Financial Aid

The School of Law-Camden and the staff in the Office of Financial Aid at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, are concerned with students' educational expenses. The impact of these expenses upon the student and his or her family is significant, in spite of the fact that tuition at Rutgers covers only a small portion of the cost of instruction for each student. In order to allow students with limited financial resources to attend law school, every effort is made to assist students in finding alternatives to finance their education. The majority of students who enroll in the law school receives some form of financial aid. The amount and type of support each student receives depend upon the need for assistance, qualifications, and university funding. In the 2004-2005 academic year, more than $17.5 million was distributed to students in the law school through fellowships, grants, loans, and employment. The average financial aid package was about $24,000, with 92 percent of law students receiving some form of assistance. The largest program in 2004-2005 was the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program, which provided more than $11.6 million to 662 students. Students may contact the Office of Financial Aid, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Armitage Hall, Camden, NJ 08102; 856/225-6039. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. Extended hours are offered prior to the beginning of each term.

• SAMPLE COSTS
• HOW TO APPLY
• Part-Time Students
• SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID
• Fellowships, Scholarships and Grants for Entering First Year Students
• New Jersey State Aid
• Scholarships and Grants For Enrolled Students
• Non University Scholarships and Fellowships
• Loans
• Employment
• Other Sources of Financial Aid
• RESTRICTIONS ON FINANCIAL AID AND EMPLOYMENT

SAMPLE COSTS

A sample of the approximate costs of attending the law school for two terms during the 2005-2006 academic year appears below.

New Jersey Resident (Single): 9 Month Budgets


HOW TO APPLY

All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually and submit it to the federal processor. Students are encouraged to apply using the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Applications must be received by the federal processor by March 15 preceding the academic year for which aid is sought. The law school's federal Title IV code number is 002629. Letters announcing financial aid decisions are mailed to all students as soon as possible after admission. Funds are limited, and awards are made based on financial need. There is a definite advantage to submitting an early, accurate, and complete application. Financial aid transcripts from prior colleges are not required. Counseling is available by appointment at the financial aid office to all students regardless of whether they qualify for financial aid. When comparing aid offers from Rutgers with other institutions, students should remember that charges often differ significantly from school to school. Therefore, the important thing to consider is not the dollar value of a financial aid offer, but the difference between the total value of the financial aid package awarded by the institution and the cost of attending that institution.

Part-Time Students

Since financial need is determined by comparing a student`s resources with the cost of attending school, many part-time students who are employed may not demonstrate financial need, but may qualify for federal student loans. The federal student financial aid sources (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Direct Loan programs) require that a student enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per term to be eligible. All application procedures and deadlines applicable to full-time students apply to part-time students.

SOURCES OF FINANCIAL AID

Not all scholarships listed are available every year. All scholarships for entering students are merit-based. Eligible students are considered automatically by the admissions office.

Fellowships, Scholarships and Grants for Entering First Year Students

Ralph Johnson Bunche Distinguished Graduate Award . Established in 1979, this distinguished graduate award is named after Ralph Johnson Bunche, the black American statesman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws from Rutgers in 1949.


Ralph Bunche Awards provide both a $12,000 stipend per academic year and full-tuition remission to exceptional full-time students with backgrounds of substantial educational or cultural disadvantage. Only those applicants receiving awards will be notified.


Dean's Merit Scholarships

Dean's Merit Scholarships are one of the highest forms of recognizing academic achievements. These highly selective merit-based awards are funded directly by the law school and are designed to support the educational expenses of an entering student whose previous scholastic record demonstrates a high potential for contributing to the advancement of the intellectual climate at Rutgers-Camden. The amount and number of scholarships vary for each academic year. Graduate and Professional Scholar Awards. Outstanding students in the graduate and professional schools are eligible for merit-based scholarships, contingent upon maintaining an academic average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. Graduate Scholar Awards may be held in conjunction with other forms of financial aid. Only those applicants receiving awards are notified.

