The Office of Student Financial Aid assists students when family and/or personal circumstances make financial assistance necessary in meeting the cost of attending Voorhees University.
Financial Aid programs include scholarships, loans, grants, and employment. These programs may be offered to students singularly or in various combinations. A student may refuse part or all of the aid offered. In such cases, it becomes the responsibility of the student and parent(s) to compensate for the aid not accepted.
How To Apply For Financial Aid
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All applicants who wish to be considered for federal and state aid must complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA makes a standard evaluation of family resources and estimates the student’s financial need. Seventy-two hours or more after submitting the FAFSA electronically, the applicant will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which is used by the financial aid administrator to make a financial aid award. The FAFSA should be submitted as soon after October 1 as possible. Applicants may submit a FAFSA via the Internet by using FAFSA on the Web. Students should not wait for a letter of acceptance before completing the FAFSA. For priority funding, the FAFSA should be completed and processed by April 15th for Fall enrollment and October 15th for Spring enrollment.
Applicants must reapply each year and maintain satisfactory academic progress as outlined in the University catalog. The Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards may also be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Sources of Financial Aid
- Grants and Scholarships
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
- South Carolina Tuition Grant
- South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence (LIFE) Scholarship
- South Carolina Hope Scholarship
- UNCF Scholarships
- Direct Stafford Loans
- Direct Parents Loan for Undergraduate Students
- Federal Work-Study
- Presidential Scholarships Dean’s Scholarships
- Athletic Grant-In-Aid
- Endowed Scholarships
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Veterans Educational Benefits
Grants
Voorhees University provides need-based grants to eligible undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree.
Pell Grants
The Federal Pell Grant program is designed to help economically disadvantaged students pay for University. It is the foundation of most financial aid packages. The U.S. Department of Education uses a formula, established by Congress, to determine if you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant and to calculate how much you and your family are expected to pay - Expected Family Contribution or EFC.
The amount of the Pell Grant you receive will depend on the EFC, the estimated cost of your education, your enrollment status, and whether you attend school for a full academic year or less. A Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. The Pell Grant provides a foundation to which other types of aid may be added.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is for undergraduate students with exceptional needs - those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions. Priority is given to students who receive Pell Grants.
South Carolina Tuition Grants
The South Carolina Tuition Grant is administered by the South Carolina Higher Education Tuition
Grants Commission and is made possible through an annual appropriation by the South Carolina General Assembly. The purpose of the program is to provide needs-based, undergraduate grant assistance to eligible South Carolina residents attending certain independent non-profit Universitys located in the state. Freshman who are fully admitted to the college, and have obtained a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED or Adult Education Diploma) are considered to be academically eligible for South Carolina Tuition Grants. This includes homeschool students, students who have graduated from online high schools, and students under the age of 22 who have obtained a high school diploma equivalent that previously would not qualify. For upperclassmen, the academic standard for eligibility requires full-time students to complete successfully and pass at least 24 semester hours each year. Students who do not meet these academic standards are ineligible for the South Carolina Tuition Grant regardless of need. The application for the South Carolina Tuition Grant is the FAFSA. The deadline for applications is June 30th of each year.
Scholarships and Grants for SC Residents
Click here for link.
South Carolina Legislative Incentives for Future Excellence Scholarship (SC LIFE)
Administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education and funded by the South Carolina Education Lottery, this merit-based scholarship provides funds to eligible students attending public or independent Universitys and universities in South Carolina.
To be eligible, a student must be a resident of South Carolina, be a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student at an eligible institution, and meet any two of the following three criteria: score 1100 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or 22 ACT score; earn a high school grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 SC UGP (Uniform Grade Point) scale; or rank in the top thirty percent of their graduating class. The scholarship may also be earned in the sophomore, junior and senior years by earning 30 credit hours each year and maintaining a 3.0 cumulative G.P.A. Funds from this program may not be used for remedial courses or continuing education classes (such as Math 099).
Note: LIFE Scholarship statutes and regulations are subject to change by the South Carolina Legislature.
South Carolina Hope Scholarship (SC HOPE)
SC HOPE was established under the SC Education Lottery Act. The program is a merit-based scholarship created for students attending a four-year institution and who graduate from high school with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average but do not qualify for the LIFE Scholarship or the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship.
