Office of Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office supports the university in achieving its mission by helping students access funds for their education through promoting grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities for qualified, deserving students who would otherwise be deprived of a postsecondary education due to inadequate financial means. The primary responsibility for covering university costs lies with the student and their family. Brewton-Parker Christian University is committed to the belief that students should not be deprived of the opportunity of an education because of inadequate finances when alternatives are available.

Financial aid is available from three sources: The university, through its own funds and through endowments; the state of Georgia; and the Federal government. Through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities, every effort is made to meet the student’s demonstrated needs.

Financial aid awards made to students from funds received from sources outside the university, such as federal and state funds, may be revised if those funds cannot be obtained from those sources. All financial aid award disbursements are contingent upon the university’s receipt of funds.

Eligibility and Application Process

To receive financial assistance, a student must be enrolled in a certificate or degree-granting course of study, be in good standing, be making satisfactory academic progress (as defined later in this catalog), and not be in default or delinquent on any loan plan with the university, state, or federal government. Also, he or she must not owe a refund on grants previously received under the Pell Grant, the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG), or HOPE scholarship. Students must be enrolled in at least twelve credit hours per semester to be considered full-time undergraduate students and receive full financial aid benefits. Students enrolled part-time may be eligible for a pro-rated portion of their financial aid. All students applying for Direct Loans must be enrolled in at least six credit hours per semester. All institutional scholarship recipients should be enrolled full-time. Graduate students’ full-time enrollment status is defined as six credit hours, and part-time status is defined as three credit hours.

Brewton-Parker Christian University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa annually. The FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal aid, including the Pell Grant, Federal Direct Loans, and other financial assistance programs. Georgia residents should also complete the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) to receive Georgia state funds, including the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG), and the HOPE scholarship. This form must be completed online at www.GAfutures.org. Georgia residency documentation may also be requested.

Georgia Residency Determination for State Financial Aid Eligibility

Brewton-Parker Christian University determines Georgia residency for the purpose of awarding state financial aid in accordance with the guidelines established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC). Students seeking eligibility for Georgia state aid programs, including the HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships and Grants, must establish residency through one of two approved methods. The primary method is the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in combination with a Georgia high school transcript confirming graduation from a Georgia high school. The FAFSA provides residency-related data that is transmitted to GSFC, while the high school transcript serves as supporting documentation that the student completed secondary education within the state of Georgia. Together, these records allow the institution and GSFC to confirm residency eligibility for state financial aid programs.

Students who do not complete the FAFSA may instead establish residency by submitting the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFApp) directly to GSFC. The GSFApp allows GSFC to independently determine residency status and eligibility for state-funded financial aid programs. The Office of Financial Aid at Brewton-Parker Christian University reviews the applicable documentation and maintains records confirming the method used to determine residency. This documentation may include FAFSA Institutional Student Information Records (ISIRs), Georgia high school transcripts, or confirmation that a GSFApp has been completed and processed through GSFC systems. All records are retained in accordance with institutional record retention policies to ensure compliance with GSFC program requirements and to support documentation requests during state compliance reviews.

Preference/Deadline Dates

Rather than operating under strict deadlines, the Financial Aid Office makes an effort to provide funds to students as long as funds are available. However, applications for financial aid should be submitted as soon as possible. Because financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, students are strongly encouraged to complete the application process prior to May. Students whose financial aid file is delayed run an increased risk of receiving a reduced award.

A completed financial aid file includes the following:

• A processed Application for Admission (first year only) and granted admission to Brewton-Parker Christian University.
• A valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Verification of application data (only if required).
• Completed IRS Tax Transcript or use of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA, additional worksheets, and other relevant information (only if required).

All financial aid (excluding Pell Grants and Direct Loans) has limited funding. Students are encouraged to submit all application materials as soon as possible.

Determination of Financial Aid

After all applications, documents, and other required papers have been turned in to the Financial Aid Office, awards (which may include grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study) are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Financial Aid award letters are sent after the processing is completed. The award letter lists all estimated awards based on the available information at the time of the award and on full-time enrolled student status (12 credit hours or more). If additional documentation is required, award amounts may be modified accordingly.

Award Procedures

For financial aid programs where need is the factor in determining eligibility, the awarding will flow as follows:

• Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)
• Hope Scholarship or Zell Miller Scholarship
• Federal Work-Study
• Outside Scholarships
• Institutional Scholarships and Grants
• Direct Loans
• PLUS Loans

Calculation of Financial Need

The Financial Aid Office at Brewton-Parker Christian University helps students in obtaining assistance through grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities to meet their financial needs. Financial need is defined as the amount of assistance required to enable students to meet their educationally related expenses. This amount is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution from the projected costs.

To comply with published regulations governing federal aid programs, Brewton-Parker Christian University utilizes a needs analysis system approved by the U.S. Secretary of Education. The U.S. Department of Education provides the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form free of charge. The FAFSA determines the Student Aid Index (SAI) from income and assets, with appropriate deductions and allowances to maintain reasonable financial resources that sustain families.

The cost of attendance is an estimate of the student’s educational expenses for the period of enrollment. Tuition, fees, room, and board are established annually by the institution’s Board of Trustees. A current fee schedule may be found in the “fees and expenses” section of the catalog. Other expenses, such as personal/miscellaneous and travel, are determined by using the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which reflects increases in the Consumer Price Index. Financial Aid awards cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Institutional awards and loans may be adjusted so that total awards do not exceed the cost of attendance.

Withdrawal from the University and Return of Title IV Funds

Pursuant to the Higher Education Amendment of 1998, Public Law 105-244, funds paid toward a student’s education are earned based upon the period of time the student remains enrolled during the semester. Unearned Title IV funds, other than federal work-study, must be returned. Unearned aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV aid that exceeds the amount of the Title IV aid earned prior to withdrawal.

Keeping the Financial Aid Office Informed

Students who are receiving financial assistance through the Financial Aid Office at Brewton-Parker Christian University and who receive additional outside assistance must report this fact to the Financial Aid Office at once. Changes of address and academic course load must also be reported to the Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Brewton-Parker Christian University is required by Federal regulations to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and the Financial Aid Office is responsible for reviewing students’ progress in meeting these standards. The standards apply to all students who receive federal and state financial aid.

Athletic aid will be based on the requirements of the NAIA as well as the SAP policy. Satisfactory academic progress is measured by two criteria: GPA (Grade Point Average) and pace.

GPA: To comply with this component of the policy, students must meet the following requirements:

*Credit hours calculated do not include courses numbered under 100.

Students placed on financial aid suspension or exclusion are ineligible to receive federal, state, or institutional financial aid. Students who have financial aid terminated as a result of this policy may regain eligibility for financial aid after they are allowed to return to the university.

To regain your eligibility, you may:

• Attend school full-time, using your own resources, until you achieve the cumulative GPA prescribed for your grade level and/or meet the 70% pace requirement (completion rate), under the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Attend school part-time, using your own resources, until you achieve the cumulative GPA prescribed for your grade level and/or meet the 70% pace requirement (completion rate), under the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy.
• Appeal to the SAP Committee if you can document that there were circumstances beyond your control that contributed to your low GPA and/or being below the required 70% pace (completion of attempted hours). Letters of appeal should identify the reasons you were not successful academically and what steps you have taken so that you can now be successful.

Pace refers to the number of hours earned within specified time periods. There are two measures of pace. First, students are required to earn credit for 70% of the hours attempted at the end of each semester. Pace compliance is calculated by dividing the number of completed hours by the number of attempted hours.

Second, students may attempt up to 150% of the hours required for their majors and degree. Students will be declared ineligible to receive federal and state financial aid once they have attempted 150% of the number of hours required in their major. For example:

*Semester hours calculated do not include courses numbered under 100.

There are limits on the receipt of state and federal financial aid that apply to students who are enrolled in developmental courses. However, suppose a student is in jeopardy of exceeding the maximum number of allowable credit hours due to a change in their course of study, a double major, or a second degree. In that case, financial aid may be extended upon receipt of proper documentation.

Hours attempted include all hours in which students remain enrolled after the expiration of the drop/add period for any term. Grades of A, B, C, and D count as hours earned. Grades of F, W, WM, WP, WF, WY, I, and Y do not count as hours earned. Courses repeated with a passing grade are counted twice: once in determining the number of hours earned and once in calculating the cumulative GPA. Students who fail to meet the minimum standards will be declared ineligible to receive federal and state financial aid until they meet the indicated standards. Withdrawn courses count toward the total hours attempted and can jeopardize the receipt of federal and state financial aid.

Only credit taken at Brewton-Parker Christian University or accepted by Brewton-Parker Christian University will be counted in determining compliance with the minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). The pace component will be reviewed at the end of each semester. If at that time the student does not meet the minimum 70% pace requirement, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Warning.

Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) will be reviewed at the end of each semester. At that time, if a student has not met the minimum requirements for their grade level, they will be placed on Financial Aid Warning. During this semester, the student will remain eligible for federal and state financial aid. The student will be informed in writing of the deficiency and encouraged to meet with the Counseling Center to arrange for assistance. The Counseling Center will be provided with a list of students who are placed on Financial Aid Warning.

A student who fails to meet the standards of academic progress for a second consecutive semester is placed on financial aid Suspension/SAP suspension and is no longer eligible for federal and state financial aid. Students on financial aid suspension may still be eligible to attend Brewton-Parker Christian University.

Any student who loses financial aid eligibility may appeal the decision by following the “SAP Suspension Appeal Process” described below or by attending school and using their own resources until the 70 percent pace has been achieved.

Note: Students must meet both standards of academic progress, GPA, and pace. Academic progress is checked at the end of each semester. A student may be placed on warning or suspension based on their GPA, pace, or a combination of both.

SAP Suspension Appeal Process

A student may appeal a financial aid suspension by filing an appeal with the Financial Aid Office. This appeal should be based on:

• Injury or illness of the student
• Death of a relative
• Other mitigating circumstances (including but not limited to serious illness and injury that require extended recovery time or significant improvement, the death or serious illness of an immediate family member, or significant trauma in the student’s life that impairs the student’s emotional and/or physical health).

The appeal must include supporting documentation, such as doctors’ statements, injury reports, the death certificate of a relative, and any other relevant information to explain the reason for the appeal.

Appeals should be sent to the Financial Aid Office, Attention: Financial Aid Appeals Committee. The Director of Financial Aid will coordinate all appeals.

The Financial Aid Appeals Committee will meet on all appeals. The chair of the Financial Aid Committee may appoint a temporary replacement for a permanent member of this committee who is unable to attend a scheduled meeting. The Financial Aid Office does not make any decisions on the appeals.

If the appeal is granted, an academic plan will be implemented, requiring the student to work with the Student Enrichment Center.

Students whose appeals are granted will be placed on probation for one semester. Their academic progress will be reviewed at the end of the probation period to ensure they are making progress toward completing their degree.

Suppose a student fails to meet the requirements of probation, including but not limited to the elements of the Academic Plan. In that case, their probation will be revoked, and they will return to SAP suspension status, becoming ineligible to receive any federal or state aid through Brewton-Parker Christian University.

Students may only appeal a(n) SAP Suspension/Financial Aid Suspension twice during their academic lifetime at Brewton-Parker Christian University. Each appeal must be for a completely different mitigating circumstance.

Available Financial Aid

Grants are outright gifts of money and are awarded based on financial need. A student’s financial aid package may include grant money, provided that guidelines and funding levels permit.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grants are made available to undergraduate students who do not already have a bachelor’s degree. The student’s eligibility is determined by a schedule developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who are eligible for a Pell Grant must make satisfactory academic progress to receive this award. Students may apply for this grant by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications must be submitted annually.

Any student who receives a Pell Grant must certify that he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by the Pell Grant.

Brewton-Parker Christian University complies with the standards of the U.S. Department of Education regarding a drug-free workplace.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG provides gift aid to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor’s degree. Grants are awarded to needy students who could not attend college without financial assistance. Students may apply for this grant by completing the FAFSA application each year. Students who are Pell Grant eligible are automatically eligible for the FSEOG. FSEOG funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until exhausted.

Federal Work-Study

This program offers part-time employment opportunities to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have demonstrated financial need as reported on the FAFSA. The maximum amount a recipient can earn under this program is determined through an evaluation of the FAFSA. The university establishes general wage policies within the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. Work-study students are paid on an hourly basis and are not eligible for fringe benefits such as holiday, vacation, or sick pay. They are also not eligible for unemployment. The majority of jobs are limited to on-campus positions.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant (GTEG)

The State of Georgia provides a grant to Georgia residents who attend private colleges in the state. The state legislature determines the amount of the grant. Eligible students must enroll for a minimum of 12 academic hours. The Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) must be completed online at www.GAfutures.org or the FAFSA. Georgia residency documentation must be provided to the Financial Aid Office.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship

The purpose of the Georgia HOPE Scholarship is to encourage and reward the academic achievement of legal residents of Georgia at the postsecondary level by providing scholarships to students who earn and maintain a 3.0 HOPE GPA and are seeking a degree at an eligible Georgia college or university. The HOPE Scholarship program no longer pays for Developmental courses and does not count them either as hours attempted or as a grade for the purpose of determining a student’s HOPE GPA. Eligible students must enroll for a minimum of six academic hours. Students must complete the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) online at www.GAfutures.org or complete the FAFSA. Georgia residency documentation must be provided to the Financial Aid Office. Additional information regarding the HOPE Scholarship may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office or through the Georgia Student Finance Commission in Atlanta.

