Lee University offers a wide variety of financial aid to eligible students, including endowment scholarships, federal and state grants, loans, employment opportunities, and private scholarships, as well as a combination of these programs. Since a large portion of Lee University’s resources for financial aid is tied to federal funding, it is required that eligibility or need be established as an initial step in applying for financial aid.

To determine need, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) MUST BE FILED through the Federal Processor. This will allow a student to be considered for the range of financial aid options available through the Lee University Financial Aid Office. All information must be received by Lee University before February 1 to be included in the priority group. To expedite the process, file a FAFSA online.

Rights and Responsibilities of Financial Aid Recipients

Along with the monetary awards received by individual students, there are certain other rights and responsibilities to be observed:

It is the students’ responsibility to attend class. Class attendance is vital to being successful in college and to maintain eligibility for aid.
Financial aid recipients must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. In certain cases, students who are less than half-time may be eligible for the Pell Grant.
Any changes in Federal Work-Study (FWS) placement (or number of hours awarded, etc.) MUST be cleared through the Financial Aid Office prior to changes taking place. Students must have all documents completed and submitted prior to beginning work. A completed contract, I-9, and W-4 are required prior to working.
All loan recipients must assume repayment responsibility upon leaving school. Prior to graduation (or withdrawal), an exit interview should be scheduled to ensure full understanding of loan terms and repayment provisions (including deferment options).
Financial aid recipients are expected to maintain satisfactory academic progress for continuation of aid.
Students anticipating funds from sources other than the Financial Aid Office should notify the office as soon as an award is made. This includes scholarships, loans, etc. Certain aid may be reduced if total aid exceeds the cost of attendance.
Students planning to withdraw or drop any course work must notify the Financial Aid Office prior to doing so. Students may be asked to repay part or all of any aid received.
Students must re-apply for financial aid each year by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application opens on October 1 and the annual re-applying priority deadline is February 1 for fall enrollment.
The Financial Aid Office will process financial aid requests without regard to race, religious affiliation, gender, age, or disability. All funds are subject to individual student need as well as to the availability of funds.
Financial aid recipients must maintain good standing within the university community. The Financial Aid Office reserves the right (on behalf of Lee University) to review and cancel any financial aid award in the event of academic, financial or disciplinary misconduct on the part of the recipient.
Students who have been on chapel probation for three or more consecutive months and are on chapel probation at the end of the semester will forfeit any university-funded scholarships for which they would have otherwise qualified during the following semester.
Institutional Scholarships (including academic scholarships and employee tuition discounts) can be applied toward only one off-campus study program during a student’s enrollment at Lee including intercultural studies internships, student teaching (distance placement), the Semester Study Abroad: UK program and Global Perspectives trips.
Off-campus study programs that are directly sponsored by Lee University and led by Lee University faculty are the only study programs eligible for institutionally-funded aid.
Graduation may impact eligibility for future financial aid.
To ensure timely communication, students should always provide a local phone number, mailing address, and email address to the Financial Aid Office.
If family/individual situations change during the school year, the Financial Aid Office should be notified. You may qualify for special conditions revision.

Consumer Information

In accordance with the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (HEOA), consumer information is made available on the Lee University website.

Disbursement of Aid

Financial aid payments to student accounts will begin no earlier than the first day of class. Typically, funds are posted to the student’s account electronically. Due to the volume at the beginning of each semester, it may take up to 2-3 weeks for initial payments or when the funds are released from their originating source. State grants typically arrive mid-semester. Some aid such as Employee Discount and Family Tuition Discount are paid after the fifth week of the semester.

Incomplete files may delay payment of funds. Students should be prepared to cover personal expenses until all aid is disbursed.

Home-Schooled Students

Under the student eligibility provisions of section 484(d)(3) of the Higher Education Act, a student who does not have a high school diploma or GED is eligible to receive Title IV, HEA program assistance if the student “completes a secondary school education in a home-school setting that is treated as a home-school or private school under State law.” Section 484(d)(3) imposes no age limitation on the eligibility of homeschooled students.

An “underage” home-schooled student is considered to be “beyond the age of compulsory school attendance in the State in which the institution is located,” if that State does not consider that student truant once he or she has completed a home-school program; or would not require the student to attend school or continue to be home-schooled.

Global Perspectives

Credit hours earned from participation in a Lee University sponsored study trip may be considered toward credit hours enrolled for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid.

Credit hours earned from participation in an individually arranged cross-cultural trip can only be considered if the attending institution completes a Contractual Agreement. For more information, please see the Director of Financial Aid.

Professional Judgment

If you have any unusual family or financial circumstances you feel have not been reflected properly in the determination of your financial need, you are encouraged to contact us. These unusual circumstances may include one or more of the following: loss of job, change in income, divorce, death, and/or private elementary or secondary education costs. If you have additional educational costs that exceed the university’s published cost of attendance, such as child care, computer purchase, study abroad, or additional tuition charges, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

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You must submit the FAFSA to be considered for these federal aid programs. The FAFSA can be submitted online. Some aid programs are designated for particular types of students (i.e. undergraduate, graduate, or professional) and level of federal need.

Students applying for early admission must meet early admissions standards in order to receive Federal Aid.

