Financial Aid and Student Accounts

Berea’s Extraordinary Financial Plan

The cost to Berea College of providing educational opportunities (tuition) for 2016-2017 is $24,900 per student. Students admitted by the College are guaranteed substantial financial aid through resources other than their parent(s)—e.g., through outside scholarships, federal aid, and grants from participation in the College’s work program—sufficient to cover tuition. All students are encouraged to apply for outside scholarships to help the college cover the cost of tuition, if students are not able to obtain scholarships to cover tuition, the College alumni and donors will help make up the difference. Most students receive additional grant assistance to help with the costs of housing, meals, and fees according to the families’ ability to pay as determined from family information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Financial Aid Program of Berea College is based on the principle of providing the best possible education for the least cost to the student. Many generations of donors to Berea College have provided a remarkable endowment and tuition replacement fund whereby no admitted student is asked to pay any out-of-pocket expenses for tuition, or what we refer to tuition.

Tuition is guaranteed to each student and is met through a combination of federal and state programs, donor-designated gifts, College funds, and outside scholarship awards. (See Student Expenses below for additional costs related to a Berea College education.)

In addition, Berea provides all first-year students with a laptop computer that is theirs to keep upon graduation. (See the Information Systems & Services section of this Catalog & Student Handbook for more information.) Financial aid may be available for some special learning opportunities such as education abroad, internship, and domestic independent and team-initiated studies. (See Opportunities Common to Many Fields of Study section of this publication.)

The College assures that each student’s demonstrated financial need, as determined through a needs analysis system on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), will be met. This is accomplished through  partnership with the student’s and family’s resources, the College’s work program, the Federal Work-Study program, public and private grants and scholarships, and, finally, a College grant or loan covering any remaining need.

Meeting the Cost of Education (2016-2017)

Student Expenses

Student Expenses

A student and his or her family are responsible for the costs listed in the chart below. However, for those who qualify on the basis of need—and most students do—financial aid is available to defray all or part of these costs. The average amount freshmen paid last year was approximately $1,400 for these costs, not including contributions from the labor program. Fewer than five percent of Berea students are asked to cover the full cost of housing, meals, and fees.

Costs of attendance for the required Fall and Spring terms are as follows:

Expenses for Which the Student is Responsible

Additional Expenses (Vary by Student*)

* Estimated additional costs for academic year 2015-2016 may include fees for courses that include laboratory sessions or special supplies and are listed in course descriptions in this Catalog under Academic Programs and Courses.

Student Health Insurance

Beginning August 1, 2015, the College will not provide an Affordable Care-Act (ACA) compliant insurance plan for students.  Students are expected, along with parents, to be in an ACA-compliant insurance plan.  For the 2016-17 academic year, the College will require students without insurance coverage in Kentucky to be enrolled in the College's non-ACA compliant plan.

Students’ dependents may be added to the College plan at an additional premium.

Policy benefits and exclusions are explained in a brochure sent to each student along with an insurance card. This card must be presented when seeking medical care, other than at White House Clinic - Student Health Services.  The Student Health Services staff may assist with this task.  For more information visit http://www.whitehouseclinics.com/index.htm

Prescriptions are not covered by the College health-insurance policy.

Questions regarding student health insurance fees should be directed to Student Financial Aid Services, ext. 3310.

Case Managers at Student Health Services may be able to assist students with insurance questions at 859-985-1415

Scholarships, Grants, Labor Earnings, and Loans

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are monetary gifts for which repayment is not required. Some scholarship and grant monies defray the cost of tuition and essential student expenses, and others are used for special purposes or programs. Many scholarships and grants are reserved for students who meet specific criteria without the need for special application procedures. (See Scholarships, Awards, and Prizes section for details about some of these institutional scholarships and grants.)

In addition to institutional scholarship and grant funds, Berea College participates in the following federal and state programs providing student aid that does not require repayment: Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Kentucky College Access Grants, Kentucky Tuition Grants, and Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarships (KEES).

Earnings from Work

An integral form of financial assistance at Berea College is available through the Student Labor Program. All students enrolled in an academic term (Fall, Spring, Summer) earn a work scholarship, in which a portion of that, the Labor Grant, is applied directly to the tuition each term. The amount applied is: $3,000 (Fall); $3,000 (Spring); and a pro-ration for summer term(s). The final portion of the work scholarship is the primary source of direct aid, providing $1,800 to $2,800 per year to assist in covering educational costs and personal expenses. Based on the total work scholarship and total hours worked per term, a student receives between $21 and $24 per hour in scholarship. The direct aid portion received (based on hours worked), in combination with the student’s earnings on and off campus during the summer months, are used to pay a portion of the student’s housing, meals, personal expenses, fees, and other educational expenses incurred during the academic year. Therefore, no student nor their parent can claim the federal tuition tax credit for tax purposes.

