USC Sumter

The financial aid programs offered at the University of South Carolina Sumter make it possible for many students to attend the University who could not do so if left entirely to their own resouerces. Scholarships, loans, part-time work, and grants are available to qualified undergraduate students.

Eligibility for most types of aid except academic scholarships depends on the applicant’s financial circumstances. The University uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine the amount of assistance each applicant is eligible to receive. We recommend that you complete the FAFSA via the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov; however, paper applications may still be obtained from most high-school guidance offices or our financial aid office.

General Guidelines for Financial Aid

1. The student should have applied and been accepted for admission to USC Sumter as a regular student working toward a degree.

2. The student must have a high-school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

3. Each applicant should complete the FAFSA indicating the University of South Carolina Sumter as the school of attendance (Title IV code: 003426).

4. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent from the U.S. Department of Education to the student.

5. If corrections are necessary, the corrections should be made in the financial aid office. Corrections are electronically transmitted. An ISAR (Institutional Student Aid Report) with the updated information will be sent to the student.

6. Information concerning federal financial aid programs, such as Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal PLUS Loans may be obtained from the USC Sumter financial aid office.

7. The student must be making satisfactory academic progress toward completing a degree or certificate program.

8. The student must sign an educational purpose/certification statement on refunds and defaults.

9. Awards of financial assistance are made in the summer prior to the beginning of the fall semester. An award notification will be sent to the student once the file is complete.

10. In order to be considered for some type of federal financial assistance, a student must be enrolled at least half time (6 semester hours); the Federal Pell Grant program is an exception to this requirement.

11. Awards will be based only on a student’s enrollment status during the official registration period.

12. The financial aid office staff is available for counseling with students and parents concerning any financial aid program.

Financial Aid and the Extended Graduate Campus Program

Financial aid for graduate students who are admitted and registered through The Graduate School on the University’s Columbia campus will have their financial aid administered by the Columbia campus financial aid office regardless of the student’s campus location. As such, graduate students in this category should list the University of South Carolina Columbia as their school of choice on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. All financial aid related correspondence should be directed to the Columbia campus financial aid office.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirement

Undergraduate students who have been awarded federal student financial aid funds are required to be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certificate program in order to receive those funds. A complete policy listing is on file in the financial aid office. Below is an overview of this policy.

Undergraduate students are considered to be making satisfactory progress if they:

1. are admitted and enrolled as degree-seeking students

2. meet the University standards for continued enrollment

3. complete requirements for a degree or certificate within a reasonable length of time as specified below:

a. the total number of semesters of full-time enrollment (12 or more semester hours attempted) at any postsecondary institution does not exceed 10 semesters for a four-year degree or five semesters for a two-year degree or certificate
b. the total number of semesters of part-time enrollment (less than 12 semester hours attempted) does not exceed the equivalent of 10 full-time semesters for a four-year degree or five full-time semesters for a two-year degree or certificate

4. earn no fewer than 24 semester hours of credit per academic year if enrolled as a full-time student (See the official policy for less-than-full-time students.)

5. maintain a cumulative 2.00 GPA.

Financial Aid Programs Covered by These Standards

Federal Pell Grants
Federal Work-Study
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Federal Perkins Loans
Federal Stafford Loans, subsidized and unsubsidized
Federal PLUS
Some select private loans (as determined by the lender)
South Carolina Need-Based Grant
South Carolina LIFE Scholarship
Other federal or state programs as required

Appeals

Students who have been determined to be ineligible for receipt of student financial aid funds under these standards may appeal the determination. Procedures for appeal are available upon request from the financial aid office.

Reinstatement

Students shall be reinstated for financial aid eligibility at such time as they successfully complete sufficient hours and have a sufficient grade point average to meet the minimum requirements for eligibility as set forth in this policy.

Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federally funded student financial aid grant program. It serves as the foundation upon which all other undergraduate aid is awarded. Typically, it is available only to undergraduate students who have not earned a baccalaureate degree. Federal Pell Grant eligibility is determined according to federal law and is based on the financial information you and your family provided on your FASFA.

You are notified of your possible eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant via the Student Aid Report (SAR). The financial aid office will receive this information directly from the federal processor and determine the amount of your Federal Pell Grant. You should carefully review the information on your SAR and, if it is correct, keep it for your records. If you discover mistakes, follow the instructions and submit corrections as soon as possible.

