Financial Information

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• Refund Policy
• Financial Aid Information
• Types of Aid Available

Tuition, Dormitory and Board Charges

(The 2006-07 academic year)

		Fall		Spring		Total
Tuition		$5,896.00		$5,896.00		$11,792.00
Room & Board		$3,513.00		$3,513.00		$ 7,026.00
TOTAL		$9,409.00		$9,409.00		$18,818.00

Tuition includes a $45.00 Technology Fee

Tuition costs for Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 are based on 12-17 credit hours of enrollment.

For less than 12 hours, the tuition charge is $487.00 per credit hour. Above 17 hours, there is an additional cost of $487.00 per credit hour.

Tuition and fees are subject to change at any time by action of the Board of Trustees of Bethune-Cookman College. A student should obtain a current schedule of fees from the Student Accounts Office.

Withdrawals from courses after the drop/add period may be subject to full fee refunds for the following reasons:

1. Student’s involuntary call to active military duty.

2. Death of the student or member of his/her immediate family (parent, spouse, child, sibling).

3. Illness of the student of such severity or duration, as confirmed by a physician, that completion of the semester is precluded.

4. Cancellation of the course(s) by the College.

5. Exceptional circumstances, upon approval of the College president or his/her designee.

Refunds will be calculated as follows:

1. 100 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws on or before the first day of classes.

2. Up to 90 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws within two weeks after the first day of classes.

3. Up to 50 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws the third or fourth week of classes.

4. Up to 25 percent of tuition charges if the student withdraws between the fourth week and the end of the eighth week of classes.

First-time students are eligible to receive a prorata refund if they withdraw on or before the 10th week of classes.

Refunds will be processed if written notice of withdrawal of enrollment from the College is received from the student and approved prior to the end of the eighth week of classes for full semesters, or a proportionately shorter period of time for the summer term(s). Such written notice by mail or in person must be received by the Student Accounts Office prior to the end of the eighth week of classes or by an announced date for the summer session. There will be no refund of institutional paid or waived charges; or late registration and late payment fees.

Refunds must be requested at the Student Accounts Office. Proper documentation must be presented when a refund is requested. A waiting period for processing may be required. Refunds will be applied against any college debts.

Once it has been determined through the College’s refund policy that a student is eligible for a refund and the student is a recipient of Title IV financial aid, the refund priority policy applies in this order:

1. Federal SLS Loan

2. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

3. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

4. Federal PLUS Loan

5. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan

6. Subsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loan

7. Federal Direct PLUS Loan

8. Federal Perkins Loan

9. Federal Pell Grant

10. FSEOG

11. Other Title IV Aid Programs

12. Other Federal, State, Private, or Institutional Aid

13. The Student

When a student is required to withdraw for disciplinary action, he forfeits his legal rights and privileges as a member of the college family, as well as fees paid toward assessed charges. There will be no reimbursement of tuition, fees, charges, or any other payments made to the College in the event the operation of the College is suspended at any time as a result of any act of God, strike, riot, disruption, or for any other reason beyond the control of the College.

Financial Aid is awarded according to individual financial need and/or academic potential, in the form of loans, grants, scholarships or part-time on campus employment to be used solely for school related expenses. The College expects students and parents to assume the primary responsibility for financing college costs. Students whose family resources are insufficient to meet the cost of attending the College are encouraged to apply for aid from the College and from federal/state-supported programs administered by the Financial Aid Office.

How Soon to Apply for Financial Aid

Applications are available beginning January 1 each year, and families are encouraged to apply early for financial aid. Some programs handled by the Financial Aid Office have very early priority dates. Students applying on or before these dates are given top consideration for the program. Those who apply after these dates are late and are considered on a first-come, first-served basis if there is still money left in that particular program after early applicants have been awarded aid.

