OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2015-16 [Archived Catalog]

Financial Aid

The purpose of financial aid and scholarships is to supplement your and your family’s contributions toward the cost of attendance, as well as to recognize academic achievement and special talents. Ohio University offers a variety of scholarship, grant, loan, and part–time employment programs to assist you in financing your education. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is responsible for the processing and awarding of all types of federal, state, private, and institutional (University) funds to students.

Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships
Ohio University
Chubb Hall 020
Athens, OH 45701–2979
Telephone: 740.593.4141 (M–F 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Fax: 740.593.4140
financial.aid@ohio.edu
http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid/

All information in this section is subject to change because of congressional action or changes in federal regulations.

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

• Types of Financial Assistance
• Application Procedure
• Correspondence Courses
• Cost of Attendance
• Determining Need
• Eligibility Requirements
• Award Package
• Award Letters
• Award Disbursements
• Withdrawal Policy for Financial Aid Recipients
• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards
• Descriptions of Available Aid
• Services to Students

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All types of financial assistance fall within two major categories—gift aid and self–help aid. Scholarships and grants are considered gift aid; loans and employment are considered 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 financial need. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid; loans, however, must be repaid by the borrower.

Gift Aid

Scholarships. Ohio University has an extensive undergraduate scholarship program available to freshmen and upperclass students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors). 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. Students are encouraged to seek outside scholarships from private sources.

Grants. Most grant aid is awarded on need–based eligibility criteria. The sources include federal, state, and institutional.

Self–Help Aid

Loans. Student loans play a significant role in financing postsecondary education. The William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Program allows students to borrow directly from the federal government through Ohio University. These educational loans have favorable terms and conditions. Students should view borrowing as an investment in their futures. However, loans represent debts that must be repaid, and failure to repay will result in severe penalties.

Employment. Ohio University has a variety of student employment programs available if you wish to work on a part–time basis while pursuing your education. You should attempt to establish a reasonable balance between your academic efforts and your work schedule. Consequently, you may not work more than 20 hours a week on campus when classes are in session. Ohio University is an equal opportunity employer. Ohio University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Ohio University is an equal access/equal opportunity and affirmative action employer with a strong commitment to building and maintaining a diverse workforce.(See “Institutional Equity” in the Services for Students  section of this catalog.)

Need–Based Financial Aid

There are many types of federal need–based financial aid: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work–Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and Federal Direct Subsidized Student Loan. State and institutional grants are also available. To apply for all sources of financial aid, complete the U.S. Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ , after January 1 each year. You and your parent should each get a Personal Identification Number (PIN) from the Department of Education to electronically sign your FAFSA. You and your parent should visit http://pin.ed.gov/ to get your PIN before filing the FAFSA. You can also obtain a paper FAFSA by calling 800-4–FED–AID (800.433.3243), after January 1. However, we recommend filing the FAFSA online to reduce errors and speed processing time. We recommend you complete your FAFSA online by February 15, in order for your FAFSA results to be received by the University before the March 15 priority deadline.

If you must make corrections to the information on your FAFSA, provide documentation of those changes to the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Appropriate corrections will be made.

The federal Campus-Based Aid (CBA) programs include Federal Work-Study (FWS), the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Supplement Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).  CBA funds are sent directly to the University from the federal government. The funds are then awarded by Ohio University 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 FAFSA receipt priority deadline of March 15. The Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Direct Student Loan program do not have priority deadlines.

Federal regulations and institutional policies are subject to change without prior notice. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships will attempt to keep you updated through various media on campus, such as our website, student email, and/or written notices. To avoid costly delays, it is vital that you update your home and mailing addresses with the Office of the University Registrar by accessing My OHIO Student Center ( https://sis.ohio.edu/student ), and regularly access your University Catmail account. 

Merit–Based Financial Aid

Freshman Scholarships. There is no application for freshman scholarships at Ohio University. Simply complete the Application for Admission from Undergraduate Admissions or apply online at http://www.ohio.edu/admissions . To be considered a priority applicant, you must be accepted for admission by February 1.

To assure consideration for institutional scholarship awards with a financial need component, 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.

Many scholarships require a student to enroll for 15 hours per semester. Please review your OHIO Student Center for the hours requirement for your specific scholarship award.

Upperclass and Transfer Student Scholarships (Undergraduate). You can apply for continuing student scholarships by completing Ohio University’s online scholarship application. The eligibility requirements for most upperclass scholarships include: an accumulative GPA of 3.4 or above by the end of fall semester of the application year; at least 15 hours earned during the fall semester of the application year; and at least 30 semester hours earned over fall and spring semesters combined. You also must have completed at least one semester at Ohio University.

To apply for scholarships, complete the online scholarship application at http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid . The application period opens in December and the deadline is March 1.

All transfer students admitted by May 15 will automatically be considered for scholarships awarded by Undergraduate Admissions based on the transcripts submitted for review. No separate application is required.

If you receive a scholarship, you are required to enroll for and earn a minimum of 15 hours per semester.

Regional Campus Scholarships.To apply for scholarships, complete the online scholarship application at http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid . The application period opens in December and the deadline is March 1. The criteria are somewhat different from those on the Athens campus. You should check with the individual regional campus for application deadlines.

Degree-seeking students pursuing correspondence based coursework through eLearning OHIO are considered for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Student Loans, after the results of the FAFSA have been received by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. Financial aid awards are calculated as follows:

• The amount of any Pell Grant award is determined by the student’s cost of attendance, which includes tuition and fees as well as a book allowance, the number of credit hours the student is taking, and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the U.S. Department of Education. The Pell Grant is paid in two disbursements. The first disbursement (half of the annual award) is made after our office has received notification from eLearning OHIO that 25 percent of the student’s coursework has been completed. The final disbursement is made after our office has received notification that 75 percent of the student’s coursework has been completed.
• Federal Direct Student Loan eligibility is determined by the cost of attendance not covered by the Pell Grant, the number of credit hours the student is taking, and the EFC. The Federal Direct Student Loan is also paid in two disbursements. The first disbursement (half of the annual award) is made after the student has registered for courses. The final disbursement is made after the halfway point in a student’s enrollment period once notification is received that 50 percent of coursework has been completed.
• The cycle for correspondence coursework runs from July to June; Pell Grants for the award year must be disbursed by September 1, following the end of the correspondence coursework cycle. The deadline for disbursement of Federal Direct Student Loans is based on the student’s enrollment date.
• Please contact our office for further information.

Students pursuing correspondence studies must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP standards are calculated differently for correspondence studies than they are for traditional coursework.

Each year, the Ohio University Board of Trustees determines the fixed costs (tuition and fees, out–of–state surcharge, and room and board rates on campus). Variable indirect costs (books and supplies, travel, and personal and miscellaneous) are estimated by the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to arrive at a reasonable estimate of the total cost for the academic year. Estimates are based on the Consumer Price Index and surveys. The total fixed and variable costs make up your total Cost of Attendance (Budget) for the academic year. Final annual budgets are available from our office after July 1 of each award year.

Completion of the FAFSA will determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This EFC does not indicate the actual amount your family is expected to contribute toward your postsecondary expenses. Rather, it is an index number used to determine your aid eligibility. The EFC is the result of all information provided on your FAFSA and is calculated according to a formula established by federal regulations.

Special circumstances, such as divorce, separation, unemployment, or death in the family, should be discussed with a financial aid administrator to determine if adjustments should be made to your FAFSA information.

The following formula is used for calculating financial need:

		Cost of Attendance (Budget)
–		Minus Expected Family Contribution
		———————————————————
=		Calculated Financial Need

To receive federal and state aid you must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen (U.S. national or permanent resident) or provide documentation of other eligible noncitizen status.
2. Comply with U.S. Selective Service registration requirements.
3. Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree–seeking program. Teacher certification programs or preparatory coursework cases should be discussed with a financial aid administrator.
4. Be making satisfactory academic progress as defined by Ohio University and the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships. (See Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards .)
5. Not be in default on a Federal Perkins Loan, a Federal Family Educational Loan (FFEL), Federal Direct Student Loan, or Federal Supplemental Loan for Undergraduate Students (SLS), from any school, agency, or lender, or owe a repayment on any Title IV funds. (Parents also must not be in default if applying for a PLUS loan.)

Some types of financial aid, such as most grants, are not available if you have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

After the FAFSA 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 Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships 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.

Award letters are mailed to incoming freshmen beginning in mid-March. Notification of award offers will be sent to eligible upperclass and transfer applicants beginning in May. Award notifications will be emailed to enrolled students and award information is available online at sis.ohio.edu/student Certain students will have letters mailed to permanent or local addresses. If you are adjusting or declining any of the awards, you can do so through your My OHIO Student Center . All awards are subject to revision because of 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–seeking program to receive any type of financial assistance. All requested documents (e.g., tax transcripts and W–2s) used in verifying the data provided on the FAFSA must be received before financial aid can be disbursed. Disbursement dates and procedures will vary depending on the type of awards offered. Specific dates and information regarding the disbursement of financial aid are listed in each semester’s Schedule of Classes . In general, financial aid awards will be disbursed to your account each semester and any financial aid exceeding your University charges will be refunded to you. For direct deposits, refunds from your student account are processed multiple times each week, beginning the first day of classes. For paper checks, refunds from your student account are mailed on Fridays, once classes have begun.

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 based on the hours you work.

First-time freshmen will receive their first Federal Direct Loan disbursement 30 days after their first semester of enrollment begins. Any student with a loan period of only one semester will receive half of their loan disbursement at the start of the semester. The remaining half of the loan disbursement will occur at the mid-point of the term (the 9th week).

Please note the payment due dates on the account balance notifications from the Office of the Bursar. (See the Schedule of Classes each semester for specific disbursement dates.) If you will be away from campus in a co–op or education abroad program, contact our office well in advance to discuss your eligibility and arrange for disbursement of your financial aid.

Withdrawal Policy for Financial Aid Recipients

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If you are receiving financial aid, a change in your enrollment status or your withdrawal from the University may result in you having to repay programs from which you received financial assistance. In addition, you may owe fees to the University after funds are returned to the financial aid programs. A student is not eligible for a refund until all Federal Title IV programs and other grants and scholarships are reimbursed as required, and all outstanding balances with the University have been cleared. Title IV Funds You are a Title IV financial aid recipient if you receive a Federal Direct Loan (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or PLUS), Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, or TEACH Grant. If you receive Title IV financial aid and withdraw from Ohio University, the amount of aid earned and unearned will be calculated using the Federal Return of Title IV Funds policy. This policy is a formula that measures the percentage of days enrolled during a semester. The percentage is determined by dividing the number of days enrolled by the number of calendar days in the semester, including weekends and holidays. Based on this percentage, Title IV financial aid will be prorated to reflect the amount of aid that was earned during the period of enrollment. The amount of aid that is earned will remain on your student account and the amount of aid that is unearned will be returned to the appropriate program. Once the attendance percentage reaches 60 percent, all Title IV aid is considered to be earned. If it is determined that Title IV funds need to be returned, by Federal Law they will be returned in the following order: Unsubsidized Direct Loans, Subsidized Direct Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal PLUS Loans, Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TEACH Grant, and other Title IV assistance. State and Institutional Grants If you receive financial aid that consists of state or University grant funds, they are subject to the University Refund Policy. If you officially withdraw through the Friday of the second week of the semester, 80 percent of the grant funds will be returned to the appropriate program. After the Friday of the second week of the semester, 100 percent of the grant funds will remain on your student account. Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships If you receive financial aid that consists of undergraduate or graduate scholarships, they are subject to a special university policy. If you officially withdraw through the Friday of the second week of the semester, 100 percent of the scholarship funds will be returned to the appropriate program. After the Friday of the second week of the semester, 100 percent of the scholarship funds will remain on your student account. Unofficial Withdrawals If you stop attending the University and do not officially withdraw, it is considered to be an unofficial withdrawal and will be subject to the above withdrawal policies. The date of withdrawal will be based on the last date of a student’s attendance at an academically related event. If the last date of attendance is not known, the midpoint of the semester will be used as the withdrawal date. If you never attend all of the courses you have registered for, you are considered to be an unofficial withdrawal. It is determined you have not earned any financial aid. Therefore, all aid will be returned to the appropriate program.

Federal regulations require that all financial aid applicants meet Ohio University’s satisfactory academic progress standards: (1) minimum completion percentage of 67% of courses attempted; (2) maximum time frame that a student may pursue a degree and be eligible for financial aid; and (3) minimum accumulative GPA of 1.75 for first-year students and 2.0 for all other students.

Maximum time frame standards require you to complete a degree in a timely manner. A bachelor’s degree student can remain eligible through the first 180 semester hours of undergraduate enrollment. A student seeking an associate’s degree can remain eligible through the first 90 hours of enrollment. Students seeking an associate’s degree in nursing can remain eligible through the first 111 hours.

If you are a first–time federal aid applicant, you must earn a minimum of 1.75 accumulative GPA by spring semester of the first year you are enrolled and a 2.0 accumulative GPA by the end of each subsequent year of enrollment. If you are a continuing aid applicant, you must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. 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 and as part of the minimum completion percentage component of SAP. If you are re–enrolling, your prior Ohio University hours are considered in determining Satisfactory Academic Progress. In the event of repeated courses, only the final hours count toward the completion of a degree or certificate, but all courses count toward both the minimum completion percentage component and the maximum time frame component of SAP each time they are taken. Proper withdrawal from classes prior to or on the Friday of the second week of enrollment will not affect the fulfillment of the requirements, but attempted hours after the Friday of the second week of enrollment will be counted.

You will be notified annually if your SAP status is unsatisfactory after spring semester grades are recorded. Students in an ineligible status will not have their aid packaged for the following year. Students whose SAP status is unsatisfactory will continue to be evaluated annually. If, during the annual review, you are determined to have a satisfactory SAP status, your aid will be offered for the future year. If you regain your eligibility mid-year, you may contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships for manual review. You may also appeal your ineligible status. Appeal forms are available online and must be submitted no later than the 21st day of the semester in which reinstatement of aid is sought.

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 a minimum number of hours for each semester during the academic year for which you receive funds. Students with disabilities or those experiencing extenuating circumstances making them unable to carry the required course load should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships to submit an appeal. If you attend a regional campus and receive a regional campus scholarship, you should contact the regional campus student services office for hours requirements.

GPA and Hours Requirements for Renewable Scholarships.To renew the Gateway Excellence Scholarship, you must carry at least 15 hours per semester and earn at least 30 semester hours with an accumulative GPA of at least 3.3 annually. To renew the Gateway Scholarship, you must carry at least 12 hours per semester and earn an accumulative GPA of at least 3.0 annually. To renew the Gateway Trustee Award for nonresident students, you must carry at least 12 hours per semester and earn an accumulative GPA of at least 3.0 annually.

National Merit Scholarships and outside agency scholarships have different GPA requirements, set by the National Merit Corporation and outside agencies. Academic requirements for regional campus scholarships vary. Contact the Student Services Office at your regional campus for further information.

Gift Aid—Scholarships

Below is a listing of some of the scholarships offered at Ohio University. A complete listing of all scholarships is available on the office’s website.

Gateway Award Program. The Gateway Award program is available only on a renewable basis for upperclass students who were awarded and received those funds, initially, during their freshman year. It comprises the Gateway Excellence Scholarship, the Gateway Scholarship, the non-resident Gateway Trustee and Gateway Promise Awards, and the need-based Gateway Grant. 

Signature Awards Program . Built to honor and assist our students in accordance with the University’s twin missions of excellence and access, this new and expanded scholarship program includes generous merit-based scholarships, supportive need-based grants, and a set of awards unique to Ohio University that blend both merit- and need-based criteria. All first-year students who are new to the Athens campus of Ohio University are eligible for consideration. The application for admission serves as the application for merit-based scholarships. All OHIO Signature Awards are renewable for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study (two semesters per academic year), and most awards require that students enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester. However, please note that a student must complete an average of 15 hours per semester to graduate within four academic years. Renewal criteria vary by individual award; please refer to your scholarship award letter to review the details specific to your awards(s). Merit-based awards bear specific academic performance criteria for renewal. Need-based awards, including those that are blended with merit, are renewable contingent upon continued demonstration of financial need via the results of the FAFSA, which must be received annually by March 15. Consequently, any need-based OHIO Signature Award may vary in amount each year.

Deans Scholarships. These scholarships are one–year awards, valued at $1,250 to $2,000, for upperclass students who have earned more than 30 semester hours. Selection is based on undergraduate enrollment, hours earned, and accumulative GPA. You must reapply and compete annually for renewal. To be considered, you must have a 3.4 accumulative GPA after fall semester, have earned 15 hours during fall semester, and be projected to earn 30 semester hours for the year. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester to receive the award.

Fine Arts Talent Awards.These scholarships, with varying award amounts, are awarded to students in the College of Fine Arts, based on academic test scores, class rank, and talent. The College of Fine Arts places particular emphasis on talent through an audition or portfolio review for applicants. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.0 accumulative GPA and earn 30 semester hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester to receive the award.

