Bishop State: Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Program of Bishop State Community College is under the direction of the Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee. This committee acts as an advisory, review and decision-making council to the Financial Aid Director in the formulation of written policies, procedures, and responsibilities for the institutional administration and determination of the financial aid program. The committee will also review all student appeals and serve as a source of information on all financial aid.

The primary purpose of the Financial Aid Program is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend college. Additional information is available from the Director of Financial Aid located in the Financial Aid Office.

Financial aid is provided in the form of:

1. Federal Pell Grants
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
3. Federal Work Study Jobs
4. Institutional Work-Ship
5. Scholarships
6. Alabama Student Assistance Program
7. Federal Family Education Loans

In determining student need, the Financial Aid Director will use the Student Aid Report from the Free Federal Application for Student Aid. The student's need will be considered on the basis of financial need, academic status, and personal character. The amount of financial assistance students may receive depends upon their need as determined by: the parental contribution, the student contribution, and aid received from outside sources.

Financial aid is awarded on an academic year basis. Primary consideration is given to an applicant's demonstrated financial need. Normally, the financial aid award will be disbursed in two payment periods, except an employment award. The applicant receiving an employment award will receive wages monthly.

All financial aid awardees are expected to maintain satisfactory grades at all times and those not making satisfactory progress toward graduation may be removed from all programs. To make satisfactory progress, a student must meet the Standards of Progress requirements applicable to all students at Bishop State Community College.

When a student who is eligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid is suspended, whether the student serves the suspension or is readmitted upon appeal, the student is not eligible to receive financial aid for the duration of the suspension. Students will not be eligible to receive financial aid again until they earn the cumulative GPA required for the number of credit hours attempted at the institution, or the semester GPA is 2.0 or above (based on at least 12 credit hours or above attempted at the institution during that semester).

Eligible students may receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid for a period of time not to exceed 1.5 times the normal length of a specific program (the "normal length" of a specific program will vary, depending upon whether the student is half-time, three-semester time, or full-time.)

Students who do not meet these standards will be ineligible for Title IV Federal Financial Aid.

A Title IV Federal Financial Aid recipient who is enrolled in a developmental (remedial) course may not enroll in the same course more than three times and continue to receive financial assistance. A Title IV Federal Financial Aid recipient may not be paid for more than 45 credit hours of developmental work.

All student applicants for financial aid must be accepted for admission or be enrolled before the financial aid application receives final approval. If a student drops below the minimum number of hours to be classified as a full-time student, that student is required to report any change to the Financial Aid Office. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of the student's Financial Aid Program.

Any financial aid commitment involving the use of federal funds is tentative and conditional upon subsequent congressional appropriations and actual receipt of the funds by Bishop State Community College. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee reserves the right on behalf of Bishop State Community College to review and cancel an award at any time because of changes in the student's financial or academic status, changes of academic program or changes in the institutional award level.

HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit

The HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit enables tax payers -- you or your parents -- to claim a nonrefundable tax credit against your federal income tax. The tax credit covers 100 percent of the first $1,000 of tuition and fees, and 50 percent of the second $1,000 during your first two years of postsecondary education (total of $1,500).

Federal Pell Grant

Students who need assistance to attend Bishop State Community College may apply for a Federal Pell Grant if they are undergraduate students enrolled at least on a half-time basis in an eligible program.
The amount of a student's pell grant award is based on their eligibility as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Education.

The Federal Pell Grant program, authorized by the Educational Amendments of 1972, does not have to be repaid and is used to provide the "base" for a student's financial package. The maximum amount varies from year to year dependent on published Office of Education payment schedules. Students may apply using the Application for Federal Student Aid. By using this form, students may apply for other types of aid available, i.e., Federal Work Study and Federal Supplemental Educational Grant. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, at least by April 1.

