Cedar Crest College

Financial Aid

Cedar Crest College provides and administers need-based and merit-based assistance to enable students to finance the costs of higher education. Each student’s situation is evaluated individually. Students must be accepted, matriculated (or enrolled in a program determined eligible for financial aid), remain in good academic standing and meet individual requirements to qualify for federal, state and institutionally funded financial aid.

All students are encouraged to meet with Student Financial Services upon entering the College and throughout their enrollment at the College. It is a student’s responsibility to notify Student Financial Services of any change in degree program, semester enrollment or other circumstances which may change their eligibility for financial aid programs.

Financial Aid Academic Year

The academic year for all tuition, room and board as well as institutional, federal and state financial aid is defined as two fifteen-week Fall and Spring semesters followed by an optional trailing fifteen-week Summer semester which includes a May/Summer I and Summer II session. The Spring semester includes an optional 2-3 week Winter session.

This same academic year applies to students enrolled in programs which require attendance in the Winter and Summer sessions; however, depending upon sequence of entrance and/or semester course enrollment, a trimester policy for federal and state financial aid may be required. Students must contact Student Financial Services to determine which federal and state requirements apply to their program of study.

A traditional student must be enrolled full time (minimum 12 credits) during the regular Fall and Spring semesters to qualify for institutional grant or scholarship assistance. Winter and Summer courses do not count toward the full time requirement for Fall and Spring and traditional students are assessed a separate per credit tuition charge for courses taken in Winter and/or Summer session.

All Students Applying for Financial Aid

All new Traditional and Traditional Transfer students can receive an early estimated financial aid award by completing a Financial Aid Planner (available from the Admissions office or the Admissions section of the College’s website.) Estimated awards will be provided after acceptance to the College. These estimated awards are finalized after completion of the FAFSA, submission of tax information, and submission of additional documentation as requested by Student Financial Services.

All Traditional and Lifelong Learning students applying for financial aid must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1st and May 1st for the following academic year. Student can complete the FAFSA application on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov. A PIN number (available through a link from the FAFSA website) is required for students and parents(s), if applicable, to file and sign the FAFSA application on-line. Filers should obtain a PIN number prior to completing the FAFSA application, as the PIN serves as an electronic signature. Paper applications and assistance with the FAFSA filing process are available through Student Financial Services.

Additional Documentation Required for Financial Aid

Student Financial Services will notify students applying for financial aid who are required to submit additional documentation upon review of a processed FAFSA application. Applicants selected for federal FAFSA verification are required to submit signed copies of federal income tax returns, W-2 forms or a Non-Tax Filer Statement and a Department of Education Verification Worksheet (provided by the College) to Student Financial Services. No awards will be made unless all requested documentation is provided. Lifelong Learning students must be matriculated, registered and have had an evaluation of transfer credits (if applicable) in order to have financial aid processed.

Traditional Student Merit Scholarships and Awards:

Since financial need is not a requirement for scholarships and awards, all entering traditional students applying to the College are considered for this assistance. A separate application is not required. Students must be enrolled full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) to be eligible.

Presidential Scholarships: Presidential Scholarships of one-half of tuition are awarded to entering freshmen who rank in the top 10 percent of their class and score 1150 or higher on the SAT Verbal/Critical Reading and Math, or a 25 or higher composite score on the ACT. The amount of the freshman year award is renewable each year provided a 3.000 grade-point average is maintained.

1867 Scholarship: 1867 Scholarships of one-third tuition are awarded to entering full-time freshmen who rank in the top 25% of their class and score a combined 1100 or higher on the SAT Verbal/Critical Reading and Math or a 24 or higher composite score on the ACT. The amount of the freshman year award is renewable each year.

Allen Scholarships: Allen Scholarships, up to $5,000 per year, are awarded to full-time traditional students on the basis of merit, leadership and evidence of outstanding service to school and community. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of William Allen, former trustee, and Roberta Ritter Allen, former trustee and graduate.