Berea College expects every student to save approximately $800 from summer earnings to assist with costs associated with attendance. While the College does not bill students for an additional $800 as a result of the summer savings expectation, some students choose to use their savings to assist with their Term Bill. Ideally, when the Term Bill obligation is met through the family’s contribution, the summer savings can be used to assist with indirect college expenses like transportation, books, supplies, personal, and miscellaneous expenses. Jobs available on campus for those who wish to remain in Berea during the summer are paid at a rate sufficient, with careful budgeting, to save approximately $800. However, some students find it easier to save summer earnings when living at home in a rent-free environment.

Loans

Low-interest, long-term loans may be obtained from Berea College when needed to pay essential school expenses. Loans are not a part of the student's initial aid package.  Students need to contact Student Financial Aid Services to inquire about other options before considering a loan. Most loans do not accrue interest as long as the borrower is a full-time student. Long-term loans become due six months after graduation or withdrawal from college and must be repaid within an agreed upon schedule. Special non-interest-bearing loans are available to students who have significant financial need and who plan to serve in the Appalachian region after graduation.

Berea College also participates in the Federal Perkins Loan Program and the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program, both of which have fixed interest rates. For more detailed information concerning the financial assistance program, please contact the Student Financial Aid Services Office at (859) 985-3310. The Federal government will determine the rate of interest each year depending on amounts agreed upon by Congress.

Financial Aid Eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Berea College expects all enrolled students to make Satisfactory Academic Progress toward completion of degree requirements. The status of 'Academic Probation' is assigned to a student who is not making sufficient progress but for whom institutional support and student initiative is likely to result in academic improvement. The status of 'Academic Suspension' is assigned to a student who has not demonstrated the capacity or motivation to engage successfully the Academic Program.

The Student Admissions and Academic Standing (SAAS) Committee is responsible for defining the conditions and duration of Academic Probation and Suspension, in keeping with standards adopted by the College Faculty. Making and maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (as specified in the chart that follows) is a condition of continued enrollment and eligibility for Title IV (federal) and state financial-aid programs. (Also see “Academic Difficulty” under Academic Performance Standards.)

Federal regulations that govern Title IV financial-aid programs (e.g. Pell Grants, etc.) and state grants require that Satisfactory Academic Progress be made as outlined in the chart below in order for financial-aid eligibility to be maintained.

Students who fail to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may lose their eligibility for Title IV federal financial aid. SAP is measured by two components—qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative

In order to meet qualitative SAP standards, a student must earn the cumulative GPA as indicated in the chart on the Academic Services site.     

Students must complete the total number of course credits per year based on the student’s academic year as listed in this chart.

For financial-aid purposes, a maximum of six (6) academic years will be permitted to complete a baccalaureate program (See Review below.) Courses for which a student receives grades of “F” (Failing) or “W,” “WP,” or “WF” (Withdrawn, Withdrawn Passing, or Withdrawn Failing, respectively) will not be counted as earned courses, but will be counted toward courses attempted. Incomplete courses will not be counted until a grade is assigned. An excessive number of course repetitions will be considered not making SAP. Transfer courses accepted at Berea will be counted toward the total number of courses attempted.  An extension of terms, if approved by the SAAS Committee, will also be considered as meeting SAP if they follow the guidelines below.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will be reviewed at the end of each term. Students who do not meet SAP standards will be subject to a probationary period lasting up to one (1) regular term. During this probationary period, students still may receive financial aid. A student who is meeting minimum SAP standards at the end of the first financial aid probationary term will be returned to good standing to receive financial aid. A student who is not meeting minimum SAP standards after one (1) regular term on probation will be placed on financial aid warning, and must submit a written appeal to the SAP coordinator in SFAS.  The SAP Coordinator will be able to approve or deny the appeal based on the extenuating circumstances and a well written appeal outlining steps to regain good standing.  If the appeal is denied and the student remains in school, no federal, state, or institutional funds will be awarded.  If the appeal is approved, the student will again be placed on financial aid probation. 

