Different by Design. The freedom of AFFORDABILITY. Financial Aid Programs for students entering

Transcription

1 Different by Design The freedom of AFFORDABILITY Financial Aid Programs for students entering

2 Q&A Q: What do I have to do to qualify for need-based aid? A: Students are required to complete the Grove City College Financial Aid Application to be considered for need-based aid. The application is available on our website and may be submitted electronically or via hard copy. The supporting documents for the application must be sent via mail. Q: Will any outside scholarships that I receive reduce my Grove City College financial aid? A: Outside scholarships will not decrease the amount of aid offered by us unless the total amount of aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Q: are loan options available? A: We accept any privately insured student loan. In addition, we offer the Grove City College Student Loan, owned by PNC Bank and serviced by American Education Services. Students may obtain up to $12,000 through the Grove City College Student Loan Program during their first year of attendance. Q: are there student employment opportunities? A: Approximately 1,000 students work on campus each year. Interested students should complete the Student Employment Application available on the campus portal. Incoming freshman students may work up to 10 hours per week. Returning students may work up to 20 hours per week. Student employees receive a paycheck for hours worked.

3 Q&A Q: What is different about financial aid at Grove City College? A: There are two aspects of financial aid at Grove City College that are different from other institutions. First, we do not accept any federal funding. Second, we do not artificially inflate tuition, room and board to create funds that can then be distributed at differing levels to different students as financial aid a practice known as tuition discounting. Instead, our students are charged what it actually costs to run the College, with all institutional aid programs funded by endowment and pass-through dollars that are donated by alumni and friends. Q: do you have merit-based aid? A: Approximately 20% of the institutional financial aid awarded by the College is based on merit. While some merit aid is awarded to incoming students, a higher percentage is awarded to students during their sophomore, junior and senior years. Q: What percentage of students receive financial aid? A: On average, 50% of all students receive institutional gift aid. Students may also receive outside scholarships and student loans, bringing the total to 70% who receive financial aid of some type.

4 NO HIDDEN COSTS Doing research and developing an action plan is an important part of getting ready for college, especially when it comes to paying for it. We ve made it easy for you to see how much you ll need to make the most of your Grove City College experience try out our Net Price Calculator at Results are based on cost of attendance figures and student aid eligibility requirements. It s simple, quick and a great way to start to develop your financial plan. Estimated Total Cost for the Academic Year Tuition and Tablet PC $ 15,550 Room and Board $ 8,472 Total Direct Cost $ 24,022 Estimate for Books $ 1,000 Estimate for Personal/misc. $ 850 Total Cost $ 25,872

5 The largest challenge of planning for college should not be understanding how to pay for college. How much will you pay each year in tuition, room and board and other related expenses to go to college? Every student s situation is different, but we are confident our bottom line is financially comparable to or less than that of other private liberal arts institutions and even many public universities. In fact, that s not just our opinion. Consumers Digest rated us as the #1 Top Value private liberal arts college in the nation. This ranking is based not only on the cost of the education, but also on the academic achievement of our incoming freshmen and the quality of the education we provide our students throughout their time with us. After all, your choice of college should come down to which institution will help you be more. More educated. More articulate. More prepared. More resourceful. More virtuous. More concerned about others than yourself. The real value of an education from Grove City College is that it won t just benefit you, but society as well. As you know, the world today needs women and men of wisdom, moral strength, virtue and service. At Grove City College, you ll have the opportunity to use your education to build a career, a future, a life, and become all that God intends you to be. And because a Grove City College education is more affordable than most, you ll have the financial freedom to pursue your dreams. We re different by design. Financial Aid Programs 1

6 Freedom is when the education of your lifetime doesn t take your lifetime to repay. Like you, Grove City College believes in the freedom that comes with financial responsibility. So what does freedom have to do with financial aid? One of the biggest problems facing college graduates today is the excessive debt they incur to earn their degree. That s not our idea of freedom. However, being tied to federal aid isn t our idea of freedom either. So what is the answer? First, we keep our tuition at about half the national average for private colleges of our caliber, without any sacrifice in academic quality. So, in effect, you ll receive an automatic financial benefit of several thousand dollars just by choosing Grove City College. Second, we do not fund institutional financial aid programs with tuition discounts; your tuition isn t subsidizing another student. Additionally, we are faithful stewards of our resources and have always been committed to prudent financial management. Our tuition is about half the going rate for private colleges. Types of Financial Assistance at Grove City College Scholarships: Money that does not have to be repaid and is usually awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or need State Grants: Money that does not have to be repaid and is usually based on financial need Loans: Money for school that must be repaid with interest Student Employment: Money earned from a job provided through the College s Financial Aid Office GROVE CITY COLLEGE