All students seeking financial aid, with the exception of scholarships, must complete the Pell Grant Application.
The Financial Aid Office will not recalculate a student's Federal Pell Grant amount due to enrollment status change after the Drop/Add period. EXAMPLE: Student A enrolls for 12 credit hours and drops/withdraws from 3 credit hours after the official Drop/Add period, student A will be paid as a full time student. If student B originally enrolled for 9 credit hours and picked up an additional 3 credit hours after the official Drop/Add period, student B will be paid as a three-quarter time student, not as a full time student.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG) is for students with exceptional financial need. If a student receives FSEOG, it cannot be less than $200.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program (FWS) provides jobs for students who have financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses. The number of hours a student may work is determined by the student's need for financial aid. A student may earn no less than minimum wage.

Jobs include work on campus in the cafeteria, library, administrative offices, dormitories, labs, gymnasium, buildings and grounds maintenance department, and off-campus with a public or private nonprofit agency, such as the public school system.
In arranging a job and determining how many hours a week a student may work under this program, the Financial Aid Director will take into account: (1) need for financial assistance; (2) class schedule; (3) health; and (4) academic progress.

Federal Work Study job assignments are made according to the date students complete their file and receive a Federal Work Study award. The students' job preference and skills are given first consideration.

Students who indicate no skills or job preference are placed in areas needing the largest number of student workers.

Those students who fail to complete their files prior to orientation are considered late and are placed in the areas with remaining jobs.

Institutional Work-Ship

This program of student employment provides jobs for students who have financial need and who must earn a part of their educational expenses. Students may earn no less than minimum wage. Jobs are the same as the Federal College Work-Study Program.

Students must be full-time and make satisfactory academic progress.

Alabama Student Assistance Program

The Alabama Student Assistance Program provides a supplemental source of financial assistance to qualified undergraduate students with an established financial need from families with income below the prescribed maximum levels provided by law.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible program of study leading to a degree other than a field of preparation for a religious profession. They must be legal residents of the State of Alabama and must maintain satisfactory progress.

Note: Federal Family Loan Programs (FFEL), Subsidized Stafford Loan, Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and Federal Plus Loan (Loan for Parents) are not available at this time.

Scholarships

Bishop State Community College offers several types of scholarships to beginning freshmen students. The Scholarship Committee awards scholarships for proven performance in academics, leadership, athletics, cheerleading, and performing arts. Detailed information and applications for scholarships may be obtained through the Office of Financial Aid. Only citizens of the United States or resident aliens are eligible for Institutional Scholarships.

Academic Scholarships

PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded to one student each public high school in Mobile and Washington Counties. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 36 semester hours during the academic year, and books are provided on a loan basis. A minimum 3.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale in required for the initial award. Recipients may renew these awards for a second year upon passing a minimum of 30 semester hours with a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS-TYPE I are awarded to high school students who have a minimum 3.3 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. High school students who have grade point averages between 3.0 and 3.29 and a minimum composite score of 20 on the American College Test or 1000 combined score on the Scholastic Achievement Test also qualify for these awards. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours during the fall and spring semesters only.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS-TYPE II are awarded to college students who have completed a minimum of 30 semester hours at Bishop State Community College with a minimum 3.5 grade point average. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours during the fall and spring semesters only. Full-time study is required.

Technical Scholarships

TYPE 1 are awarded to High School students who will pursue a degree or certificate in any of the Technical School division on the Carver or Southwest Campuses. A minimum of 2.5 grade point average is required. These Scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours during the fall and spring semesters only.

TYPE 2 are awarded to college students who have completed a minimum of 24 semester hours at Bishop State Community College with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours in a Technical School program during the fall and spring semesters only.

Institutional Scholarships are awarded to students in the following categories: art, band, choir, college bowl, creative writing , drama, elementary school tutoring, and leadership. These awards are very competitive and require an audition, interview, or portfolio evaluation. Refer to #3 in Application procedures students may call (251) 690-6458 for information. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours during the fall and spring semesters only. Approval of the activity sponsor is required for continued use of these awards.

