| Federal
Parent Loan Program for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
This program allows parents to borrow up to the cost of attendance less other financial aid and veteran’s benefits at a maximum interest rate of 9%. The repayment period begins on the day the loan is fully disbursed with the first installment due to the lender within 60 days of that date.
A student must attend half-time to be eligible for the funds.
STUDENT RIGHTS
Students Have The
Right to Know:
The names of organizations which accredit and license the University. About the University’s programs, instruction, laboratories, physical facilities, and faculty. The cost of attending the University and its refund policy. The type of financial assistance offered by the University from federal, state, local, and private programs. Who the financial aid personnel are and the location of the Financial Aid Office. What the procedures and deadlines are for applying for financial aid. How the University selects its financial aid recipients. How the University determines financial need. How much financial need has been met. How financial aid is received. About each type of financial assistance offered. Information about all student loans offered. The kind of
Work-Study jobs offered, hours, duties, rate and frequency of pay. When and how financial aid awards are adjusted. About special facilities for the handicapped. The University’s Satisfactory Progress Policy.
Consumer Complaint
Procedures
Students and prospective students should be aware that, should they have concerns or complaints related to the management or conduct of the Title IV financial assistance programs or to misleading or inappropriate advertising and promotion of the institution’s educational programs, this institution has a complaint procedure. To the extent possible, students must seek a resolution of such matters through the institution’s internal complaint procedure before involving others. Students with complaints should contact the Office of the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services (251)460-6494. Should the institution not be able to resolve the problem, you may contact the Department of Education Ombudsman at 1-202-401-4498 or toll free at
1-877-557-2575.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Students Have The
Responsibility To:
Review and consider all information about the University before enrolling. Pay special attention to the application for financial aid, complete it accurately, submit it on time and to the right place. Know all deadlines for applying for aid and meet them. Provide all required documentation, corrections, and/or information requested by the Financial Aid Office. Notify the University of any information that has changed since the financial aid application was submitted. Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms. Repay any student loans borrowed. Attend an entrance and exit interview. Notify the Financial Aid Office of a change in name, address, or enrollment status (half-time, full-time, three-quarter-time). Satisfactorily perform the work agreed upon in a
College Work-Study job. Understand the University’s refund policy.
STUDENT LOAN
COUNSELING
Entrance
Interview
Students receiving the Federal Stafford Loan for the first time at USA must attend a counseling session before receiving their student loan check. During the counseling session, students will be informed of their rights and responsibilities as borrowers, advised on the consequences of excessive borrowing and of defaulting on a student loan, and given tips on money management. First-time loan recipients will be notified of the time and place of their counseling session when their award letters are issued.
Exit Interview
Students who received a Federal Stafford student loan, Federal Perkins Loan, or Federal Supplemental Loan while attending USA must attend an exit interview before leaving the University through graduation, withdrawal, or transfer. Contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.
OVER AWARDS
Definition
When students receive federal funds, their financial
need is established according to federal guidelines. Students may not receive more
financial assistance than they need. This occasionally occurs when students receive funds
from other sources after the Financial Aid Office issues a financial aid award. This
situation is called an over award.
Solution
When over awards occur, the Financial Aid Office is
required to adjust the financial aid the student has been awarded. Students may be
required to repay some of the funds they have already received.
Prevention
To prevent over awards, students should take the
following steps:
- Notify the Financial Aid Office of any assistance
from outside sources such as scholarships, ROTC, Veterans benefits, etc. not listed on the
award letter.
- List all sources of financial assistance on the
University Application for Financial Aid.
- Check with the Financial Aid Office before
applying for financial assistance from other sources.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID RECIPIENT WITHDRAWALS AND REFUNDS
Return of Federal Financial Aid Refunds
When a student completely withdrawals from school, a portion of Federal Financial Aid grant or loan funds, except for Federal Work-Study earnings, must be returned to the applicable federal
program(s).
The refund is based on the concept of ‘earned’ and ‘unearned’ federal financial aid and how it relates to the percentage of enrollment completed determines the percentage of earned aid.
For example, if a student attends 25 days of a 100 day term, the percentage of earned aid is 25%; and therefore, 75% of the unearned aid, up to the total of institutional charges, will be returned to the federal financial aid programs. Institutional charges consist of tuition, fees, and campus housing (excluding Hillsdale), and mandatory meal plans.
