Types and Sources of Aid

The federal government provides a number of different grants to students with financial need.  For most grants, the student only needs to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be automatically considered.  Grants are available to students who are enrolled in at least two full credit courses during a semester who have been accepted to an Associate or Baccalaureate degree program.  Below are listed the various grants that students may receive at Wilson College.

Federal Pell Grant - Grant awarded to lower and middle income students.  Awards range from $555-$5,550 per year.  Students who enroll year-round may be eligible for additional Federal Pell Grant funds.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)–Federal grant program assisting exceptionally needy students with preference given to Federal Pell Grant recipients.  Awards range from $200 to $2,000.  To apply, complete the FAFSA by April 30.

Troops to Teachers - Students in the TIP program who are in the military may be eligible for this grant.  U.S. Department of Education and Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed.  More information can be found online for Troops to Teachers.

Loans - students and parents may borrow funds to help cover educational costs.  Loan funds are available through both federal and private programs.  For federal loans, the student must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program and taking at least two full credit courses.  The student must also be making satisfactory academic progress and not be in default on any prior student loans.  The College also awards loans from several small loan programs.  Students and parents should first consider the federal loan programs.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan–Federal student loans available through the federal government.  The interest rate is fixed at 3.4% for Subsidized Stafford Loans and 6.8% for Unsubsidized Stafford Loans beginning July 1, 2011.  The federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled if there is demonstrated financial need for a Subsidized Stafford Loan.  The student will be responsible for interest payments for any unsubsidized loan.  Loans are repaid over a period of up to ten years.  Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status.  To apply, complete the FAFSA and the Financial Aid Supplemental Form. Federal Direct Stafford Loan Master Promissory Notes can be completed on-line with the FAFSA PIN.  First-time borrowers must complete entrance counseling.  Stafford Loans must be disbursed in two payments with the first at the beginning of the first semester and the second arriving at the College half way through the loan period.

	ALL STUDENTS Subsidized/Unsubsidized Base Amount	ADDITIONAL UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN AMOUNT	INDEPENDENT STUDENTS & DEPENDENT STUDENTS WHOSE PARENTS CANNOT BORROW A PLUS LOAN Additional Unsubsidized Annual Loan Limit
Freshmen	$3,500	$2,000	$4,000
Sophomores	$4,500	$2,000	$4,000
Juniors, Seniors	$5,500	$2,000	$5,000
Teacher Intern Program	$5,500	$2,000	$5,500
Masters Program	$8,500	$12,000

 

Federal Perkins Loans– Federal program providing loans to exceptionally needy students at 5% fixed-rate interest.  Students may borrow up to $5,500 for each year of undergraduate study.  Repayment of principal and interest accrual begins nine months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time enrollment status.  Loans must be repaid within ten years.  To apply, complete the FAFSA and all supporting documentation as requested by the Financial Aid Office by April 30.  Federal Perkins Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note are required by all first-time borrowers will be completed online with ECSI.

Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)–Federal loans designed to help parents meet educational expenses not already covered by financial aid.  Like Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS loans are available through the federal government.  Parents may complete the online Master Promissory Note.  Federal PLUS borrowers may borrow the difference between the student’s cost of education and any financial aid already awarded.  The interest rate is set at 7.9% effective July 1, 2010.  Repayment begins within 60 days after the final loan disbursement for the loan term.  However, parents may arrange deferred payment through the loan servicer. 

The parent borrower must complete a credit check each year for the PLUS Loan.  The PLUS Loan preapproval process may be completed through the Financial Aid Office or through the online PLUS Loan application.  The MPN is completed only once.

Wilson College is required to notify student or parent borrowers in writing whenever it credits the student’s account with Stafford or PLUS Loan funds sent electronically (EFT).  This notification will be sent to borrowers no earlier than 30 days before and no later than 30 days after the College credits the student’s account.  Student or parent borrowers have the right to cancel all or a portion of the loan by informing Wilson College’s Financial Aid Office, in writing, within 14 days after the date of the College’s loan disclosure notice of their wishes.  

TASC (The Alumnae-Student Contract)–Well-qualified women, who otherwise may not be able to attend Wilson, receive loans from a fund subsidized by alumnae, foundations, and other friends of the College.  Awards are based on potential for leadership, academic merit, and character.  Students selected as TASC Scholars receive $1,500 per academic year and, after graduation, repay $300 (interest free) for each year they received TASC assistance.  TASC Scholars who do not graduate from Wilson repay all TASC money received.  Incoming students in the College for Women receive first preference for TASC awards.  Applications are availalbe in the Admissions Office and must be submitted by March 1. 

Alternative Loans - Additional assistance is available to students through a number of private loan programs.  Loans require a credit check and a student may need a co-borrower if there is no prior or a poor credit history.  Interest rates and repayment options vary. 

