Financial Aid
Welcome To Financial Aid
Edward Waters University views all student financial assistance as an investment in the future of our students. The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to helping you and your families determine the best way to pay for your education while delivering excellence in customer service. Please consider the Financial Aid staff to be your student financial planners while attending Edward Waters University We hope the financial aid options described will help you decide how best to pay for your Edward Waters University education. We look forward to hearing from you and your family.
Edward Waters University is strongly committed to its financial aid program and the principle that a student’s financial resources should not be a barrier to enrollment. Need-based aid is an investment in our students and we look forward to being of assistance. Edward Waters University applicants are accepted regardless of their ability to pay for college. All potential and current students are invited to apply for financial aid.
How To Apply for Financial Aid
Merit & Need-Based Scholarships
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
Applying for a Private Loan
Private loans are non-institutional loans that can be used to satisfy your balance with the University. These loans are credit based and can only be used within the academic year it is applied for. The University does not endorse any particular lender.
Steps for completing a Private Loan
- Log into your JSU PAWS account, or contact the Business office, to get an accurate outstanding account balance.
- Log into the website www.elmselect.com to compare lenders then complete the online private loan application.
- If the loan is approved by the lender complete the listed forms located on Jackson State
University’s website, www.jsums.edu/financialaid/financial-aid-forms/- Loan Questionnaire form
- Private Education Loan Applicant Self-Certification form.
- Submit the completed forms to finaid@jsums.edu. Allow 5 – 10 days for processing after
the forms have been submitted.
Loans are assigned two disbursement dates within the semester, funds will be disbursed to the “University” after the scheduled disbursement date.
If you have any questions you may email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@jsums.edu. Please
include your J-number on all correspondence.
How Withdrawal Impacts Your Financial Aid
Under the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the amount of federal financial aid a student
has earned for the enrollment period (semester) is based on the length of time the student remains
enrolled for that period. Therefore, the percentage of the enrollment period completed is also the
percentage of aid the student has earned.
- If a student withdraws on or before being enrolled in a class(es) or the University for less
than 60% of the enrollment period, the percentage of federal financial aid earned is equal
to the percentage of time enrolled. Ex: 20 days enrolled/108 days in the semester = 18.5% - If a student remains enrolled up to or beyond the 60% point, then 100% of the aid for that
enrollment period has been earned.
The unearned financial aid funds will be returned by the University to the Department of
Education and the student will receive a charge to their JSU student account for the returned
amount. The federal financial assistance programs that may be effected by the premature
withdrawal are;
- Federal Pell Grant
- Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
- Perkins Loans
- Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans
Students that choose to withdraw from the University prior to the end of an enrollment period should follow the University’s guidelines for withdrawing from school.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal
A student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in their course of study in order to
receive aid under the student financial assistance programs Title IV funds. These programs
include:
- PELL grant
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- Direct Graduate Plus Loan and Direct Parent Plus Loan
- Federal Work Study
- Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Undergraduate students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale and graduate students must maintain a 3.0 GPA on the same scale. All students, graduate and undergraduate, must earn 67% of the credit hours they have attempted. This includes accepted transfer hours as well. Undergraduates may also be classified as SAP MAX (maximum) if they have accumulated 186 or more attempted credit hours before receiving an undergraduate degree. This status will render the undergraduate student ineligible for federal financial aid. (You may still be eligible for other types of financial aid.) Bothe undergraduate and graduate may reach SAP MAX status if they have reached or exceeded the federal financial aid limits set based on your classification.
Students may check their financial aid status through their JSU PAWS account by selecting the Financial Aid tab, click on “financial aid status”, select aid year, then click submit. This information will determine whether a SAP appeal form is needed. If so, complete all pages, attach the supporting documentation then submit it to the SAP Appeal Committee at sap@jsums.edu at the appropriate time depending on the semester. Early submissions will not be accepted before the published submission dates nor will late submissions be accepted without prior permission. Committee decisions will be sent to the JSU student email account.
The SAP appeal form may be found www.jsums.edu/financialaid/financial-aid-forms/.
