Admissions/Financial Aid

• Admissions
• Financial Aid

Admissions

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Young Harris College is an academically selective institution providing rigorous instruction in a small campus setting with an emphasis on Christian values. This unique combination nurtures the values of responsibility and faith as well as intellectual strength. Serious students will grow, be challenged, and pursue their full academic potential. The campus atmosphere is conducive to examining new ideas, understanding and appreciating the perspectives of others, and strengthening commitment to Christian faith. Students are also assisted in the development of leadership skills through involvement in campus organizations. Young Harris College invites applications from all persons, without regard to race, creed, sex, handicap, or national origin. Acceptance to the College is based on high school records, SAT or ACT scores, and the applicant’s willingness to take the responsibility for meeting the College’s academic standards and for making a positive contribution to the overall quality of campus life. Admission to a degree program requires evidence of high school graduation or proof of the successful completion of a GED program. Students seeking acceptance under the Early Enrollment Plan, Joint Enrollment, Accel Program, or as a transfer student are not required to provide evidence of high school graduation or completion of a successful GED program (see the sections which describe these programs for specific requirements). The Office of Admissions is responsible for the administration of the admissions policy. Persons who have any questions about admission may call the office at 706.379.3111 or 800.241.3754. The best time to apply for admission to Young Harris College is upon completion of the junior year. High school seniors should apply before January 1, but applications received after this date will be considered.

Admissions Procedures

Acceptance to the College is based on high school grade point average and SAT or ACT scores. Currently, we consider only the math and critical reading portions of the SAT for admission. 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. 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.

Early Enrollment Plan

Highly qualified, mature high school students who have completed three years of college preparatory work with a minimum 3.5 grade point average in academic subjects may apply for early enrollment. For early enrollment, candidates must have a score of at least 1000 on the critical reading and math sections of the SAT or equivalent English and math scores on the ACT and must have unqualified recommendations from high school officials.

Home-Schooled Students

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.

International Applicants

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 your school in a sealed envelope to the Office of Admissions.

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:

Applicants who are transferring from another college/university in the United States must also complete the Transfer Form.

Applicants for whom English is not a primary language must submit proof of English proficiency as evidenced in one of the following ways: a score of 550 on the paper version or a score of 79 on the Internet version of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), a score of 450 on the critical reading component of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), or successful completion of level 109 at an ELS Language Center. Results of the above must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions by the testing agency.

Upon acceptance, payment of the required deposit, and certification of financial ability, an I-20 form will be issued to the student. A housing deposit, tuition deposit, and START Orientation fee of $300 is required to reserve your place at Young Harris College. See the “Expenses” section of this catalog for fee payment schedule. International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships (academic, athletic, or fine arts) at Young Harris College.

ACCEL/Joint Enrollment

The Accel 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. Additional ACCEL 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 requirements and procedures for joint enrollment.

Readmission

Students who have previously attended Young Harris College and wish to re-enroll should complete the Application for Readmission. Official transcripts of any coursework completed since leaving YHC must also be submitted 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

Students who wish to transfer to Young Harris College from other colleges or universities must complete an application for admission, Student Transfer Form, Supplemental Transfer Application, and submit official transcript(s) from the institution(s) previously attended. If a student has not completed 30 hours of college credit, a final high school transcript and SAT/ACT scores are also required. 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.

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 Advising 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 perquisites are ODLD 2110 and 2130, in addition to two 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. The on-line application period is the month of February and the process should be undertaken as the student approaches meeting the following admission criteria:

45 credit hours

Completion of EDUC 2204, 2220, and 2230 with final course grades of “C” or better

A passing score or proof of exemption for the Program Admission Test overseen by ETS

Other requirements include a GPA of 2.75, three letters of recommendation, and completion of an oral and written interview process that suggests the applicant will succeed in the Teacher Preparation Program. More information can be found at http://www.yhc.edu/academics/education/transition-points

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.  

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 the first two weeks of 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 $600 to $5,730 for the 2014-2015 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. Recipients of these scholarships receive $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Students must have a grade average of “B” or better during the year prior to the award. These scholarships are awarded for one year only. 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 Office of the Inspector General is the state agency responsible for receiving student complaints regarding federal aid. Contact information for the Inspector General is as follows:

Contact Information:

Office of the State Inspector General

2 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive, S.W.

1102 West Tower

Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Email: inspector.general@oig.ga.gov

Telephone: 404-656-7924

Toll Free: 866-HELP OIG or 866-435-7644

Fax: 404-657-9716

For more information visit oig.georgia.gov.