Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant
The U.S. Department of Education provides federal grants to undergraduate students who are eligible U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. An undergraduate is one who has not earned a bachelor’s degree. Unlike loans, Federal Pell Grants do not have to be repaid.

Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant will be determined once the student has completed the FAFSA^®, Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The U.S. Department of Education uses a standard formula to evaluate the income information you report on your FAFSA^® to determine your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office uses this number to determine your eligibility for financial aid against the Cost of Attendance (COA).

How Much Will You Receive?
Awards for the 2023-2024 school year will range from $761 to $7395.  per year depending on the student’s enrollment status, cost of attendance, and EFC. Students attending less than half-time may be eligible for only a Federal Pell Grant and Federal Direct Loans.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The U.S. Department of Education provides limited Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) to undergraduate students.

How Do You Qualify? 
Students must complete the FAFSA^® and demonstrate high financial need. Should additional funds remain, funds are awarded to category two students or those who may not be eligible for Federal Pell Grant and demonstrate need.

How Much Will You Receive? 
Awards for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) range from $200 – $4,000 per year depending on financial need and the availability of funds.

Effective Access to Student Education (EASE)
The Effective Access to Student Education (EASE) program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending an eligible, private, non-profit college or university in the State of Florida. Students must meet Florida’s residency requirements for receipt of state student financial aid by maintaining Florida residency for purposes other than education for a minimum of 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of class of the academic term for which funds are requested. All recipients must earn 12 credit hours each semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

The Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) Program is a need-based grant program consisting of three separately funded student financial aid programs available to degree­-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need and are enrolled in participating postsecondary institutions. Students must meet Florida’s residency requirements for receipt of state student financial aid by maintaining Florida residency for purposes other than education for a minimum of 12 consecutive months prior to the first day of class of the academic term for which funds are requested.  All recipients must earn 12 credit hours each semester and maintain a 2.0 GPA.

The Mary Mcleod Bethune Scholarship provides financial assistance to undergraduate students who meet scholastic requirements and demonstrate financial need. This scholarship is awarded to the students with the highest need first. The funds are limited at each participating Institution.

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The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program establishes three lottery-funded scholarships to reward Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement. For Initial Eligibility the student will need to submit a fully completed (error free) The application gives the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) permission to evaluate the student’s high school transcript and standardized test scores for eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship and other state scholarships and grants. Apply during his/her last year in high school, before graduation, or you will forfeit all future eligibility for a Bright Futures Scholarship.

The Office of Financial Aid is pleased to announce the availability of both merit and need­-based scholarships to students who qualify. The Edward Waters University Scholarship/Grant-In-Aid programs are designed to assist students with offsetting the direct costs of education (Tuition, Fees, and On-campus room and board). Students must apply for financial aid to be eligible for the institutional scholarships.

The Following awards will be made after all other financial aid has been determined. The EWU scholarship and Grant-in Aid programs are not designed or intended for students to make a financial profit or generate a student refund, rather only to pay for direct college expenses not met by other forms of assistance. The award may be reduced should additional aid be received after disbursement (other than work-study and loans) for direct costs. The following scholarships are offered to potential students once all admissions documents have been received by the Admissions office.

Presidential Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to incoming high school seniors with at least a 3.80 cumulative grade point average (GPA).  Students must also submit an essay to be eligible for this scholarship. Students must register for at least 12 credit hours and earn at least 12 credits hours per semester. This scholarship is up to the full cost of tuition and fees, and cannot generate any refund to the student. This scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters by maintaining a minimum 3.25 GPA.

Honors Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to incoming high school seniors with a 3.25 cumulative grade point average (GPA) Students must submit an essay to be eligible for this scholarship.. Students must apply for financial aid to be eligible for this scholarship. Students must register for at least 12 credit hours and earn at least 12 credit hours per semester. This scholarship is up to $10,000 and cannot generate any refund to the student. This scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters by maintaining a 3.00 GPA.

Merit Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to incoming high school seniors with a 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA).  Students must register for at least 12 credit hours and earn at least 12 credit hours per semester. This scholarship is up to $5.000, and cannot generate any refund to the student. This scholarship is renewable up to eight semesters by maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Transfer Scholarship
This scholarship is non-renewable and is only good for one academic year. This scholarship is for students transferring from another college or institution with a minimum of 24 transferable credit hours and a 2.5 grade point average (GPA). This scholarship is up to $3,000, and cannot generate a refund to the student.

