Financial Aid

The Anderson University Office of Financial Services 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 Office of Financial Services are geared to enhance the overall learning and spiritual objectives of Anderson University.

The Office of Financial Services 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. Email communication to the student’s AU assigned email address is the official form of communication from the Office of Financial Services about scholarship awards, adjustments, notifications, and deadlines.

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

When and How to Apply

To determine whether a student is eligible for a federal financial aid program or S.C. Tuition Grant, the student and his or her family must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The address for FAFSA on the Web is www.fafsa.gov. The student and one parent (if dependent) should apply for a FSA ID prior to starting FAFSA on the Web so that the application can be signed electronically and tax information can be transferred from the IRS. Anderson University’s (S.C.) Title IV school code is 003418.

How Does the Process Work

Complete the FAFSA and include Anderson University’s (S.C.) Title IV school code, 003418. For S.C. Tuition Grant purposes, it is best if you put AU’s school code as your first choice. Simplify the process by using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (IRS DRT) when tax return data is requested. The IRS DRT saves you time and expedites the application process. After submitting the FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), and Anderson University will receive the application data electronically. If additional information is needed to complete a student’s file, he or she will receive a letter. Items needed may also be viewed through Self Service under Financial Aid and then Documents. Submit the requested information as soon as possible and make sure all documents are signed. Forms are available at http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/freshmen/financial-aid/documents . Once the student’s file is complete, he or she will receive an award notice. The student may also view all financial aid awards through Self Service.

Communication with Students

The majority of communications from the Office of Financial Services will be sent to the student’s AU email account. To ensure you receive all communication from the Office of Financial Services, please remember to let us know of any mailing address or email address change. The Office of Financial Services staff is here to assist you with any questions you may have. You may call us at 864.231.2070 or email finaid@andersonuniversity.edu. Please allow one business day for a response.

Determination of Financial Need

Anderson University’s financial aid programs assist students who have financial need as determined by the federal processor. One of the principles behind need-based aid is that students and their families should pay for educational expenses to the extent they are able. A financial need exists if the resources of the family (expected family contribution or EFC) do not meet the total cost of attending the University. The total cost of attendance (student budget) is an estimate of the total cost a student incurs as a full time student for the nine-month academic period (fall and spring semesters). The indirect costs (the costs not paid to Anderson University) may vary depending on your living arrangements, priorities and other personal obligations.

Samples of student budgets for 2017-2018 follow:

Student Eligibility Criteria

A student must meet the following eligibility requirements to receive federal assistance:

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible program, and
• Be a regular student, and
• Have a high school diploma or GED, and
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, and
• Not be a member of a religious community that directs the program of student or provides maintenance (except for unsubsidized Direct Loans), and
• Be registered with the Selective Service (males only), and
• Not be in default on a federal student loan borrowed for attendance at any institution, and
• Not have borrowed in excess of federal loan limits, and
• Not owe a repayment on a federal grant or scholarship received for attendance at any institution, and
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress, and
• Not be enrolled concurrently in an elementary or secondary school, and
• Provide a valid social security number.

Eligible Courses, Enrollment Status and Repeated Courses

Enrollment status can only consist of those courses required for graduation or as a prerequisite for courses required in the program. Audited classes will not be considered in determining a student’s enrollment status. For federal aid programs only, once a student has completed a course two times, that course cannot count in the enrollment status.

The amount in the original award notification is based on full-time enrollment. A student who is not full-time will have his or her award reduced based on the actual number of credit hours enrolled. Students who are not full-time do not pay as much for tuition and fees. A student’s enrollment status is determined through the date of financial responsibility (DFR) of each semester. Adjustments, including complete withdrawal of aid, are made based on the enrollment status through DFR. All the terms in a semester are combined to determine the enrollment status for that semester. Full-time status consists of enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours. Three-quarter time status consists of enrollment in 9 to 11 credit hours. Half-time status consists of enrollment in 6 to 8 credit hours. Less than half-time status is enrollment in 1 to 5 credit hours.

