Financial Aid
Financial aid is an important factor for many students, and 100 percent of eligible Manchester University students receive some combination of grants, scholarships, loans and work. Student Financial Services will determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid by using the results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as the student’s academic records and funds available.
The following steps must be taken for a student to receive a financial aid package from Manchester University:
- Apply for admission and be admitted to Manchester University. Eligibility for academic scholarships from the University is determined through the admission process.
- Submit a FAFSA. Eligibility for federal and state grants and loans is determined through this process. The student must designate the results be sent to Manchester University, and Indiana students must have a receipt date to be received by March 10 prior to the academic year of application to be considered for state grant eligibility.
- Submit any additional documentation requested by the Student Financial Services.
Financial Aid Guidelines
General Financial Aid Guidelines
Enrollment Requirements. Students receiving financial aid must maintain full-time enrollment, (a minimum of 12 semester hours) in each of the fall and spring semesters. There are circumstances in which part-time students demonstrating need may be awarded financial aid depending on the guidelines and availability of federal, state and institutional funding. Part-time students must enroll in a minimum of six semester hours to maintain eligibility for federal loans.
Degree Requirements. Students must be working toward their first baccalaureate degree to be eligible for federal, state or institutional grants and scholarships. Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree are eligible for loans only.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements. All sources of financial aid require that students make satisfactory, measurable academic progress toward completion of a degree. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to remain eligible for assistance through Title IV federal grants, work, and loan programs, Indiana state grants and gift aid administered by the University. These financial aid standards do not replace or override University academic policies.
Students must meet the SAP standards outlined below to maintain aid eligibility:
- Cumulative Grade Point Average: Students must earn the GPA for the number of attempted credit hours listed below.*
1-24 hours: 1.6
25-47 hours: 1.8
48+ hours: 2.0
- Ratio of completed credit hours to attempted credit hours: Student must earn/complete a minimum of 67% of the hours in which they enroll.*
- Maximum Time Period for Degree Completion:* Students are eligible to receive financial aid for up to 150% of the credit hours to complete a baccalaureate degree. Baccalaureate degrees at Manchester University require 128 hours for students who enrolled prior to the Fall Semester of 2015; therefore, these students may receive financial aid for up to 192 attempted credit hours. Students who enrolled in the Fall Semester of 2015 and subsequently are required to complete 120 hours; therefore, these students may receive financial aid for up to 180 attempted credit hours.”
*Transfer credits officially accepted by the University are included in the completed/attempted calculation and the maximum time period for degree completion.
Satisfactory Academic Progress is evaluated at the end of each spring semester using the official records of the Registrar. Students will be notified of their suspended financial aid eligibility if they have not maintained academic progress and may contact Student Financial Services or the Registrar about possible solutions. Financial aid will be reinstated when satisfactory academic progress has been re-established.
The complete Satisfactory Academic Progress policy can be found on the Student Financial Services website.
Length of Eligibility. Financial aid packages are awarded one year at a time. All students must reapply for need-based financial aid each year. Manchester University funds are available for up to eight semesters of undergraduate study. Students from Indiana receiving state funds may receive up to eight semesters of funding for undergraduate study. A Federal Pell Grant is available for undergraduate enrollment in a first baccalaureate degree program, not to exceed federal program aggregate limits.
Payment of Awards. Most scholarships, grants and loans are applied as a direct payment toward charges for tuition and fees and/or college room and board. Per federal, state and institutional awarding guidelines, one-half of the value of the total award is applied respectively to the fall and spring semester. Awards that exceed the charges listed on the statement of account may be paid to the student through Student Financial Services after the beginning of each semester for educationally related expenses such as books, transportation and personal expenses.
Adjustments to Aid. A financial aid award may be reviewed and adjusted at any time during the academic year. All adjustments are contingent upon student eligibility, program regulations and availability of funds.
Adjustments to the total financial aid package may be required if the total amount of scholarship and grant aid awarded by the University and all other sources exceeds billable costs. Total aid for an individual student cannot exceed the total cost of attendance.
Funding from federal and state agencies may be withdrawn if the student does not comply with each agency’s requirements for clearing discrepancies.
If a student’s financial situation changes after the FAFSA has been completed, the student can request a reevaluation of his or her financial aid eligibility. Requests should be submitted through Student Financial Services. Students will be advised of any additional documentation required. Only one reevaluation of eligibility will be granted per academic year.
Appeal Procedures. Students who have lost financial aid eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may appeal in writing to Student Financial Services.
Confidentiality. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (FERPA), students must complete a release form to allow Student Financial Services staff to discuss financial matters with persons other than the student. All information and documentation submitted to Student Financial Services is held in the strictest of confidence, and students are encouraged to consider financial aid awards with the same degree of confidentiality.
*Financial aid descriptions are current. Rules, regulations and financial information required are subject to change by state and federal law.
Types of Financial Aid
Academic Scholarships (*first-time and transferring U.S. domestic students)
Academic scholarships are awarded to first-time or transfer students who meet eligibility criteria, regardless of financial need. Recipients must be accepted, enrolled full time, and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 for renewal. A student may receive only one Manchester University academic scholarship at a time. Manchester University funds are intended for use toward tuition. For those students who demonstrate financial need, other grants and scholarships may be combined with academic scholarships. Adjustments will be made to aid awarded by the University if the sum of all scholarships and grants from the University exceeds the student’s billable costs. (*International students are eligible for hand-calculated International Scholarships.)
