Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the primary goal of the College's financial aid program?
2. What is the College's awarding policy?
3. How do I apply for financial aid?
4. What federal and state funds are available?
5. What institutional aid is available?
6. Can I work on campus?
7. How can I apply for a Student Loan?
8. How do I select a lender?
9. How is my eligibility determined?
10. What if I'm selected for verification?
11. What happens if my financial situation changes?
12. What would cause my aid award to change?
13. What happens to my financial aid if my housing status changes?
14. When will I be billed for expenses?
15. What happens to my charges and financial aid if I decide to withdraw after classes have started?
16. How often do I need to apply for financial aid?
17. What determines my continued eligibility for renewal of financial aid?
18. What aid is available in the summer?
19. How can I receive more information?

1. What is the primary goal of the College's financial aid program?
The primary goal of the financial aid program at Mount Union College is to assist students in meeting their college expenses by providing financial resources. Financial assistance from the College should be considered as supplemental to the family effort. The investment of the family includes parental support for dependent students and a contribution from the students themselves. Mount Union will strive to assist eligible students to the greatest extent possible based on available college resources.

2. What is the College's awarding policy?
Enrollment Status: Financial aid awards are based on full-time enrollment in the traditional program and the assumption that the student is residing in College housing. It is the student's responsibility to check with the Office of Student Financial Services if part-time attendance is desired. However, students enrolled less than 12 semester hours may be eligible for a part-time federal grant and/or a Federal Stafford Loan (minimum of six semester hours).  It is also the responsibility of the student to check with the Office of Student Financial Services if you desire to live off campus or commute from your parent's home.

Multiple Grants and Scholarships Policy: The initial institutional merit-based award is offered without regard for financial need. Students who may be eligible for multiple institutional grants and/or scholarships will receive at least the value of the highest grant or scholarship. It is our general policy not to "stack" multiple institutional awards on the basis of merit. Consideration that is given for any portion of a second grant/scholarship or award made up of Mount Union dollars will be based on financial need and will require the student to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

3. How do I apply for financial aid?
Financial aid consists of two main categories: need-based aid and non-need-based aid. Need-based aid is awarded according to information you supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Non-need-based aid consists of scholarships, proficiencies and other awards given in accordance with the College's aid packaging policies.
The Federal School Code for Mount Union for students to use on the FAFSA is 003083. Students are encouraged to apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov .

Non-Mount Union College Scholarships: Students are required to inform the Office of Student Financial Services when an outside scholarship is received. A copy of the scholarship award letter, certificate or check can serve as notification of this award. If any adjustment to the aid award must be made, loans and campus employment will be reduced before any need-based awards. The amount of the non-Mount Union scholarship will always show as estimated on the financial aid award, but once the payment has been received, it will show as a credit to the student's account.

4. What federal and state funds are available?
Federal Pell Grant - This grant is awarded after students have submitted the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Programs and is based upon Federal Pell Grant eligibility. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) for 2009-2010 from the FAFSA must be between 0 - 4617.  Pell Grant amounts range from $976 to $5,350 for the 2009-2010 academic year. 

Ohio College Opportunity Grant (OCOG) - Information is pending. 

Pennsylvania Grant (PHEAA) - In order to be considered for Pennsylvania state grant funds, parents and students must be residents of the state of Pennsylvania. Students must file the 2009-2010 FAFSA by May 1, 2009 and must list Mount Union as #1 under Step six. New students must sign the eligibility statement which is located online at www.muc.edu/financialaid.

Ohio Student Choice Grant - Information is pending. 

5. What institutional aid is available?
Scholarships - Academic scholarships, such as Presidential, Trustee, Academy, Founder's and Dean's, are based on a review of student's academic credentials such as curriculum, GPA, ACT/SAT and HS Rank. The awards are renewable each year (maximum of eight semesters) as long as the student is full-time (minimum of 12 hours) and maintains a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and demonstrates satisfactory academic progress. Renewal eligibility for these scholarships is determined at the end of the fourth semester and annually thereafter.

Merit-based awards - Awards such as Heritage and Hartshorn are awarded to students based on a review of student's academic credentials such as curriculum, GPA, ACT/SAT and HS Rank. The awards are renewable each year (maximum of eight semesters) as long as the student is full-time (minimum of 12 hours).

College Grant - Eligibility for such assistance is determined through the analysis of the FAFSA. These awards are renewable to an undergraduate student in the traditional program (maximum of 10 semester) providing the student is full-time (minimum of 12 hours per semester) demonstrates satisfactory academic progress and the financial aid eligibility continues.

6. Can I work on campus?
Federal Work Study awards allow those students the primary opportunity to secure a job on campus or through one of our Community Service partners.  After completing Employment Withholding Forms in the Office of Human Resources (basement of Beeghly Hall), students then contact a hiring department to secure employment on campus.  The student and the hiring supervisor complete a Work Authorization which allows the student to begin working.  Students are only permitted to earn up to the amount of Federal Work Study Funds on their award letter.Earnings may be used to pay outstanding charges on their accounts or for other educational costs.

