College costs present a financial challenge to many students and their families. Springfield College offers a variety of financing programs ranging from need-based financial aid to family loan programs that meet the financing concerns of a wide range of families.
The first step in meeting the challenge of college costs is the need-based financial aid application process. An application for financial aid has no bearing on whether a student is accepted for admission to Springfield College.
More than 75 percent of the undergraduate students at Springfield College are eligible for financial assistance in the form of need-based grants, loans, or campus employment. The family should plan to support as much of the student’s educational costs as possible so that the student can focus on his or her academic program.
terms of assistance
The goal of the Springfield College financial assistance program is to assist qualified students in obtaining a Springfield College education. Aid is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment. Each student will receive detailed information on the policies governing the awarding and renewal of financial aid with the award letter.
Several factors influence the amount and type of aid awarded. Financial need is the difference between the comprehensive cost of education and the calculated family contribution. The family contribution to educational expenses is determined by the Office of Financial Aid staff by using the data on the FAFSA and PROFILE applications and the federal tax returns. Applicants may also supply additional information relevant to their financial status.
The review of the admission application influences the financial aid decision process in two major areas. Academic achievement is rated in the review of the application for admission. This review includes an evaluation of the student’s secondary school record, test scores, references and post-secondary academic records. Leadership and other personal qualitative attributes are also part of the admission application review.
Participation in cocurricular and community activities along with other personal information in the admission application are also evaluated. The academic and personal ratings are used in the financial aid awarding process.
sources of assistance
Awarded to students with financial need, these grants carry no repayment obligations. Eligibility is determined by the Office of Financial Aid, subject to the published policies of the College. Awards vary according to individual circumstances. The level of need and the assessment of the applicant’s academic achievement and cocurricular and community activity affect the amount of the award.
President’s Achiever’s Scholarship
Awards are made to students upon recommendation of the Admissions Office and are renewable, pending the published guidelines. These awards are based on academic and personal merit, not on financial need. However, students wishing to be considered for the scholarship must apply for need-based financial aid first.
Federal Financial Aid Programs
Springfield College participates in the following student aid programs: College work-study, parent PLUS Loan, Pell Grant, Perkins Loan, Stafford Loan, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. All programs are subject to federal eligibility regulations.
Student Employment
Many students finance a portion their educational expenses thorough part-time on-campus employment. Students are paid directly, every two weeks, based on hours worked. Each student may work a maximum of twenty hours per week. Earnings vary depending on the number of hours worked; a student who works ten hours per week for the academic year can earn about $1,200. Students may work on campus regardless of their eligibility for financial aid.
Cooperative Education
The Office of Cooperative Education in the Career Center assists students in obtaining off-campus, career-related positions in local business, schools, and human service agencies. This program is open to students in good academic standing who are at the sophomore level or higher.
Other Financing Options
Springfield College offers a variety of educational financing programs to students and parents. The Office of Financial Aid will provide educational loan and payment plan information to all accepted students.