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The purpose of financial aid and scholarships is to supplement your and your family's contributions toward the cost of education, as well as to recognize academic achievement and special talents. Ohio University offers a variety of scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment to assist you in financing your education. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships (OSFAS) is responsible for the processing and awarding of all types of federal, state, private, and institutional (University) funds to students.
Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
Ohio University
020 Chubb Hall
Athens OH 45701-2979
Telephone 740-593-4141 (M-F 8:30 a.m.- noon, 12:30-4:30 p.m.)
Fax 740-593-4140
E-mail financial.aid@ohiou.edu
Web https://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.eduAll information in this section is subject to change due to congressional action or changes in federal regulations.
All types of financial assistance fall within two major categories--gift aid and self-help aid. These aid programs may be awarded on the basis of merit, financial need, or a combination of both. Scholarships are considered merit awards; other types of aid are based on an analysis of your and your family's ability to contribute to the cost of education. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid; loans, however, must be repaid by the borrower.
Grants.Grants are considered gift aid that you do not have to repay. Most grant aid is awarded on some type of need-based eligibility criteria. The sources may vary from state, federal, private, and institutional funds, so you are encouraged to actively seek out all sources.
Employment.Ohio University has a variety of student employment (on-and off-campus) programs available to provide self-help aid if you wish to work on a part-time basis while pursuing your education. You should attempt to establish a reasonable balance between your academic efforts and your work schedule. Consequently, you may not work more than 20 hours a week when classes are in session. Ohio University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. The Student Employment Office (SEO), part of the OSFAS, reaffirms the University's commitment to the policy that no employer may discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, ethnic origin, or handicap in employment practices. There will be no discrimination because of age, except as governed by state and federal laws and guidelines. (See "Affirmative Action" in the Services for Students section of this catalog.)
There are five types of federal need-based financial aid: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan. Other types of financial aid, such as the Ohio University Grant, Ohio University Access Grant, and Ohio Instructional Grant, are also available. To apply for all financial aid programs, complete the U.S. Department of Education's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Web at "https://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ after January 1. You and your parent sould also get a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education to electronically sign your FAFSA on the Web. You and your parent can visit https://pin.ed.gov/ to get your PIN before filing the FAFSA. You can also obtain a FAFSA form from any high school, college, or university after January 1. However, we recommend filing FAFSA on the Web to reduce errors and speed processing time. We recommend that you complete your FAFSA on the Web by February 1 in order for your FAFSA results to be received by the University before the March 15 priority deadline.
Three of the five need-based aid programs (Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) are called campus-based aid (CBA). Campus-based aid is awarded differently from the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Direct Student Loan in that CBA funds are sent directly to the University from the federal government. The funds are then awarded by the aid administrator using federal eligibility criteria. Funding for these programs and for institutional grants is limited; therefore, priority is given to those students who demonstrate the highest financial need and who meet Ohio University's priority date of March 15.
The CBA priority deadline (i.e., the date by which the FAFSA need analysis must be on file at Ohio University) is March 15. Even if you do not meet this deadline or the eligibility criteria, we recommend that you complete the application process for other types of assistance that do not have a priority deadline, such as the Federal Pell Grant or the Federal Direct Student Loan.
Federal regulations and institutional policies are subject to change without prior notice. The OSFAS will attempt to keep you updated through various media on campus, the OSFAS Web site, student e-mail, and written notices. To avoid costly delays, it is vital to update your permanent and local addresses with the Registrar's Office or through the OSFAS and to regularly access your OAK student e-mail account.
Federal Pell Grant. After you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education's Central Processor. You may receive an e-mail allowing you to view your SAR online if you provide an accurate e-mail address when using FAFSA on the Web. It will tell you if you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Retain the SAR for your records. If you must correct the data on your SAR, enter the corrections on the SAR and forward the corrected SAR to the OSFAS, which will send the corrections electronically to the Central Processor. If your SAR is only available to you online you may print it, make correctoins, and forward it to the OSFAS. You will receive a corrected SAR within 4-6 weeks. Retain the corrected SAR for your records.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan (FDSL). You will be notified about your eligibility for a FDSL on an award letter. You must complete the Electronic Master Promissory Note (EMPN) and complete entrance counseling (if you are a first-time borrower) or complete online Web confirmation to accept your loan (if you have a MPN on file from previous years) before the loan process can be completed. Once the process is completed, loan proceeds will be credited to your account at the opening of each term. You must also complete exit counseling prior to completion of your program or after you have dropped below half-time enrollment.