If you or your family experiences a major change in your financial situation after your Pell Grant eligibility has been determined, you should notify the financial aid office immediately. A counselor will be able to determine if you qualify for an adjustment of your Pell Grant award and/or other financial aid.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG is a grant that does not need to be repaid. The financial aid office awards USC’s limited allocation of FSEOG funds. Recipients must be undergraduates who have not already earned a baccalaureate degree and who demonstrate exceptional financial need. FSEOG recipients must be eligible to receive a Pell Grant and have the lowest expected family contribution’s from among those students being considered for an award.

State Need-Based Grant Program (SNBG)

The South Carolina Need-Based Grant is a state-funded grant for undergraduates attending public and independent colleges and universities within South Carolina. Recipients may not have already earned a baccalaureate degree. To be considered, you must be a South Carolina resident, be admitted or currently enrolled with a minimum GPA of 2.00, complete the FAFSA, demonstrate financial need, be of good moral character, and have never been convicted of a felony. Additionally, to renew a state grant award, you must maintain an annual 2.00 GPA and complete 24 semester hours during the fall and spring semesters. Awards are made for the entire academic year (fall and spring semesters) only. The State Need-Based Grant does not need to be repaid.

South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship

The South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarship (LIFE) was established by the General Assembly during the 1998 legislative session. To be eligible for a LIFE Scholarship, you must have graduated from a high school located in South Carolina on or after May 1995 and be a full-time, undergraduate, degree-seeking student. You must enroll at an eligible institution within two years and three months of high- school graduation. You must be a South Carolina resident for in-state tuition purposes at the time of enrollment and have no felony, alcohol, or drug convictions. If, however, you have been judged delinquent or have been convicted or pled guilty or nolo contendere to an alcohol or drug misdemeanor, you are ineligible for one calendar year from the date of the conviction. You must also be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident under state laws. You may not be in default or owe a refund on any federal or state financial aid program.

If you are a first-time entering freshman, you must have graduated from high school with a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.00 scale.

For initial LIFE Scholarship eligibility, if a currently enrolled student, you must have earned a cumulative 3.00 USC GPA at the end of the academic year. You must also have earned a minimum of 30 credit hours, or the annual equivalent at all institutions attended, for the previous academic year if completing your first year.

You may receive the LIFE scholarship for not more than four semesters at a University of South Carolina regional campus. Funds from this program may not be used for remedial courses or continuing education classes. If you are receiving South Carolina’s Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, you are not eligible for a LIFE Scholarship.

To retain the LIFE Scholarship you must earn an average of 30 credit hours for each academic year and earn a 3.00 cumulative USC GPA by the end of the academic year. The financial aid office, using data from the admissions and records offices, is responsible for awarding LIFE Scholarships.

Please note that the LIFE Scholarship statutes and regulations are subject to change by the South Carolina Legislature.

Loans

Federal Stafford Loan—Subsidized

The subsidized Stafford Loan Program provides long-term, low-interest, need-based loans to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students. The interest rate is variable and set at 3.1 percentage points above the 91-day Treasury bill rate with an 8.25 percent cap. The interest rate on subsidized Federal Stafford Loans made prior to July 1, 1994, will vary according to the dates on which the loans were disbursed and/or the borrower’s outstanding federal loan indebtedness. The interest rate during repayment will be different. These rates are subject to change by law.

Subsidized Federal Stafford Loans may be requested from a variety of lenders with a loan guaranty from any authorized guarantee agency. As an undergraduate, you may borrow up to $2,625 for the first year of study, $3,500 for the second year, and $5,500 per year for subsequent undergraduate study, not to exceed a maximum of $23,000. If you receive a subsidized Stafford Loan, you will not be required to begin repayment until six months after you cease to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.

Some students will receive a promissory note which must signed, completed, and returned to your lender before any loan funds will be disbursed. If, however, you signed a Master Promissory Note for the 2000–2001 academic year, it may also be used for all future Stafford Loans you may borrow while attending USC. You will no longer need to sign a promissory note each year you apply for and receive a Stafford Loan.

Federal regulations require that we limit or reduce the amount of a Stafford Loan under certain prescribed conditions. These conditions are as follows: 1) You are an undergraduate and you apply for a Stafford Loan and are enrolled less than a full academic year (fall and spring semesters); or 2) you will complete all degree requirements at the end of the semester or term. If either of these conditions occur, the Stafford Loan amount may be reduced. The financial aid office will make this adjustment and send you a revised award letter.

We are required to disburse your loan in installments to coincide with the beginning of the enrollment period covered by the loan. Additionally, if after the time your Federal Stafford Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) was certified, you receive any type of other financial assistance, or your tuition fee structure changes, your eligibility for the Stafford Loan may be reduced. In some cases, you may be required to repay amounts in excess of your eligibility.