How a Student Receives Assistance

A student who applies in time and is eligible can use financial aid award(s) (excluding Federal Work Study, FWS) to pay tuition and fees and to make book purchases. A student may request to “opt out” of purchasing books with a book voucher at Anderson University and may request an allowance to purchase books and supplies elsewhere by submitting to Anderson Central a Request to Opt Out form by the first day of class for each semester the student wishes to use an allowance. Funds available after direct costs have been paid will be disbursed by the Business Office. All financial aid awards are considered estimated or anticipated until aid disburses to student accounts in the Anderson University Business Office. Students who receive a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award and obtain employment through this program are paid once a month.

Transferring

Financial aid awards cannot be transferred from one college/university to another. Students must have the results of the FAFSA released to the new college/university. Students transferring to Anderson University must request a duplicate Student Aid Report (SAR) if the results of the FAFSA have not been released to AU. Anderson University’s Title IV school code is 003418. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Financial Services of prior attendance at another post-secondary school.

Summer Aid

Financial aid for summer is available to those students who qualify and will be awarded separately from the fall and spring semesters. Students do not have to complete another FAFSA just for summer if they have already applied for the previous award year. If a student begins classes during a summer semester, he or she must complete the FAFSA for the current award year and complete the FAFSA for the next award year which begins with the fall semester. To be considered for aid during a summer semester, the student must complete a Summer Application for Financial Aid.

Summer funding is limited and not all funds are available during the summer. Federal Pell Grant is only available if a student has not been enrolled full time during the previous fall and spring semesters. S.C. Tuition Grant cannot be awarded for the summer semester. If during the previous fall and spring semesters the student borrowed the annual loan limit, he or she will not have any Direct Loan eligibility. University funded aid is not available for a summer semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students receiving financial assistance through a federal program or S.C. Tuition Grant must be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. The Office of Financial Services must monitor the progress of all students to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress toward completion of their program in a reasonable period of time. This policy is in addition to the academic standards required by the University. The cumulative review determines the student’s eligibility for financial assistance based on his or her academic history. Whether the student has received financial assistance previously is not a factor in determining eligibility. A student’s SAP status will be evaluated each year when the initial Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is received and then at the end of an academic year (after spring semester grades are posted) in which the student attended.

Qualitative Standard (Completion Rate and Grade Point Average)

• The minimum completion rate requires a student to earn at least 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted.
• Courses with grades of F, W, WP, WF and I are not considered completed courses.
• Undergraduate students are required to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.
• Students are placed on financial aid suspension if the completion rate and/or the cumulative GPA fall below the minimum requirements. To re-establish eligibility, a student must have an approved appeal and be placed on financial aid probation. (See Appeals below.)

Quantitative Standard (Length of Eligibility)

• Students may receive financial aid for 150% of the published length of the program of study.
• Undergraduate students who have attempted 150% of the published required hours of their program of study will be placed on financial aid suspension.
• Transfer hours are added to the total hours attempted at Anderson University to assess the length of eligibility.
• A student may repeat a course, but repetitions will count toward the length of eligibility.
• A student who completes the academic requirements for a program but does not yet have the degree is not eligible for additional financial aid funds for that program.
• Once the maximum number of hours is attempted, a student is placed on financial aid suspension.
• To re-establish eligibility, a student must have an approved appeal and be placed on financial aid probation. (See Appeals below.)

Appeals

• Appeals for suspension of financial aid are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee. • The number of appeals will be limited to two (2) per student and forms may be obtained from the Office of Financial Services.
• Appeals must include an explanation from the student of why satisfactory progress was not made and what has changed that will make it possible to meet standards. Examples of acceptable extenuating circumstances include prolonged hospitalization during the academic year, death in the family during the academic year, change in work hours that conflicted with the class schedule during the academic year or other extenuating circumstances directly affecting academic performance.
• Appeals for length of eligibility (attempted maximum number of credit hours) must include an academic plan signed by the academic advisor that details the requirements the student must meet to ensure SAP standards are met by a specific time or to ensure the student graduates. Appeals for length of eligibility should include the remaining classes needed to graduate and an anticipated graduation date. The academic plan is available through Self Service.
• If the Committee determines that justifiable evidence of extenuating circumstances exists, a student may receive an extension of financial aid eligibility and be placed on financial aid probation.

