Washington College is committed to providing educational excellence and equity for all students. The policies and principles of financial aid are based on the belief that all qualified students—regardless of their race, sex, or economic status—should have the opportunity to experience a Washington College education.

Washington College offers several types of financial aid to help qualified full-time undergraduate students meet their college expenses. College-sponsored tuition scholarships and tuition grants are available to full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and who meet the College’s admission criteria. In addition to College-sponsored financial aid, eligible students can receive assistance from federal, state, and independent aid programs. College support is intended to complement family financial resources (including any federal, state, or other outside aid for which a student may be eligible); College need-based tuition assistance is offered only after all other sources of aid have been exhausted.

The purpose of need-based aid is to reduce the difference between the student’s estimated contribution to college expenses (as determined by the Free Application for Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA) and the actual cost of tuition, room, and board, plus an estimated amount for books and miscellaneous expenses.

For students who show exceptional academic promise, Washington College also offers merit-based academic tuition scholarships. These are offered without regard to financial need; however, in cases involving both superior academic achievement and demonstrated financial need, a merit-based tuition scholarship will be included in the financial aid package.

Grant and scholarship assistance from all sources is applied first to full-time tuition charges. Grant and scholarship assistance in excess of tuition is then applied to direct College charges for fees, and on-campus room and board.

Application Procedures for First-Year and Transfer Students

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted to be considered for need-based financial aid at Washington College:

The FAFSA is used to collect financial information needed to determine a student’s eligibility for federal aid (Federal Pell, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), Federal Direct Student Loans. The FAFSA is also used by Washington College to determine eligibility for institutional need-based grants.

New students will be notified of financial aid decisions on a rolling basis. Returning, upper-class student award notices are posted online and available through Self Service in June after the completion of spring semester courses.

FAFSA submission for Continuing Students

Financial aid recipients are required to re-apply for need-based aid each year. All continuing students anticipating financial aid in the next academic year must complete the FAFSA form by March 1. Tax transcripts are required only in the event that the student’s file is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education or by the College. Notification of aid decisions begins in June.

Guaranteed Self-Help Aid

All students who have applied for and qualify for need-based financial aid will be offered some form of self-help aid. Self-help aid is defined as Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans and Federal Work-Study.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policies

The Office of Student Financial Aid has established policies and procedures stated to fulfill the requirements expressed in the Higher Education Act (HEA). The Satisfactory Academic Progress policies and procedures of Washington College are reviewed when changes at the federal or institutional level require review to ensure compliance with Federal Regulations. All Washington College students applying for Title IV federal and selected other types of assistance must meet the criteria stated hereafter regardless of whether or not they previously received aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid eligibility should not be confused with the College’s academic progress policy. These are two distinct and totally separate policies. It is entirely possible to fail to meet minimum standards of one policy and pass the minimum standards of the other.

Details the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, as well as other forms and resources, can be found on the college's Financial Aid webpage: http://washcoll.edu/admissions/financial-aid/index.php

Student Loan Programs

The Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loan Program enables students to borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education. This loan is guaranteed by the federal government.

The maximum amount for freshmen is $5,500; for sophomores, $6,500; and for juniors and seniors, $7,500. All borrowers must complete a FAFSA. The interest rate is set in July of each year.

Repayment of Federal Direct Student Loans begins six months after leaving school. Students borrowing funds through the Unsubsidized Direct Student Loan program are responsible for monthly interest that accrues while enrolled. Students may elect to pay on the interest that accrues while they are in school, but it is not a requirement. Principal payment is deferred until six months after graduation. Consolidation programs, which may allow a longer repayment period, are also available.

The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) allows a parent to borrow funds to assist with payments for the current academic year. This program is not need-based and may be used in lieu of family contributions. All students must complete a FAFSA. The interest rate is set in July of each year. Repayment normally begins within 60 days of disbursement; however, parents may elect to postpone repayment until the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Application information is available at www.studentaid.gov or through the Office of Student Financial Aid.