Honors Scholarships
Two full-tuition Honors Scholarships are awarded. Recipients must apply for admission by Dec. 31 and receive a Presidential Scholarship for consideration.
Presidential Scholarships
Presidential Scholarships are awarded automatically at the time of admission based on class rank, college prep curriculum and grade point average.
Dean’s Scholarships
Dean’s Scholarship recipients are selected automatically at the time of admission based on class rank, college prep curriculum and grade point average.
Director’s Awards
The Director’s Award is given to selected students at the time of admission based on class rank, college prep curriculum and grade point average.
Faculty Scholarships
Faculty Scholarship recipients are selected automatically at the time of admission based on class rank, college prep curriculum and grade point average.
Founder's Scholarships Founder's Scholarship recipients are selected automatically at the time of admission based on class rank, college prep curriculum and grade point average.
Other Scholarships (first-time and transferring U.S. domestic students)
Music Scholarships
A limited number of music scholarships of up to $1500 annually are available for incoming students with vocal or instrumental talents.
Church Matching Scholarships
Manchester University matches local church scholarships up to a total of $500 each year. Churches must submit participation forms by June 1 for the next academic year.
Connections Awards
In recognition of our commitments to the Church of the Brethren and our former students, an award up to $1,000 is provided to each full-time student who is a member of the Church of the Brethren or has a family member who attended Manchester University. Students who meet both criteria will receive a single award.
Endowed Scholarships
Manchester University awards more than 150 scholarships and grants funded by gifts to our endowment. These awards vary in criteria and amounts and students cannot apply for these awards.
Out of State Grant
Awards are available to domestic students with residency in a US state other than Indiana.
Grants (*Requires FAFSA)
Manchester Grants*
Any student who demonstrates financial need is considered for a Manchester Grant. Academic scholarship recipients who demonstrate additional need beyond the amount of the scholarship also will be considered for a Manchester Grant.
Brethren Volunteer Service Grants
Students who have completed Brethren Volunteer Service assignments without salary are eligible for a tuition grant for each year of service (maximum of two). To qualify, the student must enroll full time at Manchester University within five years of completing his or her BVS service. The student also must be working on a first baccalaureate degree. The award will range from $375-$750 per year over four years of enrollment.
Federal Pell Grant*
The Federal Pell Grant is awarded by the federal government. Awards are reserved for the neediest students. The U.S. Department of Education determines the award range for those demonstrating eligibility.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)*
Students with exceptional financial need and Pell Grant eligibility may be awarded this federal grant in amounts ranging from $100 to $4,000 per year. Awards are limited based on federal allocations to the University.
Frank O’Bannon Grant*
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Division of Student Financial Aid awards eligible Indiana residents grants to attend Indiana institutions. A student must demonstrate financial need by filing the FAFSA to be received by March 10 for consideration. The Division of Student Financial Aid determines the amount of a student’s award based on financial need, high school diploma type and cost of the education. For additional information on eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.in.gov/che/4506.htm
21st Century Scholars Program*
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education, Division of Student Financial Aid awards grants to 21st Century Scholar students who attend an Indiana institution. The state will award a student attending a private institution an amount comparable to that of a public institution. Income-eligible students enroll in this program as a 7th and 8th grader and are required to fulfill a pledge of good citizenship. For additional information on eligibility requirements, please visit http://www.in.gov/21stcenturyscholars/.
Other State Grants
Some other states permit their residents to utilize state grants at out-of-state colleges. Check the regulations in your home state.
Loans
Federal Direct Loans*
The Federal Direct loan is a fixed rate loan. The subsidized loan program is available to those students with financial need. The U.S. Department of Education pays the interest on a Direct Subsidized Loan while the student is enrolled at least half time. The Direct Unsubsidized Loan program is available to students who do not demonstrate financial need. Under the unsubsidized program, the student is responsible for any interest that accumulates. Maximum annual loan limits are as follows: $5,500 for first year students, $6,500 for sophomores, and $7,500 for juniors and seniors.
Students have a six month grace period after they leave school, graduate, or fall below half-time status before they go into repayment. All first-time borrowers are required to complete a master promissory note (MPN) and entrance counseling before their loan funds are disbursed to the student account.
Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan*
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan is available for credit-worthy parents to borrow on behalf of their undergraduate student. It carries a fixed rate determined by the U.S. Department of Education each July 1st with repayment beginning 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. The parent may request a deferment and should contact the designated servicer for more information. A parent can borrow up to the cost of education minus any financial aid received.
For application information on the federal loan programs please visit http://studentloans.gov.
Student Employment
Federal Work-Study Employment*
Students who have financial need may be awarded Federal Work-Study. Employment for such students indicates that their pay is partially subsidized by the federal government. The Office of Human Resources handles all on-campus student employment. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during breaks and in the summer. Employment is not guaranteed.
On-Campus Employment
Part-time campus employment is available to all MU students.
Off-Campus Employment
Off-campus jobs are available in the surrounding communities. Students may inquire about these opportunities by contacting employers directly or searching on Spartan Jobs. The Office of Career and Professional Development is available to help students with their job search and application needs.
Other Aid
Many financial aid funds (scholarships, awards, loans, grants) provided by sponsors such as business, industry, labor unions, service clubs, etc., may be used at Manchester University.
Other possible sources of aid that can be used at Manchester include funds secured through the Veterans Administration and the Vocational Rehabilitation Division of various states.
*Requires submitting Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).