Financial Aid

Financial Aid at Point Loma 

The financial assistance program at Point Loma Nazarene University includes federal grants and loans, state grants, PLNU institutional aid, and external aid, including scholarships and grants awarded by corporations, civic organizations, and churches. Financial assistance is intended to recognize and assist students who otherwise would be unable to attend the university.

The university recognizes that the primary responsibility for paying expenses rests with the student (and spouse, if married) and parents who are expected to contribute in proportion to their resources. Any financial assistance awarded by the university is intended to help bridge the gap between the student's expected family contribution and the cost of attending PLNU.

Financial assistance is usually awarded to students based on need. The student's financial need and eligibility for various programs and the family's ability to pay are determined best by analyzing the information submitted on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Various federal and state regulations, institutional policies, and funding-level limitations may affect the types and amounts of financial assistance that a student may receive from year to year. Additionally, changes in information and circumstances may cause financial assistance awards to be reduced, increased, or eliminated subsequent to the initial determination of these awards.

If the student’s package includes need-based aid, then outside scholarships and all forms of PLNU institutional aid are treated as need-based also, and in certain cases may be reduced or canceled to prevent funding in excess of financial need.

Applying for Aid at PLNU

To receive any type of federal, state, or institutional aid at PLNU, the student should complete the FAFSA (or renewal FAFSA) each academic year of enrollment prior to the March 2 priority deadline. Students who complete the FAFSA by March 2 will receive priority consideration for the full range of financial aid programs available at PLNU. Students who complete a FAFSA after the priority filing date are considered for institutional need-based awards only if there are remaining funds available. Students may submit a FAFSA throughout the academic year.

Financial Need

Financial Need is defined as the difference between the student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) for the academic year and the “Expected Family Contribution” (EFC) as determined by completion of the FAFSA.

Cost of Attendance minus Expected Family Contribution equals Financial Need
Cost of Attendance is the sum of tuition, fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. Expected Family Contribution is a statistical figure calculated using the financial information provided on the FAFSA by the student and parent that represents the ability of the student’s family to contribute to the cost of the student’s education. 

Appeals for Special Circumstances

Federal regulations provide the SFS office with discretionary authority to make case-by-case adjustments to student/parent FAFSA data in cases of special circumstances. Special circumstances include:

• Significant reductions to income (loss of job, reduction of work hours, etc.)
• Unusually high medical or dental expenses (uninsured amounts only)
• A parent attending college
• Dependency status appeals

If a student believes there are special circumstances that should be reviewed, the student must complete the federal verification process and submit a Request for Appeal Form for Special Circumstances (available at the SFS office or online at www.pointloma.edu/sfs) with supporting documentation. 

Financial Aid Programs

Need-Based Federal Aid Programs:

Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students with a qualifying EFC as determined by the FAFSA. Pell Grant is gift aid and does not have to be repaid. It can be used to help pay university charges (tuition and fees, on-campus room and board) or living expenses. The maximum award for the 2010-2011 Academic Year (AY) was $5,550. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is a form of “campus-based” federal gift aid that is awarded to Pell Grant recipients who have a qualifying Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Since FSEOG funding is extremely limited, not all students who qualify receive an award. The maximum FSEOG Grant for the 2011-2012 Academic Year (AY) is $1,200.

Federal Work-Study
The Federal Work Study (FWS) program is awarded to eligible students but it is only guaranteed if the student acquires on-campus employment. If awarded Federal Work Study, the student should contact the Student Employment Office to secure employment at 619-849-2633 or online at www.pointloma.edu/work. FWS is disbursed in the form of bi-weekly paychecks from the cashier's office in Draper Hall. Because the student must earn these funds through working, FWS awards cannot be applied toward the student’s semester charges.

Need-Based Federal Loan Programs:

Direct Federal Subsidized Loan (Formerly known as Stafford Loans)
The  Subsidized  Federal Direct Loan requires that the student demonstrate financial need (based on the FAFSA). The federal government pays (“subsidizes”) the interest on this loan from the time of disbursement until six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below halftime status (i.e. less than six units). The Subsidized Direct Loan interest rate is fixed at 3.4%, effective July 1, 2011. Repayment begins six months after the student graduates, withdraws, or drops below half-time status (i.e. less than six units). The student’s Direct Federal Loan eligibility (Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or combination) is based on financial need and academic class level. The annual undergraduate borrowing limits are as follows: $3,500 for the first year; $4,500 for the second year; and $5,500 for the third and subsequent years.