Federal Work-Study Program

Washington College participates in the Federal Work-Study Program, which provides job opportunities on campus for students who have financial need. There are a wide variety of jobs from which to choose: students assist in the Admissions and Student Affairs offices, in Miller Library, and for various departments and offices all over campus. In return for their efforts, work-study participants earn a biweekly paycheck to help cover their ongoing educational expenses. Application is made through the College’s normal financial aid application process, and awards are determined by the College.

Campus Employment

Washington College also offers on-campus employment opportunities that are not need-based.

Federal Title IV Aid Refund Policy

Washington College adopted the refund policy that conforms to Section 668.22 of the Higher Education Amendments of 1998. Students who have withdrawn, officially or unofficially, granted an approved leave of absence, or are expelled who have Title IV funding will be subject to both Federal Policy regarding the possible return of Title IV funds awarded to the student and to Washington College’s policy regarding the possible return of institutional aid awarded.

The law requires that the amount of Title IV assistance that the student has earned up to that point be reviewed and, in some cases, adjusted. If the student received more assistance than they earned, the excess funds must be returned.

The amount of assistance that a student has earned is determined on a pro-rata basis. That is, if a student has completed 30 percent of the semester, the student earns 30 percent of the assistance they were originally scheduled to receive. Once the student has completed more than 60 percent of the semester, the student earns all of his/her assistance.

If a student received excess funds that must be returned, Washington College must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of the student’s institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of financial aid received, or the entire amount of the excess funds. Funds are returned in the following order:

Federal Aid Refund

ID	Description	Return Priority
USTF	Unsub FFEL/Direct loan	1
GSL	SUB FFEL/Direct Stafford	2
GPLUS	FFEL/Direct Graduate PLUS	3
PLUS	FFEL/Direct PLUS	4
PELL	Pell Grant	5
FSEOG	FSEOG Category	6
TEACH	EACH Grant	7

Policies and procedures for withdrawing from the College are described below, in the section "Withdrawing from the College." To request an approved leave of absence or to withdraw from the College, contact the Dean for Student Achievement & Success in the Provost's Office.

Any Title IV aid recipient who is withdrawing from the College, requesting a leave of absence, or is expelled must contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss how this action would affect his/her financial aid awarded. Any questions related to this refund policy should be directed to the Financial Aid Office in the Casey Academic Center.

Withdrawals and Refunds

Students considering withdrawal should contact the Financial Aid Office before dropping, withdrawing, auditing, or deciding not to attend a course to confirm how it will affect financial aid. Students should also review both the Return of Title IV Financial Aid Funds (R2T4) and the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy to make an informed decision.

Dropping, withdrawing from, auditing, or not attending a course can reduce financial aid eligibility depending on the type of aid the student has, how many credits the student is no longer attending, and the timing of the enrollment change. Students will be required to repay any financial aid they are no longer eligible to receive, and this can negatively impact Satisfactory Academic Progress.

See the section ‘Withdrawal from the College’ below for the withdrawal refund schedule and more important details.

Washington College Academic Tuition Scholarships and Grants

Washington College recognizes and rewards exemplary academic achievement. Many Washington College students qualify for a merit-based tuition scholarship at the time of their admission to the College. In most cases, eligibility for a merit-based scholarship is determined by high school GPA and SAT-I or ACT scores. Unless otherwise specified in the scholarship award letter, the annual renewal of all merit-based awards is contingent upon maintenance of full-time continuous enrollment and a CGPA of 2.5 or above.

Washington College Academic Tuition Scholarships for Entering Freshmen

These four-year tuition scholarships are awarded to admitted applicants on the basis of secondary school achievement and potential for success. All admitted applicants are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee to determine their eligibility for these awards. Admitted applicants who qualify for merit-based academic tuition scholarships are notified of their award and the amount of the award at the time of admission to the College.

Admitted applicants who are members of their high school’s National Honor Society, Cum Laude Society or National Society of High School Scholars and have a high School CGPA of at least 3.0 at the time of admission are awarded a four-year Washington College Academic Tuition Scholarship of at least $28,000 annually ($14,000 per semester) for four years. Some NHS /CLS members with exemplary high school academic records may qualify for awards that increase their Washington College Academic Tuition Scholarship.

