2016-2017 Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Admissions/Financial Aid



Admissions

(Click here to view the Admissions website)

 

General Admissions Information

Young Harris College has a rolling admission policy. However, students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure housing and course offerings. Young Harris College no longer requires placement testing. Students are placed in math based on their ACT or SAT scores. However, placement testing is available for foreign language and math at the student’s request. There is a fee associated with the placement test and students that wish to take a placement test can do so at START orientation. Students are allowed one placement test per subject.

First- Time Freshman Admissions Process

Acceptance to the College is based on high school grade point average and SAT or ACT scores. See Student Profile for the average GPA and test scores of incoming freshmen.  

Upon receipt of the application, official high school transcripts and official standardized test scores, the Office of Admissions will review the student’s file. A new grade point average will be calculated using only completed academic coursework, which includes English, Math, Science, Social/Behavioral Science, Foreign Language, and Religion. Currently, we consider only the math and critical reading portions of the SAT for admission. An index will be calculated using the academic GPA and test scores, giving equal weight to both. This index will be used in determining admission and academic scholarship eligibility.

Additionally, students coming to Young Harris College with dual enrollment credit (MOWR) must submit offiical college transcripts to receive college credit for previously taken courses.

Home-Schooled Students

If a student is homeschooled, admission decisions are based on a student’s academic grade point average and SAT or ACT scores. Along with the application for admission, students should send a transcript of high school work and official SAT or ACT scores. If the home school program has been conducted through a formal program, the transcript should be official and from the home school program. If the parents have designed the curriculum, the transcript should detail subjects studied, textbooks used, and an evaluation of the student’s performance. If a student has taken the GED, these scores should also be submitted. In some cases, the GED may be required to complete the admissions process.

MOWR/Dual-Enrollment

The Move on When Ready (MOWR) program is targeted to outstanding high school students in the state of Georgia. With approval from their high school, juniors and seniors may satisfy high school course requirements by enrolling in courses at Young Harris College. All MOWR courses offered by YHC are collegiate courses of high quality and college-rigor that allow students to obtain high school and transferable college credit. 

MOWR requirements are as follows:

  • Student must be a junior or senior at a public high school, private high school, or be home schooled.
  • Earn a minimum combined score of 970 (critical reading and math) on the SAT or a 21 Composite ACT
  • Earn a high school 3.0 GPA (as calculated by the College)
  • If applicable, students may also have to adhere to any of his/her school eligibility requirements for participation

Additional MOWR program information can be found on the GACollege411 website: www.gacollege411.org. Students from outside the state of Georgia interested in taking classes at YHC while still in high school should contact the Office of Admissions at 800-241-3754 regarding admissions requirements and procedures for MOWR.

Readmission

Students who have previously attended Young Harris College, with a gap semester or more between attendance, and wish to re-enroll should complete the Application for Readmission. If a student did not attend another institution, he or she is accepted as long as there is not a hold on the student account. If a student has attended another institution after Young Harris College, he or she must submit official transcripts of any coursework to the Office of Admissions. In addition, students seeking re-admission who enrolled in another college or university after leaving YHC must complete the Student Transfer Form and the Supplemental Transfer Application.

Transfer Students

Upon completion of the Application for Admission, if a student has not completed 30 hours of college credit, a final official high school transcript, official standardized test scores, official college transcript(s) from previously attended institution(s), and the Student Transfer Form. If a student is currently enrolled in courses, the student must also submit the Supplemental Transfer Application

Students transferring with more than 30 credit hours must submit official college transcript(s), as well as a Student Transfer Form, for all previously attended institutions. If a student is currently enrolled in courses, the student must also submit the Supplemental Transfer Application. Admissions decisions will be based solely on college coursework completed.

Young Harris College usually informs students of the amount of transfer credit accepted by the College prior to enrollment or no later than the end of their first academic term. Students on academic probation at the institution last attended, if admitted, will be admitted to Young Harris College on probation.

In order to graduate from Young Harris College, transfer students must meet all graduation requirements that were in place at the time of their admission to the College. Please note that admission to the college does not necessarily guarantee admission to certain degree programs, as they may have special requirements. 