Before Direct Loan funds are released, Direct Loan Entrance Counseling  is required. This is a mandatory federal requirement to advise student borrowers of their rights and responsibilities in receiving a student loan. Loan amounts are generally released in two disbursements, regardless of enrollment period. Exceptions may be made for students enrolled in one semester. Students may accept all or a portion of their Federal Direct Loan eligibility. The Entrance Counseling and completion of the Master Promissory Note (MPN) may be completed online through the Federal Direct Loan website.

When a student graduates, withdraws from the university, takes an approved leave of absence, or drops below half-time status, Direct Loan Exit Counseling  is required. This is a mandatory federal requirement for all students who have received a Direct Loan. Exit Counseling may be completed online through the Federal Direct Loan website. Additional information may be obtained from the Student Financial Services office.

Perkins Loan
The Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest federal loan for undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The interest rate is fixed at 5% for the life of the loan, and interest begins accruing nine months after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping to below half-time status (i.e. less than six units). Repayment also begins at this time. Students have up to ten years to repay the loan. Students awarded a Perkins loan must sign a promissory note and complete online entrance counseling before funds can be credited to their student account. Because of limited funding, there is no guarantee that a student will continue to receive Perkins loan funding in subsequent years. Students must complete a 2011-2012 FAFSA to determine eligibility. 

Nursing Student Loan
The Nursing Loan is a low-interest federal loan for juniors and seniors enrolled in the PLNU Nursing program who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The interest rate is fixed at 5% for the life of the loan and begins accruing nine months after graduation, withdrawal, or dropping to less than half-time status (i.e., less than six units). Repayment also begins at that time. Students have up to ten years to repay the loan. Students awarded a Nursing Loan must complete entrance counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before funds can be credited to their student account. Because of limited funding, there is no guarantee that a student will continue to receive Nursing Loan funding in subsequent years. Students must complete a 2011-2012 FAFSA to determine eligibility.

Need-Based State Aid Programs:

For details about any California state fund programs, students may visit the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website at www.csac.ca.gov.

Cal Grant
Cal Grant is a program of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Students may receive a Cal Grant for a maximum of four academic years (eight semesters) of undergraduate study. In addition, teacher credential students who received Cal Grant as undergraduates may be eligible for a two-semester extension of their benefits. Award amounts are determined annually by the passing of a final State of California budget; all Cal Grant awards listed on an award letter are to be considered "estimated" until the final budget is passed into law by the California legislature.

CSAC notifies new Cal Grant recipients whether they have been awarded an Entitlement or Competitive Cal Grant. Before a Cal Grant award can be added to a student's Financial Aid Award Letter, the SFS Office must review the data provided by the student and parents on the FAFSA to make sure that the student is financially eligible.

Cal Grant A is for students from low to middle income families. It is restricted to paying tuition and mandatory fee charges only. Cal Grant A awards for the 2010-2011 Academic Year were $9,708.

Cal Grant B is for students with exceptionally high need (based on the FAFSA). During the first year of the award, Cal Grant B pays an Access Grant of up to $1,551. PLNU credits these funds directly to the student’s account to help pay down semester charges. However, the student has the option of receiving Access Grant funds as a check each semester by submitting a written request to the Student Financial Services office before the end of the fall semester Add Period. After that date, the semester Access Grant is credited to the student’s account and may not be available for refund. During the second and subsequent years, Cal Grant B includes a tuition and fee-paying component in addition to Access. Cal Grant B awards for the 2010-2011 Academic Year were $9,708.

Application Process for New Cal Grants
Students must have submitted a 2011-2012 FAFSA (www.fafsa.ed.gov) by March 2, 2011, and  a verified grade-point average (GPA) to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by the same date. High school seniors must request that their high school provide this information to CSAC electronically. Current PLNU students who are California residents and who have completed 24 or more college units should request that the PLNU Office of Records submit their GPA to CSAC.

