635 Northmount Dr NW Calgary, AB T2K 3J6 CANADA Tel: Toll Free:

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1 635 Northmount Dr NW Calgary, AB T2K 3J6 CANADA Tel: Toll Free: ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 1

2 Funding Your Education Figuring out how to fund your education can be scary BUT it doesn t have to be. It all begins by making wise decisions. How do you do this? First, by understanding that your education is an investment. Like all investments, there will be some initial cost but it is well worth it. Your education is one of the few investments that you will reap benefits from for the rest of your life. At Alberta Bible College, we consider your time of studying and equipping a low cost / high return investment. What we mean by that is that we have intentionally kept our tuition one of the lowest in the country while still maintaining high quality Christian education. We understand the challenges that come with paying for your education and, through the generous financial assistance of our supporters, have done what we can to make both your education and ministry upon completion of your training affordable and accessible. In fact, it might surprise you to know that most students completing programs at Alberta Bible College do it with no, or little, actual debt. As with any investment, you still must determine what you WANT to afford. While it may seem that a college education is out of your financial reach, you might be surprised at all the ways to bridge the gap between what you have and what you need. Here are a few suggestions to help you out FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 2

3 Scholarships Unless otherwise stated, all scholarships are listed in Canadian dollars and will be administered in compliance with the following scholarship procedure and policies: Used over two semesters Maintenance of a minimum 2.0 G.P.A. in all semesters of study to which the scholarship funding is applied or scholarship is repayable May be used for up to two years from the date of receipt Applied only to tuition Non transferable Incoming Students Note: Incoming students applying for scholarships must submit or have already submitted a completed application for admission and application fee. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Two tuition scholarships of $500 made available to incoming students showing superior academic achievement Enrolled in full time classes (12 or more credits), including Practical Ministry Lab, for the fall semester Have achieved a grade average 85% or higher in their last two semesters of study (based on official transcript evaluation) Have not taken more than 12 hours of post secondary education prior to attending Alberta Bible College ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP One tuition scholarship of $1,000 available to a first year applicant Available to students who meet the criteria of athletic excellence and the integration of athletics and the Christian faith through essay and interview Competitive Application can be made through the Admissions Coordinator prior to June 15 BENOIT SCHOLARSHIP Up to two tuition scholarships of $1,000 each are available to first year applicants Competitive Application (including an application, essay and three references) can be made through the Admissions Coordinator prior to May 15 ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 3

4 Incoming Students (continued) CAMP SCHOLARSHIP Camps of supporting ministries of Alberta Bible College may nominate a Grade 11 or 12 student who demonstrates exemplary service or leadership for a tuition scholarship equivalent to one semester s tuition Unlimited number available per summer Nomination deadline is August 15 EMERGE SPEECH CONTEST SCHOLARSHIP One tuition scholarship of $1,000 offered for the outstanding speech, presented at the annual Emerge open house weekend (the first weekend of March) by anyone in Grade 11 or 12 Contact the Admissions Coordinator for details EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD Five tuition scholarships of $1,000 available to students of private Christian Educational Institutions in Western Canada, including secondary school, one year Bible Colleges and Discipleship schools The student who receives this award should be one who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership excellence in academic and/or non academic areas of school life, and excellence in Christian integrity in balance By nomination from each school on a first come, first serve basis The decision of each school is final Nominations must be received by the Admissions Coordinator by July 1 FACULTY ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Four tuition scholarships of $500 offered to incoming students applying to a degree or diploma program Made available to students who show promise in the core areas of emphasis at Alberta Bible College: Bible study (academics), Christian service and spiritual formation Financial need will be considered Enrolled in full time classes (12 or more credits), including Practical Ministry Lab, in the fall semester Completed Financial Aid Request form submitted by August 1 Subject to academic achievement or special faculty permission Inquire to the Admissions Coordinator FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 4

