Financial Aid and Scholarships

Financial Aid Office
C-144 ASB
(801) 422-4104

Over the past decade the cost of obtaining an excellent university education has increased considerably. As a result, many students and their families have found it difficult to obtain the funds to pursue an education. The university is sensitive to this situation and to those students who are hard-pressed to finance their studies. Major changes have been made by the university to improve the delivery system through which students can receive financial aid. There is a firm commitment to assist those who truly need the resources to further their studies.

Financial aid at BYU comes from various federal, state, and university programs in the form of grants, scholarships, and loans. The Financial Aid Office coordinates these financial aid programs and assists students in identifying the financial resources for which they might qualify. Because the number of students applying for financial assistance usually exceeds the funds available through university programs, the distribution of financial aid at BYU is based on an assessment of the student's and family's financial need. There are some exceptions to need-based awarding, e.g., BYU academic scholarships, performance, talent and athletic awards, and BYU short-term loans.

The process of determining a student's eligibility for financial aid is called need analysis. In a need analysis, income and asset information from both students and parents is examined to determine the family's ability to contribute toward educational costs. This figure, called the expected family contribution, is subtracted from what it will cost the student to attend BYU for a specific length of time (typically, one academic year). If the cost of education is more than the family can contribute, the student has demonstrated financial need.

BYU uses the government need analysis form, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in determining how much the student and family should be able to contribute. All students applying for federal financial aid must complete this form. The application process is not complete until the results of the FAFSA have been received by the Financial Aid Office.

Even though a standard formula is used to analyze a student's financial situation, the Financial Aid Office is willing to consider unusual circumstances regarding a student's/parent's financial situation.

Applying for financial aid can be complicated and time consuming. Considerable delays and frustrations can arise from filling out forms incorrectly or failing to submit the proper documents in a timely manner. Students and their parents are encouraged to read instructions carefully and to complete all forms and documents correctly. Professional counselors are available and eager to assist in answering questions and helping with the application process.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for federal financial aid (Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Stafford Loans, and Federal Direct PLUS Loans) must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. In addition, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to have federal financial aid disbursed to them. Any student enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and meeting these requirements, may apply for financial aid.

Students who have a baccalaureate degree and are returning to receive a teaching certificate may also apply for Federal Direct Stafford Loans if they have a cumulative 2.0 GPA and are admitted to the teacher licensure program. In addition, post-baccalaureate students may be eligible for Federal Direct Stafford loans if they are enrolled in prerequisite courses for admission to a graduate program.

Rules and regulations governing the disbursement of federal financial aid are subject to change. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have additional questions regarding your eligibility for financial assistance.

Scholarships

Brigham Young University offers scholarships to select students who have demonstrated a serious and diligent commitment to spiritual preparation and academic excellence as an investment in their education. Scholarship funds are provided through the tithes of the LDS Church and the offerings of generous individuals. They are given to encourage continued commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth. The gift of a scholarship assumes an obligation on the part of the recipient to use that investment to prepare for expanded and purposeful service in the Lord's kingdom. The principle of replenishment is endorsed, and all are invited to make a similar investment in someone else's future by contributing to the university's scholarship programs when in a financial position to do so.

Although the contributions of the Church and others have been generous, funds are still insufficient to invest in all students. Consequently, policies and procedures have been established to better ensure fairness in awarding available scholarship funds consistent with the university's aims and donors' wishes. For additional information about our policies and procedures, please contact the Financial Aid Office, C-144 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1009, telephone (801) 422-4104; e-mail: scholarships@byu.edu; Web: http://scholarships.byu.edu.

Academic

The majority of BYU scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit. After the scholarship application deadline, students are ranked by their academic preparation and performance. Beginning at the top of the ranked order, scholarships are awarded until funds are exhausted.

BYU scholarships are not renewable, and most are awarded for two semesters only. Unless students receive a four-year award, they must reapply every year by the appropriate deadline to be considered. Applicants must also officially declare a major by the end of their sophomore year.

Heritage Scholarships are eight-semester, full LDS tuition awards to incoming freshman students. These scholarships honor the intellectual, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the Church and the university.

