Financial Aid-Undergraduate

General Information

Brenau University offers a comprehensive financial aid program for qualified students. A student’s eligibility for scholarships and financial aid is determined from documents submitted by the student to both the Office of Admissions and the Office of Financial Aid. Any undergraduate student who is a United States citizen or permanent resident may apply for need-based financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Any new student must complete all Brenau University admissions requirements and be fully accepted for admission before financial aid can be awarded. A student who is allowed conditional enrollment for one term is not eligible for financial aid until admissions requirements are met.

Applications for financial aid are generally processed on a rolling basis year round. Processing for each new academic year (beginning with the fall semester) starts the previous January. Students who plan to apply for need-based financial aid programs should complete the FAFSA as early as possible after January 1st in order to ensure consideration for federal and institutional programs that typically have limited funds. It is advisable to submit all required financial aid documents no later than April 1st for the following academic year. Students who wish to apply only for continuously funded financial aid programs such as Federal Pell Grants and Direct Loans should have a completed financial aid file a minimum of one month prior to the beginning date of the first semester for which financial aid is needed.

Enrollment Status  An undergraduate student enrolled for at least six (6) credit hours but fewer than twelve (12) credit hours per semester is considered a half-time student, while an undergraduate student enrolled for twelve (12) or more credit hours per semester is considered full time.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal and state regulations require institutions to establish standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for recipients of financial aid. The purpose of SAP is to measure students’ progress toward completion of the specific educational program in which they are enrolled. The Office of Financial Aid is responsible for ensuring that all financial aid recipients are meeting these standards. This requirement is accomplished through an evaluation that occurs at the end of each semester.

A satisfactory academic progress policy consists of two types of standards – qualitative and quantitative. Below is a description of both of these standards.

Qualitative Standard  This standard measures grade point average (GPA). An undergraduate student must be in “good standing” with Brenau University, as evidenced by a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. This GPA is calculated on all courses taken at Brenau University as well as those transferred in from other institutions. In addition, a student whose semester GPA drops below 2.0 may be placed on academic probation, and then on academic suspension if a 2.0 or higher GPA is not earned in the following semester. It should be noted that these minimum GPA requirements do not apply to the renewal of academic scholarships, HOPE Scholarship, or other grant programs that require a specific GPA for renewal.

Quantitative Standard  This standard measures both the percentage of courses successfully completed (completion rate) and the maximum time frame, in semester hours, for completion of an educational program.

1. Completion Rate  At student receiving financial aid must demonstrate measurable progress toward the completion his or her degree program by maintaining an overall completion rate of 67 percent. This applies to both full-time and part-time financial aid recipients. Completion rate is calculated using the following formula: Earned hours divided by attempted hours. Attempted hours are those credit hours for which a student is still registered after the last date on which classes will be totally eliminated from a student’s registration (and transcript) as published by the Registrar. Earned hours are successfully completed courses in which grades of A, B, C, D, or P are awarded, as long as credit is earned. Withdrawals (W, WF), incompletes (I), and failed courses (F) are considered attempted hours but not earned hours.
2. Maximum Time Frame  Federal regulations allow a student to receive financial aid for no more than 150% of the credit hours required to complete the degree program. Most students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at Brenau University may attempt up to a maximum of 180 semester hours toward the completion of a 120-semester-hour program. Students in Brenau degree programs that require more than 120 hours will have their time frame extended proportionally based on the length of the program. Frequent withdrawals from courses or from school, changes of major, and failed or repeated courses could jeopardize financial aid eligibility. All hours attempted at Brenau University, as well as those credits accepted on transfer from previous institutions toward the student’s degree program will count toward the maximum time frame. Students who have completed sufficient hours and courses to complete their degree program are no longer eligible for financial aid even if there is some other obstacle such as required GPA that is preventing graduation.

• It is important to note that: government regulations prohibit recipients of federal student aid programs to enroll in courses generally not required for the student’s program of study. This includes repeating a course when a higher grade is not required, taking unneeded courses for the sole purpose of increasing cumulative grade point average, and enrolling in unnecessary courses simply to maintain a specific enrollment status (i.e., half-time to establish federal loan eligibility or full-time to maintain health insurance).

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Evaluation Process  Academic records will be reviewed at the end of each semester to determine if the student is maintaining the standards established in the SAP policy. A student who fails to meet the SAP standards, qualitative and/or quantitative, will be placed on financial aid probation for the next semester. During the probationary semester, the student is still eligible for financial aid. If the student does not meet the SAP standards by the end of the next semester of enrollment, future financial aid will be terminated. A student whose financial aid is terminated may appeal to the Financial Aid Committee for reinstatement.

