Nov 21, 2024

Lee University Catalog_2024-2025

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Lee University Catalog_2024-2025

Undergraduate Financial Aid

Undergraduate Financial Aid

Federal Financial Aid Programs
Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan Program
Retaking Courses and Enrollment Status

Returning Federal Aid Policy (R2T4)
- Re-calculation Formula

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

State Financial Aid Programs

Other State Scholarship and Tuition Grant Programs
- Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Lee University Scholarships
- Merit Scholarships
- Transfer Scholarships
Miscellaneous Scholarships
Community Scholarships
- 100 Black Men of Bradley County Scholarship
- 100 Black Men of Bradley County 2+2 Scholarship
Endowment Scholarships

Family Tuition Discount

Institutional Loan Program

Veteran Educational Benefits

Financial Aid Budgets

Undergraduate Financial Aid

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. To determine eligibility, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be submitted online at FAFSA.gov. All information must be received by Lee University before February 1 to be included in the priority awarding group.

Rights and Responsibilities of Financial Aid Recipients

There are certain rights and responsibility students must adhere to in order to receive monetary awards.

Student Responsibilities:

It is the students’ responsibility to attend class. Class attendance is vital to being successful in college and maintaining eligibility for aid. Confirming enrollment does not establish eligibility for aid. Confirming enrollment simply means you are entering a financial agreement between the University and yourself.
It is the students’ responsibility to complete and submit all necessary documents in the required time frame. Financial aid will not disburse until all required documents are completed and submitted.
To ensure timely communication, students should consistently check their Lee email, Portico account, and campus post office box. If phone, address, or other contact information changes, notify the Financial Aid Office.
Financial aid recipients must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree program. In certain cases, students who are less than half-time may be eligible for the Pell Grant. Only credit hours that count toward the declared degree will count toward aid eligibility.
Financial aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress to retain eligibility for aid.
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 anticipating funds from sources other than the Financial Aid Office should notify the office as soon as possible. This includes scholarships, loans, etc. The university may reduce awards if total aid exceeds the cost of attendance.
Students receiving institutional funding are required to comply with chapel attendance policies. 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.
If family/individual situations change during the school year, students should notify the Financial Aid Office. Students may qualify for a special conditions revision. Examples of changes would be death, loss of job, significant out of pocket medical expenses, etc.
Students must reapply for financial aid each year by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The application opens on October 1.

Student Responsibilities - When Graduating or Withdrawing:

Students planning to withdraw or drop any course work should notify the Financial Aid Office prior to doing so to determine impact on aid eligibility. Students may be required to repay part, or all of the financial aid received.
Graduation or withdrawal may impact eligibility for future financial aid.
All loan recipients must assume repayment upon leaving school or dropping below half-time. Prior to graduation or withdrawal, an exit interview should be completed to ensure full understanding of loan terms and repayment provisions (including deferment options).

Lee Financial Aid General Policies:

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 the availability of funds.
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. This includes 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.

Consumer Information

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires universities participating in federal student aid programs to make certain disclosures to enrolled and prospective students, parents, employees, and the public. In an effort to assist students and their families in making informed decisions, Lee University has developed Consumer Information on the Lee University website to serve as a central point for obtaining consumer information about the institution.

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 to arrive. 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.

Homeschool 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 homeschool setting that is treated as a homeschool or private school under State law.” Section 484(d)(3) imposes no age limitation on the eligibility of homeschooled students.

An “underage” homeschool 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 homeschool program or would not require the student to attend school or continue to be homeschooled.

Global Perspectives

Credit hours earned from participation in a Lee University Global Perspective trip may be considered as credit hours enrolled for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid. Credit hours earned for an individually arranged and approved study-abroad trip may be considered as credit hours enrolled for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid.

Students participating in an individually arranged collaborative study abroad trip should contact the Office of Global Perspectives for information regarding the required approval process. Students participating in a non-collaborative study abroad trip should contact the Academic Services Office for information regarding the required approval process. In the case of non-collaborative study abroad trips, a consortium or contractual agreement must be signed by all required parties for the hours to be eligible for consideration for federal student 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, we encourage you 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 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 student 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 homeschool 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 the 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. Pell Grants are 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 $600 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 who demonstrate 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 and is 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 to log into Portico for a listing of available student positions on the Online Job Board.

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 also 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 up to $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 Exit Counseling

Students who have received the Federal Perkins Loan must complete Loan Exit Counseling if they drop below half-time enrollment status or graduate. An e-mail explaining the process will be sent once the Financial Aid Office receives notification that the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time.

