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.
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.
Scholarships
Ohio University has an extensive undergraduate scholarship program available to freshmen, upperclass (sophomore, junior, and senior), and in a few cases, graduate students. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis for academic achievement and special talent, as well as on the basis of geographical residence and area of study. Financial need is not always a prerequisite.
Grants
Grants are considered gift aid that you do not have to repay. Most grant aid is based 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.
Loans
Student loans play a significant role in financing post-secondary education. Ohio University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program, which means you can borrow directly from the federal government through Ohio University instead of going through a local bank or lending institution. Educational loans have favorable terms and conditions, so you should view borrowing as an investment in your future. However, Loans represent debts that must be repaid, and failure to repay will result in severe penalties.
Employment
Student employment (on- and off-campus) is a viable alternative to borrowing for many students. Ohio University has a variety of student employment pro-grams 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 reason-able 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. Also, 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.)
To apply for any of the five federal need-based financial aid programs (Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan), the Ohio University Grant (OUG), the Ohio University Access Grant (OAG), and the Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG), complete the U.S. Department of Education Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or FAFSA on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can obtain FAFSA forms from any high school, college, or university, or from the OSFAS, after January 1. We recommend that you mail your form to the central processor by February 15 in order for your FAFSA report to be received by the university before the March 15 priority deadline.
Three of the five need-based aid pro-grams (Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Supple-mental 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 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 with-out 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.
Ohio Instructional Grant (OIG).
If you are an Ohio resident, you are encouraged to apply for the OIG by completing the FAFSA or Renewal Application. October 1 is usually the deadline for applying for the OIG, although you should apply as early as possible, ideally by March 15, to meet priority deadlines. If you are eligible, you will receive a notice of eligibility directly from the Ohio Board of Regents.
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. 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 in the appropriate space and forward the corrected SAR to the OSFAS, which will send the corrections electronically to the Central Processor. 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 sign a promissory note and complete entrance counseling (if you are a first-time borrower) 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 borrower information counseling prior to completion of your program or if you withdraw. Loan overages (refunds) are mailed at the beginning of each quarter and weekly thereafter. All financial aid checks are mailed to local addresses on file with the registrar's office. An e-mail message is sent to loan recipients when loan credits are applied to their account.
Freshman Scholarships
There is no application for freshman scholarships at Ohio University. Simply complete the Application for Admission and Scholarships from the Application Bulletin. All eligible applicants are considered for all scholarships.
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 a minimum of 16 credit hours a quarter.
Upperclass and Transfer Student Scholarships (Undergraduate)
You can apply for Deans Scholarships and other upperclass scholarships by completing Ohio University's electronic 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 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.
All transfer students will automatically be considered for scholarships awarded by the Office of Admissions based on the transcripts submitted for review. No separate application is required.
Regional Campus Scholarships
Freshman and upperclass scholarship applications are available at each regional campus. Return your scholarship application to the Office of Student Services on your regional campus. Beginning with the 1998-99 year, upperclass students will be strongly encouraged to file their applications online. The criteria are somewhat different from those for the Athens campus, and the deadline for returning the application is April 1. Pay particular attention to the guidelines and application procedures on the scholarship application.
Each year, the Ohio University Board of Trustees determines the fixed costs (tuition and fees, out-of-state sur-charge, 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 fourth quarter), 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. All federal aid programs require that you show need after the income and (in some cases) assets of your family, taken from the FAFSA, have been analyzed. The OSFAS uses the need analysis information from the FAFSA or Renewal Application 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 deter-mine 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
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 and SEOG) are not available if you have already earned a bachelor's degree.
After the FAFSA need analysis electronic results and other requested documents have been received, reviewed for accuracy, and verified (if applicable), an award package is offered to all eligible applicants. The award package can be a combination of merit scholarships; institutional, state, and federal grants; employment; and loan assistance. Not all students receive all types of financial aid, but in general the OSFAS attempts to balance gift aid (grants and scholarships) with self-help aid (employment and loans) within the limits of available funds and the eligibility and need of the applicants. If you meet the March 15 priority deadline, you may receive a more attractive package than if you apply later.
Notification of specific award offers will be sent to all applicants since all applicants are eligible for some form of aid. Award letters will be sent by U.S. mail to your permanent or local address. 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, W-2's, or financial aid transcripts) used in verifying the data provided on the FAFSA must be received by the OSFAS before federal 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 borrower information counseling (BIC) upon completion of 150 undergraduate hours toward a bachelor's degree or 60 hours toward an associate's degree. Aid may be delayed until the OSFAS has evidence that you have completed BIC.
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 you are entitled to a refund under the university's refund policies and you receive any Student Financial Aid (SFA) funds (excluding Federal Work Study, Byrd, or Douglas Scholarships), you may be required to return all or a portion of that refund to the appropriate SFA program according to a formula defined by federal regulations. If, after receiving any financial aid in the form of a cash payment for non-institutional costs, you withdraw, drop out, or are expelled, you may be required to repay a portion or all of that aid to the appropriate program. If financial aid is credited to your account and you withdraw, some or all of this money may be returned to the financial aid programs. It is possible that you will owe the university for tuition and fees incurred while you were enrolled.
Refund Policy
If you withdraw from the university, you may be eligible for a refund. However, if you withdraw from the university after you have received student financial aid, you may be required to return all or a portion of the financial aid to the appropriate financial aid programs. (You can pick up a copy of the refund policy and examples in the OSFAS, or see the Schedule of Fees section.)
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:
Refunds to other aid programs will be prioritized as follows:
Repayment Policy
If you withdraw and receive a cash disbursement of student financial aid for non-institutional 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.
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.
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. 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.
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 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 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 three to four 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 Distinguished Scholar, 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 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.
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.
Distinguished Scholar Scholarships
These scholarships, valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees, are renewable for up to three years of undergraduate study and are awarded to incoming first-year students. All freshmen with an ACT of 33 or higher or an SAT of 1460 or higher who graduate in the top 10% of their class will receive this award. To renew the award, you must be an undergraduate, 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.
Third Century Scholarships
These scholarships, valued at the cost of in-state tuition and fees, are renewable for up to three years of undergraduate study 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. Class rank and ACT or SAT scores, interviews, and auditions are among the selection criteria. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
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 48 credit hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award. 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 48 credit hours a year. Class rank and ACT or SAT scores, interviews, and auditions are among the selection criteria. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
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. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
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. To be considered, you must have a 3.4 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.
Special Talent Awards
If you have exceptional talent in art, dance, foren-sics, 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. Recipients must carry at least 16 hours each quarter to receive the award.
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 199697 academic year and are renewable for three years of undergraduate study. 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. 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 aca-demic 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 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 $150 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 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 $3,125 (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 supplement 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.
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 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 199495, 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 and PLUS funds directly to student accounts. The university will not process 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 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 complete entrance loan counseling (ELC) 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 borrower information counseling (BIC) before graduating or dropping below half-time enrollment. (BIC) 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 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 $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, 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.
Federal Work Study (FWS)
This need-based federal program allows you to earn a portion of your educational expenses through part-time employment. Whenever possible you 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 avail-able 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 $540 a quarter for an average of 100 hours of work. To be eligible for PACE employment, you should:
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 stu-dents 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. 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.
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 March, 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 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.
Please e-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."
Services to Students
University Publications and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/catalog /99-00/general/aid.htm) October 11, 1999.