Athletic Scholarships are awarded to students for active participation in baseball, cheerleading, men's basketball, softball, and women's basketball. These scholarships pay tuition and fees for up to 15 hours during the fall and spring semesters, and books are provided on a loan basis. Refer to #4 on the reverse for contact numbers and additional information.

Endowed/Miscellaneous Scholarships are awarded to students selected by companies, organizations, and private donors. These awards vary by amount and criteria. Students who do not meet the criteria for other awards may apply for these awards, and the Scholarship Committee will determine recipients based on available funds and specified criteria by the donors.

Senior Adult Scholarship Program (60-plus status)

This scholarship program is granted to Alabama residents who are 60 years of age or older and who enroll for classes either part-time or full time for credit or audit. This program covers only tuition cost.

Alabama GI Dependents Scholarship Program

The Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs offers financial assistance to eligible dependents (child, stepchild, spouse or un/remarried widow/er) of disabled veterans (living or deceased) who were permanent civilian residents of Alabama prior to entry into military service. Special consideration is given to permanently and totally disabled veterans who are bona fide residents or were prior to their death. Other qualifying veterans' categories are former prisoners of war (POW), declared missing in action (MIA), and those who died in service.

Maximum educational benefits include free tuition, required textbooks and laboratory fees for four standard academic years or a prescribed technical course at any state-supported junior or community college, university or technical school. Noncredit courses are excluded.

Dependent children must file an application prior to age 26 (may be extended to age 30 in certain cases). A spouse or widow(er) does not have a filing deadline or age limitation.

For more information and application procedures, contact your nearest Veterans Affairs Office located in each county courthouse or you may write to the Alabama GI Dependents' Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 1509, Montgomery, Alabama 36102-1509.

Dependent children must file an application prior to age 26 (may be extended to age 30 in certain cases).

Application Procedures

1. You must be admitted to Bishop State Community College before your scholarship application can be processed. Admissions applications may be secured from any campus, you may also receive an admissions application by mail. Call 251-405-7000 | In-state long distance 800-523-7235 if you need an admissions application or if you have questions regarding your admission status.

2. Return this scholarship application, three letters of recommendation, and an autobiographical essay/statement to the Financial Aid Office on the Main Campus of Bishop State Community College, 351 North Broad Street, Mobile, AL 36603-5898. High school applicants must also have a copy of their grade transcripts sent directly to the Financial Aid Office. Students renewing scholarships from the previous year should complete and return a Renewal Scholarship Application, a separate form.

3. Students applying for Institutional-Band and Institutional-Choral Scholarships should contact the Music Department (690-6439) as soon as possible for an audition. Students applying for Institutional-Art Scholarships should contact the Art Department (690-6802). Students applying for Institutional-Drama and Creative Writing Scholarships should contact the English Department (690-6442).

4. Students applying for Athletic Scholarships in baseball, basketball, or softball should contact the Athletics Department (690)-6436). Students applying for cheerleading scholarships should contact Ms. Nechelle Robinson (690-6938).

5. Application deadline for the fall semester is June 15, 2003; application deadline for the spring semester is October 31, 2003. All materials stated in #2 must be received by the deadline date. Students may call 251-690-6458 to check their application status.

NOTE: High school students have priority until May 1. Awards to college applicants will be made after the priority deadline for high school students.

• Federal Student Aid Guide

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Student Aid Audio Guide

You will need your Social Security Number and the Financial Aid Personal Identification Number (FAPIN) to gain access to the financial aid record. You previously received a unique FAPIN from the Financial Aid Office. This FAPIN is different from that received from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the application process. If you have forgotten or misplaced your FAPIN, please e-mail the Financial Aid Office at Financial_Aid@Bishop.edu for the FAPIN. Please provide your Social Security Number and Birthdate to facilitate the process. Click the link below or call (251) 405-7015.

• Check Financial Aid Status with Bishop State

• Apply for Federal Student Aid

• Veterans Benefits Resource Page

Download Required Documents

You will need the free Acrobat Reader to download the documents listed here.

Dependent Student Verification Worksheet