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Financial Aid and Scholarships |
Financial Aid and Scholarship Offices (A-41 ASB, PO Box 21009, [801] 378-4104)
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 loans, scholarships, and grants. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Offices coordinate these financial aid programs and assist 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 and federal programs, the distribution of financial aid at BYU is based on an assessment of the student and family's financial need. There are some exceptions to need-based awarding; e.g., BYU academic scholarships, performance and talent and athletic awards, and BYU short-term loans are not based on need.
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 student and parents is examined to determine the family's ability to contribute toward educational costs. This figure, called the 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 financial need.
BYU uses the government need analysis form, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in determining how much the student and family should contribute. All students applying for financial aid must complete this form and the BYU Financial Aid Application. The application process is not complete until the results of the FAFSA have been received by the BYU Financial Aid Office.
Even though a standard formula is used to analyze a student's financial situation, the Financial Aid Office carefully considers the individual circumstances of each student applying for aid.
Applying for financial aid is 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 in the Financial Aid Office are available and eager to assist in answering questions and helping with the application process.
Any student who is admitted to BYU day school, who is in a degree-seeking program, and who is making satisfactory academic progress is eligible to apply for financial aid. Students who have their baccalaureate degree and are returning to receive a teaching certificate may also apply for financial aid if they have a 2.0 GPA and are admitted to the teacher certification program. Applicants for federal financial aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and PLUS) must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you have any questions as to your eligibility.
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 private 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.
Although the contributions of the Church and others have been generous,
our funds are still insufficient to invest in all students. Consequently,
we have established policies and procedures 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 Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1009,
telephone (801) 378-4104; e-mail: scholarships@byu.edu; URL; http://ar.byu.edu/
dept_scholarships/scholar.html.
Academic
The majority of BYU scholarships are awarded to students based on academic merit. Specific consideration criteria are computed after application deadlines. The number of awards each year depends on the applicant pool and available funds. By the end of the sophomore year, applicants must have officially declared a major to be considered. Candidates will be considered for the following awards:
| Scholarship | Duration | Annual Stipends |
|
University Scholarship (full LDS tuition) |
1 year | $2,630 |
|
University Scholarship (half LDS tuition) |
1 year | $1,315 |
New Freshman Students
Academic scholarships are based on an in-depth review of a student's academic preparation in high school. Areas evaluated include ACT scores, grades, the types of courses completed, and LDS Seminary participation. College preparatory classes such as English, mathematics, American history, biology, chemistry, physics, and foreign languages, along with Advanced Placement (AP) or honors courses taken in these areas, carry additional weight. Generally, freshman scholarship recipients have ACT scores in the high 20s or above and GPAs of at least 3.70. They also have completed a substantial number of the college prep classes listed above.
The Heritage Scholarships are the most prestigious awards offered by Brigham Young University to incoming freshman students. These eight-semester, full LDS tuition scholarships are named after LDS men and women who have made significant contributions to the Church and the world. Recipients will be chosen based on their high achievement in spiritual, academic, and extracurricular endeavors. From among the applicants, a number of students with unusual gifts and accomplishments will receive the Heritage Scholarship named after the President of the Church.
To apply, students must have a minimum composite ACT score of 31 and a minimum unweighted high school grade point average of 3.85 (A=4.0). If the ACT score is 32 or higher, a student may still be considered if the unweighted high school grade point average is at least 3.50. Potential candidates must complete the Admissions and Scholarship Application and the Heritage Scholarship Application by January 15. To receive these applications, contact the Scholarship Office.
Also, BYU-sponsored National Merit Scholarship recipients will be selected from among the Heritage Scholarship applicants. To be considered, candidates must be selected by National Merit Corporation as a finalist, list BYU as their first-choice university, and complete the Heritage Scholarship Application.
New Transfer Students
Academic scholarships are evaluated according to academic performance at the previous institution(s). Primary factors in the evaluation include grade point average in general education and major courses; the number of courses completed per enrollment; and whether the applicant attended a junior or community college or a four-year college or university. Generally, candidates must have a GPA of 3.85 or higher to be considered. Those transferring to BYU with fewer than 32 semester hours (48 quarter hours) of college credit will also be evaluated on their high school credentials.