Financial Aid Probation

• During the probationary period, a student must take at least 6 credit hours, complete 100% of the attempted hours, have at least a 2.0 term GPA (undergraduate) or the GPA required for graduation for your program/discipline (graduate) and follow the academic plan. If a student does not meet these stipulations, he or she will be placed on financial aid suspension. (See Suspension for Failing to Meet Probationary Stipulations below.)
• If a student meets the probationary stipulations but has a minimum cumulative GPA or a completion rate that does not meet minimum requirements, he or she will remain on financial aid probation and must continue to meet probationary stipulations and follow the academic plan.
• If a student meets the probationary stipulations, has a minimum cumulative GPA and a completion rate that meets minimum requirements and has not attempted 150% of the hours required to graduate, he or she will be removed from financial aid probation and must continue to meet the SAP policy.

Suspension for Failing to Meet Probationary Stipulations

• To re-establish eligibility a student must submit and have an approved appeal after completing a semester at Anderson University without financial assistance. During the semester attended without financial assistance, a student must take at least 6 credit hours, complete 100% of the attempted hours and have at least a 2.0 term GPA.
• Exceptions to this policy will only be allowed if the student encountered some type of extenuating circumstance during the probationary period that hindered her from meeting the stipulations.
• Examples of acceptable extenuating circumstances include: prolonged hospitalization during the probationary period, death in the family during the probationary period, change in work hours that conflicted with the class schedule during the probationary period or other extenuating circumstances directly affecting academic performance. Because a student is aware prior to the probationary period that he or she must meet the stipulations, extenuating circumstances do not include being a single parent or working full-time while attending school.
• Students are advised to solve difficulties prior to registering for a probationary period.

Federal Sources of Financial Aid

Funding for programs is contingent on federal approval. These guidelines may not be inclusive of all eligibility criteria and are subject to change. To apply you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Federal Pell Grant (PELL)

The Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid and is a program for students who have not previously earned a baccalaureate degree. Pell Grant is considered the foundation of federal financial aid to which aid from other federal and non-federal sources might be added. A student can only receive the Pell Grant for up to 12 full-time semesters. Students can track their remaining Pell Grant eligibility on NSLDS at www. nslds.ed.gov or on the Student Aid Report.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a program from which students may obtain up to $750 each year depending on their financial need, the availability of FSEOG funds at Anderson University and the amount of other aid received. In order to be eligible for consideration for the FSEOG a student must be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work Study Program is a federal student aid program that provides part-time jobs for eligible students. Interested students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Job listings can be reviewed on the Anderson University website. Limited funding is available.

Federal Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loan is a low interest loan made by the U.S. Department of Education. To determine eligibility, a student must complete a FAFSA and the University’s financial aid process.

A Subsidized Direct Loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. No interest payments are required before repayment begins or during an authorized period of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the loan during these periods by paying the interest for the student.

An Unsubsidized Direct Loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need. The student will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If interest is allowed to accumulate, it will be capitalized which means the interest will be added to the principal amount. Then interest will be charged based on this higher amount. Capitalization will increase the amount that must be repaid. If the student chooses to pay the interest as it accumulates, loan payments will cost less.

A student must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours each semester. Repayment begins six months after graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment. This six month period is referred to as a grace period.