National Merit Scholarships are eight-semester, full LDS tuition awards sponsored by BYU for a number of the incoming freshman students who qualify as finalists in this competition. To be considered, finalists must inform National Merit Corporation that BYU is their first-choice university. National Merit Corporation will then forward necessary materials to BYU. Because funds are limited, finalists are not guaranteed a BYU-sponsored National Merit Scholarship.

Brigham Young Scholarships are generally two-semester awards that cover either half or full LDS tuition. Students must reapply each year by the appropriate deadline to be considered for future scholarships.

New Freshman Students

New freshman academic scholarships are based on a candidate's unweighted high school GPA and composite ACT/SAT score, as calculated and certified by BYU Admissions Services.

Former Students

Academic scholarships are based on overall academic performance. Primary considerations are based on the student's cumulative BYU grade point average. Candidates will be considered in the same applicant pool as continuing students.

Continuing Students

Academic scholarships are based on overall scholastic performance. Primary considerations are based on the student's cumulative BYU grade point average.

• Fall/Winter
  The Scholarship Committee will consider the cumulative GPA earned at BYU through fall semester. To qualify for an academic scholarship, the BYU cumulative GPA must be within the awarding range.
• Spring/Summer
  The committee will consider academic performance through fall semester.

Alumni Association

Generations of BYU students have benefited from the generous support of the Church and private individuals. With that support they have received a first-rate education that has helped them "go forth to serve." Part of that service includes providing for the education of future generations.

Applicants for the Alumni Replenishment Grant are considered based on need and other criteria along with a moral commitment to repay the amount of the grant, so that future students can receive and continue such financial assistance.

Alumni Association Replenishment

The Alumni Association Replenishment Grant is available to junior, senior, and graduate students whose total cost of education may not be met through other financial aid programs. Scholarships are awarded annually in amounts equal to half or full LDS tuition. The scholarship recipients will be eligible for membership in the Society of Alumni Scholars and will be asked to replenish the fund once they are in a financial position to do so.

To be considered, both the cumulative and BYU GPA must be at least 3.0 by the end of fall semester. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be willing to replenish the scholarship fund at a later date. To apply, complete the online comprehensive scholarship application available through myBYU, including the Alumni Replenishment Grants section.

Alumni Association Regional Replenishment

Several regional chapters of the BYU Alumni Association offer scholarships to students whose permanent residence lies within their boundaries.

To apply, complete the online comprehensive scholarship application available through myBYU, including the Alumni Regional Replenishment Grants section.

Athletic

The university awards grants-in-aid to outstanding athletes who qualify under the rules and regulations of the West Coast Conference and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).

For program applications, deadlines, and additional information, apply directly to the coach of the sport in which you wish to participate or contact Intercollegiate Athletics, 331 SAB, Provo, UT 84602, (801) 422-2046, e-mail: athletics@byu.edu.

College and Departmental

In addition to the scholarship programs described in this bulletin, other private scholarships are available through the colleges and some departments. Students can check with their college or department for additional information and applications.

International

The university offers a limited number of grants each year to international undergraduate students who demonstrate unusual financial need. Eligible candidates must have an F-1 visa, have earned 24 credit hours at BYU, and be in good academic standing.

Generous friends of the university have established a few additional scholarships to assist international students with their studies. To apply, complete the online comprehensive scholarship application through myBYU.

International Study Programs

The International Study Programs Office offers scholarships and grants to assist undergraduate students participating in its programs.

Study Abroad

• The Mae Covey Gardner Scholarship is available to students attending Study Abroad in European countries.
• The Howard B. and Mary D. Nelson Scholarship is available to students studying French, Italian, or Spanish and attending Study Abroad in France, Italy, or Spain. This scholarship is not available to returned missionaries who served in the destination country.
• The Study Abroad Scholarship is available to students participating in programs centered outside Europe.
• The International Study Program Scholarship is awarded to qualified students receiving university credit for field research or internships in an overseas setting.
• The Service and Learning Scholarship is available to students who enroll in an ISP program that has a strong service component.

All applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Nelson scholarships are merit-based, but for all other scholarships applicants must show financial need by having a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the Financial Aid Office, C-144 ASB, telephone (801) 422-4104. The Internet URL is www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must complete the scholarship essay page of the ISP application and submit it with the rest of the application by the appropriate application deadline. For program applications, deadlines, and additional information, contact International Study Programs, 204 HRCB, Provo, UT 84602-4540; telephone (801) 422-3686; or visit their Web site at http://kennedy.byu.edu/isp/.

Jerusalem Center

The Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies offers financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students participating in the various Jerusalem Center study programs. This financial aid is administered under the following categories:

Grants are awarded primarily on the basis of financial need. These grants will vary according to the length of the program, the applicant's financial need, and the funds available. Individual FAFSA information must be on file at BYU for students to be considered.

Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance and will vary as stated above. A minimum GPA of 3.60 is required to be considered.

For program applications, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Jerusalem Center Office, 301 HCEB, Provo, UT 84602-1524, telephone (801) 422-6017, e-mail: jerusalem@byu.edu.

Need-Based

While the majority of its scholarships are merit-based, BYU budgets a limited number of need-based awards for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Each applicant's circumstances and resources are reviewed and evaluated; unfortunately, there is always more need than available funding. Interested students must complete the comprehensive scholarship application available through myBYU by the appropriate deadline.

Other Private

Generous friends of the university have contributed a number of private scholarships. Many of these scholarships carry specific stipulations and restrictions. To be considered for these scholarships, complete the online scholarship application available through myBYU, including the Additional Opportunities section if applicable.

Research

The following scholarships promote and reward research:

The Undergraduate Scholarship Awards are given to a select number of students in good academic standing—generally juniors and seniors—to fund research projects. To obtain the application instructions and guidelines, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Office of Research and Creative Activities, A-285 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1231, telephone (801) 422-3841.

Students should also contact their department and college to learn about other research opportunities and awards.

ROTC

Both the Army ROTC and the Air Force ROTC offer competitive scholarships to qualified students enrolling in their programs. ROTC scholarship recipients may receive full tuition, fees, books, and associated costs. In addition, both scholarship and nonscholarship students enrolled in courses numbered in the 300- and 400-series may apply for a $100 monthly subsistence allowance. For further information and application requirements, contact the Military Science Department (Army ROTC), 320 Wells ROTC Building, Provo, UT 84602-8301, telephone (801) 422-3601, e-mail: armyrotc@byu.edu; or the Aerospace Studies Department (Air Force ROTC), 380 Wells ROTC Building, Provo, UT 84602-8301, telephone (801) 422-2671, e-mail: afrotc@byu.edu.

Students with Disabilities

Generous donors have established a few private scholarships to assist students with disabilities. Because funds are limited, the Undergraduate Scholarship Committee will consider the nature of the applicant's disability and its impact on his or her ability to function in class and earn a living. Academic performance and financial need will also be considered. Interested students must complete the comprehensive scholarship application available through myBYU and submit appropriate current documentation of the disabling condition from a licensed professional to the University Accessibility Center, 2170 WSC, Provo, UT 84602, (801) 422-2767 v/tty.

Talent Awards

BYU offers talent awards in the areas of communications, dance, music, theatre and media arts, and visual arts. For these awards, demonstrated talent is a more important criterion than scholastic achievement. Awards range in value from $100 to full tuition for one year. For further information and application materials, contact the appropriate department directly:

Communications: Department of Communications, 360 BRMB, Provo, UT 84602-6403, (801) 422-2997, e-mail: comms_secretary@byu.edu.

Dance: Department of Dance, 294 RB, Provo, UT 84602-2005, (801) 422-5086, e-mail: dance@byu.edu.

Music: School of Music, C-550 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-6410, (801) 422-4784, e-mail: music@byu.edu.

Theatre and Media Arts: Department of Theatre and Media Arts, D-581 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-6405, (801) 422-6645, e-mail: tmasec@byu.edu.

Visual Arts: Department of Visual Arts, E-509 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-2500, (801) 422-8773, e-mail: sonya_schiffman@byu.edu.

