Affording 2012-2013 ADULT UNDERGRADUATE FINANCIAL AID GUIDE The Investment of a Lifetime Note: Information subject to change. Refer to our Web site for updated information regarding institutional, state, and federal student aid programs. Dear Student, Thank you for your interest in Marist College. Finding the best way to finance a college education is a matter of great concern for all students. At Marist, providing financial aid assistance is a priority. The College is committed to making a Marist education available to all qualified students by assisting them in meeting their educational expenses. Marist College offers payment plans and financing options to enable you to more comfortably manage college costs. This guide discusses the various aid programs and student financial services offered by the College, explains the process by which you apply for financial aid, and reviews the types of aid available for adult students. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for financial aid consideration. Complete details on the aid application process can be found on page 10. On behalf of the Office of Student Financial Services, we look forward to working with you to make Marist an affordable option. Sincerely, Joseph R. Weglarz Executive Director, Student Financial Services Helpful Web Site Addresses www.marist.edu/sfs Marist College Office of Student Financial Services www.marist.edu/currentstudents Student Financial Services www.marist.edu/adult Marist College Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment www.facebook.com/maristcollegesfs Marist College Student Financial Services Facebook Page www.studentaid.ed.gov Federal Student Aid Programs www.fafsa.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.hesc.com New York State TAP (Tuition Assistance Program) www.irs.gov Hope and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf The American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Tax Credits Value The of an Education A graduate education is an investment that requires patience, planning, and perhaps some sacrifice; but it is an investment that will reward you with a lifetime of intelligent living, responsible citizenship, and a higher standard of opportunity for career and social success. Individuals with a graduate education have better job opportunities, earn more money, and develop skills and knowledge that are in high demand. A Marist education unlocks doors to economic and career opportunities. Marist College has developed extensive research partnerships with leaders in today’s science, information technology, and business industries. This means you’ll have the opportunity to work hands-on with some of the most advanced technologies and applications in the world, and be introduced to the companies and people who are making their mark on today’s workplace. Marist offers graduate programs designed with professionals in mind that build skills, increase earning potential, and strengthen your marketability. Marist College has a longstanding commitment to providing educational opportunities that accommodate the unique needs of working professionals including schedules, flexibility, online and on-campus delivery as well as various locations. Students must carefully consider the commitment it demands, but a Marist College education is the investment of a lifetime. Median Annual Income by Education Level Doctoral Degree Professional Degree Master's Degree Bachelor's Degree Associate's Degree Some College, No Degree High School Graduate Not a High School Graduate $0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000 Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010, Current Population Survey. 4 The Marist Degree Marist takes great pride in the quality of its academic programs and is equally proud of the value-oriented educational environment that supplements the formal classroom experience. The Marist College degree is increasingly recognized throughout the country and the world, with good reason. The academic profile of the student body is one of the most competitive in higher education. Students applying for graduate and professional schools are accepted at high rates and continue their education at some of our country’s finest schools. The employment rate, starting salaries, level of community service, leadership roles, and long list of successful careers enjoyed by the majority of Marist’s alumni all provide evidence of the value of the Marist degree. • The Princeton Review named Marist one of the best 376 colleges in the country, and the School of Management one of the top 300 business schools in the world. • Forbes and The Princeton Review call Marist one of the “25 most connected campuses” in America. • U.S. News & World Report consistently places Marist in its top tier. • Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine and Barron’s call Marist "one of the nation’s best buys in college education." • Yahoo! Internet Life magazine selected Marist for its list of the "100 most wired campuses in the nation." • The John Templeton Foundation placed Marist on its "elite honor roll" of only 100 academic institutions noted for teaching and promoting character development. • The Institute of International Education’s annual report (Open Doors, 2010) lists Marist College 15th in the nation among master’s degree-granting colleges for the percentage of students who study abroad. Located in the heart of the historic Hudson River Valley ... 