Federal Stafford Loan—Unsubsidized

The unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan program is similar to the subsidized Stafford Loan except that eligibility is not based on financial need and interest payments are not subsidized by the federal government but rather are the responsibility of the borrower.

If you are a dependent student, your annual unsubsidized and subsidized Stafford Loan totals combined cannot exceed the totals previously noted for a subsidized Stafford Loan. As an independent student, you have additional unsubsidized eligibility of $4,000 per year for the first and second years of study and $5,000 per year for subsequent undergraduate study. The interest rate is the same as the subsidized Stafford Loan; however, interest begins to accrue at the time the lender makes the loan and is not automatically deferred. You may choose to pay the interest or request that it be deferred. This results in the deferred interest being capitalized and creating a greater expense to you during repayment.

Some students will receive a promissory note, which must be completed, signed and returned to your lender before any loan funds will be disbursed. If, however, you signed a Master Promissory Note for the 2000–2001 academic year, it may also be used for all future Stafford Loans you may borrow while attending USC. You will no longer need to sign a promissory note each year you apply for and receive a Stafford Loan.

Federal regulations require that we limit or reduce the amount of a Stafford Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized) under certain prescribed conditions. These conditions are as follows: (1) You are an undergraduate and you apply for a Stafford Loan and are enrolled less than a full academic year (fall and spring semesters); or (2) you will complete all degree requirements at the end of the semester or term. If either of these conditions occur, the Stafford Loan amount may be reduced. The financial aid office will make this adjustment and send you a revised award letter.

We are required to disburse your loan in installments to coincide with the beginning of the enrollment period covered by the loan. Additionally, if after the time your Federal Stafford Loan, (subsidized or unsubsidized) was certified, you receive any type of other financial assistance, or your tuition fee structure changes, your eligibility for the Stafford Loan may be reduced. In some cases, you may be required to repay amounts in excess of your eligibility.

Federal Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan program is a low-interest (5 percent), long-term educational loan program available to both undergraduate and graduate students demonstrating exceptional financial need. This is a loan and must be repaid. Undergraduates may borrow up to $4,000 for each year of study and up to $20,000 to complete an undergraduate degree. Interest is not charged and repayment does not begin until nine months after you leave school or your enrollment drops below half-time status. If you receive your first Perkins Loan on or after October 1, 1992, your minimum payment will be $40 per month. In all cases, repayment may extend up to 10 years depending upon the total amount borrowed. If you have outstanding National Direct Student Loan (NDSL) balances and you are receiving a Federal Perkins Loan now, you must review your NDSL promissory note to determine the terms and conditions that apply to your loan. Under certain conditions of reenrollment, employment, or extenuating circumstances, payments may be deferred or cancelled. Further information concerning repayment is available in the financial aid office.

Federal PLUS

The federal PLUS loan is a non–need-based educational loan program that allows parents to borrow funds for full-time dependent students. Parents may borrow up to the cost of education less any other financial assistance received during the loan period. For loans disbursed on or after July 1, 1998, the interest rate is variable, based upon the bond equivalent rate of the 91-day T-bill, plus 3.1 percent. The variable rate is capped at 9 percent. Previous PLUS loans may have a different interest rate depending upon when the loan was first disbursed. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan is made. The repayment period can be extended up to 10 years with minimum monthly payments to be arranged with the lender.

The Business Office handles all PLUS checks. Questions regarding the handling of these checks should be directed to this office.

Parents/students are advised to exhaust their eligibility for other federal student aid programs before considering the PLUS loan.

South Carolina Teacher Loan Program

This program is available only to residents of South Carolina who are attending college for the purpose of becoming certified teachers employed in the state’s school system in areas of critical need as defined by the state Board of Education. For loan recipients who become certified and teach in an area of critical need, the loan shall be cancelled at the rate of 20 percent for each full year of teaching, up to 100 percent. Loan recipients who do not become certified and/or do not teach in an area of critical need shall be responsible for repaying the entire amount of loan funds borrowed plus interest. Contact the financial aid office for application information and deadlines.

Work Opportunities

Federal Work-Study Program. The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time employment for needy students to meet their educational expenses. To be eligible for employment under this federal program, a student must be enrolled in the University or fully accepted for admission and demonstrate financial need.

Students who are enrolled at least half-time work an average of 15 to 20 hours per week. During vacation periods it is sometimes possible to work up to 40 hours per week. Pay rates vary with the job assignment.