7 Indeed, one of the original goals of the Trustees was to provide an excellent low-cost education to deserving students. The Trustees have full confidence that, free from intrusive government regulation, the College will become even better than it now is. Albert A. Hopeman Jr. President, Board of Trustees, Faith and freedom matter. So too does the bottom line. Besides affordability, the founders of Grove City College had another guiding principle: a commitment to maintaining our independence as an educational institution. That is why we operate without any federal assistance. Grove City College does not want to be held to the requirements that come with accepting federal aid. We continue to believe being able to act freely and independently justifies that decision. Even though we don t accept federal aid, you ll find that the bottom line the amount you need to come up with each year is often comparable to, or better than, other schools you may consider. We ve designed a cost calculator at that will give you a comprehensive snapshot of what your Grove City College education will cost. Financial Aid Programs 3

8 Is a degree from Grove City College worth it? Yes, it is! Thousands of our graduates are satisfied with the education they received and the price they paid to get their degree. Many of our students graduate with little or no debt at all giving them the financial freedom to move forward in life. In 2013, 96% found employment or were enrolled in graduate or professional school within six months of graduation. Financial aid that makes a great value even more affordable. Grove City College offers financial aid, awarded annually, based on financial need, academic achievement and available funds. We also offer a number of merit-based scholarships, as well as a private student loan program available to enrolled students, without regard to need or creditworthiness. A family s financial standing will not affect an admission decision. Please examine the financial aid opportunities and timeline that follow for important dates. Helpful Hints > Apply for admission > Start a college calendar for important dates > Meet all scholarship deadlines > Respond quickly to all requests for information > Keep a copy of all submitted documents > Keep the Financial Aid brochure > Don t forget to re-apply for aid every year > apply for aid as soon after January 1 as possible GROVE CITY COLLEGE

9 Scholarships Grove City College Scholarships Amount: Varies depending on amount of need and program parameters. Who is Eligible: Students who demonstrate financial need and academic achievement. > Upperclassmen ordinarily must retain a cumulative QPA (CQPA) of 2.00 or better. How to Apply: Submit the Grove City College Financial Aid Application to the Financial Aid Office by April 15 (December 15 for mid-year matriculants). The application may be downloaded from the Financial Aid page through the Future Students page on the College website at Presidential Scholarships Amount: $1,000 one year scholarship. Who is Eligible: Incoming freshmen who were ranked first (minimum class of 30) or second (minimum class size of 100) as determined by their final accredited high school transcript. How to Apply: No application required. Grove City College Scholarships National merit scholarship Amount: $2,000. Who is Eligible: This one year scholarship is available to incoming freshmen who are National Merit Scholarship finalists. How to Apply: No application required. Dean s Scholarship Amount: Varies based upon academic performance and availability of funds. Who is Eligible: Returning Grove City College Students with a CQPA of 3.40 or higher. How to Apply: No application required. Financial Aid Programs 5

10 Scholarships Scholarships TRUSTEE ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS/TRUSTEE ACADCEMIC FELLOWS In keeping with our mission, Grove City College is committed to cultivating both intellectual and spiritual virtues and practices in our students. Some of our best incoming students have historically been awarded the Trustee Academic Scholarship, which is our most generous merit-based award for up to 24 students. Trustee Academic Fellows, a smaller subset within this group of students, have the opportunity to receive an additional award. As a cohort, Trustee Academic Scholars will enjoy a foundational opportunity to begin significant scholarly conversations and research with some of our best faculty, especially in the humanities core, as well as enjoying special cultural activities in Pittsburgh and western PA. Trustee Academic Fellows will also be involved in a mentoring program, drawing encouragement and wisdom not only from faculty in their chosen major field but also from across campus. Amount: A $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to each Trustee Academic Scholar based on available funds. Alternates will also be selected, in the event that a scholarship recipient would choose not to attend. Trustee Academic Fellows may receive a supplemental award. Recipients and alternates will be notified in February. Trustee Academic Scholars are permitted to receive additional needbased financial aid not exceeding the cost of education. Who is Eligible: First-time freshman applicants. Scholarships will be awarded based on the student s potential to enhance the campus spiritual, social, and academic community. Students should have strong SAT/ACT scores, well developed leadership skills, a love for Christian/community service, cultural maturity, initiative and an entrepreneurial spirit. Scholarship recipients must enroll at Grove City College through either the Early Decision or Early Action application process to be considered for these scholarships. How to Apply: Complete and submit the Application for Admissions, including all necessary documents, by either the Early Decision Deadline of November 1 or the Early Action Deadline of December 1. Eligible students will be contacted to participate in an on-campus interview process. 6 GROVE CITY COLLEGE