If you wish to be considered for certain endowed scholarships, you must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have the results on file by March 15. If you plan to enter the College Of Fine Arts, you also will be evaluated by interview and portfolio or audition.
If you receive a scholarship, you are required to enroll for and earn a minimum of 16 credit hours a quarter during your freshman year.
Upperclass and Transfer Student Scholarships (Undergraduate). You can apply for Deans Scholarships and other upperclass scholarships by completing Ohio University's online scholarship application. The eligibility requirements for upperclass scholarships include: an accumulative g.p.a. of 3.4 or above by the end of winter quarter of the application year; at least 32 credit hours earned during the fall and winter quarters of the application year; and at least 48 credit hours earned by the end of spring quarter. You also must have completed at least two quarters at Ohio University.
To apply for an upperclass scholarship, complete the electronic scholarship application through the OSFAS Web site. Complete instructions are available at OSFAS and in the Computer Services labs. The application period opens on the first day of winter quarter, and the application deadline is the last day of winter quarter final exams.
All transfer students admitted by May 15 will automatically be considered for scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions based on the transcripts submitted for review. No separate application is required.
If you receive a scholarship, you are required to enroll for and earn a minimum of 16 hours per quarter.
Regional Campus Scholarships. Upperclass students must complete their applications online using the online scholarship application on the OSFAS website. The criteria are somewhat different from those for the Athens campus, and you should check with the individual regional campus for application deadlines.
Each year, the Ohio University Board of Trustees determines the fixed costs (tuition and fees, out-of-state surcharge, and room and board rates on campus) for you. Variable indirect costs (books and supplies, travel, and personal and miscellaneous) are estimated by the OSFAS to arrive at a reasonable estimate of the total cost for the academic year (three quarters). If you attend all four quarters (summer sessions constitutes the first quarter for financial aid), an adjustment is made to include the additional costs. Estimates are based on the Consumer Price Index and periodic local surveys on housing and food costs. The total fixed and variable costs make up your total cost (budget) for the academic year. Final annual budgets are available from the OSFAS after July 1 of each award year.
The Federal Methodology (FM) is the calculation used by the federal government to measure your eligibility for assistance. Some federal aid programs require that you show need after the income and (in some cases) assets of your family, as indicated on the FAFSA, have been analyzed. The OSFAS uses the need analysis information from the FAFSA to determine the amount you and your parents are expected to contribute toward your education. Consideration is given to your and your parents' adjusted gross income, assets, taxes paid, number of dependents, number attending college, and other factors as appropriate.
The FM performs a separate analysis of income when (a) your parents' adjusted gross income is less than $50,000 a year and your parents were eligible to file a 1040A or 1040EZ tax form, or (b) your parents do not file a tax form with the IRS. Special circumstances such as divorce, separation, unemployment, or death in the family should be discussed with a financial aid administrator to determine if adjustments should be made to the FM calculation. The combination of your contribution and your parents' contribution results in the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This value can be found on your Student Aid Report.
If you are independent, you (and your spouse, if applicable) are expected to assist in meeting your educational costs. Your expected contribution is calculated from the previous year's earnings, untaxed income, and a percentage of personal savings and assets.
The following formula is used for calculating financial need:
To receive Title IV federal aid (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Direct Student Loan, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or Federal Perkins Loan), you must:
Some types of financial aid (e.g., Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, OUG, OUAG, and OIG) are not available if you have already earned a bachelor's degree.
Students pursuing external correspondence studies must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP Standards are calculated differently for external correspondence studies than they are for traditional coursework. for details of external SAP policies, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Notification of specific award offers will be sent to eligible applicants because all eligible applicants qualify for some form of aid. Award letters will be sent by U.S. mail to your permanent or local address or will be made available online via the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Web page. If you are adjusting or declining any of the awards, you must return the award letter indicating the changes to the OSFAS. All awards are subject to revision due to changes in federal allocations, student eligibility (EFC), clerical errors, failure to provide requested documents, or other circumstances beyond our control.