The Office of Financial Services will counsel students as to the types of loans for which they are eligible and as to the amount they may borrow. Before a loan is available, the student must complete an online entrance loan counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). These requirements are completed online at https://www.studentloans.gov using the student’s FSA User ID.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The PLUS loan is available to parents of dependent students, and eligibility is determined by a credit check. The parent must be the student’s biological or adoptive parent or the student’s stepparent if the biological or adoptive parent has remarried at the time of application. Payments vary based upon the amount borrowed and the interest rate in effect. The amount you can borrow cannot exceed the cost of attendance less other aid awarded. Parents must apply online at https://www.studentloans.gov using the parent’s FSA USER ID.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH)

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, the student must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low income students. The student must also teach at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant. If the student fails to fulfill this obligation, all amounts of the TEACH Grant received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest will be charged from the date the original grant was disbursed, and the student must repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. Federal TEACH Grant counseling and an Agreement to Serve are required.

State of South Carolina Sources of Financial Aid

Funding for programs is contingent on state approval. These guidelines may not be inclusive of all eligibility criteria and are subject to change.

S.C. Tuition Grant Program (SCTG)

This program is a need-based grant program for S.C. residents who attend one of the 21 in-state private colleges or universities on a full-time basis. To qualify, the student must meet the academic criteria of the program: rank in the upper 75% of the high school class, score 900 on the SAT (19 on the ACT) or graduate from a S.C. high school with a minimum 2.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale. The student must also show need as determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For continued eligibility, a student must meet the federal satisfactory academic progress policy and earn at least 24 credit hours during the previous academic year. The deadline for applying is June 30th for the following academic year.

S.C. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship (Palmetto Fellow)

This scholarship is awarded by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education to academically outstanding South Carolina students who attend an in-state college or university full-time. Need is not a factor; however, the student must meet the academic criteria of the program and apply by the deadline dates (usually December 15th and June 15th) of his or her senior year. Additional information and applications are available through the high school guidance office or at www.che.sc.gov. For renewal, a student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and earn 30 hours per year. Credit hours earned before high school graduation, hours exempted, CLEP, IB and AP cannot be used to meet the credit hour requirement.

S.C. LIFE Scholarship (LIFE)

This scholarship is available to South Carolina students who attend an in-state college or university full-time. Students must meet two of three criteria: (1) score a minimum of 1100 on the SAT (24 ACT), (2) have a minimum 3.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale or (3) rank in the top 30% of their high school graduating class. The student’s final, official high school transcript must reflect a calculation date that falls between graduation and June 15th. For renewal, students must maintain a minimum LIFE GPA of 3.0 and earn an average of 30 hours per year. Credit hours earned before high school graduation, hours exempted, CLEP, IB and AP can be used to meet the credit hour requirement. For additional information visit www.che.sc.gov.

S.C. Palmetto Fellows or S.C. LIFE Scholarship Enhancement

The State of South Carolina has created a $2,500 per year Enhancement for Palmetto Fellows and LIFE Scholarship recipients majoring in science or math fields. To gain eligibility for the enhanced award, the scholarship recipient must have earned a minimum 14 hours in science and/or math prior to the sophomore year. Credit hours earned before high school graduation, hours exempted, CLEP, IB and AP can be used to meet the credit hour requirement for the Enhancement. However, these courses cannot be used to meet the credit hour requirement for the base Palmetto Fellows award.

Anderson University majors eligible for the S.C. Palmetto Fellows or S.C. LIFE Scholarship Enhancement include:

• Mathematics: Secondary Education
• Pre-Engineering
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Nursing
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics and Engineering

For a listing of eligible math and science courses that meet the 14 hour rule, visit our website at http://www.andersonuniversity.edu/freshmen/financial-aid/scholarships.

S.C. HOPE Scholarship (HOPE)

This scholarship is available to South Carolina students who do not meet the criteria for the LIFE Scholarship but who graduate from high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale. The HOPE Scholarship is awarded for the freshman year only, and the student must attend full-time. If the student earns at least 30 hours with a minimum LIFE GPA of 3.0, he or she can gain eligibility for the LIFE Scholarship. For additional information visit www.che.sc.gov.

