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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.
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 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 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.
Gordon B. Hinckley Presidential Scholarships are the most prestigious awards offered by Brigham Young University to incoming LDS freshman students. The top 5 percent of the incoming BYU class ranked by academic indicators will be considered for these eight-semester awards. Beginning in 1999, no separate application is required. Award decisions will be based on academic indicators and the information provided in the admissions application. Interested students must submit a completed admissions application, including Part S, by January 15.
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.
University Scholarships are generally two-semester awards that cover either half or full LDS tuition. Students must reapply each year to be considered for future scholarships.
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.
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 3.80 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.
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.
Academic scholarships are based on overall scholastic performance. Primary considerations include grade point average (GPA) and the number of hours completed per enrollment.
The Scholarship Committee will consider the GPA earned at BYU through winter semester 1999 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.
The committee will consider academic performance through fall semester 1999. Applications for summer term only will include grades through winter semester 2000.
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 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.
Several of the regional chapters of the BYU Alumni Association offer scholarships to students whose permanent residence lies within their boundaries.
The university awards grants-in-aid to outstanding athletes who qualify under the rules and regulations of the Mountain West Conference and the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA).
Applicants should contact the director of Women's Intercollegiate Athletics, 228-B SFH, Provo, UT 84602-2240, telephone (801) 378-4225, e-mail: female_athletes@byu.edu.
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: male_athletes@byu.edu.
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/scholar.html. Students can check with their college or department for additional information and applications.
Generous donors have established a few private scholarships to assist disabled students. 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and submit appropriate current documentation of the disabling condition from a licensed professional to the Services for Students with Disabilities Office, 1520 WSC, Provo, UT 84602, (801) 378-2767 v/tty.
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).
The university offers a limited number of grants each year to international undergraduate students who demonstrate unusual financial need and strong potential for bringing positive recognition to BYU and the Church. Other selection criteria include the applicant's BYU and cumulative grade point average, extracurricular activities, service, and the likelihood of the applicant returning to his or her country. Eligible candidates must have an F-1 visa, have earned 24 credit hours at BYU, and be in good academic standing. A separate application is required and is available upon request from the International Services Office. Generous friends of the university have established a few additional scholarships to assist international students with their studies. To be considered, complete the appropriate international application available from the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB, and the Office of International Services, 350 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602-5520; telephone (801) 378-2695; e-mail: isl@stlgate.byu.edu.
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:
The Karl G. Maeser Scholarship is awarded to junior and senior students who have made a personal commitment to academic excellence. To be seriously considered, applicants must have a minimum 3.80 BYU and cumulative grade point average and demonstrate commitment to service. They must submit a separate written application, available upon request from their college advisement center or the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB.
A number of scholarships and grants are offered on the basis of, among other things, scholastic merit, economic circumstances, and personal factors to African American, Mexican American and Latino, Native American, Southeast Asian refugee, and Polynesian undergraduate students who are United States citizens or permanent residents. For information about deadlines and applications, contact Multicultural Student Services, 1320 WSC, Provo, UT 84602-7908, telephone (801) 378-3065.
The Native American Educational Outreach Program offers scholarships to Native American students in graduate and undergraduate programs.
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. Interested students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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://ar.byu.edu/dept_scholarships/scholar.html. Students who apply for a scholarship will automatically be considered for most of these private scholarships.
The following scholarships promote and reward research:
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: afrotc@byu.edu.
Study Abroad offers scholarships and grants to assist undergraduate and graduate students participating in its programs.
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:
Students granted university scholarships must do the following to remain eligible for their award:
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:
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, 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 $3,000. 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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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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