Templeton Scholar Awards.These scholarships are valued at the cost of in–state tuition and fees, room, board, and a book allowance and are awarded to academically talented incoming first–year students from disproportionately represented groups. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 8 semesters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 3.0 accumulative GPA and earn 30 semester hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester to receive the award. In addition to the scholarship, the award includes an academic success program.

Urban Scholars Program.The Urban Scholars Program is a scholarship initiative that actively seeks high school students from urban areas to attend Ohio University. Students from historically disproportionately represented groups are eligible to be considered for the program, which provides scholarship support to those who demonstrate excellent academic achievement and financial need. The Urban Scholars Program includes a four–year renewable scholarship.

King/Chavez/Parks Awards.These awards are available only on a renewable basis for upperclass students who were awarded and received those funds, initially, during their freshman year. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of eight semesters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 2.75 accumulative GPA and earn 30 semester hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester to receive the award. In addition to the award, students participate in an academic success program.

OU Incentive Awards.These awards are available only on a renewable basis for upperclass students who were awarded and received those funds, initially, during their freshman year. The awards are renewable for three additional years for a total of 8 semesters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. To renew the award, recipients must maintain a 2.50 accumulative GPA and earn 30 semester hours a year. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester to receive the award. In addition to the award, students participate in an academic success program.

Appalachian Scholars Program. The Appalachian Scholars Program provides scholarship opportunities for students from counties designated as Appalachian Ohio and who demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation to succeed, academic achievement, and financial need. For each student selected, the program includes a four–year renewable scholarship.

Cutler Scholars Program.This endowed undergraduate scholarship program provides for most of the students’ costs of attending Ohio University, as well as funds toward four structured summer internships or related experiences. Weekly colloquia and mentoring are integral aspects of the program. Students do not apply but are nominated by their high school or an academic college at Ohio University Awards are limited to students from certain locations or high schools, or to those in specific fields of study. These awards are offered to first–year students and are available for three additional years for a total of 8 semesters of undergraduate study on the Athens campus. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester 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.

Endowed and Restricted Scholarships.Available to students with high academic achievement and/or demonstrated financial need, these scholarships are made available from contributions of alumni and friends of Ohio University and are usually restricted by geographic location, major, or other special criteria. Awards amounts vary. Recipients must carry at least 15 hours each semester 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 approximately $1000 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. Contact the Department of Aerospace Studies or the Department of Military Science for additional details.

Gift Aid—Grants

Federal Pell Grant.The Federal Pell Grant is a quasi–entitlement program from the federal government. All eligible undergraduate aid applicants with an eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC) who have not received a bachelor’s degree will receive funds based on their EFC and enrollment status (full time, three–quarter time, half time, or less than half time). Upon submission of a FAFSA, you will receive your EFC. For 2015–16, awards range from a minimum of $581 to a maximum of $5,775 (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 (FSEOG).The FSEOG 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 by the U.S. Department of Education. Ohio University must have received the results of the FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline. The award is restricted to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amount awarded to eligible applicants varies each year depending on the need of the student population enrolled at Ohio University. Students with a prior bachelor’s degree are ineligible.

Institutional Grants.Institutional grants include the Ohio University Bobcat Grant, Ohio University Access Grant (OUAG), Ohio University Bobcat Award (OUBA), and the Regional Campus Grant, and are made available by the University to students with need. Ohio University must have received the results of your FAFSA by the March 15 priority deadline to be considered for these programs.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG).The OCOG is a need–based state–funded grant to assist Ohio residents in meeting the cost of undergraduate education. To be considered, you must submit the FAFSA. The deadline is October 1 of the award year, but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible after January 1.

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.This is a grant program for students who are currently enrolled in eligible majors and admitted to professional education to begin a career in teaching fields designated by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete a FAFSA to apply, but need is not required. Maximum award amounts vary. Students who fail to fulfill the teaching service requirement will have to repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan with interest from the date(s) of the original disbursement. 

Self–Help Aid—Student Loans

Federal Perkins Loan. The Federal Perkins Loan is a federal loan for students enrolled in a degree program at a participating postsecondary 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. The interest rate is currently 5%. You must sign a Master Promissory Note (including the “personal and confidential” form) or confirm your acceptance on our website (if you signed a Master Promissory Note in a previous year) before a disbursement can be made.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loans. The Federal Direct Loan is a low–interest loan for students enrolled at least half time in a degree–seeking program. Since 1994–95, Ohio University has been a Direct Lending Institution. The University acts on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and disburses Federal Direct Loan funds directly to student accounts.