S.C. Teaching Fellow

This program awards a $6,000 fellowship to eligible applicants who wish to pursue a career in teaching. This loan can be forgiven for teaching within the State of S.C. One year of teaching cancels each year the award was received. $5,700 of the award is applied directly to 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 Fellowship will not qualify for the College of Education scholarship.

S.C. Teachers Loan Program (SCTL)

This loan is available to South Carolina residents who plan to teach in the public sector in South Carolina upon graduation from a college or university. Students must meet the academic criteria of the program, and financial need is not a factor. For additional information visit www.scstudentloan.org.

S.C. Teachers Loan for Career Changers

This loan is available to South Carolina residents who earned a baccalaureate degree at least three years ago or have worked as an instructional assistance in the South Carolina public school system. For additional information visit www.scstudentloan.org.

Anderson University Scholarship and Grant Opportunities

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 to be awarded AU financial aid for AU student athletes and for students receiving full tuition and fee scholarship awards. Any student with a cumulative AU GPA less than 2.0 will not be eligible for AU aid. Financial aid through Anderson University is not available to students who take classes at any other institution and 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). AU aid is not available for audited courses, independent study, directed study or applied music courses.

President’s Scholarship - $13,000 per year* • 3.5 High School GPA • 1300+ Old SAT or 1360+ New SAT or 29+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 AU GPA for renewal.

Founder’s Scholarship - $11,000 per year* • 3.5 High School GPA and • 1150+ Old SAT or 1220+ New SAT or 25+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.5 for renewal.

Provost’s Scholarship - $9,000 per year* • 3.0 High School GPA and • 1000+ Old SAT or 1080+ New SAT or 21+ ACT • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

AU Grant - $6,000 per year* • Awarded to entering freshmen not receiving a President’s, Founder’s or Provost’s Scholarship • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Gold Grant - $2,000 per year* • Must be awarded an AU Grant, complete the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Out of State Grant - $3,000 per year* • Awarded to first time out-of-state students • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Baptist Scholarship - $300 per year* • Must be a member in good standing at a Baptist church in South Carolina • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

College of Christian Studies - $500 per year* • Must be accepted into the College of Christian Studies • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Palmetto Boy’s and Girl’s State Scholarship - $1,000 per year* • Awarded to a first-time student named a Boy’s or Girl’s State citizen by their State • To receive this award, students must live on campus.

Palmetto Boy’s State Presidential Scholarship - $10,000 per year*   Anderson University is privileged to serve as the host site for the annual Palmetto Boy’s State event. In recognition of this special partnership, Anderson University makes one award per year. • 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. • To receive this award, the student must live on campus for the freshmen through the senior year.

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

Anderson University Scholarship and Grant Opportunities for Transfer Students

Transfer Scholarship - $8,500 per year* • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Out of State Grant - $3,000 per year* • Awarded to first time out-of-state students • Must maintain a minimum cumulative AU GPA of 2.0 for renewal.

Phi Theta Kappa Honors - $1,000 per year* • Membership information must be submitted to the Anderson University Admissions Office

Withdrawal, Charges, Refund and Return to Title IV 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 the process in the Center for Student Success (traditional students) or with a Journey Coach (non-traditional and graduate students) or in the Registrar’s Office. The official withdrawal date is defined as the date the student initiates the withdrawal process in one of these offices, and
2. Review financial obligations with AU Central.

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 Services when the student is determined to be no longer enrolled. A grade of WF or WP will be assigned.

Refunds

Withdrawal from the University within the first 14 calendar days of enrollment: Full-time 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: Full time 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 publishes a calendar that indicates the Dates of Financial Responsibility (DFR) 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.

A federal financial aid recipient who withdraws from a term and is eligible to receive a refund will have the refund amount applied toward the outstanding debt the student owes the College based on the return of funds procedure outlined below.

