Birmingham-Southern College
Catalog
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FINANCIAL AID
Philosophy of Student Financial Aid at Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham-Southern College feels strongly that worthy, qualified
students should have an opportunity for a college education regardless
of their economic circumstances. Although we feel that the principal
responsibility of financing a college education lies with the student's
family, the College is willing to join the family in providing monetary
assistance for all eligible students when the financial need is demonstrated.
The student should also be prepared to assume a measure of responsibility
through limited work and through borrowing a reasonable portion of
any financial need. All students meeting admission requirements at
Birmingham-Southern and applying for need-based financial aid through
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are considered
for assistance without regard to race, sex, sexual preference, creed,
color, or national origin provided they meet the U.S. citizenship
requirements. Foreign students who are not "eligible non-citizens"
are not eligible for federal, state, or institutional need-based financial
aid.
Institutional Principles of Financial Aid
Based on the statement of philosophy above, and with an understanding
that aid resources at the College are limited, the following principles
have been adopted by the Financial Aid Office:
(1) The primary purpose of the financial aid program is to provide
assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable
to attend Birmingham-Southern College.
(2) Financial assistance consists of grants, scholarships, loans,
and employment which may be offered to students singularly or
in various combinations.
(3) The family of a student is expected to make a maximum effort
to assist the student with college expenses. Financial assistance
from the Financial Aid Office is viewed only as a supplement to
the student and the family contribution.
(4) Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
(5) The total amount of need-based financial assistance offered
a student by the Financial Aid Office shall not exceed the student's
demonstrated eligibility. Non need-based institutional aid (i.e.
merit scholarships) with the exception of the McWane Honors Scholarship,
the Thomas E. Jernigan Scholarship, and the Vesta Insurance Group
Scholarship shall not exceed the cost of regular tuition as published
by the College.
(6) In determining the amount of other resources available to
the student, the Financial Aid Office shall take into account
the financial support which can be reasonably expected from income,
assets, and other resources available to the parent and the student.
The Federal Methodology (FM) analysis established by Congress
shall be the mechanism used to determine the family's contribution.
(7) Self-help is awarded to most students applying for need-based
financial aid.
(8) In determining a student's financial aid award, outside resources
(including scholarships, grants, and loans) will be taken into
consideration to ensure equitable distribution of funds and adherence
to federal regulations.
(9) International students are eligible only for institutional
merit aid and with that, only on a case-by-case basis as approved
by the Financial Aid Committee of the College.
(10) All financial aid recipients are informed of the conditions
under which aid is granted at the time the offer is made.
Application Information and Procedures
NOTE: Financial aid is not automatically renewable. Students must
apply for financial aid each year. Financial aid packages may vary
in content as well as total amounts from year to year, and the Financial
Aid Office reserves the right to change packaging policies annually.
New students should explore local financial aid sources with high
school, community, and church representatives. Local libraries have
resources listing national organization scholarships as well. In
addition, the Birmingham-Southern Financial Aid Web site contains
links to outside financial aid sources.
New students must first apply for admission to Birmingham-Southern
College. Thereafter, the procedure is the same for all students
interested in applying for need-based financial aid. This procedure
is outlined below:
(1) Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
or the Renewal FAFSA and mail to the FAFSA processor in the envelope
provided as soon as possible after January 1. The FAFSA may be
obtained from high school guidance counselors, from Birmingham-Southern
or from the Department of Education's Web site at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Returning students who completed and mailed an original FAFSA
for the prior academic year should receive a Renewal FAFSA at
home in November or December from the Department of Education.
It is imperative that the Birmingham Southern College Title IV
code, 001012, be placed in the appropriate space indicated on
the FAFSA so that Birmingham Southern will receive your processed
information in a timely fashion. If you do not place Birmingham-Southern's
Title IV code on the FAFSA, you will need to submit your Student
Aid Report (SAR) to our office. The SAR is a document you will
receive after mailing your FAFSA to the processor. Please note
that you need to submit the original or renewal FAFSA early enough
for the College to receive your processed information by our priority
date, March 1. It takes three to four weeks for the FAFSA to be
processed, so plan accordingly. Please note also that you and
your parents should complete your income tax returns before completing
the FAFSA, and remember to make a copy of your completed FAFSA
for your records.
