Financial Aid

• Financial Aid Policies
• Institutional Scholarships, Grants, and Loans
• Federal and State Financial Aid

Wesleyan College is committed to making it financially feasible for any admitted student to attend. A qualified student who wishes to attend Wesleyan should not hesitate to apply because her resources cannot cover required fees. Wesleyan awards scholarships along with financial aid from federal, state, and institutional funds including grants, loans, scholarships, and student employment.

It is important that students apply as early as possible so that the necessary forms may be processed and the financial need of each applicant may be determined. Students are encouraged to apply online.

Application Process:

1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available online at https://studentaid.gov/. The FAFSA should be submitted to the Department of Education by priority date March 15.

2. Contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@wesleyancollege.edu or (478) 757-5205 for more information on sources of aid and financial aid document requirements.

Transfer students. Until transfer credits from their previous institutions are approved and accepted by the Registrar, students will be treated as incoming freshmen for the initial determination of aid eligibility.

Graduate Students. Students enrolled in graduate programs at Wesleyan College may contact the Financial Aid Office for financial assistance. Funds may be available through private and federal programs for qualified students.

Financial Aid Policies

An applicant for financial assistance must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

An applicant for financial assistance must be admitted as an eligible degree-seeking student to the College before financial assistance can be awarded.

In most instances, institutional financial assistance is granted only to students who enroll full-time (12 credits per semester), although assistance from certain federal and state programs may be available to those attending less than full-time.

Financial assistance is generally awarded for the two semesters (i.e., Fall and Spring) of the regular academic year. Students interested in the summer session(s) should discuss summer enrollment plans with the Financial Aid Office at least two weeks before summer term begins. Wesleyan scholarship and grant funds are not available for summer terms.

Students receiving scholarships from agencies outside of Wesleyan College are required to advise the Financial Aid Office. Some adjustment of the financial aid originally awarded may be necessary.

Students’ financial aid awards will be automatically credited to their accounts after the Drop/Take period of each semester, provided all necessary paperwork is completed (with the exception of student work-study awards). Work-study awards are paid to the student after the student earns these funds.

Academic scholarships and other College awards are made to students who attend full-time (minimum 12 semester hours per term) as a day student. Following the initial semester award, College awards are renewable for seven additional semesters (fall and spring only), as long as the student continues to meet eligibility criteria.

Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress. In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, students must be making satisfactory academic progress to qualify for and continue to receive Title IV Federal financial aid. The satisfactory academic progress standards for federal financial aid recipients at Wesleyan are as follows:

Undergraduate Students

Qualitative component: All students are expected to maintain the academic standards outlined by the Provost of the College. Students are expected to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.00. Students who fail to meet this requirement may be placed on financial aid probation or have their financial aid terminated.

A student receiving financial aid who is placed on academic exclusion will have her financial aid terminated. A financial aid applicant who was placed on academic probation at the end of her last semester of attendance risks eligibility for financial aid.

Quantitative component: In addition to maintaining the specified grade point average, a student must complete her degree within a maximum time frame and successfully complete minimum time fame and successfully complete a minimum percentage of hours each academic year.

• A student must successfully complete 66.67% of all courses attempted at Wesleyan. A course is considered “attempted” if the student was enrolled after the end of the Drop/Take period.
• For part-time students, satisfactory academic progress is defined as the successful completion of a minimum of 75% of the course work attempted during the regular academic year.
• The grades of A, B, C, D, or CR count as successful completion of a course. The grades of F, W, or I do not count as the successful completion of a course.
• At Wesleyan College the maximum time frame allowed is 150% of the number of semester hours required to earn the degree. For example, a student pursuing a degree which requires 120 semester hours, may not receive financial aid after attempting 180 hours.

A full-time student may receive financial aid for up to twelve semesters (six years) of full-time attendance as long as she is making satisfactory academic progress toward an undergraduate degree and meets all other eligibility requirements. Institutional financial assistance, as opposed to federal or state aid, is limited to eight semesters.

Graduate Students

All graduate students are expected to maintain the academic standards set by the faculty and stated in the graduate sections of this Catalog.