Transient Students

Young Harris College will accept transient students from other institutions. The parent institution must send a letter of transient permission to the Office of Admissions to initiate the process. No standardized test scores are required for transient admission. 

International Students

For purposes of admission, an international student is defined as a student who is not a United States citizen or does not have permanent residency status (Green Card) or who is or will be temporarily in the U.S. in a non-immigrant status.

International Admissions Deadlines

Due to the additional processing time needed for international applicants, applications for admission and all supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, evaluations of coursework, tests, and the Financial Guarantee Statement) must be submitted by the following dates for each semester:

Fall Admission: June 15

Spring Admission: October 15

International Admission Requirements

First-time Freshman

International applicants must first complete the international applicationOfficial SAT or ACT scores, official proof of english proficiency for student from non-English speaking countries (TOFEL, IELTS, or ELS completion, and official transcripts of academic records must be submitted for international admission consideration. 

All test scores must be sent from the testing agency directly to the Office of Admissions. Critical Reading scores above 450 will be consider as the English Proficiency requirement, exempting the submittal of TOEFL or IELTS scores.​ The minimum score for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is 79 (TOFEL iBT) or 550 (paper-based exam). The minimum score on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is 6.5 or higher on the academic module. A language waiver will be considered for those with a score above 60 and below 79 on the TOEFL and below at 6.5 on the IELTS. Successful completion of level 109 at an ELS Language Center is also sufficent for proof of English proficency.

Official transcripts and academic records for applicants who have completed coursework, high school/secondary school or university-level, outside of the United States will need to have a course-by-course evaluation of transcripts completed and forwarded to Young Harris College by a service, which may include one of the following:

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc             Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc

7101 SW 102 Avenue                         PO Box 514070

Miami, FL 33173                                Milwaukee WI 53203

(305) 273-1616                                   414-289-3400

www.jsilny.com                                  https://www.ece.org/

Applicants who have completed coursework, high school/secondary school or university-level, in the United States will need to request an official copy of all transcripts to be sent directly from parent institution in a sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions.

 

International Transfer Students

International students who are transferring from an institution in the United States with less than 30 hours of college-level  coursework will need to provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, along with high school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores.

Applicants who are transferring from another college/university and have 30 or more hours of college-level coursework will need to send college/university transcripts, in addition to the Student Transfer Form for all previously attended institutions for admission consideration. If a student is currently enrolled in courses, they will also need to complete the Supplement Transfer Application. Once completed, they will need to be scanned and sent to pemcquade1@yhc.edu.

International students who are transferring from an college/university outside the United States must provide a course-by-course evaluation of transcripts completed and forwarded to Young Harris College by a service, which may include one of the following:

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc             Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc

7101 SW 102 Avenue                         PO Box 514070

Miami, FL 33173                                Milwaukee WI 53203

(305) 273-1616                                   414-289-3400

www.jsilny.com                                  https://www.ece.org/

 

Additionally, applicants must complete the Student Transfer Form for all previously attended institutions for admission consideration. If a student is currently enrolled in courses, they will also need to complete the Supplement Transfer Application. Once completed, they will need to be scanned and sent to pemcquade1@yhc.edu.

Academic Credentials Policy

If a student knowingly makes a false statement or conceals material information on the application for admission, registration card, or any other college document, the registration may be canceled. If such falsification is discovered after the student has established an academic record at Young Harris College, the student may be subject to dismissal from the College. Such a student will be ineligible (except by special action of the College) for subsequent registration at Young Harris College.

Admissions Requirements for the Baccalaureate Programs

General Requirements for Declaring a Major

By the time a student completes 48 credit hours, he or she must complete a “Major/Minor Change” form and submit it to the Registrar. The form may be obtained from the Registrar’s Office, the Student Success Center, or on YHC Connect. The major will not be formally declared until the form is processed by the Registrar’s Office.

Special Requirements for Admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Music, and Theatre, and Bachelor of Music Education

Music and Theatre programs require students to apply for admission to the major as freshmen. Students must submit a written application, complete an interview, complete an audition, and music students will take a music theory/aural skills diagnostic test in order to qualify for acceptance into the major. 

