Types of Financial Aid

1. Federal Pell Grant
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
3. Alabama Student Grant Program
4. Alabama Student Assistance Grant Program
5. William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program
6. Master Promissory Note
7. Institutional Scholarships
8. Lutheran Church Workers Financial Assistance
9. Federal Work Study Program

1. - Federal Pell Grant

For students who qualify, the Federal Pell Grant (Pell Grant) Program is the foundation of Federal Student Aid (FSA). Pell Grants provide qualifying students with a base of financial aid to help pay college costs. Other forms of financial aid can be added to a student’s Pell Grant to help meet the full need. Unlike other programs, colleges don’t make decisions about who receives Pell Grant funds or how much they receive. Pell Grant funds are administered by the government and standard formulas determine how much each student receives.

All U.S. students needing financial aid at Concordia College are eligible to apply and are expected to apply for assistance under the PELL Grant.  To be considered for federal student aid, a student must complete a Free FAFSA.  The FAFSA collects financial and other information used to calculate the expected family contribution (EFC) and to determine a student’s eligibility through computer matches with other agencies. Application forms for this grant are available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

2. - Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) provides assistance to exceptionally needy college students. Student need is determined by a low Expected Family Contribution (EFC). A priority is given to Pell Grant recipients.  Funds in this program are limited, therefore awards are made first-come, first- serve to students who are full Pell Grant eligible and complete the FAFSA early.  No in-house application is available for this program.

3. - Alabama State Grant Program

This program provides assistance to Alabama students. It was established August 4, 1978 by the Alabama legislature to provide non-sectarian, secular education at independent, non-profit, colleges located in Alabama.  To be eligible, students must complete a State of Alabama Grant Application and prove 12 months in-state residency. Applications may be downloaded from the web site at: www.concordiaselma.edu >Admissions>Financial Aid.

4. - Alabama Student Assistance Program

This state/federal aid program, established in 1975, provides financial assistance to residents of Alabama for college education in Alabama. The Alabama Commission on Higher Education establishes policies and procedures to implement this program.  Recipients of the program must be Federal PELL eligible and most needy.  Funds in this program are very limited at CCS and are usually depleted early. The college uses the FAFSA application in association with this program.  No in-house application is provided.

5. - The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Direct Loan Programs, both subsidized and unsubsidized, provide low-interest loans to eligible borrowers to cover college costs. The Direct Loan program uses funds provided by the federal government, and makes loans available directly through participating colleges, like Concordia.

Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans) are made to students who demonstrate financial need. Borrowers are not charged interest while they are enrolled in school at least half time and during grace and deferment periods. When borrowers cease to be enrolled at an eligible school, such as Concordia, on at least a half-time basis, a six-month grace period begins. The repayment period for a Direct Subsidized Loan begins and interest begins to accrue the day after the grace period ends.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans) are made to students without requiring students to demonstrate financial need. Borrowers are responsible for the interest that accrues during all periods over the life of a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. During periods of enrollment and the grace period, borrowers may choose to pay the interest, or have it capitalized. When a borrower ceases to be enrolled at an eligible school on at least a half-time basis, a six-month grace period begins. The repayment period for a Direct Unsubsidized Loan begins the day after the grace period ends.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans (Direct PLUS Loans) allow parents, and in some cases stepparents, to borrow on behalf of their dependent college children who are enrolled at least half time in college. Interest on a Direct PLUS Loan begins to accrue when the first installment is disbursed. Repayment begins when the loan is fully disbursed.

Federal Direct Consolidation Loans (Direct Consolidation Loans) allow borrowers (students or parents) to combine one or more federal education loans into one new Direct Loan requiring only one monthly payment. There are three types of Direct Consolidation Loans:

1. Direct Subsidized Consolidation Loans

2. Direct Unsubsidized Consolidation Loans

3. Direct PLUS Consolidation Loans

Even if a borrower consolidates his or her federal education, the borrower still has only one Direct Consolidation Loan and makes only one monthly payment. Students may apply online at www.dlenote.ed.gov.

Before a first-time Federal Direct Loan borrower takes out a loan, the school must ensure that entrance counseling is conducted.  Counseling must include: 

• an explanation of the use of a Master Promissory Note (MPN)
• the importance of repayment
• a description of the consequences of default

Loan exit counseling must also be provided before the borrower completes his or her course of study or otherwise leaves the school.

6. - Master Promissory Note (MPN)

The MPN is the document that makes a borrower legally responsible for repaying his or her Direct Loan.  The MPN collects identifying information for the borrower and the school, such as the borrower’s name, social security number, date of birth, address and references. It does not include specific details, such as loan amounts, loan periods, or disbursement dates and amounts.  The process to complete the MPN and the Entrance Counseling: www.concordiaselma.edu.  Go to Admissions>financial aid.

Because the MPN does not include specific loan information, multiple loans can be made under a single MPN, and adjustments to the loan or disbursement amounts usually do not require a student (or parent) to sign a new MPN. However, your school must notify the student of the proposed loan amounts, and give the student an opportunity to refuse the loan or request a lower loan amount.

