General Financial Aid Information
• FAQ’s and Timelines about Financial Aid
• Information for Counselors and Teachers
• Information for Parents and Students
• Federal and State Programs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS / TIMELINES top
What types of financial aid are available?
The two types of financial aid are gift aid and self-help aid. Gift aid does not need to be repaid, and may be merit-based, such as academic or fine arts scholarships, or need-based, in the form of institutional, state, or federal grants. Self-help aid may be in the form of student loans or work-study awards.

How do I apply?
You may apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) the winter prior to your first semester in college (usually between January 1 and March 1.) The FAFSA is mailed to the federal processor and the results are sent to each of the listed colleges.

What if I don't qualify for need-based financial aid?
Adrian College awards academic and fine arts scholarships without regard to need. You may be awarded a scholarship on the basis of your academic profile or artistic talent and may renew your scholarships each year by remaining in good standing with the College or by participating in arts activities.

Is a monthly payment plan available?
Adrian College offers an eight-month payment plan, and assesses a 1% monthly interest charge on the unpaid balance. Payments are due on the 20th of each of the following months: July, August, September, October, December, January, February, and March.

How is financial aid eligibility determined?
We use the information provided on the Student Aid Report (SAR) to determine the appropriate amount and type of financial aid for a student. In addition, we expect each student to contribute toward the cost of college from earnings and savings.

What scholarships are available?
Adrian College offers academic and fine arts scholarships to prospective students. In addition, awards are also available to students who are members of the United Methodist Church, or who are children or grandchildren of Adrian College alumni.

How are scholarships awarded?
Academic scholarships are awarded based upon information provided in your application for admission. Art and design, music, and theatre scholarships are awarded based upon an audition or portfolio review, which may be scheduled by calling the Admissions Office.

Is financial aid renewable?
Financial aid is renewable, however, you must re-apply each year by submitting a current FAFSA to the federal processor.

Can I estimate my first year's financial aid award?
You may estimate your financial aid award for your first year at Adrian by completing and submitting the Financial Estimator. You will receive a letter that will list your estimated grants/scholarships, loans, and work-study awards for your first year at Adrian.

INFORMATION FOR COUNSELORS AND TEACHERS top
Students seek your guidance and expertise on a daily basis. The Adrian College Office of Student Financial Services is here to help you educate and encourage your students. We, too, want to see a return on their investment and to help them succeed.

MSFAA High School Counselors Resources
The MSFAA site offers high school counselor training and links to other internet resources.

Federal Student Financial Aid Counselors
This site offers information and suggestions on how you can better inform your students about higher education options and financial aid. FSA for Counselors also provides the most current High School Counselor’s Handbook

Presentation Request Form
If you are interested in having a member of the Student Financial Services staff visit with you or your students and parents, please submit this form.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS top
The Adrian College Office of Student Financial Services is excited that you and your student are interested in Adrian College. We hope you will seek our assistance while preparing for college and throughout your college experience.

Adventures in Education
This site helps you learn more about planning for college. How to explore career goals, plan for school, select an institution, apply for college, and learn more about the advantages of employment.

Students.gov
This site can assist you in planning your education and finding the means to pay for school. Additionally, it offers information on career development and military services.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA on the Web)
Learn more about federal student aid and apply for a Parent Personal Identification Number and a Student Personal Identification Number (PIN).
Adrian College's code is 002234.

The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
This site can help you estimate your student’s eligibility for need-based financial aid. It also contains links to information on scholarship opportunities (FastWeb!) and updates on potential scholarship scams.

U.S. Department of Education
This site contains many resources and tips to help parents and students from kindergarten through high school.

Adrian College Office of Student Financial Services Scholarships
This site contains links to Adrian College’s academic scholarships.

FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS top
Federal Aid Programs
All federal aid programs require filing the FAFSA.

Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant Program, established in 1972, was the first program in which the federal government, rather than the institution, determined the grant recipient. The program provides need-based grants up to $4,310 per year. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, complete the FAFSA.

Federal Parent Loan (PLUS)
Local lending institutions make applications available to parents needing help to meet college costs. This loan allows parents an extended period of time to pay the cost of one year of college expenses. The repayment period can be as long as 10 years and begins upon disbursement. The maximum loan is cost minus other financial aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
Adrian College participates in the Federal SEOG program established in 1965. This grant is awarded to students who qualify for a Pell Grant and still have unmet need beyond that met by other grant programs. Funds are very limited.