Special Requirements for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Leadership

The Outdoor Leadership program requires students to apply for admission to the major in the spring semester. Students must have successfully completed 30 hours, including the Outdoor Leadership prerequisite coursework, in order to apply to the program. The Outdoor Leadership prerequisites are ODLD 2110 and 2130, in addition to one of the following courses: PALS 1450, 1460, 1470, 1480, 1490, 1500, 1510. Students must also meet a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5, submit a written application, and obtain one letter of reference from a faculty member outside of the Outdoor Leadership program, in order to be considered for acceptance into the major. A maximum of 20 students will be admitted for each cohort. 

Special Requirements for Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Education Teacher Preparation Programs (Certification in Early Childhood, Middle Grades, or Secondary Broad-field Science, English, History, or Mathematics Education)

The Division of Education policies require all students who intend to seek certification as a professional educator in the state of Georgia, even those who have declared Education as the major, apply for admission to Teacher Preparation Program (TPP).  As a professional program offered at Young Harris College both the TPP and YHC are held accountable to the rigorous standards set forth by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) for preparing educators in the state.  Students seeking admission must specific State and Program criteria in addition to those addressed below. 

Those seeking admission to the teacher preparation program(s) must demonstrate that they have earned final grades of C- or better in all coursework completed as a part of the general education core, with the exception of those courses that fulfill the requirement of “Communicate Effectively”. Applicants are required to earn an average of B- or better in all courses that are used to demonstrate meeting the general education requirement to “communicate effectively” (generally courses beginning with ENGL or COMM prefixes). Also, the foundational courses of EDUC 2204, 2220, and 2230 will require students to have earned a final course grade of B- or better for application to Early Childhood, Middle Grades or secondary education program.  Applicants must also have a cumulative average of 2.75 and 45 earned credit hours.  Other requirements include A passing score or proof of exemption for the Program Admission Test overseen by ETS, proof of completion of Georgia Educator Ethics - Program Entry (350) module, the three letters of recommendation, and completion of an oral and written interview process that suggests the applicant will succeed in the Teacher Preparation Program.

Applicants who meet all other criteria, but have earned grades of C- to C+ in said course work may petition for consideration for program admission provided they have formulated a remediation plan to address the deficiency that has been submitted to and approved by the Dean of the Division of Education. Petitions will be considered by the Dean in conjunction with at least one other faculty member the applicant’s advisor. The act of petitioning does not ensure that an applicant will be admitted to the Teacher Preparation Program. Applicants who have earned grades of D or lower in said coursework are not eligible to petition admission consideration.

The Teacher Preparation Program has an application period every spring and admission occurs each fall.  More information can be found at connect.yhc.edu/education /default.aspx.

Financial Aid

(Click here to view the Financial Aid website)

Young Harris College is committed to helping students secure the necessary resources to meet the cost of an excellent education. Financial aid at the college may take the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and/or work-study positions.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed and filed annually by each student seeking need-based financial aid. Young Harris College then develops an award based upon a combination of factors, including the student’s demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA, high school GPA, and SAT or ACT scores.

The Office of Financial Assistance and Planning may be contacted for information concerning all application procedures. Financial aid commitments will be made after a student has been accepted for admission.

Young Harris College does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disabled status, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era in administering its financial aid programs.

In order to renew all financial aid the student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study in accordance with  federal, state, and institutional policies.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (To Receive Financial Aid)

Federal and state regulations require schools to establish Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for recipients of financial aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) means proceeding toward a timely, successful completion of degree requirements. Standards are set on qualitative progress (grade-based) and quantitative progress (pace and time frame). 

Students receiving funds from any federal, state or institutional aid program, including Federal Grants (Pell, FSEOG), Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS (parent) Loans, Federal Work-Study, state scholarships/grants (Zell Miller Scholar, HOPE, GTEG, et al), and Young Harris scholarships/grants/work-study/loans must demonstrate and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined below. The Office of Financial Aid will measure Satisfactory Academic Progress on all students who receive financial aid at the end of each semester. Some financial aid programs including Zell Miller Scholar, HOPE, YHC Academic/talent Scholarship and some federal grant programs may require more than the minimum SAP requirements set forth in this policy (consult the Financial Aid Office with any questions). 