Policy on Return of Title IV Funds. Federal financial aid funds are awarded with the expectation that students will complete the entire period of enrollment. Students “earn” a percentage of the funds each day of class attendance. When a student who has received federal financial aid funds (Title IV Funds) ceases attendance before the end of the semester or period of enrollment, federal law requires Wesleyan to calculate the percentage and amount of “unearned” financial aid funds that must be returned to the federal government. Once a student has completed more than 60% of the enrollment period, students are considered to have earned all funding received. This calculation may have the effect of requiring the student to repay funds that have already been disbursed to the student. Aid recipients are required to meet with their financial aid counselor prior to making the decision to withdraw from school.

Financial Aid Appeals. Students have the right to appeal any financial aid decision. Appeals of decisions to suspend aid for any reason and information clarifying aid policies should be addressed to the Financial Aid Office no later than 30 days from the date of notification. All appeals should be submitted to the attention of the Director of Financial Aid.

Institutional Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Wesleyan Scholarship Program. Each year Wesleyan College offers academic, leadership, and performance art scholarships to academically deserving students. These awards are available on a competitive basis to outstanding incoming first-year and transfer Day students for education related expenses.

Scholarship policy. All merit scholarship or awards are renewable from year to year, provided the student is enrolled full-time (12 or more semester hours) as a day student at Wesleyan, maintains the required grade point average, and satisfies other stipulated conditions of her scholarship as identified in the statements which accompany a scholarship offer. The Student Progress Committee meets each semester to review premier scholarship eligibility. No combination of scholarship and/or grant assistance offered by the College (federal, state, or institutional) can exceed a student’s cost of attendance as determined by the Financial Aid Office. Premier scholarships are contingent on campus residency.

No combination of institutional scholarship or grant assistance may exceed the cost of tuition and fees, and room and board. Scholarships and grants received from outside sources may be applied toward the cost of books and miscellaneous expenses provided aid from all sources does not exceed the student’s calculated cost of attendance. Wesleyan reserves the right to reduce the amount of the award by the amount of such overpayment. Students may not receive more than one Wesleyan College Merit Scholarship. If a student is awarded a Merit Scholarship and/or award and at a later date is offered another one of higher value, she must decide which scholarship/award she will accept. Scholarship offers are contingent upon acceptance. Actual scholarship amounts may vary from published amounts based on availability of funds and combined total awards for individual students.

It is the policy of Wesleyan College that Institutional Scholarships and aid are subject to the same standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress as the section above entitled “Policy on Satisfactory Academic Progress.” As such, students must maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA qualitative component and 66.67% completion rate quantitative component to receive institutional scholarships and aid. Students not meeting these standards will be placed under SAP Warning for one semester and will still receive eligible institutional aid. Students not meeting these standards for a consecutive semester will be placed under SAP Suspension and will not receive institutional aid. Students have the right to appeal this suspension by completing an appeal form in the Financial Aid Office and submitting documentation of extenuating circumstances.

Trustee Scholarship. The Trustee Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students. The Trustee Scholarship is valued at $15,000 per year ($7,500 per semester). A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, excluding the Summer semester). Scholarship awards to transfer students may vary.

Presidential Scholarship. The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students. The Presidential Scholarship is valued at $14,000 per year ($7.000 per semester). A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, excluding the Summer semester). Scholarship awards to transfer students may vary.

Dean’s Scholarship. The Dean’s Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students. The Dean’s Scholarship is valued at $13,000 per year ($6,500 per semester). A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, excluding the Summer semester). Scholarship awards to transfer students may vary.

Wesleyan Merit Scholarship. The Wesleyan Merit Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students. The Wesleyan Merit Scholarship is valued at $12,000 per year ($6,000 per semester). A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of four years (eight semesters, excluding the Summer semester). Scholarship awards to transfer students may vary.