General University Scholarship Policies

Students granted university scholarships must do the following to remain eligible for their award:

1. Abide by the Honor Code and adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards of BYU.
2. Scholarships may be applied to approved International Study Programs and Travel Study Programs but may not be used for Independent Study or Continuing Education courses or for BYU–Idaho or BYU–Hawaii courses.
3. Register as a full-time student and complete a minimum of 14 credit hours per semester(s) or 6 credit hours per term(s).

Credit must be earned within the classroom. Credit earned through special examination, Independent Study, or audited classes may not be used to meet the requirement.

Additional provision:

Undergraduate students who have acquired more than 179.5 hours of credit are ineligible for future scholarships. Students who have received scholarships for a total of eight semesters, excluding spring and summer terms, are ineligible for future fall/winter scholarships, but may be considered for spring/summer scholarships.

Discontinuance

A student claims a scholarship by registering for classes and using the scholarship to pay tuition. If the student then does not attend school or, once enrolled, discontinues for nonemergency reasons, the scholarship will be cancelled and the student will be billed for the appropriate tuition and discontinuance fees. Students who need to discontinue because of illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances should contact the Financial Aid Office as well as the Discontinuance Office for appropriate action.

Note: Exceptions to these policies may sometimes be granted according to individual needs and circumstances. Students wanting an exception must submit a formal written petition to the Financial Aid Office prior to the necessary change. Petitions may be submitted to D-155 ASB, Provo, UT 84602 or emailed to sch-petitions@byu.edu.

BYU Short-Term Loan

A short-term loan is available to full- or part-time day students or full-time evening students admitted to day school. A student may borrow up to the cost of tuition only, and because the loan is "short-term" the loan must be repaid during the same semester or term in which the money is borrowed. The loan is not available for Independent Study, job interviewing, or debt payments. Students can apply for a short-term loan by logging onto myBYU and, under campus links, clicking the School tab, clicking on My Financial Center, clicking Account Summary and then applying for the short term loan.

Federal Programs

Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education based on financial need. A Pell Grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid. Only undergraduate students who have not already earned a bachelor's degree are eligible for a Pell Grant. (Students who pay graduate tuition are not eligible.) In addition, students must meet other eligibility requirements (see preceding Eligibility Requirements). Federal Pell Grants are based on an eligibility index determined by a federal formula. Pell Grant payments are disbursed to BYU students one semester at a time and vary with the number of hours for which a student is enrolled per semester (spring and summer terms combined are considered one semester).

• 12.0 or more semester hours equal a full-time payment.
• 9.0–11.5 semester hours equal a three-quarter-time payment.
• 6.0–8.5 semester hours equal a half-time payment.
• Fewer than 6.0 semester hours equal a less-than-half-time payment.

In determining hours for Federal Pell Grant payments, please note that:

1. Audit hours, hours through Special Courses and Conferences, and hours obtained by challenging classes may not be used.
2. Continuing Education, Salt Lake Center, Study Abroad, and Jerusalem Center classes, etc., may be used only during the term or semester for which the student is admitted to BYU day school.

William D. Ford Direct Loan Program

Direct Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Students must meet the eligibility requirements described previously. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6.0 credit hours per semester or term; graduate students, at least 4.5 credit hours per semester or term. Audit hours, hours through Special Courses and Conferences, and hours obtained by challenging classes may not be used in determining hours. Repayment begins six months after a student graduates, drops below half-time enrollment, or discontinues from the university.

The Direct Loam Program offers the following types of loans:

• Subsidized—based on financial need as determined by information provided on the FAFSA and the resulting Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time, during the grace period, or during deferment periods.
• Unsubsidized—not based on financial need and interest begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed. Students who receive subsidized loans may also receive unsubsidized loans. Although students do not go into repayment until after graduation, they may make interest payments.
• Parent PLUS—for parents of dependent students, and, like the unsubsidized loan, interest begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed. Parents go into repayment 60 days following the second disbursement unless a deferment is approved. Parents may borrow up to the student's Cost of Attendance minus any financial aid received by the student. A credit check is done and the loan is generally approved unless there is an adverse credit history. For students whose parents are denied a PLUS loan, an additional unsubsidized loan may be approved.
• GradPLUS—for graduate and professional students. Like the Parent PLUS, interest begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed. Students go into repayment 60 days following the second disbursement, but loan deferment is an option. Students may borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus any other aid they receive. A credit check is made, and if there is no adverse credit history, the loan is generally approved.