Art and Performing Arts Departmental Scholarships:

Departmental Scholarships of $1,500 are awarded to new full-time traditional freshmen who intend to be involved in art or performing arts activities on campus. Students may receive a departmental scholarship in addition to other Cedar Crest College merit scholarships.

Art Scholarships are awarded to those students with a strong commitment to the creative process both in making art and in looking at historical and contemporary works of art. A portfolio review is required. To maintain the Art Scholarship, recipients must remain in good academic standing and successfully complete a minimum of three credits per semester in studio art or art history courses. Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded to dance or theatre students who plan to participate in Cedar Crest Stage Company or Dance Company performances or serve in technical production areas. A performance audition is required. To maintain their Performing Arts Scholarship, recipients must remain in good academic standing. Theatre Scholarship recipients must participate each semester in a faculty-supervised production or a theater/speech class. A minimum of one faculty-supervised production must be included each year. Students must audition for a faculty-directed play or sign up for a technical crew with the technical director in order to receive credit. Contact the department chair for details. Dance Scholarship recipients must complete a minimum of one course in dance or one technical crew for a dance production or be a member of at least one of the Cedar Crest Dance Company’s dance ensembles per semester. A minimum of one performance in Dance Company or one technical crew for dance must be included each year.

HOBY Award: New traditional full-time freshmen who are HOBY (Hugh O’Brian Youth) alumnae receive $1,000 per year.

Girl Scout Gold Award: New traditional full-time freshmen who are recipients of the Girl Scout Gold Award receive $1,000 per year.

Governor’s School of Excellence Award: New traditional full-time freshmen who are graduates of a Governor’s School of Excellence Summer Scholarship program receive $1,000 per year.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarships: Traditional transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for two-year college students, are eligible to receive a $4,000 scholarship. Students must have a 3.500 GPA, have completed 24 transferable credit hours and plan to enroll as full-time students at Cedar Crest. Students must enroll immediately following the two-year college. The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is renewable for two years provided a 3.000 GPA is maintained and the member completes 24 credits a year.

Transfer Scholarships: Transfer Scholarships of $5,000 are awarded to new, full-time traditional students who ranked in the top 20% of their high school class and scored a combined 1150 or higher on the verbal/critical reading and math SAT, if transferring to Cedar Crest after the completion of one semester from another college or university; or, have attained a 3.000 or higher cumulative college GPA after completing at least 24 credits at another institution before transferring to Cedar Crest. The scholarship is renewable each year, provided a 3.000 cumulative GPA is maintained.

Study Abroad Scholarships: Full-time traditional Cedar Crest College students may apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship, ranging from $500 to $2500, for full semester study abroad during a fall or spring semester. To apply, students must meet with the Director of Career Planning and Director of Student Financial Services and complete an application available through Career Planning. The deadline to apply is April 15th for the following fall semester, or by November 15th for the following spring semester. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic merit and recommendations from faculty or staff. Financial need may also be considered, as funds are limited. Students are notified in writing if they are awarded a Study Abroad Scholarship.

Sibling Grant: Cedar Crest awards a $1,000 annual grant per student to siblings who are concurrently attending Cedar Crest as full-time traditional students.

Heritage Grants: Heritage Grants of $2,000 per year are reserved for children and grandchildren of Cedar Crest degree program graduates, provided the children/grandchildren are full-time traditional students.

Merit-Based Scholarships for Lifelong Learning Students

Lifelong Learning Transfer Scholarships: Lifelong Learning transfer students who enroll at Cedar Crest within one year following attendance at a two-year college, and have completed 24 transferable credits with a 3.500 or higher cumulative grade-point average receive a scholarship equivalent to 25% of tuition, if taking at least 12 credits per semester. They receive a scholarship of 10% of tuition, if taking 6-11 credits per semester. The scholarship cannot exceed $2,000 per semester, and is renewable if a GPA of 3.000 or higher is maintained. The scholarship may be renewed for four full-time semesters or eight part-time semesters. This scholarship is only available for the fall and spring semesters.