In some circumstances, a student may need to repay a portion of the unearned aid. This repayment would not be more than 1/2 of the grant monies initially received. The student will be notified if they owe a federal repayment.
If a student completely withdraws after completing 60% of the term, then it is assumed that the student has earned 100% of their federal aid award and no funds will be returned to the federal programs.
For and example of the proposed Return of Title IV Funds Worksheet, please see either the Office of the Bursar or the Financial Aid Office located in the Administration
Building.
REASONABLE ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY
Federal regulations require the University to establish a reasonable academic policy which applicants for financial aid must meet. The policy must have a qualitative component, a quantitative component, and an overall time frame component. A student must maintain reasonable academic progress regardless of whether the student was a previous recipient of financial aid.
Qualitative Component - The University’s academic standards are the qualitative standards for this policy. These are outlined in this University
Bulletin. In addition, Federal Law requires that students who have earned 64 or more credit semester hours (Juniors and Seniors) to maintain the minimum cumulative grade-point average required by the University for graduation. This minimum is defined by the
Bulletin as 2.00. This component is evaluated each semester.
Quantitative Component - After 2 semester have been attempted, a student’s cumulative hours passed must be at least 75% of the cumulative hours attempted as defined by the Office of Records. For example, a student enrolling in 12 hours per semester for two (2) semesters would be required to pass 18 hours. A student enrolled in 6 hours per semester for 4 semesters would be required to pass 18 hours. This component is evaluated at the time of each application. Note: if you have filed academic bankruptcy, you will be evaluated each term following the bankruptcy.
Overall Time Frame - Students are no longer eligible to receive Title IV Federal financial aid (this includes Loans) after attempting 16 full time equivalent semesters. Transfer hours are included in the total hours attempted. This component is evaluated at the time of each application.
Grades - Courses with non-assigned grades including withdrawals are considered in determination of the percentage of hours completed toward the degree. Refer to this University
Bulletin for the regulations concerning the effect on cumulative hours passed on cumulative hours attempted. Acceptable grades are: A, B, C, D, E, S, P. Unacceptable grades are: F, U, I, X, WD, AU, UA, N. All of these grades are considered in evaluating the quantitative, qualitative, and overall time-frame components.
Transfer Students - Students transferring to the University are assumed to be maintaining satisfactory progress. Hours transferred from prior schools will be considered in establishing the class standing only for grade requirements, as well as being considered in determining the maximum number of semesters attempted for the overall time frame component. Full time equivalent semesters are determined by dividing the total transfer hours accepted by 12. Grade-point averages (GPAs) from transfer credits will not factor into your cumulative GPA at USA.
Second Bachelors Degree/Dual Degree - Students seeking a second undergraduate/dual degree will be permitted to enroll in up to
eight full-time equivalent semesters beyond the first bachelor's degree.
Graduate Students - The University’s academic standards for graduate students are the qualitative standards for this policy. The quantitative component is defined as passing 50% of all hours attempted. The overall time frame is defined as
10 full-time equivalent semesters.
Doctoral Students - The University’s academic standards for doctoral students are the qualitative standards for this policy. The quantitative component is defined as passing 50% of all hours attempted. The overall time frame is defined as 20 full-time equivalent semesters including graduate work.
Academic Bankruptcy - Credit hours earned prior to declaring academic bankruptcy will be counted in the overall time-frame component.
College of Medicine - The academic regulations in the COM bulletin describe the satisfactory progress requirements for a student enrolled in the College of Medicine.
Appeals - Student may appeal a decision of non-compliance using the following procedure:
In order to appeal the loss of eligibility for financial aid because of failure to make satisfactory progress under the quantitative, qualitative, or time-frame components, the following appeal procedure has been established. It is imperative that you follow the procedure precisely as outlined below.
- You must submit a letter requesting reinstatement of your eligibility for financial aid. The letter should include the reason(s) why you failed to complete the necessary hours, attain the required GPA, or complete your degree in the required amount of time. Any documentation which supports your rationale should be attached.
You should also explain in your letter what steps you have taken to rectify the problems that caused your lack of performance.
- Your appeal will be reviewed and a decision made within three (3) weeks. The decision may be: acceptance of your appeal provisionally with a probation period during which time you will be required to pass a specified number of hours or attain the required GPA; acceptance of your appeal without any penalty; or denial of your appeal. All responses to appeal letters will be made in writing to the student.