Archer & Greiner Diversity Scholarship

This annual scholarship was established by the firm of Archer & Greiner to achieve greater diversity among the student population enrolled at Rutgers' School of Law-Camden, and thereby to improve diversity within the practice of law. The distinguished firm of Archer & Greiner, with its principal offices in Haddonfield, N.J., has had a long and valued relationship with the law school and is a leader of the profession in South Jersey and throughout the state. Scholarships are awarded to entering students based on academic achievement, work experience, and extracurricular activities.

Barry and Karen Hamerling Scholarship

These awards are made possible by a generous annual contribution from the Hamerlings. The scholarships are intended to enable students with records of outstanding academic merit and other accomplishments to pursue legal studies at Rutgers- Camden. Mr. Hamerling is a 1970 graduate of the law school. Hamerling Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record, LSAT score, and other evidence of an ability to excel in the legal education program. The grant may be renewed, contingent upon the student maintaining an academic average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. William S. Kulp, Jr., Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is supported by a bequest from the estate of William S. Kulp, Jr. One or more grants may be awarded each year, consistent with investment income generated by the Kulp endowment, to entering or enrolled students without regard to financial need or place of residence. The grant may be renewed, contingent upon the student maintaining an academic average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. Kulp Scholars may hold scholarships or other forms of financial aid awarded by different sources. Designed to support the educational expenses of students whose previous academic records demonstrate the potential to become outstanding scholars in law school, the Kulp scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record, LSAT score, and other evidence of an ability to excel in the legal education program.

Philip J. Levin Scholarship

Established by the Philip and Janice Levin Foundation in 1974, this award provides a stipend in memory of Mr. Levin, a Rutgers' School of Law-Newark alumnus and former member of the state university's boards of trustees and governors. Consistent with investment income generated by the Levin endowment, one or more grants are awarded each year to entering or enrolled students without regard to financial need or place of residence. The grant may be renewed, contingent upon the student maintaining an academic average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. Levin Scholarships may be held in conjunction with other forms of financial aid. Students are selected on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated commitment to a career of public leadership.

Samuel Moskowitz-Sidney and Evelyn Schlesinger Scholarship

This scholarship is supported by an endowment established in memory of the late Samuel Moskowitz and the late Sidney Schlesinger, who, respectively, practiced law in Hudson County and presided over an independent chain of retail clothing stores in northern New Jersey. Evelyn Schlesinger, widow of Sidney Schlesinger, was long active in civic, community, and business affairs in Hudson and Bergen counties. The award supports the educational expenses of an entering student whose previous scholastic record demonstrates a high potential for contributing to the advancement of the intellectual climate at the law school. The scholarship is renewable, contingent upon the student maintaining an academic average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. Please note, however, that this award is not offered to entering students every year.

Charles Richter Memorial Scholarship Fund

These scholarships are funded through the generous commitment of Irvin E. Richter, a 1980 graduate of the law school. This fund supports students who have a record of outstanding academic achievement or who, without financial assistance, might otherwise not be able to attend law school. All applicants, regardless of residency status, are eligible, although preference may be given to New Jersey residents. Both merit and financial need awards are open to part-time as well as full-time students. School of Law Fellowship. The primary purpose of this state-supported program is to attract and maintain outstanding law students. The principal criteria for the award are academic merit and full-time status. The stipend is renewable contingent upon the student maintaining an academic grade-point average as stipulated by the admissions office in the award letter. This award, however, is not available every year.

New Jersey State Aid

New Jersey residents who received an Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) grant at the undergraduate level generally are eligible to have this grant renewed for three years of law school study, provided they continue to meet the regulations of the program. Students who received EOF grants as undergraduates must notify the financial aid office in writing to have this grant renewed. Other grants for in-state residents are available through the New Jersey State Grant program. Application is made through the FAFSA. These funds are extremely limited and are awarded to students with significant financial need. This program is administered through the financial aid office. Priority is given to students who file by March 15.

