Financial Need
How to Apply
Merit Scholarships and Awards
Tuition Discounts
Need-based Grants
Work Programs
Loan Programs
Other Types of Assistance
Changes in Financial Aid
Questions
Alvernia College has a full program of financial assistance including grants, scholarships, discounts, employment and loans. The program is designed to provide assistance to students whose personal and family resources cannot meet the full cost of education at Alvernia College. Therefore, financial aid is only supplementary to the family's own best efforts to contribute to the student's education.
Financial need is the difference between college expenses and
the amount a family is expected to contribute toward those expenses.
Federal methodology is set by the Federal Government and is used
by Alvernia College as the standard upon which need is
determined. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) to apply for all types of aid except selected merit scholarships.
After financial need is determined, an aid package to assist with
that financial need will be developed for each student. The aid package
is contingent upon when the student applies, when the student is
accepted, college resources available, and funding levels set by the Federal
and State governments.
To apply for aid follow these steps:
1. Send Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to processor. This form should be filed by April 1 immediately
proceeding the fall semester in which the student seeks enrollment.
The State Grant deadline is May 1. This form is available
through high school guidance offices and the Alvernia College
Financial Aid Office. Through this form, students are applying for
all types of college, state and federal financial aid. There will be a
four-week processing time until the information is processed and
forwarded to the college.
2. Obtain acceptance to Alvernia
College. Students must be accepted to receive a financial aid package. Contact the Office of
Admissions for an application.
3. Follow Verification Process.
Randomly selected applicants will be asked to send their U.S. Income Tax Return(s) and other
verification forms to Alvernia College. Aid cannot be disbursed without
these documents. See the financial aid office for a copy of the full
verification policies.
4. Send Loan Applications
Early. To apply for a federal Stafford loan, students must complete a Master Promissory Note.
Upperclassmen who want Stafford loans renewed need only file the FAFSA
and indicate the amount they wish to borrow on the award
letter.
These applications are available from PHEAA or from the Financial
Aid Office. PLUS applications or Private Alternative Loan applications
are available from the Financial Aid Office or by calling one of
our preferred lenders listed in this section. Complete and forward all
loan applications by July 1 for the fall semester, November 1 for the
spring semester, and April 1 for the summer session.
Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To receive Alvernia College grants, scholarships and awards, a student must:
• Enroll full-time (at least 12 credits)
• Matriculate (degree-seeking) in the traditional day program
• Be seeking a first bachelor's degree
• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Not be in default on any previous loan or owe a refund on any previous grant award
• Be making satisfactory progress according to the College's
requirements for each program
In order to receive Title IV federal and state grants, loans and
work programs, a student must:
• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Matriculate into a degree program
• Not be in default on any previous loan or owe a refund on any previous grant
• Be making satisfactory progress according to the College's
requirements (State requirements for PA State grants)
• Not be convicted for possession or sale of drugs (federal programs only)
Part time (at least 6 credits) and Evening Division students must
also complete an admissions application and are eligible to receive
Pennsylvania grants, Federal grants, and Stafford loans.
Merit scholarships and awards are awarded to accepted,
full-time students and do not have to be repaid. Students must maintain a certain
cumulative grade point average to retain the scholarship/award and they
are renewable for four years.
Merit Scholarships.
The following are awarded on a competitive basis to outstanding,
first time freshmen using grade point average, SAT, and class rank.
Students who receive these scholarships are NOT eligible to receive some
High School Partnership Awards (BASE, PACE, Bernardine Heritage
and Commuter Outreach). Specific criteria and amount of scholarship
changes each year depending upon the pool of applicants and funding
available. Scholarships are renewable for four years of attendance.
• Franciscan Scholarship. This scholarship is our highest merit
scholar- ship and is named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi whose beliefs
fostered the Franciscan tradition reflected in Alvernia College's
mission. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point
average to renew this scholarship.
• Trustee's Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of our Board of
Trustees who serve as the governing board of Alvernia College.
Students must maintain a 2.75 cumulative grade point average to
renew this scholarship.
• Veronica Founder's
Scholarship. This scholarship is in honor of Mother
Veronica, the foundress of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters,
the sponsoring congregation of Alvernia College. Students must
maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to renew this
scholarship.