Kappa Beta Delta: Members of Kappa Beta Delta who enroll at Cedar Crest within one year of the completion of an associate's degree in business or accounting with an overall GPA of at least 3.250 are eligible to receive an award of 10% of tuition each semester. Student must matriculate as a degree-seeking Lifelong Learning student and must take a minimum of six credits per semester to be eligible for the scholarship. The scholarship is renewable if a cumulative GPA of 3.250 is maintained.

The Lifelong Learning Prize for Honor: The Lifelong Learning Prize for Honor is awarded to the Lifelong Learning student who can best express what the Honor Philosophy at Cedar Crest College means to them. The Honor and Judicial Board, which is a student board, sponsors this annual prize in an effort to promote the Honor Code at Cedar Crest College as a living code. The Lifelong Learning Prize for Honor consists of a cash award which is applied toward the purchase of textbooks in the College bookstore. The prize will be awarded at the beginning of the fall semester, and the winning student shall be recognized during Convocation in August. Interested students should contact the Center for Lifelong Learning for more information.

Traditional Student Need-Based Grant and Loans

Cedar Crest Grants: As with many of our scholarships, these grants are made possible through the generosity of friends and alumnae of the College and vary according to need. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for a Cedar Crest College grant.

Wilson and Matilda More Memorial Loans: These are interest-free loans offered to full-time traditional students on the basis of need and availability of funds. By completing the FAFSA, students are applying for More Memorial Loan consideration.

Need-Based Grants and Scholarships for Lifelong Learning Students

Lifelong Learning Nursing Scholar Award: Student who have demonstrated academic excellence, financial need and are currently enrolled in nursing courses (NUR) or are scheduled to begin nursing courses in the fall, winter or spring of the 2008-2009 academic year may apply for the Lifelong Learning Nursing Scholar Award. A maximum of ten $1,000.00 scholarships are awarded each year. Application deadline is June 1, 2008 and applications are provided through the Center for Lifelong Learning.

AAUW for Lifelong Learning Students: The Easton, Allentown and Bethlehem branches of the Allentown Association of University Women provide scholarships for women whose education has been interrupted at the bachelor's degree level. Awards range in size from $500 per year. For more information contact Student Financial Services. Application for these local scholarships must be made before March 1.

Newcombe Scholarships for Lifelong Learning Students: Provided by the Newcombe Foundation, these scholarships are specifically designed to assist the mature/second career woman. To be eligible, students must apply for financial aid, be matriculated, have junior status (55 credits or more) and be at least 25 years of age. Life circumstances other than those normally reviewed in the financial aid process are considered. Funds are limited. Students who meet the criteria will be invited through the Center of Lifelong Learning to submit an application.

Traditional and Lifelong Learning Need-Based Grants and Awards

Federal Pell Grants: The Pell Grant is a federal grant awarded on the basis of need and the cost of the individual college. The maximum annual full time award for 2008/2009 is $4,731. Federal Pell Grants are available to eligible students enrolled for at least three credits per semester and are automatically awarded to qualifying students who have completed the FAFSA and submitted all subsequently requested documentation.

Federal ACG Grants: The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is awarded to students who are determined to be eligible for the federal Pell Grant, are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study. Beginning in 2008-2009 ACG Grants are available to students enrolled in a minimum of six credits per semester.

Federal National SMART Grant: The National SMART Grant of $4,000 is awarded to students who are determined to be eligible for the federal Pell Grant, U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens and who are enrolled in the third or fourth year of study with a minimum grade point average of 3.000. Students must be enrolled an eligible major (physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or a critical foreign language). Beginning in 2008-2009 students must be enrolled for at least six credits and meet other eligibility requirements to qualify.

Federal TEACH Grant: Beginning in Fall 2008, students enrolled in an eligible education program and planning to teach in a high need area following graduation can apply through Student Financial Services for a federal TEACH Grant of up to $4,000 per year as a full time student. Pro-rated amounts are available to qualified students enrolled less than full time. Students must complete the FAFSA and counseling requirements provided through Student Financial Services to apply for a TEACH Grant. Failure to complete service obligations upon graduation will result in this Grant reverting to a federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants (SEOG): These federal grants are awarded in varying amounts to federal Pell Grant-eligible students with exceptional financial need from low-income families. Since SEOG is a federal allocation, funds are limited. Application is made by completing the FAFSA.