The basic eligibility requirements for federal aid are as follows:

Demonstrate financial need (except for certain loans).
Have a high school diploma, a General Education Development (GED) certificate or complete a high school education in a home school setting that is treated as such under state law.
Be working toward a degree in an eligible program.
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Have a valid Social Security Number (unless you are from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
Register with the Selective Service if required. You can use FAFSA to register, register online, or you can call (847) 688-6888. (TTY users can call (847)-688-2567.)
Maintain satisfactory academic progress while in school.
Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and do not owe money on a federal student grant.
Certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes.

For information about all Federal Student Financial Aid Programs click here.

Federal Pell Grant Program

Pell Grants are the foundation of federal student financial aid, to which aid from other federal and nonfederal sources might be added. Pell Grants are generally awarded only to undergraduate students - those who have not earned a bachelor’s degree. For more information about the Federal Pell Grant Program click here.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program

Grants ranging from $100 to $500 a year are awarded to students with exceptional financial need who, for lack of financial means, would not be able to attend college. Supplemental Grants are restricted to undergraduates and may be received through the period required for degree completion.

Federal Work-Study Program

This is a federal aid program administered by Lee University which provides part-time employment on campus for a limited number of students with demonstrated need. Some positions are available through the Community Service Learning Program. Each student worker is normally employed for 10 hours a week at the current minimum wage rate. Students are paid bi-monthly. A contract, I-9, and W-4 must be completed before starting work.

It is the responsibility of the student to secure a job on-campus. Click here for a listing of available student positions.

Federal TEACH Grant/Loan Information

Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

The Department of Education’s TEACH Grant Program provides funds to postsecondary students who are completing or plan to complete coursework that is needed to begin a career in teaching, and who agree to serve for at least four years as a full-time, highly qualified teacher in a high-need field, in a school serving low-income students. Eligible full-time students may receive $4,000 per year in TEACH Grant funds, up to a maximum of $16,000 for undergraduate and post baccalaureate study, and $8,000 for graduate study.

If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required four years of teaching service within eight years after completing the coursework for which you received the grant, or if you otherwise do not meet the requirements of the TEACH Grant Program, all TEACH Grant funds that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that you must repay in full, with interest, dating back to the original disbursement date, to the Department of Education. Once a TEACH Grant is converted to a loan, it cannot be converted back to a grant.

For additional information about the Federal TEACH Grant program click here.

Federal Perkins Loan Program

Perkins Loans are available to students who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 semester hours) and who demonstrate a financial need. Subject to the availability of funds, an eligible undergraduate may borrow up to $5,500 per academic year. While the borrower is enrolled in a degree seeking program at least half-time, there is no repayment of the loan and no interest accrues. Repayment of the loan begins nine months after graduation or termination of studies. The interest rate is five percent on the unpaid balance. However, deferments extending the repayment period may be made for a member of the armed forces of the United States, a volunteer under the Peace Corps, a member of VISTA, or a full-time law enforcement officer. Click here for more information regarding the Federal Perkins Loan Program.

Federal Perkins Loan Entrance and Exit Counseling

Federal regulations require all students who participate in the Federal Perkins Loan program to complete the Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling upon acceptance of the loan. The Financial Aid Office will notify the student once the loan has been set up and the entrance is available on-line. Loan Exit Counseling is also necessary for students who have received the Federal Perkins Loan and drop below half-time enrollment status. An e-mail containing the necessary PIN number will be sent once the Financial Aid office receives notification that the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Loan Program

To apply for a loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). As a first time borrower at Lee University, you also need to complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling. The Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling should be completed online. Repayment on the loan is made to the Department of Education and payments begin 6 months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time (Half-time is 6 hours for undergraduate or 5 hours for graduate). The amount of repayments depends upon the size of the debt, but at least $600 per year must be paid. Deferment from repayment is granted for up to three years while a borrower serves in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, or VISTA. Also, deferment is granted while a student is enrolled full-time. Information and application forms are available online.

Annual Loan Limits

Grade Level	Base Amount *(Subsidized/Unsubsidized)	Base Unsubsidized Amount	Additional UNSUB Amounts(Parent Loan Denial or Independent)
Freshman	$3500	$2000	$4000
Sophomore	$4500	$2000	$4000
Junior/Senior	$5500	$2000	$5000
Graduate/Professional		$20,500
*The results of your FAFSA determine your eligibility for this loan. For more information go to studentloans.gov

Aggregate Loan Limits (Lifetime)

	Subsidized Amount	Subsidized and Unsubsidized Total Amount
Dependent Undergraduates (excluding those whose parents can’t borrow PLUS)	$23,000	$31,000
Independent Undergraduates & Dependent Students whose parents can’t get PLUS	$23,000	$57,500
Graduate & Professional Students	$65,500*	$138,500*

*Graduate & Professional Student aggregate loan limit amounts include undergraduate loan amounts.

For more information go to studentloans.gov.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

The subsidized loan is a need-based loan that the federal government subsidizes (pays) the interest during the qualifying period. The maximum amount which may be borrowed per year is $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores, and $5,500 for juniors and seniors. The results of your FAFSA determine your eligibility for this loan. The total amount of subsidized loans which may be borrowed for undergraduate study is $23,000.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

The Higher Education Amendment of 1992 created the program of Federal Unsubsidized Loans for students who do not qualify, in whole or in part, for Federal Subsidized Loans. The terms of the unsubsidized loan are the same as the terms for subsidized Federal Direct Loans, except that the federal government does not subsidize (pay) the interest on the student’s behalf. Monthly or quarterly interest payments may be made during the time of enrollment in school, during the grace period, or during any period of deferment or repayment.

Federal Direct Loan Borrowers Rights and Responsibilities

Rights and responsibilities for federal loan borrowers can be obtained on the Lee University Website along with consumer information and student loan information.

Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Federal regulations require all students who participate in one of the Federal Student Loan programs to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The Master Promissory Note is a contract to repay these funds. It includes information about the rights and responsibilities the student has as a borrower. The MPN can be completed online or by paper. To request a paper copy of the MPN call 1-800-4-FED-AID.

Federal Direct Loan Entrance Counseling

Federal regulations require all students who participate in one of the Federal Student Loan programs to complete Loan Entrance Counseling. The purpose is to provide loan information to students who anticipate receiving a Federal Student Loan. All first-time borrowers at Lee University are required to complete Loan Entrance Counseling prior to receiving the first disbursement of their loan.

Federal Direct Loan Exit Interview

Federal regulations require all students who participate in one of the Federal Student Loan programs to attend an Exit Interview conducted by the Financial Aid Office. The purpose of the Exit Interview is to review loan history and repayment terms with each student borrower. The Exit Interview is required for graduation and must be completed before a diploma will be issued. An online portion of the Exit Counseling must be completed as well as the meeting. Online Exit Counseling is also required for students who withdraw or drop below half-time (6 hours) enrollment in a given semester.

Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program

The Federal PLUS Loan is a loan parents can obtain to help pay the cost of education for their dependent undergraduate children. In addition, graduate and professional degree students may obtain PLUS Loans to help pay for their own education. Applications may be submitted online. Graduate students applying for the Federal Direct PLUS loan are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling when applying. Exit Interviews are also required for graduate students who borrow through this program. Additional information about this loan program can be found at the Federal Student Aid web page.

Loan Repayment Chart

The below figures are based on a Standard 10-year repayment plan (120 total payments).

The chart amounts are figured on a fixed interest rate.

Amount Borrowed	4.66% Interest		6.21% Interest
	Payment	Total Interest	Payment	Total Interest
$5000	$52	$1,276	$56	$1,722
$10,000	$105	$2,553	$112	$3,443
$15,000	$157	$3,829	$168	$5,165
$20,000	$209	$5,105	$224	$6,887
$25,000	$262	$6,382	$280	$8,608
$30,000	$314	$7,658	$336	$10,330

There is no penalty for paying a loan off early. You will save yourself money because you will pay less interest by paying the loan off sooner.

Example:

-If you borrowed $20,000 in a Stafford loan with a fixed interest rate of 6.21% and are paying on the standard 10-year plan, minimum payments are $224 a month.

-If you only make the minimum payments, you will pay $6,887 in interest alone over the 10-year repayment period.

To calculate your payments you may use the repayment estimator.

Alternative Loans

Sometimes federal student and parent loans are not enough to cover all educational expenses. For this reason, you may consider applying for a private, credit-based loan that may be used as a supplemental resource for paying college costs. Unlike Direct or PLUS loans, Alternative Loans require a separate application, credit check, multiple disclosures, and a Self-Certification form. A co-signer may be required if you have less than two years of good credit history. By applying online, you will know instantly if you are eligible or if you need a co-signer. A historical list of available lenders is provided, but you may apply directly with any lender that you choose. Terms and conditions of loans made under the Title IV may be more favorable than the terms of private loans. Students are encouraged to explore all aid programs prior to obtaining a private loan.

Retaking Courses and Enrollment Status

Semester enrollment status for undergraduate students is as follows:

Full-time enrollment	12 or more hours per semester
Three quarter-time enrollment	9 - 11 hours per semester
Half-time enrollment	6 - 8 hours per semester
Less than half-time enrollment	5 hours or less per semester

The Federal definition for undergraduate enrollment status limits the number of times a repeated course can be counted toward eligibility of aid. A previously passed course can only count one additional time toward aid eligibility. For this purpose, passed means any grade higher than an “F”, regardless of any academic policy requiring a higher qualitative grade or measure to have been considered to have passed the course.

Returning Federal Aid Policy (R2T4)

In accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university is required to calculate both the amount of aid earned and unearned when a student withdraws or ceases attendance/participation in scheduled courses that were used to determine eligibility for federal aid. Any unearned aid must be returned according to those provisions. The calculation for the return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to the university and/or the applicable federal aid program.

Note to All Federal Financial Aid Recipients

If you receive taxpayer supported federal financial aid authorized by Title IV legislation and administered by the U.S. Department of Education, an official or unofficial withdrawal can affect your current financial aid, your future financial aid eligibility, and potentially even your personal finances. Lee University students are strongly encouraged to read and understand the policy below prior to making a final decision about withdrawing from classes.

Where does a student go to withdraw from all classes?

On-campus students should go to The Center for Student Success to complete the withdrawal process. The instructions for how to officially withdraw are located in the online catalog in the Academic Section.
Online students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services to complete the withdrawal process.

How does a withdrawal from class or the university affect financial aid?

Federal financial aid is disbursed under the assumption that the student will attend the entire period of time in which the student was awarded funds. When a student withdraws from all courses for any reason - including medical withdrawals - that student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of financial aid funds he or she was awarded.

Federal law requires schools to calculate how much financial aid is earned if a student does any of the following:

Completely and officially withdraws
Stops participating in classes before completing a semester
Does not complete all sessions/modules (classes that do not span an entire semester) the student was scheduled to attend

The federally required calculation is based on the idea that students earn financial aid in proportion to the amount of time in which they were enrolled. For example, a student who withdraws in the second week of class would earn less than a student who withdraws in the fifth week of class. Therefore, students who receive disbursements of their financial aid and do not complete their semester/term classes could be held responsible for repaying a portion of the aid they received. Students who do not begin attendance must repay all financial aid that was disbursed for the term.

IMPORTANT: You may receive a partial cancellation of your tuition and fees because of your withdrawal. Lee University’s tuition and fees refund policy is separate from the federal regulations on repayment of unearned aid. It is possible that even after the tuition and fees refund policy has been applied, financial aid will not cover a student’s balance following the return of funds calculation.

Important Definitions

The way in which a student ceases enrollment in a class or classes is significant for the purposes of calculating earned and unearned aid. The following definitions are employed:

Attendance / Participation / Academic Activity: Participation in class is necessary to be considered eligible for federal Title IV funds.

Participation includes but is not limited to

Submission of exams or quizzes
Submission of an academic assignment or project
Class attendance
Participation in an online or in-class discussion about academic matters.
Contact with the professor to ask a question about the academic subject being studied
Attendance at a mandatory study group where attendance is documented

Participation is not

Student’s self-certification of attendance or participation
Living in campus housing or eating on campus
Logging into class to view course materials
Receiving academic counseling or advising

Drop: A student is considered “dropped” from classes when they cease enrollment in the class during the drop/add period of each session, module, or term. This period is typically 12 days from the start of the semester, session, or module but may be shorter during summer sessions.

Dropping a class during the drop/add period erases the student’s record of being enrolled in the class, causing necessary adjustments to the student’s enrollment status and any financial aid based on the prior enrollment status.
A “dropped” class is still considered attempted for the purposes of the return of funds calculation during the drop/add period.

Official Withdrawal: A student who follows the official university withdrawal instructions and clearly states their intent to withdraw from the university is considered to have officially withdrawn. The instructions for how to officially withdraw are located in in the Academic Section of the online catalog.

On-campus students should go to The Center for Student Success to complete the withdrawal process.
Online students should contact the Office of Enrollment Services to complete the withdrawal process.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement: If a student did not receive all of the earned funds, the student may be due a post withdrawal disbursement. Lee University may automatically use a portion or all of a post withdrawal disbursement coming from grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges as contracted with the university. If a post withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, Lee University must first obtain the student’s permission to disburse the funds. A student may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds to avoid incurring additional debt. There are some Title IV funds that a student may have been scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed once the student withdraws due to other eligibility requirements.

Unofficial Withdrawal: Students who remain enrolled in a class/classes but never begin participating or who ceased participating and received resulting grades of “F” are potential risks for unofficial withdrawal. If a student stops attending/participating in classes and receives either an “F” or “W” in all classes in which they were enrolled for a semester, that student is considered to be an unofficial withdrawal.

IMPORTANT: Students who are unofficial withdrawals are typically discovered at the end of the semester after grades are submitted. If it is determined that the student ceased attendance/academic participation and the return of funds calculation is required, it is possible that financial aid will be returned for the semester that has already been completed.

What happens when a student fails to begin attendance or participation?

If a student receives financial aid, but never begins attendance/participation in the required number of courses, eligibility for aid must be re-calculated. This could result in aid (up to 100%) being returned.

What is considered the date of withdrawal?

For students who officially withdraw, the withdrawal date is the date the student begins the withdrawal process. For traditional students, this date is determined by The Center for Student Success. The Office of Enrollment Services determines the withdrawal date for online students. For students who drop all courses in a session, module, or semester, the date of withdrawal is the day the courses were dropped. For students who unofficially withdraw, the date of withdrawal is the midpoint of the semester, session, or module. Exceptions to the midpoint will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis if the professor provides appropriate documentation.

R2T4 Re-calculation

Student Notification of Results of Calculation

Upon completion of the Return of Title IV funds calculations, students will receive email notification that funds have been returned. The calculation and return of funds should occur within 45 days of the university being aware of the withdrawal (official or unofficial). The Student Financial Services Office will send a final bill once all necessary adjustments have occurred.

Lee University will return the required unearned funds to the appropriate federal aid program(s) by charging the student’s account. Students will be able to view the return and any resulting account balance on their Portico account immediately after the return of funds has been processed. The student is responsible for all charges and overpayments resulting from a Return of Title IV calculation.

How is “earned” financial aid calculated?

Institutions are required to determine the amount of Title IV financial aid that was “earned” by a withdrawing student. This calculation must be completed within 30 days of the date the school determines the student has withdrawn. The school is required to return any unearned funds within 45 days. The calculation is completed by the Financial Aid Office in accordance with federal requirements.

How is the percentage of semester/module completion calculated?

Percentage of days completed is calculated using the following formula:

(Number of Days Attended) ÷ (Total Days in Semester, Session or Module)

= Percent Completed

The following formula is used to determine the amount of earned financial aid:

(Total Eligible Aid) X (Percent Completed) = Earned Aid

IMPORTANT: “Days” for the purposes of this calculation are considered to be calendar days. For example, a 7-day week includes Saturday and Sunday even if classes are not normally held during that time. Note that scheduled breaks of 5 or more days are excluded from both the number of days attended and the days in a semester, session or module.

In summary, if a student has completed 25% of the payment period in which they were enrolled, they are considered to have “earned” 25% of the financial aid they were originally scheduled to receive. That means 75% of the disbursed aid is considered to be “unearned” and must be returned to the federal government. The total number of days used in the calculation will exclude any scheduled breaks of 5 or more days.

How are sessions/modules different?

The regulations surrounding withdrawal from modules are slightly different. Students enrolled in modules are held accountable for attending the number of days in the modules in which they were enrolled. For example, if the student enrolls in module B in the fall semester, only the number of days in module B will be considered when calculating the percentage of the semester completed.

Fall semester includes sessions A and B.
Spring semester includes sessions C and D.
Summer semester includes sessions E and F as well as sessions SS, S1, S2, and S3.

The timing of a dropped class in the session/modular program is also important. If a student drops courses in a later module while still being enrolled in a current session/module, the student is not considered to be withdrawn from the semester. However, a recalculation of financial aid eligibility based on the change of enrollment status (full-time, three-quarter time, half-time) may still be required.

If a student ceases enrollment in a current session/module but plans to attend a later session/module within the same semester, the student must notify the institution in writing of their plans to attend the later session/module. This allows the student to avoid being considered a withdrawal for the purposes of the Title IV Aid recalculation. If, however, the student does not begin attendance in the future term, the student will be considered withdrawn and subject to a recalculation of funds.

Which funds are subject to the return of funds calculation?

The following federal funds are subject to the return of funds calculation and will be returned in the following order:

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Grad PLUS Loan
Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Effects of Withdrawal on Student Loan Grace Periods (Direct and Perkins)

Any time a student is considered to be enrolled less than half-time, that student’s loan grace period begins. In the case of withdrawal, the grace period begins on the day the student withdraws from the institution. If the student is not enrolled elsewhere at least half-time before the grace period has expired, the loans will go into repayment. The student must contact their loan servicer to make payment arrangements. Loans must be repaid by the borrower as outlined in the terms of the borrower’s promissory note. The student should contact the loan servicer if they have questions regarding grace period or repayment status. Repayment status can be examined at any time by logging into nslds.ed.gov.

Student Consequences of Non-Repayment of Unearned Aid

Outstanding debt owed to federal aid programs due to overpayments resulting from a withdrawal can have serious consequences. If grant funds are owed to the government and the student does not make arrangements for repaying these funds, the overpayment will be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education (ED). Students owing due to an overpayment from any Title IV fund are ineligible to receive future disbursements from any Title IV program until either the overage is paid in full or payment arrangements are made with ED.

If a student fails to pay their student account balance, the student’s academic records will be placed on hold. This means the student must make satisfactory payment arrangements prior to registering and will not be permitted to receive transcripts until the balance is paid in full.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

All students who receive federal financial aid must be working toward an eligible degree from Lee University. In order to ensure that students are making progress the following requirements have been established. Lee University will utilize the below policy in determining federal financial aid eligibility. Progress will be evaluated at the end of the academic year or at the end of a term as described in Section III.

I. Definitions

A. Academic year is fall, spring, and summer.

B. Attempted hours are defined as any course which appears on the transcript.

C. Satisfactory grades are A, B, C, and D.

D. Unsatisfactory grades are W, F, or I.

II. Progress Standards

A. Quantitative (Pace) Standard: Both undergraduate and graduate students must satisfactorily complete 67% of all hours attempted.

B. Qualitative (GPA) Standard: Undergraduate students must maintain the following cumulative grade point averages to be considered making satisfactory progress.

Total Hours Attempted Minimum Required G.P.A.

0 - 29 1.5

30 - 59 1.7

60 - 89 1.9

90 - above 2.0

Graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average which is the academic standard to remain in the graduate programs.

C. Maximum hours: Any undergraduate student who has attempted 180 hours or more will not be making progress.

Graduate students will be allowed to receive federal aid for a maximum of 150% of the published required hours of their program of study.

D. Transfer students: All transferable credits will be counted toward the maximum number of hours allowed to be eligible for financial aid. Satisfactory progress will be evaluated at the end of the first academic year attended at Lee University.

E. Repeat, Remedial, and ESL courses will be evaluated consistent with the academic standards of the university.

F. Change in major: All course work appearing on Lee’s transcript will be included in the evaluation process regardless of the association with the current declared major.

III. Review of Eligibility

Satisfactory academic progress is reviewed annually for all financial aid applicants to ensure that they meet the required qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame standards as outlined in Section II. Progress will be evaluated at the end of the academic year or at the end of a term of probation. Applicants who do not meet the standards outlined in Section II will be notified.

IV. Removal from Financial Aid - Suspension

A. A student who fails to meet any of the above standards of progress will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

B. Removal from financial aid does not prevent the student from enrolling at Lee University if:

· the student has an alternative method of payment and

· if the student meets the academic requirements to re-enroll.

V. Appeals

Students placed on Financial Aid Suspension can appeal to the Financial Aid Office. Reasons that may be acceptable for the appeal are:

· serious illness or accident on the part of the student;

· death, accident, or serious illness in the immediate family;

· other extenuating circumstances directly affecting academic performance.

The appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office in writing and be accompanied by appropriate supporting documents (verbal or incomplete appeals will not be accepted). These will be reviewed weekly by the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Committee. Students will be notified in writing of the Appeal Approval or Appeal Denial.

VI. Reinstatement of Financial Aid

If an appeal is approved the student will be granted one semester of Financial Aid Probation. An Academic Plan may be established by the committee. The plan will be designed to address the academic deficiency to ensure the student is making progress toward his/her degree. The student can continue to receive financial aid during this one semester of probation. Eligibility will be reviewed at the end of the term of probation. At that time the student must either be meeting the overall standards or meeting the terms of their Academic Plan.

A student who is removed from financial aid and/or whose appeal has been denied may be eligible to have his/her financial aid reinstated if he/she enrolls without federal financial aid and is able to reestablish the minimum progress standards or the terms of the previously established Academic Plan. It is the student’s responsibility to inform the Financial Aid Office if the requirements have been met.

State Financial Aid Programs

Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program

The Tennessee Teaching Scholars Program was established by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1995 to encourage exemplary students to enter the teaching force. Participation in this forgivable loan program is limited to college juniors, seniors and post-baccalaureate candidates admitted to a teacher education program in Tennessee. Recipients of the awards incur an obligation to teach one year in a Tennessee public school for each year the award is received or repay the loan with substantial interest. Applications are available online.

Tennessee Student Assistance Award (TSAA)

The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) is a non-profit organization established by the Tennessee General Assembly to further post-secondary education opportunities for Tennessee residents. In administering the Tennessee Student Assistance Award, TSAC reviews all Tennessee resident applicants who are enrolled in an eligible post-secondary institution. The award for full-time enrollment is $4,000. Students apply for the TSAA by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. These funds are exhausted very early in the award process. Tennessee families with financial need are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after October 1 each year. Prior-year recipients (renewals) will receive the award if they meet all eligibility requirements and complete the FAFSA on or before January 17. After this date remaining funds will be awarded to the neediest applicants who apply based on the availability of funds. Awards are made until funds are depleted. Following the submission of the FAFSA, TSAC will review the student’s application based on family need in the same manner as the Pell Grant. Click here for more information.

Tennessee HOPE Scholarship

Tennessee residents who graduate from an eligible Tennessee high school are eligible to apply for a Hope Scholarship. For a four-year institution the award for entering freshmen beginning with fall 2015 and thereafter is up to $1,750 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshmen and sophomore; then up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior. To receive the award, students must have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year prior to the application deadline. The deadlines for application are September 1st for the fall term and February 1st for the spring and summer terms.

Minimum requirements are:

minimum ACT composite score of 21

minimum SAT composite score of 980 (math & critical reading only)

overall weighted GPA of 3.0 or higher.

GED graduates must have a minimum GED score of 525. Home-school graduates without a GED must have a minimum ACT composite score of 21 or a minimum SAT composite score of 980.

Application for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship is made by the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For additional information, contact the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation at 1-800-342-1663. Information on enrollment, continued eligibility, and appeal requirements for the HOPE scholarship can be found at the Lee University website.

Tennessee Minority Teaching Fellows Program

This award is for entering freshmen with a 2.5 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale. Recipients must score at least 18 on the ACT or 850 on the SAT or be in the top 25% of their high school class. Recipients must also agree to teach at a Tennessee public K - 12 school one year for each year the award is received. The annual maximum award amount is $5,000 with a lifetime maximum of $20,000. The application deadline is April 15. For more information, contact your high school guidance counselor or TSAC at (800) 342-1663 or click here.

Other State Scholarship and Tuition Grant Programs

Many states now have scholarship or tuition grant programs. In most states, these scholarships or tuition grants may be used only for attendance at post-secondary educational institutions within the particular state. A few may be used for attendance at any school. To obtain the particulars of these programs, contact your high school counselor or state student assistance agency.

Delaware residents should contact:
		Delaware Department of Education John G. Townsend Building 401 Federal Street Dover, DE 19901 (302) 735-4000 www.doe.k12.de.us
Tennessee residents should contact:
		Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation 404 James Robertson Parkway Parkway Towers, Suite 1510 Nashville, TN 37243-0820 (615) 741-1346 or (800) 342-1663 e-mail: TSAC.Aidinfo@tn.gov http://www.tn.gov/collegepays/
Vermont residents should contact:
	Vermont Student Assistance Corporation VSAC-Grants or VSAC-Scholarships Post Office Box 2000 Winooski, VT 05404 VSAC Grants (800) 882-4166 or (802) 654-3750 VSAC Scholarships (888) 253-4819 or (802) 654-3798 e-mail: info@vsac.org http://services.vsac.org

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program

Recipients of this award must utilize the award in the same year of their high school graduation or receipt of their GED. Students must have achieved a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale in high school or have an average GED score of 570 or higher. Students must also have at least a high school 3.0 average and be in the top quartile nationally (24 ACT; 1090 SAT) on the ACT or SAT. The $1,500 is renewable annually for a total of four years. The application deadline is April 1. Contact your high school guidance counselor or state agency for additional information.

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Students should contact their local office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Department of Human Services, to see if they qualify for any educational assistance.

Lee University Scholarships

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Academic Scholarships

The Centennial, Presidential, and Dean’s scholarships are awarded to first-time freshmen that enroll as traditional, on-campus students each year based upon ACT or SAT scores. Composite scores for scholarship consideration are taken only from a single test date, and tests must be taken on one of the published national test dates set by The College Board. Students who take the ACT residual test on campus are NOT eligible for academic scholarship consideration. Each academic scholar must maintain a full-time Lee University undergraduate class load of at least 12 credit hours each semester. Academic scholarships do not cover the cost of summer camps or Summer Honors. Students older than traditional high school graduates are eligible for academic scholarships if they are first time college attendees.

Institutional Scholarships (including academic scholarships and employee tuition discounts) can be applied toward only one off-campus study program during a student’s enrollment at Lee including intercultural studies internships, student teaching (distance placement), the Semester Study Abroad: UK program and Global perspectives trips.

The Centennial Scholarship is awarded to any student who has graduated from an approved high school and who scores 32-36 on the ACT or 1450-1600* total score on the SAT. Those students who qualify must carry at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher in order to continue receiving the award. The scholarship is distributed in two phases. In the first phase, all Centennial Scholars receive an amount equal to standard tuition. This phase lasts for the recipient’s freshman year.

The second phase is in effect from the recipient’s sophomore year until he or she graduates. In the second phase, Centennial Scholars are separated into two categories, Centennial Gold and Centennial Silver. Those Centennial Scholars with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to 3.69 will be designated as Centennial Silver. Those with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 and above will be designated as Centennial Gold. A Centennial Silver Scholar receives an amount equal to half-tuition for each semester that he or she qualifies. A Centennial Gold Scholar receives an amount equal to full-tuition for each qualifying semester. If at any time the student should lose the scholarship for falling below the 3.0 or the 3.7 cumulative grade point requirement, it can be reinstated at either level once the GPA is equal to or above the original level. This scholarship can be used in any semester including the summer (must take 4 credit hours in any one summer session), but not after graduation. The Centennial Scholarship is awarded in place of, not in addition to, the Honor Scholarship. If a student enrolls in another college/university before attending Lee University, this student will forfeit his or her eligibility for the Centennial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded by the Office of Admissions.

The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to any student who has graduated from an approved high school and who scores 27-31 on the ACT or 1290-1440* total score on the SAT. This guaranteed scholarship award is $10,000 for the first year (two semesters) and $6,000 for the second year (two semesters). During the second year, Presidential Scholars are eligible for the Honor Scholarship in addition to the second year award, if he or she meets Honor Scholarship requirements. Students who enroll in another college/university before attending Lee University forfeit eligibility. Presidential scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions.

The Dean’s Scholarship is awarded to any student who has graduated from an approved high school and who scores 24-26 on the ACT or 1150-1280* total score on the SAT. This scholarship award is $7,000 for the freshman year (two semesters). Students who enroll in another college/university before attending Lee University forfeit eligibility. Dean’s scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions.

*The SAT qualifying scores listed are for tests taken after March 2016. SAT scores from tests taken prior to March 2016 will need to be converted to the new SAT score at SAT.org/score-converter to determine scholarship eligibility.

The Honor Scholarship is awarded to any incoming applicant or returning student who has passed a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours, has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7, and who is currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. The scholarship provides the amount of $2,000 for the semester awarded. This scholarship can be utilized in an unlimited number of semesters as long as all criteria mentioned above are met. The Honor Scholarship can be awarded to second-year Presidential Scholarship recipients. Students enrolled in the Division of Adult Learning or students who have already graduated with a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for this scholarship. Eligibility for the Honor Scholarship is determined by the Office of Records or automatically verified and awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

The LeeU Grant is given to incoming students who demonstrate a combination of academic merit and financial need. Completion of the FAFSA is required to receive the LeeU Grant. Awards range from $500-$5,000. The LeeU Grant can be renewed for a maximum of 4 years. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GAP to retain this award.

The Opportunity Grant is awarded to Presidential or Dean’s scholars who demonstrate financial need. Completion of the FAFSA is required to receive the Opportunity Grant.

Asian Pacific Scholarship Program

The purpose of the Asian Pacific Scholarship Program is to help expand partnerships and recruitment opportunities that were established by Lee University with specific Asian countries through the Asian study grant initiative. The program will provide 14 student scholarships to international students from various Asian countries. Eligible scholarship recipients are students coming to Lee for the first time from these targeted Asian countries: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The recipient of the scholarship shall be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in good standing, pursuing a degree from Lee University. All recipients will be selected by a committee on the basis of provisions listed herein; academic achievement, talent, or leadership experiences.

Scholarship Stipend
Each recipient will be awarded $7,000 per year or $3,500 per semester. Any remaining cost, including books, would be covered by the student. Summer classes are not covered by this program. The award will apply for fall and spring semesters only. The scholarship shall be identified as the Asian Pacific Scholarship. The number of awards shall be limited to fourteen total students for any given semester. Students receiving this award are limited to (8) semesters.

Selection
Applications received by March 1 of each year will be considered for available scholarships. The selection of the scholarship recipients is wholly and strictly the responsibility of the Lee University Asian Pacific Scholarship selection committee.

Eligibility Requirements
In the selection of the scholarship recipients, major consideration will be given to the potential academic performance and talent or leadership ability of each applicant. This scholarship shall be awarded to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in any academic program. First priority will be given to Asian students who are from the specific countries outlined above. Application deadline is March 1. Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant.

Students awarded must provide the following:

Completed admissions application form.
Official records of previous academic work. Copies must be certified as true copies by an official of the educational institution. Official secondary school or preparatory school records. All transcripts must be translated into English.
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score must be officially reported by the Education Testing Service if the applicant is from a non-English-speaking country. Lee University’s institutional number is 1401.
All undergraduate applicants must submit an official American College Testing score (ACT) or SAT scores from the College Board.
A sponsor’s guarantee form and bank statement, documenting that there are sufficient financial resources for twelve months of study including travel expenses. This is a United States government regulation that is strictly enforced by Lee University.
A signed Estimate of Expenses form, which is provided in our International Student Booklet, is also required.

Cancellation Provisions
If a scholarship recipient withdraws from Lee University or fails to remain eligible for continuing his or her studies, eligibility for this scholarship becomes invalid.

Hicks Scholars Program

The Hicks Scholars Program honors the memory of the late B.L. Hicks. It has been funded by a gift from members of the Hicks family. Each year, 14 one-year scholarships are awarded, granting $1,500 to a sophomore selected for the honor by the faculty of his/her academic discipline as directed by the department chair. These 14 winners are announced in April of each year. (Winners may not be Centennial Scholars or children of Lee faculty.)

Hicks Scholars will be expected to volunteer for a work assignment within the department for 5 hours each week under the supervision of the chair.

Hicks Scholars will be selected in the following areas:

History
Elementary Education
English
Psychology
Sociology/Anthropology
Business
Communication
Special Education
Exercise Science and Secondary Education
Computer Information Systems
World Languages
Biology/Chemistry
Mathematics
Political Science

Roberson Leadership Scholarship Program

The Roberson Memorial Leadership Scholarship Program annually awards 50 scholarships of $2,000 each to applicants who have shown outstanding leadership ability in high school or college. Special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated successful leadership, character, and service in school activities, church ministry, or community service programs. Inquiries or questions can be answered by the Admissions Office. Scholarship Applications and letters of recommendation should be submitted to the Office of Admissions by February 1.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program awards 32 scholarships of $2,500 each. In accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, scholarships will be awarded to women who reside in one of nine specified states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. Recipients will be chosen primarily on the basis of need, with consideration given to academic merit and character. The Scholarship Application must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by February 1.

Music Scholarships

Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is awarded annually to the School of Music’s most outstanding music major at the end of the student’s junior year for use in his/her senior year. The Presser Scholar is selected by the music faculty, whose choice shall be guided solely by consideration of excellence and merit. The student selected is identified by the music faculty and the decision communicated by the Dean of the School of Music to the Presser Foundation with a brief statement about the student. The award is granted for one year.

In addition, music scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating performance ability in applied music. Interested individuals should write to the Dean of the School of Music. Performance scholarships are also available from many of the performing ensembles. Contact music@leeuniversity.edu for more information.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Scholarship

Tucker Foundation Scholarship

The Tucker Foundation Scholarship will be awarded each year to an outstanding student in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will accept recommendations from the science and math faculty and will nominate the Tucker Scholar at the end of his/her junior year to the Student Aid Committee. The Tucker Foundation Scholarship recipient will be chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, with consideration given to financial need and priority given to students who graduated from an East Tennessee high school. The scholarship will be applied to the recipient’s tuition and expenses for his/her senior year. A plaque in the science/mathematics building will honor the Tucker Scholars by recognizing the Tucker Foundation and listing the name of each scholarship recipient by year.

School of Nursing Scholarship

Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship for Nursing

The primary objective of The Tucker Foundation is to provide financial support to non-profit organizations to produce in young people the character and skills required to live a productive and happy life, along with organizations that conserve essential elements of our natural environment forever.

Tucker Scholar in Nursing

Recipients will be selected by a nursing scholarship committee comprised of nursing faculty with input from the Financial Aid Office.

Scholarship Selection Criteria:

Officially accepted by the School of Nursing (SON)
Legal resident of Cleveland/Bradly County MSA or Chattanooga/Hamilton County MSA
Have demonstrated financial need (as evidenced on FAFSA)
Consideration will be given to leadership, service and other extra-curricular activities (as evidenced on SON application)
Brief essay (as evidenced on SON application)

Requirements to retain the scholarship for the duration of student time in the School of Nursing:

Demonstration of satisfactory, full-time, on-time academic progress
Renewal notification by June 1

The approximate annual scholarship award is $5,000.

School of Religion Scholarship Program

Poiema Scholarship Program

Begun in 2002 for the purpose of assisting future vocational ministers in their education to fulfill their calling, the Poiema Scholarship Program (pronounced “poy-ay-mah”) provides scholarships for School of Religion (SOR) majors. The details of the amounts awarded and eligibility requirements as well as the selection process are offered below.

(Note: Previous Poiema scholarships have been exclusively for entering freshmen SOR majors, who could hold the scholarship through their sophomore year. The new program described below awards scholarships on an annual basis to SOR incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors as well as SOR graduate students. Receiving the award one year does not guarantee renewal of it the next year.)

Scholarship Stipends

1. (8) incoming SOR freshmen (completed 0-15 hours):