Scholarships and Grants For Enrolled Students

The availability of the scholarship programs described under this heading is announced during the academic year by the Office of the Associate Dean for Administration. Application instructions for these scholarships are also issued by the associate dean`s office. Alumni Association Scholarships.

These grants are awarded annually to second- and third-year students through a scholarship program supported by contributions from graduates during the law school annual fund drive. Students must have the FAFSA on file in the financial aid office. Although there is no guarantee of renewal, current scholarship holders may apply for awards in subsequent years. Selection decisions are made by a special committee that consists of law school graduates and a representative of the office of the law school dean. Two general criteria are applied in awarding grants: demonstrated financial need and law school performance. The law school dean's office announces each fall the availability of the alumni scholarships. Applications generally are accepted during the opening weeks of the term, and the scholarship committee decisions are announced before the conclusion of the fall term.

Arthur E. Armitage, Sr., Scholarship

The Class of 1930, the first group of students to complete the legal education program at Camden, endowed this scholarship in honor of Arthur E. Armitage, Sr., the founder of the South Jersey Law School that became a part of Rutgers University in 1950. At least one scholarship is awarded annually to a third-year student. The amount is consistent with the yearly interest accrued from the endowment. Recipients are chosen by representatives of the law school dean`s office and the campus financial aid office, who apply two principal selection criteria: financial need, as demonstrated by filing the FAFSA, and academic merit.

Bienstock Family Scholarship

This endowed scholarship is funded with gifts made by Terry S. Bienstock, Class of 1978, and his family as well as by matching contributions from the Comcast Cable Corporation. It is designed to support the legal education expenses of full-time students who demonstrate academic accomplishment.

John S. Bleakly Scholarship

This scholarship is made possible by a testamentary bequest of John S. Bleakly, a 1938 graduate of the law school. Mr. Bleakly did not practice law, but worked first in the insurance profession and later founded a development business in partnership with his father and brother. Awards are based on financial need.

Judge Francis J. Bloustein Scholarship

The income from a gift in honor of Judge Francis J. Bloustein, brother of the late Edward J. Bloustein, former university president, established this scholarship in 1971 to provide aid to needy law students.

Honorable Clarence E. Case Scholarship Fund

Established by friends and colleagues of Clarence E. Case, this fund designates Clarence E. Case Scholars at the law school as a memorial to the former chief justice of the Court of Errors and Appeals in New Jersey. Justice Case also was an associate justice of the New Jersey Supreme Court and an outstanding leader on the bench and at the bar.

Class of 1973 Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was made possible by contributions to the Twentieth Anniversary Gift Fund of the Class of 1973. Demonstrated financial need is the primary selection criterion for this award, with overall academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community service being secondary considerations if required to choose among equally needy applicants. Award amounts are determined by available income from the endowment`s annual investment return. All candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

Class of 1983 Scholarship

Funded by gifts from classmates celebrating their 10th graduation anniversary, this endowed scholarship is presented annually to an upper-class student who demonstrates a commitment to strong academic performance. Financial need is a secondary consideration for this award.

Class of 1986 Scholarship

This scholarship was established with an initial gift from Joseph E. Irenas, Esquire, to provide support for a student who demonstrates financial need and outstanding ability. Candidates must file a FAFSA with the Office of Financial Aid.

Brenda L. Eutsler Scholarship

Funded by annual contributions from Ms. Eutsler, who graduated from the law school in 1999, this scholarship is intended to support the education expenses of a student who is not following the traditional path of attending law school immediately after college. Ms. Eutsler is a partner in the Cherry Hill, New Jersey law firm of Asbell, Kushner & Eutsler.