5 FACULTY ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Four tuition scholarships of $250 offered to incoming students applying to a certificate program Made available to students who show promise in the core areas of emphasis at Alberta Bible College: Bible study (academics), Christian service and spiritual formation Financial need will be considered Enrolled in full time classes (12 or more credits), including Practical Ministry Lab, in the fall semester Completed Financial Aid Request form submitted by August 1 Subject to academic achievement or special faculty permission Inquire to the Admissions Coordinator Incoming Students (continued) GATEWAY SCHOLARSHIP Scholarship available to a student going into youth ministry Inquire through the Admissions Coordinator LOCAL CHURCH SCHOLARSHIP Any supporting churches of Alberta Bible College may nominate a prospective student who has been exemplary in service or leadership while a member / participant for a tuition scholarship equivalent to one semester s tuition Unlimited number available Nomination deadline is July 1 SERVICE ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIP Two tuition scholarships of $500 offered to incoming students actively participating in a volunteer position in their local church, para church or ministry community Have a combined average of 75% or higher in four core grade 12 (or equivalent) courses Enrolled in full time classes (12 or more credits), including Practical Ministry Lab, in the fall semester Letter of reference from volunteer supervisor Inquire to the Admissions Coordinator ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 5

6 Returning Students ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP One tuition scholarship of $1,000 available to a returning student Available to students who meet the criteria of athletic excellence and the integration of athletics and the Christian faith through essay and interview Competitive Application can be made through the Admissions Coordinator prior to June 15 BERGMAN SCHOLARSHIP Two or more tuition scholarships of $1,500 per year are available to needy, promising returning students who, through out the course of their studies, have shown a consistent interest and engagement in pastoral ministry, both in formal programming and/or informal initiative Application can be made to the President prior to August 30 BOYD LAMMIMAN SCHOLARSHIP One tuition scholarship of $1,000 available to a person doing or aspiring to do intercultural ministry Competitive Inquire to the President before March 1 DOROTHY CHAPMAN SCHOLARSHIP One tuition scholarship, equivalent to one semester s tuition, made available to the female student who demonstrates commitment to children s or women s ministry In acknowledgement of the life and ministry of Dorothy Chapman Competitive Inquire to the President Selection is made by April 30 of each year MONSELL - PIECHOTTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Available to a returning student who has demonstrated a capacity to love people and is planning to enter vocational ministry Details available at the main office FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 6

7 OUTSTANDING STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP Returning Students (continued) One tuition scholarship, equivalent to one semester s tuition, awarded to the full time student who demonstrates Christian character, academic excellence, student body involvement and Christian service in balance over the course of a full year of their program Awarded at Commencement each year by student and faculty nomination RODNEY SCHOLARSHIP Scholarships of $1,000 are available each year to needy ABC students engaged in ministry while in their studies Inquire to the President prior to August 1 SUMMER SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP Tuition scholarship, available to current ABC students who provide satisfactory leadership in summer retreats, V.B.S., etc. are eligible for a Summer Service Scholarship Application can be made through the Practical Ministries Coordinator prior to the end of the school year preceding a student s time of ministry The summer service experience proposed by the applicant must meet the following criteria: Will include a minimum of 30 hours per week Will involve a minimum of 2 weeks Has the appropriate weekly supervision, including a minimum of 1 hour per week of mentoring supervision A student who completes eight weeks or more of Summer service and who maintains a 2.0 G.P.A. in the previous year is eligible for up to 60% tuition scholarship the following year Must be used in the school year immediately following the period of summer ministry ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 7

8 Are you looking for tips on how to apply for awards, loans and other financial assistance? Like most students, you are looking for ways to make your education more affordable. Unfortunately, information on outside loans, scholarships and other financial assistance is often difficult to find. We ve gathered the following web sites to help you out If you re an American student planning to enroll at Alberta Bible College, here are some options for you The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Alberta Bible College and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 8

9 ADDITIONAL OPTIONS TO FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION SUMMER WORK Working even part time during your high school years and the summer prior to attending college can be a huge help in financing your education. It has been said that it s not how much you make, it s how much you SAVE in your time of working that makes the difference. While there are always fun things to spend your money on, you must decide what your priorities are and spend or save your money accordingly. LOCAL EMPLOYMENT Many of our students work part time throughout their time of study to help pay for their education and living expenses. Calgary s economy has numerous jobs available for students in the city. In addition, public transportation, including a bus stop on one of Calgary s major bus routes just outside of the building, provides access to a wide variety of opportunities for student employment beyond the immediate area of the college. Classes are held Tuesday through Friday mornings, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and Monday through Wednesday evenings. This permits those who are employed during the day to take evening classes. It also allows most full time students to accept part time employment for Mondays, Saturdays, and most afternoons. The following guideline is designed to help you balance work commitments and academic load. If your weekly academic load is: Your weekly outside work load may be: hours 14 hours or less hours hours hours hours 6 10 hours 30 hours or more ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 9

