Financial Aid Policies and Programs
Financial Aid is any grant, scholarship, loan, or paid employment offered to assist students with meeting educationally related expenses. Aid is usually provided by or through federal and state agencies, foundations, and the university.
Grants and scholarships are considered “gift” aid and need not be repaid, although they may carry certain provisions. Loans are usually offered at low interest rates and can be repaid over an extended period of time after leaving the institution. A wage is paid at an hourly rate for work performed as work study which is offered in the form of aid. Students must meet all eligibility criteria and follow all steps in the application process. Eligible financial aid applicants who complete a FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) may be considered for one or more of the following financial aid programs:
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Federal Work Study (Including America Reads and Community Service)
- Federal Direct Loans
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete online at www.fafsa.gov. This form must be completed each January for the upcoming academic year. Example: for the academic year 2015-2016, the application is available online as of January 2015. However, students may apply for aid at any time during the academic year as long as all requested documents are received prior to the last day of the enrollment period.
Eligibility Criteria
To receive aid, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be admitted to the University as a degree-student
- Be a citizen or a permanent U.S. resident
- Have a valid social security number
- Be in compliance with Selective Service registration
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (See Academic Regulations in this catalog);
- Must not be in default on any Title IV funds such as educational loans or owe an overpayment on any federal grants.
- Meet eligibility requirements of each aid program awarded.
- Must be enrolled in at least six (6) credits for undergraduate students and five (5) credits for graduate students
Financial Aid Application Process
It is the policy of the financial aid office that awarding priority be given to students who meet the March 1 deadline and have submitted all required documentation. Required documentation also includes:
- Official acceptance to the university. Newly admitted freshmen, transfers or graduate students who have never applied for aid at Coppin state university should contact the admissions office for information.
- Official re-admittance to the university. This is required of students being readmitted following a period of non-attendance
- Please be advised that if social security numbers are not provided on the admissions application, the financial aid staff is unable to review the federal financial aid application.
Awarding Priorities
Priority funding is given to completed applications received on or before March 1 for the upcoming academic year
Evaluation of Need
Once the Office of Financial Aid has received all required documentation, the information on file is reviewed for accuracy and completeness. Provided that no additional information is required, the office staff evaluates the student’s need on the basis of the following formula: Cost of Attendance - Expected Family Contribution - Outside Resources = Financial Need
Cost of Attendance
The typical expenses included in establishing the cost of attendance are:
- Tuition & Fees
- Room & Board
- Transportation
- Personal Expenses
- Books and Supplies
NOTE: The room and board for commuter students are determined by the established cost of living in the Baltimore area.
Financial Aid Packaging
The institutional policy for packaging grant, loan, and employment aid for students assumes that all students and their parents will contribute to their education. The University recommends that students apply for as many outside scholarships for which they may be eligible. Financial aid packages are a combination of self-help and gift aid. Self-help programs include institutional employment, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, and Direct Loan Programs. Gift aid is comprised of Federal, State, institutional and private grants and scholarships. The type of package offered to a student depends on the availability of funds allocated to the University.
In order to equitably distribute the various types of financial aid, the University may award more than one type of aid to each applicant. The award can be a combination of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment. Financial Aid awards are credited to the student’s account in increments of one-half of the total award per semester (with the exception of Federal Work Study earnings).
Notification and Acceptance of Awards
Following the evaluation of the student’s need, the student should expect to be notified of his or her eligibility to receive aid. Award notifications indicate the financial aid programs and the amounts of aid that the student is offered for the academic year. Students will have the opportunity to accept, decline or reduce any portion of their financial aid award. However, students who decline loans or Federal Work Study will not receive institutional aid as a substitute.
Financial Aid awards are contingent on Federal Government allocations, rules and regulations. For this reason, The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to cancel any or all financial aid award(s) due to budgetary constraints or students’ non-compliance with federal regulations or Coppin State University policies and procedures
Financial Aid Policy Governing Suspended Students
Students suspended for academic reasons who are readmitted to the University as degree-seeking students will not be eligible for financial aid until they meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Contact the Financial Aid Office for further information.
Financial Aid for Transfer Students
Financial aid awards do not transfer from one college to another. Any student in default on an educational loan, or who owes an overpayment on any federal grant will be denied aid.
Financial Aid for Foreign Students
In order to be eligible for financial aid, a student must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen. Students on a student visa are not eligible to receive financial aid.