Federal College Work-Study
The Federal College Work-Study Program was established in 1964 as a form of "self-help." Students with a large need receive an on-campus job assignment to help defray college costs. Students who do not qualify for this program may receive assistance in locating other employment.

Federal Perkins Loan
The Perkins Loan Program was established in 1958. Students with the greatest financial need may be awarded up to $3,000 per year, but funds are limited. Repayment is deferred until nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time and no interest is charged during that time; 5 percent simple interest applies upon repayment. The maximum repayment period is 10 years.

Federal Stafford Loan
The Stafford Loan Program was established in 1965. Applications are available from the Office of Student Financial Services or from local lending institutions. Students must complete the student information section before returning the application to Adrian College. The maximum student loan is $3,500 per year for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 per year for juniors and seniors. The actual loan amount depends on parental and student income and the amount of financial aid awarded. The Stafford Loan has a 6.8% interest rate. Repayment is deferred until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled in college at least half-time. The repayment period can be as long as 10 years.

The United Methodist Student Loan
Adrian College is a participant in the United Methodist Student Loan Fund, organized for the benefit of students in The United Methodist Church who need to borrow up to $1,000 a year at six percent interest during their college career.

State of Michigan Aid Programs
Michigan residency for one year is required for all state aid programs. Assistance from each program is renewable for up to 10 semesters. The Tuition Grant and Scholarship Programs are need-based programs, and a student may not receive assistance from both sources during the same semester. Both programs require filing the FAFSA, having the results sent to the state of Michigan and completing the state residency questions on the FAFSA. The Michigan College Work-Study program and the Michigan Adult Part-Time Grant also are need-based programs. These programs also require filing the FAFSA. Eligibility for these is determined by the College.

Michigan Tuition Grant
The Tuition Grant Program, established in 1966, provides need-based grants up to $2,100 per year to Michigan residents attending private colleges in Michigan. Half-time students also are eligible.

Michigan Competitive Scholarship
Established in 1964, this program provides need-based scholarships up to $2,100 to Michigan residents attending private colleges in Michigan. Scholarship awards are based on the results of the ACT, which must be taken on or before the first testing date of the senior year, with results sent to the state of Michigan.

Michigan Work-Study Program
The Michigan Work-Study Program provides work opportunities for needy undergraduate students who are Michigan residents and who are enrolled at least half-time in Michigan colleges.

Michigan Adult Part-Time Grant Program
The Michigan Adult Part-Time Grant Program provides assistance for Michigan residents who enroll at Michigan colleges on a part-time basis. Grants of up to $600 per year are available for not more than two years of study. Funds are limited.

Adrian College Scholarship
Students who are full time and enter into college with the required ACT and GPA could be awarded the Adrian assistance up to 8 semesters. Students who receive a merit-based Adrian College Scholarship will need to maintain their full time status (above 12 credit hours) and maintain good academic standing. Failure to maintain any one item of criteria could result in loss of the scholarship. Also, students are only eligible to have two (2) scholarships given by Adrian College to count towards their financial aid award.

Adrian College Need-Based Grant
Students who file the FAFSA and need financial assistance could be awarded Adrian College Need-Based Grant money. This need-based grant money is free, given to the student from Adrian College. Adrian College Need-Based Grant money is not guaranteed each year, and is determined by the student’s FAFSA and residency status (on or off campus).

THE ADRIAN COLLEGE NEED-BASED GRANT IS A NEED -BASED GRANT, AND WILL BE REDUCED IF NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN FEDERAL, STATE AND COLLEGE BUDGETS. ANY OTHER FINANCIAL AID AWARDS THAT EXCEEDS $99 AND ARE NOT ON THE ORIGINAL FINANCIAL AID AWARD, WHETHER IT BE ADRIAN COLLEGE OR OUTSIDE SCHOLARSHIPS, FEDERAL/STATE GRANT OR SCHOLARSHIP MONEY, FEDERAL LOANS, OR TUITION WAIVER CAN REDUCE THE ADRIAN COLLEGE NEED-BASED GRANT.