Russell N. Fairbanks Scholarship

Funded by alumni contributions to a special endowment, the Russell N. Fairbanks Scholarship commemorates its namesake`s 14 years (1967- 1981) of distinguished service as dean of the law school. One or more grants are awarded each year, consistent with investment income generated by the endowment, to second- or third-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic talents, with financial need a secondary consideration. Recipients may receive the award a second time. Selection is made by the law school.

Edwin and Helen Farrell Scholarship

Established in 1988, this award is supported with annual income from an endowment created under the terms of the Last Will and Testament of Helen S. Farrell. It is designed to support the education expenses of a student whose scholastic record demonstrates a high potential for contributing to the advancement of the intellectual climate and community spirit at the law school.

Scott Evan Flack Memorial Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established by the Class of 1985 in conjunction with its 10th-year reunion gift fund. The award is presented to students who have financial need and who demonstrate a scholastic record that indicates high potential for contributing to the advancement of the intellectual climate at the law school. Candidates must have a FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

N. Thomas Foster Memorial Scholarship

These awards are from an endowed scholarship for the benefit of minority law students in memory of former Camden city attorney N. Thomas Foster, a 1976 graduate of the School of Law-Camden. Established by the Black Law Students Association, the scholarships are awarded to minority law students who have completed at least one term in good academic standing at the School of Law-Camden. Demonstrated financial need is the primary selection criterion, with overall academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community service being secondary considerations, if needed. Candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

Ann M. Harrahill Scholarship

Established to provide assistance to those women students in the law school who, after satisfactorily completing their first year, find it difficult to continue their studies unless they receive financial assistance. The primary selection criterion is financial need, although law school academic standing is considered in awarding this scholarship.

George S. Harris Scholarship

This endowed scholarship was established by the law alumni as a memorial to George S. Harris, who served as dean of the law school and its predecessor institutions for many years. It provides for the annual designation of a George S. Harris Scholar. Recipients are selected on the basis of both law school performance and financial need.

Raymond J. Jubanyik Memorial Scholarship

Family and friends established this endowed scholarship to honor the memory of the late Raymond J. Jubanyik, Esquire, a member of the Class of 1934 in the South Jersey Law School, the proprietary institution that subsequently merged with Rutgers University and became Rutgers` School of Law- Camden. Mr. Jubanyik was a partner in the New Jersey law firm of Jubanyik, Varbalow, Tedesco & Shaw. The scholarships are awarded either to entering or enrolled students on the basis of financial need and overall academic record. Award amounts are determined by available income from the endowment`s annual investment return. Candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

Honorable Thomas M. Madden Scholarship

This endowed fund was established by the law firm of Madden, Madden & Del Duca to honor the memory of the late Honorable Thomas M. Madden. Judge Madden was a graduate of the South Jersey Law School, the predecessor institution to Rutgers School of Law-Camden. Judge Madden was admitted to the New Jersey Bar in 1930, and served as judge (1945 to 1960), chief judge (1961 to 1968) and senior judge (1968 to 1976) of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey. These scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or demonstrated financial need.

Judge Edward V. Martino Scholarship

Established by a bequest in the Last Will and Testament of Judge Edward V. Martino, this scholarship is designed to help meet the legal education expenses of a Camden County (N.J.) resident who has demonstrated both academic excellence and a need for financial assistance. The award generally is presented to an entering student, but also may be available for enrolled students. Award amounts are determined by available income from the endowment`s annual investment return. All candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid. Please note, however, that this award is not offered to entering students every year.

Honorable Thomas Muccifori Scholarship

Established by Rutgers College (1983) and Camden law graduate (1986) Thomas A. Muccifori, this endowed scholarship honors the memory of the late Honorable Thomas Muccifori, father of the donor. The Honorable Thomas Muccifori was a Rutgers College (1952) and Newark Law (1953) graduate who had a distinguished legal career in private practice until 1966 when he was appointed a judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey, the then youngest appointee to the New Jersey judiciary. Awards are presented to full -time students who demonstrate academic merit and financial need.