Qualitative Progress - The Office of Financial Aid determines Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) by evaluating the cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a four-point scale based upon local (Young Harris College) credit hours attempted. The following grades are used in computing a cumulative GPA: A, B, C, D, and F. The Registrar’s Office provides the Office of Financial Aid with the Local Credit Hours Attempted, Local Hours Completed, and Local Cumulative GPA. The Financial Aid Office will review all students receiving financial aid at the end of each semester. The following chart indicates the required GPA within each credit hours attempted category. Transfer grades are not counted when determining qualitative progress. Part-time students will have their eligibility measured on an equivalency basis.  

 

Credit Hours Earned Cumulative GPA Required
0 - 29 1.80
30 - 59 1.90
60 and above 2.00

 

Quantitative Progress - Students receiving financial aid must demonstrate measurable progress toward the completion of their degree program. Young Harris College requires students receiving financial aid to maintain an overall (cumulative) completion rate of 67% of credit hours attempted. Credit hours attempted will be defined by the Office of the Registrar (see YHC Catalog Academic Information). Only grades of A, B, C, and D are considered as successful completion of a course. At the end of each semester, the quantitative progress of each student receiving financial aid will be reviewed. Transfer credits, including courses taken as a transient student, do not count in the calculation of YHC GPA, but are included in the attempted hours, earned hours, and maximum time frame standards. Note: If a student is placed on Financial Aid Warning, Probation or Suspension because of Incomplete Grades, it is up to the student to notify the Financial Aid Office upon successfully completing the course(s). If a student withdraws from any course after the drop/add period, the hours dropped will be counted as attempted hours when determining quantitative progress. Repeated courses, for which a passing grade was previously awarded, are included in attempted hours and grade point average calculation but not earned hours. A student’s quantitative progress is determined by dividing credit hours earned by the total hours attempted. Part-time students will have their eligibility measured on an equivalency basis.

Maximum Time Frame -The maximum time for completion of degree requirements for students receiving aid is one and one-half times the length of the degree program (150% of length of the educational program as published by the YHC Academic Policy found in the YHC Catalog). Frequent withdrawals from courses or school, change of major, failed courses, repeated courses or courses taken that are not related to the degree program could jeopardize financial aid. If a student withdraws from school and re-enrolls at a later date, those withdrawn courses will count towards time spent on the degree program. A student pursuing a double major at the same time must adhere to the 150% time frame. A transfer student’s time frame will be based on the sum of the attempted hours at YHC plus the transfer credit hours accepted toward the student’s degree program.   

SAP Review Process - The cumulative YHC academic history of all financial aid recipients is reviewed at the end of each semester to determine if the student is meeting the quantitative, qualitative, and time frame standards. This includes all courses attempted or transfer accepted credits regardless of whether financial aid was received or not. Transfer credit, including courses taken as a transient student, do not count in the calculation of YHC GPA, but are included in the attempted hours, earned hours, and maximum time frame standards. Students who fail to meet all of the criteria outlined above will be placed on Financial Aid Warning for the next semester which the student is enrolled. Students placed on Financial Ad Warning are eligible to receive financial aid for ONE ADDITIONAL SEMESTER, or payment period, as long as the aid in question is not subject to a higher GPA requirement.  If the student does not meet satisfactory academic progress at the end of their additional semester, or payment  period, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. That means that  the student will lose financial aid eligibility and future aid will be suspended beginning with the next semester or payment period in which the student is enrolled. The student will remain on Financial Aid Suspension without aid eligibility until SAP standards are met.   While students should be aware of this policy and their financial aid standing, every effort will be made to inform students by a letter sent to the last known address of any student placed on Financial Aid Warning or Suspension. The letter will contain a copy of the YHC Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and the Appeal Process. If students feel that they have circumstances that warrant an appeal, they may request an appeal of Financial Aid Suspension. See the appeal process below. 