Washington College Academic Tuition Scholarships for Transfer Students

These tuition scholarships are awarded to full-time, high-achieving transfer students including, but not limited to, students who have been inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society. Typically, awards range in amount from $28,000 to $35,000 per year. A minimum CGPA of 2.5 and full-time continuous enrollment are required for renewal.

Admitted transfer applicants who qualify for academic tuition scholarships are notified of their award and the amount at the time of admission.

The Cincinnatus Scholarship

This $2,500 scholarship—with an extra $5,000 stipend for experiential learning opportunities—through The Institute of Religion, Politics and Culture at Washington College, is renewable and awarded annually to one admitted student per year with a strong interest in the study of religion’s influence on American and world history, as well as its contemporary importance for cultural and political life.

Constance Stuart Larrabee Arts Scholarships

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who have a proven talent in art, music, or theatre, but who do not necessarily intend to major in the arts.

Eastern Shore Society Scholarship

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 scholarship annually for four years)—with a one-time grant of $2,000 to offset the cost of the Chesapeake Semester—will be awarded to an entering student from Maryland's Eastern Shore or of Eastern Shore heritage who is interested in a major in environmental science or studies.

The Environment & Society Fellowship

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who are interested in exploring environmental science or studies as a major, minor, or area of focus.

The Eirik A. T. Blom Ornithology Scholarship

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who have experiences as a birder, wildlife enthusiast, or conservationist.

Sophie Kerr Gifts in English Literature

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who intend to major in English and/or minor in Creative Writing and who show outstanding promise in the field of English or American literature. Members of the English Department select scholarship finalists.

Quill & Compass Scholarships

These $6,000 scholarships ($1,500 annually for four years) are awarded to entering students who intend to major in History or American Studies. Members of the Starr Center for the Study of the American Experience select scholarship finalists.

Readmission and Merit Scholarship Renewal Information for Students Who Withdraw from Washington College

Students who receive a merit-based academic tuition scholarship are required to maintain a 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and full-time, continuous enrollment at Washington College. International students who receive a merit scholarship are required to maintain a 2.0 CGPA.

Students who receive an endowed scholarship, unless otherwise stated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), are required to maintain a 2.5 CGPA and full-time continuous enrollment at Washington College. Endowed scholarships may or may not be renewable.

Students who leave WC and do not attend another college and are meeting the minimum 2.5 WC CGPA when they leave will automatically be eligible for their merit aid upon return to WC. Financial aid will automatically review their file upon notification of their return to WC. Students who have received need-based aid in prior years will be reviewed upon receipt of the FAFSA for the academic year in which they return. Eligibility for need-based aid will be determined when the FAFSA is received.

Students who leave WC and attend another school will not be eligible for their merit and/or need based aid. Students may appeal and should contact the Financial Aid office to begin that process.

Students who are not meeting the minimum criteria will not be eligible for the respective aid upon their return. Students will have the ability to appeal if there is an extenuating circumstance.

Appeals

Appeals are available to any student who was previously in receipt of a merit-based tuition scholarship, honors fellowship, or need-based grant. Appeals are reviewed by the Scholarship Appeals Committee. Appeal approvals are not guaranteed and will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

An exception to full-time enrollment will be allowed in either of the following two scenarios:

• Students are in their final semester and need less than full-time enrollment to complete their program. Students must have verified this with advisor and registration office.

• Students are in their final semester but wish to divide up their remaining credits and take them over two semesters. Students can receive a prorated amount of aid for each semester so that the total amount does not exceed the value of the original award. Some donor scholarships are excluded from this exception.

Students must contact the Office of Student Financial Aid to determine eligibility of either of the above two exceptions.

Scholarship eligibility is for a maximum of eight semesters. Renewal eligibility will be reviewed at the end of every spring term. Students will be notified in June of their merit award status.

Federal and State Grants and Scholarships

The Federal Pell Grant program makes funds available to undergraduate students to attend post-secondary institutions. Eligibility is based on financial need, and application is the FAFSA.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) program provides funds for grants to undergraduate students with great financial need. Application is the FAFSA as well as the normal financial aid application process of Washington College, and the awards are determined by the institution.

State Grants and Scholarships are available to some students through their individual state scholarship administrative offices. To compete for these state awards, students should contact their state scholarship administration to inquire about application procedures, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines.