Full Time (12 credit hours for Traditional)
PT = Part Time (less than 12 credit hours for Traditional)

Disclaimer
* This chart is to be used as a guideline; each student should consult with their advisor or college dean about their specific situation, etc.

Appeal Process for Determination of Withdrawal Date

If a student feels there are unusual circumstances regarding the withdrawal date, he/she has the right to appeal. The appeal should be directed to the Center for Student Success.

Endowed Scholarships

Anderson University has a number of scholarship endowments funded by individual donors. Only the interest earned from these scholarship endowments are distributed each year, while the principal remains intact in perpetuity to assist succeeding generations of AU students. Endowed scholarships ar e offered as a portion of the Anderson University Grant program during the awarding process. Because endowed funds are limited, it is an honor to receive an endowed scholarship that bears the name of a person, family, or organization. The University acknowledges with great appreciation the contributions of our endowment donors for their generosity, vision, and commitment to Christian higher education and Anderson University.

To be considered, students must apply for institutional aid and complete the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 1. Recipients are selected based on established criteria and date of FAFSA completion (earlier FASFA submissions receive priority). Students who are awarded grants that include endowed funds accept these funds on the condition that they will complete a handwritten letter of appreciation to the donor or designated relative associated with the fund (as instructed by the Office of Institutional Advancement at the appropriate time of the academic year) and agree to attend an annual donor appreciation event hosted by the University and agree to meet the donor or his/her representative(s) during the event. Recipients of endowed scholarships who fail to complete a letter of appreciation or attend the donor appreciation luncheon may forfeit the endowed scholarship portion of their Anderson University grant both in the year of award and in future years. Some of the scholarships listed below require a separate application/interview and are noted with an asterisk (*).

General Scholarships

Abney Foundation
Catherine Sullivan Acker
Alumni Board Scholarship*
G. Ross Anderson, Jr.
Helen Anderson
Belk Simpson*
Bill Brissey
Clarence F. & Mildred Cunningham Brown
William D. Brown
Eunice and Frank Brownlee
Robert E. Burks*
M. E. Clement
Charles S. Sullivan
Philip and Zilla Cowherd
Charles E. Daniels
Nettie R. Ducworth
Charles & Dorothy Fant
Jeanne & Bob Fant
Shirley James Findley
Bertha McQueen Fortune
Lucille Talmadge Gaines
Gary V. Glenn
Carroll Griffin
Hal Hall
J. B. Hall
Henry Harper
Evelyn Henderson
Lucy Primrose Whyte Hilliker
Harold and Ruby Hutchinson
Catherine Duncan Johnston
Louise Whitfield & Louise Kellett
Frances Welborn King & S. Marshall King, Jr.
Ella Vera Kneece
M. B. Nannie Leopard
Ada Powell Meeks
Gayle & Steve Merritt
Eugene Milford
J. Calhoun Pruitt, Sr.
George Coventry & Nita Schidt Roughgarden
Ed & Zana Rouse
Sammy & Claudia Sparrow
Blanche K. Stanton
C. P. Swetenburg
Lila Terry
Farrah Whitworth Thompson
Eliza C. Vandiver
Joe B. & Audrey Vickery
Frances Marion Warder
Dolly & Rufus Watkins
William & Mary Watson
Annie Elrod Webb
Willie Sue Boleman Webb
Edith Cecilia Whitten & William
Louise Williams
Leathy Williford McClure & Kathleen Williford
Margaret Woodham
Ernest Woodson, Sr.
Catherine Pracht Youn
Essie Brown Rainey Memorial Scholarship

For Anderson County Residents

Pete Stathakis
Anderson Rotary Club
Nancy Ann Garrison
Ron C. Cross
Betty N. Moore Scholarship
Ernest F. and Virginia L. Cochran
Anna McFall Holler
Frances Welborn King and S. Marshall King, Jr.
Nellie G. Harvey

Ministerial Aid-Church Related Vocations

Rouse-Garrett
Joseph Newton Brown
C. Henry Branyon
Bill and Susie Brock
J. K. Lawton
Pat Mulligan
The Charleston Heights Baptist Church
Thrift Brothers
Carolyne Geer Hester
C. M. & Martha Bowers
Carolyn Brown Mattox
Jim and Gloria Stovall and Family

For Women

Van Ray Kenny Harvey
Robyn Axmann
Jill Dunlap*
Olga V. Pruitt, MD

Endowed Athletic Scholarships

Golf
Harry Winburn Jones*
Tennis
Todd Fant*
Max Grubbs*
Women’s Basketball
Annie Claire Stephens Tribble

Art

Blanche Holcombe

Baptist Scholarships

Saluda Association Women’s Missionary Assoc.*
Sara Craddock
W. H. Keese & Hazel Leathers Keese
Esther Jordan Caskey
Rev. Ed Matheny

Business Majors

George C. & Jo Ann Langston
Dennis Claramunt

Education

Jeanette Morris Moorhead
Annie May McCarrell
Carroll F. & Katherine A. Reames
The Charles A. ‘Chuck’ Wooten Teacher Education Scholarship Fund for Graduate Students
Sherrill Knobel Hall Scholarship
Elinor Maxwell Bond
John Kelly Scholarship for Teacher Education

Fine Arts

LaVerne R. Hunt
Ruby Stevenson Nettles
Jim Chisman Performing Arts Scholarship

Interior Design

Mary Martin

Journalism

James R. and Marjorie Willis Young

Music Majors

E. Jablonski*
Mary Jones
Philip Charles Bryant
Earlene G. Kelley
Virginia Evans Hammond*
Frances Lollis Gaston
Floride Smith Dean
Perry & Marion Carroll

Nursing Majors

Juanita Dean Hall

Annual Scholarships

Anderson County Woman’s Club George and Linda Haynie
D. L. Scurry Lettie Pate Whitehead
Ralph & Virginia Hendricks
George and Linda Haynie
Lettie Pate Whitehead

Off-Campus/Foreign/International Studies

Anderson University funded aid is not available for off-campus/foreign/international studies. Students may be able to use a variety of federal and state funds to help finance this experience. The student must be considered enrolled full time. For more information contact the Director of Financial Aid Planning at (864) 231-2070 or (800) 542-3594 or finaid@andersonuniversity.edu.