Freshman Grant
This scholarship is non-renewable and is only good for one academic year. This scholarship is for high school seniors with a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA). This scholarship is up to $2,000, and cannot generate a refund to the student.

Talent-Based Scholarship
This scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters and is based on the individual talent in choir, or band. Amounts vary. For more information, contact the Choir Director  at (904) 470-8883 and the Band Director at (904) 323-0899.

Athletic Scholarship
This scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters and is based on the athletic ability of the student. Amounts vary. For more information, contact the Athletic Department at (904) 470-8276 .

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Private Scholarships
Edward Waters University encourages students to pursue all sources of funding to pay for their college education before considering a student loan. Below are links to scholarship Web sites that offer an abundance of scholarship opportunities:

United Negro College Fund
Scholarships are awarded specifically to EWU students administered by the UNCF. Awards are based on student need, GPA, major, and completion of the application process. Award amounts vary from $500 – $5,000 per academic year.

FastWeb Scholarships
This is a free scholarship Web site that will search for available scholarships that you may qualify for, based on the scholarship profile you create on the Web site.

GMR Web Team Marketing Scholarship Program
GMR Web Team is a full service digital marketing agency in Orange County, CA that offers one-stop solutions for all internet marketing needs. Our company works with small and medium established businesses as well as small funded start-up companies. We provide every client with customized internet marketing strategies, website design, and on-going maintenance.

Scholarship Amount:
GMAR Web Team will be funding a $500 academic scholarship per semester.

Criteria: 

• 0 minimum cumulative GPA
• Full-time enrollment (12 units or more)

Requirements:
Imagine that you’re the business owner of a luggage brand that is about to launch nationwide. You already have an e-Commerce website, but no digital marketing strategy. Write the marketing plan in a word document and describe what steps you would take to market this business and back it up with logical reasoning. The winning marketing plan will be featured on GMR Web Team’s blog.

Frequency:
This is a semester scholarship and will be awarded in the spring and fall semester. Students are welcome to apply for the scholarship throughout the year. Applicants will receive a confirmation email where they will be prompted to verify the scholarship entry.

Deadlines:
The deadlines are January 3rd and July 30th. Winners will be contacted via the school email provided. If you have any questions, please contact: scholarship@gmrwebteam.com. Upon application completion, you will receive an automated email response. Scholarship winners will be contacted via the student email provided.

Other Private Scholarship Awards
Private individuals and organizations support individual students meeting their own criteria that they select as recipients. Criteria and amounts vary. The African Methodist Episcopal Church provides several scholarship opportunities. The Urban League, International Longshoreman Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Greyhound, and L-D Industries are just some of our regular and much appreciated scholarship donors. for more information on these scholarships, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK STUDY

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is available to students that wish to earn wages in a degree-related job to help assist with college living expenses. Students are paid monthly and may obtain employment either on-campus or off-campus. Work-Study jobs pay at least the Federal minimum wage to students demonstrating need while in school and who possess usable skills for on-campus and off-campus positions. Students interested in seeking Federal College Work-Study (FWS) must indicate an interest by completing the work-study question on the FAFSA. Students may also apply in the Office of Financial Aid. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Once a student is awarded Federal Work-Study, the student may stop in the Office of Financial Aid to review the listing of FWS job openings. When the student returns for the Fall term, the student will receive the policy manual and the procedures for completing the timesheets.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN PROGRAM

Student loan defaults are on the rise! Edward Waters University encourages you to pursue all other forms of financial assistance before deciding on if you should obtain a loan and how much you should borrow. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid regarding other aid options available and for assistance on how much student loan you may need. Remember, the loan must be repaid to the Federal government. Failure to do so will result in your wages being garnished, your credit tarnished, and any tax refund intercepted by the government and other sanctions. Please borrow wisely!