Findlay Fellowship. Two Findlay Fellowships are awarded each year to incoming first-year or transfer students. The Findlay Fellows program was founded by Cuyler and Gayle Findlay. These fellowships are designated for incoming students who intend to declare a major in either the humanities or social sciences and who demonstrate particular promise for intellectual inquiry. Candidates must complete a special scholarship application and attend one of the College’s Scholarship Days. Findlay Fellows receive an annual scholarship valued at the equivalent of full-time Day tuition and are also eligible for up to $500 annually toward funding research. A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters. For renewal, she must earn at least 24 credit hours each academic year and have a minimum cumulative Wesleyan GPA of 3.40.

Munroe Scholarship. Two Munroe Scholarships are awarded each year to incoming first-year or transfer students with interests in the natural sciences and mathematics. Preference is given to students who demonstrate particular promise in scientific inquiry or research. Mrs. Julia M. Woodward, Mrs. Margaret Munroe Thrower, and Mrs. Mary Gray Cobey founded the Munroe Scholars Program. Candidates must complete a special application and attend one of the College’s Scholarship Days. Munroe scholars receive an annual scholarship valued at the equivalent of full-time Day tuition and are also eligible for annual research funding. A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters. For renewal, she must earn at least 24 credit hours each academic year and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30. Interested students should contact the Admission Office or Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics for information.

Lane Scholarship. The Lane Scholars Program provides three scholarships annually to academically superior first year applicants for admission whose intended major is in the area of Fine Arts. Candidates must complete a special application and attend one of the College’s Scholarship Days. Each scholarship recipient receives an annual scholarship valued at the equivalent of full-time Day tuition. This program is in honor of Linda H. Lane, an associate professor of music at Wesleyan; in addition, she was a friend, leader and benefactor to the College. A student may receive this scholarship for a maximum of eight semesters. For renewal, she must earn at least 24 credit hours each academic year and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30.

Mary Knox-McNeill Scholarship. This is an annual scholarship for students who demonstrate

outstanding academic achievement along with a commitment to faith and community service. Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and an SAT score of at least 1000. For consideration, students must submit certification of church membership from their pastor and provide a letter of support from a service agency to document service activities. Preference will be given to students from the Central Savannah River Area of Georgia and to students who are active members of the United Methodist Church. Two scholarships valued at the equivalent of full-time Day tuition will be awarded each year. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight semester. For renewal, she must earn at least 24 credit hours each academic year and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Candidates should plan to participate in Scholarship Day. Applications are available through the Office of Admission.

Pitts Scholarship. The Margaret Pitts Endowed Scholarship awards financial support to a Methodist woman who has held leadership positions in her church and school. Margaret Pitts was a devout Methodist who was generous with both her resources and time to Methodist causes throughout her long life. This scholarship has been established by and named for Margaret Pitts’ parents. This scholarship is awarded to United Methodist students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership along with a commitment to faith and community service. Recipients must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a SAT of 1000 or an ACT of 21. For consideration, students must submit certification of church membership from their pastor and provide a letter of support from a service agency to document service activities. Two scholarships valued at the equivalent of full-time Day tuition will be awarded each year. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight semesters and the student maintains a 2.50 cumulative GPA. Candidates should plan to participate in Scholarship Day. Applications are available through the Office of Admissions.

Peyton Anderson Scholarship. This full tuition, room, and board scholarship recognizes outstanding female students from Georgia who are committed to becoming teachers in grades K-12 in a Central Georgia public school system. One-fifth of the scholarship is awarded as a loan that can be forgiven at 20 percent per year over a consecutive five-year period if the recipient is teaching within the designated Middle Georgia area (Bibb County and its contiguous counties). Eligible candidates must complete a scholarship application, and have a minimum of a 3.6 grade point average on a 4.0 scale and an 1100 SAT. One scholarship is awarded each year. Preference is given to applicants from Middle Georgia. The scholarship is renewable according to the stipulations cited in the scholarship statement of understanding.

Corn Scholarship. This tuition, room and board, and required fees scholarship recognizes graduates from any high school in Columbus, Georgia or the greater Chattahoochee area, with preference for students involved in Girls, Inc, or who are students at Brookstone School in Columbus, Georgia or The Heritage School in Newnan, Georgia. Eligible candidates must complete a scholarship application, a FAFSA application and have a GPA of 3.2 (3.0 if involved with Girls Inc.) to compete for this scholarship. Corn Scholarships are reduced by any federal or state grants eligible from the FAFSA. Outside scholarships can be stacked with the Corn Scholarship up to Cost of Attendance. Wesleyan College reserves the right to adjust institutional scholarships based on Cost of Attendance.