After any applicable return of federal aid, non-federal financial aid will have the refund amount returned to the sponsoring agencies/programs in the following priority, not to exceed the awarded amount:

1. Private (Alternative) Loans
2. S.C. Teacher’s Loan
3. Anderson University Scholarships
4. Sponsorships
5. Tuition Waivers
6. Outside or Community Scholarships
7. Palmetto Fellows Scholarship
8. LIFE Scholarship
9. HOPE Scholarship
10. S.C. Tuition Grant
11. Other aid or assistance
12. Student

Return to Title IV Policy

A student’s federal financial aid eligibility must be recalculated for students who withdraw, abandon, drop out, are dismissed or take a leave of absence prior to completing 60% of a term. Federal financial aid includes Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loans, Federal PLUS Loan and TEACH Grant.  Institutional costs include tuition, eligible fees, on-campus boarding/meals and charges made in the AU bookstore using federal financial aid.

The recalculation of eligibility is based on the percent of earned aid using the following formula:

Percent of aid earned = number of calendar days completed in the semester
                                       total number of calendar days in the semester

Federal financial aid must be returned to the federal government based on the percent of unearned aid using the following formula:

Aid to be returned = (100% - percent of aid earned) x the amount of federal financial aid disbursed.

The amount of aid to be returned is the responsibility of the University and the student.  However, the student will be responsible for repaying the University for the amount that the University was required to return on his or her behalf less any refund that the student is eligible for as outlined above.  Therefore, a student who does not complete at least 60% of a term will owe a repayment to the University and/or the federal government for the amount of unearned federal financial aid.

A student who owes the University may not be permitted to register for a subsequent term or obtain an official academic transcript until the debt is paid.  Payment is made at AU Central.  A student who owes the federal government may be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education and be required to provide documentation of a satisfactory payment arrangement before federal or state financial aid eligibility is restored.

Veterans Educational Benefits

Eligible veterans can apply for their educational benefits through the Veterans Administration’s website at www.va.gov. Once an application has been approved, the veteran will receive a VA Certificate of Eligibility. Please submit a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility to the VA Certifying Official at the University. Anderson University’s VA Certifying Official is in the Office of Financial Services. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs is the only agency that can determine eligibility for and award this benefit. For questions about eligibility, call the VA Regional Office at 888-442-4551 then contact the Office of Financial Services to obtain the appropriate forms for certification.

The following is a synopsis of Veterans Assistance (VA) Program Chapters:

Chapter 30     The Montgomery G.I. Bill. This program provides educational benefits to individuals entering military service after June 30, 1985.

Chapter 31     Vocational Rehabilitation for Service Disabled Veterans. This program is for individuals who have a compensable service connected disability and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs determines that training and rehabilitation services are needed to overcome an employment handicap.

Chapter 35     Dependents Educational Assistance Program. This program is for dependents (spouse or children) of individuals who die or are permanently disabled from service connected causes.

Chapter 1606 Montgomery G.I. Bill-Selected Reserve. This program is available to members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard.

Chapter 1607 Reserve Educational Assistance Program. This program is available to members of a reserve component who serve on active duty on or after September 11, 2001, for a contingency operation.

Chapter 33     Post 9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. To be eligible, the service member or veteran must have served at least 90 aggregate days on active duty after September 10, 2001.

Academic Requirements

A student receiving VA benefits is required to maintain the same academic progress standards to be considered in “good standing” by the University. See the Academic Policies in this Catalog. A student receiving VA benefits who is academically suspended and subsequently relieved by the Provost and allowed to register for classes must have documentation that the student has a reasonable likelihood to maintain satisfactory attendance, progress and conduct in the future. This documentation is used to support a statement required to be submitted with the re-certification of enrollment to VA.

Address Changes

VA students must notify the Certifying Official of any address change by completing the address change form.

Class Attendance

VA students must adhere to the attendance policy established by the University. VA students who accrue more than the allowable number of absences will have VA benefits terminated.