Reinstatement - Once eligibility has been reestablished by meeting the SAP standards, the student should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Appeal Process - The student may appeal a loss of financial aid by writing to the Director of Financial Aid for the Financial Aid Appeals Committee to consider extreme and unusual circumstances. The appeal letter must be submitted no later than two weeks prior to the suspension status semester. Each appeal will be reviewed on a case by case basis by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee in a timely manner. The Committee may request documentation of mitigating circumstances as indicated by the student appeal. The student will be notified of the Committee’s decision in writing. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final. If the Appeals Committee rules in favor of the appeal, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. A student placed on Financial Aid Probation is eligible for financial aid and has one semester to comply with the satisfactory academic progress standards and the requirements outlined by the Appeals Committee. Their academic performance will be reviewed at the end of that next semester for continued financial aid eligibility.

 

NOTE: Full-time students receiving financial aid must enroll for at least 12 hours per semester. 

Part-time students will have their eligibility measured on an equivalency basis

Types of Financial Aid

The Young Harris College offers four types of financial aid. Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Loans and work-study are considered self-help aid and require a commitment from the student. These types of financial aid are divided into two principal categories: merit-based assistance and need-based assistance.

Merit-Based Assistance

Awarded in recognition of special skills, talent, and/or academic ability, merit-based assistance includes academic, fine arts, and athletic scholarships.

Academic Scholarships are awarded to full-time entering freshmen who are academically qualified based upon their high school GPA and SAT or ACT scores. Students are considered for these scholarships upon completion of the Application for Admission and Academic Scholarships and submission of their official high school transcript and test scores. These scholarships are awarded for up to four years provided the student meets all renewal criteria.

Honors Program Scholarships are awarded to academically qualified students who are accepted into the Honors Program. Acceptance into the program is based on SAT or ACT scores, high school GPA, teacher recommendations, and a personal essay. Those chosen for the Honors Program will receive an additional academic scholarship. Competition will include a personal essay and submission of two letters of recommendation. Students considered for the top awards will also participate in an on-campus interview.

Transfer Scholarships are awarded to students transferring with 30 or more hours of college-level coursework. Amounts are determined based on the student’s college GPA. Students who have completed fewer than 30 hours of college-level coursework will be considered for freshman scholarships.

Art Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in art and demonstrating outstanding ability in art. Competition includes an on-campus interview and a survey of the applicant’s portfolio.

Theatre Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in theatre and demonstrating outstanding ability in the area of theatre. Competition includes an on-campus interview and an audition.

Music Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in music and demonstrating outstanding ability in the area of music. Band and choral scholarships are also available to students who are not music majors. Competition includes an on-campus interview and an audition.

Musical Theatre Scholarships are awarded to students majoring in musical theatre. Competition includes written recommendations, an on-campus interview, and an audition.

Athletic Scholarships are awarded in men’s baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, and tennis and also women’s basketball, cross country, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and tennis and co-ed cheerleading. The coaches will interview and evaluate athletic skills of applicants. Interested students should contact the appropriate coach for additional information.

Goizueta Foundation Scholarships are awarded to students who are of Hispanic or Latino descent. The selection will be based on high school grades, SAT or ACT scores, and financial need. 

Need-Based Assistance

Need-based assistance, including grants, work-study, and loans, is funded from federal, state, and institutional sources. A student’s eligibility to receive need-based assistance is determined by information submitted each year on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most need-based funds are limited; therefore, you must file the FAFSA in a timely manner. If a student has demonstrated need (the difference between the estimated cost of attendance and the expected family contribution), the Financial Aid Office will offer a financial aid package based on: (1) demonstrated need and (2) ability of the student (high school GPA and SAT scores). For renewal of aid, a continuing student must be making satisfactory progress and must have demonstrated need.

Federal Pell Grant: Eligibility for this grant is based on federal methodology. Awards range from $626 to $5,775 for the 2015-2016 academic year. Award amounts will be reduced for less than full-time attendance.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Eligibility for this grant is based on federal methodology and priority is given to Federal Pell Grant recipients demonstrating the most financial need.

Appleby Grant: This grant was established in 1964 by Mr. Scott B. Appleby for local full-time students who demonstrate need and maintain satisfactory progress.

Young Harris College Grant: This grant is awarded to full-time students who demonstrate financial need and maintain satisfactory progress.

