SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AID 2014-15
Over many years, the vast majority of our admitted students, regardless of socioeconomic background, have told us that Beloit was an affordable option as they made their final enrollment decision. As a result of this fact, we encourage you to find out for yourself by using our net price calculator. This is available at www.beloit.edu/afford (click on Net Price Calculator). We are happy to discuss the results of this calculation with you; please feel free to contact us at faoffice@beloit.edu or 608-363-2663. Among other things of which we are most proud: 97% $22,000,000 $24,895 $31,000+ of enrolling students receive Beloit gift aid Amount of Beloit gift aid awarded Average Beloit gift aid per new student Average financial aid award including federal loans and work study 93% of admitted students received merit aid ranging from $10,000-$25,000, based primarily on the student s high school academic record 22% of new students in the fall of 2014 receive Federal Pell Grant funds
SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT COSTS AND FINANCIAL AID AT BELOIT COLLEGE Why should we consider a PRIVATE COLLEGE when state university tuition is lower? Private colleges and state universities offer two very different learning opportunities. At Beloit, we take great pride in our 10:1 student-faculty ratio, a unique first- and second-year Initiatives program, course selection and advising that assumes a student will graduate in four years, a firstrate teaching faculty, and numerous internship and research opportunities that enrich the educational experience for life beyond Beloit. Can Beloit College be an AFFORDABLE choice? Although tuition, room, board, and expenses add up to over $49,000 per year, the average grant or scholarship for first-year students receiving aid at Beloit is considerable: $35,795 for those with family incomes below $50,000/yr; $22,058 for those with family income above $125,000. When compared to public institutions, Beloit College becomes an affordable choice. How is financial aid DETERMINED? We ask that students and their parents complete the FAFSA* online after January 1 and before March 1. We use the FAFSA to gather financial information, recognizing that education is one of many things for which a family works and saves. The family contribution is what remains after all grants and scholarships, loans, and campus employment are applied. * Free Application for Federal Student Aid (www.fafsa.ed.gov) At Beloit, students don t just build a transcript; they build a resume. -Marion Fass, Professor of Biology
What Beloit turns out is a better, more effective person, and one who tends to go on getting better... [Beloit] out-produces very selective schools in graduates who make significant contributions and achievements. -Loren Pope, Colleges That Change Lives Will my family QUALIFY for financial aid? Beloit College s financial aid program supplements the resources of the student and family in meeting the cost of education through a combination of merit scholalrships and need-based grants, campus employment, and student loans. Visit our online Net Price Calculator to determine whether you qualify for financial aid: www.beloit.edu/afford. While this is only an estimate and is not a precise way to determine whether you qualify for one of Beloit s merit scholarships, we believe it is a helpful start in understanding the financial aid process and aid eligibility. The chart below represents the average grant and scholarship awards within income ranges and is intended to serve as a guide for families. Average Scholarship & Grant Awards to First-year FAFSA Filers, Fall 2014 Family Income Number Grant & Scholarship 0-$24,999 15 $35,887 $25,000-$49,999 40 $36,724 $50,000-$74,999 31 $31,301 $75,000-$99,999 37 $29,881 $100,000-$124,999 36 $26,883 $125,000-$149,999 23 $24,493 $150,000-$174,999 20 $22,063 $175,000-$199,999 16 $23,962 $200,000 and over 43 $20,283 Financial aid awards are dependent on individual family circumstances, the most important of which are family income, family size, the number of children in college, and student assets (if any).