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers several low interest loans to students. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution (which you may have if you previously borrowed under the Federal Family Educational Loan Program). Loan eligibility and amounts are based on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and may be completed online at www.student.aid.gov Students must also complete the online Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is available to undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students.  The amount you may borrow per year is based on your level of enrollment, financial need, and cost of attendance. “Subsidized” means the government pays the interest on your loan while you are in school and during your six month grace period after you leave school.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Independent undergraduate students may borrow between $6,000 – $7,000 based on their level of enrollment and cost of attendance. Dependent undergraduate students may borrow up to $2,000 per academic year. “Unsubsidized” means you are responsible for paying the interest while in school and during your six month grace period after you leave school.  Students have the option to defer the interest while in school and during the six month grace period but the interest is capitalized during the deferment period. 

Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is available to parents of dependent students that wish to borrow up to their child’s cost of education or for additional education expenses not covered by other forms of financial aid. A credit check is required as part of the loan approval.

 

 

 

For more information on Direct Loan interest rates, fees, and student rights and responsibilities; and to begin the Direct Loan Entrance Interview Process and to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, please visit their Web site at https://studentaid.gov

 

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan for Graduate Students

 

Degree-seeking graduate students may borrow up to $20,500 per academic year not to exceed the cost of attendance.  The student must be enrolled in a minimum of six hours to qualify for this program.  “Unsubsidized” means the student is responsible for paying the interest while in school and during the six month grace period after leaving school.  Students have the option to defer the interest while in school but the interest will be added to the principle during the deferment period.

 

Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

The Direct Graduate PLUS loan is a low-interest loan available to students enrolled in a graduate degree program.  The student’s eligibility for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is determined by a credit check conducted by the U.S. Department of Education.  Students must be admitted as a degree-seeking graduate student and enrolled in a minimum of six degree-applicable credit hours.  An eligible graduate student may borrow up to their cost of attendance minus other sources of aid.  Students who borrow under this program are required to pay the interest while in school but have the option to defer the interest payments while in school.  Loan repayment would begin at the end

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIP LINKS

• American Geological Institute Minority Geoscience Student Scholarship 
• Engineering for Minorities
• Gates Millennium Scholars
• International Education Financial Aid
• The Jackie Robinson Foundation
• LGBT Scholarships
• Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
• Students of Color Scholarship
• Unmet Need Scholarship
• Ron Brown Scholarship
• Black Excel Scholarship Gateways 
• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
• NAACP Scholarships:
  • Agnes Jones Scholarship
  • Hubertus W.V.Williams Scholarship
• National Association of Black Journalists 
• National Black Police Association

Scholarships for Latino Students

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (Congressional Internship)
• First in My Family Scholarship Program
• Hispanic Associations of Colleges & Universities
• Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists

STUDENT LOAN DEFAULT PREVENTION POLICY

Edward Waters University (EWU) encourages students to borrow wisely and pursue all other aid options before obtaining a student loan. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your financial aid award package and other opportunities available. Financial Aid Advisors are available for loan counseling. A complete copy of the EWU Default Prevention Policy is available for viewing in the Office of Financial Aid.

EWU students graduating or no longer enrolled at least half-time with the college MUST complete a Loan Exit Interview.

TITLE IV FUNDS POLICY

Return of Title IV Refund (R2T4)
Federal student aid recipients that officially or unofficially withdrawal or cease attending all of their classes prior to 60% of the enrollment period may be subject to repayment to all or a portion of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Student Loans, Parent Loans and/or other Federal aid received.

Official Withdrawal
Students, who go through the formal process of withdrawing from all courses and provides the documentation to the Registrar’s Office, are considered as official withdrawal.  The date of withdrawal is the date the student began the process of withdrawing.

Unofficial Withdrawal
Students who stop attending all classes are considered unofficial withdrawals.  If you receive a combination of F, W and/or I, the professor is asked to report your last date of attendance.  The date of withdrawal is the date reported by the professor.

R2T4 Calculation
Title IV funds are earned based on the calendar days the student attended compared to the number of days in the term.  After the 60 percent point in the payment period, a student is considered to have earned 100 percent of the Federal Student Aid funds they were eligible to receive for the payment period.

In compliance with federal regulations, the financial aid office will perform the calculation within 30 days of the student’s official withdrawal or within 30 days of the end of the term for unofficial withdrawals.  The institution has developed a report that is run by the Office of Financial Aid that provides the names of the students who have withdrawn; or in the case of the unofficial withdrawal, students who did not earn any hours during the term.  The Office of Financial Aid reviews the reports and if needed completes the R2T4 process using the Federal Department of Education software. Student are notified in writing of the return of funds, the amount of the return, and the program that the funds are being applied.