Legacy Scholarship. Daughters, granddaughters, step-daughters, sisters, step-sisters, sisters-in-law and nieces of Wesleyan alumnae are eligible for the Legacy Scholarship, valued at $15,000.

Working Warriors Scholarship. As a women’s college, it is our responsibility to support women in their educational journey. Our goal is to empower women who want to achieve their future goals more easily through a graduate degree. Those goals may include beginning a new career, improving their eligibility for promotion, or simply developing in their current roles. Whatever that may be, Wesleyan academic programs can help get you there. In response to observing the impact women faced entering back into the workforce after the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve taken this as an opportunity to launch a new scholarship program: Wesleyan Working Warriors. Through this program, we will award scholarships to women who want to further their career potential through a graduate degree. To qualify for the scholarship, you must be a Middle Georgia resident and qualify for acceptance to one of Wesleyan’s graduate programs.

Nursing Excellence Scholarship. The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is designed to help more young women enter the field of nursing. The state of Georgia is in need of nurses, and Wesleyan’s program is well-situated to prepare graduates for a fulfilling career in healthcare as soon as they graduate. The Nursing Excellence Scholarship is worth $10,000 on top of merit scholarships. Eligible student must have a 3.0 average and demonstrate financial need.

Methodist Scholarship Award. This scholarship is awarded to all students who are active members of The United Methodist Church. If a student’s United Methodist church agrees to give her a scholarship, Wesleyan College will use this award to match up to $2,000 of that scholarship for each year it is awarded.

United Methodist Scholarships. The United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation award scholarships to United Methodist students attending Wesleyan. Scholarships range from $500 to $2,000 per year and are for one year only. Awards may be renewed based upon application.

Wesleyan College Student Employment. Each year Wesleyan employs a number of students. This College employment program is designed similarly to the federal work-study program. While not limited to students with demonstrated financial need, this program gives first preference to students who have demonstrated financial need or who offer special work skills. Students apply for work study with the Financial Aid Office with an application.

Federal and State Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid Eligibility. Eligibility for Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs is determined by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and by all established Federal Student Aid rules and regulations.

Statement on Drug Convictions and Federal Student Aid Eligibility. Enrolled student recipients of Title IV financial aid programs who are convicted of possession or sale of illegal drugs will be ineligible for subsequent federal aid as outlined below:

Possession: For one year from conviction of first offense, two years from conviction of second offense, indefinite period from conviction of three or more offenses.

Sale: For two years from conviction of first offense, indefinite period for conviction of two or more offenses.

Conviction of both possession and sale will increase periods of ineligibility. Eligibility may be regained after periods of ineligibility end or upon completion of a qualifying drug rehabilitation program.

Additional information on drug convictions and Federal Student Aid can be accessed at www.studentaid.gov and at 1-800-443-3243.

Federal Pell Grant Program. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant is determined by the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) formula derived by the Department of Education is the standard formula used in determining eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant. Pell grants range from $200 to $7,395 per academic year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. These are awarded to students with exceptional financial need. F.S.E.O.G. awards may range from $100 to $4,000 per year.

Federal Work-Study Programs. This is a federal program designed to provide a student the chance to pay part of her educational expenses by working at a part-time job on campus. To be employed under this program, the student must 1) be enrolled or accepted for enrollment; 2) show evidence of financial need; and 3) be capable of maintaining good academic standing while employed under this program. Preference will be given to students of exceptional financial need. Limited funds are available for campus jobs to students who do not meet the above criteria.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. The GTEG program is an annual tuition grant made available by the state of Georgia to qualified Georgia residents for attendance at approved private colleges in the state. To be eligible for this grant, the student must be a United States citizen who has resided in Georgia for at least 12 months prior to the date of registration for any particular semester, and whose academic load meets the requirements specified by the Georgia Student Finance Commission (presently 12 hours per semester). This grant is not based on financial need. To be considered for the grant, students must file an application online at www.gafutures.org by the end of the term for which aid is needed or complete the FAFSA.