United Methodist Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded on the basis of active interest and participation in The United Methodist Church, character, scholarship, promise of useful service, and financial need. Visit the Methodist web sites for further information concerning scholarship opportunities ( gbhem.org or umhef.org.).

O. Wayne Rollins Scholarship Fund: Each year, the O. Wayne Rollins Foundation provides a number of scholarships for deserving students. The College’s scholarship committee submits recommendations to the Rollins Foundation for final selection of the recipients of these scholarships. These scholarships are renewable if the conditions for renewal are met.

State Funds

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant: Qualified students who are legal residents of Georgia are entitled to receive the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant.

H.O.P.E. Scholarship: The HOPE scholarship is available to all eligible full-time and part-time students who are Georgia Residents. Students must graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.00 GPA for a college prep diploma or a 3.20 GPA for a career tech diploma. Students must maintain a 3.00 GPA in college to maintain the HOPE Scholarship. The amount is determined each year by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. 

Zell Miller Scholar Program: The Zell Miller Scholarship is available to all eligible full-time and part-time students who are Georgia Residents. Students must graduate from an eligible high school with a grade point average of at least a 3.7 and having received a score of at least 1,200 combined critical reading score and math score on a single administration of the SAT or an ACT score of at least 26; or having graduated from an eligible high school as the valedictorian or salutatorian. Students must maintain a 3.3 GPA in college to continue receiving the Zell Miller Scholar Program.

The Georgia Student Finance Commission requires that anyone receiving Georgia state funds (Zell Miller Scholar, HOPE Scholarship, and/or the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant) must file the FAFSA or complete the GSFAPP. If you plan to complete the GSFAPP, please go to www.gacollege411.org and click on the Financial Aid Planning page, click on the Start Applying link under Financial Aid applications, and then click Start GSFAPPs. The FAFSA or the GSFAPP must be completed prior to the beginning of your first semester.

Other Sources of Assistance

Work-Study: In nearly all areas of campus, work-study is awarded to students from federal and available institutional funds. Students usually work no more than ten hours per week. There are five pay periods per semester. Most work-study assignments are need-based. The Young Harris College’s Work-Study Application must be filed for all positions. Students must also file the FAFSA to be eligible for need-based Federal work-study.

Loans

Loans are sources of funding that allow students to spread the cost of education over time. Loans must be repaid even if students do not complete their education.

Need-Based Loans

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed to apply for Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan: Low-interest loans are made by the federal government. Recipients must demonstrate financial need as determined by information provided on the FAFSA. No interest is paid on this loan as long as the student is enrolled at least half-time. Freshmen may borrow up to $3,500 per academic year; sophomores may borrow up to $4,500 per academic year; upperclassmen may borrow up to $5,500 per academic year. Further details may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Non-Need-Based Loans

Non-need-based loans include the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for students, the United Methodist Student Loan, and the Federal PLUS Loan for parents.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: Recipients must be enrolled at least half-time and must file the FAFSA, even though the loan is not based on need. The interest on this loan accumulates while the student is enrolled. Freshmen may borrow up to $3,500 per academic year; sophomores may borrow up to $4,500 per academic year; upperclassmen up to $5,500 per academic year. Further details may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Federal loan regulations now allow a student to borrow an additional $2,000 unsubsidized loan each year.  Further details are available from the Financial Aid Office.

United Methodist Student Loan: This fund, established by The United Methodist Church, offers loans to United Methodist students. The applicant must be enrolled full-time and maintain at least a “C” average. Students may borrow a maximum of $5,000 per academic year. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office or by contacting the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Federal PLUS Loan: Loans are made to credit-worthy parents of eligible dependent students. PLUS Loans are not based on need. Applications are available in the Financial Aid Office. Borrowers must begin repaying principal and interest within 60 days after the final loan disbursement of their annual period of enrollment. Further details may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Grievances

The Georgia Non-Public Postsecondary Education Commission is responsible for receiving student complaints regarding federal aid.  Contact information for the Georgia Non-Public Postsecondary Education Commission is as follows:

Georgia Non-Public Postsecondary Education Commission

2082 East Exchange Place

Suite 2200

Tucker Georgia  30084-5305

Office: 770.414.3300