Pennsylvania State Grants (administered by PHEAA): Available to eligible Pennsylvania residents taking at least six credits per semester, PA State Grants are awarded according to demonstrated financial need. Students must complete the FAFSA by the PHEAA State Grant Deadline of May 1 to be considered for this grant.

Other State Grants: Students who live outside of Pennsylvania, should contact their state's higher education agency for information on grants available in their state. The following states permit transfer of their educational grants to students attending out-of-state colleges: Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Traditional and Lifelong Learning Loan and Other Resources

Federal Perkins Loans: Federal Perkins Loans are federally funded need-based loans made by Cedar Crest, and funding is limited. The interest rate is fixed at five percent. Students make no payments and no interest accrues while enrolled in college. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered and awards are made through the College’s office of Student Financial Services.

Federal Nursing Loans: Federal Nursing Loans are need-based and limited to nursing students enrolled in NUR courses. The interest rate is five percent. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered and awards are made through the College’s office of Student Financial Services.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans: These are federally subsidized and guaranteed loans through the government. For students who qualify based on demonstrated financial need, no interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school. Standard repayment term is ten years and begins six months after a student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The annual loan limit is $3,500 per year for freshmen; $4,500 per year for sophomores; and $5,500 per year for juniors and seniors. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA. Determination of eligibility is made by Student Financial Services upon review of the processed FAFSA and all requested documentation.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: These loans are available to students regardless of need, however interest accrues while the student is enrolled in school. Principal is deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time and options are available to pay interest monthly, quarterly or to allow capitalization upon repayment. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA.

Federal Parent PLUS Loans: These are federal loans made to parents of dependent undergraduate students. The parent is the Borrower and may apply to borrow an amount up to the student’s cost of education minus financial aid for each academic year. Borrowers must be credit-qualified. The interest rate is fixed, and for loans after July 1, 2008, repayment can be made while the student is enrolled, or deferred until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled half-time. The College requires a student whose parent is applying for the federal Parent PLUS Loan to complete the FAFSA application.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans: Graduate students may apply for a federal Graduate PLUS Loan up to the cost of attendance for an academic year, less all other grant, scholarship and loan resources. The student is the Borrower and must be credit-qualified to obtain a federal Graduate PLUS Loan. Students should be certain they have exhausted all other Stafford Loan resources prior to applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan.

Private Alternative Loans: Many loan programs are available through private lending institutions. The student is the Borrower and, in most cases, must apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. The College encourages students to check with Student Financial Services regarding any private loan program they are interested in to determine appropriate amounts and to be sure all terms and conditions are understood by the student and/or co-signer. It is the responsibility of the student to notify Student Financial Services of any private loans for education expenses that are paid directly to the student but require proof of educational expenses and/or other enrollment documentation. Loans must be obtained in a timely manner in order to meet tuition due dates. Written documentation of any loan that has not been certified by the College with regard to academic cost information must be provided by the Borrower to Student Financial Services.

Outside Scholarships

Students are encouraged to investigate outside scholarship opportunities from hometown civic clubs, high schools, parents’ employers, churches and other organizations. Students are required to notify Student Financial Services and provide written documentation if they receive any outside scholarships, as federal regulations required these to be considered a resource in determining aid eligibility. If adjustments to the aid package are necessary due to outside scholarships, Cedar Crest reduces self-help aid first (student loans) and adjusts grants only if necessary to prevent an over-award.

Campus Employment: Campus jobs are limited and are awarded as part of a need-based financial aid package. Students work an average of eight hours per week and can earn a maximum for the academic year of $2,200. Please contact Student Financial Services for additional information about work opportunities on campus.