(2) Submit additional financial documents if requested by Birmingham-Southern
College. Your financial aid application may be selected for verification
by the Department of Education or by Birmingham-Southern. If this
occurs, we will ask for additional financial documents to be submitted
to our office. Such requested documents will include tax returns
of the student and the parents (if a dependent student) or the
student and the student's spouse (if an independent student),
your W-2s, and/or any other documents that will be necessary to
verify the accuracy of the information provided on the FAFSA.
Verification can take a while to complete, so it is important
that you reply to our requests for documents and/or clarification
of issues as soon as possible. You cannot be awarded until your
file is accurate and verified.
(3) Students who wish to be considered for Ministerial Student
Tuition Assistance and/or the Ministerial Family Tuition Assistance
should contact the Financial Aid Office for the required application
form(s).
(4) Students who are members of the United Methodist Church and
who wish to be considered for the United Methodist Church Scholarship
($500-$2,000, based on demonstrated need) or for the United Methodist
Church and College Partnership Scholarship, should contact the
Financial Aid Office for information about applying for these
scholarships. Students from other denominations should inquire
about Church and College Partnership Scholarships as well.
(5) The Alabama Student Grant may be available if you are a student
who is a resident of Alabama (and has been for the past 12 months).
This non-need-based grant is available to students who meet the
following criteria: are Alabama residents attending a private
college in Alabama, are not religion majors, are not preparing
for a full-time religious vocation, and have not received a baccalaureate
degree. New students who have confirmed that they will be members
of the first-year class by June will be mailed an application
in their financial aid packets (mailed upon acceptance to the
College). Returning students will be mailed an application in
January for the next academic year.
Scholarship and Grant Eligibility
In order to qualify for, or to maintain, an institutional scholarship
or need-based grant, a student must take at least three full-unit
courses or the equivalent per term and must maintain a designated
overall grade point average as specified in the students' scholarship
notification letter sent from the Office of Admission. To qualify
for a federal or state grant, loan, or work, a student must take at
least 1.50 full-unit courses or the equivalent per term and must be
making measurable progress toward a degree.
Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Satisfactory Academic Progress
Title IV federal financial aid recipients must maintain certain standards
of academic progress toward graduation. This "Satisfactory Academic
Progress" is regulated by Title IV federal regulations, and the
College is required to evaluate federal aid recipients' progress toward
graduation. Please note that the standards below apply to Title IV
federal financial aid recipients only. Students who attend Birmingham-Southern
College without receiving federal financial aid are not held to the
standards below. However, all students, federal and non-federal aid
recipients, are required to abide by the standards of progress as
outlined in the Academic Policy section of this catalog.
To be eligible for federal financial aid awards, students must
make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward graduation and
be in good standing. SAP is evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively
at the end of each academic year. Quantitatively, a student who
receives federal financial aid funding must complete his or her
program of study within 150% of the normal published time frame.
All of the policies below allow flexibility for students' incompletes,
repeated courses, remedial courses, withdrawals, changes in major,
etc. Thus, the maximum time frame is not extended for such cases.
However, periods of non-enrollment will not count against the 150%
of the normal published time frame.
Should the Financial Aid Office determine that a student is not
making satisfactory academic progress toward his or her degree,
the student will be notified in writing of this fact, and Title
IV aid will be suspended (known as Title IV suspension) until the
student resumes making satisfactory academic progress. Again, the
maximum time frame for completing a course of study is not extended
due to the student's Title IV suspension. Should the student wish
to appeal his or her Title IV suspension, he or she must do so in
writing to the Director of Financial Aid. This appeal letter should
include the circumstances surrounding the lack of SAP and a plan
of action detailing the student's efforts to meet SAP.