Chief Judge Helen W. Nies Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship program is supported by annual gifts from Jane Hassey Licata, a 1984 graduate of Rutgers` School of Law-Camden. It is designed to support the education expenses of women law students with a demonstrated commitment to pursuing the field of intellectual property law. Judge Nies passed away in 1996 while serving in Senior Status on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. In private practice, she was very active in the field of protection of intellectual property. Among the many positions she held during her long career, Judge Nies was a member of the board of directors of the United States Trademark Association.

Public Interest Law Scholarship

The Public Interest Law Scholarship program supports first- and second-year students in good academic standing who require financial assistance to undertake summer employment in those public interest law agencies that are unable to provide students a salary or that can provide only a low wage rate. Candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid. In addition, applicants must submit a signed, original letter from an appropriate official at the public service agency offering employment for the summer in which assistance is sought, stating the specific terms of compensation. The program is supported by the annual contributions of School of Law-Camden students, faculty, and alumni.

Judge Joseph H. Rodriguez Scholarship

Families and friends established this endowed scholarship to honor the life and career of Judge Rodriguez. It is designed to support the legal education expenses of students who demonstrate commitment to academic achievement as well as to community involvement and public service.

Samuel Rubin Law Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in 1958 as an endowed scholarship for law students through the generosity of Mr. Samuel Rubin, a friend of the school. Awards are based on financial need.

Seltzer-Lempert Memorial Scholarship

This is an endowed scholarship made possible by a gift from Mrs. Sarah Seltzer (nee Lempert) to honor the memory of her late husband, Charles Zachary Seltzer, Esquire. Mr. Seltzer was a member of the Class of 1932 in the South Jersey Law School, the proprietary institution that subsequently merged with Rutgers University and became Rutgers School of Law-Camden. The scholarships are awarded to entering or enrolled students on the basis of financial need and overall academic record. Award amounts are determined by available income from the endowment`s annual investment return. All candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid.

Ernest A. Spinello, Jr., Memorial Scholarship

This merit-based award is given in honor of a 1986 Rutgers School of Law-Camden graduate who died in 1992. To honor his memory, Ernest`s widow, Camille Spinello Andrews (School of Law-Camden Class of 1986) and her husband, United States Representative Robert E. Andrews, created this scholarship fund. Academic achievement and active participation in the community life of the law school are the primary selection criteria.

Deborah Mallay Stoffer Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1960 by a bequest from David Stoffer, late member of the faculty of law, in memory of his daughter. The scholarship is awarded to a qualified needy student.

Non University Scholarships and Fellowships

In addition to opportunities for financial assistance through the university, there are other sources from which qualified students may receive financial aid, since many national, state, and regional associations make special awards. Three such non university programs available to enrolled students are described below.

Camden County Bar Foundation Scholarships

A number of scholarship programs are administered by the Camden County Bar Foundation and are made available to New Jersey law students. Several of these scholarships are restricted to School of Law-Camden students. No scholarship is less than $1,000. Generally, either residence in Camden County or demonstrated evidence of a bona fide intention to practice law in Camden County is required. Applications are submitted directly to the bar foundation, and award decisions are rendered by the trustees of the foundation. Availability of the scholarships is announced by the dean`s office each fall term.

C. Clyde Ferguson, Jr., Scholarships

This scholarship is a state-supported program that provides substantial, annual grants to entering or enrolled minority law students who have demonstrated financial need. The scholarship program was established in 1990 to honor the distinguished career of C. Clyde Ferguson, Jr., a former professor at Rutgers` School of Law-Newark.

Ferguson Scholarship recipients must be New Jersey residents and are required to be enrolled in the full-time law program. All candidates must have a current FAFSA on file with the Office of Financial Aid. Grant amounts vary each year depending upon the amount of state support for the program and the total financial need of all recipients that year. Students who remain in good academic standing are eligible for continuation of the scholarship, contingent upon renewed funding by the state legislature.