Renewal Cal Grants
Effective March 2011, all Cal Grant recipients must meet income and asset ceiling and family size limits established annually by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) in order to have their Cal Grant renewed for the 2011-2012 Academic Year. Renewal Cal Grant recipients must maintain at least $100 of need based on the information provided on the FAFSA for each subsequent academic year. Students may renew a Cal Grant award for up to four academic years (eight semesters). Submission of a verified GPA is not required to renew a Cal Grant. Students who received a Cal Grant at another institution must complete Form G-10 (Grant Record Change form for Schools) or contact CSAC at 1-888-224-7268.

For details about renewal requirements for the 2011-2012 Cal Grant, students may visit the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website at www.csac.ca.gov.

Additional State Grants:

Child Development Grant
The Child Development Grant program is a need-based grant designed to encourage students to enter the field of child care and development, in a licensed children’s center. Students who plan to enroll at least half-time in coursework leading to a Child Development Permit as teacher, master teacher, site supervisor, or program director are eligible to apply through PLNU. Students must sign a Service Commitment Agreement stating that they will provide one year of full-time service in a licensed children’s center for each year they receive the grant.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents’ Grant
The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents grant (LEPD) is a need-based educational grant awarded to dependents and spouses of California peace officers (Highway Patrol, marshals, sheriffs, and police officers), employees of the Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority, and both full-time and permanent firefighters who have been killed or totally disabled in the performance of duty. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.

Chafee Grant
The California Chafee Grant program gives money to current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training, or college courses. The grant does not have to be repaid and is intended to help the student pay living expenses. The Chafee Grant, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to the availability of federal funds each year. 
 
Non-Need Based Federal Programs

Direct Federal Unsubsidized Loan
The Unsubsidized Direct Loan does not require financial need. The borrower is responsible for paying all the interest that accrues, from disbursement until the loan is fully repaid. The interest rate for the Unsubsidized Direct Loan is 6.8%. The annual undergraduate borrowing limits are as follows: $3,500 for the first year; $4,500 for the second year; and $5,500 for the third and subsequent years. An additional $2,000 in Unsubsidized Direct Loans is also available to undergraduate dependent students and up to an additional $6,000 for undergraduate independent students.

Before Direct Loan funds are released, Direct Loan Entrance Counseling is required. This is a mandatory federal requirement to advise student borrowers of their rights and responsibilities in receiving a student loan. Loan amounts are generally released in two disbursements, regardless of enrollment period. Exceptions may be made for students enrolled in one semester. Students may accept all or a portion of their Direct Loan eligibility. The Entrance Counseling and completion of the Master Promissory Note (MPN) may be completed online through the Federal Direct Loan website.

When a student graduates, withdraws from the university, takes an approved leave of absence, or drops below half-time status, Direct Loan Exit counseling is required. This is a mandatory federal requirement for all students who have received a Direct Loan.  Exit counseling may be completed online through the Federal Direct Loan website.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
The PLUS Loan is a credit-based loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students who file a 2011-2012 FAFSA. The PLUS loan annual borrowing limit is equal to the student’s cost of education minus any other financial aid awarded. The annual minimum is $150. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9%, effective July 1, 2011. Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or borrowers may request a deferment of repayment until their student leaves the university. The application and Master Promissory Note may be completed online through the Federal Direct Loan website.

Normally, PLUS loan funds are released in two equal disbursements: one for fall semester and one for spring semester. If the parent wishes to have the entire loan disbursed in a single semester, the parent must specify this on the PLUS loan application. 

PLNU Institutional Aid

All forms of PLNU institutional aid are limited by semester charges and enrollment status. Award amounts are divided equally between fall and spring semesters, and generally cannot be used for summer session coursework. All forms of PLNU institutional aid, including merit-based awards, may be limited by the student's financial need. This means that in certain cases, institutional aid may need to be reduced or canceled if the student is receiving either federal or state need-based aid.

Enrollment Status requirements
All forms of institutional aid require full-time enrollment (12 units or more per semester) through the end of the Refund Period—the first eight weeks of the semester. Institutional aid is canceled for any student dropping below 12 units before that time. Students may be eligible to receive a prorated amount of institutional aid on an appeal basis only for a maximum of one semester. An official appeal must be submitted to and approved by SFS. Graduating seniors may also receive a prorated amount of institutional aid if enrolled less than full-time during their final academic year. 

Institutional Merit Awards

Academic Scholarships
For first-time freshmen who begin attending PLNU during 2011-2012, academic awards are made for an initial two-year period and, subject to maintaining renewal criteria, can be received for a maximum of 10 semesters unless otherwise specified. Continuous full-time enrollment is required (12 units or more per semester). Renewal eligibility is based on the student’s cumulative GPA calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year of the award and each subsequent year. Any student not meeting the renewal criteria at that time will not be eligible for the scholarship beyond the following spring semester. Once lost, an academic scholarship cannot be regained.

To be eligible for selection, first-time freshmen must:

• be offered admission to PLNU
• submit an official seven-semester high school transcript to PLNU by the deadline date
• meet all GPA, test score, and need requirements

Bresee Need-Based Merit Award
The Bresee scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen as follows:

• They have a weighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.40 to 3.69 (not rounded) AND a 1250 SAT (combined math and critical reading) or a score of 28 or above on the ACT OR they have a weighted high school cumulative GPA score of 4.00 or above (not rounded) AND a 900-1149 SAT (combined math and critical reading) or a score of 20-24 on the ACT AND
• They have demonstrated unmet need based on completion of the FAFSA.

The Bresee Scholarship is renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.200 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year. The student's cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester for renewal during the next academic year. Unmet need will be determined for renewal based on the FAFSA filed in the student's sophomore year for junior year eligibility and junior year for senior year eligibility. This award is given for a maximum of ten (10) semesters.

Provost’s Scholarship 
The Provost’s Scholarship is awarded to first-time freshmen with a weighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.700 (not rounded) AND a 1150 or higher SAT (combined math and critical reading) or a score of 25-27 on the ACT. The Provost Scholarship is renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.400 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year. The student's cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester for renewal during the next academic year. This award is given for a maximum of ten (10) semesters.

The Provost’s Scholarship is also awarded to new transfer students; eligibility criteria vary depending on the number of college units completed, as shown below:

Provost’s Scholarship Criteria for Incoming Transfer Students: 

No. of Completed Award Criteria Units	Award Criteria
0-11	A cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.700 and a 1150 SAT (combined math and critical reading) or 25-27 ACT
12-23	Same as for students with 0 – 11 units; In addition, the student must have a college transfer GPA of 3.400 (unevaluated)
24 or more	A college transfer GPA of 3.400 (unevaluated)

For transfer students, the Provost’s Scholarship is renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.400 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year of the award. The student’s cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester.

Trustee’s Scholarship 
The Trustee’s Scholarships is awarded to first-time freshmen with a weighted high school cumulative GPA of 3.800 or greater and a 1250 SAT (combined math and critical reading) or a score of 28 or greater on the ACT. The Trustee’s Scholarship is renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year. The student’s cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester for renewal during the next academic year. This award is given for a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Competitive Academic Scholarships
President’s Scholarship 
A limited number of President’s Scholarships will be awarded to first-time freshmen for the 2011-2012  Academic Year. The President’s Scholarship is renewable with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year. The student’s cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester for renewal during the next academic year. This award is given for a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Full Honors Scholarship 
A total of two Full Honors scholarships may be awarded to first-time freshmen for the 2011-20112 Academic Year. This award covers most tuition expenses for the year. This scholarship is initially awarded for two years and is then renewable annually with a 3.500 cumulative GPA (not rounded) at PLNU. This award is given for a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Science Honors Scholarships
Science Honors Scholarships are awarded by the departments of mathematics and in the sciences. For students entering the university during the 2011-2012 Academic Year, these scholarships are awarded for two years. They are then renewable annually with a cumulative GPA of 3.500 (not rounded), calculated at the end of the fall semester of the second year. The student’s cumulative GPA will be reevaluated at the end of each subsequent fall semester. This award is given for a maximum of eight (8) semesters.