- If the decision is not acceptable to you, you may submit a letter to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services explaining that you did not complete the required hours or attain the required GPA during the prior year; the reason(s) why you did not complete those hours or attain the required GPA; and the reason(s) why you feel that the decision of the Office of Financial Aid should be overruled. The decision of the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Services is final.
Reinstatement - Students
who lose financial aid eligibility because of a failure to maintain satisfactory progress
towards a degree may reapply for financial aid after clearing the deficiency or attaining
the minimum GPA.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Students receiving University scholarships will have the award credited to their tuition and fees due each semester. Any balance from scholarships should be used to pay for associated academic costs such as books at the USA Bookstore, USA Housing and USA Food Service.
Students desiring to apply for College or Departmental scholarships should consult the appropriate Department Chairs for application procedures.
Presidential - $4,000 per year. Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum ACT composite score of 33 (or comparable SAT) and a 3.5 minimum high school GPA, as computed by the USA Office of Admissions, to be considered. Entering freshmen only.*
Presidential - $3,000 per year. Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum ACT composite score of 30 - 32 (or comparable SAT) and a 3.5 minimum high school GPA, as computed by the USA Office of Admissions to be considered. Entering freshmen only.*
Presidential - $2,500 per year. Qualifications: Candidates must have an ACT composite score of 27-29 (or comparable SAT) and a 3.5 minimum high school GPA, as computed by the USA Office of Admissions, to be considered. Entering freshmen only*.
Honors Program Scholarships - Students admitted to the USA Honors Program may receive a four-year honors scholarship. Contact the Honors Program Director, (251)461-1637, for application procedures and deadline dates and more information about this prestigious program. Information is also available on the USA Honors web page at
http://www.southalabama.edu/honors.
Achievement Scholarships - $1,500 per year. Qualifications: ACT Composite score of 24-26 (or comparable SAT), minimum high school grade-point average of 3.0 as computed by the USA Office of Admissions. Entering freshmen only.*
Bay Area Scholarships - $1,000 for freshman year. Qualifications: ACT Composite score of 21-23( or comparable SAT), minimum high school grade-point average of 3.0 as computed by the USA Office of Admissions, and residence in Mobile or Baldwin counties in Alabama. Entering freshmen only.*
*Scholarships are awarded beginning on December 1 each year to students who have completed the admissions process. No special scholarship application is required; all accepted students are considered. Students are encouraged to apply early as funds are limited to accepted students.
Junior College Transfer - $1,000 per year. Qualifications: The award is based on the cumulative GPA earned at the junior college as computed by the USA Office of Admissions. Application: No separate application is required. Candidates should be accepted for admission by May 1. Awards are made in mid-summer.
Abraham Mitchell Business Scholars Program: $8,000 per year. Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum ACT Composite score of 28 (or comparable ACT score), minimum 3.5 high school grade-point average as computed by USA Admissions, and major in the Mitchell College of Business. Preference is given to Mobile County and State of Alabama residents. The scholarship deadline is February 1 of each year. Scholarships are awarded to students who are graduating from high school and entering USA as freshmen. All students who meet the minimum qualifications and who have completed the admissions process are automatically considered for these awards.
Magnes Scholarship - $2,000 per year. Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum ACT composite score of 21, a high school GPA of 3.0 as computed by the USA Office of Admissions, be a resident of Mobile County and major in Business. Application: Separate applications are mailed in January of each year by the USA Office of Admissions to accepted freshmen students who meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants must also apply for financial aid and demonstrate financial need.
CIBA - $2,500 per year. Qualifications: The most academically talented freshman chemical engineering major from Washington County, Alabama is selected. Application: Applications are mailed by the USA Office of Admissions to all accepted students who meet the minimum qualifications. Applications are usually mailed in the Spring of each year.
Performance (Athletic, Music, Theater Arts) - The award amount varies. Qualifications: Selection is based on the individual’s ability. Applications: Contact the individual departments -
Athletics (251)460-7121,
Music (251)460-6136, Theater Arts (251)460-6305.
ACM Scholarship - $1,000 annual scholarship for a student within the Computer and Information Sciences program. Contact the
School of Computer and Information Sciences for more information.