Refunds and Financial Aid

The official USC policy and procedure concerning refunds that result from withdrawal or the reduction of hours is contained in the "Expenses" section of this bulletin. Students who withdraw or reduce hours may be eligible to receive a refund as provided by official University policy; however, recipients of financial aid generally do not receive a refund.

Federal regulations require that whenever a student has received any amount of federal assistance, the refundable portion of institutional costs must first be credited to the appropriate student aid fund. In accordance with these guidelines, the financial aid office will determine the portion of the refund to be returned to the student aid account(s). The amount applied to each account will not exceed the amount dispersed from that account. Remaining funds will be distributed to other student aid accounts with priority given to federal aid accounts.

Effective fall 2000, refunds for students who receive Title IV assistance and who completely withdraw from school will be calculated based on the newly implemented "earned and unearned" federal policy. When federal aid is unearned, students may owe an additional balance beyond what has been captured during the refund process. Students who fall into this category may not only owe a refund to the federal accounts, but they may also have an additional balance owed to the institution (see Title IV refunds distribution in "Expenses" section).

If the student received any non–Title IV student aid, such as scholarships or institutional loans, any portion of the refund applicable to non–Title IV student aid will be distributed to those accounts.

Any remaining refund amount not applied to the previous accounts will be returned to the student.

Veterans Benefits

The following policies and procedures are of primary concern to veterans, servicepersons, members of guard and selected reserves, and other eligible persons who receive VA educational assistance while enrolled at the University.

Please note: Academic standards of progress and attendance are covered under school standards of progress as specified by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, License Division, and required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Enrollment Certification

Certification by the University VA certifying official in the Office of Veterans Affairs is required for eligible students who wish to receive VA educational assistance checks. Students must initiate their own requests for enrollment certification, as the certifying official will process certifications and other forms to the VA only for those students who have made such a request and completed the necessary paperwork.

Normally, the VA requires that eligible students must have completed full University admissions requirements and matriculation into degree-seeking status before they may receive VA educational benefits. However, those students admitted as "Provisional," "Military Special," or "Transient," or students enrolling for prerequisite courses required for admission into a professional degree program or school, may request VA certification if they provide appropriate documentation. VA students in these categories should contact the University Office of Veterans Affairs for details. Only the federal VA has the final authority to award benefits to students in such admissions categories.

All VA students who have earned college credit at another school, or in another USC degree program, are required to provide the University Office of Veterans Affairs with a transfer credit evaluation from their academic department. The VA generally pays such students for one semester only, pending receipt of the amount of "prior credit" applied to their current degree program. It is also recommended that undergraduate veterans or servicepersons contact the Office of Veterans Affairs for consideration of college credit for military schools.

Students can best ensure receipt of benefits by informing the Office of Veterans Affairs of their intent to register for classes and by supplying the number of credit hours for which they will enroll each semester. Eligible VA students may request certification on a semester basis and should recertify for each new academic year at least 45 days in advance. However, pursuant to federal law, servicepersons, and VA students who are enrolled less than one-half time, must request certification on a semester-by-semester basis.

Normally, VA payments may be made only for those courses which are required by the academic department for the student’s current degree program. All students receiving educational assistance checks from the VA are responsible for notifying the Office of Veterans Affairs of any changes in their degree program and/or course load during a semester, to include drop/add, withdrawal, audit status or invoking Pass-Fail option in a course, or enrollment in any distance education course, independent study, internship, or practicum courses.

Appropriate forms and benefits-related information are available at the Office of Veterans Affairs. Each student request will be handled individually according to VA benefit program and enrollment status at the University.

Academic Scholarships

The University of South Carolina Sumter offers scholarships to academically qualified students in numerous fields of study. Scholarships are available to full-time and part-time students. These scholarships are provided by individuals, organizations, clubs, and businesses in Sumter and surrounding areas. The following scholarships are offered on an annual basis. Several are for a specific area of study or category of student.

Access & Equity Scholarship. Must be awarded to a continuing student who has at least a 3.00 GPA and 24 hours of credit or a freshman who has a high-school GPA of at least 3.00, preferably a minority male.

Porter H. Adams Jr. Must be awarded to an individual who has designated a "specific" major and is a U.S. citizen, with preference given to S.C. residents.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Must be awarded to an African-American student majoring in education with a GPA of 2.50 or higher and preferably female.

American Legion Post No. 15. Must be awarded to a resident of Sumter County and a dependent of a member of the American Legion or a veteran of the United States Armed Forces.