Return of Title IV Federal Financial Aid
Once the amount of earned and unearned federal student aid is calculated, the school satisfies its responsibility by repaying funds to the appropriate federal program as instructed by the R2T4 calculation.  Funds ae returned to the U.S. Department of Education.  The adjustments are made to the student’s account resulting in a debt to EWU.  Students will need to contact student accounts to make arrangements for repayment. 

Post Withdrawal Disbursement
Students who withdraw prior to the funds being disbursed may be entitled to some of the federal funds. The R2T4 eligibility is calculated using the Federal Department of Education software.  Based on regulations, the school will disburse Federal Pell Grant eligible funds onto the student’s account.  If the student has eligibility for loan programs, a letter is mailed to the students informing them of the funds they are eligible to receive. The letter includes the time-frame that the student must notify the school should they want the loan funds.  If the student wants the post-withdrawal disbursement, the funds will be applied onto the student’s account to first settle any outstanding financial obligation to the school.

Non-Attendance
Students who never attended are considered “No Shows.”  These students are considered ineligible for financial aid and 100 percent of the financial aid received must be repaid. If a student does not withdraw prior to the published drop date, they may owe 100 percent of their tuition and fee charges.

Students are encouraged to consult with financial aid counselors prior to withdrawing so that they are aware of the consequences for withdrawing.  The effects on repayment of funds and also the effect it has on Satisfactory Academic Policy.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Title IV of the 1992 Higher Education Amendments requires that institutions establish a minimum standard of “Satisfactory Progress” for students. A minimum standard for “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) is defined as follows:
SAP is a measure of whether a student is progressing adequately toward completion of his or her course of study. It is determined in terms of grade point average and course completions. For a student to be eligible for Federal student aid they must meet the below qualitative and quantitative academic requirements.

Current law requires a student to maintain satisfactory academic progress in the course of study he or she is pursuing according to the standards and practices of the institution. EWU’s Financial Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy complies with all Federal requirements and is as strict or may be stricter than the college’s Academic Progress Policy.

Students that receive federal financial assistance at EWU must demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. At the end of the spring semester of each academic year, the Financial Aid Office evaluates the qualitative and quantitative academic progress of each student receiving financial assistance. This evaluation determines a student’s eligibility to receive financial assistance in the next semester.

A course withdrawal, a course repetition, a course incomplete, and a noncredit course are counted in the total credits hours attempted; however, a remedial course for which no credit is awarded but that is successfully passed is not counted as credit hours completed/earned for financial assistance eligibility purposes. Credit hours forgiven under EWU’s Academic Policy for bankruptcy will not count as hours attempted if the student granted bankruptcy earns a 2.0 GPA by the end of the academic year in which the bankruptcy was granted. However, federal student aid program regulations make no provision for the concept of academic bankruptcy. For financial aid purposes,
EWU must always include courses applicable toward a student’s degree and academic progress.

Frequency of Monitoring and Evaluation
Edward Waters University will review a student’s progress at the end of each academic year. For this purpose, the Edward Waters University academic year is defined as the following:

Two traditional semesters of 15-16 weeks of course work occurring between August 1 and May 31.

At the end of the Spring semester (end of academic year), the Financial Aid Office will determine whether or not a financial aid recipient is making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree and is thus qualified to receive financial aid for the next semester. A student’s progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Qualitative Progress
Qualitative progress is measured based on cumulative grade point average.  Edward Waters University standards for maintaining qualitative progress are as follows:

Undergraduate Students who have attempted between 1 – 29 credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.75 or will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Undergraduate Students who have attempted 30 or more credit hours must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher or they will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students with a GPA 2.0 and above are considered in good academic standing.

Graduate students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher or they will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Quantitative Progress
Quantitative progress is measured in terms of attempted hours against earned hours. Financial aid recipients must successfully complete 67 percent or higher of their attempted cumulative hours  to be in good standing. Students below 67 percent are placed on financial aid suspension and must appeal in order to continue to receive financial aid.