For full-time students (at least 3 units per regular semester),
all college work must be completed in 12 regular semesters. The
schedule below is cumulative from a student's first year of work
at Birmingham-Southern, regardless of when he or she first received
Title IV aid at Birmingham-Southern. One unit of completed work
is equal to four semester hours. Transfer credit is evaluated by
the Provost, Dean of Records and Research, and Vice President for
Admission and Financial Aid Services prior to the student enrolling
at the College. Although summer terms may be used to assist students
in consistent SAP according to the policies outlined below, summer
terms will not be considered a regular term in calculating percentages
of a completed program. The term "regular semester" denotes
fall, winter, and spring terms only. Quantitative requirements are
as follows:
25% of a student's program or nine units of work must be completed
within three consecutive regular semesters.
50% of a student's program or eighteen units of work must be
completed within six consecutive regular semesters.
75% of a student's program or twenty-seven units of work must
be completed within nine consecutive regular semesters.
100% of a student's program or thirty-six units of work must
be completed within twelve consecutive regular semesters.
For less-than-full-time students (less than 3 units per regular
semester), all college work must be completed in 24 regular semesters.
25% of a student's program or nine units of work must be completed
within six consecutive regular semesters.
50% of a student's program or eighteen units of work must be
completed within twelve consecutive regular semesters.
75% of a student's program or twenty-seven units of work must
be completed within eighteen consecutive regular semesters.
100% of a student's program or thirty-six units of work must
be completed within twenty-four consecutive regular semesters.
Qualitative (GPA) requirements for all Title IV recipients are as
follows:
1.50 cumulative GPA after nine units of completed work
1.80 cumulative GPA after eighteen units of completed work
2.00 cumulative GPA after twenty-seven units of completed work
Enrollment Requirements
To be eligible to receive need based financial aid other than the
Federal Pell Grant, a student must be enrolled at least half time
in a program leading to the receipt of a degree or certificate. A
student who is enrolled less than half time may be eligible to receive
a Pell Grant as long as the student is seeking a degree. A student's
financial aid award may be adjusted up through the last day for tuition
adjustment due to enrollment changes.
Students who register for classes but do not attend at least one
class session are not eligible to receive federal, state, or institutional
funds. Students who attend at least one class, cease attending all
classes, and do not officially withdraw from the College, are considered
to have unofficially withdrawn and are subject to proration even
if the school becomes aware of the lack of attendance at the end
of the term or after the term has concluded. The date of withdrawal
will be the last day the student attended at least one class.
Refund Policy after Official or Unofficial Withdrawals
For those students who withdraw and are receiving federal funding,
such as a Pell Grant, Student Loan, etc., the refund policy of Title
IV funds (back to the federal programs) is dictated by federal regulations
governing Title IV financial aid programs. This policy utilizes prescribed
federal regulations based on the date of withdrawal and percentage
of time enrolled. For the purposes of Title IV refund policy, the
withdrawal date is the date the student came into any administrative
office and stated his or her intention to withdraw. The withdrawal
date for a student who otherwise provides official notification to
the College of his or her intent to withdraw is the date of the student's
notification. For example, if on October 13 a student informs an administrative
office (i.e., Registrar, Comptroller, Financial Aid, Provost) of his
or her intent to withdraw on October 16, the withdrawal date is October
13. All administrative offices will notify the Financial Aid Office
regarding the student's intent to withdraw. Financial Aid will be
prorated based on the date of notification-not the date the forms
are returned to the appropriate office, such as the Registrar.
The U.S. Federal Government determines the amount of Title IV funds
a student has earned as of the date he or she notifies any administrative
office of his or her intent to withdraw. The amount of the title
IV Program assistance earned is based on the amount of time the
student spent in academic attendance; it has no relationship to
the student's incurred institutional charges.