The MPN also contains information on the terms and conditions of the loan(s) that will be covered, such as cancellation provisions, interest, fees, late charges, and repayment information and default provisions. The student or parent must receive a copy of the Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities Statement at the same time as the MPN. This Statement provides additional detail about interest rates, repayment terms, deferment, forbearance, cancellation provisions, and late charges.

7. - Institutional Scholarships

All Concordia scholarships are designed to encourage excellence in performance.  Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of superior performance in academics, the arts, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and positive contributions to all areas of college life.  Scholarships at Concordia include:

Academic: academic, honor, presidential 

Athletics: football, basketball-men’s and women’s, volleyball, track, soccer, cheerleaders 

Music: marching band, jazz band, choir

Spiritual Life

International Students

For applications go to Academics, Music, and Athletics. International and Spiritual Life scholarships are not available.

8. - Church Worker’s Program (Lutheran Students)

Students who plan to enter full-time church work in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod may be eligible for a financial-aid package that will help cover their cost of attending Concordia.  This package includes all grants, scholarships and other forms of aid.  It will help pay tuition, regular room and board fees, building, activity and application fees.  Applications may be downloaded from the website at: www.concordiaselma.edu >Admissions>Financial Aid.

A student who plans to enter full-time work and is an active member of a LCMS church may be eligible for aid from the District in which the church is located.  The District decides on the disbursement of these funds.  Applications must be completed by the student and submitted to the college, which then submits it to the District. Applications for Southern District church students may be downloaded from: www.southernlcms.org.  Click on the Ministries Tab and scroll down to click on Recruitment and Scholarship

9. - Federal Work-Study Program (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment to students who need earnings to help pay college costs. The FWS Program encourages students receiving this assistance to participate in community service activities. 

Concordia’s work-study program pays students minimum wage on a bi-weekly basis.  Many of the jobs are on campus and the hours are limited due to limited funds received for this program.  Students should apply in the Financial Aid Office.  Work-study will not be awarded until proof of class attendance the first week of classes is provided to the Financial Aid Office by the Registrar’s Office.

Facts about Student Aid:

Establishing Need

The family has the primary responsibility to meet the student’s educational expenses.  This is the basic assumption underlying the philosophy of determining eligibility and awarding of financial assistance.

If a student depends on his or her parents for support, then the parents are required to submit, a Free Application for Federal Student Aid-Federal Pell Grant to show the student’s need for financial assistance.  In order to determine need, FAFSA considers household size, income, the number of family members in college, medical, parochial tuitions, and other relevant factors.

After carefully analyzing documents, the Financial Aid Office determines the amount which the student and his or her family can reasonably be expected to provide.  The difference between these available funds and the cost of education for one year is the amount of financial aid the student is eligible to receive from sources outside of the family.  This difference is called DEMONSTRATED need for that year.

If a student is not living with his or her parents, is not claimed on his or her parent’s income tax return as a dependent, then the student submits the FAFSA without parental financial data.

Rights and Responsibilities

Students Have the Right to Know

• The names of organizations which accredit and license the College
• The cost of attending the college and its refund policy
• The type of financial assistance offered by the College from federal, state,                                                               local and private programs
• The procedures and deadlines for applying for financial aid
• How the College determines financial need
• Each type of financial assistance and student loans offered.
• The kind of Work-Study jobs offered, hours, duties, rate and frequency of pay
• Special facilities for the handicapped
• The College’s Satisfactory Academic Progress and Performance Policy

 Students Have the Responsibility to

• Review and consider all information about the College before enrolling
• Complete  the application for financial aid accurately and on time.
• Meet all deadlines for applying for aid  
• Provide required documentation, corrections, and/or information requested by the Financial Aid Office
• Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms
• Repay any student loans borrowed
• Participate in an entrance and exit interview
• Understand the College’s refund policy          

Cost of Education/Tuition & Fees

CCS is a private non-profit, post-secondary institution.  The college posts Tuition & Fees on the website at: www.concordiaselma.edu >Admissions>Tuition & Fees.

Methods of Payment

Information regarding student’s accounts and methods of payment may be obtained from the Academic Bulletin (www.concordiaselma.edu go to Academics) or calling the Business Office at 334-874-5700.

Refunds (Institutional and Federal)

Information regarding refunds may be obtained from the Academic Bulletin or by contacting the Business Office at 334-874-5700.

Admission and Academic Regulations

Information regarding admission and academic regulations may be found in the Office of Admissions and the Office of Academic Affairs at 334-874-5700.

Admission Procedures and Requirements

Readmission Procedures-Information regarding the procedures and requirements related to admissions may be obtained from the Enrollment Management Office and the Academic Bulletin or the student handbook.

Readmission after Academic Suspension

The Office of Academic Affairs, the Academic Bulletin and the student handbook contain information regarding steps a student should take for readmission after academic suspension.    

Readmission after Disciplinary Suspension

The Office of Student Services and the student handbook has information for students who are seeking readmission after disciplinary suspension.   