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship program is for students who have demonstrated academic achievement and who are seeking a college degree. Generally, to become eligible, a student must graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.70 HOPE GPA and a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Brewton-Parker Christian University offers various institutional scholarships and grants to students based on academic ability and financial need. Students must attend full-time to receive these funds. These do not have to be repaid as long as the student fulfills the program’s requirements. First-time students who have never before attended college may be eligible to receive either the Trustees Scholarship or the Presidential Scholarship based on their SAT or ACT scores, but cannot combine these awards. Students should contact the Office of Admissions or the Financial Aid Office for details.

Federal Direct Loan Program

These loans are secured through the U.S. Department of Education. To be considered for this loan, a student must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Direct Loans require at least half-time enrollment (6 credit hours).

Both subsidized and unsubsidized loans have the same terms and conditions, except that borrowers of unsubsidized loans are responsible for interest that accrues during all in-school deferment periods. With subsidized loans, the government pays the interest whil ethe student is enrolled at least half-time and during a six-month grace period after in-school. 

Annual and Aggregate Loan Limits

Undergraduate Students

Direct Loans have an annual maximum for the academic year and an overall aggregate limit. These limits are based on dependency status as determined by the U.S. Department of Education via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The interest rate for all borrowers is determined by regulation every July 1st. Contact the Financial Aid Office for current rates. Repayment begins six months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time and/or graduates, or upon the borrower’s death.

Graduate and Professional Student

Teacher Certification Students

PLUS Loan Program

PLUS loans are available to parent borrowers and, like the Direct Loan, are offered by the U.S. Department of Education. This loan provides additional funds for education expenses. The PLUS Loan enables parents to borrow up to the full cost of attendance, less any other financial aid, for each eligible dependent.

The U.S. Department of Education sets interest rates on July 1 of each year. Contact the Financial Aid Office for current interest rates. Repayment for a Direct PLUS Loan begins sixty days after the last installment of the loan for that school year. To be considered for the PLUS Loan, a student must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

General Requirements

• Applicants must be enrolled as a regular student and pursuing a full academic course load (twelve or more credit hours) per semester.
• All scholarship and grant recipients who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each academic year.

Brewton-Parker Christian University scholarships and grants are designed to help students pay their tuition and fees, on-campus room and board charges, and textbook charges. Though students may be allowed to live off-campus, in accordance with university policy, costs of off-campus living and transportation will not be financed, either in part or in full, by institutional financial aid. Broad demand for limited scholarship and grant funds requires the university to limit the total amount of institutional aid (scholarships and grants) awarded to any given student. While a student may be eligible for several types of institutional aid, the combined total of these funds awarded to the student will not exceed established limits.

Although various departments and offices make recommendations for scholarships and grants, actual award offers are made only through the Student Aid Award Letter issued by the Financial Aid Office.

Institutional awards cannot be applied as credit to a student’s account. Brewton-Parker Christian University applies institutional funds to a student’s account to cover costs. Once these charges have been covered, any Brewton-Parker Christian University funds remaining on a student’s account are returned to the appropriate university fund. This adjustment is made at the end of the drop/add period. In a case of disputed charges, the Financial Aid Committee will make the final decision.

Brewton-Parker Christian University reserves the right to modify all policies related to the awarding of financial aid and scholarships without notice, due to financial and regulatory considerations and changes.

Disbursement of Federal Grants, Loans, and Institutional Funds

All loans, grants, and scholarship funds are provided to the student by crediting the student’s account. Disbursements of all financial aid, except for Direct Loans, will not be made to the student until after the drop/add period ends.

The U.S. Department of Education requires that first installments of a Direct Loan be held until thirty days after the first day of classes for any undergraduate student who has not successfully completed the first year of the program of education in which the student is currently enrolled.

Brewton-Parker Christian University will withhold and promptly return to the lender any Direct Loan disbursement not yet delivered to the student that exceeds the amount of assistance for which the student is eligible, taking into account any other financial aid the student has obtained.

Instead of returning the entire disbursement, the university may return to the lender only that portion of the disbursement for which the student is ineligible.

Compliance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e) for students utilizing Veterans Education Benefits

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(e), Brewton-Parker Christian University adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 G.I. Bill (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA. Brewton-Parker Christian University will not:

• Prevent the student’s enrollment;
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
• Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
• Provide a written request to be certified;
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies