Financial Aid
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.
All information in this section is subject to change due to congressional action or changes in federal regulations.
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 to be awarded by the aid administrator using federal eligbility 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 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 delays that may be costly, it is vital to update your permanent and local addresses with the registrar's office or through the OSFAS.
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 earn a minimum of 16 credit hours a quarter during your freshman year.
To apply for an upperclass scholarship, complete the electronic scholarship application through the OSFAS Web site or OAK student e-mail. Complete instructions are available at OSFAS and in the Computer Services labs. The application deadline is the last day of winter quarter final exams.
Transfer students can request a transfer scholarship application from the Office of Admissions.
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 equation is used for calculating financial need:
- Minus Expected Family Contribution
___________________________________
= Calculated Financial Need
or owe a repayment on any Title IV funds. (Parents also must not be in default if applying for a PLUS loan.)
Some types of financial aid (e.g., Federal Pell Grant and SEOG) are not available if you have already earned a bachelor's degree.
All FDSL borrowers must attend a Borrower Information Session before any aid is disbursed for their final quarter of enrollment. Aid will not be disbursed, and your degree may be witheld, until the OSFAS has evidence that you have attended such a session.
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 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.
Refunds to other aid programs will be prioritized as follows:
If it is determined that you are required to return all or part of the student financial aid disbursed to you, it will be returned to the appropriate programs in the priority order listed above.
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 of your SAP status after spring quarter grades are recorded. If you are placed on warning status, you are considered on probation for financial aid purposes for the coming 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 and must be submitted by the 10th day of classes for the quarter in which the appeal is sought.
If you are placed on warning status for an academic year and decide to attend summer sessions the following academic year, you should be prepared to do so at your own expense; summer classes will have been in session for three to four weeks before the SAP annual review, which determines your SAP status for that academic year, takes place.
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.
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 the grace period or deferment period. You are responsible for paying the interest on any Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan; you may, however, 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 funds or if your eligibility for subsidized funds is limited. You will receive notice of eligibility on your award letter and must sign a promissory note 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 attend a loan entrance interview 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 a counseling session before graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment. This session provides information regarding borrower rights and responsibilities and outlines repayment options.
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.
Job listings appear on a board outside 020 Chubb Hall and on the OSFAS Web site. Employment opportunities for students are posted when new positions become available and when vacancies occur. You are 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.
Postings are frequently made for summer and quarter-break jobs. OSFAS also hosts an annual Summer Camp - Resort Job Fair in March, which attracts recruiters from 60 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.
Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."
Distribution Policy
If it is determined that a portion of your eligible refund of university charges consists of student financial aid, Ohio University's policy is to return the Student Financial Aid portion of the refund to programs in the following priority order:
Repayment Policy
If you withdraw and receive a cash disbursement of student financial aid for noninstitutional charges, you may be required to repay all or a portion of the student financial aid to the appropriate financial aid program. The following policies are used in determining the amount you are to repay.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards
Need-Based Federal Assistance
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; and 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. You are eligible to receive any aid for which you qualify up to 18 MTF quarters. Once your MTF score reaches 18, you are no longer eligible to receive Title IV and selected other types of financial assistance.
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. 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. Requirement for One-Year Scholarships.
For Provosts, Deans, endowed/restricted, corporate, and other Ohio University - funded scholarships, you must maintain a minimum g.p.a. of 3.0 for each quarter during the academic year for which you receive the scholarship.
G.P.A. Requirement for Renewal Scholarships.
To renew the Third Century, John Newton Templeton, Thurgood Marshall, and Presidents Scholarships, you must have an accumulative minimum g.p.a. of 3.3 at the end of both winter and spring quarters of the award year.
Descriptions of Available Aid
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.
Third Century Scholarships.
These four-year renewable undergraduate scholarships are valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees and are awarded to incoming first-year students. To renew the award, you must be an undergraduate, maintain a 3.3 accumulative g.p.a., and earn 48 credit hours a year or 16 credit hours a quarter. Class rank and ACT or SAT scores, interviews, and auditions are among the selection criteria.