10 FAMILY CONTRIBUTION It is important to note that the Canadian government expects that families will contribute to their children s education. In the eyes of the government, students are considered dependent on their families until they have been out of high school for four years, are married, or have spent significant time in the workforce full time. This is important to consider when planning your finances, especially if you are considering student loans. Know that your family s income will be considered in your loan application if you are still considered a dependent. AMERICAN FRIENDS TRAVEL BURSARY Where else could you go to college in a foreign country, enjoy great exchange rates, low tuition, live in a world class city next to the Rocky Mountains AND get a free trip home at Christmas? This bursary provides travel expense home at Christmas break for first year students from the United States who are returning for the second semester. The bursary will cover the flight, or other acceptable means of travel, up to $800. Application can be made through the Admissions Coordinator by September 30. Students must be registered as a full time student in the semesters both before and after their trip and maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. All other scholarship conditions apply. This bursary is non transferable and must be used within a student s first year of study. CANADIAN STUDENT LOANS AND GRANTS The Canadian government recognizes Alberta Bible College as an eligible institution under the Canada Student Loans Plan. You can apply each year you are studying by filling out an application in your home province. These loan programs are intended to supplement the financial resources of the students and their families. Approval for financial assistance is not guaranteed. Note: these loans must be paid back. FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 10

11 SOME KEY FEATURES OF GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOANS These loans are interest free while you are in school, but interest starts to accrue immediately when you are done school You don t have to start repaying your loans until six months after you complete your studies or drop below 60% of a full course load Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for interest relief and/or debt reduction assistance after you have completed your studies For more information on Federal student loans, check out ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A CANADIAN GOVERNMENT LOAN? Students enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester and who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada are eligible to apply for a Federal loan. LET THE APPLICATION PROCESS BEGIN Some tips and tricks for applying: All applications require at least 4 6 weeks to process. Make sure you apply early! If you use the on line system for any information, be sure to make note of important information such as usernames and passwords. Paper applications for Alberta residents are available from Alberta Bible College. Students from other provinces must apply to the province in which they reside. Applications are also available at most local high schools, colleges and universities. When contacting your province s student aid office, be sure to ask for information about any other awards, bursaries, etc. that may be granted for post secondary education. Be prepared to provide photo ID for every loan application transaction. Be specific in naming the program in which you are enrolled (i.e. Certificate In Christian Foundations, rather than The Rock. Bachelor of Theology or Religious Education rather than counseling, youth ministry, etc.) so that it will be recognized as an official program. Codes are required for loan applications. The codes for Alberta Bible College are as follows: Alberta Institution Code Alberta Program Code for ABC Certificate Programs Alberta Program Code for ABC Degree Programs *Note that there is no program code for diploma programs. Students in a diploma program should select a degree code. ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 11

12 CONTACT INFORMATION Most provinces have their information and loan applications available on line. You can check them out at the following: Alberta Box Station M, Edmonton, AB T5J 4R4 Phone: or (Calgary) British Columbia Manitoba or New Brunswick Newfoundland Nova Scotia or Ontario osap.gov.on.ca Prince Edward Island Quebec* or Saskatchewan or Northwest Territories* or Nunavut* Yukon ex or *Quebec, Northwest Territories and Nunavut operate their own student financial assistance programs. Students should contact their student financial assistance offices for further information. ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE STUDENT AID FUND A Student Aid Fund, made possible by friends of the College, provides minimal amounts to students who qualify. Information and rules governing these loans may be secured from the President. ALBERTA BIBLE COLLEGE 635 Northmount Dr NW Calgary, AB T2K 3J6 CANADA Tel: Toll Free: info@abccampus.ca FINANCIAL AID HANDBOOK 12