5 ... with a branch campus in Florence, Italy! Financial Aid Programs Financing is a major concern for many people, but there are several options available. In addition to traditional sources, including personal income, savings, and family/employer assistance, programs are available to assist both full- and part-time students in meeting the cost of their education. For eligibility, students must be matriculated in a program at Marist College and maintain satisfactory academic progress each semester. For information on the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, please refer to www.marist.edu/financialaid/pdfs/ satacadprog.pdf. Marist College also awards assistance based on demonstrated financial need. To apply for need-based financial assistance, full-time and part-time students must complete the FAFSA. The Marist College preferred deadline for FAFSA completion is May 15 for returning graduate students, August 15 for new fall students, and January 15 for new spring students. Annual renewal of financial aid requires completion of the FAFSA, satisfactory academic progress, and a completed registration. Students can access their financial aid information online at my.marist.edu. FEDERAL GRANTS Federal Pell Grant The Federal Pell Grant program provides financial assistance to students otherwise unable to afford an undergraduate education. Pell grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other aid may be added. To find out if you qualify for this grant, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed. TEACH Grant Program The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. If you do not complete the required teaching service obligation, TEACH Grant funds you receive will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan that you must repay, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. If you are interested in learning more about the TEACH Grant Program, visit http://studentaid.ed.gov. STATE GRANTS New York State Tuition Assistance Grant (TAP) New York Residents Only The TAP Grant is awarded to eligible New York residents with financial need. The amount awarded ranges from $500 to $5,000 per year. You don’t have to apply for it if you file the FAFSA—your FAFSA information is automatically used to determine eligibility for TAP. Please refer to www.hesc.org for more information. Aid for Part-Time Study Program (APTS) New York State Residents Only If you are a New York State resident (for at least the past 12 months) you may be eligible for this state grant. You must be matriculated and take at least 3 credits and no more than 11 credits per semester. APTS is a grant awarded at the discretion of Marist College in conjunction with state guidelines and does not have to be paid back. For additional information, visit our Web site www.marist.edu/sfs. Award amounts range from $250 to $1,000 per semester. Maximum New York State limit is $2,000 for the fall and spring semesters. Awards are determined by the Office of Student Financial Services. Students can download the APTS application online and return the completed application along with a copy of their NYS tax returns (and a parent tax return, if dependent) to the Office of Student Financial Services for processing. Application deadline for the fall semester is September 15th and the spring semester deadline is January 30th. A student must apply every year. MARIST SCHOLARSHIPS Adult Learner Scholarship The Adult Learner Scholarship may be awarded annually to full-time matriculated adult students enrolled at Marist’s Poughkeepsie campus. The Adult Learner Scholarship may also be awarded to part-time matriculated students taking 6-11credits. Students achieving a cumulative GPA of 2.5-2.99 at their prior institution with a minimum of 60 credits completed may be eligible upon admission to Marist. Marist Scholarship for Academic Excellence The Marist Scholarship for Academic Excellence is awarded to full-time matriculated, adult students enrolled at Marist’s Poughkeepsie campus. Students must have achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher at their prior institution and must have completed 60 credits, or have a two-year degree and a GPA of 2.85 or higher. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.85 to retain eligibility for this scholarship. Scholarships are awarded upon acceptance to an undergraduate program. Marist Endowed Scholarships Marist full-time, continuing adult students at the Poughkeepsie campus may apply for endowed scholarships. To apply online go to www.marist.edu/sfs/endowadultgrad Anthony J. Kondysar Memorial Scholarship for Adult Students Named in honor of one of Marist’s most loyal graduates, an adult student, and a well-respected businessman in his industry and community, the Anthony J. Kondysar Memorial Scholarship for Adult Students is awarded to adult undergraduates who share Tony Kondysar’s determination to achieve a bachelor’s degree, but need financial assistance to complete their education. Each year, the College offices responsible for admitting and administering financial aid to adult undergraduates will confer as to the priority for making awards in a given year. Currently, priority is given to students entering Marist’s Organizational Leadership and Communication (OLC) program and Social Work Cohort who have a minimum of 60 credits. The Kondysar Scholarships are offered through the Office of Graduate and Adult Enrollment. Candidates must have documented financial need and should submit an application and include in the accompanying essay a statement about their goals. The scholarship may be renewed, as long as a recipient continues to meet the criteria and remains in good academic standing for the duration of the OLC program and Social Work Cohort. Harold and Anne Miller Scholarships for Adult Students Named for lifelong Poughkeepsie residents with a deep commitment to helping adults improve their lives through education, The Harold and Anne Miller Scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in Marist's adult undergraduate program, who have completed a minimum of 60 credits including at least two semesters of work at Marist toward their bachelor’s degree. Preference is given to full-time students, with eligibility of up to four semesters of aid. The scholarships are awarded upon the recommendation of the School of Global and Professional Programs and are based on the student's financial need, academic achievement, and completed application. Marguerite Feinstein Memorial Scholarships for Adult Students Established in memory of Marguerite Feinstein, a labor union leader in the State of New York who earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marist College, the Marguerite Feinstein Memorial Scholarship provides assistance to a working mother enrolled as an adult undergraduate student. Financial need is a criterion, and this one-time award is made by recommendation of Student Financial Services after review of application. The Martin S. Burgess Business Scholarship for Adult Students Established with gifts made in memory of Martin Burgess ’74, an IBMer who attended Marist College as an adult student, this scholarship assists adult students who are highly motivated to achieve their college degrees, have completed at least 60 credits toward their bachelor’s in business or the OLC degree, and are working full-time or part-time. The scholarship is intended to lessen financial obstacles for recipients and inspire them to achieve their educational goals. Candidates will be identified by the Dean of Graduate and Adult Enrollment. 8 Tompkins Family Scholarship for Part-Time Adult Women The Tompkins Family Scholarship is generously funded by a family with roots in Dutchess County and a long association with Marist College. Initially envisioned by Kimberly T. Tompkins ‘01, an adult student who also earned a Master of Public Administration from Marist, the scholarship reflects the Tompkins Family’s strong belief in education and its capacity to transform lives. The scholarship provides tuition assistance to non-traditional age women students currently pursuing their bachelor's degrees at Marist on a part-time basis (at least six credits per semester) and facing significant financial challenges in completing their education. Application must be made to the Office of Student Financial Services. The School of Global and Professional Programs participates in the review of candidates; limited renewal is possible. PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS Web sites for private scholarship searches are found on the Internet. Many of these sites offer legitimate, free search opportunities for students seeking additional financial resources to meet their educational costs. We support student use of these services; however, there are a few items you should be aware of when completing private scholarship searches: 1. The private scholarship will never replace the opportunities a student receives by completing the regular financial aid application process in a timely manner. 2. Outside scholarships may affect other types of financial aid, due to various program requirements and private donor specifications. If a private scholarship is received, contact the Office of Student Financial Services as early as possible to help maximize what is received from all sources. The Marist College Office of Student Financial Services Web page (www.marist.edu/ financialaid/adult/resources.html) has links to various scholarship search pages. VETERANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL Students who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces may have additional sources of aid. In addition to being named by G.I. Jobs magazine as a "Military Friendly School," Marist College participates in the Yellow Ribbon Component of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Qualified students can use any Chapter of the Montgomery GI Bill, military tuition assistance, and New York State Veteran Tuition Award to pursue a degree at Marist. Furthermore, Active Duty and Reserve service members and their adult undergraduate dependents admitted through the Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment receive a 25% discount on tuition for most Marist programs. Veteran or military students, please contact the Dean of Graduate and Adult Enrollment at 888.877.7900. ROTC Scholarships The Army ROTC and Marist College offer financial assistance to qualified students. Scholarships range from $2,000 to full tuition, room, board, and fees (including books and uniform). A monthly stipend may also be awarded. Students incur a service obligation (generally for a total of eight years) in return for a four-year scholarship (some three-, two-, and even one-year scholarships are available). For further information, please contact the Army ROTC Department at Marist College at 845.575.3000, extension 2814, or www. marist.edu/studentlife/rotc.html. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF AID Tuition Employer Deferment Students eligible for tuition deferment from their employers may, with the appropriate documentation, defer payment until after the conclusion of the semester. Students must supply the Office of Student Financial Services with documentation from their employers verifying deferment eligibility. Students have the option of full tuition deferment if the employer is covering the total balance. Any charge not covered by the employer must be paid by the student. Applications are required each semester. Marist Student Employment Program College student employment is funded through Marist College’s Campus Employment Program. There are opportunities for employment with various academic and administrative offices within the College. Students are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week during the regular academic term and 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Visit our Web site: www.marist.edu/sfs/studentemployment for additional information regarding student employment. Organizational Discounts Marist College partners with certain employers and organizations. Organizational partnerships can be found on the application for admission or by visiting www. marist.edu/admission/graduate/ partnerships.html. Students with an affiliation to one of Marist’s partners should indicate so on the application at which point they will be contacted about applicable discounted programs. Members of an organization that would like to affiliate with Marist should contact the Office of Graduate & Adult Enrollment 888.877.7900. 9 Applying for Financial Aid 1. FAFSA: The first step to applying for financial aid is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. Please remember to use the Marist College school code. To electronically sign the FAFSA, apply online for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov. Marist College’s Federal School Code is 002765 2. Student Aid Report: Within several weeks, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR will give information regarding eligibility for financial aid based on the Expected Family Contribution and Cost of Attendance. The SAR will also indicate if there is any additional information that needs to be submitted. If the Department of Education selects the student for verification, the student and spouse, if applicable, must provide a signed copy of their prior year tax returns and all W-2s. A selected student is also required to complete a Marist Application for Financial Aid. The financial aid application is available online at www.marist.edu/ currentstudents under the Student Financial Services forms. 10 3. Financial Aid Award and Aid Eligibility: The Office of Student Financial Services will send an award notification to each student based on his/her eligibility and anticipated enrollment. Marist College determines aid eligibility using the Federal Needs Analysis System established by the federal government. The formula that the federal government uses to determine eligibility is: What is "Financial Need"? College Cost — Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need The Cost of Attendance consists of educational expenses such as tuition, fees, living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, and other related expenses. The Expected Family Contribution is the amount that the government determines the student can contribute toward their education. This amount is determined with a standard formula that uses the financial information supplied by the student and provided on the SAR. 4. MyMarist: Please click the "Student Financial Services" tab to review the "Financial Aid Award" and "Financial Aid Requirements." The Student Financial Services tab will also enable you to manage your billing account. Payment/Loan Options Federal Direct Stafford Loan Federal Direct Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) are low-interest, longterm loans available for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in at least 6 credits. Both subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Stafford Loans have the same terms and conditions, with one exception: unsubsidized loan borrowers are responsible for interest that accrues during all in-school, grace, and deferment periods; for subsidized loans, the federal government pays the interest on behalf of the borrower. Additional terms subject to revision by federal law, include: Fifth-Year Undergraduate Loan Program – For Prerequisite Undergraduate Classes A student may apply for a Stafford Loan for up to 12 months of course work taken in a single consecutive 12-month period if the school has documented that the course work is necessary in order for students to enroll in a graduate or professional program. This category of students may borrow at the fifth-year undergraduate loan level, and the loan limit is not prorated if the program is less than an academic year. • Interest Rate: Interest rates on new student loans will be set at a fixed rate of 6.8%. • Processing Fee: A 1.0% origination fee. • Repayment: Repayment of your loan will begin 6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time status. If you choose to attend graduate school and enroll at least half-time (6 credits), you may defer the repayment of your loan. A first-time borrower at Marist College who is interested in applying for federal student loans must complete the Direct Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling. These documents may be completed online via your MyMarist account or at www.studentloans.gov. Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling 11 TUITION PAYSM MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAN The Tuition Pay Monthly Payment Plan, administered by Sallie Mae, is a convenient alternative to lump-sum semester payments. Features: • • • • • 10 monthly payments No interest charges Low cost: only a $45 annual application fee No credit review Payment by ACH or check Easy to apply and renew Both the first-time application and annual renewal are fast, simple, and can be easily completed online at www.marist.edu/sfs.billing.html. Any student at Marist College is eligible for the Tuition Pay Monthly Payment Plan. Upon receipt of your application and fee, Sallie Mae will establish your account and notify Marist College of your participation in the plan. Private Loan Programs Alternative financing is available to assist families with educational expenses, and eligibility for alternative loans is not based on need. However, Marist College policy does not allow the certification of any alternative loan for more than the cost of attendance, minus any other aid. Please also note that time is required to obtain and review credit reports, obtain enrollment certification from the College, and for processing of the disbursements. For additional information, please refer to www.marist.edu/sfs/adult/loans. html. Click on the Private Loans link. 12 WHAT WILL THE MONTHLY PAYMENT BE? Did you know that $20,000 in loans can be paid off in monthly installments as low as $225? To see a loan payment schedule and get an idea of monthly costs, go to www.marist.edu/sfs/studentloan. Tax Incentives for Education Students should be aware that there are federal education tax credits available. The American Opportunity Credit provides credit up to $2,500 for the first 4 years of post secondary