Once you and your family have considered federal loan options, you can use the Pennsylvania Private Loan Marketplace found online at http://pennsylvania.privateloanmarketplace.com/wilson  to instantly and accurately compare rates and terms from multiple private loan lenders side-by-side. This will help you make an informed decision about the most appropriate loan for you.

PRESBYTERIAN SCHOLARSHIPS

• Scholarships for students attending Wilson college, for Native-Americans and other racially-ethnic students and for children of Presybterian Church USA missionaries.
  
  
• National Network of Presbyterian College Women
  
  
• Synod of the Trinity Scholarships for fulltime students from Pennsylvania, West Virginia (except for the counties of Berkeley, Grant, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Mineral, Morgan, and Pendleton) and in Ohio, the counties of Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe, and the southern sector of Columbiana. who have financial need as based on the financial application (FAFSA).  Applications are available November 1 - April 30.

Many states offer scholarships based on financial need or merit.  Need-based grant programs require students to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and usually an additional form.  These grants have an application deadline that may be as early as February 15.  Below are listed some of the primary states where Wilson College students reside. 

Click on a state below to view more information.

Pennsylvania	Received by May 1
Maryland	Received by March 1
Delaware	Received by April 15
Ohio	Received by October 1
West Virginia	Priority deadline March 1; final deadline April 15 if funding
Connecticut	Received by February 15
Maine	Received by May 1
Massachusetts	Received by May 1
Oregon	Received by March 1
Rhode Island	Received by March 1
Vermont	File ASAP after January 1
Washington, DC	Received by June 30

 

PENNSYLVANIA  – many of the state grant programs are administered by PHEAA/AES (the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency/American Education Services).

• PHEAA Grant – available for state residents who are undergraduates that enrolled at least half-time.  FAFSA filing deadline is May 1.
• Pennsylvania Chafee Education and Training Grant Program  (ETG) – ETG  is an undergraduate grant program for students who are leaving the PA foster care system.
• Post-secondary Educational Gratuity - This form of financial aid is for the children of PA firefighters, police officers, rescue/ambulance squad members or correctional facility employees who have died in the line of duty.
• PA National Guard Educational Assistance Program (EAP)  - This program provides tuition assistance for students who enter into a six-year service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard.
  • Full-time: 100% of tuition charged at a state-owned university
  • Part-time: EITHER actual tuition charged for the part-time course of study, OR two-thirds (2/3) of the full-time tuition charged to a Pennsylvania resident at a state owned university
  • 1 full credit at Wilson College minimum.
  • Students who fail to honor the service commitment with the Pennsylvania National Guard, must repay all EAP funds received, plus interest.
  • Student may also receive Montgomery or Post 9/11 GI Bill monthly educational benefits

MARYLAND  – several scholarship and grant programs are available only for attendance at Maryland colleges.  Below are listed several which may be used by students at Wilson College if the major is not available at a Maryland college.  Students must file the FAFSA no later than March 1 and show financial need.  Contact the legislators in February for additional information.

• Senatorial Scholarship – The student and the parents (if a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student. If your senator makes his/her own awards, you should call or write them for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) can provide a list of all State legislators. Some senators ask the OSFA to make awards for them.
• Delegate Scholarship – The student and the parents (if a dependent student) must be Maryland residents. You must enroll at a two year or four year college  or university as a full-time or part-time, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student. If your delegates make their own awards, you should call or write them for further instructions. The Office of Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) can provide a list of all State legislators. Some delegates ask the OSFA to make awards for them.

DELAWARE – state-funded programs for Delaware state residents who submit the FAFSA prior to April 15 each year may be eligible for several grant programs.

• Scholarship Incentive Program (ScIP)
  • Fulltime student with at least a 2.5 GPA
  • Legal resident of Delaware, US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Awards are $700-2,200 depending on GPA
  • Renewable annually if FAFSA filed on time
• Educational Benefits for Children of Deceased Veterans and Others
  • Legal resident of Delaware, US citizen or eligible non-citizen for three or more consecutive years prior to date of application
  • Children of deceased military, police officers killed in the line of duty or POWs or MIAs
  • Age 16-24
  • Enrolled in a program of study not offered at a Delaware public college or university
  • Application is available from the Higher Education Commission and due at least four weeks before classes begin
• Diamond State Scholarship
  • Legal resident of Delaware who graduated in top quarter of high school class
  • SAT combined score of at least 1800
  • Awards of $1,250 per year; approximately 50 awarded each year
  • Deadline March 21 by 4:30pm, renewable with a 3.0 GPA

OHIO

• Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG)
  • Ohio resident
  • File a FAFSA before October 1
  • Awards range from $600 - $800