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program

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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 Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling online. Loan repayment 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 minimum annual payment under the standard repayment plan is $600. For more information on alternative payment plans, click here. A deferment from repayment is granted for up to three years while a borrower serves in the Armed Forces, Peace Corps, or VISTA. Deferment is also 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 about Federal Direct Loans go to StudentAid.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 about Federal Direct Loans go to StudentAid.gov.

Federal Direct Stafford Subsidized Loan

The subsidized loan is a need-based loan for which the federal government subsidizes (pays) the interest during the qualifying period. The maximum amount that students may borrow 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. Total subsidized loans for undergraduate students cannot exceed $23,000.

Federal Direct Stafford 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 students’ behalf. Students may make monthly or quarterly interest payments during the time of enrollment in school, during the grace period, or during any period of deferment or repayment.

Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Federal regulations require all students who participate in one of the Federal Student Loan programs to complete a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN 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.

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 of entrance counseling 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.

Loan Exit Counseling

Federal regulations require all students who participate in one of the Federal Student Loan programs to complete Exit Counseling. The purpose of Exit Counseling is to review loan history and repayment terms. Exit Counseling is required for graduation and must be completed before the school can issue a diploma. Exit Counseling is provided by the Financial Aid Office or may be completed online at studentaid.gov. Online Exit Counseling is also required for students who withdraw or drop below half-time enrollment (6 hours for undergraduates or 5 hours for graduates) 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 when applying. Exit Counseling is also required for graduate students who borrow through this program. Students can find additional information about this loan program on 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	4.45% Interest		6% Interest
	Payment	Total Interest	Payment	Total Interest
$5000	$52	$1,218	$56	$1,661
$10,000	$104	$2,437	$111	$3,322
$15,000	$155	$3,655	$167	$4,984
$20,000	$207	$4,873	$222	$6,645
$25,000	$259	$6,092	$278	$8,306
$30,000	$311	$7,310	$333	$9,967

There is no penalty for early repayment. You will save yourself money because you will pay less interest.

Example:

-If you borrowed $20,000 in a Stafford loan with a fixed interest rate of 6% and are paying on the standard 10-year plan, minimum payments are $222 a month.

-If you only make the minimum payments, you will pay $6,645 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 you may use 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 program 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

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Semester enrollment status for undergraduate students is as follows:

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

Returning Federal Aid Policy (R2T4)

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In accordance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university is required to calculate both the amounts 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 HUB to complete the withdrawal process. The instructions for how to officially withdraw are located in the online catalog in the Undergraduate Studies Policies and Procedures section of the catalog - Withdrawing from the University .
Online students should contact the Online Office of Enrollment and Student 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 for 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. See the following definitions:

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 mandatory study groups 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 add/drop 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 add/drop period modifies the student’s enrollment record, causing 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 add/drop 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 HUB to complete the withdrawal process.
Online students should contact the Online Office of Enrollment and Student Services to complete the withdrawal process.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement: If a student did not receive all of his/her 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, room, and board charges. 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 who 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 up to 100% of aid being returned.

What is considered the date of withdrawal?

For students who officially withdraw, the withdrawal day is the date the student begins the withdrawal process. For traditional students, this date is determined by The HUB. The Online Office of Enrollment and Student 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.

Re-calculation Formula

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 to 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 those plans. This allows the student to avoid being considered a withdrawal in 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 refund calculation and will be returned in the following order:

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
Federal Subsidized Direct Loan
Federal Grad PLUS Loan
Federal Parent PLUS Loan
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Other Title IV programs

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 Loan Agreement (MPN). 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 the National Student Loan Data System.

Student Consequences of Non-Repayment of Unearned Aid

Resulting from a withdrawal, outstanding debt owed to federal aid programs due to overpayments 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 disbursement from any Title IV program until either the overage is paid in full or payment arrangements have been 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

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Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is a policy required by Federal and State financial aid regulations for all students receiving financial assistance through these programs. The policy is intended to ensure students are progressing towards degree completion. All students who receive federal and/or state financial aid must be working toward an eligible degree and be in good academic standing (as defined by this policy) to be eligible for aid. Lee University will utilize the policy below in determining federal and state financial aid eligibility. Progress will be evaluated at the end of the academic year or at the end of term as described in Section III. In order to ensure that students are making progress, the following requirements have been established:

I. Definitions

Academic year is fall, spring, and summer.
Attempted hours are defined as any course which appears on the transcript.
Satisfactory grades are A, B, C, and D.
Unsatisfactory grades are W, F, or I.