Due to the College's eight-term limit, appeals for enrollment beyond eight regular terms will be reviewed through the Student Admissions and Academic Standing (SAAS) Committee and, if approved for an extension of terms, will be considered in good standing for SAP as long as the student follows the curriculum plan (or its equivalent), receives the required GPA as outlined on the SAP chart and will be able to graduate on time.  Students who are participating in any of the Study Abroad Programs will not be reviewed for SAP until their transcripts are received from their programs.

Appeal

Students who lose their Title IV financial aid eligibility due to failure to maintain SAP have an opportunity to appeal. Written appeals must include both an explanation of the circumstances that kept the student from making SAP for the designated period and a plan of action for improvement and be sent to the Student Financial Aid Services SAP Coordinator. Appeals will be due within 14 days of notification of failing to meet SAP. A review of the appeal and decision will occur within 14 days of receipt of the appeal. If an appeal is denied, interest-bearing college loans may be available to help cover any grant aid lost. Information on refunds may be obtained from the Student Financial Aid Services office.

Reinstatement of Title IV Aid Eligibility

Students will be considered in good standing in regard to financial aid eligibility when they again meet the minimum SAP standards as listed in the SAP Chart or receive approval of a submitted appeal. Sitting out for any length of time does not affect a student’s SAP standing. Students who re-enroll after a period of absence are required to submit an appeal when they return in order to determine financial-aid eligibility. (See “Academic Standing and Reinstatement to Good Standing” in the Enrollment and Registration section of this publication for more information.)

Drug Violations Penalties and Financial Aid Eligibility

Under Section 485 and 484r of the Higher Education Act, students become ineligible for federal student aid upon conviction during any period of enrollment of any offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs. Federal aid includes Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Direct Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans.

Penalties for Drug Convictions

Ineligibility period for possession of illegal drugs (controlled substance):

• First offense: One year from the date of conviction
• Second offense: Two years from the date of conviction
• Third offense: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

• First offense: Two years from date of conviction
• Second offense: Indefinite ineligibility from the date of conviction

Regaining Eligibility

Upon successful completion of a drug rehabilitation program, aid eligibility can be reinstated as of the day the student completes the program successfully. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Office of Student Financial Aid Services that they have completed successfully the rehabilitation program.

To be sufficient to reinstate financial aid eligibility, the program must:

• Include at least two unannounced drug tests; and
• be recognized as a Federal, State, or local government agency program

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The FAFSA questions if the student has ever been convicted of a drug-related offense. Failure to answer the question automatically will disqualify the student from receiving Federal aid. Answering this question falsely, if discovered, could result in fines up to $20,000, imprisonment, or both.  Further guidance will be submitted on the FAFSA if the student checks that they have been convicted of any drug related crimes.

Refund Policy

College Refund Policy

The following regulations govern refunds when proper procedures for withdrawal as outlined in this publication have been adhered to:

Meal Charges - A student who withdraws before the end of a term is entitled to a refund of half of the unexpired portion of the meal charge.

Housing Charge - A student who withdraws during the first two weeks of a term is entitled to a refund of half the housing charge.

• Refunds are made approximately two weeks after notice of withdrawal is received and disbursed in the following order:
• Repayment of federal and state loans and grants made for the current term;
• Repayment of aid granted from Berea College funds;
• Repayment of all amounts due Berea College;
• Balance paid to student account.

Any remaining balance due Berea College must be paid before a transcript is issued. Diplomas will not be issued to students with financial obligations remaining on their Student Account.

Federal Refund Policy

A portion of Title IV grant or loan funds (except Federal Work Study) must be returned to the Title IV programs upon the recipient’s withdrawal from school.

Withdrawal Date

As determined by the school, the date the student withdraws, is the date: 1) the student began the withdrawal process prescribed by the school; 2) the student otherwise provided the school with official notification of intent to withdraw; or 3) the midpoint of the payment period or period of enrollment for which Title IV assistance was disbursed (for the student who does not begin the school’s withdrawal process or notify the school of the intent to withdraw).

If the school determines the student did not begin the withdrawal process or notify the school of the intent to withdraw—due to illness, accident, or other such circumstances beyond the student’s control—the school may determine the appropriate withdrawal date.

Percentage of the Payment Period or Period of Enrollment Completed

The percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment for which assistance was awarded that was completed is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days comprising the payment period or the period of enrollment for which assistance is awarded into the number of calendar days completed in that period as of the day the student withdrew.

Calculation of Title IV Assistance Earned

To calculate the amount of Title IV assistance earned by a student, the school first must determine the percentage of Title IV assistance the student earned. Up through the 60-percent point in time, the percentage of assistance earned is equal to the percentage of the payment period or period of enrollment for which it was awarded that was completed as of the day the student withdrew. If the student withdraws after the 60-percent point, then the percentage earned is 100 percent. That earned percentage is applied to the total amount of Title IV grant and loan assistance disbursed (and that could have been disbursed) to the student, or on the student’s behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment for which it was awarded as of the day the student withdrew.