The scholarship is awarded for the freshman year of attendance only. Funds from this program may not be used for continuing education classes. Funding for the program is included in an annual appropriation to the Commission on Higher Education from the SC Education Lottery proceeds.
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship Program is a merit-based scholarship program administered by the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education. Applicants must meet the following three criteria: a score of 1200 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or 25 ACT score; a grade point average of 3.5 on the SC UGP (South Carolina Uniform Grade Point) scale and be in the top six percent ranking in either the 10th, 11th, or 12th grade. Without regard to rank (Alternative Criteria) is 4.0 SC UGP; and 1400 SAT or 31 ACT score.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for undergraduate students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study. The work may be for the institution or an approved off-campus agency. Students are paid at the current federal minimum wage, but possibly higher, depending on the type of work and the skills required. A Federal Work-Study award depends upon the time of application, the level of need, the institution’s level of funding, and institutional policy.
General Information
Voorhees University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program (usually referred to as the Direct Loan Program). This program allows students to borrow their Federal Stafford Loans directly from the federal government, rather than through lending institutions. Additional information on the Direct Loan Program can be found in the Direct Loan Guide for Students. Through the Direct Loan Program, Stafford Loans are designed to be low-interest loans to provide students with additional funds for Voorhees University.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate or graduate degree-seeking student
- Enrolled at least half-time
- Maintain reasonable academic progress
- Complete the FAFSA
- Complete the entrance counseling session
- Complete the Master Promissory Note
Repayment
- It starts 6 months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half time.
- For the Direct Loan Program, contact the Direct Loan Servicing Center with questions regarding repayment of the Federal Stafford Loan.
- For more specifics on repaying the Federal Stafford Loan, please review the Direct Loan Exit Counseling Guide.
Direct Subsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need to help cover the costs of higher education at a University or career school.
Direct Unsubsidized Loans are loans made to eligible undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, but in this case, the student does not have to demonstrate financial need to be eligible for the loan.
Direct PLUS Loans are loans made to graduate or professional students and parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans are loans in the parent’s name. The yearly limit on a PLUS loan is the student’s cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received (This includes loans, grants, federal work-study, and scholarships.). Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. If a PLUS loan is denied, the student may be eligible for additional unsubsidized loan money. The federal government does not pay the interest on the Federal Direct PLUS loans.
Eligibility
- Be a parent to a dependent, undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half-time in a degree-granting program.
- Students must have a FAFSA completed.
- Meet all other Title IV Federal Financial Aid program requirements for the dependent, undergraduate student (i.e. academic progress).
- The parent must pass a credit check performed by the U.S. Department of Education.
- The parent must be a citizen of the United States or a United States permanent resident.
- Parents must apply each year for the PLUS loan by completing the Parent PLUS Loan Application for the appropriate academic year.
- A PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) must be signed online by the parent who applied for the PLUS Loan using their FSA User ID and password. The Parent MPN needs to be completed only once if the same parent borrows loan funding every year unless the loan was cosigned by an endorser.
| Dependent Undergraduate |
Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan |
Additional Unsubsidized Eligibility |
Total Per Academic Year |
Freshman
29 credits and below |
$3,5000 |
$2,000 |
$5,500 |
Sophomore
30 to 59 credits |
$4,500 |
$2,000 |
$6,500 |
Junior
60 to 89 credits |
$5,500 |
$2,000 |
$7,500 |
Senior
90 or greater credits |
$5,500 |
$2,000 |
$7,500 |
A dependent student may qualify for additional unsubsidized loan money if a Parent PLUS Loan is denied.
- Dependent Undergraduate
- Independent Undergraduate
| Dependent Undergraduate |
Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized Loan |
Additional Unsubsidized Eligibility |
Total Per Academic Year |
Freshman
29 credits and below |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
Sophomore
30 to 59 credits |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
Junior
60 to 89 credits |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
Senior
90 or greater credits |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
- Dependent Undergraduate
- Independent Undergraduate
This is the maximum total borrowing allowed (subsidized and unsubsidized combined) for all Stafford Loans.
| |
Aggregate Loan Amounts |
| Dependent Undergraduate |
$31,000 (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized) |
|
Independent Undergraduate
|
$57,500 (no more than $23,000 may be subsidized) |
| Graduate |
$138,500 aggregate lifetime amount *no more than $65,500 can be in subsidized loans ($20,500 per year in Direct Unsubsidized Loan) |
The interest rate varies depending on the loan type and (for most types of federal student loans) the first disbursement date of the loan. The table below provides interest rates for Direct Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2023, and before July 1, 2024.