SUBMITTING A SAP APPEAL FORM DOES NOT GUARANTEE AN APPROVAL.
How to Apply for the Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Eligibility
Both student and the parent borrower must meet specific eligibility requirements in order for the student to qualify for the Parent PLUS Loan. The first step is to have a completed FAFSA on file for the academic year in which the application is made.
The student must have been offered their loan eligibility first, before we can certify the Direct Parent PLUS loan.
Your Student must:
- Meet Federal and Jackson State University Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements.
- Be a dependent (based on FAFSA data) undergraduate student
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credits (half-time)
- Meet the minimum requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress
You – the Parent Borrower must:
- Be the biological, adoptive, or step-parent of the student.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident).
- Not be in default on repayment of federal aid. If you are currently in default, go here.
- Consent to, and pass a credit check by the U.S. Department of Education.
Before you Apply
Determine the loan period for which you plan to apply. If your student is planning to be enrolled
for both fall and spring semesters, we recommend that you apply for the fall/spring Loan term.
The summer loan term cannot be combined with other terms.
- Request a Direct PLUS Loan at www.studentaid.gov.
- Log in using the parent FSA I.D not the student’s.
- Apply for the loan.
- Designate the school to be paid (i.e. Jackson State University)
- If approved, request a deferment of repayment while the student is in school for up to 6
months within the loan application. - If approved, the parent must complete the credit counselling and sign the Master
Promissory Note (MPN) also found on the federal web page. - If approved, fill out a Parent PLUS Loan Retrieval form located on the Jackson State
University website, www.jsums.edu, on the Financial Aid page, click on Financial Aid
Forms. This form must be signed by hand or by DocuSign. Typed names are not acceptable. - The completed form listing a numerical amount and disbursement period. Please Do Not write MAX where an amount is needed. The form and a copy of the parent’s I.D. can be sent to finaid@jsums.edu.
- If the application is denied, fill out the Parent PLUS Loan Retrieval form indicating the denial with signatures to finaid@jsums.edu for processing as well.
How to Apply for a Grad PLUS Loan
The Grad PLUS loan is available to graduate students who:
- Are enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program.
- File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Pass a credit check.
How to Apply
The Grad PLUS application is a multi-step process. If you do not complete each step, your loan will not be processed.
- Submit a Direct PLUS Loan Application for Graduate/Professional Students through the www.studentaid.gov website. (JSU school code is 002410.) If you are approved and would like to increase your loan amount do not apply for a new loan. Instead, you may contact the Financial Aid Office to request an increase.
- Complete the Grad PLUS entrance counseling while on the federal website.
- Sign the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students while on the federal website. The MPN will be valid for 10 years provided a PLUS loan is disbursed within 12 months of the MPN signing. If your previous Grad PLUS loan was approved with an endorser (co-signer), you will need to complete a new MPN.
- Sign the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students while on the federal website. The MPN will be valid for 10 years provided a PLUS loan is disbursed within 12 months of the MPN signing. If your previous Grad PLUS loan was approved with an endorser (co-signer), you will need to complete a new MPN.
- Complete the Loan Questionnaire found on the Financial Aid page of the Jackson State University website or go to www.jsums.edu/financialaid/financial-aid-forms/ for the form.
If you have any questions you may email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@jsums.edu. Please
include your J-number on all correspondence.
Applying For Financial Aid
This series of videos explains how the financial aid process works and who is eligible to receive financial aid. Included is an overview of the financial aid process, step by step instructions on filling out the FAFSA, common myths about financial aid, as well as what one can expect after submitting the FAFSA.
Creating A Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)
This video contains helpful information for parents of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applicants. It helps parents navigate the FAFSA process: from logging in, to filling out and to signing their child’s FAFSA using their FSA ID. For information on creating an FSA ID, FSA has a video with detailed instructions on how to create an FSA ID:
Types of Financial Aid
SCHOLARSHIPS
Current Undergraduate Students click here for additional scholarship opportunities.
The information below in the flyer specifically for Freshman, transfer, and global students ONLY.
