Federal School Code: 003425
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WHAT IS FINANCIAL AID?
Financial aid is any form of money for your college education that comes from resources outside your family. Scholarships can be awarded by the University or by an outside donor, such as a civic club, church or business. Grants are based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. Self-help aid, including loans and work-study employment, are also considered financial aid, even though you have to pay back the loan or work for your stipend.

WHAT ARE MY CHANCES FOR RECEIVING A SCHOLARSHIP?
Entering freshmen are evaluated for scholarships on the basis of the admissions application. There is no separate scholarship application. Scholarships are extremely competitive as students are ranked based on test scores and high school rank-in-class. Those who are offered an Academic Recruiting Scholarship, who are out-of-state residents may also be offered a companion Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship that covers part, or all, of the out-of-state tuition differential. Usually, recipients of Academic Recruiting Scholarships have an SAT score of at least 1350 (ACT 31) and rank in the top 10 percent of their senior class. Stipends range from $500 per year to the full cost of attendance. Recruiting scholarships (which are only available to entering freshmen) are renewable for three additional years provided that the minimum standards are maintained.

General University Scholarships are awarded to both entering freshmen and upperclassmen. To be considered for scholarships, upperclassmen must have a minimum cumulative GPR of at least 2.50. These scholarships may have special criteria set up by the donor, such as a certain residency, major or career interest. Because of the restrictions on some of these scholarships, it is impossible to predict the recipients. However, the scholarship selection process is very competitive. Stipends range from $250 to $7,500.

A list of all University scholarships and their criteria can be found on this web site (Scholarship Listing).

WILL I QUALIFY FOR A FEDERAL GRANT?
Students with significant need may be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). These grants are awarded to students whose families have very little resources for college according to the results of their FAFSA. For example, a dependent student in a family of four, whose parents' adjusted gross income is less than $30,000, would be likely to receive federal grant assistance. Eligibility varies depending on family size, number of children in college, assets and the student's income and is determined by the U. S. Department of Education.

WILL I HAVE TO OBTAIN A LOAN?
A little less than half of Clemson's graduates borrow funds to finance part of their education. Subsidized or low-interest loans are a desirable resource for meeting college costs. Students with financial need may be eligible for the Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan and the Federal Perkins Loan. For parents who need assistance with the remainder of college costs, the Federal PLUS loan is available. Almost all applicants are eligible for some type of loan assistance, regardless of income level or creditworthiness.

CAN I WORK TO PAY PART OF MY COSTS?
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs for students who establish eligibility through the submission of the FAFSA. Students are paid biweekly and are placed in jobs that match their academic major and personal interests whenever possible. Freshmen work-study employees typically work 10-12 hours per week. Students who do not qualify for FWS may still obtain employment on campus and in the community. Check with the Michelin Career Center for opportunities.

HOW WILL CLEMSON KNOW THAT I HAVE FINANCIAL NEED?
To help us determine your financial need, you must complete the FAFSA and list Clemson University (Federal School Code 003425) as one of your college choices. The FAFSA can be mailed to the federal processor or submitted electronically. A federal formula will calculate your financial situation compared to Clemson's Cost of Attendance. If you demonstrate financial need, you will be eligible for subsidized financial aid. Even if you do not have need according to this federal formula, you can still receive an unsubsidized loan, on which interest accrues while you are enrolled.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID?
Entering freshmen are automatically considered for Academic Recruiting Scholarships if they apply for admissions by December 1 and the admissions process is completed by December 31. Continuing undergraduate students are also automatically considered for University scholarships. See the information above regarding "What are My Chances for Receiving a Scholarship."

You should submit the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 each year. In order to be considered for need-based scholarships, the processor must receive your completed FAFSA by March 1. The priority deadline for the Federal Supplemental Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study and South Carolina Need-Based Grant is April 1. April 1 is also the suggested deadline to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and Federal Stafford Loan. You do not have to be accepted for admissions first to apply for financial aid.

WHEN WILL I HEAR ABOUT MY FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE?
Entering freshmen are awarded Academic Recruiting Scholarships by March 15 and General University Scholarships by May 1. Clemson begins awarding other forms of aid for freshmen in April for the following fall semester. Entering freshmen with completed applications are notified of their financial aid packages in late April. However, we continue to process aid during the summer and even after the fall semester starts. You may apply at any time, but remember that some programs have deadlines and it can take up to 12 weeks for your aid to be available. For upperclassmen, renewable scholarships are awarded in March while all other processing begins as soon as spring semester grades are posted.

When you receive a scholarship, grant or work-study award, you will receive a Clemson University award letter. Signing an award letter does not prevent you from accepting additional aid later. When Clemson certifies a Federal Stafford Loan, we will notify you that the lender is processing your loan application. Before the lender will approve your loan, you may need to sign a promissory note that the lender will send you. Be careful to read and follow the instruction on any form that you receive regarding financial aid.

If necessary, Clemson may ask you to submit additional information or copies of your family's tax returns for a federally mandated process called "Verification." To speed processing, please respond as quickly as you can and make sure all forms are signed and complete. We will process your aid as soon as possible, but we must follow strict federal guidelines if your application is selected for review. No federal aid will be awarded until the verification process is complete.

HOW MUCH DOES CLEMSON COST?
Tuition and fees for in-state students are approximately $11,000 for the academic year (fall and spring semesters). Out-of-state students pay approximately $24,000 per year. Please visit the "Cost of Attendance" page for more details. Your dormitory room, meals and books cost about $7,500 per year. You must also take into account your personal and transportation costs. You will receive a bill in July for the fall semester and another in December for the spring semester.

WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?
To avoid lump sum payments, families may enroll in the University's tuition payment plan, and make ten (10) monthly payments beginning in June. Clemson University also accepts payment through MasterCard, VISA and Discover. Families who pay all or part of their tuition with loans or with their own resources may qualify for federal tax credits, such as the HOPE Scholarship Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit, which reduce the amount of federal income tax due the following year.

I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS, WHERE CAN I FIND HELP?
You may call the financial aid office at (864)656-2280 or visit us at G-01 Sikes Hall. For your convenience, our voice response system is available around the clock to update you on your application status, request needed documents and inform you of award amounts. Our web site provide more detailed information about federal, state and University programs. The web site also provides useful links to sites such as the US Department of Education and several free scholarship searches.

ANY OTHER FINANCIAL AID ADVICE?
With all the forms, deadlines and acronyms that are involved, financial aid can seem very confusing. Your best strategy is to apply early, read and follow all instructions, keep copies of documents and respond promptly to follow-up requests. Please call on us at (864) 656-2280 or visit us in G-01 Sikes Hall if you have concerns.

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