Financial Aid & Scholarships

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS) exists to assist students with the financial aid process and enable them to attend AU. Services offered include informing, counseling, and assisting students in a timely and equitable manner. OFAS functions are tailored to enhance AU’s overall learning and spiritual objectives.

The OFAS is dedicated to helping students make attending AU 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. All financial aid awards are considered estimated or anticipated until the aid is disbursed to student accounts.

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

When and How to Apply

To determine whether a student is eligible for federal financial aid, the student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The student should apply for an FSA ID prior to starting the FAFSA on the Web so that the application can be signed electronically and tax information can be transferred from the IRS.

FAFSA Federal School Code for AU: 003418

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621

864-231-7555 | aid@AndersonUniversity.edu

How Does the Process Work

Complete the FAFSA and include Anderson University’s (S.C.) Title IV school code, 003418. 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://aid.andersonuniversity.edu/forms-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 OFAS communications will be sent to the student AU email account. To ensure that you receive these communications, you must keep your mailing address and email address updated. If you have any questions, you may email us. Please allow 48 hours for a response.

Eligible Courses, Enrollment Status and Repeated Courses

Enrollment status can only consist of those courses required for graduation or as a prerequisite for required courses. Audited classes may not be considered when determining a student’s enrollment status. For federal aid programs, 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/her award reduced based on the actual number of credit hours enrolled. Enrollment status is determined at the end of each term’s add/drop period. Full-time status consists of enrollment in a minimum of 6 credit hours. Half-time status consists of enrollment in 3-5 credit hours.

Using Financial Aid to Purchase Books/Supplies

Students who apply timely and meet eligibility requirements may use financial aid to pay direct costs and purchase books/supplies. Funds available after direct costs have been paid will be disbursed by Anderson Central. All financial aid awards are considered estimated or anticipated until the aid is disbursed to student accounts.

Summer Aid

Summer financial aid 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 for Summer, if they already applied for the previous award year. If a student begins classes during a Summer term, s/he must complete the FAFSA for the current award year as well as complete a new FAFSA for the next award year, beginning with the Fall semester.

Summer funding is limited, and not all funds are available during the summer. If, during the previous Fall and Spring semesters, the student borrowed the annual Direct Loan limit, s/he will not have any Summer Direct Loan eligibility but can consider Graduate PLUS or a private loan.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Students receiving financial assistance through a federal program must be making satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. The OFAS is required to monitor students, to ensure that they are making satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program in a reasonable period of time.

The SAP policy is separate from - yet works in conjunction with - the academic standards required by AU.  The cumulative review determines the student’s eligibility for financial aid based on his/her academic history. Whether the student has received financial aid previously is not a factor in determining eligibility. SAP status is evaluated at the end of each academic term (Fall/Spring/Summer). SAP standards are Qualitative (Completion Rate & GPA) and Quantitative (Length of Eligibility). To be eligible for financial aid, students must comply with all SAP standards.

Qualitative Standard (Completion Rate & GPA)

• Completion Rate
  • A student is required to earn at least 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted.
  • A student may repeat a course, but all attempts count in the complete rate calculation.
  • Courses with grades of F, W, WP, WF, I, and IP are not considered completed courses.
• Grade Point Average (GPA)
  • Students are required to maintain the minimum cumulative GPA that is required for graduation within the student’s program/discipline.
  • Repeat coursework will be calculated in the GPA based on AU academic policy.
• A student whose completion rate and/or cumulative GPA fall(s) below the above minimum requirements is placed on Financial Aid Warning.

Quantitative Standard (Length of Eligibility)

• A student may receive financial aid for 150% of the published length of the program of study.
• Credits attempted outside AU are added to hours attempted at AU to assess the length of eligibility.
• Repeated courses are permitted and will count toward the total length of eligibility.
• A student who completes academic requirements for a program but has not earned the degree is not eligible for additional financial aid for that program.
• Once the maximum number of hours has been attempted, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Financial Aid Warning

A student who is placed on Financial Aid Warning is still eligible to receive financial aid. If the student meets SAP standards at the end of a warning term, the student is removed from this status and maintains financial aid eligibility. If the student does not meet SAP standards at the end of the warning term, the student is placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Financial Aid Suspension

A student on Financial Aid Suspension is not eligible for any federal, state, or institutional financial aid and remains ineligible until SAP standards are met. The student may continue taking AU courses without financial aid or submit an Appeal to reestablish aid eligibility.