Grants
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Mississippi Complete 2 Compete Program (C2C)
Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG)
Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG)
Grants are financial aid that does not require repayment. All federal grants are awarded to eligible students with financial need. Failure to maintain a minimum of 12 credit hours (full-time enrollment) each semester may result in cancellation or reduction of all grants. Jackson State University participates in the following federal and state grant programs.
Federal Pell Grant (FPELL)
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with no prior bachelor’s or professional degree. Eligibility is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by FAFSA. The EFC is calculated from the data students report on the FAFSA. A minimum of 12 credit hours each semester is required to receive FULL eligibility; awards are pro-rated for less than 12 credit hours of enrollment. Students who have received a prior bachelor’s degree are not eligible for Pell Grants. You may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need (lowest EFC on FAFSA) who are Federal Pell Grant recipients. Awards range from $100 to $4,000 yearly. Enrollment of six credit hours per semester is required to receive FSEOG funds. Priority is given to students who FAFSA is received and processed at Jackson State University by the April 15th deadline each year. Students who have received a prior bachelor’s degree are NOT eligible for FSEOG.
Awarding FSEOG depends on the amount of funds that the school receives each year from the U.S. Department of Education. JSU’s Financial Aid Office decides how to award these funds. It is important that you apply early to be considered for these funds. Due to limited funds, not everyone who qualifies for FSEOG will receive it.
Complete 2 Compete Program(C2C)
The Complee 2 Compete Program is a state program that helps Mississippi adults who previously attended college earn a degree.
Other Mississippi State Grants and Scholarships
The State of Mississippi has several grant and scholarship/loan programs available to students who attend a recognized college or university in the State. Students attending the university should consider the eligibility requirements of the state funded financial aid programs.
Requirements, applications, and deadlines for each program can be accessed at the Mississippi Office of State Student Financial Aid or you may call 1-800-327-2980 or 601-432-6997.
State Grants (Other than Mississippi)
Application process and requirements vary from state to state, but residency requirements are common. Applicants who live outside of Mississippi should check with their state agencies to determine whether funds are available for students to attend out-of-state colleges and universities.
Loans
Loans are financial assistance that must be repaid. Due to legislative changes to the Federal Loan program in March 2010, Jackson State University now participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program. The Federal Direct Loan program consists of the Federal Direct Stafford Loans, the Federal Direct PLUS Loan and the Federal Direct GradPlus Loan.
Work Program
Federal Work Study (FWS) Program
Federal Work Study (FWS) is financial assistance which provides part-time employment opportunities to eligible students to help meet the costs of post-secondary education. Based on the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), eligible students are awarded funds which may be earned through part-time employment either on or off campus. This program is designed to provide students with an opportunity for employment arranged around class schedules. The program encourages community service work which provides direct services to the general community such as tutoring in schools or community organizations or agencies. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credit hours per semester) to be eligible for this program.
To apply to this program, the student should indicate this preference on the FAFSA when filing it each year. If a student is not awarded Federal Work Study in the initial award package, he/she may check with the Financial Aid Office later in the semester after Registration has closed to see if funds are available.
Federal Work Study
What is the Federal Work Study Program?
The Federal Work-Study Program offers an opportunity for students to earn money while gaining
valuable job experience. Eligibility is determined by financial need as indicated on your FAFSA. It is
important to be aware that Federal Work Study is what’s called campus-based aid. Campus based aid is
financial resources that have been allocated to various colleges depending or their ability to participate
in Federal Work Study Program and or Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
Federal Work Study Availability
These funds are very limited and only allow for JSU to offer on a small fraction of our population FWS
funds. These funds are first come first serve so it is important for students that are interested in Federal
Work to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible which is traditionally October 1 st of each year. Also,
please be aware that not all students qualify for Federal Work Study as it depends on what a student’s
remaining unmet need. This calculation is combination of what you cost of attendance is minus your
Student Aid Index (SAI) minus your award package. If you have a financial unmet need of $5000 or
greater you qualify for Federal Work Study but based on funding levels does not guarantee you will be
awarded Federal Work Study.