John Newton Templeton Scholarships.
This scholarship is awarded to incoming freshmen from under-represented groups. It is valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees and is awarded based on such criteria as class rank, g.p.a., honors, awards, extracurricular activities, and ACT or SAT scores. It is renewable for three additional years of undergraduate study if you maintain a 3.3 accumulative g.p.a. and earn at least 16 credit hours a quarter. For further information, contact the Office of Admissions.
Presidents Scholarships.
Awarded to incoming first-year students, these four-year renewable undergraduate scholarships are valued at $2,500 a year. To renew the award, you must maintain a 3.3 accumulative g.p.a. and earn 16 credit hours a quarter. Class rank and ACT or SAT scores, interviews, and auditions are among the selection criteria.
Provosts Freshman Scholarships.
These one-year nonrenewable scholarships are valued at $1,000 to $2,000 and are awarded to incoming first-year students. Criteria for selection include class rank, ACT or SAT scores, interviews, and auditions.
Upperclass Deans Scholarships.
These scholarships are one-year awards, valued at $1,000 to $2,000, for upperclass students and transfer students who have earned more than 48 credit hours. Selection is based on undergraduate enrollment, earned hours, and accumulative g.p.a. You must reapply and compete annually for renewal.
Special Talent Awards.
If you have exceptional talent in art, dance, forensics, music, or theater, you may receive a Provosts Scholarship (first-year) or Deans Scholarship (upperclass) for that talent. Contact the respective department for additional information. You must reapply annually.
Cutler Scholars Program.
This new 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. The first scholarships were awarded for the 1996 - 97 academic year and are renewable for three years. 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. 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.
Endowed Scholarships.
Available to students with high academic achievement and 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.
National Merit Scholarships.
These scholarships are awarded to National Merit finalists who indicate Ohio University as their first-choice institution. National Merit Scholarships are four-year 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 $150 a month for the period the scholarship is in effect. Contact the Department of Aerospace Studies or the Department of Military Science.
Gift Aid Grants
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 or Renewal Application, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) indicating the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Awards range from a minimum of $400 to a maximum of $2,700 (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.
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. You must complete the FAFSA or Renewal Application by the March 15 priority deadline and have demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amount awarded to eligible applicants varies each year depending on the needy 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 suppment the limited Federal SEOG funds for needy undergraduate students or students with special circumstances. You should complete the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline and have demonstrated financial need.
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, submit the FAFSA or Renewal Application. The deadline is October 1 of the award year, but you are encouraged to apply as soon as applications are available in early January. You will receive a notice of eligibility from the Ohio Board of Regents.
Self-Help Aid-Student Loans
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 a promissory note before a disbursement of cash or credit to your account 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 to disburse William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan and PLUS funds directly to student accounts. The university will not process loan applications from lending institutions such as banks.
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 and approved. Checks are generally available within eight working days after the loan is approved. A personal interview with a financial aid administrator may be required. You are not eligible if you are in default of previous institutional or federal loans. Borrowers are charged a 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, or 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 university. 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, request the U.S. Department of Education's direct loans brochure at the OSFAS or see the OSFAS Web site.
Self-Help Aid - Employment
Federal Work Study (FWS).
This need-based federal program allows you to earn a portion of your catial expenses through part-time employment. Whenever possible you on are placed in a position that coincides with your career interests or academic major or in a community service position. You are paid at least minimum wage based upon the number of hours actually worked. Most students are eligible to work 10 hours a week and are paid by check every two weeks. If you are new to FWS, you must report to the OSFAS at the opening of the quarter to receive your work assignment; returning students report directly to their department. Five 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 $500 a quarter for an average of 100 hours of work. To be eligible for PACE employment, you should:
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 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.
Services to Students
The OSFAS is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. 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. 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.
University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/~ucat/97-98/general/aid.htm) August 24, 1998.