Financial Page Programs

PO Box 3450 Cleveland, TN 37320-3450 finaid@leeuniversity.edu (423) 614-8300 or 1-800-533-9930 Fax: (423) 614-8308	Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM EST Tuesday and Thursday - Closed for Chapel 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM EST

What is the Title IV Code?

• Title IV Code: 003500

How do I apply for Federal Aid?

• Eligibility for Federal Aid is determined by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Federal Processor. You will need to use your FSA ID and password to login.

When can I for Federal Aid?

• Applications for Federal Aid may be filed anytime during the school year; however, the results must be received before the last date of attendance. February 1 is the priority deadline. Other applications will be processed after all required documents are received (as long as the file is complete before the last date of attendance.)See the Lee University Catalog for more information. How long does it take to receive the results of the FAFSA?

• Results are typically received within three to five business days after a student submits a completed online FAFSA.

Do I have to re-apply every year?

• Yes, however, if you are in the Department of Education’s computer system prior to October before the application academic year, then you should receive a Renewal Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Renewal FAFSA has the student’s demographic data i.e. name, social security number, date of birth etc. See the Lee University Catalog for more information. What if my parents aren’t supporting me, do I still have to report their information?

• If you answer No to all the questions in Section D of the FAFSA, then you must report your parent’s information. If there are extreme special circumstances then you need to fill out a Special Conditions form and schedule an appointment to meet with the Director of Financial Aid. For more information you can view the video tutorial – FAFSA: Determining Your Dependency Status.

Why am I in verification?

• The Department of Education selects approximately one third of the student body to go through the verification process. If your FAFSA has been selected for this review, Lee University has the authority to request copies of certain financial documents from you and your parent(s).

If I don’t have a copy of my tax transcripts, where can I get one?

• You may get a transcript of your tax return by visiting the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov and requesting a transcript OR you may use the IRS Data Retrieval tool by logging into the FAFSA. For more information, see the Forms page on our website and view the IRS Tax Transcript tab.

How long does the verification process take?

• The process typically takes 2-3 weeks depending on when we receive the necessary documents.

Why am I in verification?

• The Department of Education selects approximately one third of the student body to go through the verification process. If your FAFSA has been selected for this review, Lee University has the authority to request copies of certain financial documents from you and your parent(s).

If I don’t have a copy of my tax transcripts, where can I get one?

• You may get a transcript of your tax return by visiting the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov and requesting a transcript OR you may use the IRS Data Retrieval tool by logging into the FAFSA. For more information, see the Forms page on our website and view the IRS Tax Transcript tab.

How long does the verification process take?

• The process typically takes 2-3 weeks depending on when we receive the necessary documents.

What kind of aid is available?

• There are several sources of funding including Federal, State, institutional, private, etc. There are also several types of aid: grants are funds which do not have to be paid back; scholarships typically do not have to be paid back – but you should read the specific criteria for each scholarship; work programs require students to work in order to be paid; loans are funds which must be repaid. See the Lee University catalog for more information.

Where is the Financial Aid Office?

• The Financial Aid Office is located in the Higginbotham Administration Building Room 217.

What are the office hours for the Financial Aid Office?

• The doors are open from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. during the fall and spring semesters. We do close for chapel on Tuesday and Thursday. We also close from 12:00 – 1:00 for lunch during summer and school holidays.

When will Endowment scholarships be awarded?

• Most endowment scholarships are awarded by March 1st.

Are there any discounts available for ministers or their children?

• No.

Are there any scholarships available for missionaries?

• Dependents of missionaries for the Church of God should contact the world missions department at the Church of God International Headquarters. Some Endowed Scholarships are designed specifically for children of missionaries. Information about these scholarships are located on the Financial Aid web site under Endowed Scholarships.

Where can I find scholarships?

• The first place you may want to check out is the free scholarships link on our website. Check local business and organizations in your area such as Papa Johns, Wal-Mart, Elks Club, etc… Guidance Counselors are also a great place to start for high school juniors and seniors. Also, the Financial Aid Office will send e-mail information on scholarships as we get them.

Can my financial aid be used as a down payment at registration?

• Yes. Student Financial Services requires a down payment of fifty percent of the school bill to be paid at registration. Financial Aid can be used in place of or as part of the down payment; however, aid cannot be processed until the student’s file is complete with all required documentation.

Can textbooks be charged to student accounts?

• Book vouchers are handled through Student Financial Services. A Book Voucher may be issued when a student has enough financial aid (excluding work-study and loan fees) to completely pay his/her school account and still have a credit balance. For more information, see the Student Financial Services web site.