What to do if you are awarded Federal Work Study
If offered Federal work Study if you intend to utilize these FWS funds a notification will be sent to all
students offered FWS requesting that you must Accept your FWS award on their banner THEE account.
There will be a timeframe typically up to one week to have this process completed. Once the deadline
date to accept FWS has passed If you have not accepted their FWS award will lose their funds for the
award year. NO Exceptions.
Getting Placed in a Federal Work Study Position
The Financial Aid Office (located on ground floor of B.F. Roberts) Student Employment and Payroll
department both located in the (T Herbert Payroll Enrollment Center) will have a listing of jobs seeking
federal work study students. Students can obtain information on job openings from either of these
offices and be directed to the main point of contact within each department. Once you have met with a
supervisor and gone thru your interview if you are selected for the FWS position your anticipated
supervisor will provide you will student employment application for you to complete and submit along
with and I-9 form and documents that will need to accompany the I-9. Incomplete employment
applications can not be processed which could void your employment with a department supervisor.
Download PDF ( The Federal Work Study Process)
Who is a Transient Student?
- You are enrolled at a college or university other than Edward Waters University.
- You are in good standing with your current institution.
Requirements for Consideration
- Student only needs to submit transient form from home institution providing approval to take courses at EWU
- You must be in “good academic standing” and eligible to re-enroll with your home institution
- Your home institution must be regionally accredited
- College GPA: Applicants earning at least a 2.00 cumulative GPA in all college coursework are considered for regular admission.
Who is a re-admit student?
- A re-admit student is a student that has attended Edward Waters University before for any amount of time.
Application Requirements
- Completed admissions application
- Official College transcripts (If student has attended another institution since leaving EWU)
Review of Applications
- Readmission applications are reviewed and evaluated by several College units before decisions are rendered
- Official transcripts are required from any colleges or universities attended since last enrolled at Edward Waters
- Applicant files are reviewed for issues related to, but not limited to satisfactory academic progress
Academic standing
Long-Term Absence from EWU
If your study at EWU is interrupted for two semesters or more, you are required to fulfill the terms of the current catalog at the time of readmission. If your studies at EWU is interrupted for five years or longer, all earned credits are subject to review by the Office of Academic Affairs.
Application Requirements
- Completed admissions application
- Official GED transcripts
Official GED Transcript
- Request an official copy of your GED transcript
- Electronic transcripts from companies such as Parchment are considered official when sent directly to the admissions department.
Minimum Requirements
Who is a Non-Degree Seeking Student?
- Students wishing to take courses for personal growth and development and/or individual learning goals, but do not wish to enroll in a degree program.
- Non-degree students may enroll in a maximum of 12 credit hours.
- Non-degree students may enroll in courses in any academic division.
- Credits earned may be counted toward degree requirements should you later decide to pursue a degree.
- Financial aid is available on a limited basis.
High School Transcript
- Admission consideration is given to applicants with standard high school diplomas.
- Request an official copy of your final high school transcript. It must include your graduation date and diploma type.
- Transcripts are considered official when received directly from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope with the school’s seal and/or official signature.
Who Is a Post-Baccalaureate Student?
- You have an earned bachelor’s degree and/or advanced degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
Application Fee
- A non-refundable $25.00 fee is required to process your application.
Required Documentation
- An official copy of your undergraduate transcript from the degree conferring institution.
Let Us Help You
FAFSA
Students seeking federal financial aid are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Edward Waters University’s priority deadline is April 15th each year.
All documents submitted to the Office of Financial Aid can take up to 21 business days for processing.
To prevent a delay in processing your documents, please be sure to:
- Verify documents are filled completely, legible and signed.
- Check that documents that require a signature have been appropriately signed and dated.
- Verify that all documents contain the student’s name and EWU ID Number.
*Business days do not include the weekends, holidays, and all other unspecified days the university is closed.
Division of Financial Aid
finaid@ew.edu
(904) 470-8189
(601) 979-2237
Edward Waters University
Tiger One-Stop
1658 Kings Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32209
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