Second Chance Provost’s Scholarship
Students who did not qualify for any academic award at the time they were admitted to PLNU may be considered for this award after completing at least three full-time semesters at PLNU, and attaining a cumulative resident GPA of 3.700 or higher (not rounded and excluding study abroad and transfer units). If selected, this scholarship will be awarded for the following academic year. Applications for this award are available from the Student Financial Services office. Due to limited funding, all students who are eligible may not be awarded. A priority application deadline of March 2 will be used to determine eligibility in the event of limited funding. Applications for the Second Chance Provost scholarship are available from the SFS office.

Tuition Discounts

Hawaii Travel Discount
The Hawaii Travel Discount ($1,200) is for students whose primary and permanent residence is in the state of Hawaii and is intended to offset travel expenses to PLNU. The award is activated when Student Financial Services receives a copy of the student’s current and valid Hawaii driver’s license or state ID card.

Ministry Discount
The Pastor's or Missionary Child Discount for the 2011-2012 Academic Year provides a percentage discount on tuition charges for the dependent children of Nazarene and non-Nazarene pastors.

For the dependent child of a pastor or missionary to qualify, each of the following statements must be true:

• The pastor must be a full-time - *career senior pastor or in a full-time career member of the pastoral staff during the 2011-2012 Academic Year
• The student was born after January 1, 1988
• The student is not married
• The student does not have children
• The student is not a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• The student will be working on a B.A. or B.S. degree during the 2011-2012 Academic Year. (This award is given for a maximum of 10 semesters.)

*" Career" is defined as someone whose full-time paid vocation is a licensed or ordained staff ministry position. NOTE: To be considered career ministry, the parent in ministry's current primary source of income must come from their involvement in full-time ministry. Proof of ordination or licensing for the parent named will be required for all first time Pastor Child Discount applicants. Due to limited resources, eligibility is not extended to administrative staff, support staff, or independent children of pastors.

Students wanting to apply for either the Pastor's or Missionary Child Discount should contact the Office of Church Relations at 619-849-2735, or obtain an application form at Center for Pastoral Leadership.

Institutional Grants

Church Scholarship, Nazarene Grant-in-Aid and District Grants
The Nazarene Matching Grant program is for Nazarene students from the Southwest Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene (#9), which is comprised of the following districts: Anaheim, Arizona, Central California, Hawaii, Los Angeles, New Mexico, Northern California, Sacramento, Southern California, Southwest Latin America, and Western Latin America.

The program consists of three awards: the Church Scholarship, the Nazarene Grant-in-Aid, and a District Grant. In order to receive these three awards, the student’s home Nazarene church must send PLNU a Church Scholarship check (up to $250 per year). PLNU matches this with the Nazarene Grant-in-Aid (up to $250 per year) and also applies the appropriate District Grant. (District grant award amounts may vary by district and are determined by the Board of Trustees during the annual budgeting process.) A student whose home Nazarene church does not participate in the matching grant program may still be able to receive District Grant funds if the church’s pastor sends a written request to Student Financial Service on church letterhead.

For students living on-campus, these three awards can be used to help pay tuition and mandatory fees or on-campus room and board charges. For students living off-campus, the awards are restricted to tuition and fees. Neither the Church Scholarship nor the Nazarene Grant-in-Aid can be refunded to the student. However, for off-campus students whose total financial aid exceeds semester charges, the student may use District Grant funds to purchase meal tickets, provided that a FAFSA has been filed and the student demonstrates remaining financial need.

Students may receive the Church Scholarship, Nazarene Grant-in-Aid, and District Grant during the fall and spring semesters only, for up to ten regular semesters. Full-time enrollment (12 units or more per semester) is required through the end of the refund period.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact the church and request that it send the Church Scholarship check to PLNU. If the church does not send the money, the Church Scholarship, Nazarene Grant-in-Aid, and District Grant will be removed from the student’s financial aid package.

The student should contact the church as early as possible during the academic year to find out if there are any special eligibility requirements (i.e., a minimum period of church attendance, church involvement, etc.) or if it requires submission of an application form. 

Need-Based Institutional Aid

PLNU Need Grant
The PLNU Need Grant is awarded to students with financial need and who meet all eligibility requirements. To be considered, the student must have filed a FAFSA for the academic year in which they are awarded. Students must be packaged with a Direct Federal Subsidized Loan before being packaged with a need grant.