There are two kinds of Federal Direct Loans—subsidized and unsubsidized. The federal government will pay the interest on the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan while you are in school and during a grace period or deferment period. You are responsible for paying the interest on any Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. However, you may defer payments and capitalize the interest until you enter repayment.

If you wish to apply for a Federal Direct Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized), you must file the FAFSA to determine your eligibility. You will receive notice of eligibility on your award letter and accept all loan funds you wish to borrow before funds can be disbursed to your account. Funds disbursed in excess of charges will be refunded by the Office of the Bursar. All first–time borrowers are required by federal regulations to complete a Master Promissory Note and loancounseling before funds can be disbursed. If you are in repayment on prior loans, you might be eligible for a deferment, and loans can be consolidated under certain conditions. Additionally, federal regulations require that all borrowers complete exit counseling before graduating or once you have dropped below half–time enrollment. Exit counseling provides information regarding borrower rights and responsibilities and outlines repayment options.

Ohio University Loans.During periods of enrollment, funds are made available by the University to provide short–term loans for students. These loans are available to assist in the payment of 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 semester. A one–page application must be completed. The completed application will be reviewed to determine if you qualify for a short–term loan. Funds are generally available within three working days after the loan is approved. A personal interview with a financial aid administrator is required. Students are not eligible if in default on previous institutional or federal loans. Borrowers are charged a $5 processing fee and may be charged an interest rate of 9%. 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 must be your natural parent, adoptive parent, or supporting stepparent. 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 to determine eligibility for other sources of aid. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan must be used for your educational expenses. Loan proceeds are applied directly to your account and any refund may be refunded to you (with parent approval) or to your parent each semester. Repayment begins 60 days after the final disbursement. The parent borrower can select a different option on the application to delay repayment until six months after the student graduates. For additional information, visit our website at http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid .

Alternative Loans. Students may apply for additional loans through private lenders to help cover expenses. You can borrow the total estimated cost of attendance (see your award letter) less your total financial aid. Students are encouraged to apply with a creditworthy cosigner. Interest rates and loan fees vary from lender to lender. Repayment begins six months after you graduate or cease to be enrolled. For more information and a list of private alternative lenders, visit our website at http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid/loans/loans_alt.cfm .

Self–Help Aid—Employment

Federal Work–Study (FWS).This need–based federal program offers part–time employment to eligible students. If you have not been employed through FWS in the past, your award letter will direct you as to how to select a position. If you are a returning student, you will be reassigned to your previous job site, unless you indicate that you wish to be assigned elsewhere. You are paid at least minimum wage for the number of hours actually worked. Students can choose to set up direct deposit or be paid by check every two weeks. You may also apply for available community service positions. The federal government stipulates that jobs available under the FWS program may not displace presently employed persons or fill regular job openings, including student hourly employment.

Program to Aid Career Exploration (PACE).The PACE program 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 work an average of 10 hours a week at the current minimum wage. To be eligible for PACE employment, you must:

1. Be an undergraduate student.
2. Have earned at least 15 hours by the time of application.
3. Have at least a 2.3 accumulative GPA.
4. Be in need of earnings as defined by program guidelines.

International undergraduate students who meet the above criteria are eligible to participate in the PACE program.

PACE employment is available only to Athens campus students who are not simultaneously employed in FWS. PACE information and applications are available at http://www.ohio.edu/financialaid/ .

Student Hourly Employment (SHE).Ohio University established the SHE program to provide job opportunity information for all students enrolled at least half time. Its purpose is to assist in hiring students for part–time jobs, to maximize employment opportunities and job placement, and to help coordinate student employment policies and procedures. SHE job opportunities are posted from all hiring departments on the Athens campus. More information can be found on the Human Resources website at http://www.ohio.edu/hr/employment/student.cfm .

The Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. All financial aid applicants are assigned an advisor to assist with financial aid matters. You may schedule an appointment with your assigned advisor. Advisor assignments are made alphabetically according to last name and are listed online. Services provided by the advisors include confirmation of financial aid for priority registration, review of financial need and eligibility, and review of policies and procedures for different types of financial aid programs. Emergency situations may be accommodated 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.