Does Beloit College offer MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS? The Presidential Scholarship is valued between $72,000 and $100,000 over four years. The Presidential Scholarship is Beloit s most prestigious academic honor. Applicants are identified by the admissions committee and recommended to the president for this award. The selection of candidates is based on exceptional academic achievement and potential for continued success as a scholar and contributor to campus life. Although not required, an interview is strongly recommended as a way to give further dimension to the application. Eaton Scholarships are valued at $40,000-$72,000 over four years. The Eaton Scholarship recognizes students who have achieved outstanding academic success and who have shown significant leadership qualities. Students eligible for consideration will be recommended to the scholarship committee for review. The Charles Winter Wood Scholarship, valued at up to $40,000 per year, is named to honor one of Beloit s distinguished alumni of the Class of 1895 who became a nationally acclaimed orator and educator who was the first member of his family to attend college. Students who are first-generation, low-income, and traditionally underrepresented in higher education who demonstrate a record of high achievement and leadership are selected for these awards. Other academic scholarships valued at $5,000 annually recognize participation in American Field Service, Youth for Understanding, and Rotary Overseas programs, or overseas study for at least one semester during high school. Music Scholarships recognize outstanding ability in bowed strings, or vocal, instrumental, and keyboard performance through a recorded video or audio audition and recommendation by the student s music instructor, submitted no later than January 15. Beloit College merit scholarships may be awarded in combination up to a maximum of $30,000 annually....beloit uniquely defines the ways the liberal arts can be put into practice: interdisciplinary, international, and experiential learning are brought together throughout the curriculum in ways that promote the development of lifelong skills and habits of the mind. Our graduates confidently leave Beloit prepared to lead lives of consequence and purpose. -Scott Bierman, President of Beloit College
Are student loans and WORK-STUDY components of a financial aid award? Loans and work are often available to help meet expenses. Student loans, whether federal or private, are an important tool for students and their families to use to help manage college costs. On average, student loans represent a small portion about 15-25% of the total financial aid package. In addition, students will be considered for up to $2,000 in campus employment. More than 75% of our students work on campus during the year. Are there financing OPTIONS available FOR PARENTS to meet their share of education expenses? Are there other resources? Through the federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS), parents may borrow up to the difference between the cost of education and financial aid for which a student is eligible. Financial need is not a criterion for this program, although parents must file the FAFSA before applying. The interest rate is fixed at 7.21% with a standard ten year repayment. More information is available at www.studentloans.gov. Additionally, Beloit offers an interest-free payment plan through Tuition Management Services (TMS). The annual fee for this plan is currently $65 and is available in each of the student s years at Beloit. Applications are available online at www.beloit.afford.com. Finally, students should apply for any local or outside scholarships for which they may qualify. Outside scholarships are used to reduce any loan and/or work component of the financial aid package, as well as out-of-pocket expenses. We strongly encourage you to check with and apply through your high school, local foundations, service groups, houses of worship, and any other organizations that may provide outside scholarship funding. What are Beloit s EXPENSES for the 2014-15 academic year? Direct costs are: Tuition $42,220 Room $4,320 Meals $3,150 Fees $280 Total Direct Costs: $49,970 Other anticipated costs: Health Insurance (if not already $1,929 (non-athletic) covered) $3,001 (athletic) Books (estimated) $1,000 Personal Expenses (est.) $1,300 Travel $100 - $1,000
What ADVICE do you have for prospective students and their families? Be wary of third-party advisors who offer to help families through this process for a fee. This is an unnecessary expense and often misleading. Call us if you have questions or concerns. Our mission is to help make Beloit College an affordable option. Be mindful of deadlines and respond to requests for additional information. Keep a list of required forms for each institution to which you are applying and meet the earliest deadline. The price tag associated with a college or university is only the beginning. Financial aid and scholarships are there to help reduce the cost of higher education and we are committed to working in partnership with students and their families. Helpful WEB SITES for college financing information: www.beloit.edu General information about Beloit College, admissions, and financial aid (www.beloit.edu/afford for our Net Price Calculator) www.fafsa.ed.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online Be sure to designate Beloit College as a recipient of your federal aid application (Beloit s code number is 003835) www.studentloans.gov Detailed information about federal student loan program www.collegeboard.com College search and financing information www.finaid.org College financing and scholarship information www.beloit.afford.com Information about the interest-free payment plan available at Beloit through Tuition Management Services (TMS) Beloit had been #1 on my list since November, but without my merit scholarship (which amounted to more than any other school offered me), there s no way I could have come here. -Beloit College senior
Get an early estimate of your cost to attend Beloit College using Beloit s NET PRICE CALCULATOR www.beloit.edu/afford click on Net Price Calculator Financial Aid APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS November 1 - Early Decision candidates file the CSS Profile January 1 - FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available; required of all applicants March 1 - Priority deadline for filing the FAFSA Families are urged to complete the 2014 federal income tax returns in February in order to facilitate completing the FAFSA with the IRS Data Retrieval Tool. Early Decision candidates file only the CSS Profile on November 1. If admitted and awarded aid, Early Decision candidates must file the FAFSA by March 1 to finalize their award. All other applicants must file only the FAFSA. For more information, or if you have any questions, contact us: 608-363-2663, or faoffice@beloit.edu. BELOIT COLLEGE 700 College St. Beloit, WI 53511