Basis on Which Aid Is Granted

Based on the information provided to the appropriate processor by the student and parents, the processor will analyze the family’s financial situation and transmit that information to the Financial Aid Office, enabling it to determine the student’s financial need. Financial aid depends on the amount of federal, state, and institutional funds available at Bethune- Cookman College. To be awarded financial aid, an applicant must (1) show financial need, (2) be accepted or enrolled as a full-time student in an eligible program, (3) be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, (4) be capable of maintaining a satisfactory academic standing and normal progress toward a degree, (5) be registered with the Selective Service if required to do so, and (6) have not defaulted on any previous aid.

Evaluation and Awarding Process

Personnel of the Student Financial Aid Office will determine the student’s allowable educational expenses and the expected family resources. The difference between the two is the demonstrated need. Bethune-Cookman College will try to provide financial aid for all or a portion of the demonstrated need in the form of an award package consisting of loans, grants, scholarships, and/or part-time employment. Selection of students, as well as the types of aid awarded, depends on one or a combination of the following: the demonstrated financial need, the student’s class level, academic promise, available funds, and the date a student’s forms are received by the awarding agencies and the Financial Aid Office.

Award Period

Awards are generally granted for an academic year of two semesters, fall and spring. The summer session comes after the regular academic year. Aid for the summer session is applied for separately by those who expect to enroll for at least six hours. Awards are made as funds permit. Students who attend the full academic year may be able to receive assistance from the Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Parent PLUS Loan for the summer session.

Awards Announcements

For students whose financial aid forms are processed before March 1, efforts will be made to notify them of their financial aid awards beginning April.

Satisfactory Performance Standards

If you receive Federal Title IV student financial assistance, you must demonstrate satisfactory academic progress. Federal Title IV funding includes: Federal Stafford/Direct Student Loans, Federal PLUS Loans (Parent’s Loan), Federal Work-Study Program, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), Federal Pell Grants, and State Grants.

Satisfactory academic progress is defined as meeting or exceeding the minimal yearly semester hours necessary for the timely completion of the program of study which you are pursuing. The minimum number of semester hours per academic year is 21 semester hours for the Federal programs, and 24 semester hours for Florida programs-Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and Florida Resident Access Grant (FTVF/FRAG) Programs. Additionally, a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.85 for freshmen and 2.0 for all others must be maintained for the Federal programs. For the Florida programs, all students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Your academic record will be reviewed on an annual basis at the end of the academic year. If you do not achieve satisfactory academic progress, you will be notified. An information sheet outlining the satisfactory academic progress standards is available from the Financial Aid Office.

Transfer Students

Students who have previously attended other colleges and post-secondary institutions must submit financial aid transcripts from those schools to the Financial Aid Office.

Eligible NonCitizens

Eligible noncitizens or U.S. permanent residents must provide copies of their Alien Registration ID cards to the Financial Aid Office.

Withdrawals

Financial Aid is to be used first for direct educational costs-tuition and fees, and room and board if the student is in college housing. Students on financial aid who withdraw from the College and are due a refund of their fees will therefore not receive fee refunds until funds representing financial aid awards have been applied to the respective accounts. Normally the fee refunds are returned to the financial aid programs on a prorated basis and according to the components of a financial aid package.

Transferability of Financial Aid Awards

Awards such as the Federal Supplemental Grant (SEOG), Federal College Work Study (CWSP), Perkins Loan, and others cannot be transferred from one college to another. A separate application must be made to each college. Federal Pell Grant and Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) awards are transferable, but the amount of the award may be different.

International Students

The federal and state financial aid programs are for United States citizens or for permanent residents of the United States. International students are not eligible for federal and state aid. They may, however, qualify for college scholarships and may participate in the College Work Aid (CWA) Program. International students are warned that in many instances these programs provide only enough financial aid to cover some of the college expenses. The burden of financial responsibility will be on the student and his family to pay the costs of attending college.