Former Students
Academic scholarships are based on overall academic performance. Primary considerations include BYU and total grade point average and the number of hours completed per enrollment. Candidates will be considered in the same applicant pool as continuing students.
Continuing Students
Academic scholarships are based on overall scholastic performance. Primary considerations include grade point average (GPA) and the number of hours completed per enrollment.
Fall/Winter
The Scholarship Committee will consider the GPA earned at BYU through winter semester 1997 and course loads during previous enrollments. Generally, only full-time students are eligible. To qualify for an academic scholarship, both the BYU GPA and the cumulative GPA, including any transfer work, must be within the awarding range.
Spring/Summer
The committee will consider academic performance through fall semester 1997. Applications for summer term only will include grades through winter semester 1998.
Generations of BYU students have benefited from the generous support of 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.
The Alumni Replenishment Grants consider not only need and eligibility in its applicants but also 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 costs of education may not be met through other financial aid programs. Up to thirty 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 winter semester 1997. Applicants must also demonstrate financial need and be willing to replenish the scholarship fund at a later date. Potential candidates must complete a separate Alumni Association Replenishment Grant Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), both of which are available from the Scholarship Office; the Office of Graduate Studies, B-356 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1339, e-mail: gradstudies@byu.edu; and all college advisement centers.
Alumni Association Regional Replenishment
Some of the regional chapters of the BYU Alumni Association offer scholarships to students whose permanent residence lies within their boundaries.
For applications, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Alumni Association, ALUM, telephone (801) 378-4663 or 1-800-437-4663.
Athletic
The university awards grants-in-aid to outstanding athletes who qualify under the rules and regulations of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).
Female Athletes
Applicants should contact the women's intercollegiate athletic director, 228-B SFH, Provo, UT 84602-2240, telephone (801) 378-4225, e-mail: karen_marshall@byu.edu.
Male Athletes
Applicants should apply directly to the coach of the sport in which they wish to participate or the director of intercollegiate athletics, 106 SFH, Provo, UT 84602-2241, telephone (801) 378-2096, e-mail: james_kimmel@byu.edu.
Jennie Clyde
The Jennie Clyde Scholarship is designated for BYU students majoring in early childhood, elementary, or secondary education. Students minoring or specializing in special education may also apply. Recipients will be chosen on academic achievement, financial need, and demonstrated ability in the field of education. Candidates must complete a separate Jennie Clyde Scholarship Application (available from the David O. McKay School of Education Advisement Center, 120 MCKB, or from the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB) and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
In addition to the scholarship programs described in this bulletin, other private scholarships are available through the colleges and some departments. A listing of many of these scholarships is available from the Scholarship Office's home page at http://ar.byu.edu/dept_scholarships/catalog.html. Students can check with their college or department for additional information and applications.
Disabled Students
Generous donors have established a few private scholarships to assist disabled students. For information regarding these awards, refer to the current BYU Financial Aid and Scholarship Bulletin.
Edwin Smith Hinckley and Abrelia Clarissa Seely Hinckley
The Edwin S. and Abrelia C. S. Hinckley Scholarships are directed to junior and senior students who have made a personal commitment to academic excellence and community service. Applicants must have junior or senior status, as determined by total number of earned credits, and a minimum 3.85 BYU and total grade point average, and they must demonstrate commitment to service. Candidates must submit a separate written application available upon request from your college advisement center or the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
International
In addition to university academic scholarships, international students may be eligible for a few private scholarships established by donors specifically for students from certain areas of the world, including Armenia, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, Italy, Mexico, Scotland, South America, and Serbia. For information regarding these scholarships, refer to the current BYU Financial Aid and Scholarship Bulletin.
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.
Scholarships are awarded primarily on the basis of academic performance and will vary as stated above. A minimum GPA of 3.70 is required to be considered.
For program applications, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Jerusalem Center Office, 309 HCEB, Provo, UT 84602-1524, telephone (801) 378-6017, e-mail: karen_mattingly@byu.edu.
Multicultural
A number of scholarships and grants are offered on the basis of scholastic merit and/or financial need to Native American, African American, Latino, first- or second-generation Southeast Asian refugee, and Polynesian undergraduate students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a separate Multicultural Scholarship/Grant Application, available upon request from the Ethnic Student Financial Aid Office, 199 ELWC, Provo, UT 84602-7908, telephone (801) 378-3065, e-mail: ess_finaid@byu.edu.