Appeals

• Appeals are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee (FAAC).
• Students are limited to two (2) Appeals during their enrollment at AU.
  • Appeals will not be considered without sufficient documentation.
• All Appeals must include the following:
  • An explanation from the student as to 1) why SAP was not achieved and 2) what has changed that will make it possible for the student to meet SAP standards, moving forward.
  • Documentation of extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances include:
    • The student’s injury or illness.
    • The death of a relative.
    • Other special circumstances.
  • Qualitative Standard Appeals (Completion Rate & GPA) must also include an academic plan signed by the student’s academic advisor detailing the requirements the student must meet to ensure that SAP standards are met.
  • Quantitative Standard Appeals (Length of Eligibility) must also include an academic plan signed by the student’s academic advisor detailing the requirements the student must meet to ensure that SAP standards are met by a specific time or that the student graduates; the remaining classes needed for the student to graduate; and the student’s anticipated graduation date.

• If the Appeal is denied, the student is not eligible to receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid.
  • Alternative funding may be available, if the student plans on continuing at AU.
  • To reestablish financial aid eligibility, the student must submit an Appeal after completing a semester at AU without financial assistance. During the semester without financial assistance, the student must complete 100% of the attempted hours. Financial aid eligibility will not be reestablished unless all conditions are met.
• If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation for one term (“Probationary Term”), subject to stipulations (which are not limited to the academic plan).

Financial Aid Probation

A student who is placed on Financial Aid Probation is eligible to receive financial aid. These are the possible outcomes at the end of the Probationary Term:

• Qualitative Standard Appeals
  • A student who meets SAP standards will be removed from Financial Aid Probation.
  • A student who does not meet SAP standards but does meet stipulations will remain on Financial Aid Probation.
  • A student who does not meet SAP standards and stipulations will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
• Quantitative Standard Appeals
  • A student who meets SAP standards will be removed from Financial Aid Probation.
  • A student who does not meet SAP standards but does meet stipulations may be granted an Additional Probationary Term:
    • If the student meets SAP standards at the end of the Additional Probationary Term, the student will be removed from Financial Aid Probation.
    • If the student does not meet SAP standards at the end of the Additional Probationary Term, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Sources of Financial Aid

Federal Direct Loans

The Federal Direct Loan is a low-interest loan made by the US Department of Education (ED). To determine eligibility, a student must complete the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) and the AU financial aid process.

An Unsubsidized Direct Loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need. Students are charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If the student chooses to have interest accumulate, the interest will be added to the added to principal amount (i.e., capitalization), and interest will then be charged based on the accumulated amount. Capitalization increases the amount that must ultimately be repaid. Students who choose to pay the interest while it accumulates will avoid capitalization and lower their loan payments. This loan does not require a credit check.

Before a loan is available, the student must complete an online Entrance Counseling session and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Loan limits are determined by grade level. Students who decline a federal loan must notify AU (aid@AndersonUniversity.edu). For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

FAFSA Federal School Code for AU: 003418

Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships

316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621

864-231-7555 | aid@AndersonUniversity.edu

A student must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours each semester/term. Repayment begins 6 months after graduating or dropping below 6 credit hours. This 6-month period is referred to as the “grace period.”

Grad PLUS Loan

Grad PLUS Loans are a federal loan that is available to graduate and professional students. Grad PLUS Loans carry higher interest rates and origination fees than Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans.

Interest is charged from the time the Grad PLUS Loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. If the student chooses to have interest accumulate, the interest will be added to the added to principal amount (i.e., capitalization), and interest will then be charged based on the accumulated amount. Capitalization increases the amount that must ultimately be repaid. Students who choose to pay the interest as it accumulates will avoid capitalization and lower their loan payments.

Eligibility is determined by a credit check and if the student is enrolled at least half-time (i.e., at least 3 credit hours each semester/term) at an eligible school. Monthly repayment begins when the loan has fully disbursed and can vary based upon the interest rate and loan amount borrowed. To apply, students must complete FAFSA with their FSA ID and password. The loan application may be found at the Federal Student Aid website. If the loan is approved, the student must complete an MPN. The loan amount cannot exceed the cost of attendance, less other aid awarded. For more information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

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

The TEACH Grant is a program that provides grants to students who agree to teach full-time in high-need subject areas at a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. If the student fails to fulfill these obligations, all amounts of the TEACH Grant received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Interest will be charged from the disbursement date of the original TEACH Grant. Application requirements include TEACH Grant counseling and an Agreement to Serve.

Currently, the TEACH Grant is available for these AU majors:

• Music-Music Education

Note: Students are responsible for reading and understanding all TEACH Grant obligations. For eligibility requirements and additional information, please contact the College of Education and visit the Federal Student Aid website.

SC Teachers Loan Program

Low-interest loans are available to South Carolina residents who plan to teach in the public sector in South Carolina upon graduation from college. Students must meet the academic criteria of the program, and financial need is not a factor. For additional information, visit here.

