Below are some of the frequently asked questions of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. If you have a question that isn’t listed here, please contact us at aid@andersonuniversity.edu or (864) 231-7555.
When will summer schedules be released and what is the cost of summer classes?
Schedules are typically released during the first week of March. Cost for summer school is usually half the cost of the per credit hour charge during the fall and spring semesters.
How many hours must I have to be considered a full-time student?
Full time students must enroll in and maintain 12 hours per semesters to remain a full time student. Many state, federal and University scholarships are contingent on the student remaining a full time student.
How do I know if work study jobs are available?
Students awarded Work Study will get information in July regarding the offices on campus that may have positions available. Students can also search for jobs in the job book available in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. The Career Planning and Professional Development Office also has a listing of jobs off campus for those students not participating in the Work Study program.
When is the FAFSA deadline for Anderson University?
March 1 is the priority filing deadline for the FAFSA. Any students who complete the FAFSA after this date may be subject to reductions in funding.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA every year?
The FAFSA must be completed every year in which the student wishes to apply for financial aid. Anderson University requires each student (U.S. Citizen) to complete the FAFSA.
Is my freshman year the only year I can receive the HOPE scholarship?
The HOPE scholarship is only valid for two semesters. Students must earn 30 credit hours and have a 3.0 LIFE GPA in order to become eligible for LIFE in the second year.
What are the LIFE scholarship requirements?
Eligible South Carolina residents must have two of the three: a 3.0 grade point average (State Uniform Grading Scale), 1100 SAT or 24 ACT composite score, or top 30 percent of high school class in order to receive this $5,000 scholarship. Students can gain eligibility at Anderson University with an average of 30 hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms) and a 3.0 cumulative (Collegiate) GPA. To maintain eligibility, at Anderson University student must maintain a 3.0 GPA (Collegiate) and an average of 30 earned hours per academic year (fall, spring and summer terms). Upon receipt of the final high school transcript, the Admissions Office determines eligibility for the scholarship.
Can summer school classes count toward the hours and GPA requirement for the LIFE Scholarship?
Academic work at any eligible institution is considered along with Anderson University credit for purposes of calculating a LIFE GPA. If the student is deficient in GPA or credit hours, the student can enroll at another institution during the summer in an attempt to meet the LIFE requirements. Any academic work taken at another institution must first be approved by the Registrar through a Transient approval form. Academic transcripts from all eligible institutions must be received by Anderson University before October 1 to be considered in the LIFE GPA calculation.
If I get an outside scholarship, should I report it to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships?
Absolutely! The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships must calculate all sources of aid to determine your overall financial assistance. You can report these by providing a letter from the scholarship source to our office.
Are there scholarships available for out-of-state students?
Anderson University offers an out of state grant ($3,000) for students who deposit prior to the deadline (April 1). Out of State grants are limited so funding may not last to April 1.
When will I receive my financial aid package for the school year?
First, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships must receive the results of your FAFSA form. This means completion of the FAFSA early is very important since funds are limited. Typically, freshmen awards begin early March and current students receive their award letter after spring grades are recorded.
What are my payment options at Anderson University?
We have several options for payment. First, the balance can be paid in a lump sum when bills are mailed in July. Second, we have a flexible payment plan option that is interest free. There are 6, 5, and 4 month options with this plan. A registration fee is required. Third, there are a variety of loans, such as the PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) Loan that can be used to finance the remainder of any balance owed up to the cost of attendance. Please contact our office for more information on each.
Will my financial aid change from year to year?
Many of our scholarships and grants have minimum GPA requirements. Of course there are many variables in determining whether a student’s financial aid will change. These variables are GPA, EFC (Determined by the FAFSA), completion date of the FAFSA, residency status, etc.
Do I need to be accepted before I apply for financial aid?
You can apply for financial aid before you are accepted to the University. However, we cannot make an official award offer to you until you are accepted.
How do I apply for Pell Grant and other need-based loans?
Any federal loans and Pell Grant are applied for through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). New loan borrowers must also complete a Master Promissory Note. Master Promissory Notes are completed online at www.studentaid.gov. Students need to use the pin # they used when submitting the FAFSA.
Why can’t my parents find out information regarding my student account and/or financial aid?
Anderson University maintains appropriate educational records for each student and assures the confidentiality of such records consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 and the guide developed by the Committee on Records Management and Transcripts Adequacy of the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO).Student records are confidential and will be released to persons outside the college only on the written request of the student. You can fill out the request online.