Mary Ahn Nursing Scholarship - Annual scholarship awarded to an outstanding Nursing major. Contact
Department of Nursing for more details.
Air Force ROTC Scholarships - Cover the costs of tuition, fees, and a reimbursable book allowance, plus a subsistence allowance of $150 per month for the academic year. Four-year and three-year scholarships are available to pre-freshmen having applied before December 1 of their senior year in high school. Three-year and two-year scholarships are available to eligible college students in all academic majors. Current enrollment in the Air Force ROTC program is not a prerequisite. Students selected to enter the advanced program (AS 300 and AS 400), will receive $100 per month subsistence. This allowance is tax free and is in addition to any other assistance that the student may receive.
Applications and further information may be obtained from the Air Force Studies Department, (251)460-7211.
Alumni Freshmen Leadership Scholarships - Four (4) one-year $2,500 scholarships to entering freshmen. Qualifications: Candidates must have a minimum ACT composite score of 24, a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average, and demonstrate achievement in academics and leadership activities within the school and community. Applications are mailed in January by the Office of Alumni Affairs to all accepted freshmen who meet the minimum qualifications or are available by request. Contact
Office of Alumni Affairs (251)460-7084.
Alumni Book Scholarship - Two (2) $500 book scholarships to a full-time sophomore, junior, or senior at the University. Qualifications: Candidates must have completed a minimum of 20 hours at the University with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average. Academics, activities, and leadership are considered in awarding the Alumni Book Scholarship, as well as financial need. Applications are available in January. Contact the
Office of Alumni Affairs (251)460-7084.
Army ROTC Scholarships - Cover the costs of tuition, fees, and a flat-rate book allowance plus a subsistence allowance of $150 per month for the academic year. Four-year scholarships are available to pre-freshmen having applied during the fall of their senior year in high school. Two and three-year scholarships are available to eligible students, and current enrollment in the R.O.T.C. program is not a prerequisite. Students who are selected to enter the advanced program, MS 301-303 and MS 401-403, will receive $150 per month subsistence for up to 10 months per year. This allowance is tax free and is in addition to any other assistance that the student may receive. Applications and further information may be obtained from the
Military Science Department, (251)460-6341.
Alabama Power Company Engineering Scholarship - Two $3,000 annual scholarships to Engineering students that are Alabama residents based on academic standing and financial need. Contact the
College of Engineering for more information.
Art Scholarship - Awarded to a deserving Art major. Contact the Art Department for further details.
Amanda Baker Scholarship - Awarded to a deserving student majoring in Nursing. Contact the
College of Nursing for details.
Dr. Graciella Blanco Spanish Scholarship - Awarded annually to an outstanding Spanish student.
Dr. Victorino S. Blanco Mathematics Scholarship - An endowed scholarship awarded annually to the outstanding undergraduate senior mathematics major.
Ed Bunnell Scholarship - A $500 annual scholarship awarded to deserving AIS students. (More than one scholarship is usually available.) Contact Department of
Adult Interdisciplinary Studies for further details.
James and Ivel Caldwell Scholarship - An endowed scholarship awarded to a major in International Studies. For information, contact the Director of the
International Studies
Program.
John C. Chester Music Scholarship - An endowed scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding piano student. Contact the Department of
Music.
Danny T. Conway Memorial Award - A $500 scholarship awarded annually to an upper class student based on academic acting excellence. Contact the Department of
Dramatic Arts for further details.
Degussa-Huls Scholarship - The $4,000 Mannsfeld/Degussa-Huls Corporation Scholarship will be awarded annually to a chemical engineering junior who has exhibited outstanding academic performance and potential as a chemical engineering professional. Evidence of this would include outstanding grades, demonstrated leadership, and involvement in student, professional, and community activities.
Alfred F. Delchamps Scholarship - Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior student in Education. All aid applicants are considered.
Desk and Derrick Club Scholarship in Geology/Geography - A $500 annual scholarship awarded to a deserving junior or senior Geology/Geography student. Contact the
Earth Sciences Department for further details.
Jack Edwards Scholarship - Awarded to an outstanding junior or senior student in political science. All aid applicants are considered.
John W. Faggard Memorial Scholarship in Geology - $500 annual scholarship awarded to a student majoring in Geology. Contact the Department of
Earth Sciences for more information.