education. The Hope Tax Credit provides credits of up to $1,500 per year per student for the first two years of college attendance. The Lifetime Learning Credit provides a credit of up to $1,000 per year per student beyond the first two years of college attendance. There are income limits and limits based on the actual amount of tuition and fees paid to the College. Detailed information is available from the IRS Web site: www.irs.ustreas.gov, or from your tax professional. Students who have loans in repayment may be able to deduct their student loan interest from their income as well. Income limitations apply, so students should contact the IRS or their tax preparer to see if they qualify. Student Debt Management If you have any concerns, we advise you to speak with a financial aid counselor regarding debt management. If you have incurred significant debt, please speak with us before you consider additional borrowing. Loans may be your only choice, but you should clearly understand the total aggregate loan limitations and repayment schedules. Call the Office of Student Financial Services 845.575.3230 to speak with a financial aid counselor. STUDENT BILLING The Office of Student Financial Services is the department responsible for administering all transactions related to a student’s financial account at Marist College. Student Financial Services issues billing statements and processes payments, credits, refunds, and charges that students may incur during their enrollment at Marist. Marist College provides electronic billing and payment services. Payment services include ACH payments from your checking or savings account. Students may obtain additional payment information at www.marist.edu/sfs/billing.html. Billing dates vary depending upon your program. Information is available at Student Financial Services. Billing statements list basic semester charges for tuition and fees. Additional statements are issued for miscellaneous charges during the semester. eREFUND Students are encouraged to enroll in our eRefund process, which will enable Marist to directly deposit your refund quickly, securely, and confidentially into your bank account. Student Financial Services staff members are available to discuss aid opportunities, payment options, and financing plans. If you have any questions or would like to come in for an individual meeting, just call 845.575.3230 or 800.436.5483 to schedule an appointment. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m Friday. Things to Remember... It is important to keep the following points in mind as you familiarize yourself with the financial aid process: • It is recommended that you file for aid before you are accepted by Marist. (FAFSA Code: 002765) • File the necessary forms: do not assume you are ineligible. • File the FAFSA as early as you can (but not before January 1) using the IRS Data Retrieval Process. • Send written documentation to the Office of Student Financial Services if there are unusual financial circumstances. • Please be sure to work with your program director regarding the format of your program and to develop a course plan. Then review the plan with Student Financial Services to determine your eligibility for financial aid.You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to be eligible for Stafford Loans. • You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits to be eligible for Stafford Loans. • If you add or drop a class, please contact Student Financial Services to see if/how your aid would be adjusted. • Please be sure to check your Foxmail (Marist e-mail) account as that is how the Student Financial Services office sends notifications regarding changes and/or updates to your financial aid account. The Foxmail login is located at https://foxmail2.marist.edu/imp/login.php • Meet all deadlines. 13 Payment/Loan Summary Program Limits Tuition Pay Full cost of tuition minus Monthly student aid Payment Plan Subsidized Stafford and/or Unsubsidized Stafford Fee In-School Interest Repayment Grace Interest Period Repayment Period $45 (Annual) 0 0 None 10 months 0 Fixed rate 6.8% 6 months 10 years Fixed rate 6.8% Fixed rate 6.8% 6 months 10 years Dependent 1.0% Undergraduate Student FR $3,500 + additional $2,000 unsubsidized loans 1.0% SO $4,500 + additional $2,000 unsubsidized loans JR/SR $5,500 + additional $2,000 unsubsidized loans Lifetime loan limit $31,000. No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. Independent Undergraduate Student FR $9,500-No more than $3,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans SO $10,500-No more than $4,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans JR/SR $12,500-No more than $5,500 of this amount may be in subsidized loans Lifetime loan limit $57,500. No more than $23,000 of this amount may be in subsidized loans. Perkins $4,000 Lifetime loan limit $20,000 0 0 5% 9 months 10 years PLUS Loan for Parents Full cost of tuition minus student aid 4% Fixed rate 7.9% Fixed rate 7.9% None 10 years Did You Know? A key measure of student success, the student loan default rate, is significantly better for Marist College graduates than the rate for peer institutions. The 2009 cohort-default rate, the most recent available, was 1.1% for Marist College, compared with an average rate of 4.5% for all private, four-year colleges and universities nationally. 14 Notes 15 Office of Student Financial Services Marist College 3399 North Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Telephone: 800.436.5483 Web site: www.marist.edu/sfs E-mail: studentfinancialservices@marist.edu P Printed by Lithography by Design in Highland, NY, using vegetable-based inks on Burgo Chorus Art Digital Silk Text, an acid and elemental chlorine-free paper containing a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recovered fiber. Note: Information subject to change. Refer to our Web site for updated information regarding institutional, state, and federal student aid programs.