Are separate applications required for student and parent loans?

• Yes. Both the Federal Direct Loan and Federal Direct PLUS Loans are processed through the Department of Education but require a separate loan application to be completed. Also, each student receiving a loan must complete Direct Loan Entrance Counseling.

What is the difference between Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

• The government is responsible for the interest on the Subsidized Loan during periods of enrollment and grace periods. However, the borrower is responsible for the interest over the entire life of the Unsubsidized Loan.

When will loan applications turned in at registration be processed?

• Because of the large number of applications turned in at registration, 30 to 60 days should be allowed for processing time. The time may vary depending on the volume of loans.

Other than the standard grade level Federal Direct Loan, what loans are available?

• Possibly Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Direct PLUS loan or an Alternative Loan. Independent students are eligible for an Unsubsidized additional loan (up to $4,000 for Freshmen and Sophomores and up to $5,000 for Juniors and Seniors). Dependent students are not eligible for this program unless their parents have been denied a Federal Direct PLUS Loan. The Financial Aid Office must receive electronic notification from the Department of Education that the parents have been denied. In which case, Dependent students have the same eligibility as Independent students. Federal Direct PLUS Loans are taken out by the parents to pay for their child’s school costs. Alternative Loans can also be taken out to cover the remaining education costs. Often a co-borrower is required for these loans. For more information, see the Financial Aid Programs offered on the Financial Aid web site.

When do I have to repay my loan?

•Repayment begins six months after the student has ceased to be enrolled at least half time. If a student stays enrolled at least half time until graduation then repayment begins six months after graduation. The student will receive Direct Loan Exit Counseling material from Lee University and will receive repayment information from the Department of Education. See the Lee University catalog for more information on repayment.

For more information, you can view this informational video-Repayment: What to Expect.

Federal Student Loans Basics For Students?

• Here is a link for more information: Federal Student Loan Basics for Students

Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents

• Here is a link for more information: Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents

Repaying Your Loans

• Here is a link for more information: Repaying Your Loans

Exit Counseling Guide

• Here is a link for more information: Exit Counseling Guide

If I am withdrawing from all of my classes what should I do?

• The first step is going to the HUB. The second step is to go to the Financial Aid Office. Students are required to complete a withdrawal form and complete Direct Loan Exit Counseling online (if you borrowed Federal Direct Loans while attending Lee).

How can a student get Voc. Rehab money?

• The student should apply at the Vocational Rehabilitation office in the city or county where they are from. Each state has different guidelines to determine which students are eligible, what benefits that they are entitled to, and if these benefits (money) can be transferred out of state. See the Lee University catalog for more information.

How can I get in touch with the Cleveland-Bradley County office?

• Their phone number is 423-478-0332.

When will my money come in?

• Each state differs, however most student’s money comes in near the end of each semester. Check your account on WebAdvisor to see if it has arrived.

Asian Pacific Scholarship Program

The purpose of the Asian Pacific Scholarship Program is to help expand partnerships and recruitment opportunities that were established by Lee University with specific Asian countries through the Asian Study Grant Initiative. The program will provide 14 student scholarships to international students from various Asian countries. Eligible scholarship recipients are students coming to Lee for the first time from the following targeted Asian countries: China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. The scholarship recipient shall be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student in good standing, pursuing a degree from Lee University. All recipients will be selected by a committee on the basis of academic achievement, talent, or leadership experiences.

Scholarship Stipend
Each recipient will be awarded $7,000 per year or $3,500 per semester. Any remaining cost, including books, would be covered by the student. Summer classes are not covered by this program. The award will apply for fall and spring semesters only. The scholarship shall be identified as the Asian Pacific Scholarship. The number of awards shall be limited to fourteen total students for any given semester. Students can receive this award up to 8 semesters.

Selection
Applications received by March 1 of each year will be considered for available scholarships. The selection of the scholarship recipients is wholly and strictly the responsibility of the Lee University Asian Pacific Scholarship selection committee.Students can contact the Admissions Office for more information.

Eligibility Requirements
In the selection of the scholarship recipients, major consideration will be given to the potential academic performance and talent or the leadership ability of each applicant. This scholarship shall be awarded to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in any academic program. First priority will be given to Asian students who are from the specific countries outlined above. Application deadline is March 1. Two letters of recommendation are required for each applicant.

Students awarded must provide the following:

Completed admissions application form.
Official records of previous academic work. Copies must be certified as true copies by an official of the educational institution. Official secondary school or preparatory school records. All transcripts must be translated into English.
A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score must be officially reported by the Education Testing Service if the applicant is from a non-English-speaking country. Lee University’s institutional number is 1401.
All undergraduate applicants must submit an official American College Testing score (ACT) or SAT scores from the College Board.
A sponsor’s guarantee form and bank statement documenting that there are sufficient financial resources for twelve months of study including travel expenses. This is a United States government regulation that is strictly enforced by Lee University.
A signed Estimate of Expenses form, which is provided in our International Student Booklet, is also required.

Cancellation Provisions
If a scholarship recipient either withdraws from Lee University or fails to remain eligible for continuing his or her studies, eligibility for this scholarship becomes invalid.

Family Tuition Discount

Student Financial Services processes Family Tuition Discounts. For additional information, see the Lee University website – Family Tuition Discount Form or contact the Student Financial Services Office at (423) 614-8100.

Hicks Scholars Program

The Hicks Scholars Program honors the memory of the late B.L. Hicks. It has been funded by a gift from members of the Hicks family. Each year, 14 one-year scholarships are awarded, in the amount of $1,500 to sophomores. The recipients are selected by the faculty of their academic discipline as directed by the department chair. These 14 winners are announced in April of each year. Winners may not be Centennial Scholars or children of Lee faculty.

Hicks Scholars will be expected to volunteer for a work assignment within the department for 5 hours each week under the supervision of the chair.

Hicks Scholars will be selected in the following areas:

History
Elementary Education
English
Psychology
Sociology/Anthropology
Business
Communication
Special Education
Exercise Science and Secondary Education
Computer Information Systems
World Languages
Biology/Chemistry
Mathematics
Political Science

Roberson Leadership Scholarship Program

The Roberson Memorial Leadership Scholarship Program annually awards 50 scholarships of $2,000 each to applicants who have shown outstanding leadership ability in high school or college. Special consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated successful leadership, character, and service in school activities, church ministry, or community service programs. Scholarship Applications and letters of recommendation should be submitted to the Office of Admissions by February 1.

Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program

The Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program awards 48 scholarships of $2,500 each. In accordance with the guidelines prescribed by the Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, scholarships will be awarded to women who reside in one of nine specified states: Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida. Recipients will be chosen primarily on the basis of need, with consideration given to academic merit and character. The Scholarship Application must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by February 1.

Music Scholarships

Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award

The Presser Undergraduate Scholar Award is awarded annually to the School of Music’s most outstanding music major at the end of the student’s junior year for use in his/her senior year. The Presser Scholar is selected by the music faculty, whose choice shall be guided solely by consideration of excellence and merit. The student selected is identified by the music faculty and the decision communicated by the Dean of the School of Music to the Presser Foundation with a brief statement about the student. The award is granted for one year.

In addition, music scholarships are awarded to students demonstrating performance ability in applied music. Interested individuals should write to the Dean of the School of Music. Performance scholarships are also available from many of the performing ensembles. Contact music@leeuniversity.edu for more information.

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Scholarship

Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship

The Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship will be awarded each year to two outstanding students in either the Department of Natural Sciences or Department of Mathematical Sciences. The Chair of each department will accept recommendations from the science and math faculty. The Chairs will convene a committee composed of representatives from both departments to nominate the Tucker Scholar, who is at the end of his/her junior year, to the Student Aid Committee. The Tucker Foundation Endowed Scholarship recipient will be chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, with consideration given to financial need and priority given to students who graduated from an East Tennessee high school. The scholarship will be applied to the recipient’s tuition and expenses for his/her senior year. A plaque in the Science and Math Complex will honor the Tucker Scholars by recognizing the Tucker Foundation and listing the name of each scholarship recipient by year.

School of Religion Scholarship Program

Poiema Scholarship Program

Begun in 2002 for the purpose of assisting future vocational ministers in their education to fulfill their calling, the Poiema Scholarship Program (pronounced “poy-ay-mah”) provides 20 scholarships for School of Religion (SOR) majors for each academic year. The details of the amounts awarded and eligibility requirements as well as the selection process are offered below.

(Note: Previous Poiema scholarships have been exclusively for entering freshmen SOR majors, who could hold the scholarship through their sophomore year. The program described below awards scholarships on an annual basis to SOR incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors, seniors, as well as SOR graduate students. Receiving the award one year does not guarantee reception of it the next year.)

Scholarship Stipends

1. (8) incoming SOR freshmen (completed 0-15 hours):