Grants

The following grant programs are available only to undergraduate students-those working towards their first bachelor’s degrees. These grants do not have to be paid back by the student and generally require exceptional financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

A very limited number of SEOG awards are made to those with exceptional financial need who are also Pell Grant recipients (see Federal Pell Grant Program following). A typical award ranges from $100 up to $1500 per academic year.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grant Program

This federally sponsored program provides financial aid to those who need it to attend approved colleges. Awards range from $200 to $4050 per academic year depending on a family’s financial situation

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the U.S. Department of Education. This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. Since there is no priority date for this program, the form should be completed and sent to the appropriate agency as soon as possible prior to the academic year.

Florida Student Assistance Grant Program (FSAG)

Priority Date: April 15. This program is available only to full-time students with high financial need. Students and the parents of dependent students must also be Florida residents for at least one year prior to the beginning of classes. Awards range from $200 to $1300 per academic year.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office. To be given top consideration, the FAFSA must be received by the processor on or before the priority date of April 15.

Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG)

This program is available to full-time students who have been Florida residents for at least one year prior to the beginning of classes. This one-year Florida residency is also required for the parents of dependent students. Transfer students and renewals must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA on all previous college work. Awards may range up to $2800 per academic year depending on state funding.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Florida Resident Access Grant Application available at the Financial Aid Office. Since there is no priority date for this program, the FRAG application should be received by the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible prior to the academic year.

Florida Academic Scholars Award, Florida Merit Scholars Award, and Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholars Award

These scholarships are part of the Florida Bright Futures Program. They reward outstanding Florida public high school graduates for their academic and vocational achievements. The awards range up to $3200 per year if sufficient funds are available to make full awards. Contact your public high school guidance office for information on eligibility criteria or visit the Florida Bright Futures Program website at http://www.firn.edu/doe/brfutures.

Rosewood Family Scholarship Fund

A need-based scholarship for a maximum of 25 minority students per year to attend state universities, public community colleges, or public postsecondary vocational-technical schools in Florida. Annual award amount is the amount of tuition and fees for up to the 30 credit hours not to exceed $4000. If funds are insufficient to make full awards to 25 eligible applicants, awards will be prorated.

Applications are available from the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance and must be postmarked by April 1. Also, Florida residents must submit the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid” (FAFSA) in time to be processed by May 15. Non-Florida residents must submit the FAFSA in time to receive the “Student Aid Report” (SAR) and submit it to the Office of Student Financial Assistance postmarked by May 15.

Florida Teacher Scholarship and Forgivable Loan Program

A scholarship and loan program available to capable and promising students and teachers to pursue careers in teaching in Florida. A $1500 “Chappie” James Most Promising Teacher Scholarship is available for the freshman and sophomore years of undergraduate study. Two year Critical Teacher Shortage (CTS) Forgivable Loans are available to upper School undergraduate and graduate students who declare their intent to teach in CTS subject areas in Florida. Up to $4000 per year for undergraduate study and $8000 per year for graduate study. Loans must be repaid by teaching in a Florida public school or in cash.

Scholarship applications must be submitted to the high school principal by March 1. High school principals must submit applications for nominees to the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance by April 1. Students must submit loan applications to the dean or director of the institution’s School of Education by March 15. The dean or director must submit applications to the Florida Department of Education by April 1. Applications are available from high schools, the College’s School of Education, and the Florida Department of Education, Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Florida Mary McLeod Bethune Scholarship Fund

This program offered by the state of Florida provides financial assistance initially to Florida high school seniors with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above. An applicant must be a Florida resident and demonstrate financial need. Awards range up to $3000 annually depending on available funds.

To apply for this program a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The form must be received by the processor no later than April 15. A student must also submit an application for this program to the Financial Aid Office, postmarked by April 30 of the senior year of high school.

Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC

ROTC academic scholarships are offered to students who meet specific requirements. These scholarships cover the cost of the College’s tuition and books plus provide the student a tax free subsistence allowance per month. For more information on ROTC scholarships, refer to pages 235-242.

College Scholarships & Grants

The Bethune-Cookman College scholarships recognize academic excellence. Their major purpose is to encourage outstanding students and assist them along the path to leadership and service to humanity.

