Academic Catalog :: Requirments & Policies - General :: Springfield College in Illinois

Financial Aid Eligibility
All students requesting financial assistance must be degree-seeking. Only those students who are United States citizens or permanent residents can be considered for federal and state financial aid. Although financial need is the main award determinant, academic achievement and special talents are also considered.

Students seeking financial assistance must have a high school diploma or a General Education Development Certificate (GED).

Purpose
The Financial Aid Office is committed to ensuring that all students receive the maximum amounts of financial assistance to which they are entitled. Based on this belief, Springfield College in Illinois has adopted these principles for its financial aid program:

Financial assistance consists of federal, state and institutional scholarships, grants, loans, employment, Veterans’ benefits and outside scholarships, which may be offered to students singly or in combination.
The policy is to apply all forms of financial assistance first to cover tuition charges and mandatory fees.
The total amount of financial assistance extended to any one student cannot exceed the student’s total cost of attendance.
Financial need is based upon an analysis of information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although financial need is the main award determinant, academic achievement and special talents are also considered.

Types of Aid
Springfield College in Illinois administers many aid programs — some are listed here. The College also participates in Federal Veteran’s Benefit Programs and reserves a share of its budget for scholarships and need-based grants.

Information on federal and state programs may be subject to change at any time due to changes in legislation.

Federal Aid

Veterans Benefits
Eligibility: Eligible veterans may use their Montgomery GI Bill benefits at SCI. A Certificate of Eligibility and DD-214 must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office to begin enrollment certification.

Federal Pell Grant
Source: Federal Government
Amount: Up to $4,050
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, demonstration of need (FAFSA)

Academic Competitiveness Grant
Source: Federal Government
Eligibility: U.S. Citizen, demonstration of need (FAFSA), freshmen who have completed a rigorous program of study in high school or sophomores with a G.P.A. of 3.0.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Source: Federal Government
Amount: Up to $4,050
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, demonstration of need (FAFSA)

Federal Family Education Loan Program

Federal Stafford Loan (Fixed Interest Rate)
Source: SCI preferred lenders
Amount: Limit of $2,625 for freshmen; $3,500 for sophomores; $5,500 for juniors and seniors
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, demonstration of need (FAFSA), registered for at least six semester hours per semester

Federal Parent Loan Program (PLUS)
Source: SCI preferred lender list
Amount: Cost of education less other financial aid
Eligibility: Registered for at least six semester hours per semester
Conditions for Repayment: Begins sixty days after the second loan disbursement

Employment

Federal Work Study - FWS
Source: Federal Government through Springfield College in Illinois
Amount: Hourly wages up to 20 hours per week
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, demonstration of need (FAFSA)

Illinois Student Assistance
Commission (ISAC) Programs — Illinois Residents Only

Illinois State Monetary Award Program (MAP)
Source: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Amount: Up to $4,470
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, residents of Illinois, demonstration of need (FAFSA)

Illinois Incentive for Access (IIA)
Source: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Amount: $500
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens, residents of Illinois, demonstration of need (FAFSA), and freshmen students with (0) expected family contribution (EFC)

Merit Recognition Scholarship (MRS)
Source: Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Amount: $1,000 – freshman year
Eligibility: Residents of Illinois, students in top 5% of high school graduating class

Institutional Grants/Scholarships

Academic Achievement Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,500
Eligibility: Awarded to incoming freshmen who meet two of the following criteria – a score of 20 or higher on the ACT, ranked in the top 33% of their high school class and/or a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
Renewability: Renewable with a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. and 24 credit hours earned each year. Recipients are notified by May 1.

Alumni Recognition Award
Amount: $1,000 per year
Eligibility: All children of Benedictine University at Springfield alumni who enroll in undergraduate degree programs are immediately eligible.
Renewability: Renewable as long as student remains enrolled full time.

Athletic Scholarships (NJCAA)
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Awarded based on athletic ability. The Athletic Director and the Director of Financial Aid, upon recommendation of the head coach, determine awards.

Catholic High School Scholarship
Amount: $1,600 per year
Eligibility: Automatic award to students who graduated from a catholic high school.
Renewability: Renewable

Founders’ Scholarship
Amount: Up to one-half tuition
Eligibility: Awarded to incoming freshmen who meet two of the following criteria – a score of 24 or higher on the ACT, ranked in the top 10% of their high school class and/or a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
Renewability: Renewable with a 3.25 cumulative G.P.A. and 24 credit hours earned each year.

President’s Scholarship
Amount: Up to full tuition
Eligibility: Awarded to a limited number of incoming freshmen. Students must be full time, have an ACT score of 28 or higher, and have a 3.5 G.P.A.
Renewability: Renewable with a 3.5 G.P.A.

SCI Grants
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Demonstration of need (FAFSA)
Renewability: Demonstration of need (FAFSA)

Trustees’ Scholarship
Amount: Up to one-third tuition
Eligibility: Awarded to incoming freshmen who meet two of the following three criteria – a score of 22 or higher on the ACT, rank in the top 25% of their high school class and/or have a 3.25 cumulative G.P.A. or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
Renewability: Renewable with a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. and 24 credit hours earned each year.

Other Scholarships

Alice Lambert Scholarship
Established by the estate of Alice Lambert, a member of the class of 1934. This scholarship is presented to degree-seeking students with demonstrated financial need.

Ann & Byron Booth Scholarship
Awarded to a degree-seeking student with demonstrated financial need.

The Bishop James Griffin Scholarship
This scholarship is sponsored by The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois in memory of Bishop Griffin who was instrumental in beginning Springfield College. A scholarship will be awarded each year to a graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student maintains an excellent academic record.

Crawford, Murphy and Tilly, Inc. Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Awarded to pre-business students with a preference given to dependents of CMT employees.

Donn Hayes Scholarship
Established by the late Donn Hayes, a former SCI faculty member. Awarded to a full-time student.

Dr. F. Paul & Rose LaFata Scholarship
Two scholarships are awarded annually to students with excellent academic records and financial need for their sophomore year. Awarded by the La Fata Scholarship Committee.

Elmer Baum Scholarship
Awarded to a degree-seeking student with demonstrated financial need.

Francis E. Malone Endowed Scholarship
Established from the estate of Francis E. Malone’54 to assist needy students.

Girl Scouts
Endowed scholarship is awarded to a female resident of Sangamon County who has been involved with the Girl Scouts for at least three years.

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Amount: Half tuition for freshman and sophomore years of an associate degree program; renewable for junior and senior years of a bachelor degree program.
Eligibility: Awarded to area Senior High School student.

Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Amount: Half tuition for freshman and sophomore years of an associate degree program; renewable for junior and senior years of a bachelor degree program.
Eligibility: Awarded to Senior High School student in Christian County area.

Hanson Engineers, Inc.
Amount: $1,000
Eligibility: Awarded to pre-business students with a preference given to dependents of Hanson employees.

Ida Pearl Meuth Scholarship
In memory of Ida Pearl Meuth, this scholarship assists worthy students attending Springfield College and may pay partial or complete tuition.

John & Apollona Copp Family Scholarship
Awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need, a commitment to the service of others and have a “B” average in their senior year of high school.

Joseph Joy Scholarship
Established by Delores Joy in memory of her husband who was a member of SCI’s class of 1936. This scholarship is awarded to worthy students who have demonstrated financial need.

L. Philip Trutter Scholarship
Given annually to a talented art or architectural student in honor of the excellent education Mr. Trutter, class of 1933, received at the former Springfield Junior College (now SCI).

June Pehlman Christine Scholarship
Established by G. Howard Christine’39 in memory of his wife June Pehlman Christine’40. The scholarship is to assist students who work on the school newspaper.

Mahatma Gandhi Peace Scholarship
Awarded to a full-time student with demonstrated financial need.

Mike Steele Golf Scholarship
Established by the Mike Steele Memorial Golf Tournament, the scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman golfer based upon the recommendation of area high school coaches, the SCI Golf Coach and Athletic Director. The award is renewable as long as the recipient continues to participate on the Golf Team and maintains the minimum academic performance standards of SCI.

Mother Carmelita McIntyre Endowed Scholarship
Established by James Metz’47 in memory of Sr. Carmelita McIntyre and the influence she had on his career. The scholarship is awarded to deserving freshman or sophomore students who are primarily interested in a career in math and/or secondarily interested in engineering/science.

Rotary Club Scholarship
A $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student with demonstrated financial need and an interest in community service.

Sr. Beata Knoedler, O.S.U. Scholarship
Amount: Varies
Eligibility: Awarded to students showing an interest in the sciences. Recipients must have a “B” average in high school and an ACT score of 23 or higher.

Sr. Frances Marie Thrailkill, O.S.U. Scholarship
The Board of Trustees established the scholarship in honor of Sr. Frances Marie’s years of service as President of the College. The scholarship is awarded to a degree-seeking student with demonstrated financial need.

Sr. Loyola Power, O.S.U. Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a second-year student in memory of Sr. Loyola, former English faculty and college archivist.

Sr. Regina Marie Fronmüller, O.S.U. Art Scholarship
The Sr. Regina Marie Fronmüller Art Scholarship was established in honor of Sr. Regina Marie Fronmüller, OSU, founder of the art department at SCI. Scholarship(s) may be awarded to an incoming freshman art major or a continuing art major. Scholarship is awarded in May. For specific criteria, contact the Art Department.

Stephen D. Power Scholarship
Established by the late Jessie Power in memory of her husband Stephen. These scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated academic ability.