SC Teachers Loan for Career Changers

Low-interest loans are available to SC residents who earned a baccalaureate degree at least 3 years ago or have worked as an instructional assistant in the SC public school system. For additional information, visit here.

Company Reimbursement

Many organizations offer employees full or partial tuition reimbursement for their education. Talk to your employer’s Human Resources Department to see if your organization offers tuition reimbursement benefits.

Private Student Loans

Private student loans are the last resource for students who are not eligible for other financial aid or who may need additional funds to meet education expenses. Private student loans should be considered only when all other options have been exhausted, as they typically have higher interest rates than federal student loans, are credit-based, and do not always offer the same benefits as federal student loans. Students are responsible for finding the company through which they want to obtain the loan. Students can seek loan options through banks, credit unions, and other student loan services. Click here to access a tool that helps student research and apply for private student loans.

Military Educational Benefits

South Carolina National Guard College Assistance Program (SCNG CAP)

This program provides financial assistance to eligible Military Service members. SCNG CAP benefits can be awarded up to the cost of attendance as defined by Title IV regulation. The benefits may be used at eligible SC institutions up to $5,500 per year, with a lifetime cap of $22,000 per service member. Service Members must be in good academic with the institution to receive funding. The maximum amount is determined annually by the SC Commission on Higher Education (CHE). To determine eligibility, contact the SCNG CAP Education Services Office.

Yellow Ribbon School

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help students pay for tuition & fees that the Post-9/11 GI Bill doesn’t cover. AU is a qualified Yellow Ribbon School. Please email or call (864-231-2120) the AU Certifying Official for more information about using these educational benefits.

Veterans Administration

Eligible veterans can apply for their educational benefits through the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) website at https://www.va.gov/. The VA is the only agency that can determine eligibility for and award this benefit. For questions about eligibility, please contact your VA Regional Office.

After an application has been approved, the VA will send a Certificate of Eligibility to the applicant (i.e., the veteran). Applicants are then required to submit a copy of the Certificate of Eligibility and additional documents to the AU Certifying Official. Please email or call (864-231-2120) the AU Certifying Official to obtain all necessary forms and get answers to your questions.

The following is a synopsis of the VA Program Chapters:

• Chapter 30 The Montgomery GI 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 VA 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 GI Bill-Selected Reserve. This program is available to members of the Selected Reserve, including the National Guard.
• 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 AU. (See the Academic Policies in this Catalog.) A student receiving VA benefits who is academically suspended, subsequently relieved by the AU Chief Academic Officer, and allowed to register for classes must have documentation that s/he has a reasonable likelihood to maintain satisfactory attendance, academic 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 AU of any address change. Please email or call (864-231-2120) the AU Certifying Official for the required form.

Class Attendance

VA students must adhere to the attendance policy established by AU. 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 AU Certifying Official. Please email or call (864-231-2120) the AU Certifying Official with this information. To ensure timely notification to the 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 “WF” or “WP” 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 the required documentation outlined in VA regulations.

Internet/Online, Hybrid and Video Courses

AU offers a variety of course delivery methods. Non-traditional course delivery methods are listed in Self-Service. AU expects students to participate in all instructional activities, as these courses are comparable to resident (traditional classroom) courses. AU 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 and
• 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 documentation of mitigating circumstances to the VA, the student must repay the VA all the money paid to him/her for the pursuit of that course from the start of the term (i.e., not just from the date s/he dropped the course).

Pending Payment Compliance

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), AU adopts the following additional provisions for any students using VA Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits. Therefore, while payment to AU is pending from the VA, AU will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment.
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student.
• Require student secure alternative or additional funding.
• Deny their student access to resources (i.e., access to classes, libraries, or other AU facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition/fee bills to AU.

To qualify for this provision, students may be required to:

• Provide Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility* (or equivalent) by the first day of class.
• Provide Chapter 31 VA VR&E contract with AU on VA Form 28-1905* by the first day of class.
• Provide a written request to be certified.
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify enrollment as described in other AU policies.

*Chapter 33 students can register at the VA Regional Office to use E-Benefits to get the equivalent of a Chapter 33 Certificate of Eligibility. Chapter 31 students cannot get VA Form 28-1905 (or equivalent) before the VA VR&E case manager issues it to AU.

Prior Credit

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

Program Changes

VA students who change programs must notify AU. Regulations require credit hours earned that fulfill requirements in the new program to be transferred to that program. Please email or call (864-231-2120) the AU Certifying Official to report any program changes.

Repeated Courses

There is no limit on the number of times a course may be repeated for which a failing grade (or a grade that 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 required.

All efforts were made to produce the most current/accurate information.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us - we are happy to assist!