Samford University Students Receiving Financial Aid: Who And How Many?

Samford University offers financial aid to its students in the form of scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans. The university is dedicated to making education affordable for all students and offers a number of financial aid options for qualifying students. 100% of first-year students are awarded financial aid, which primarily comprises grants and scholarships. The average need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Samford University was $21,368, and 46% of first-year students received need-based financial aid in fall 2022. The university also offers a work-study program that provides part-time work opportunities for students with financial needs, both on and off campus.

Samford University's financial aid options for graduate students

Samford University offers a number of financial aid options for graduate students. The university is dedicated to making education affordable for all students and, to that end, provides a variety of need-based options.

The first step in maximising your eligibility for financial aid is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by 15 February. This will be used to determine your eligibility for Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS Loans. Samford One Stop can provide assistance with the FAFSA application.

In addition to need-based aid, Samford also offers merit-based scholarships. These are available from individual schools within the university, such as the Brock School of Business, the Beeson Divinity School, the Orlean Beeson School of Education, and the School of Health Professions. These scholarships are awarded on a merit/need-basis.

Students enrolled in degree programmes in the School of Health Professions and the School of Public Health may also be eligible for Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct Grad PLUS Loans. A FAFSA form is required each year to be eligible for these loans.

The university also offers payment plans and student employment, while the federal government and private education lenders offer long-term loans.

The university's payment plans and student employment

Samford University offers a number of financial aid options for qualifying students. The university understands the challenges that students and their families face when it comes to affording higher education. Here is an overview of the university's payment plans and student employment opportunities:

Payment Plans:

Samford University offers interest-free payment plan options for eligible students enrolled in fall, spring, and summer terms. These plans help students avoid the additional cost of traditional borrowing. The university recommends that students be completely registered with room and board charges in place and have all financial aid paperwork completed before enrolling in a plan. There is a non-refundable $100 enrollment fee, and subsequent payments are due on the fifth day of each month. Changes in financial aid, tuition, fees, meal plans, housing, etc., will result in plan adjustments. Online payment options include e-check (ACH) or credit card, with a 2.85% service fee for debit and credit cards.

Student Employment:

Samford University provides work opportunities for students through two programs: Federal Work Study (FWS) and the Institutional Student Employment Program (ISEP). FWS jobs are need-based, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), while ISEP jobs are not need-based. International students should contact the Global Engagement Office regarding federal regulations for on-campus employment. Once hired, students must complete new hire forms and provide certain original, unexpired documents, such as an unexpired U.S. passport or driver's license, to receive work authorization.

Other Financial Aid Options:

In addition to payment plans and student employment, Samford University offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial assistance. The university encourages students to submit the FAFSA by February 15 to maximize their eligibility for financial aid. Students may also explore long-term loans offered by the federal government or private education lenders.

Federal loans and scholarships

Samford University is committed to making education affordable for all students and offers a range of financial aid options for eligible students. The university provides financial aid and resources to both graduate and undergraduate students.

The university accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid. The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. The deadline for submitting the FAFSA is February 15.

The Federal Direct Loan Program includes two types of loans: Subsidized and Unsubsidized. The Subsidized loan is awarded based on financial need and does not accrue interest while the student is enrolled at least half-time. The Unsubsidized loan is not need-based and requires the borrower to pay quarterly interest. The maximum annual loan amount for the Unsubsidized loan is $20,500.

The Parent PLUS Loan is available to parents with good credit and is used to cover the remaining costs after all other aid has been applied. The maximum amount is limited by the borrower's credit rating and the student's cost of attendance.

Students enrolled in specific certificate-only programs are eligible for federal aid, but at a reduced rate.

Samford University also offers merit-based scholarships, payment plans, and student employment opportunities to help students finance their education.

Need-based aid and scholarships

Samford University is committed to making education accessible to all students by offering a range of financial aid options. The university provides need-based aid and scholarships to help students finance their education. Here is some detailed information about the need-based aid and scholarships offered by Samford University:

Need-Based Aid:

Need-based financial aid is determined by assessing a student's financial situation and family contribution. Samford University offers various need-based aid options, including:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to students enrolled in specific programs, such as business, divinity, education, nursing, and health professions. There is an annual maximum limit of $20,500 for these loans.
• Grad PLUS Loans: These loans are available to students in various programs, including business, divinity, nursing, and health professions. The amount is determined based on other aid received, credit decisions, and the total annual financial aid maximum.
• Federal Aid: Samford University accepts the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for need-based federal aid. The FAFSA should be submitted by February 15 for priority consideration.
• State Assistance: In addition to federal aid, students may also qualify for state-level need-based assistance.
• University Grants: Samford University offers grants based on the results of a student's FAFSA and demonstrated financial need. The grant amount may vary depending on the student's level of need and other Samford University funds received.

Scholarships:

Samford University offers several scholarships to recognise academic merit, community engagement, and financial need. Here are some of the notable scholarships:

• Crosland Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students with high academic achievement, a minimum ACT score of 26 or an SAT score of 1240, and a minimum GPA of 3.5. The average award amount is $17,500.
• Major Harwell G. Davis Scholarship: The Davis Scholarship recognises outstanding community engagement and service. It is a $2,000 annual scholarship for incoming freshmen who meet the eligibility criteria and application requirements.
• Marion Scholarship: The Marion Scholarship is awarded to students who embody the values of Samford University and demonstrate a commitment to positively impacting their communities. The average award amount is $13,000.
• Marvin Mann Scholarships: These scholarships are designed to support students from diverse backgrounds. They include the Academic Excellence Scholarship, First Generation Scholarship, Legacy Scholarship, and Ministry Scholarship, each with specific eligibility criteria and award amounts.
• Ragland Scholars Program: This program provides academic and social support for students interested in multicultural initiatives. It offers a competitive scholarship award, learning communities, mentoring, and priority class registration.
• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Community college students who are members of the PTK chapter and meet the eligibility criteria can receive a $2,500 scholarship.
• STEM Scholarship Program: This program supports academically gifted transfer students in STEM fields with an average award of $10,000 per year.

Samford University is committed to helping students secure the necessary financial resources to pursue their educational goals. The availability and amount of need-based aid and scholarships may vary, and students are encouraged to explore the specific requirements and application processes for each opportunity.

Work-study programs

Samford University is committed to making education accessible and affordable for all students. The university offers a range of financial aid options for eligible undergraduate and graduate students.

One such option is the Federal Work Study (FWS) program, a form of federal aid that allows students to work and earn money to fund their education. Eligibility for FWS is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students must work with the One Stop department to determine their qualification for the FWS program.

Undergraduate and graduate students who qualify for FWS can find on-campus jobs by directly contacting employers or searching a list of available positions, usually published by August for the fall semester. Students can also opt for off-campus employment through the FWS Community Work Service Program, which allows them to work for local nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or as tutors for local elementary schools.

Samford University also offers the Institutional Student Employment Program (ISEP), which is not need-based. Students can find job opportunities through the ISEP program by contacting the Global Engagement Office or visiting the student employment webpage.

In addition to work-study programs, Samford University provides other financial aid options, including need-based scholarships, grants, and loans. The university also offers payment plans and accepts private education loans.

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