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant program is federally funded to provide a basic amount of aid to those who are eligible. The grant is an entitlement award, guaranteeing that all eligible students receive the award. In order to qualify for this program, a student must 1) have established financial need by completing the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA), 2) be enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate course of study and have not previously received a bachelor’s degree from any institution, 3) be enrolled for at least 3 credits, and 4) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Federal Pell Grants may range from approximately $400 to $5,775.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is funded entirely by the federal government and requires no repayment by the recipient. The student must demonstrate exceptional financial need. The awarded amount varies, and may range from $100 to $4000 per academic year. . The recipient must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident enrolled for at least half-time in a degree seeking program.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
The federal TEACH grant program is a federally funded program that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. The recipient must be eligible to complete the FAFSA, U.S. Citizen or permanent resident, enrolled as an undergraduate, post baccalaureate, or graduate student. Also, the recipient must be enrolled in coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching, meet and maintain certain academic achievement requirements, and sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve.
Federal Perkins Loan - The Federal Perkins Loan is a loan available in amounts of $500 to $8000 per year for undergraduates and graduate students. The interest rate is 5%. Federal Perkins Loan is awarded first to students with exceptional financial need. Repayment of the loan is deferred until nine months after the student graduates or ceases attendance. The minimum monthly repayment for new loans can be low as $40 and repayment is made to Coppin State University. Information regarding deferments are available at the time of completing the promissory note. A student who ceases attendance (“drops out”) and then returns to the University may apply for a deferment.
Federal Direct Student Loan
The Federal Direct Student Loan Program, established by the Student Loan Reform Act of 1993, provides a way for students to borrow money directly from the U.S. Department of Education. The student must be enrolled at least half-time. The federal government pays the interest for the student while the student is enrolled and for a grace period of six (6) months after graduation, dropping below half-time or discontinued attendance. A student who discontinues attendance (“drops out”) and returns to the University may apply for a renewed deferment.
Types of Loans:
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
These loans are subsidized, which means that the Federal Government pays the interest on these loans if a student is enrolled at least on a half-time basis. Interest is also paid by the Federal Government during grace periods and deferments. You have to demonstrate financial need to receive this type of loan.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
The Federal Government does not pay interest on these loans while you are in school. Interest payments may be postponed while in school; however, the interest will be capitalized and added to the principle of the loan. Unsubsidized loans are non-need based.
Federal Parent PLUS Loan (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students)
This loan is applied for by the parent of dependent students. This loan is non-need based and a credit check is required.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
This loan is for graduate students needing additional funding beyond the Direct Loan program. This loan is non-need based and a credit check is required
Other Scholarship and Assistance Opportunities
Presidential and Honors Scholarships
Each year the University awards a limited number of Presidential Scholarships to high achieving entering freshmen and new transfer students who meet specific criteria. The scholarships cover students’ tuition and fees. Honors Scholarships which are awarded only to Honors Program participants, may cover all tuition and fees. Interested students should request information and application forms from the Dean of the Honors Division.
Private Donor Scholarships
Coppin State University offers one-year and renewable private donor scholarships to currently enrolled students. Students should obtain application forms from the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Students who withdraw or stop attending classes before the end of the semester may be liable for repayment of any amount of financial aid received. Please contact the Financial Aid Office staff prior to withdrawing or dropping classes.
The Coppin State University Merit Scholarship
The University awards scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students who meet specific criteria. Interested students should request information and application forms from the Office of Admissions
Vocational Rehabilitation Program
Grants are available to students with physical handicaps. Applications may be obtained from Vocational Rehabilitation, 1515 Mount Royal Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21217.
Maryland State Scholarships
Each year the State of Maryland awards several scholarship programs that are based on merit or other criteria to applicants who are legal residents of the State. For a listing of all available programs please visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission website www.mhec.state.md.us for additional information and application procedures. Each year the State of Maryland awards several scholarship programs that are based on merit or other criteria to applicants who are legal residents of the State. For a listing of all available programs please visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission website www.mhec.state.md.us for additional information and application procedures.
Private Loans
Private student loans are another way of assisting students with financing their college expenses. They can help cover costs not covered by federal financial aid. All private loans require a credit check for the primary borrower. Coppin State University encourages students to carefully review lender terms and conditions and repayment information before choosing a lender.
Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) makes jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students with demonstrated financial need. Federal Work-Study jobs may be on or off campus. Recipients are paid on a bi-weekly basis. Those who demonstrate the need may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students are not allowed to work during scheduled class time. Federal Work-Study awards are not used to meet registration costs. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Bookstore Voucher
The purpose of the bookstore voucher is to allow CSU financial aid recipients to use their Eagle Card identification card as a “debit card” to purchase books and supplies on campus. Only students due refund monies from their scholarships, grants, or loans after their semester charges have been paid are eligible. Students may go online to request the book voucher.
Student Refunds
Each year the State of Maryland awards several scholarship programs that are based on merit or other criteria to applicants who are legal residents of the State. For a listing of all available programs please visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission website www.mhec.state.md.us for additional information and application procedures.
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