Up through the sixty percent point in each payment period (each
term) or period of enrollment, a pro rata schedule is used to determine
the amount of Title IV funds the student has earned at the time
of withdrawal. After the sixty percent point in the payment period
of enrollment, a student has earned one-hundred percent of the Title
IV funds.
Earned financial aid is therefore determined by counting the number
of days the student has attended during a specific period of enrollment
and then dividing this sum by the total number of days in the term.
For example, if a period of enrollment has eighty days of instruction
and student attends only thirty days, then: 30/80=38%. All title
IV funds would be based on the above formula and only thirty-eight
percent of original eligibility would be earned.
Refund Distribution Order
1) Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program
2) Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program
3) Federal PLUS Loan Program
4) Federal Perkins Loan Program
5) Federal Pell Grant Program
6) Federal SEOG Program
7) Other Title IV Programs
8) Other federal, state, private, and institutional programs
9) Student
Unofficial Withdrawals
For students who receive Title IV funds and discontinue attendance
at Birmingham-Southern College without withdrawing officially, a determination
must be made regarding last date of attendance. Each students instructor
will be notified regarding the need for a documented last date of
attendance, i.e., last exam, last paper, etc. This date will be used
to determine eligibility for Title IV funds.
For students who receive either all failures or incomplete grades.
A determination must be made regarding attendance. Each instructor
will be contacted regarding a documented last date of attendance.
Where no official date is determined, students will receive only
fifty percent of eligible funds. If a student never attended and
never withdrew, no Title IV funds can be applied to the student's
account.
Repayment Distribution Order
1) Federal Perkins Loan Program
2) Federal Pell Grant Program
3) Federal SEOG Program
4) Other Title IV Programs
5) Other federal, state, private, or institutional programs
Government Assistance
Veterans Educational Benefits
Birmingham-Southern College is approved by the State Approving
Agency to certify students who are eligible for Veterans Educational
Benefits. For further information on this program or to see if you
qualify, please contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000.
The campus representative is the Financial Aid Office.
Federal Programs
Pell Grant. This grant is available to undergraduate students
who have not received a baccalaureate degree. Eligibility is determined
by the EFC as calculated using information provided on the FAFSA.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). This
grant is available to undergraduate students who have not received
a baccalaureate degree. Eligibility is based on the student's
EFC and the availability of funds, and is determined by the Financial
Aid Office using the information from the student's FAFSA.
Subsidized Stafford Loan. This is a low interest loan
that enters repayment six months after the student ceases to be
enrolled at least half time. The term "subsidized" means
that the government pays the interest on the loan while the student
is enrolled in school and during the six-month grace period after
a student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. First-year
students may be eligible to borrow up to $2,625, sophomores up
to $3,500, and juniors and seniors up to $5,500
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. This loan program provides
financial assistance to all students regardless of income. It
is similar to the Subsidized Stafford Loan in that the repayment
terms and loan limits by class standing are the same. The difference
is that the student, rather than the federal government, is responsible
for paying the interest on the Unsubsidized loan while he or she
is enrolled. The total amount of both the Subsidized and Unsubsidized
Stafford Loans must not be more than the annual loan limits set
for the student's class standing.
Perkins Loan. This loan is made to the student from the
school rather than an outside lender. It is awarded based on the
student's EFC and the availability of funds. This is a long term,
low interest (5%) loan which enters repayment nine months after
the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.
College Work-Study. This program provides part-time employment
for eligible students. Students usually work 7 to 11 hours per
week at $6.00 per hour, and receive a paycheck twice each month
(except in September when students receive only one paycheck).
The paycheck is made out to the student, and the student chooses
how to use the money. Eligibility for this program is determined
by the Financial Aid Office and is based on demonstrated need
and the availability of funds.
Parent Loan For Undergraduate Students (PLUS). This is
a long term, low interest loan available to parents of dependent
students regardless of income level. The annual loan limit equals
the cost of attending Birmingham-Southern, less any financial
assistance the student is receiving. This loan enters repayment
60 days after the last disbursement of each academic year
State Programs
Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP). This grant is
awarded to Alabama residents and is based on the student's EFC.
Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office using the
results from the FAFSA, and the amount awarded is based on the student's
demonstrated need and the availability of funds.
Alabama Student Grant. This non-need-based grant is available
to students who meet the following criteria: are Alabama residents
attending a private college, are not religion majors and/or are
not preparing for full-time religious vocation, and have not received
a baccalaureate degree. Students must prove residency of the State
of Alabama for the last twelve months. The evidence required to
prove residency is listed on the Alabama Student Grant application
form.
Institutional Loans
(This section has been updated. Click
here for details.)
Birmingham-Southern College has loan funds for eligible students
who need assistance in meeting their expenses. Applicants must have
a "C" average or better in their coursework to be eligible for a
loan. Application for all loans should be made to the financial
aid office.
The Daisy S. and James Herren Adair Loan Fund. This fund
was established as a memorial to her parents through a bequest
from Margaret Adair McGraw of Birmingham. Funds are to be used
for a loan fund for deserving students with no interest to be
charged on loans from the fund. The payment is to be made on such
terms and conditions as determined by Birmingham-Southern.
The Brewster Byrd Loan Fund. This fund was established
in 1979 at First Methodist Church of Birmingham by Robert L. Byrd,
Sr. and his wife, Alice Brewster Byrd. Other contributors have
included Mobile residents Judge Robert L. Byrd, Jr., and his wife,
Mary W. Byrd. The fund was transferred to Birmingham-Southern
College in 1990. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial
assistance for direct educational expenses of students who are
deserving and of good character. The fund provides a maximum loan
of $3,000, a minimum of 5% interest, and a period of up to 10
years for repayment. Complete details may be obtained from the
Office of Financial Aid.
The Dr. A.M. Freeman Loan Fund. This loan fund is for
African-American students and is provided by a gift from Dr. A.M.
Freeman.
The Pickett and Hatcher Education Loan Fund. This loan
is available to men and women whose interest is primarily in the
liberal arts.
The Rueben Fletcher Monette and John Caller James Memorial
Fund. This fund was established in memory of Rueben Fletcher
Monette, M.D., and John Caller James, D.D. Income from this endowment
fund is available for awards to students preparing for the pastoral
ministry of the United Methodist Church only. Awards shall be
based upon need as determined by the College, and no loan in any
year shall exceed actual need or $1,000, whichever sum is smaller.
Awards will be made as interest free loans secured by a promissory
note. After the recipient has served 20 years as an active pastor
in the United Methodist Church, the total loan will be forgiven.
If at any time the recipient withdraws from the pastoral ministry
of the United Methodist Church or leaves the United Methodist
Ministry to become a minister of any other denomination or religious
sect, the total amount of the loan shall become due and payable
at once and shall bear interest at the rate of 5% per annum
The Lucille Ryals Thompson Loan Endowment. This endowment
was created in 1991 by the Hall W. Thompson Family of Shoal Creek.
In honoring Mrs. Thompson it pays tribute to her role as partner
of more than fifty years in the success of Mr. Thompson, one of
Birmingham's and Alabama's most successful businessmen and influential
citizens. Very much her own person, Lucy Thompson's greatest sense
of fulfillment has been found in family as wife, mother, and grandmother.
That nurturing role and interest in young people finds expression
in this loan fund to assist students in covering the cost of their
college education. Details about qualifications for a loan, as
well as repayment requirements, are on file in the Office of Financial
Aid.
The United Methodist Student Loan Fund. Loans are available
to Methodist students at four percent interest.
The Leland G. Waldrop Endowed Loan Fund. This fund is
available each year for helping some student continue an education.
This loan, without interest, is to be repaid by the student as
soon as possible after graduation, within a limit of five years.
Zonta Club Loan Fund. In honor of Minnie McNeill Carr,
the Zonta Club of Birmingham sponsors a revolving loan fund for
music students.
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