Who Can Apply

Since most scholarship awards are merit awards, many require specific grade point averages as well as proof of financial need. When students obtain the brochure listing the scholarships, they should be able to tell which scholarship requirements they meet. Other details will be provided when they request and/or submit an application. They may be eligible for more than one scholarship, depending on their achievements and/or financial need. However, the total scholarship amount cannot exceed their financial need. In most cases, the specific requirements are set by the donors who provide the scholarship funds. Many of the scholarships are renewable over four years if students continue to maintain the required grade point average.

Categories of Scholarships

Most scholarships are awarded in one of six categories:

• Academic merit
   
• General scholarships
   
• Scholarships for specific major areas
   
• Scholarships for students from specific geographical areas
   
• Scholarships for athletics and performing arts (band, concert chorale, etc.)
   
• Specific employer and labor union scholarships

How to Apply

Scholarship applications and brochures can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or the Office of Institutional Advancement. For information on performing arts scholarships- band, concert chorale, etc.-students should contact the Music Department. Those interested in athletic scholarships should contact the Athletics Department.

Academic Scholarships

Bethune-Cookman College recognizes outstanding achievement in prospective students by offering a range of scholarship programs to both freshmen and transfer students. For incoming students, scholarship consideration is based on credentials submitted with the student’s Application for Admission. The College also encourages high performance levels in our enrolled students by recognizing and rewarding continuing academic achievement.

The current academic criteria for each award are included in the Application for Admission. The criteria may also be obtained from the Office of Admissions and the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is offered to high school graduates who will enter college for the first time. The award covers college expenses (full-time tuition, room, board, and books) not covered by federal and/or state financial aid and other noninstitutional scholarships. Upon enrollment, students must register for at least 12 semester hours (college-credit courses) and maintain a 3.50 cumulative grade point average to renew the awards. Awards may be renewed for a maximum of 10 semesters of study.

Excelsior Scholarship

The Excelsior Scholarship is offered to high school graduates who will enter college for the first time. The award only covers the cost of full-time tuition that is not covered by federal and/or state financial aid and other noninstitutional scholarships. The award does not cover room and board or books. After enrollment, students must register for at least 12 semester hours (college-credit courses) and maintain a 3.40 cumulative grade point average to renew the awards. Awards may be renewed for a maximum of 10 semesters of study.

Academic Merit Award Plan

Under this plan Bethune-Cookman College will provide scholarship aid for a) high school graduates entering college for the first time, b) transfer students with 24 college-credit hours, and 3) matriculating students who have been enrolled at Bethune-Cookman College for at least one academic year. The Academic Merit Award is granted on an annual basis, and students must reapply each year. The Academic Merit Award Plan and application forms may be obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Academic Merit Award for New Freshmen

The Academic Merit Award is offered to high school graduates who will enter college for the first time. The award amount is determined by the student’s total academic profile. Students must enroll full time and earn a 3.25 cumulative grade point average to renew the award. The Academic Merit Award is granted on an annual basis. Students must reapply annually.

Academic Merit Award for New Transfer Students

The Academic Merit Award is offered to students who are transferring to Bethune- Cookman College from another college or university. The applicant must have earned at least 24 college-credit hours at the previous institution. The award amount is determined by the student’s total academic profile. Students must enroll full time and earn a 3.25 cumulative grade point average to renew the award. The Academic Merit Award is granted on an annual basis. Students must reapply annually.

Academic Merit Award for Enrolled Students

The Academic Merit Award is offered to students who have been enrolled for at least one academic year. The applicant must have earned a minimum of 3.25 cumulative grade point average and at least 24 college-credit hours. The Financial Aid Office will determine the award amount based on the applicant’s cumulative grade point average and financial need. The Academic Merit Award is granted on an annual basis. Students must reapply annually.

Student Employment Programs

Federal Work Study Program (FWS)

This program provides jobs for a very limited number of students with financial need who must earn a part of their educational expenses. The Financial Aid Office arranges jobs on campus or off campus with public or private nonprofit agencies. Students work from 10 to 15 hours per week, scheduled in a way that will not conflict with their classes. An average award is about $1600 per academic year. Paychecks are processed once a month for the hours actually worked.