Federal aid recipients must be officially enrolled in a degree-granting program to receive any type of financial assistance. All requested documents (e.g., income tax returns and W-2's) used in verifying the data provided on the FAFSA must be received by the OSFAS before financial aid can be disbursed. Disbursement dates and procedures will vary depending on the type of awards offered. Specific dates and information regarding the disbursement of financial aid are listed in each quarter's Schedule of Classes. In general, financial aid awards will be credited to your account each quarter, and total financial aid credits greater than your University charges will be mailed to your local address. Refunds (overages) from your student account are mailed on the first day of classes each term and, thereafter, on a weekly basis.
All FDSL borrowers must complete exit counseling upon completion of 150 undergraduate hours toward a bachelor's degree or 45 hours toward an associate's degree. Aid may be delayed until the OSFAS has evidence that you have completed exit counseling.
Federal Work Study awards are not credited to your account because these awards must be earned before being paid. You will be paid by check or direct deposit every two weeks.
Please note the payment due dates in the billing statement from the Bursar's Office. (See the Schedule of Classes each quarter for specific disbursement dates.) If you will be away from campus in a student teaching program, co-op, or study abroad, contact the OSFAS well in advance to discuss your eligibility and arrange for disbursement of your financial aid.
If it is determined that Title IV funds need to be returned, by Federal Law they will be returned in the following order: Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans, Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Subsidized Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Other Title IV assistance.
State and Institutional Grants
If you receive financial aid that consists of state or University grant funds, they are subject to the University Refund Policy. If you officially withdraw during the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 80% of the grant funds will be returned to the appropriate program. After the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 100% of the grant funds will remain on your student account.
Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships
If you receive financial aid that consists of undergraduate or graduate scholarships, they are subject to a Special University Policy. If you officially withdraw during the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 100% of the scholarship funds will be returned to the appropriate program. After the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 100% of the scholarship funds will remain on your student account.
College of Osteopathic Medicine Loans and Scholarships
If you receive financial aid that consists of College of Osteopathic Medicine Scholarships, Scholarships for Disadvantaged Students, Exceptional Financial Need (EFN) or Financial Aid for Disadvantaged Health Profession Students (FADHPS), Loans for Disadvantaged Students, Primary Care Loans or other non Title IV aid, you are subject to a Special University Policy. If you officially withdraw during the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 100% of the financial aid funds will be returned to the appropriate program. After the first 15 calendar days of the quarter, 100% of the financial aid funds will remain on your student account.
Unofficial Withdrawals
If you stop attending the University and do not officially withdraw, it is considered to be an unofficial withdrawal and will be subject to the above Withdrawal Policies. The date of withdrawal will be the latest date based on a student's attendance at an academically-related event. If the last date of attendance is not known, the midpoint of the quarter will be used as the withdrawal date. If you never attend all of the courses you have registered for, you are considered to be an unofficial withdrawal. It is determined that you have not earned any financial aid. Therefore, all aid will be returned to the appropriate program.
If you are receiving financial aid, a change in your enrollment status or your withdrawal from the University may result in your having to repay programs from which you received financial assistance. In addition, you may owe fees to the University after funds are returned to the financial aid programs.
A student is not eligible for a refund until all Federal Title IV programs and other grants and scholarships are reimbursed as required and all outstanding balances with the University have been cleared.
Federal regulations require that all financial aid recipients meet Ohio University's satisfactory academic progress standards: (1)minimum credit hours earned for the appropriate enrollment status (full time, three-quarter time, half time, or less than half time; (2) maximum time frame during which a degree or certificate must be granted; and (3)minimum 2.0 accumulative g.p.a.
Minimum credit hour standards require you to earn a minimum number of hours based on your enrollment status. As an undergraduate student, you are required to earn 12 hours if you are enrolled full time; 9 hours if you are enrolled three-quarter time; 6 hours if you are enrolled half time; and all hours attempted if you are enrolled less than half time. Maximum time-frame (MTF) standards are determined by your enrollment status. Full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) is equal to 1 MTF quarter. Three-quarter time enrollment (9 to 11 hours) is equal to .75 MTF quarter. Half-time enrollment (6 to 8 hours) is equal to .5 MTF quarter. Less than half-time enrollment is prorated accordingly. While seeking a Bachelor's Degree, you are eligible to receive any aid for which you qualify up to 18 MTF quarters. Once your MTF total reaches 18, you are no longer eligible to receive Title IV and selected other types of financial assistance regardless of periods during which you received no financial aid. If you are seeking an Associate's Degree, you are eligible to receive any aid for which you qualify up to 9 MTF quarters. Once your MTF total reaches 9, you are no longer eligible to receive Title IV and selected other types of financial assistance, regardless of periods during which you received no financial aid.
If you are a first-time federal aid recipient, you must earn a minimum 2.0 accumulative g.p.a. by the end of your second academic year of enrollment. If you are a continuing aid recipient, you must maintain a minimum 2.0 g.p.a. If you are a transfer student, hours accepted by Ohio University will be included as part of the maximum time frame toward the completion of a degree or certificate and as part of the minimum credit hour component of SAP. If you are re-enrolling, your prior Ohio University hours are considered for determining satisfactory academic progress. If you attend summer sessions, you will have the time frame, hours attempted, and g.p.a. counted for that quarter. In the event of repeated courses, only the final hours count toward the completion of a degree or certificate, but courses count toward both the minimum credit hour component and the maximum time frame component of SAP each time they are taken. Proper withdrawal from classes prior to the 14th day of enrollment will not affect the fulfillment of the requirements, but attempted hours after the 14th day of enrollment will be counted.
You will be notified annually if your SAP status is other than satisfactory after spring quarter grades are recorded. If you are placed on warning status, you are considered on probation for financial aid purposes for the following academic year. During this probationary period you remain eligible to receive any financial aid for which you qualify. Your SAP status is reviewed again in the next annual review, which takes place after spring quarter. Students in warning status will not have their aid packaged for the following year until they are found to be in "satisfactory" SAP status during the annual review in June. If you still do not meet SAP standards when you are reviewed again, you are placed on unsatisfactory status and are not eligible to receive federal financial aid for that academic year. You may appeal the decision if your failure to meet SAP criteria was due to mitigating circumstances. Appeal forms are available in the OSFAS webpage and must be submitted no later than the 21st day the quarter in which the appeal is sought.
If you are placed on warning status and decide to attend summer sessions, you should be prepared to do so at your own expense. Summer classes will have been in session for one to two weeks before the SAP annual review; therefore, your SAP status may become unsatisfactory for the summer term and you would be ineligible for financial aid for that session.
Eligibility and Renewal Criteria for Scholarships
If you receive scholarship aid, you must meet the following requirements before you can be considered for renewal (if your scholarship is renewable) or be considered an eligible applicant for nonrenewable scholarships:
Hours Requirement. If you receive scholarship aid while attending the Athens campus, you must earn at least 16 credit hours for each quarter during the academic year for which you receive funds. Students with disabilities or those experiencing extenuating circumstances who are therefore unable to carry the 16-hour course load should contact the associate director for scholarships to submit an appeal. If you attend a regional campus and receive a regional campus scholarship, you must earn at least 12 credit hours for each quarter during the academic year for which you receive the award.
G.P.A. and Hour Requirements for Renewable Scholarships. To renew the Presidential Scholar, University Scholar, Founders Award, Valedictorian Award, Templeton Scholars, Thurgood Marshall Scholarships, you must have an accumulative minimum g.p.a. of 3.3 at the end of the spring quarter of the award year. You must earn 48 hours during the award year.
National Merit Scholarships and outside agency scholarships have different g.p.a. requirements, set by the National Merit Corporation and outside agencies respectively. Academic requirements for regional-campus scholarships vary. Contact the Office of Student Services at your campus for further information.
Gift Aid-Scholarships
Below is a listing of some of the scholarships offered at Ohio University. A complete listing of all scholarships is available on the OSFAS Web site.
Presidential Scholars. These scholarships, valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees, are awarded to incoming first-year students. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. All freshmen with an ACT of 32 or higher or an SAT of 1400 or higher who graduated in the top 20 percent of their class will receive this award. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.3 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
University Scholars. These scholarships, valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees, are awarded to incoming first-year students. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. All freshmen with an ACT of 30 or 31, or an SAT between 1320-1390 who are projected to be valedictorian of their class will receive this award. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.3 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Founders Awards. These scholarships, valued at $3,500 annually, are awarded to incoming first-year students. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. All freshmen with an ACT of 30 or 31, or an SAT between 1320-1390 who graduate in the top 20 percent of their class and are not the Valedictorian will receive this award. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.3 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Valedictorian Awards. These scholarships, valued at $1,000 annually, are awarded to incoming first-year students. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. All freshmen with an ACT of 29 or less or an SAT of 1310 or less who are projected to be valedictorian of their class will receive this award. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.3 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Deans Scholarships. These scholarships are one-year awards, valued at $1,250 to $2,000, for upperclass students and transfer students who have earned more than 48 credit hours. Selection is based on undergraduate enrollment, hours earned, and accumulative g.p.a. You must reapply and compete annually for renewal. To be considered, you must have a 3.4 accumulataive g.p.a. after winter quarter, have earned 32 hours during fall and winter quarters, and be projected to earn 48 credit hours for the year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Fine Arts Talent Awards. These scholarships, with varying award amounts, are awarded to students in the College of Fine Arts based on academic test scores, class rank, and talent. The College of Fine Arts places particular emphasis on talent through an audition or portfolio review for applicants. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.0 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Templeton Scholar Awards. These scholarships are valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees, room, board, and a book allowance and are awarded to academically talented incoming first-year students from underrepresented groups. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.3 accumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award. In addition to the scholarship, the award includes an academic success program.
King/Chavez/Parks Awards. These awards, with varying award amounts, are awarded to academically talented incoming first-year students from underrepresented groups. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 2.75 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award. In addition to the award, the students participate in an academic success program.
OU Incentive Awards. These awards, with varying amounts, are awarded to academically talented incoming first-year students from underrepresented groups. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 2.50 cumulative g.p.a. and earn 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award. In addition to the award, the students participate in an academic success program.
Cutler Scholars Program. This endowed undergraduate scholarship program provides tuition, fees, and room and board for the academic year, as well as funds for a structured summer internship or related experience. Students do not apply but are nominated by their high school or an Ohio University alumni chapter. Students selected for the program are evaluated against rigorous standards and must excel both in and out of the classroom. Awards are limited to students from certain locations or high schools, or to those in specific fields of study. These awards are offered to first-year students and are available for three additional years for a total of 12 quarters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award. Contact the executive director of the Cutler Scholars Program, Trisolini Gallery 210, Ohio University, Athens OH 45701-2979; telephone 740-593-4266.
Corporate Scholarships. Available to students majoring in specific academic areas (engineering, business, sciences) on the basis of high academic achievement. Eligibility requirements normally include high academic achievement and demonstrated financial need, and you must reapply annually for renewal. These awards range from $300 to $2,000 a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
Endowed Scholarships. Available to students with high academic achievement and/or demonstrated financial need, these scholarships are made available from contributions of alumni and friends of Ohio University and are usually restricted by geographic location, major, or other special criteria. Awards range from $150 to $3,000 a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
National Merit Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded to National Merit finalists who indicate Ohio University as their first-choice institution. National Merit Scholarships are renewable for three additional years of undergraduate study with awards ranging in value from $750 to $2,000, depending on financial need.
Reserve Officers' Training Corps Scholarships. Scholarships ranging from one to four years are available on a competitive basis for qualified students participating in the Air Force (Aerospace Studies) or Army (Military Science) ROTC programs. These scholarships pay costs of tuition, lab fees, and a flat rate for books. In addition, you receive a subsistence allowance at the rate of $400 a month for the period the scholarship is in effect. Contact the Department of Aerospace Studies or the Department of Military Science.
Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant is a quasi-entitlement program from the federal government, which means that all eligible undergraduate aid applicants who have not received a bachelor's degree will receive funds based on their expected family contribution, enrollment status (full time, three-quarter time, half time, or less than half time), and the cost of education. Upon submission of a FAFSA, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). For 2004-2005, awards range from a minimum of $400 to a maximum of $4,050 (subject to change according to congressional appropriations). The Federal Pell Grant serves as the foundation upon which all other aid may be added, but ineligibility does not automatically exclude you from all other types of financial aid. The Federal Pell Grant is available only for three quarters for full-time status. If you attend summer quarter and are Pell eligible, you must receive one-third of your eligible portion during summer quarter. If you attend summer at less than full-time, you may receive a portion of your award for summer and another portion spring quarter, based on your spring enrollment.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). The Federal SEOG is awarded to undergraduate students on the basis of exceptional financial need beyond the Federal Pell Grant. These funds are awarded directly by the University and are limited to the funds allocated to the University by the U.S. Department of Education. Ohio University must have received the results of the FAFSA or Renewal Application by the March 15 priority deadline. The award is restricted to the Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amount awarded to eligible applicants varies each year depending on the need of the student population enrolled at Ohio University. Students with a prior bachelor's degree are ineligible.
Ohio University Grants. These institutional grants are made available by the University to supplement the limited Federal SEOG funds for undergraduate students with need or students with special circumstances. Ohio University must have received the results of the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline.
Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG). The OIG is a need-based state-funded grant to assist Ohio residents in meeting the cost of undergraduate education. To be considered, you must submit the FAFSA. The deadline is October 1 of the award year, but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible January 1. You will receive a notice of eligibility from the Ohio Board of Regents.
Federal Perkins Loan. The Federal Perkins Loan is a federal loan for students enrolled in a degree program at a participating post-secondary institution. No interest is charged while you remain in school, and the repayment period begins nine months after you graduate or leave school. To apply, file the FAFSA or Renewal Application. The interest rate is currently five percent, and loans can be included under the loan consolidation provisions of the Reauthorization Act. You must sign both an electronic promissory note and "personal and confidential" form before a disbursement can be made.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loans (FDSL.) The Federal Direct Loan is a low-interest loan for students enrolled at least half time in a degree program. Since 1994-95, Ohio University has been a Direct Lending Institution. The University acts as the lender on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and disburses William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan directly to student accounts. The University cannot process Federal Stafford Loan applications from lending institutions such as banks.
There are two kinds of Federal Direct Loans--subsidized and unsubsidized. The federal government will pay the interest on the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan while you are in school and during a grace period or deferment period. You are responsible for paying the interest on any Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. However, you may defer payments and capitalize the interest until you enter repayment.
If you wish to apply for a Federal Direct Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized), you must file the FAFSA or Renewal Application to determine your eligibility. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available if you do not qualify for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan or if your eligibility for subsidized funds is limited. You will receive notice of eligibility on your award letter and must complete the Electronic Master Promissory Note or confirm your eligibility on our Website (if you signed a Master Promisory Note in a previous year) before funds can be credited to your account. Funds credited in excess of charges will be refunded by the bursar at regular intervals during the quarter. All first-time borrowers are required by federal regulations to complete entrance counseling before funds can be disbursed. If you are in repayment on prior loans, you may be eligible for a deferment, and loans can be consolidated under certain conditions. Additionally, federal regulations require that all borrowers complete exit counseling before graduating or once you have dropped below half-time enrollment. Exit counseling provides information regarding borrower rights and responsibilities and outlines repayment options.