WEST VIRGINIA

• West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program
  • WV resident at least 1 year prior to application date
  • File both FAFSA and Common Application for State-Level Financial Aid Programs priority March 1; deadline April 15
  • Must submit a grade report
  • Awards range from $350 - $3,300
• Higher Education Adult Part-time Student (HEAPS) Grant program
  • WV resident, US citizen or permanent resident
  • Be out of high school at least 2 years
  • File a FAFSA, demonstrate financial need and be considered an independent student
  • Enroll part-time on at least a halftime basis in an undergraduate program
  • Complete a separate application
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA for renewal

CONNECTICUT

• Capitol Scholarship
  • CT resident, US citizen or permanent resident
  • Graduated in top 20% of high school class by end of junior year or had SAT scores of at least 1200 (before May 2009) or 1800 in one sitting on recent SAT
  • $500 per year
  • Application deadline is February 15 and must file FAFSA by February 15.

 

MAINE

• Maine State Grant Program (MSGP)
  • Maine resident
  • File FAFSA by May 1.
  • Award is $1,000 for fulltime students and $500 for part-time
  Various scholarship opportunities

MASSACHUSETTS

• MASS Grant Program
  • MA resident, US citizen or permanent resident
  • Fulltime student enrolling in an undergraduate program
  • High financial need with an Expected Family Contribution of less than 4617.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress
  • Awards will vary
  • Submit FAFSA prior to May 1.
• Foster Child Grant Program
  • MA resident who was under a signed agreement with Department of social Services for care and services beyond age 18.
  • Not older than 24
  • Be fulltime and making satisfactory academic progress.
  • File a FAFSA
  • Grant renewable for up to 5 years for $6,000 annually

OREGON

• OSAC Scholarships
  • OR resident for prior 12 months
  • US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • February 15 is Early Bird deadline; March 1 postmarked
  • File FAFSA and Scholarship application
  • Submit transcripts

RHODE ISLAND   

• Rhode Island State Grant Program
  • RI resident since January 1 and US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Enroll at least half-time in an undergraduate program
  • Be making satisfactory progress
  • Awards range from $250 – 900 based on need, renewable
  • File FAFSA prior to March 1
• Academic Promise Scholarship
  • Awarded to graduating seniors based on financial need and academic achievement
  • Must enroll fulltime
  • File a FAFSA no later than March 1
  • Take SAT or ACT prior to January of senior year
  • May be awarded up to $2,500 per year, renewable for 4 years with acceptable grades

VERMONT

• Vermont Grant
  • VT resident and US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be enrolled part-time or fulltime in an undergraduate program
  • File a FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1.  Awards made as long as funding is available.
  • Grants range from $700 – 11,200
  • Complete VT Grant Application
• Vermont Scholarships
  • Various awards available to VT residents
  • New scholarship brochure available online November 1 for the following year with March 4 application deadline 

WASHINGTON, DC  

• DC Cap Last Dollar Award
  • DC public high school graduate
  • Have financial need as based on the FAFSA
  • Register with DC-CAP advisor at 202-347-6546
  • Reapply every year
• DC Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership (LEAP)
  • DC resident at least 12 months prior to filing application 
  • US citizen or permanent residents
  • Enroll at least halftime
  • Complete FAFSA and LEAP application available by calling 877-485-6751 or 202-727-3688
  • Must reapply annually for $1,000 awards
• DC One Application  
  • DC Tuition Assistance Grant Program (DCTAG)
  • DC Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Program (DCLEAP)
  • DC GEAR-UP Program and the DC Adoption Program  

Wilson College provides part-time employment opportunities for students during the academic year in many different positions. Worksites may be related to a student's major such as in the Fitness Center, chemistry lab, or Equestrian Center. Other students may work in the library, tutor other students or provide literary programs within the community.  Students work 8-10 hours per week. The work schedule is often flexible and can be arranged around the student's classes. The payrate increases each year the student is enrolled and is employed at the same worksite. 

Students annually must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and indicate on the form that there is an interest in participating in the work-study program. All student workers will attend a session just before classes begin to receive information about all the available worksites and payroll forms. 

The priority deadline for consideration is April 30 since funds are limited. 

On-Campus Work Opportunities:

• Federal Work-Study (FWS)–Federally funded on-campus work program for students who demonstrate financial need.  Students who prefer not to work through the FWS program, or who wish to work fewer than ten hours per week, may be able to borrow additional money through one of the loan programs.
• Institutional  Work-Study (IWS) –On-campus jobs provided to students not eligible to work under the FWS program, such as international students and those who do not qualify for need-based aid.
• State Work-Study Program (SWSP) –Full-time students from Pennsylvania who receive a PHEAA Grant may be eligible for campus employment through the SWSP.  Summer employment opportunities may also be available for students.  Students must complete an additional SWSP application which is available in the Financial Aid Office.