To avoid the burden of excessive debt, students should consider other forms of financial aid such as grants, scholarships, part-time employment, savings, and family assistance. Students should also contact their state educational agency to apply for state grants and other state aid that may be available. High school counselors and employers may also provide information regarding other sources of financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require schools to establish, publish, and apply reasonable standards for determining whether a student receiving federal financial aid is maintaining satisfactory academic progress in his or her course of study. Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured using qualitative and quantitative standards as follows:

Undergraduate Students

• Qualitative Standard
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Quantitative Standards
• Attempted Credit Hours. Federal regulations require that federal aid be terminated once a student has attempted 150% of the number of credit hours required for graduation. Most BYU undergraduate degrees can be completed with 120 credit hours. Therefore, the maximum number of attempted hours is 180. Attempted hours include all earned hours, i.e., transfer credit, AP and IB credit, foreign language exam credit, and other testing credit, and all non-progress hours, i.e., repeated courses and courses receiving the following grades: W, E, I, IE, NS, T, W and WE.
• Rate of Progress. Students must successfully complete 66.67% of all credits attempted.
• Non-progress Hours. Students may not accumulate more the 60 non-progress credit hours. Non-progress hours include classes receiving grades of W, E, I, IE, NS, W, and WE.

Graduate Students

Qualitative standard based on assessment by Graduate Studies Office.

• Graduate programs evaluate students' progress as "satisfactory," "marginal," or "unsatisfactory." Only students with a "satisfactory" or "marginal" designation meet SAP.
• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Qualitative standard of maximum time frame defined by program of study.

• Master's candidates must be done within five years of their first enrollment.
• Doctoral candidates must be done within eight years of their first enrollment.

Annual Review of SAP

SAP is evaluated once a year at the end of winter semester. After all winter grades post, there will be a review of all student's SAP eligibility.

• Students who "pass" this reviw meet SAP and will be eligible for federal financial aid for spring and summer terms of the current academic year and fall and winter semesters of the following academic year.
• Students who "fail" this review do not meet SAP and will not be eligible for federal financial aid for spring and summer terms of the current academic year and fall and winter semesters of the following academic year. Students will be notified of their failed SAP status by the Financial Aid Office via the Message Center.

Petition for Override of SAP

If students have extenuating reasons why they have failed to meet the SAP policy, they may petition the Financial Aid Committee for a SAP override. Go to http://financialaid.byu.edu and scroll to Important Links. Click on Forms, and then under Petition Forms click on Request to Override Satisfactory Academic Progress. Follow the instructions as outlined on the form.

Important Tax Information

Under the Tax Reform Act of 1986, only scholarship, fellowship, benefit, and grant amounts used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for courses of instruction are excluded from the recipient's gross income. Any of these funds used for other expenses, such as room and board, must be included in income. If funds are received from any of these sources, a detailed record should be kept of all expenditures for tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies. For more detailed information, consult a personal tax advisor.

Exception to University Financial Aid Policy

Students desiring an exception to University Financial Aid Policy must petition the Financial Aid Committee, stating the reason for the requested exception. The committee meets on a regular basis to review petitions. For information on how to petition go to http://financialaid.byu.edu and scroll to Important Links, then click on Petitions.

Additional Information Regarding Financial Aid

Students with questions regarding financial aid at Brigham Young University are invited to visit the web site: http://financialaid.byu.edu.

Estimated College Expenses

On entering the university, students are responsible for making arrangements to cover enrollment expenses and should have sufficient funds on hand for at least the first semester.

For estimated costs, please see the Financial Aid Web site: http://financialaid.byu.edu.