Students are advised to actively seek employment during the first week of classes to increase their likelihood of securing a job. Job opportunities may be viewed online.

7. How can I apply for a Student Loan?
Federal Stafford Loan - Student must file the FAFSA to be considered for this loan. The loan has a fixed rate of 5.6 % (subsidized) and 6.8% (unsubsidized) as of July 1, 2009. Repayment for Federal Stafford Loans begins six months after graduation or at the point the student drops below six credit hours. Unsubsidized loans begin accruing interest from the first day of disbursement, while the interest is deferred for subsidized loans. Below is a chart listing the maximum loan limits. Note the guarantor takes a processing of up to 4 percent from the gross loan amount listed on the financial aid award.

Maximum Annual Subsidized Stafford Loan Amounts
Freshman 0-27 hours	$5500
Sophomore 28-57 hours	$6500
Junior 58-87 hours	$7500
Senior 88 + hours	$7500

Maximum Annual Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Amounts

New borrowers at Mount Union, who wish to borrow the Federal Stafford Loan, need to complete and return the Stafford Loan Request Form to the Office of Student Financial Services. Students must go here to read the borrower benefits, complete the Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling, select a lender and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Previous borrowers at Mount Union, who wish to borrow the Federal Stafford Loan, need to complete and return the Stafford Loan Information Request Form to the Office of Student Financial Services. Previous borrowers are not required to complete a new MPN; the loan will be processed using the lender previously selected.

The Office of Student Financial Services will begin processing the Federal Stafford Loans no later than June 1. After receiving the Federal Stafford Loan Request Form, the Office will electronically certify a loan application with Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation (GLHEC). Upon loan certification, students will receive an e-mail instructing them to complete the MPN online here. Upon guarantee, loans will be disbursed in two installments, one each semester.

Federal Parent (PLUS) Loan - The PLUS loan program is available to parents at a fixed rate of 8.5 percent as of June 1. Repayment for the Federal PLUS Loan begins 60 days after the second disbursement and continues until the loan is paid in full. The parent is the borrower for this loan, and the lender performs a credit check in this process.

New parent borrowers at Mount Union, who wish to apply for the Federal PLUS Loan must complete and return the PLUS Information Request Form to the Office of Student Financial Services. Parents must go here  to read the borrower benefits, select a lender and complete the Master Promissory Note (MPN).

Previous parent borrowers at Mount Union, who wish to borrow the Federal PLUS Loan, need to complete and return the PLUS Information Request Form to the Office of Student Financial Services. Previous borrowers are not required to complete a new MPN; the loan will be processed using the lender previously selected.

The Office of Student Financial Services will begin processing the PLUS Loans no later than July 1. After receiving the PLUS Loan Request Form, the Office will electronically certify a loan application with Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation (GLHEC). Upon loan certification, parents will receive an e-mail instructing them to complete the MPN online here OR a paper MPN from Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation if no email address was provided. Upon guarantee, loans will be disbursed in two installments, one each semester.

Student Private (Alternative) Loan - The private (alternative) loan program is available to assist students in covering the remaining balance due. These loans are in addition to the student Federal loans already included in the student's financial aid award. The variable interest rate differs with each lender, and accrues from the first date of disbursement. This loan is in the student's name, and often the student needs a credit worthy co-signer in order for the loan to be approved. Generally, repayment begins after students graduate, or drop below 6 credit hours.

To apply for a private (alternative) loan, students should review the borrower's benefits of the lender they select. Links to a limited number of lenders is available here . The Office of Student Financial Services will begin processing the alternative loans no later than July 1. After receiving the electronic certification request, the Office will electronically certify a loan application. The lender will perform a credit check and students will complete the documents requested by the lender. Upon guarantee, loans will be disbursed in two installments, one each semester.

8.  How do I select a lender?

Federal (Stafford & Parent PLUS)

Borrowers (students and parents) have the choice to select a lender and guarantor of their choice.  However, we have a list of our frequently used lenders for your convenience.  By choosing one of these lenders, your federal loan would be guaranteed by Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation.  It is the borrower's responsibility to notify our Office of a different lender and/or guarantor choice before we certify the loan.

Alternative/Private Loans

Borrowers (students and parents) have the choice to select a lender and guarantor of their choice.  However, we have a list of our frequently used lenders for your convenience. 

9. How is my eligibility determined?
Eligibility for need-based aid is based upon calculations from information submitted on the FAFSA. The FAFSA analysis determines the expected family contribution (EFC) which takes into account the income and assets of the parents and the student. If the cost of attendance exceeds the expected family contribution, then financial need exists and the student will be considered for financial aid. Mount Union College will strive to assist eligible students to the greatest extent possible based on available College resources.