11 Engineering Scholarships Amount: Up to four $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to incoming freshmen who show academic promise and outstanding leadership qualities. Most of the scholarships require the student to demonstrate financial need. Scholarships are renewable for an additional three years by maintaining a CQPA of 3.00 or better. Letters notifying recipients will be mailed April 15. Who is Eligible: All freshman engineering applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. How to Apply: Complete details and applications can be found online on the About Financial Aid page via the Future Students page at Scholarships Achievement Awards Amount: Variable up to tuition. Not based on need. Who is Eligible: Superior upperclass students according to criteria established by donors of various awards. Partial listing in the College catalog. How to Apply: Departmental or organization recommendation. Application usually not required. > need-based Grove City College scholarships are not automatically renewed so students seeking need-based financial aid must reapply each year by submitting a new College Financial Aid Application. > Because Grove City College does not participate in any federal aid programs, it does not use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in determining eligibility for College financial aid programs. However, the FAFSA is generally required to be used in applying for financial aid from non-federal public sources, such as state grants, in which the College may allow its students to participate. Be sure to check with the specific aid source to determine its application process. > Financial aid is awarded annually based on the aid application deadline and available funds, so you should apply as soon after January 1 as possible. All applications completed after April 15 but before July 1 will receive 50% of their calculated award. Applications are not accepted after July 1. > all appropriate forms must be filed according to the directions and deadlines provided. Award letters for incoming freshmen are mailed within three weeks of receipt of a completed Grove City College Aid Application, beginning March 15. > award letters for returning students who apply for financial aid each year are ed in June to the student s Grove City College address. > Changes in family circumstances that would result in a significant change in ability to pay should be reported to the College s Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. Financial Aid Programs 7

12 Private Scholarships Private Scholarships Non-Grove City College Scholarships* Scholarships from private sources outside of Grove City College provide additional sources of financial assistance for students. Students should check with their high school guidance office, their parents places of employment, their church and local service organizations for other scholarship opportunities. The Internet is also a valuable tool for locating private scholarship sources. * see important information regarding private scholarships at the end of this book National Merit Scholarship Amount: Varies. Who is Eligible: Varies by program. How to Apply: More information about these programs is available at Synod of the Trinity Educational Scholarship Amount: Varies depending on financial need. Who is Eligible: Students affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and living within The Synod of the Trinity (PA, WV and Upper Ohio Valley). The scholarship is based on financial need. How to Apply: Obtain application by calling the Synod Scholarship Programs at (717) , or by visiting You may also write: The Synod of the Trinity 3040 Market Street Camp Hill, PA Synod Application must be submitted to Synod by their deadline. The College Financial Aid Office must receive Synod Financial Aid Page and the Grove City College Financial Aid Application by April GROVE CITY COLLEGE