New Jersey Bar Foundation Scholarships

Each year, the trustees of the New Jersey Bar Foundation make available to each of the three law schools in the state several $2,500 scholarships for enrolled students who are New Jersey residents. In addition, the foundation awards annually a C. Wallace Vail Scholarship to a student chosen on the basis of high academic achievement from among the three law schools.

Nominees for the New Jersey Bar Foundation Scholarships are forwarded to the trustees by the law school. Final selection is made by the trustees on the basis of academic achievement and financial need. Interested students must complete an application form available from the Office of the Associate Dean for Administration.

Students should be aware that the school continually is seeking funds from outside agencies to help defray student expenses. Grants and awards of this nature vary each year. Inquiries regarding the availability of such monies can be made through program advisers.

Students should contact clubs; fraternal, religious, and national professional organizations; and local interest groups for possible aid through stipends and tuition credits. A student who receives any of these awards is required to notify the Office of Financial Aid.

LOANS

Federal Perkins Loans

Federal Perkins Loans are available to students who are enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits per term, who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and who demonstrate need through the FAFSA. The maximum amount a graduate student can borrow under this program at Rutgers is $2,000 per academic year, with maximum aggregate loan amount not to exceed $40,000 (including undergraduate National Direct Student Loans and Perkins Loans). Interest at the rate of 5 percent begins nine months after the borrower ceases to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits per term and extends over a maximum repayment period of 10 years. Monthly payments of at least $40 are required. Deferral of repayment is permitted for certain kinds of federal service, and cancellation of loans is permitted for certain public service positions. Consistent with federal regulations, all first-time Federal Perkins Loan borrowers at Rutgers are required to attend an entrance interview in order to be informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding the loan. In addition, Federal Perkins Loan recipients must attend an exit interview prior to graduation or withdrawal from school. Further details and procedures regarding the repayment of the Federal Perkins Loan are sent to each student recipient by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Office of Student Loans, Division of Accounting, 65 Davidson Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8094.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans (Direct Loans) are available to students from the federal government to pay for educational costs. These loans eliminate the need for an outside lender, such as a bank for your federal loans. To be considered for a Direct Loan, students must complete the FAFSA. Once the FASFA is reviewed, you will receive an award letter issued by Rutgers which will list eligibility for the program. Money for which students are eligible will be credited directly to their accounts. Because Rutgers has chosen to participate in direct lending, the university cannot accept any Federal Stafford applications from students or their lenders. Since the U.S. Department of Education is the lender for the Federal Direct Loan Program, borrowers will send all loan repayments to the department, rather than to several lenders. In general, to be eligible for a Direct Loan, a student must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate or meet other standards approved by the U.S. Department of Education, be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non citizen, be enrolled at least half time per term, be making satisfactory academic progress, have a Social Security number, sign a statement of educational purpose, not be in default on prior loans or owe refunds to a federal grant program, and register with the U.S. Selective Service Administration, if required. In addition to these requirements, most first-time Federal Direct Loan borrowers must attend an entrance interview in order to be informed of their rights and responsibilities regarding the loan. The aggregate limit for Federal Direct Loans, including both subsidized and unsubsidized amounts, is $138,500 for a graduate or professional student (including loans for undergraduate study).

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

This loan is based on financial need. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is attending school. The interest rate is variable; that is, it is adjusted each year. The current interest rate for 2005-06 for loans in repayment is 5.3%. Additionally, borrowers are charged an origination fee of 3 percent. Graduate students may borrow $8,500 per year. The total debt may not exceed $65,000, including loans for undergraduate years.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

This loan is not based on financial need, and all interest charges must be paid by the student. The interest rate in repayment is the same as that of the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. The in-school interest rate for 2005-2006 is 4.7%. Students may borrow up to $18,500 per year, less any amount from the subsidized loan program. The total debt permitted for all Stafford and Direct Loans is $138,500.