II. Progress Standards

Pace of Progression Standard: Both undergraduate and graduate students must satisfactorily complete 67% of all hours attempted.
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. See Graduate Financial Aid for Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards for Graduate Students.

Maximum Hours Standard: Any undergraduate student who has attempted 180 hours or more will not be making progress.
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.
Repeat, Remedial, and ESL courses: will be evaluated consistent with the academic standards of the University.
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 student who fails to meet any of the above standards of progress will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
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. Examples 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 in writing and be accompanied by appropriate supporting documents. 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 will be established by the committee in order to address the academic deficiency and 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 regain eligibility by enrolling without federal financial aid, regaining 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

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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 February 1. 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 is up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshmen and sophomore, then up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior. To receive the award, a student 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 1060 exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests (concordant equivalent score)

overall weighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.

GED graduates must have a minimum GED score of 170.

Home-school graduates without a GED must have a minimum ACT composite score of 21 or a minimum SAT composite score of 1060. Click this link to learn more about HOPE Scholarship for home school students.

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 students can find appeal requirements for the HOPE scholarship 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

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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, while 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 https://www.vsac.org/

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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Merit Scholarships

Each year, based on ACT or SAT scores, the Presidential, Dean’s and Ignite scholarships are awarded to first-time freshmen that enroll as traditional, on-campus students. 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.

Ignite Scholarship

The Ignite Scholarship for students beginning attendance Fall 2023 and thereafter starts at $2,000 and is renewable for a maximum of four years or eight semesters provided that the recipient maintains continuous, full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Eligibility will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. This award is contingent upon the student not having attended another college/university following high school graduation. The average Ignite Scholar has an ACT of 21 (or equivalent test score on the SAT or CLT) and a high school GPA greater than 3.0. Ignite scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions with the undergraduate admissions application serving as the application for these scholarships. Awards are based on official test scores from the ACT, SAT or CLT and all transcripts. Beginning freshmen are considered for these awards based on an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Superscores on entrance examinations are not considered for merit scholarships. Students may receive only one general merit scholarship.

Dean’s Scholarship

The Dean’s Scholarship for students beginning attendance Fall 2023 and thereafter starts at $5,000 and is renewable for a maximum of four years or eight semesters provided that the recipient maintains continuous, full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Eligibility will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. This award is contingent upon the student not having attended another college/university following high school graduation. The average Dean’s Scholar has an ACT of 24 (or equivalent test score on the SAT or CLT) and a high school GPA greater than 3.3. Dean’s scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions with the undergraduate admissions application serving as the application for these scholarships. Awards are based on official test scores from the ACT, SAT or CLT and all transcripts. Beginning freshmen are considered for these awards based on an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Superscores on entrance examinations are not considered for merit scholarships. Students may receive only one general merit scholarship.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship for students beginning attendance Fall 2023 and thereafter starts at $7,500 and is renewable for a maximum of four years or eight semesters provided that the recipient maintains continuous, full-time enrollment and a minimum 3.0 cumulative college GPA. Eligibility will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. This award is contingent upon the student not having attended another college/university following high school graduation. The average Presidential Scholar has an ACT of 28 (or equivalent test score on the SAT or CLT) and a high school GPA greater than 3.5. Presidential scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions with the undergraduate admissions application serving as the application for these scholarships. Awards are based on official test scores from the ACT, SAT or CLT and all transcripts. Beginning freshmen are considered for these awards based on an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Superscores on entrance examinations are not considered for merit scholarships. Students may receive only one general merit scholarship.

Lee University is test optional. Admitted freshmen who choose to pursue admission without a test score will be considered for general merit scholarships based on an evaluation of their high school GPA and academic experience.

For students enrolled prior to Fall 2020, see the 2019-2020 Lee University Catalog for eligibility and retention requirements.

For students enrolled Fall 2020 through Fall 2022, see the 2020-2021 Lee University Catalog or the 2021-2022 Lee University Catalog for eligibility and retention requirements.

Transfer Scholarships

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John D. Nichols Scholarship

The John D. Nichols Scholarship requirements include 3.0 cumulative GPA and full-time enrollment. The award amount is $3,000 for up to three academic years. Only transfer applicants are eligible. This non-competitive scholarship has no deadline. The Nichols Scholarship will be awarded by the Office of Admissions based on GPA from official transcripts.