Native American
The Native American Educational Outreach Program offers scholarships to Native American students in graduate and undergraduate programs.
To be considered, applicants must be in good academic standing and demonstrate financial need. Applications are available upon request from the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB.
Need-Based
While the majority of its scholarships are merit-based, BYU budgets a limited number of need-based awards for United States citizens and permanent residents. Each applicant's circumstances and resources are reviewed and evaluated; unfortunately, there is always more need than available funding.
Other Private
Generous friends of the university have contributed a number of private
scholarships. Many of these scholarships carry specific stipulations and
restrictions. A listing of many of these scholarships is available from
the Scholarship Office's home page at the following URL: http://adm5.byu.edu/ar/
dept_scholarships/catalog.html.
Students who apply for a scholarship will automatically be considered for
most of these private scholarships.
Research
The following scholarships promote and reward research:
The Undergraduate Scholarship Awards are given to a select number of students, generally juniors and seniors, in good academic standing to fund research projects. To obtain the application instructions and guidelines, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Office of Research and Creative Work, A-261 ASB, Provo, UT 84602-1231, telephone (801) 378-3841.
The Joseph L. and Madeline B. Wirthlin Scholarship is awarded to one junior and one senior student each year who have an interest in pursuing a career in the attitudinal or survey research industry. Contact the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB, for an application.
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) 378-3601, e-mail: armyrotc@byu.edu; or the Aerospace Studies Department (Air Force ROTC), 380 Wells ROTC Building, Provo, UT 84602-8301, telephone (801) 378-2671, e-mail: csbrewerton@byu.edu.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad offers scholarships and grants to assist BYU undergraduate and graduate students participating in Study Abroad programs. The following private scholarships are offered:
The Mae Covey Gardner Scholarship has been established exclusively for those participating in the London and Vienna programs.
The Howard B. and Mary D. Nelson Award assists students majoring or minoring
in French, Spanish, or Italian. These programs are offered only during
the months of May and June. Applicants who have served a French-, Spanish-,
or Italian-
speaking mission are ineligible.
The Study Abroad Scholarship is available for students on any program except London or Vienna.
BYU students who have been admitted to a Study Abroad program will automatically be considered for relevant scholarships and grants, provided the applicant has completed a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the Study Abroad application deadline. For program applications, deadlines, and additional information, contact the Study Abroad Office, 204 HRCB, Provo, UT 84602-4540, telephone (801) 378-3308, e-mail: sta1sec@acd1.byu.edu.
Talent
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 and fees for one year. For further information and application materials, contact the appropriate department directly:
Communications: Department of Communications, E-509 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-6403, (801) 378-2997, e-mail: powellb@ucs.byu.edu.
Dance: Department of Dance, 294 RB, Provo, UT 84602-2005, (801) 378-5086, e-mail: virginia_miner@byu.edu.
Music: School of Music, C-550 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-6410, (801) 378-4784, e-mail: sheila_jensen@byu.edu.
Theatre and Media Arts: Department of Theatre and Media Arts, D-581 HFAC, Provo, UT 84602-6405, (801) 378-6645, e-mail: cornelia_wilson@byu.edu.
Visual Arts: Department of Visual Arts, 210 BRMB, Provo, UT 84602-2500, (801) 378-2064, e-mail: staigera@byu.edu.
General University Scholarship Policies
Students granted university scholarships must do the following to remain eligible for their award:
If the scholarship is for one enrollment only, the student must complete 14 hours for a semester or 6 hours for a term.
Only 8.5 hours are required in the final semester before graduation.
Courses repeated within the same academic year will count only once toward the hour requirement.
Credit must be earned within the classroom. Credit earned through special examination or Independent Study and audited classes may not be used to meet the requirement.
Courses completed at the Salt Lake Center may be included in the hour requirement if the student registers for at least 8.5 hours on the Provo campus. The student is responsible for any additional tuition assessed by the Salt Lake Center.
Additional provisions:
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 Scholarship 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 Scholarship Office prior to the necessary change.
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, Study Abroad, Travel Study, job interviewing, or debt payments.
A Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the U.S. Department of Education and is based on financial need. A Federal Pell Grant is not a loan and does not have to be repaid. Only undergraduate students who haven't already earned a bachelor's degree are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. (Students who pay graduate tuition are not eligible.) In addition, students must meet other eligibility requirements (see preceding Eligibility Requirements). Full-year Federal Pell Grants are based on an eligibility index determined by a federal formula and range between $400 and $2,700. Federal Pell Grant payments are disbursed to BYU students for only 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:
Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan
A subsidized Federal Stafford Loan is a low-interest, federally subsidized loan based on financial need. It is available to undergraduate and graduate students who meet the eligibility requirements (see preceding Eligibility Requirements) and the federal government requirements for need as calculated by the FAFSA. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan recipients must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester (or 3 credit hours per term) during the entire period of their loan. No audit hours, Independent Study hours, nor Conferences and Workshop hours may be used to meet the minimum hour requirement.
To avoid the burden of excessive debt, students should consider other forms of financial aid such as grants, scholarships, awards, part-time employment, 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 sources of financial aid. An unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is also available to students who do not qualify for a fully subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details.
A Federal PLUS Loan is an educational loan that parents may obtain to meet the educational expenses of their dependent children who meet the eligibility requirements above and are enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester (or 3 credit hours per term) during the entire loan period.
A Federal PLUS Loan is neither need based nor federally subsidized. It requires credit approval by the lender. PLUS Loans must be disbursed to the school by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by checks made copayable to the parent and the school. Monthly payments generally begin sixty days after the loan is disbursed. A student may receive a Federal PLUS Loan in addition to a Federal Stafford Loan.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
An unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is an educational loan that students may obtain to meet their educational expenses. To be considered for an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan, students must meet the eligibility requirements and be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per semester (or 3 credit hours per term) for the entire loan period.
Although the unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is neither need based nor federally subsidized, a student must first complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant or subsidized Federal Stafford Loan. Payments generally begin sixty days after the loan is disbursed. A student may receive an unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan in addition to a subsidized Federal Stafford Loan.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations require schools to establish, publish, and apply reasonable standards for determining whether a student receiving financial aid is maintaining satisfactory academic progress in his or her course of study. Two separate standards for measuring satisfactory academic progress are required: one is based on academic grades and the other is based on rate of progress toward a degree or certificate. In keeping with these regulations, Brigham Young University has established and will apply the following policies governing satisfactory academic progress for financial aid.
Evaluation Measures
Newly admitted students (both entering freshmen and transfer students) are eligible for financial aid during their first academic year at BYU. At the end of the first academic year, and at the end of each winter semester thereafter, the status of all students will be evaluated to determine if they are making satisfactory academic progress in each of these areas.
Undergraduate students with over 180 total credit hours are generally ineligible for financial aid.
Appeals and Requalifying for Aid
Students may appeal to receive aid if there were unusual, extenuating circumstances that prevented them from making satisfactory academic progress. Possible reasons for an appeal might be accident or injury, medical or family emergency, or other similar circumstance.
Students may petition to receive aid for future semesters or terms in the same academic year, after improving their academic standing or rate of progress, as indicated above. Students requesting an override of the 180-hour limit must file a copy of their approved graduation plan with their appeal.
Under the Tax Reform ACT of 1986 any funds received from scholarships, benefits, fellowships, and grants from BYU or any other source, which combined exceed the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies, are considered taxable income. These include Federal Pell Grants but not BYU or federal loans.
Since a student is required to report these awards as income to the Internal Revenue Service, it is vital to keep a detailed record (including canceled checks and/or receipts) of all expenditures for tuition, fees, books, and required equipment and supplies. Housing and food are considered nonexempt, so money spent on these items is subject to income tax.
The university is not required to withhold any amounts from award payments, so the student will be entirely responsible for any taxes that may be due the government. The law concerning taxation of scholarships and fellowships is complex. For more detailed information, students should consult with their personal tax advisor.
Exception to University Financial Aid Policy
Students desiring an exception to University Financial Aid Policy must petition the Financial Aid Committee in writing, stating the reason for the requested exception. The committee meets on a regular basis to review petitions. Forms may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office (A-41 ASB, [801] 378-4104).
Additional Information Regarding Financial Aid
A detailed description and application instructions for each of these financial aid programs can be found in the BYU Financial Aid Bulletin, available on request. Students with questions regarding financial aid at Brigham Young University are invited to contact the Financial Aid Office.
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