13 Presbyterian Scholarship Fund Amount: Varies. Who is Eligible: Incoming freshmen who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in the following Presbyteries, which are members of the Synod of the Trinity Beaver-Butler, Kiskiminetas, Lake Erie, Pittsburgh, Redstone, Shenango, Upper Ohio Valley or Washington. Based on academic achievement and financial need. Four-year award. One recipient per class. How to Apply: Obtain application from your pastor or the College Financial Aid Office. College Financial Aid Application also required. Deadline: April 15 preceding freshman year. Private Scholarships National Presbyterian College Scholarship Amount: Four-year award. Varies depending on financial need. Who is Eligible: Incoming freshmen who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Based on character, leadership and academic achievement. One recipient per class. How to Apply: Obtain application from or from National Presbyterian Scholarships, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY Telephone: (888) , x Deadline: to the National Presbyterian Scholarships by January 31. Applicants are also required to submit a Grove City College Financial Aid Application to the College by April 15. Shenango Presbytery Scholarship Amount: Varies. Who is Eligible: Preference given to applicants who are members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Shenango Presbytery. How to Apply: Obtain application from pastor, College Financial Aid Office or Higher Education Committee, Shenango Presbytery, 4197 New Castle Road, Pulaski, PA Deadline: April 15 to Presbytery. College Financial Aid Application also required to be submitted to College Financial Aid Office by April 15. Financial Aid Programs 9

14 Private Scholarships Private Scholarships Lola G. Duff and William H. Duff II Scholarship Fund Amount: Varies. Who is Eligible: This $80 million fund has college scholarships for Allegheny County, PA, residents. Students must be Protestant, have two years of schooling in Allegheny County (either public, private or home) and must be planning on attending college full time. How to Apply: Applications are available online in February at: The Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship Who is Eligible: All graduates of the Pittsburgh Public Schools and charters, regardless of financial need or income, who have been students in the district and a resident of Pittsburgh continuously since at least the 9th grade; must earn a minimum of 2.5 GPA, must maintain a minimum of 90% attendance record and earn admission to Grove City College. How to Apply: The Pittsburgh Promise application forms and additional information on The Pittsburgh Promise is available at each of the high schools in the Pittsburgh Public Schools and on the Pittsburgh Promise website. 10 GROVE CITY COLLEGE

15 State Grants PHEAA State Grant Amount: Varies based upon financial need. Who is Eligible: All students who are legal residents of Pennsylvania. The PHEAA is based upon financial need. How to Apply: File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA may be completed online at An additional form may be required. Please contact your high school guidance office with questions, or you may contact PHEAA directly by calling (800) , or by mail at: 1200 N. 7th Street Harrisburg, PA The FAFSA must be received by May 1. State Grants Other States Students may check with their high school guidance office, the State Higher Education Assistance Agency or the Board of Regents in their state concerning state aid that may be available. State grants that are funded with federal funds are not eligible to be used at Grove City College. Addresses are also available in the College Financial Aid Office. Financial Aid Programs 11

16 Loans & Student Employment Loans & Student Employment Grove City College Student Loan Amount: Grove City College Students may borrow up to the cost of education less other financial aid, not to exceed $12,000 per year for freshmen and sophomores or $17,000 per year for juniors and seniors. The Grove City College loan has a $500 minimum loan amount and a $58,000 lifetime maximum amount. Who is Eligible: Students of Grove City College who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Loans are not based on need or creditworthiness. All loan recipients must attend a College-sponsored seminar on debt management after receiving their first loan and an additional seminar on credit during their sophomore year. Returning students must maintain a CQPA of 2.00 or greater to retain eligibility. How to Apply: Submit Student Loan application online at Loan Options: Loan options are also available through other lenders. For more information please visit Grove City College Student Employment Amount: Paid monthly for hours worked. Limit of 20 hours per week (10 hours for freshmen) at minimum wage or higher. Who is Eligible: All students. Priority is given to students with financial need. How to Apply: Complete the Student Employment Application located in the Sign Up tab on the mygcc portal. Please contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions. An application is also included in the Freshman Orientation packet. 12 GROVE CITY COLLEGE

17 Financial Aid Timeline High School Seniors August/September > Narrow your list of prospective colleges to a reasonable number (5 10). > Request application materials from the schools you intend to apply to. > Request recommendation letters from school counselors, teachers and employers. > RSVP to attend one of Grove City College s Crimson Days. October/November > Fill out admission applications and write essays. > Request copies of your high school transcripts to submit with your applications. > Attend college fairs and meet with college representatives who visit your school. December/January > Gather the federal tax information necessary to complete the Grove City College Financial Aid Application. The Application can be completed online or downloaded at > Submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible if applying for state grant funds. Please see the state grant page on the Financial Aid section of our website for important information about the FAFSA. > Keep copies of all applications and supporting materials. > Apply for private scholarships. February/March > Submit the Grove City College Financial Aid Application with all supporting documents. > Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. If corrections are needed, print them on the form and return it to the FAFSA processor, or make updates online at fafsa.ed.gov. > Packages for accepted students with completed application records are sent out beginning March 15. April/May > Receive and review your award packet. > Contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions. June/July > If you are obtaining a private student loan, begin the application process as soon as possible after June 15. There are a number of lender options available. More information is available on our website or by calling the Financial Aid Office. > Attend one of Grove City College s Summer Preview Sessions. > Notify the Financial Aid Office of any outside scholarships from private sources. August/September > If you are interested in work-study, search for on-campus employment. > Arrive on campus, make new friends, study hard! > Notify the Financial Aid Office of any outside scholarships from private sources.