Father William Atkinson. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant majoring in social work, psychology, physical/occupational therapy, art therapy, or education.

Henry D. Barnett Memorial. Must be awarded to a resident of Sumter County who has dyslexia or a sight or learning disability. If there is no eligible applicant, the award can go to a Sumter County resident.

Carolina Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant majoring in education.

Carolina Power & Light Dean’s Scholarships. Must be awarded to students majoring in mathematics, engineering, or computer science, with an emphasis on minority students.

Alivia Burrows Davids. Must be awarded to a continuing student with a major in secondary education in mathematics; in the event there is no eligible applicant for this specification, then an eligible applicant in secondary education, mathematics, or physical education would be allowed to receive the scholarship.

Farmers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant living in the service area of Lee, Sumter, Clarendon, Williamsburg, and lower Florence counties whose parents or guardians are members of the Farmers Telephone Cooperative.

Eola Georgia Hoerner Fienning Memorial. Must be awarded to an applicant who is a resident of Sumter County and who has submitted a FAFSA form.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Graham. Must be awarded to a student majoring in nursing; preferably to a student pursuing a baccalaureate degree in nursing.

Janette Barnes Guiler Memorial. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant majoring in nursing.

Mental Health Association of Sumter County. Must be awarded to a resident of Sumter County pursuing a career in a mental health field, psychology, social work, counseling, or nursing.

Andrew W. Muller. Must be awarded to a graduate from School District Two, preferably a freshman.

Hubert Graham Osteen. Awarded to graduates of Sumter, Lee, or Clarendon county schools majoring in journalism. In the event there is no eligible applicant for this specification, then an applicant majoring in English, history, or computer science is selected.

Pilot Club. Must be awarded to a resident of Sumter County, a freshman with at least a high-school GPA of 3.00, or a continuing student with this GPA; financial need; physically handicapped applicant; or an applicant majoring in special education or any education major.

Julia Reynolds Memorial. Must be awarded to a student seeking a degree in the nursing profession.

Rotary Club of Sumter Sunrise Scholarship. Must be awarded to a student who is very active in the community, with an emphasis on volunteering; otherwise, to any eligible applicant.

Madge G. and Raymon Schwartz. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant who is a resident of Sumter County.

Joe Singleton Company, Inc. Must be awarded to freshmen currently living in Sumter County.

A.T. and Jessie T. Sublette. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant majoring in nursing, premedicine, or other health-related fields.

Sumter Lions Club. Must be awarded to someone who is sight or hearing impaired or someone who is majoring in special education for the sight or hearing impaired. In the event there is no eligible applicant for these specifics, then to any eligible applicant.

Sumter District Two Single Unit Food Service. Must be awarded to a graduating senior of a District Two school or a dependent of a School District Two employee. If there is no eligible applicant, the award can go to an employee of School District Two or an employee’s spouse or dependent who has completed high school and is 21 years of age or older.

Mr. and Mrs. James S. Tindall Memorial Scholarship. Must be awarded to a student who comes from any of the republics that made up the former Soviet Union.

Cassie Ward Memorial. Must be awarded to an eligible applicant majoring in business.

Williams-Brice-Edwards. Must be awarded to a resident of Sumter County.

The following scholarships do not specify area of study or category of student:

American Legion Post 15 Memorial
Arthur S. Bahnmuller
Bank of America
G. Werber Bryan
Carolina Power & Light
Albert L. and Nina O. Carpenter
Commencement Speaker
Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Covington
Judith L. Croskey
Charles F. Denny
Mr. and Mrs. Curt Edens
ESE Marketing Scholarship
John T. Flanagan Memorial
GTE Foundation
Danny R. Geddings Memorial
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gupton
Mr. and Mrs. V.F. Halter Sr. Memorial
O.D. Harvin
Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Hatfield Memorial
Kiwanis Club of Sumter
Wilson MacEwen & Co.
Market Express
Ross S. McKenzie
Sara Davis McLendon Memorial
NBSC–Lucile McKiever
Dorothy K. Olsen Memorial
Arthur W. Rofrano Memorial
Rotary Club of Sumter
Rotary Club of Sumter Palmetto
SAFE Federal Credit Union
D.L. Scurry Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. R. Glen Sharp
Sumter County Gamecock Club
Sumter Optimist Club
Sumter Partnership (Part-Time)
Dan E. Turbeville Jr.
USC Sumter Alumni Association
USC Sumter Alumni Association "Big Wednesday"
USC Sumter Teacher of the Year
USC Sumter Women’s Club