Drops and Withdrawals

VA students must report course drops or a term withdrawal to the Certifying Official. To ensure timely notification to VA, reports will be run monthly to identify VA students who have dropped courses or withdrawn from the term. At the end of each semester, VA students who earn a grade of “F” are reported to VA with the last date of attendance.

Eligible Courses

VA students may receive benefits only for those courses that are required for graduation or are a prerequisite for courses required in the program of study. When additional courses beyond the courses required for graduation are needed to overcome a grade point deficiency, the additional courses may be approved with required documentation outlined in VA regulations.

Internet/Online, Hybrid and Video Courses

Anderson University offers a variety of course delivery methods. Non-traditional course delivery methods are listed in Self Service. Anderson University expects students to participate in all instructional activities since these courses are comparable to resident (traditional classroom) courses. Anderson University requires that each course offered in one of these non-traditional formats meets prescribed academic standards.

Each course delivery method must include:

• a provision for an assigned instructor;
• a provision for instructor-student interaction on at least a weekly basis and a stipulation that this interaction is a regular part of the course program;
• a statement that appropriate assignments are required for completion of the course;
• a grading system similar to the system used for resident (traditional classroom) courses;
• a schedule of time required for the course that demonstrates that the student will spend at least as much time in preparation and training as is normally required for resident (traditional classroom) courses.

Non-punitive Grades/Mitigating Circumstances

Regulations prohibit payment of VA benefits for a course from which the student withdraws. Unless the student submits to VA documentation of mitigating circumstances, the student must repay to VA all the money paid to him or her for the pursuit of that course from the start of the term - not just from the date he or she dropped the course.

Prior Credit

VA students who have attended another college/university must submit all collegiate transcripts to the Anderson University Admissions Office even if transfer credit is not requested.

Program Changes

VA students who change programs must complete a change of program form in the Office of Financial Services. Credit hours earned that fulfill requirements in the new program must be transferred as required by regulations.

Repeated Courses

There is no limit on the number of times a course may be repeated for which a failing grade (or a grade which does not meet the minimum requirements for graduation) was received as long as the grade assigned to the repeated course at the end of the term is punitive.

Tutorial Assistance for Veterans

VA students may receive monetary assistance from the VA to pay for a tutor if one is required.

South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (NGCAP)

This program was established to provide financial assistance to members of the South Carolina Army and Air National Guard. NGCAP covers the cost of attendance as defined by federal regulations up to a maximum amount each award year. The maximum amount will be determined annually by the S.C. Commission on Higher Education (CHE). Students who have earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree are not eligible. To qualify, the student must be in good standing with the active National Guard at the beginning of each academic year and remain a member in good standing throughout the entire academic year, maintain satisfactory academic progress, be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident and satisfy additional eligibility requirements as may be promulgated by CHE. The S.C. National Guard is responsible for providing a list of all eligible Guard members to CHE which will in turn notify the University. To be awarded, the student must be on the list from CHE.

Yellow Ribbon School

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. Contact the VA Certifying Official in the Office of Financial Services for more information about using VA educational benefits at Anderson University.

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 are offered as a portion of the Anderson University Scholarship 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 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 Scholarship 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
Laniel Chapman Leadership
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
Eloise Kay Harrison
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
Nancy McConnell
Ada Powell Meeks
Gayle & Steve Merritt
Eugene Milford
J. Calhoun Pruitt, Sr.
George Coventry & Nita Schidt Roughgarden
Ed & Zana Rouse
Jerry Sloan
Sammy & Claudia Sparrow
Blanche K. Stanton
Ann Watts Stepp
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
D. L. Scurry
Ralph & Virginia Hendricks
George and Linda Haynie
Lettie Pate Whitehead

Other Resources

Vocational Rehabilitation: Persons with physical disabilities which are vocational handicaps are eligible for financial aid from a State Department 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 Services 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. AU Central handles all billing requirements for the State prepaid tuition plan. Contact AU Central 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 AU Central. Please contact AU Central at (864) 231-2070 or 1-800-542-3594 for more information.