18 Financial Aid Timeline Returning Students December/January > Gather the federal tax information necessary to complete the Grove City College Financial Aid Application. The Application can be completed online or downloaded at > Submit the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible if applying for state grant funds. Please see the state grant page on the Financial Aid section of our website for important information about the FAFSA. > Keep copies of all applications and supporting materials. > Apply for private scholarships. February/March > Submit the Grove City College Financial Aid Application with all supporting documents. > Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) for accuracy. If corrections are needed, print them on the form and return it to the FAFSA processor, or make updates online at fafsa.ed.gov. June/July > Award letters sent to returning students. > Financial Aid Award Letters sent to eligible applicants. > If you are obtaining a private student loan, begin the application process as soon as possible after June 15. There are a number of lender options available. More information is available on our website or by calling the Financial Aid Office. > Notify the Financial Aid Office of any outside scholarships from private sources. August/September > If you are interested in work-study, search for on-campus employment. > Arrive back on campus for another great year!

19 IMPORTANT INFORMATION STATEMENT ON FEDERAL FUNDING 1) Grove City College does not accept nor does it certify any loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program (Stafford and Parent PLUS Loans); Pell Grants; Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships; President s Service Challenge Scholarship through the Corporation for National and Community Service (also known as AmeriCorps Scholarship); Paul Douglas Teacher Scholarships; National Science Scholars Program Scholarships; Academic Competiveness Grant; SMART Grant; SEOG; Perkins Loan; National Academy of Science, Space and Technology Grants; Presidential Access Scholarships; ROTC Scholarships; Any benefits associated with the GI Bill or any educational benefits associated or provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs; assistance through the Office of Health and Human Services (such as grants from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or Blindness and Visual Services); JTPA; or any other scholarships or loans that may be construed as providing direct or indirect federal aid to the College. The College will also not allow any student to register for classes if it is aware that a student has accepted or received such federal financial aid for that semester. PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS 1) securing financial aid from any source outside the College is a student s responsibility. Upon a student s request, the College will certify, except as stated previously, a student s enrollment and provide other data with a clear understanding that it is fulfilling a ministerial service to its students. The provision of such service, however, does not indicate that the College is a recipient of the grant or loan funds received by the student, that it is in any way administering any portion of the external program, or that it is responsible for decisions made by outside donors or lenders. 2) You must also report all awards received apart from the College (e.g., monetary awards from private groups, churches, etc.) to the College s Financial Aid Office. Outside awards will not reduce awards made by the College unless the total of all awards exceeds the calculated cost of education. 3) Because of the implications for other financial aid, all scholarships from outside sources will be divided equally between the fall and spring semesters. In order for a scholarship check to be applied entirely to one semester, the Financial Aid Office must be notified in writing by the donor prior to, or at the time of, receipt of the funds by the College. Once a scholarship check is received and applied to the student s account for the fall and spring semester, no changes will be made. Grove City College is a private educational institution. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, marital status, disability, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic, and other College-administered programs.

20 main red C0 M96 Y90 K2 white gradient bottom C13 M96 Y81 K54 black Office of Financial Aid (724) Office of Admissions (724) Different by Design AFFORDABILITY YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS PRINT on light backgrounds on dark backgrounds standard standard PMS 1795C PMS 1815C WHITE C0 M0 Y0 K0 BLACK C100 M100 Y100 K100 no gradients no gradients watermark watermark stacked logo (for sharing only) stacked logo (for sharing only) youtube.com/grovecitycollege youtube.com/thegccadmissions