Merit Awards.
The following are awarded on a competitive basis to first time
freshmen using grade point average, SAT, class rank and other criteria as
noted below. Specific criteria and amount of scholarship changes each
year depending upon the pool of applicants and funding available.
Awards are renewable for four years of attendance.
• Presidential Award. This award is given to first time freshmen who
do not demonstrate financial need as determined by filing the
FAFSA. Recipients are generally in the top 30% of the high school
class. Student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average
to renew this award.
• Dean's Award. This award is given to first time freshmen who
demonstrate academic promise, leadership, involvement in
school/ church activities and/or service to the community.
• Departmental Award. This award is given by faculty members on the
basis of academic achievement, intended field of study, and
partici- pation in a department interview.
High School Partnerships/Church Awards.
The following are awarded to first time freshmen based upon
the student's high school or parish/church. The College's financial
aid progress standards apply for renewal for up to four years.
• BASE (Berks and Alvernia Supporting
Education). This award is given to all students who graduate from a Berks County
high school.
• PACE (PArtners in Catholic
Education). This award is given to all students who graduate from a Catholic high school.
• Bernardine Heritage Award. This award is given to all students who
graduate from a high school founded by the Bernardine Sisters. This
includes St. Pius X High School in Pottstown, PA.
• Commuter Outreach Award. This award is given to all students who
graduate from a high school outside Berks County but within
commuting distance from Alvernia College. Students do not have
to commute to receive this award.
• Principal's Community Service
Award. Principals nominate one student fromeach Partnership High School (For PACE recipients:
Allentown and Harrisburg Diocese schools only). This award is
based on academics, and the recipient must demonstrate past
partici- pation and future commitment to community service.
• Parish Award. The Pastors of each Catholic Church in the Allentown
and Harrisburg Diocese may nominate students in their parish who
are in good standing to receive this award.
Private Scholarship Matching Program.
Alvernia College encourages students to apply for private
scholarship sources. Alvernia will match any private scholarship that a
full-time student brings to the college up to $2,000 per year unless the
award exceeds the student's need.
Special Awards.
The following special awards are awarded to all accepted,
first-time freshmen who have participated in these service activities. Students
must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility and the College's financial
aid progress standards apply for renewal. Awards are renewable for
four years of attendance.
• Boy Scout-Eagle
• Hugh O'Brien Youth
• Girl Scout-Gold
• Miss Pennsylvania
• Boys and Girls State
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Governor's School of Excellence
ROTC Scholarship.
Alvernia College is in collaboration with Lehigh University's
ROTC program. Army ROTC scholarships are merit based and provide
money for tuition, books and other expenses. Alvernia College provides
free room and board for high school winners of three and four-year
advance Tier I scholarship recipients.
Donor Scholarships.
The following donor scholarships are funded by outside donors
and awarded to students on a competitive basis according to guidelines
set by the donor. Some scholarships require need-based recipients.
No separate application is needed to apply for these scholarships,
simply file the FAFSA to be considered. The College's financial aid
progress standards apply for renewal. Awards are renewable for four years
of attendance.
• Allentown Diocese Bishop's Scholarship
• Alumni Book Scholarship
• Arcadia Foundation Scholarship
• Bernardine International Scholarship
• Bishop's Scholarship
• Shirley K. and Joseph L. Boscov Scholarship
• Corporate Scholarships
• First Union Scholarship Program
• Gloria M. Genuardi Scholarship
• T. Jerome and Carolyn R. Holleran Scholarship
• Stanley B. Lewandowski Scholarship
• Henry E. Miller Memorial Scholarship
• Gustav Oberlaender Fund of the Berks County Community Foundation
• Guido Pichini Scholarship
• Roy Petrie Memorial Scholarship
• Frank J. Podczasy Scholarship
• Chris Schlager Scholarship
• President's Scholarship Ball Award
• Dr. Monica H. M. Shander Memorial Scholarship
• The Sister Edward Ann Scholarship
• The Sister Mary Gemma Scholarship
• The Sister Theresine Scholarship
• The Sister Mary Victorine Memorial Scholarship
• The Sister Mary Zygmunta Scholarship
• Social Work Award
• Sodexho-Marriott Scholarship
• UPS Scholarship
Transfer Scholarships
The following are given to all first-time full-time transfer
students accepted in the day program for their remaining years at
Alvernia College. Students must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for
other need-based funding. Students must maintain a certain grade
point average to renew the scholarship.
• Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship. This is awarded to transfers students
who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and possess a 3.5 grade point
average or higher. Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade
point average to renew the scholarship. Recipients of this award are
not eligible to receive ARC and ACT scholarships.
• ARC (Alvernia and RACC Connection)
Scholarship. All students who have a 3.0 grade point average and transfer with at least 45
accepted credits from Reading Area Community College. Students
must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to renew the
scholarship.
• ACT (Alvernia Connects with Transfers)
Scholarship. All students who have a 3.0 grade point average and transfer with at least 45
accepted credits from an accredited community college. Students
must maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average to renew the
scholarship.
• Transfer Scholarship. All students who have a 3.0 grade point
average and transfer with at least 24 accepted credits from an
accredited 4-year institution. Students must maintain a 2.5 grade
point average to renew the scholarship.
Alvernia College offers the following tuition discounts. Students
receiving the Senior Citizen, Tuition Exchange or Criminal Justice
Partnership Program discounts are not eligible to receive Alvernia College
grants, awards or scholarships.
• Allentown/Harrisburg Diocese
Discount. Full time employees of the Allentown Diocese or Harrisburg Diocese and their dependent
children will receive a tuition discount of 20 percent. A letter from
the principal or superintendent verifying employment must be sent
to the financial aid office to receive this discount. Students may be
eligible for additional funding from Alvernia College.
• Criminal Justice Partnership
Program. This tuition discount of 33 percent was developed for criminal justice practitioners who are
currently employed in the field so they may return to college to
complete their degree. Students must be accepted by the college to
be eligible.
• Senior Citizen Discount. A tuition discount of 100 percent is given
to students who are at least 60 years of age. Fees are
charged separately.
• Sibling Discount. When two dependent siblings are enrolled full
time in the day program simultaneously, a tuition discount of 20%
will be given to the second sibling. Students may be eligible for
additional funding from Alvernia College.
• Tuition Exchange. Tuition exchange is available for students whose
parents are employed by a higher education institution that
partici- pates in the Tuition Exchange Program. This discount covers up to
100% of tuition. Contact Human Resources for details.
Need-based grants are awarded to accepted students and do not have
to be repaid. The College's financial aid progress standards apply
for renewal. Awards are renewable for four years of attendance.
• Alvernia College Grants. Awarded to students on the basis of
financial need as determined by the federal formula. Students must
be full-time, must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility and follow
the College's financial aid progress standards to apply for renewal.
• Out-of-State Grants. These grants are awarded to students outside of
Pennsylvania and based on the formula set by Pennsylvania to
award its own grants to Pennsylvania residents. Grants will not be
given to students from states that award their own state grants to
bring to Alvernia College. Students must be full-time, must file the
FAFSA to determine eligibility and follow the College's financial
aid progress standards to apply for renewal.
• Helene Fuld Health Trust
Grant. This grant has been provided by the Helene Fuld Health Trust Fund and is available to full time,
economically disadvantaged RN-BSN completion students.
Applica- tions for this grant are available in the financial aid office. Student
must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility and follow the
College's financial aid progress standards to apply for renewal.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
(SEOG). Stu- dents must be enrolled at least half time and demonstrate the
highest financial need to receive these grants. This is a
campus- based program funded by the federal government and amount
available is dependent upon federal funding levels.
• Pell Grants. The federal government funds this grant program and
students must demonstrate financial need according to a federal
formula. Notification of eligibility is on a Student Aid Report
(SAR). The Financial Aid Office will determine the amount of the
award according to federal guidelines. For evening students with
Pell grants, modules 1 & 2 are considered the fall semester and
modules 3 & 4 are considered the spring semester. If students have
not used all of their Pell Grant eligibility in the fall and spring
semesters.