Marjorie Faircloth Speech Pathology Scholarship - A $500 annual scholarship awarded to a deserving student majoring in Speech Pathology. Contact the Department of
Speech Pathology for further information.
Dr. Erwin Goessling Foreign Language Scholarship - An endowed scholarship awarded annually to an outstanding student majoring in German. Contact the
Foreign Language Department for further details.
Joseph Hadley Memorial Scholarship in Education - Awarded annually to an outstanding and deserving student in the College of Education. Contact the
College of Education for further information.
R. L. & Annie M. Hill Nursing Scholarship - Awarded to a deserving student majoring in Nursing. Contact the
College of Nursing for details.
Regina Little Scholarship - Awarded to a deserving student majoring in Nursing. Contact the
College of Nursing for details.
Ray Lolley Memorial Scholarship - University scholarship established by the Board of Trustees as a memorial to Senator Ray Lolley, former trustee. All aid applicants considered.
Charles R. McGlothren, Jr. Scholarship - A $1,000 annual scholarship awarded to a deserving student majoring in Philosophy. Contact the Philosophy Department for further details.
Patricia W. McRaney Memorial Scholarship - Awarded annually by the Federated Junior Woman’s Club to an outstanding junior majoring in Special Education. All aid applicants are considered.
Sushila Mishra Memorial Scholarship in Mathematics/Statistics - A $500 annual scholarship awarded to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in Statistics. Contact the Department of
Mathematics/Statistics for further details.
Mobile Association of Purchasing Management Scholarship - Awarded annually to a deserving junior or senior Business major. Established in honor of the Association’s lifetime members. Contact the Department of
Marketing and
Transportation, Mitchell College of
Business, for details.
Mobile Oilmen’s Association Scholarship - A $500 annual scholarship for students majoring in
Chemical Engineering. Contact that department for further details.
Mobile Traffic and Transportation Club Scholarships - Scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually to a deserving junior or senior majoring in Transportation. Contact the Department of
Marketing and
Transportation, Mitchell College of
Business, for details.
Mobile Women in Construction Scholarship - Awarded annually to a deserving junior or senior Engineering major. All aid applicants are considered.
Chris Nash Memorial Scholarship - $500 annual scholarship awarded to an outstanding and deserving student majoring in Mathematics/ Statistics. Contact the Department of
Mathematics/Statistics for more information.
Shirley Dean Panus Physical Therapy Scholarship - Awarded to an outstanding physical therapy student. Contact the Department of
Physical Therapy for further information.
Physics Faculty Honors Fellowship - Tuition and fees (up to $1,500 per semester for up to four semesters). Qualifications: Awarded to outstanding Physics majors at the University of South Alabama with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA who have completed the calculus-based introductory physics sequence (Phys 201 and 202) based on academic merit. Selection will be based upon the math/science GPA (as computed by the Physics department), recommendation of physics instructors, and recommendation of the Physics faculty. (For more information contact the
Physics department.)
Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Mobile Scholarship - $1,000 awarded annually to a junior or senior majoring in Marketing/ Transportation. Contact the Department of
Marketing and
Transportation, Mitchell College of
Business, for details.
QMS Computer and Information Sciences Scholarship - $1,000 awarded to two students in the Computer and Information Sciences program. Contact the Department of
Computer and Information Sciences for more information.
QMS Electrical Engineering Scholarship - A $1,000 scholarship awarded to an Electrical Engineering student. Criteria based on academic standing. Contact the Department of
Electrical Engineering.
Katherine Lawrence Richardson Scholarship - Awarded annually to an outstanding senior majoring in English or in Secondary Education with a concentration in English. Contact the
Department of English for details.
Comer Scarborough Scholarship - Awarded periodically by the Mobile Chapter of the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity to a major in Education planning to teach in Mobile.
Sigma Theta Tau Scholarship - Awarded to recognize outstanding scholarship by qualified nurses and nursing students. This award of $250 is available to undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Application is made in the
College of Nursing.
Hooker/Kubik Slovak Scholarship - Awarded annually to a student (age 22 or older with a J-IVISA) from the Kosie, Slovakia area. Based on academics, references, and leadership. For further information, contact the
Office of International
Services.
G. M. Tomasso Scholarship - Awarded to a deserving student majoring in Nursing. contact the
College of Nursing for details.
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