Alternative Loan Programs

The law school participates in all state and national loan programs, which enables a student to borrow the full estimated cost of education less other aid. These loan programs are considered to be private, not administered by either the federal or state government. There are wide variations in the terms and conditions offered by the many lending institutions, so students must do careful research to be sure they are applying for the loan program that best meets their needs and offers attractive options. These loans usually carry a variable rate of interest and are subject to the student passing a credit check. Additional information about these programs is available from the financial aid office.

Emergency Loans

Students who are experiencing a financial emergency may apply for a university loan of up to $300 (up to $500 in an extreme case). The interest rate is 3 percent simple. An emergency need must be demonstrated and funds must be available. Students should contact their local financial aid office for additional information. If loans in excess of this amount are required, an appointment with a counselor is recommended. Students do not need to be recipients of financial aid nor have filed a financial aid application to be considered for these loans. Note: Quoted interest rates may change at any time. Subsequent program regulations for federal, state and private loans and grants may change the terms of eligibility and repayment at any time.

EMPLOYMENT

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

Federal work-study employment may be offered as a self-help portion of the financial aid award. Application for this program is made by filing the FAFSA. On-campus jobs are available in many areas. Selection for a particular job is based on skills, job availability, university needs, and student preference. The assigned employment opportunity is based on an expectation that the student will work between 10 and 15 hours weekly throughout the fall and spring academic terms; in the case of summer assignments, the expectation is that the student will work between 15 and 35 hours per week. Once a job is assigned, it is anticipated that the student will continue in that position through the entire academic year. Any change in work-study jobs must be made through the financial aid office. Off-campus employment also is available through the college work-study program, though it is limited to returning students. These jobs are in non profit agencies. No job assignments are made until all paperwork required to accept the aid is completed. Additional information about our summer off-campus employment program will be available at our annual information session early in the spring term.

OTHER SOURCES OF AID

Veterans Benefits

The War Orphans, Widows, and Veterans Educational Assistance Act provides financial assistance to the children or widow of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability or to the dependents of a veteran who has a total disability. Veterans and other persons planning to receive educational assistance benefits from the Veterans Administration (VA) are advised to secure VA approval for training prior to enrollment. Inquiries concerning eligibility should be directed to the veterans coordinator on each campus. A veteran, widow, war orphan, or dependent approved for training should present the Veterans Administration`s Certificate of Eligibility Forms when registering. In order to be certified for Veterans Educational Assistance Benefits, veterans, war orphans, widows, and dependents must present, in person, proof of enrollment to the university Office of Veterans Affairs at the beginning of each term. Veterans planning to train under Chapter 32 VEAP, Chapter 30 of the New (Montgomery) GI Bill of 1984, or Chapter 106 for Reservists are required by the university to pay cash for tuition, fees, books, and supplies, when due. Veterans, in turn, receive an allowance for each month of schooling, based upon credit hours and the number of dependents. No veteran may withdraw officially from a course (or courses) without prior approval from the academic services and/or dean of student's offices. All withdrawals must be submitted in writing. The date of official withdrawal will be the determining date for changes in benefits. Failure to comply with the official college withdrawal procedure may affect both past and future benefits. Any change in schedule also must be reported to the campus Office of Veterans Affairs immediately.

RESTRICTIONS ON FINANCIAL AID AND EMPLOYMENT

Graduate students ordinarily may not accept simultaneously two different financial awards from the university. Students who have applied for two different awards and are offered both should inquire at the dean`s office of the school of matriculation before acceptance. Students who hold fellowships, assistantships, internships, or Russell Scholarships may not accept employment outside of their academic department without the permission of the graduate director and the dean of the school of matriculation. Graduate students who have received aid administered by the Office of Financial Aid must report to that office any change in income, such as scholarships, loans, gifts, assistantships, or other employment received subsequent to the original aid award.