Appeal Procedures  A financial aid recipient who loses eligibility for aid may appeal to the Financial Aid Committee, except in the case of loss of eligibility due to time frame. Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. The appeal should identify any extenuating circumstance(s) that negatively influenced the student’s academic performance. Circumstances that may be considered are those events/situations that are out of the student’s control, such as serious injury, illness (physical or mental) of the student or an immediate family member, death of an immediate family member, and other extenuating circumstances. The appeal should include a description of the circumstances, including documentation, as well as the student’s proposed course of action to resolve the academic deficiency.

The Financial Aid Committee will review each appeal and make a decision on reinstatement. The Director of Financial Aid will notify the student in writing either by mail or via the student’s Brenau email account of the appeal decision, as well as any conditions associated with reinstatement of financial aid eligibility. A student whose appeal is approved will receive financial aid on a probationary status for the next semester of enrollment, after which academic performance will be reviewed again for continued financial aid eligibility.

Restoring Financial Aid Eligibility  A student whose appeal is not granted, or a student who does not have extenuating circumstances can only regain eligibility by meeting the requirements of the SAP policy as stated above. Taking courses at the student’s expense, sitting out a semester, or taking courses at another institution does not automatically restore financial aid eligibility for financial aid. When a student has resolved the academic deficiencies that resulted in termination of eligibility, he or she should contact the office of financial aid and request a new SAP evaluation.

Federal Aid

General Regulations  In order to receive federally funded financial aid at Brenau University a student must be a United States citizen or permanent resident, must be seeking a degree or certificate, must be enrolled at least half-time (except for Pell Grant), and must maintain satisfactory academic progress. All federal financial aid may be applied for by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA).

Federal Pell Grant  The Pell Grant is an entitlement for eligible students who have not already earned a bachelor’s degree. This grant often provides a foundation of financial aid to which other types of aid may be added. Grant amounts range from $277 to $2,775 per semester, with the opportunity to receive funds year round.

Academic Competitiveness Grant. This federal grant provides $750 for entering freshmen who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and who have completed a rigorous high school curriculum (as determined by specific federal guidelines). Sophomore Pell recipients who have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average after the freshman year may receive an award of $1,300.

National SMART Grant. Undergraduate Federal Pell Grant recipients who are juniors or seniors pursuing majors in science or technology fields may be eligible for this federal grant. Brenau students majoring in biology may qualify for a $4,000 annual award if they have earned a 3.0 cumulative grade point average after the sophomore year and are eligible for the Pell Grant.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. This grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need with priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Grant amounts vary.

Subsidized Federal Direct Loan. This loan program allows students who demonstrate financial need to borrow educational funds from the U.S. Department of Education with no interest accruing as long as they are enrolled at least half time. A freshman may borrow up to $3,500 per academic year; a sophomore, up to $4,500; a student at the junior level or above may borrow a maximum of $5,500. Repayment of principal and interest begins six months after the student graduates or is no longer at least a half-time student.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. This loan is available to students without regard to financial need in addition to the Subsidized Federal Direct Loan. Interest will accrue during periods of enrollment. Dependent students may borrow $2000 in addition to the amount of eligibility established for their year in college, however, independent students may be eligible to borrow additional funds up to the following annual limits: freshmen and sophomores up to $6,000; juniors and above up to $7,000.

Federal PLUS Loan. The PLUS program is available for parents of dependent students. A parent may obtain a PLUS without demonstrating financial need and may borrow up to the entire annual cost of attendance as certified by the Office of Financial Aid. PLUS borrowers must have satisfactory credit.

Federal Perkins Loan. A student with exceptional financial need may borrow up to $4,000 per academic year through this loan program. Interest at the rate of 5% will accrue beginning nine months after graduation or after a drop to less than half-time enrollment. Repayment will also begin at that time. Loan cancellation provisions are included for certain teaching fields, nursing, and public service. Perkins funds are limited.

Federal Work-Study. This program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. Jobs are assigned by the Office of Career Services. Students employed through the Federal Work-Study program earn the current minimum wage.
 

State Assistance

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. The purpose of this grant is to provide tuition assistance to Georgia residents who wish to pursue their education at a private college or university within Georgia. Eligible students must be enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree program. Students may apply online at www.gacollege411.org prior to their initial enrollment at Brenau University. The grant amount varies according to state appropriations.