Ohio University Loans. During periods of enrollment, funds are made available by the University to provide short-term emergency loans for students. These loans are available to assist in the payment of University bills and educationally related expenses, provided you are enrolled at least half time and have a guaranteed source of repayment that will be available by the end of the same quarter. A one-page application must be completed. The completed application will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for a short-term emergency loan. Checks are generally available within three working days after the loan is approved. A personal interview with a financial aid administrator may be required. Students are not eligible if in default of previous institutional or federal loans. Borrowers are charged a $5 processing fee and may be charged an interest rate of nine percent. Ohio University loans are not available during periods of nonenrollment.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a supplemental loan for parents of dependent undergraduate students. Your parent(s) must be your natural, adoptive, step parent(s), or your legal guardian(s). Parent borrowers are subject to a credit check and must not have an adverse credit history. We require that you and your parent(s) file the FAFSA or Renewal Application to determine eligibility for other sources of aid. Federal Direct PLUS Loan applications can be obtained from the OSFAS. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan must be used for your educational expenses. Loan proceeds are applied directly to your account, and any overage may be refunded to you (with parent approval) or to your parent at term intervals throughout the year. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement. For additional information, visit our Web site at https://www.ohio.edu/financialaid/.
Alternative Loans. Students may apply for additional loans through private lenders to help cover expenses if approved. You can borrow the total estimated cost of attendance (see you award letter) less your total financial aid. Students generally must have a positive credit history or provide a creditworthy co-signer. Interest rates and loan fees vary from lender to lender. Repayment begins six months after you graduate or cease half-time enrollment. For more information and a list of private alternative lenders, visit our website at https://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.edu/loans/loans_alt.html
Federal Work Study (FWS). This need-based federal program allows you to earn a portion of your educational expenses through part-time employment. If you have not been employed through FWS in the past, you will be directed as to how to select a position on your award letter. If you are a returning student you will be reassigned to your previous job site, unless you indicate that you wish to be assigned elsewhere. Whenever possible you are placed in a position that relates with your career interests or academic major or in a community service position. You are paid at least minimum wage for the number of hours actually worked. Students are paid by check every two weeks. Seven percent of Ohio University FWS positions must meet the definition for community service, and you may apply for available community service positions. The federal government stipulates that jobs available under the FWS program may not displace presently employed persons or fill regular job openings, including student employment.
Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE). The PACE program, co-sponsored by the OSFAS and Career Services, is unique to Ohio University. The intent of the program is to provide you with the opportunity to earn money to help meet educational expenses while gaining career-oriented work experience. PACE students earn $600 a quarter for no more than 100 hours of work. To be eligible for PACE employment, you should:
International undergraduate students who meet the above criteria are eligible to participate in the PACE program.
PACE employment is available only to Athens campus students who are enrolled full time and not simultaneously employed in FWS. PACE information and applications are available on the OSFAS Web site.
Centralized Student Employment Service (CSES). Ohio University established the CSES to provide job opportunity information for all students enrolled at least half time. Its purpose is to assist in hiring students for part-time jobs, to maximize employment opportunities and job placement, and to help coordinate student employment policies and procedures. CSES job opportunities are posted from all hiring departments at the Athens campus as well as off-campus employers.
Job listings appear on a board outside 020 Chubb Hall and on the OSFAS Web site, https://www-sfa.chubb.ohiou.edu/ Employment opportunities for students are posted when new positions become available and when vacancies occur. You will be referred to potential employers for interviews and hiring decisions. Because the job posting service is centralized, you are assured an equal opportunity to apply for jobs. Most international students are eligible to use the CSES.
Job Location and Development (JLD)
To assist students with finding off-campus positions, free job listings from community businesses and individuals are made by the OSFAS. Students who are enrolled at least half time may receive referrals to these off-campus job opportunities.
Postings are frequently made for summer and quarter-break jobs. OSFAS also hosts an annual Summer Camp-Resort Job Fair in February, which attracts recruiters from 50 camps and resorts in Ohio and the eastern United States. Admission is free, and 150 to 200 Ohio University students are employed by the camps each summer.
The OSFAS is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. (Summer and winter break hours may vary slightly). All financial aid applicants are assigned a counselor to assist with financial aid matters. You may schedule an appointment with your assigned counselor during OSFAS service hours (excluding the lunch hour from noon-1 p.m). Counselor assignments are made alphabetically according to last name and are listed on the OSFAS Web site. Services provided by the counselors include confirmation of financial aid for preregistration, review of financial need and eligibility, and review of policies and procedures for different types of financial aid programs. Emergency situations may be accommodated immediately on a case-by-case basis. To ensure access to services, applicants with disabilities who require special assistance should contact the financial aid office to make arrangements.
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