Interest Rates for Direct Loans First Disbursed on or After July 1, 2023
Direct Subsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Direct PLUS Loans |
Undergraduate
Undergraduate
Graduate or Professional
Parents and Graduate or Professional Students |
5.50%
5.50%
7.05%
8.05% |
All interest rates shown in the chart above are fixed rates for the life of the loan. The interest rates for federal student loans are determined by federal law. If there are future changes to a federal law that affect federal student loan interest rates, we will update this page to reflect those changes.
Note: The Institution can refuse to certify a loan application or can certify it for an amount less than for which a student may be eligible if the institution documents the reason for its action in writing. The institution’s decision is final and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Students with a physical disability or handicap, which would require special training to obtain future employment, may be eligible for assistance with educational-related expenses through the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Office. Students desiring additional information should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in their counties.
Veterans Educational Benefits Educational Benefits (Veterans) - Certain armed service veterans and dependents who qualify under federal laws administered by the Veterans Administration are eligible to receive educational benefits. Information about these programs may be obtained by writing the state Veterans Administration Office or by contacting the University’s Veterans Affairs Office.
Voorhees University Presidential Scholarship
The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to a new freshman based on academic performance and financial need and the availability of funding. The student must meet two of the following criteria: high school grade point average: 3.5 - 4.0; SAT score (Critical Reading & Math only) 1,000+ or ACT score 21+; or rank in the top 20% of the senior class. Students who are offered awards must begin attending the fall semester following high school graduation only. The scholarship covers up to the cost of tuition, room, and board and is renewable for four consecutive years.
Recipients must attain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average the first year and maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average each year thereafter. Recipients who are citizens or eligible noncitizens must complete the FAFSA and apply for all other state and federal aid for which he or she may be eligible. The scholarship will cover the remaining cost of attendance which may not be covered by all other financial aid received. Books are not included.
Voorhees University Dean’s Scholarship
The Dean’s Scholarship is awarded to a new freshman based on academic performance, financial need, and the availability of funding. The student must meet two of the following criteria: high school grade point average: 3.49; SAT score (Critical Reading & Math only) 900-999 or ACT score 19+; or rank in the top 30% of the senior class. Students who are offered awards must begin attending the fall semester following high school graduation only. The scholarship covers up to the cost of tuition and is renewable for four consecutive years. Recipients must attain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average the first year and maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative grade point average each year thereafter. Recipients who are citizens or eligible non-citizens must complete the FAFSA and apply for all other state and federal aid for which he or she may be eligible. The scholarship will cover the remaining cost of attendance which may not be covered by all other financial aid received. Books are not included.
Voorhees University Athletics Grant-In-Aid
The Athletic Grant-In-Aid is awarded to selected students based on leadership, merit and special abilities in certain areas, and the availability of funding. The Grant-in-Aid is offered in men’s and women’s basketball, track & field, softball, volleyball, and baseball. The recipients of Grant-in-Aid must remain in good academic standing and exemplify good moral character.
Other University Scholarships
Scholarships are available from several industries, corporations, professional organizations, civic clubs, and individuals. Recipients are selected by the University’s Scholarship Committee. Recipients must earn a certain GPA and exemplify good moral character to receive these scholarships. All Institutional scholarship applicants are required to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for other state and federal assistance.
United Negro University Fund (UNCF) Scholarships
The Office of Student Financial Aid recommends Voorhees University students for these scholarships. Eligibility requirements include financial needs and academic merit. The scholarship amounts are variable. For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid or the United Negro University Fund.
Voorhees University offers tuition and fee waivers, up to the cost of tuition only, for employees and/or their dependents. The waiver is not available for independent students whose parents are employed by the University. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for other state and federal aid and submit all required documents necessary to receive their federal, state, and private financial aid. The waiver will be used as a supplement to the cost of attendance and used to cover any remaining balances not covered by federal, state, institutional, or private funding. Tuition waivers are nonrefundable. Please contact the Voorhees University Office of Human Resources for the tuition waiver criteria.
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