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Types of Aid Available

Types of Aid Available

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    Federal Aid

    There are three main types of federal aid: 

    Pell Grants 
    Provided directly by the Federal government to students with exceptional need. FAFSA required.

    Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG) 
    Federal funds provided to the school and limited to students who qualify for a Pell Grant.

    Federal Work Study (FWS)
    Provides funds for part-time employment to help needy students finance the cost of postsecondary education

     

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    State Aid (Alabama)

    State Aid for Alabama Residents:

    The Alabama Student Grant (ASG) is non-need-based and requires proof of residency in Alabama and a separate application. The ASG award ranges from $300-$1500 a year, dependent on the amount of aid available.

    The Alabama Student Assistance Program (ASAP) is a need-based grant and requires a valid FAFSA.  ASAP is offered to students who demonstrate extreme financial need. The standard award at BSC is about $800/year. (FAFSA required)

    Other Alabama Student Aid Programs: Learn about the full range of state aid programs here.

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    BSC Scholarships for Incoming Students

    BSC provides students millions of dollars in tuition benefits each year through scholarships created to honor academic and other achievements. The BSC scholarship program is supported by our generous donors. Click here to learn about some of our main scholarship options

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    BSC Scholarships for Current Students

    These BSC scholarships are designated for current students in specific classes or majors or who have demonstrated special skills or interests in their time at Birmingham-Southern. Most are awarded during Honors Day. These scholarships are supported by BSC’s generous donors.

     

    Black Student Union Scholarship

    The BSU scholarship fund was established in 2003 by the Black Alumni Association. The purpose of the fund is to support the mission of BSC and to recognize an outstanding rising senior. For consideration, candidates must be sophomores or juniors and have a minimum of GPA of 3.0. The scholarship shall be awarded to a student who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership involvement with the Black Student Union, specifically, and BSC in general. The scholarship award ($1500) will be announced and presented at Honors Day. Click here to apply.

     

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    External scholarships

    Many BSC students also seek additional scholarship dollars from outside sources. We are happy to assist you in coordinating external scholarships and your other financial aid. Good places to start your search are: 
    FastWeb: http://www.fastweb.com/ 
    FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/
    SallieMae: www.salliemae.com/scholarshipsearch 

     

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    Loans

    BSC provides federally insured, low-interest, long-term loans to students and parents through the U.S. Department of Education. There are four main types of federal loans:

    • Direct Subsidized Loans are need-based and go to students.
    • Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not need-based and go to students.
    • Direct PLUS Loans go to parents and are not need-based.

    Private loans are also available. In a given school year, about 50 BSC students utilize private/alternative student loans to help cover costs of attendance that are not covered with other sources of financial aid, including past due balances. Most private/alternative student loans are borrowed by the student and require a creditworthy co-signer.

    The student is free to choose any lender for a private/alternative student loan, and BSC Financial Planning certifies eligibility and coordinates the loan with other financial aid awards. BSC has screened certain private/alternative lenders to assist the student in the selection process. 

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    BSC Grants

    Students eligible for additional funds after their BSC scholarships, external scholarships, and federal and state grants may receive a BSC grant funded by the college and based on demonstrated financial need.