Your financial aid award is based on living in College housing and it is likely that your financial aid will change should you move off campus or commute.  We highly recommend requesting an estimate from our Office at least 4 weeks before you choose to change your housing status for an upcoming semester.

10. What if I'm selected for verification for 2009-2010?
A minimum of 30 percent of aid applicants are selected by the Federal Student Aid Programs to submit documentation to verify the figures included on the FAFSA. The student and parent(s) must submit signed copies of their 2008 Federal Income Tax returns and W-2s. Students also need to complete a verification worksheet which indicates household size and non-taxable income received.

If there are discrepancies between the FAFSA information and the verification documents, the Office of Student Financial Services will make the changes on the FAFSA and may result in changes in aid eligibility. This could result in a change in the amounts of the federal, state and Mount Union aid as well as loans and student employment. Federal, state, and institutional aid cannot be confirmed until the process of verification has been completed.

11. What happens if my financial situation changes?
Contact the Office of Student Financial Services if any significant changes occur that affect your financial situation for 2008, as in divorce or separation of parents, loss of a job, loss of untaxed income, increased uninsured medical expenses or tuition paid to private elementary or high schools. You will be asked to complete a Special Condition Consideration Form and verification worksheet.

12. What would cause my aid award to change?
Adjustments may be the result of submitting documents such as verification worksheets and Special Condition applications. In addition, inaccurate information, notification of additional aid from outside sources, certification of PLUS or private (alternative) loans or a change in state grant amount could also cause changes. Amounts may vary due to changes in federal, state or College funding of programs. The student will be notified about each financial aid revision.

14. When will I be billed for expenses?
The statements will be sent their first bill in July for the fall semester with a monthly billing statement to follow each month.  You will be billed by the semester. An installment plan is available to help spread the cost of education over the academic year. Students will receive information about this program from the Office of Business Affairs. If your financial aid changes during the year, contact the Office of Business Affairs for any changes to your payment schedule.

15. What happens to my charges and financial aid if I decide to withdraw after classes have started?
A student who plans to withdraw after classes have started for the semester initiates the process with the Office of Student Affairs by completing the Withdrawal Form. The official date of withdrawal is the date the student contacted the Office of Student Affairs OR the midpoint of the semester if the student leaves without notifying the institution OR the last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity. This policy applies to students who withdraw or are suspended.

Students who participate in activities on campus prior to the first day of classes and then submit written notice of withdrawal prior to the first day of classes shall be assessed an early withdrawal fee.

The charges for tuition, fees, room and board assessed the student are based on the number of calendar days (including Saturday and Sunday) that the student is enrolled on campus in direct proportion to the period of enrollment (number of calendar days in the semester). The student who withdraws after 60 percent of the enrollment period will be charged for the whole semester and will be eligible for financial aid based on the semester costs.

Students who are considering dropping from full-time (minimum of 12 hours per semester) to part-time must consult with the Office of Student Financial Services for resulting changes in financial aid.

Please refer to the College Catalogue for more details on the withdrawal policy.

*Please note that all aid (grants and loans) must be applied for and processed by the Office of Student Financial Services prior to a student's last date of attendance. Students should meet with our staff to make sure all aid applications are complete prior to withdrawal.

16. How often do I need to apply for financial aid?
Students must apply for financial aid each academic year. Students are encouraged to file online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and use an e-mail address for communicating.  We recommend filing no later than March 1st to ensure receiving a financial aid package in a timely manner.

17. What determines my continued eligibility for renewal of financial aid?
Eligibility for renewal of financial aid is contingent upon the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP). A student enrolled on a full-time basis is considered to be making SAP toward satisfying degree requirements if he or she satisfactorily completes at least:

• 24 semester hours after two semesters
• 48 semester hours after four semesters
• 72 semester hours after six semesters
• 96 semester hours after eight semesters
• 24 semester hours during the preceding two semesters of enrollment at the College

AND attains the following grade point averages:

• 0-28 semester hours requires a minimum of 1.60 GPA
• 29-44 semester hours requires a minimum of 1.75 GPA
• 45-59 semester hours requires a minimum of 1.90 GPA
• 60 + semester hours requires a minimum of 2.00 GPA

Failure to make satisfactory academic progress may result in loss of financial aid. Other details about satisfactory academic progress are available in the College Catalogue.

18. What aid is available in the summer?
Students may be eligible for federal or state funds depending on summer enrollment (the number of hours enrolled for any or all three summer sessions) and on your projected fall and spring semester enrollment for the upcoming year. A Summer Financial Aid Application is required for all students who want to apply for aid in any Summer Session.  This also includes Study Abroad.

19. How can I receive more information?
Any questions about the financial aid award can be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services by phone at (877) 543-9185 (toll free) or by e-mail at finaid@muc.edu. We will be glad to assist you.