Academic Information and Regulations, Class Attendance Policy, Grading Policies and Practices, Major, and Area of Concentration or Emphasis

Information regarding the regulations, policies and practices listed above is available in the Academic Bulletin and the Office of Academic Affairs. 

Academic Requirements for Financial Aid

Federal and State.  In accordance with federal and state regulations, students participating in any of the federal or state financial aid programs offered through Concordia College must maintain satisfactory academic performance and progress towards graduation.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

To be eligible for FSA funds, a student must make satisfactory academic progress, and the school must have a published policy for monitoring that progress. The policy explains the qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time-related) standards used to check

progress and applies consistently to all educational programs and all students, full or part-time.  It must be at least as strict as the school’s standard for students enrolled in the same educational program who are not receiving Title IV aid.  Concordia measures a student’s academic progress at the end of each spring semester.  This policy is located in the Academic Bulletin.

Standards of Progress and Conduct for Veteran Benefits

Information regarding Standards of Progress and Conduct for Veteran Benefits may be obtained from the Office of Veteran Affairs, Registrar’s Office.

Students with Disabilities

Students meeting Americans with Disabilities Act criteria should contact the Dean of Academic Support at (334) 874-5700, for information regarding documentation of disability and for special services and accommodations.

Graduation Rate

Information regarding Concordia’s graduation rate for first time, full-time students may be obtained from the Office of Institutional Research.

Campus Security

The Office of Campus Facilities annually produces information regarding campus crimes, fire prevention.  This office may be contacted at (334) 874-5700.

Equity in Athletics (Participation Rates and Support for Athletic Programs)

The Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) is intended to make prospective students aware of a school’s commitment to providing equitable athletic opportunities for men and women.  Information regarding the EADA may be obtained by calling the Vice President of Student Affairs.

Family Education rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The college’s Office of Academic Affairs provides information to students about their rights under the FERPA.  Additional information may be found in the Academic Bulletin.

Statement of Registration Compliance

Men aged 18–25 are required to register with the Selective Service System. This requirement covers men residing in the United States who are U.S. citizens or non-citizens, except a man who is in the U.S. as a lawful nonimmigrant isn’t required to register as long as he maintains that status. 

Students who are required to register with the Selective Service must do so to be eligible for Federal Student Aid (FSA) funds.

Students have several ways to register including the application for federal aid. FAFSA includes a question that asks if the student wants Selective Service to register him. By answering “yes,” the student gives the Department of Education permission to submit his registration information to the Selective Service so that he may be registered. He can also ask to be registered by changing the answer to this question on the SAR to “yes” and submitting the correction (the answer to the question “Are you male?” must be yes too). The student may also register at the post office with a form available there, or he can register online at the Selective Service website: www.sss.gov

In some cases, a student will not be able to register using the FAFSA or SAR. Generally, however, a male student who is ages 18–25 and who has not registered previously may use this method.

Students who have questions about Selective Service registration may contact the Selective Service at (847) 688-6888 or on the Web.  Information regarding registration may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office

Independent Student Definition (Dependency Status)

The definition of “independent student” has been revised.  An independent

Student is an individual who meets one of the following criteria:

• An individual at least 24 years old by December 31 of the award year.
• Parents deceased/Ward of Court/In Foster Care.
• A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States.
• An individual with legal dependents other than a spouse
• A graduate or professional student who will not be claimed as an income tax exemption by his or her parents for the first calendar year of the award year.
• A married person who will not be claimed as an income tax exemption by his or her parents for the first calendar year of the award year.
• A single person with no dependents who was not claimed as a dependent by his or her parents for the two calendar years preceding the award year and demonstrates self-sufficiency for those two years as evidenced by an annual total income of at least $5,000 in each of those years.
• Is on Active Duty in U. S. Armed Forces
• Is or was an Emancipated Minor (Court ordered)
• Is or was in Legal Guardianship (Court ordered)
• Homeless or at risk of being Homeless.
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth as determined by High/Homeless Liaison.
• Unaccompanied Homeless Youth as determined by HUD.Unaccompanied Homeless Youth as determined by Director of Homeless Youth Center

ANTI-DRUG ABUSE ACT

The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 requires that all recipients of grants from any federal agency, including institutions participating in the campus-based program (Federal Stafford Loan, Federal College Work-Study, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal National Direct Student Loan Programs) and State agencies participating in the State Student Incentive Grant Program, certify that they maintain a drug-free work place.  In the case of the grantee who is an individual, e.g., a Federal Pell Grant recipient, the grantee must certify to the agency that he or she will not engage in certain unlawful actions involving controlled substances while conducting grant activities.

In addition, the statue provides that if an individual is convicted of certain drug-related Federal or State offenses, a court must suspend his or her eligibility for federal benefits, including federal student financial aid.  If an individual is convicted three or more times for drug distribution, he or she may become permanently ineligible to receive additional Title IV financial aid.  The statue also provides for a separate schedule of suspension of eligibility for drug possession.  Concordia supports this statement and strives to be drug free.   

Concordia College

Financial Aid Office

1804 Green Street

Selma, Alabama  36701

(334) 874-5700