HOPE Scholarship. Funded by proceeds from the Georgia Lottery for Education, the HOPE Scholarship is available for students who graduated from an eligible Georgia high school with a 3.0 average in a college preparatory curriculum. Other students may be eligible for the HOPE Scholarship if they meet specific Georgia residency requirements and earn a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at 30, 60 or 90 attempted semester hours. Eligible students will receive up to $2,000 per semester as long as they maintain a 3.0 grade point average and enroll as full-time students. Eligible half-time students will receive $1,000 per semester. A student who has earned a previous bachelor’s degree or who has attempted more than 127 semester hours (or 150 semester hours for degree programs designed to take more than four years to complete) is not eligible for HOPE Scholarship. Students who wish to be considered for the HOPE Scholarship must complete the online scholarship and grant application (GSFAPPS) at www.gacollege411.org.

Institutional Scholarships and Aid
The Women’s College

The Brenau Scholars Program. This scholarship program recognizes and assists outstanding students with demonstrated academic and leadership strengths. It is designed for those students who desire to develop these qualities to their fullest potential in a stimulating and challenging university environment. Students are selected based on their past and potential academic success, leadership achievement and personal qualities as exemplified in the Brenau Ideal. Brenau Scholars must have an SAT score of 1200 (at least 500 on each sub-score) or better or ACT composite score of 29 or better and a 3.3 grade point average in a college preparatory curriculum. Each recipient must be a residential student. Recipients of the Brenau Scholar Award will receive an amount equal to tuition charges for 120 semester hours of academic coursework (the equivalent of four academic years or eight semesters), except in the case of a student completing the BS/MS in Occupational Therapy, which requires a fifth year of study. Georgia residents who are eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship and/or the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant must maintain eligibility for those awards. Funds from those two programs will be applied first toward tuition charges, with the Brenau Scholar Award covering the remainder of tuition cost. Technology fees and other incidental fees, along with room and board charges, will not be covered by the Brenau Scholar Award. However, students who are eligible to receive funds from other state grants and/or federal student aid programs may apply those funds against the cost of fees and room and board. Recipients of the Brenau Scholar Award may be eligible to receive additional scholarships or grants funded by Brenau University, including athletic grants and fine arts scholarships. Renewal of the scholarship is contingent upon the student meeting the qualifying criteria outlined in the scholarship contract. Eligibility for renewal will be assessed at the end of each academic year.

Trustee and Faculty Excellence Scholarships. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic achievement and merit at the high school level. Recipients typically have an SAT score of 1000 or better or ACT composite score of 21 or better, accompanied by a 3.0 grade point average in a college-preparatory curriculum. The Brenau Scholarship Committee will determine the award based upon these minimum criteria and the level of coursework attempted by the applicant. These awards are renewable as long as the recipient maintains a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for the Trustee Scholarship and a 2.8 cumulative grade point average for the Faculty Excellence Scholarship. Eligibility for renewal will be assessed at the end of each semester. Scholarship amounts generally range from $5,500 to $11,500 per academic year.

Brenau Achievement Grants. These grants are awarded to students who have a record of academic success, but do not meet the minimum standardized test score requirements for either the Trustee Scholarship or the Faculty Excellence Scholarship. Achievement Grants are renewable as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing at Brenau University. Eligibility for renewal will be assessed at the end of each semester. Scholarship amounts generally range from $5,000 to $9,000 per academic year.

Brenau Opportunity Grants. These grants are awarded to students who are not eligible for any of the four academic awards previously mentioned, but, in the opinion of the Scholarship Committee, have the potential to be academically successful at Brenau University. Opportunity Grants are renewable as long as the recipient remains in good academic standing at Brenau University. Eligibility for renewal will be assessed at the end of each semester. Award amounts will vary.

Other Scholarships and Sources of Financial Aid

The following scholarships and grants are awarded annually and are made possible through the generosity of donors to Brenau University.  

Veterans Administration Educational Benefits

Any veteran, veteran’s dependent or active duty serviceperson who qualifies for VA educational benefits may apply for those benefits through the Office of Financial Aid. The necessary forms should be obtained from that office, completed and returned prior to the beginning of the semester the student plans to initially enroll. All students who receive VA educational benefits are expected to comply with the following Brenau University requirements: 

1. Students must comply with attendance regulations of Brenau University and the Veterans Administration and may not drop courses or stop attending classes without executing formal withdrawal procedures.
2. Any change in a student’s semester course load should be reported to the Office of Financial Aid immediately.
3. Students should notify the Office of Financial Aid when changing academic programs.
4. Students must enroll in only those courses outlined on academic program plans prepared by Brenau University officials.
5. Students can only be certified for benefits for two semesters pending their official acceptance by Brenau University.
6. Courses for which college credit has been granted by Brenau University cannot be repeated unless required by academic policy.

Brenau University is required to report to the Veterans Administration on attendance, progress toward educational objectives, and other matters affecting benefits. All benefits except for the Post-9/11 GI Bill are paid directly to the student.