Georgia HOPE (Helping Outstanding Pupils Educationally) & Zell Miller Scholarships. Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships are available to Georgia residents who have demonstrated academic achievement at the high school and/or college level. The scholarship provides funds to address the costs associated with tuition for students who are pursuing a degree in Georgia’s colleges and universities.

To receive HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship funding, students must:

• Have graduated from an eligible high school with a 3.0 grade point average for HOPE and 3.70 GPA and 1200 combined Critical Reading and Math SAT or 26 ACT Composite for Zell Miller, as defined by the HOPE program, or have earned at least a 3.0 grade point average for HOPE or 3.30 grade point average for Zell Miller at the college level at specific credit-hour checkpoints. Students who earned a GED or graduated from an ineligible high school or home study program may qualify for a HOPE Scholarship, as an entering freshman, based on their SAT or ACT scores.
• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking student.
• Meet HOPE’s Georgia residency requirements.
• Meet HOPE’s U.S. citizenship or eligible non-citizen requirements.
• Be in compliance with Selective Service registration requirements.
• Be in compliance with the Georgia Drug-Free Postsecondary Education Act of 1990. A student may be ineligible for HOPE payment if he or she has been convicted for committing certain felony offenses involving marijuana, controlled substances, or dangerous drugs.
• Not be in default or owe a refund on a student financial aid program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the college. A student may renew a HOPE or Zell Miller Scholarship if she has not attempted more than 127 semester hours at all colleges attended.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program. Under the Federal Stafford Loan, the Department of Education subsidizes the interest while the student-borrower is enrolled in school at least half-time or is in a grace or deferment period.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program. This Federally insured loan is a non-need-based loan available to independent students or dependent students who may not qualify for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan or whose parents have been denied a Federal Parent PLUS Loan. The difference between the subsidized Stafford loan and the unsubsidized Stafford loan is that the interest accumulates on an Unsubsidized Loan while the student is enrolled in school.

Stafford loan amounts are based on the student’s financial need and grade level.

Stafford Loan Maximums

Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students Program (PLUS). Federal PLUS Loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow to pay the educational expenses of their daughter who is a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time (six credit hours). The yearly limit on the Federal PLUS Loan is equal to the cost of education minus any financial aid and other resources received for the year. Application must be completed by the parent at https://studentaid.gov/.

GradPLUS Loan. PLUS Loans for Graduate and Professional Degree Students are available to graduate level students who have already borrowed up to their annual loan limits in Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Under the GradPLUS Loan Program, students may borrow up to their cost of attendance minus other estimated financial aid assistance. Approval is granted after the determination that the applicant does not have an adverse credit history. Applicants for these loans are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Application must be completed at https://studentaid.gov/.

Federal Loan Counseling, Promissory Notes, Applications and Information. Students must complete applicable Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Notes for Federal Direct Loans at www.studentaid.gov before loans can be processed. Federal Direct Loan borrowers exiting the college must also complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling at www.studentaid.gov. Additional federal aid information and applications such as PLUS loan applications and loan repayment information can be found at www.studentaid.gov.

VA Benefits. Undergraduate and Graduate degree programs at Wesleyan College are approved for Veterans’ Educational Benefits. Individuals who enroll and are eligible to receive financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, should contact the College’s Financial Aid Office regarding VA certification. VA recipients should not assume that contacting the Financial Aid Office relieves them of payment obligations. Unless the student is eligible to participate in the VA Chapter 31 or 33 Benefits Programs (allowing schools to bill the government and receive direct payment) the benefits are paid to the student, not the College. Therefore, students who receive VA benefits must make appropriate payment arrangements with the Business Office not later than the first day of class each semester.

Note: The College reserves the right to change policy. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office or refer to current admission and financial aid publications for updated information on programs and policies.

Financial Aid Office Contact Information:

Office: Tate Hall
Email: financialaid@wesleyancollege.edu
Phone: (478) 757-5205
Fax: (478) 757-4030