Students are allowed a maximum of 150 percent of their degree credit hour requirements to complete their degree. Students that do not obtain a degree prior to reaching 150 percent of attempted coursework will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students on suspension may appeal their status by completing the appeal procedures.

Transfer credits accepted toward the student’s degree requirements will be considered in the students’ quantitative measurement.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Notification
Financial aid recipients placed on SAP suspension will be notified in writing at the end of the academic year (Spring Semester) once all grades are posted. Students will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) for their suspension and will be provided instructions on the SAP appeal process.

SAP Appeal Process
Students who have been suspended and want to continue to receive financial aid must complete an appeal to the Office of Financial Aid for review. If the appeal is granted, the student will be placed on probation.  During the probation term, the undegraduate student must complete all coursework attempted with a 2.0 term GPA and complete 67% of the courses attempted for the term  in order to continue to receive financial aid for subsequent  terms.  The following are some examples of acceptable reasons for an appeal:

1. Death in the family that must be documented
2. Student’s illness or accident with medical documentation
3. Other unusual circumstances beyond the control of the student.
4. Academic Plan provided by academic advisor

Private Scholarships
Edward Waters College encourages students to pursue all sources of funding to pay for their college education before considering a student loan. Below are links to scholarship Web sites that offer an abundance of scholarship opportunities:

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United Negro College Fund
Scholarships are awarded specifically to EWC students administered by the UNCF. Awards are based on student need, GPA, major, and completion of the application process. Award amounts vary from $500 – $5,000 per academic year.

---

FastWeb Scholarships
This is a free scholarship Web site that will search for available scholarships that you may qualify for, based on the scholarship profile you create on the Web site.

---

GMR Web Team Marketing Scholarship Program
GMR Web Team is a full service digital marketing agency in Orange County, CA that offers one-stop solutions for all internet marketing needs. Our company works with small and medium established businesses as well as small funded start-up companies. We provide every client with customized internet marketing strategies, website design, and on-going maintenance.

Scholarship Amount:
GMAR Web Team will be funding a $500 academic scholarship per semester.

Criteria: 

• 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
• Full-time enrollment (12 units or more)

Requirements:
Imagine that you’re the business owner of a luggage brand that is about to launch nationwide. You already have an e-Commerce website, but no digital marketing strategy. Write the marketing plan in a word document and describe what steps you would take to market this business and back it up with logical reasoning. The winning marketing plan will be featured on GMR Web Team’s blog.

Frequency:
This is a semester scholarship and will be awarded in the spring and fall semester. Students are welcome to apply for the scholarship throughout the year. Applicants will receive a confirmation email where they will be prompted to verify the scholarship entry.

Deadlines:
The deadlines are January 3rd and July 30th. Winners will be contacted via the school email provided. If you have any questions, please contact: scholarship@gmrwebteam.com. Upon application completion, you will receive an automated email response. Scholarship winners will be contacted via the student email provided.

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Other Private Scholarship Awards
Private individuals and organizations support individual students meeting their own criteria that they select as recipients. Criteria and amounts vary. The African Methodist Episcopal Church provides several scholarship opportunities. The Urban League, International Longshoreman Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Greyhound, and L-D Industries are just some of our regular and much appreciated scholarship donors. for more information on these scholarships, visit the Office of Financial Aid.

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) is available to students that wish to earn wages in a degree-related job to help assist with college living expenses. Students are paid monthly and may obtain employment either on-campus or off-campus. Work-Study jobs pay at least the Federal minimum wage to students demonstrating need while in school and who possess usable skills for on-campus and off-campus positions. Students interested in seeking Federal College Work-Study (FWS) must indicate an interest by completing the work-study question on the FAFSA. Students may also apply in the Office of Financial Aid. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Once a student is awarded Federal Work-Study, the student may stop in the Office of Financial Aid to review the listing of FWS job openings. When the student returns for the Fall term, the student will receive the policy manual and the procedures for completing the timesheets.

The Federal Direct Loan Program offers several low interest loans to students. The lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank or other financial institution (which you may have if you previously borrowed under the Federal Family Educational Loan Program). Loan eligibility and amounts are based on completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and may be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students must also complete the online Master Promissory Note and Entrance Interview.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
The amount you may borrow per year is based on your level of enrollment, financial need, and cost of attendance. “Subsidized” means the government pays the interest on your loan while you are in school and during your six month grace period after you leave school.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Independent students may borrow between $6,000 – $7,000 based on their level of enrollment and cost of attendance. Dependent students may borrow up to $2,000 per academic year. “Unsubsidized” means you are responsible for paying the interest while in school and during your six month grace period after you leave school.

Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is available to parents of dependent students that wish to borrow up to their child’s cost of education or for additional education expenses not covered by other forms of financial aid. A credit check is required as part of the loan approval.

For more information on Direct Loan interest rates, fees, and student rights and responsibilities; and to begin the Direct Loan Entrance Interview Process and to apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, please visit their Web site.

• American Geological Institute Minority Geoscience Student Scholarship 
• Engineering for Minorities
• Gates Millennium Scholars
• International Education Financial Aid
• The Jackie Robinson Foundation
• LGBT Scholarships
• Morris K. Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
• Students of Color Scholarship
• Unmet Need Scholarship
• Ron Brown Scholarship
• Black Excel Scholarship Gateways 
• Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
• NAACP Scholarships:
  • Agnes Jones Scholarship
  • Hubertus W.V.Williams Scholarship
• National Association of Black Journalists 
• National Black Police Association

Scholarships for Latino Students

• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (Congressional Internship)
• First in My Family Scholarship Program
• Hispanic Associations of Colleges & Universities
• Mexican American Legal Defense & Education Fund
• National Association of Hispanic Journalists

Edward Waters College (EWC) encourages students to borrow wisely and pursue all other aid options before obtaining a student loan. Please visit the Office of Financial Aid to discuss your financial aid award package and other opportunities available. Financial Aid Advisors are available for loan counseling. A complete copy of the EWC Default Prevention Policy is available for viewing in the Office of Financial Aid.

EWC students graduating or no longer enrolled at least half-time with the college MUST complete a Loan Exit Interview.

Return of Title IV Refund (R2T4)
Federal student aid recipients that officially or unofficially withdrawal or cease attending all of their classes prior to 60% of the enrollment period may be subject to repayment to all or a portion of the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Student Loans, Parent Loans and/or other Federal aid received.

Official Withdrawal
Students, who go through the formal process of withdrawing from all courses and provides the documentation to the Registrar’s Office, are considered as official withdrawal.  The date of withdrawal is the date the student began the process of withdrawing. 

Unofficial Withdrawal
Students who stop attending all classes are considered unofficial withdrawals.  If you receive a combination of F, W and/or I, the professor is asked to report your last date of attendance.  The date of withdrawal is the date reported by the professor.

R2T4 Calculation
Title IV funds are earned based on the calendar days the student attended compared to the number of days in the term.  After the 60 percent point in the payment period, a student is considered to have earned 100 percent of the Federal Student Aid funds they were eligible to receive for the payment period. 

In compliance with federal regulations, the financial aid office will perform the calculation within 30 days of the student’s official withdrawal or within 30 days of the end of the term for unofficial withdrawals.  The institution has developed a report that is run by the Office of Financial Aid that provides the names of the students who have withdrawn; or in the case of the unofficial withdrawal, students who did not earn any hours during the term.  The Office of Financial Aid reviews the reports and if needed completes the R2T4 process using the Federal Department of Education software. Student are notified in writing of the return of funds, the amount of the return, and the program that the funds are being applied. 

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Return of Title IV Federal Financial Aid
Once the amount of earned and unearned federal student aid is calculated, the school satisfies its responsibility by repaying funds to the appropriate federal program as instructed by the R2T4 calculation.  Adjustment are made on the COD system.

Post Withdrawal Disbursement
Students who withdraw prior to the funds being disbursed may be entitled to some of the federal funds. The R2T4 eligibility is calculated using the Federal Department of Education software.  Based on regulations, the school will disburse Federal Pell Grant eligible funds onto the student’s account.  If the student has eligibility for loan progams, a letter is mailed to the students informing them of the funds they are eligible to receive. The letter includes the time-frame that the student must notify the school should they want the loan funds.  If the student wants the post-withdrawal disbursement, the fudns will be applied onto the student’s account to first settle any outstanding financial obligation to the school.