Calculation of Title IV Assistance Not Earned

The amount of Title IV grant and loan assistance not earned by the student is calculated by determining the complement of the percentage of assistance the student earned and applying it to the total amount of grant and loan assistance that was disbursed (and that could have been disbursed) to the student, or on the student’s behalf, for the payment period or period of enrollment as of the day the student withdrew.

Differences between Amounts Earned and Amounts Received

The school will follow the regulations for late disbursement if the student received less grant or loan assistance than the amount earned. If the student has received more grant or loan assistance than the amount earned, then the unearned funds shall be returned by the school or the student, or both.

Responsibility of the School

The school shall return the lesser of the unearned amount of Title IV assistance or an amount equal to the total institutional charges the student incurs for the payment period or period of enrollment for which the assistance was awarded, multiplied by the unearned percentage of awarded Title IV grant and loan assistance.

Responsibility of the Student

The student shall return unearned Title IV assistance minus the amount the school returns.

Special Rule

A student (or parent for PLUS loans) repays the calculated amount attributable to a Title IV loan program according to the loan’s terms. A student repays a Title IV grant program subject to repayment arrangements satisfactory to the school or the U.S. Secretary of Education’s overpayment collection procedures. A student shall not be required to return 50 percent of the unearned grant. The College will bill the student for the amount owed and collect repayment. A student who fails to repay may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education or other appropriate agency for collection. The student may be ineligible for further federal student aid funds.

Order of Return of Title IV Funds

Excess funds returned by the school or student are credited to outstanding Title IV loan balances for the student or made on the student’s behalf for which a return of funds is required. Excess funds must be credited to outstanding balances in the following order:

1. Direct William D. Ford loans
2. Federal Perkins loans
3. Direct William D. Ford PLUS loans

Remaining Excesses

If excess funds remain after repaying all outstanding loan amounts, the remaining amount is credited to grant programs in the following order:

1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal SEOG
3. Other Title IV assistance for which a return of funds is required.

Refund Policy and Leaves of Absence

An approved Leave of Absence is not to be treated as a withdrawal and no return of Title IV funds is calculated. A student may take a Leave of Absence from a school for not more than a total of 180 days in any 12-month period. The student must have followed the institution’s policy in requesting a Leave of Absence (see “Leaves of Absence” in the Enrollment and Registration section for more information), and the school must have approved the student’s request in accordance with its policy. If the student does not return at the expiration of an approved Leave of Absence, the school calculates the amount of Title IV grant and loan assistance that is to be returned based on the date the student began the leave.

Student Accounts, Term Bills, and Payment Plan

Upon enrollment, each student at Berea College is assigned a Student Account. This account contains charges for housing, meals, required fees, and selected educational items such as books, supplies, and institutional fees and fines. Financial aid for educational costs also is credited to this account.

To confirm enrollment and validate the student ID, the Student Account must be resolved prior to the first day of classes each term. If the account cannot be paid in full by that date, a payment plan must be arranged through the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. Payment plans may include a combination of payment by cash, check, or credit card; use of labor earnings through payroll deduction (50 percent or more); or additional aid such as institutional or federal loans.

Once the student account is paid for a prior term, students will be able to charge books through the College's on-line Bookstore.  Other educational costs and College fines also may be applied to the account. These charges and any charges remaining as part of a payment plan must be resolved in order to register for upcoming terms. (Continuing students must have paid their Term Bill below $100 before being able to register for upcoming terms.)  Student financial aid cannot be used to cover any fines.

Charges remaining on the account or incurred after registration must be resolved by the end of the term. Special financial aid for upcoming terms (e.g., grants for travel abroad) will not be released until the account balance is paid in full.

The College establishes fees and charges under the following circumstances:

• as a charge for some service or materials to be used by the student;
• as a privilege to do something out of the usual pattern;
• as a means of defraying administrative costs that are involved in making materials and services available; and/or
• as a deterrent (fine or disciplinary charge)

Fees, Fines, and Charges

Following is a list of the fees, fines, and charges currently in effect:

Appeals of Account Charges

Students have the right to appeal any charges. Appeals for parking fines/citations go to the Parking Citation Appeals Committee (through the Department of Public Safety). All other appeals are directed to the Vice President for Labor and Student Life.