Financial Aid FAQ's
Below are some of the frequently asked questions of the Financial Aid Planning Office. If you have a question that isn't listed here, please contact us at finaid@andersonuniversity.edu or (864)231-2070.
- 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 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 Financial Aid Planning Office. Career Services 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- When will I receive my financial aid package for the school year?
First, the Financial Aid Planning Office 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 12,10,8 and even 5 month options with this plan. A $35 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 mailed to you by the lender or can be completed online. You can also pick up these forms in the Financial Aid Planning Office.
- If I get an outside scholarship, should I report it to the Financial Aid Planning Office?
Absolutely! The Financial Aid Planning Office 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.
- 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, an 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- How many hours must I have to be considered a full-time student?
Financial Aid Planning Office
Anderson University
316 Boulevard
Box 1142
Anderson, SC 29621
(864) 231-2070
finaid@andersonuniversity.edu