Non-Attendance
Students who never attended are considered “No Shows.”  These students are considered ineligible for financial aid and 100 percent of the financial aid received must be repaid. If a student does not withdraw prior to the published drop date, they may owe 100 percent of their tuition and fee charges.

Students are encouraged to consult with financial aid counselors prior to withdrawing so that they are aware of the consequences for withdrawing.  The effects on repayment of funds and also the effect it has on Satisfactory Academic Policy. 

Title IV of the 1992 Higher Education Amendments requires that institutions establish a minimum standard of “Satisfactory Progress” for students. A minimum standard for “Satisfactory Academic Progress” (SAP) is defined as follows:
SAP is a measure of whether a student is progressing adequately toward completion of his or her course of study. It is determined in terms of grade point average and course completions. For a student to be eligible for Federal student aid they must meet the below qualitative and quantitative academic requirements.

Current law requires a student to maintain satisfactory academic progress in the course of study he or she is pursuing according to the standards and practices of the institution. EWC’s Financial Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy complies with all Federal requirements and is as strict or may be stricter than the college’s Academic Progress Policy.

Students that receive federal financial assistance at EWC must demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative satisfactory academic progress toward a degree. At the end of the spring semester of each academic year, the Financial Aid Office evaluates the qualitative and quantitative academic progress of each student receiving financial assistance. This evaluation determines a student’s eligibility to receive financial assistance in the next semester.

A course withdrawal, a course repetition, a course incomplete, and a noncredit course are counted in the total credits hours attempted; however, a remedial course for which no credit is awarded but that is successfully passed is not counted as credit hours completed/earned for financial assistance eligibility purposes. Credit hours forgiven under EWC’s Academic Policy for bankruptcy will not count as hours attempted if the student granted bankruptcy earns a 2.0 GPA by the end of the academic year in which the bankruptcy was granted. However, federal student aid program regulations make no provision for the concept of academic bankruptcy. For financial aid purposes,
EWC must always include courses applicable toward a student’s degree and academic progress.

Frequency of Monitoring and Evaluation
Edward Waters College will review a student’s progress at the end of each academic year. For this purpose, the Edward Waters College academic year is defined as the following:

Two traditional semesters of 15-16 weeks of course work occurring between August 1 and May 31. Term-based CLIMB programs are evaluated at the completion of the second term.

At the end of the Spring semester (end of academic year), the Financial Aid Office will determine whether or not a financial aid recipient is making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward their degree and is thus qualified to receive financial aid for the next semester. A student’s progress is measured both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Qualitative Progress
Qualitative progress is measured based on cumulative grade point average.  Edward Waters College standards for maintaining qualitative progress are as follows:

Students who have attempted between 1 – 29 credit hours must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 1.75 or will be placed on financial aid suspension.

Students who have attempted 30 or more credit hours must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA or higher or they will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students with a GPA 2.0 and above are considered in good academic standing.

Quantitative Progress
Quantitative progress is measured in terms of attempted hours against earned hours. Financial aid recipients must successfully complete 67 percent or higher of their attempted cumulative hours  to be in good standing. Students below 67 percent are placed on financial aid suspension and must appeal in order to continue to receive financial aid.

Students are allowed a maximum of 150 percent of their degree credit hour requirements to complete their degree. Students that do not obtain a degree prior to reaching 150 percent of attempted coursework will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students on suspension may appeal their status by completing the appeal procedures.

Transfer credits accepted toward the student’s degree requirements will be considered in the students’ quantitative measurement.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Notification
Financial aid recipients placed on SAP suspension will be notified in writing at the end of the academic year (Spring Semester) once all grades are posted. Students will receive a letter explaining the reason(s) for their suspension and will be provided instructions on the SAP appeal process.

SAP Appeal Process
Students who have been suspended and want to continue to receive financial aid must complete an appeal to the Office of Financial Aid for review. If the appeal is granted, the student will be placed on probation.  During the probation term, the student must complete all coursework attempted with a 2.0 term GPA and complete 67% of the courses attempted for the term  in order to continue to receive financial aid for subsequent  terms. The following are some examples of acceptable reasons for an appeal:

1. Death in the family that must be documented
2. Student’s illness or accident with medical documentation
3. Other unusual circumstances beyond the control of the student.
4. Academic Plan provided by academic advisor