Performance Awards

Athletic Scholarship
The student should contact the Intercollegiate Athletic Department at 619-849-2265 or go to http://www.plnusealions.com.  For students who live on-campus, athletic scholarships can only be used to help pay tuition, mandatory and other fees, and on-campus room and board.

Forensics Scholarships
The student should contact the forensics coach in the Department of Communication and Theatre at 619-849-2391 (www.pointloma.edu/communication).

Music Scholarships
The student should contact the department assistant in the Department of Music at 619-849-2445 (www.pointloma.edu/music).

Theatre Scholarships
The student should contact the department chair in the Department of Communication and Theatre at 619-849-2248 (www.pointloma.edu/communication).

Elected Office Institutional Aid

ASB and Resident Assistantships (RA)
Both Associated Student Body (ASB) leadership and RA awards are treated as need-based if the student’s financial aid package includes any form of federal or state need-based aid. This means that an ASB or RA award may have to be reduced or in rare cases, canceled to prevent the student from being funded in excess of financial need.

An alternative to having an ASB or RA award reduced or canceled is for the student to receive the excess award through student payroll. Under this option, the student will receive the amount of the excess as monthly checks and it must then be reported to the IRS.  Neither ASB nor RA awards are disbursed directly to the student.

RA awards are based off the 19 meal per-week plan.

The contact person for ASB awards is the Director of Community Life. The contact person for resident assistantships is the Associate Dean of Residential Life.

Departmental/School and Endowment Awards

Each year, various academic departments and schools award a limited number of scholarships to selected students. Students should contact their academic department or school for applications and deadlines. Students in their freshman year are not eligible for these awards. 

Friends of Point Loma Nazarene University have established a number of special scholarships and loan funds to assist PLNU students. These scholarships are awarded only to continuing students (i.e., current PLNU students who will be sophomores, juniors, or seniors for the 2011-2012 Academic Year). Each academic department, school, or other unit at the university responsible for awarding these scholarships has its own application process and deadline.
 
Please click endowed scholarships for the listing of the scholarships for the 2011-2012 Academic Year.  Continuing students who are interested in applying for these scholarships should contact the appropriate academic department or the Student Financial Services office for application information.

Financial Aid from Outside Agencies

Various organizations, such as businesses, community groups, churches, administer scholarships based on merit, athletics, community service, organizational affiliation, academic performance, or educational objective. Some of these awards require financial need. It is the student's responsibility to research outside scholarship opportunities. Once awarded, it is the student’s responsibility for contacting the outside agency sponsoring the scholarship award and requesting that it send the scholarship check to PLNU. Outside scholarship awards are always divided evenly over both the fall and spring semesters, unless the scholarship donor specifically states otherwise. Even if the scholarship donor sends the funds directly to the student, the award must still be treated as a resource, which means that other aid in the student’s package may need to be reduced or canceled to prevent the student from being funded in excess of campus charges, financial need, or cost of attendance.

ROTC and Vocational Rehabilitation

Both Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) and Vocational Rehabilitation (Voc Rehab) help students to pay tuition and fee charges. Award amounts must be verified by the organization providing the financial assistance. Vocational Rehabilitation is treated as need-based aid and can limit a student’s eligibility for merit and other need-based financial aid programs.

VA Benefits

Veterans Administration (VA) benefits are awarded to veterans of the Armed Services and dependents who qualify. These funds may count against the student’s eligibility for other institutional need-based financial aid programs. VA Benefits are certified by the university and may be paid directly to the student or credited to their student account.

The student is responsible for accurately reporting on the FAFSA the expected monthly amount of VA Benefits and the number of months the benefit will be received. Inaccurately reported VA Benefits could result in adjustments to the student’s overall financial aid package.

The Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Point Loma Nazarene University will match up to $7500 of remaining tuition charged after the primary Chapter 33 tuition benefit has been certified and verified by the VA. Amounts and number of awards are dependent on available funds for each academic year and are not guaranteed to applicants until the final budget is approved by the Board of Directors. Award decisions will be made in writing to the eligible students. Students awarded a Yellow Ribbon Program Grant are not eligible for institutional need-based aid.