To apply for this program, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). On the FAFSA, a student must indicate his or her interest in a “parttime job” or “work-study.” This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

College Work Aid Program (CWA)

College departments may employ student workers who do not qualify for the Federal Work Study Program. To apply for this program, a student must contact the Student Financial Aid Office. The general policy is for College departments to hire student workers independently. The Student Financial Aid Office assists in processing the paper work after the student has been hired by a department.

Loan Programs

To apply for the following programs, a student must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Direct/Stafford Loan-Subsidized

This is a low-interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Eligibility for a “subsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loan is based on financial need as determined by a federally mandated formula. “Subsidized” means that the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while a student is in school and during specified deferments.

Eligible freshmen may borrow up to $2,625 per year, sophomores up to $3,500; and juniors and seniors may borrow up to $5,500 per year. The maximum allowable undergraduate indebtedness over five years is $23,000.

The interest rate for Federal Direct/Stafford Loans varies annually (a new rate is effective each July 1), and the rate is based on the 90-Day U.S. Treasury Bill rate plus 3.10 percent, not to exceed 8.25 percent.

Federal Direct/Stafford Loans are disbursed in two installments: one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester, after enrollment for each semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 3 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan. A loan of $2,625 is therefore disbursed in two installments of $1,260 each, totaling $2,520.

Repayment begins six months after the borrower’s last enrollment on at least a halftime basis.

Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan

The Higher Education Amendments of 1992 created a new program offering “unsubsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans to students who do not qualify in whole or in part for “subsidized” Federal Direct/Stafford Loans.

A Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan is a low interest loan made to students by the federal government “directly” or by a private lender (bank, credit union, etc.). Under this program, the student borrower (and not the federal government) pays the interest that accrues on the loan while the student is in school. Eligibility for a Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loan is determined by the Financial Aid Office using a federally mandated formula.

Eligible dependent freshmen may borrow up to $2,625 per year; sophomores up to $3,500; juniors and seniors may borrow up to $5,500 per year, less any amount of subsidized Direct/ Stafford Loan eligibility. A student who shows need for only part of an annual subsidized Federal Direct/Stafford Loan may borrow the remainder through an unsubsidized loan. The maximum allowable loan undergraduate indebtedness over five years is $23,000. Annual and aggregate loan limits for independent students are different.

The interest rate for Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loans varies annually (a new rate is effective each July 1), and the rate is based on the 91-Day U.S. Treasury Bill rate plus 3.10 percent, not to exceed 8.25 percent.

Federal Direct/Stafford Unsubsidized Loans are disbursed in two installments: one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester, after enrollment for each semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 3 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan. A loan of $2,625 is therefore disbursed in two installments of $1,260 each, totaling $2,520.

Federal PLUS Loan or Federal Direct
PLUS Loan (Parent’s Loan)

The Federal PLUS Loan is a federally insured loan made by private lenders or “directly” by the federal government. Repayment of principal and interest begins 60 days after the loan proceeds have been disbursed. Eligibility for this loan is based on credit-worthiness as determined by the Lender.

The interest rate for the Federal PLUS Loan varies annually (a new rate is effective each July 1), and the rate is based on the 52-week U.S. Treasury Bill rate plus 3.10 percent not to exceed 9 percent.

Federal PLUS Loans are disbursed to the college in two installments: one in the fall semester and one in the spring semester, after enrollment for each semester. When the loan is disbursed, a federally required origination fee of 3 percent (which is used to offset administrative costs of the program) is deducted from the loan by the government or bank, along with a nonrefundable insurance fee of up to 1 percent of the principal amount of the loan.

Parents of dependent students may borrow up to the cost of education minus any financial aid. These loans, in combination with all other aid (including loans) may not exceed the educational cost. Financial need is not an eligibility factor.