Community College Graduate Scholarship

The Community College Graduate Scholarship requirements include completion of an associate degree and full-time enrollment. This scholarship can be paired with the John D. Nichols Scholarship for an additional award of $1,000 per year for up to two academic years. Only students who transfer directly to Lee after graduation from community college are eligible. This non-competitive scholarship has no deadline. The scholarship application must be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship requirements include membership in Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an associate degree, 3.5 cumulative GPA, and full-time enrollment. The scholarship can be paired with the John D. Nichols Scholarship for an additional award of $2000 per year for up to two academic years. Only transfer applicants are eligible. This non-competitive scholarship has no deadline. Scholarship application materials, including proof of associate degree and Phi Theta Kappa membership, can be submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Miscellaneous Scholarships

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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 the following targeted Asian countries: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The scholarship recipient 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 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 can receive this award up 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 the 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 either withdraws from Lee University or fails to remain eligible for continuing his or her studies, eligibility for this scholarship becomes invalid.

Charles Paul Conn Centennial Scholarship

The Charles Paul Conn Centennial Scholarship is Lee’s most competitive scholarship for incoming freshmen begining Fall 2023 and thereafter. Qualified applicants are invited to a separate application and selection process, after which 10 incoming freshmen will be named Charles Paul Conn Centennial Scholars and will receive renewable full-tuition scholarships.

Centennial Scholarship (awarded prior to Fall 2023)

The Centennial Scholarship for students who began attendance Fall 2020 through Fall 2022 is a competitive award given to a select number of Presidential Scholars. This scholarship award is an additional $5,000 per year and a maximum $20,000 total for 4 years. This is in addition to the Presidential Scholarship. A 3.0 cumulative GPA and a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester are required to maintain eligibility. Eligibility will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year. This award was contingent upon the student not having attended another college/university following high school graduation.

Church of God Ministers Scholarship

The Church of God Ministers Scholarship is offered by the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) and Lee University who have partnered to institute an annual scholarship for dependents/children of ordained ministers and bishops in the Church of God. Students qualify by submitting admissions application, scholarship profile, and FAFSA. Scholarships are $3,000 for one year and can only be applied to the fall and spring semesters of the academic year. The scholarship can be renewed with application. The number of scholarships is limited and will be awarded on a rolling basis with priority given to Early Action candidates. This scholarship can be received for a maximum of 5 years and requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA and continuous, full-time campus enrollment to maintain eligibility. Prior to disbursement, Lee University will confirm with the Church of God that the parent of the applicant is in fact credentialed as an Ordained Bishop/Minister and in good standing with the denomination.

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, in the amount of $1,500 to sophomores. The recipients are selected by the faculty of their 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

LeeU Grant (need based)

The LeeU Grant may be awarded to students who demonstrate a combination of academic merit and financial need (as defined by the university). Completion of the FAFSA is required to be considered for the LeeU Grant. Awards range from $500-$8,000. These limited funds are awarded until exhausted. Final eligibility will be determined by the Financial Aid Office by taking into consideration other institutionally defined factors.

The LeeU Grant can be renewed for a maximum of 4 years. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to retain this award.

LeeU Promise

The LeeU Promise scholarship program is a last-dollar scholarship that, for students who qualify, will cover remaining tuition balance after other aid is applied. Students who meet the following criteria would be eligible:

Tennessee HOPE eligible (21 ACT or 3.0 high school GPA)
Must submit valid FAFSA before April 1
Parent Adjusted Gross Income less than $36,000
Lee must be first university after high school
Full Pell Eligible

The LeeU Promise can be renewed for a maximum of 4 years. Students must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to retain this award. This award will be adjusted if additional grant aid is awarded at a later date, or key FAFSA data elements change.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program awards 48 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 December 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 Endowed Scholarship

The Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship will be awarded each year to two outstanding students in either the Department of Natural Sciences or Department of Mathematical Sciences. The Chair of each department will accept recommendations from the science and math faculty. The Chairs will convene a committee composed of representatives from both departments to nominate the Tucker Scholar, who is at the end of his/her junior year, to the Student Aid Committee. The Tucker Foundation Endowed 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 and Math Complex 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)
Brief essay (as evidenced on SON application)
Consideration will be given to leadership, service and other extra-curricular activities (as evidenced on SON application)

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

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

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 20 scholarships for School of Theology and Ministry (STM) majors for each academic year. 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 STM majors, who could hold the scholarship through their sophomore year. The program described below awards scholarships on an annual basis to STM incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, as well as STM graduate students. Receiving the award one year does not guarantee reception of it the next year.)

Scholarship Stipends

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