Only individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. Therefore, a student may be eligible if:

• They served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001 of at least 36 months.
• They were honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability and they served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001.
• They are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill passed on a veteran's service under the eligibility criteria listed above.
• They are accepted for admission at PLNU for the 2011-2012 Academic Year, they are an applied student or they are in good academic standing as a returning student; applied and returning students must be registered as a full time student at the time the award is disbursed.

PLNU Yellow Ribbon Grants will be awarded on a first come-first served basis, determined by the date and time of receipt of all completed application requirements to the Student Financial Services (SFS) office:

• A completed and signed 2011-2012 PLNU Yellow Ribbon Program Grant Application
• A valid Yellow Ribbon Certificate of Eligibility from the Veteran's Administration certifying eligibility for the Yellow Ribbon Program (www.gibill.va.gov). A written copy of the proof of transfer entitlement eligibility may act as a placeholder until the Certificate of Eligibility is received. If the Certificate of Eligibility for any eligible student is not received prior to the first day of class, the next student with a valid certificate on file in the SFS office will be awarded.
• New Students: Documentation confirming acceptance to PLNU for the 2011-2012 Academic Year OR
• Returning Students: Documentation confirming status as a student in good academic standing for the current academic year

Other Resources 

If a student receives any form of non-PLNU financial assistance, such as outside scholarships or veterans benefits, the SFS office may have to reduce previously awarded financial aid so that funding does not exceed financial need. Whenever possible, the SFS office will reduce Federal Work-Study and loan amounts before adjusting grant or scholarship assistance.

Tuition Remission

PLNU employees and their dependents may be eligible for tuition remission and should contact the Office of Human Resources at 619-849-2200 or go online at www.pointloma.edu/HumanResources for more information.

If a dependent student of a PLNU employee earns a PLNU academic scholarship, the amount of tuition remission must be reduced by the amount of the academic award. If the student has remaining unmet need as determined by the FAFSA, they may be awarded up to a maximum of $4,000 of their earned academic scholarship to apply for the cost of attendance, including on-campus room and board.

In addition, a limited number of students whose parents are employed at Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions may be eligible for tuition remission benefits. These students must apply through the PLNU Admissions Office to determine their eligibility for this benefit.
 
NOTE: Although tuition remission is a benefit, it is a resource and may limit the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid.

Limits of Financial Aid Awards

For students living on-campus, semester charges include tuition, mandatory fees (not including travel fees), and on-campus room and board charges. For students living off-campus, semester charges include tuition and mandatory fees only. Regardless of the student’s housing status, institutional aid (including endowed awards) can never exceed semester charges.

Students Living On-Campus: the only types of aid that can exceed semester charges are: Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Work-Study, and loans. External scholarships (excluding the Nazarene Church Scholarship) can also exceed semester charges, provided the student files a FAFSA and demonstrates unmet financial need at the time the outside scholarship is added to the student’s financial aid package.

Students Living Off-Campus: the only types of aid that can exceed semester charges are: Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Work-Study, loans, and outside scholarships (excluding the Nazarene Church Scholarship).

Students Studying Abroad: Students in a study abroad program may not be eligible for any form of institutional aid unless the study abroad program is required by the student’s academic major. However, both the Nazarene Church Scholarship and certain endowed scholarships can be used for a study abroad program. Students studying abroad in the fall semester may also be eligible for a portion of institutional aid awarded. Recipients of awards should check with the Student Financial Services Office for specific criteria. Units completed in a Study Abroad program count toward the number attempted and completed units, but not toward the student's PLNU cumulative GPA. Majors at PLNU that require study abroad include Political Science, Romance Languages, International Studies, Environmental Science, International Business, Environmental Biology and Media Communications with a Film Production emphasis. Tuition remission (including CCCU) cannot be used for a study abroad program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, all post-secondary institutions establish a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy. At Point Loma Nazarene University, all students receiving federal and state financial aid are required to make satisfactory progress in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid programs. PLNU's financial SAP policy requires students to complete a minimum number of units (the quantitative requirement) and maintain a minimum grade-point average at the end of each semester (the qualitative requirement). A financial SAP appeal is dependent upon meeting PLNU's academic Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. For more complete information on the university's financial SAP policies, students may visit the SFS section of the PLNU website.