Suzanne Mulcahy Endowed Scholarship
Established by the estate of Suzanne Mulcahy to provide scholarships for students.

Szabo Scholarship
Awarded to students with demonstrated financial need, preference given to Eastern European students.

Application Procedures

To apply for any type of financial assistance, the following must be submitted:

Application for regular admission to Springfield College.
SCI Financial Aid Application.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Although financial aid is awarded on a rolling basis, the FAFSA should be filed by March 1 for maximum consideration.
Other requested documentation such as tax returns, W-2 forms, verification worksheets and/or financial aid transcripts.

All students must complete the financial aid application process each academic year to be considered for assistance.

The payment of state and federal financial aid awards is contingent upon a student attending class. If a student withdraws from the College, a portion of the aid package may be credited to his/her account only if the student attended classes before withdrawal.

Loan eligibility will be determined by academic level and not necessarily by hours earned.

Student financial aid programs, terms and conditions are subject to change from time to time without notice or obligation.

Release of Information
The Financial Aid Office will release students’ personal information, including grades, to internal and external scholarship donors for eligibility purposes only. Personal and financial information will also be discussed with parents of dependent students, unless a written request is given to the Financial Aid Office to prohibit such disclosure.

Financial Aid Disbursement
Financial aid is disbursed at the beginning of the fall semester and the beginning of the spring semester, after student attendance is confirmed. Special disbursement rules apply to those students in the Adult Accelerated Program and those students receiving loan funds. The amounts of each installment are indicated on the student’s Financial Aid Award Estimate. Financial aid will be disbursed directly to the student’s account and will be first applied toward tuition charges and then to other charges such as fees, books and housing. If a credit balance results after all charges have been satisfied, the Business Office will issue a check to the student for the credit. The student is responsible for paying the balance not covered by financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid Recipients
Federal regulations require that Springfield College establish standards of satisfactory academic progress for students receiving federal financial aid funds. Minimum standards of academic progress are established to encourage students to successfully complete coursework for which financial aid is received and to make progress toward a degree. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission has also instituted these same standards for recipients of the Illinois Monetary Award Program.

All students currently receiving federal, state and/or Springfield College in Illinois financial aid funds are subject to this policy.

Policy:
Satisfactory academic progress includes two criteria:

Academic standing based on the student’s cumulative grade point average; and
The student’s progress towards successful degree completion.

In order to maintain satisfactory academic progress, students must:

Remain in good academic standing or on academic probation asdefined in the academic section of this catalog, maintaining a minimum 2.0 cumulative G.P.A.
Maintain a completion rate of coursework equal to at least 75 percent of all credit hours attempted, up to a maximum of 90 attempted credit hours.

Note: Withdrawals (W), no credit (NC), and incompletes (I) are not considered completed courses. Transfer hours are included in the total attempted and earned hours.

Satisfactory academic progress will be evaluated at the end of each semester.

Probation:
If a student fails to meet the requirements of satisfactory academic progress, the student will be placed on financial aid probation for the next semester. The Director of Financial Aid will send written notification to the student regarding the terms of the probation. During that semester, the student is still eligible for financial aid. The student’s progress will be evaluated at the end of the probationary period, and the following will result:

If the student has met the minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress, the student will be considered in good standing.
If the student has not met the minimum standards of satisfactory academic progress but has successfully completed all hours attempted for that semester (minimum of six hours), with a 2.0 semester G.P.A., the student will again be placed on Financial Aid Probation. After two consecutive semesters of probation, the student will automatically be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.
If the student does not meet either of the preceding terms, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Suspension.

Suspension:
A student placed on Financial Aid Suspension will not be eligible to receive financial aid, but may still attend Springfield College if not academically dismissed. The Director of Financial Aid will send written notification to the student regarding the terms of suspension. Financial Aid Suspension occurs when:

A student has been academically dismissed.
A student enrolls in six or more credit hours during any single enrollment period and subsequently withdraws or fails to complete any of the credit hours.
A student does not meet the terms of Financial Aid Probation.
A student fails to meet the minimum Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress after two consecutive probationary periods.

Appeal Process:
Cancellation of financial aid due to a student’s failure to meet satisfactory academic progress may be appealed if extenuating circumstances (illness, family problems, death of a family member, etc.) led to academic difficulties. The student’s appeal must be in writing and submitted to the Financial Aid Office within fifteen (15) days of the notice. The appeal must include specific reasons why the student was not able to maintain satisfactory academic progress, and the steps to be taken to prevent those circumstances from recurring.

The student will receive written notification of the appeal decision from the Director of Financial Aid. If the appeal is approved, in the case of probation, the probation will be waived; in the case of suspension, the student will be placed on Financial Aid Probation. If the appeal is not approved, the student will remain on Financial Aid Probation or Suspension, respectively.

Student financial aid programs, terms and conditions are subject to change from time to time without notice or obligation.