Tuition Payment Plans: TuitionPay offers traditional students the option to make 10 or 12 interest-free monthly payments toward current outstanding tuition, room and board charges throughout the annual academic year. Lifelong Learning students may enroll for a 4-5 payment plan during each fall and spring semester. Students can self-enroll by contacting TuitionPay directly at 1-800-635-0120 or on-line at www.tuitionpayenroll.com. TuitionPay charges a yearly enrollment fee of $55.00 for an annual plan or $35 for a semester plan. Assistance with the payment plan option is available through Student Financial Services.

Tuition Exchange Program: Cedar Crest College participates in the Council of Independent Colleges Tuition Exchange Program and the Tuition Exchange Program, which enable dependent students from employee families to attend one of many participating colleges on a tuition-free basis. Information is available through Student Financial Services.

Medical Disability Benefits: Students with a medical disability may be eligible for financial assistance from their local Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or Bureau of Visual Services.

Veterans Benefits: Veterans and children of deceased or disabled veterans may be eligible for educational benefits from the Veterans Administration. Contact the local Veterans Administration Office. Veteran educational benefits are handled through the Registrar’s office.

Financial Aid Policy for Academic Progress and Good Standing Policy

To remain eligible for financial aid, a student must maintain satisfactory academic progress and be in good academic standing. Federal and state regulations, as well as institutional policy, require that a student maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to receive financial aid. In order to comply with these regulations, Cedar Crest College has established the following Academic Progress Policy:

Academic Progress - Quantitative Standards: At the end of each academic year full-time students (those attempting at least 12 credits per semester) must have successfully completed a minimum of 24 credits. At the end of each academic year part- time students aided as three-quarter time (those attempting 9 to 11 credits per semester) must complete a minimum of 18 credits; half-time students (those attempting 6 to 8 credits per semester) must complete a minimum of 12 credits; and less-than-half- time students (those attempting 3 to 5 credits) must complete a minimum of 6 credits.

Note: Grades of a “D” or higher are counted towards successfully completed credits. Repeat courses are not eligible to be counted as credits earned toward academic progress. Repeat courses are defined as any course for which a student has already received academic credit.

Good Standing - Qualitative Standards: To remain eligible to continue receiving federal and institutional financial aid, student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the end of the first academic year and maintain a cumulative GPA minimum of 2.00 thereafter. Academic scholarships require a cumulative GPA of 3.00.

Evaluation Procedure: A student’s eligibility for financial aid will be reviewed after the end of each academic year. Student Financial Services will notify the student in writing of the decision to deny eligibility for aid as soon as the information needed to measure academic progress is available. Full or part-time students are not required to maintain continuous enrollment to remain eligible for financial aid; however, students returning after a period of time will be reviewed for eligibility before financial aid is granted.

Options

A student who does not complete the required number of credits within the academic year, or does not attain the required cumulative GPA, has the following options:

• Complete the required number of credits and/or achieve the minimum GPA during a regular semester without receiving additional financial aid;

• Submit in writing an appeal to the Academic Progress and Good Standing requirement. Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Director of Student Financial Services and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Appeal forms will be provided by Student Financial Services.* Students may be required to meet with a Student Financial Services Counselor as part of the appeal process. The Director of Student Financial Services may require a signed academic plan developed by the student in conjunction with the Center for Academic Advising and other supporting documentation of a student's circumstances, as appropriate.

*Please note that any appeal granted by Cedar Crest College to its Academic Progress and Good Standing Policy is not applicable to the Pennsylvania State Grant program. A separate appeal process must be completed directly with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency State Grant Division.

Academic Progress and Withdrawal: Students who withdraw and are subject to a Title IV aid refund calculation and received overpayment are subject to the aforementioned progress requirements.

Maximum Time Frame: A student may receive aid for the equivalent of a maximum of eight full-time semesters while attending Cedar Crest College. Special circumstances may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in the event of extended study beyond the eighth semester. The maximum time frame for receipt of federal Title IV funds is the equivalent of twelve semesters. The Pennsylvania State Grant program has a maximum time frame of the equivalent of eight full-time semesters.