• Pennsylvania State Grant. The Pennsylvania Higher Education
Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers grants to undergraduates (over 18)
who are enrolled at least half time and have lived in Pennsylvania
for at least 12 months prior to the date of application. Parents must
meet domicile requirements for students under 18. The state grant
deadline is May 1 for the academic year. Full time students MUST
complete the State requirement of 24 CREDITS for the prior year of
state grant eligibility to maintain progress (part time: 12 credits).
Exceptions to the progress requirement can only be granted by
PHEAA and appeals must be made directly to PHEAA. State grant
eligibility is limited to eight semesters (OT students receive 9
semesters.). Questions concerning the State Grant program can be
directed to PHEAA in Harrisburg at 1-800-692-7435. For evening
students with PA State grants, modules 1 & 2 are considered the
fall semester and modules 3 & 4 are considered the spring semester.
All state grant recipients MUST report to the Financial Aid Office
any reimbursement for tuition from an employer. Call the Financial
Aid Office for the tuition reimbursement form.
• Other State Grants. Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts,
Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington DC, and West Virginia
residents may bring their state grants to most Pennsylvania colleges.
Call the Higher Education Assistance Agency in your state for
additional information on eligibility criteria and the application
procedures.
Federal Work-Study. This campus-based employment program is
funded by the federal government and based on financial need determined
by filing the FAFSA. Students must be full time throughout the
academic year and maintain satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible
for work-study. Actual hours worked and pay level are dependent
upon federal funding levels, job title and number of years of
employment with the college. If students are not awarded FWS on their award
letter, they are welcome to inquire at the Financial Aid Office and
submit their names to the waiting list. Students apply and interview for
the positions that are available across campus.
Alvernia College Job Corps. Alvernia funds this program and the
number of students in this program each year is dependent upon
funds available from the college. Actual hours per week and pay
level are dependent upon job title and number of years of employment with the college. Students MUST file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid if they seek employment on
campus. Students must be full time throughout the academic year
and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students apply and
interview for positions that are available across campus.
All loans must be repaid in accordance with the repayment
schedules established for each type of loan program. Sample loan
repayment schedules are available upon request. Entrance and exit interviews
are required for receipt of federal Perkins and Stafford loans.
Stafford entrance interviews are completed on PHEAA's web site
at www.pheaa.org. Perkins entrance information is sent directly to
the student. Exit interviews are conducted in person at the end of
the student's enrollment. Perkins loan cancellation and deferment
provisions are available at exit interviews and upon request. Terms and
conditions of Stafford loan deferments for service in the Peace Corps, service
under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, and comparable
volunteer service for tax-exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in
the field of community service is available at exit interviews and
upon request.
• Alvernia College Health Professions
Loan. This loan is funded by Alvernia College to students enrolled in any of the health
professionals majors: Nursing, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational
Therapy, Athletic Training and the PreProfessional Health Program.
Students must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least
half time. The interest rate is five percent payable to Alvernia
College nine months after the student graduates or falls below half
time status. Repayment may be deferred for graduate study in any
discipline.
• O'Rourke Nursing Loan. Alvernia College provides this loan to
students who are in the last year of the Nursing program. Students
must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half time.
This is an interest-free loan and students enter repayment nine
months after graduation. There are no deferment provisions.
• Federal Perkins Loan. This loan is a campus-based program funded
by the federal government and the amount available is dependent
upon federal funding levels. Students must demonstrate financial
need and be enrolled at least half time. The interest rate is five
percent payable to Alvernia College nine months after the student
graduates or falls below half time status. Repayment may be
deferred for graduate study and in some cases, portions of the loan
can be cancelled for teaching, law enforcement, head start, the
military or volunteer service.
• Federal Stafford and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford
Loans. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to
determine eligibility for these loans. First-time borrowers must also
file a Master Promissory Note for the Federal Stafford Loan.
Renewal loans will be approved by filing the FAFSA. In addition, the
student must be enrolled at least half time (six credits per semester)
to receive these loans. Evening Students will have loans certified on
a case-by-case basis depending upon the academic level and transfer
credits (if any) of the student. Annual loan terms for Stafford and
Unsubsidized Stafford loans are based on a minimum of 4 modules
per year. Students must complete a minimum of 24 credits before
they are eligible for another loan maximum.
The Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan is interest free until six
months after the student ceases attending the college on at least a
half time basis. At that time, the interest and principal are due
and the student has up to ten years to repay. Interest is due
quarterly on the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan while the student is in
school. The current interest rate varies per year, but will not exceed
8.25 percent. Fees of approximately three percent will be deducted
from each loan by the lender. Funds will arrive at the college in
two disbursements by co-payable check or electronic funds
transfer (EFT).
Based on the information received on the FAFSA, the student
may receive either a Stafford, or unsubsidized Stafford, or a combination
of both loans. The total cannot exceed the following maximums:
$2,625 Freshmen 1-29 credits
$3,500 Sophomore 30-59 credits
$5,500 Junior 60-89 credits
$5,500 Senior 90+ credits
If the student is independent as determined by the Financial Aid
Office, he or she may be eligible to borrow an additional Unsubsidized
Stafford Loan. First and second year students may borrow an additional
$4,000/year and third and fourth year students may borrow an
additional $5,000/year.
A Master Promissory Note will automatically be mailed to students
who indicate interest in Stafford loans on the FAFSA. If a student does not
receive an application, they should contact PHEAA at
1-800-692-7392.
Out-of-state students should contact the Financial Aid Office
to receive a Pennsylvania Stafford Loan application and should use one
of the "preferred lenders" to receive fast and efficient service while
borrowing and during repayment.
• Federal PLUS Loan. The Federal PLUS loan is available to parents
of dependent students. PLUS loans require a credit check, so allow
six weeks for processing time. The student must be enrolled at least
half time (six credits per semester) to be eligible for this loan. The
maximum PLUS loan is cost of education minus other financial aid.
However, the lender has an option to lower that maximum. The
current interest rate varies per year, but will not exceed nine
percent. If the parent is rejected for a PLUS loan, the dependent
student may borrow an additional unsubsidized loan in his/her
own name.
Checks are made co-payable to the parent and sent to the college
in two disbursements. Fees of approximately three percent will be
deducted from the loan. Principal and interest payments are due
after disbursement. There is no deferment while the student is in
school; however, forbearance is available for parents experiencing
financial hardship.
Pennsylvania students should contact their lenders for a PLUS loan
application. Students without a lender and out-of-state students can
contact the Financial Aid Office to receive a PLUS loan application.
Lenders will provide additional information on terms and conditions
and sample loan repayment schedules.
• Alternative Loan Programs. Alternative loans are designed to assist
students and their families who need to borrow additional funds to
meet the cost of an Alvernia education. Loan approval is generally
based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. The primary borrower
for alternative loans is the student; however, most dependent
students will require a co-signer. The interest on most alternative
loans must be paid while the student is in school; however, the
principal can be deferred until after graduation or
when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. As with any loan, careful
consideration should be made in determining amounts to be
borrowed, as the loan must be repaid. The following list of preferred
lenders has been provided to families because not all private loans
are the same when it comes to approval rates, ease of application,
and desirable repayment terms. For further details including interest-
rate, loan fees, eligibility requirements, and special features, please
call for an alternative loan brochure. For loan applications, contact
the college or the lender.
PNC Resource Loan Key Alternative Loan
1-800-762-1001 1-800-KEY-LEND
www.eduloans.pncbank.com www.key.com
Citibank CitiAssist Loan Fleet First
1-800-745-5473 1-888-FLEET-GO
www.citibank.com/student www.fleet.com/education
• New Jersey Class Loan. This loan is for New Jersey residents and
their parents. Students must be enrolled at least half time (6
credits per semester). Applicants must have a satisfactory credit
record, and the interest rate depends upon the repayment options
selected. Principal can be deferred while the student is in school.
To apply or receive information, call NJHEAA at 1-800-792-8670.
• Home Equity Loans. Home equity loans and lines of credit are
available through most lending institutions. These loans generally
have a competitive interest rate and in most cases offer deductibility
of interest from income taxes. (Contact your tax advisor for criteria
on deductibility of interest.) Contact your lender for details on this
type of loan.
• Private Scholarship Sources. While it takes some effort to find these
competitive private sources, it is well worth the time to locate
additional funds. See high school guidance counselors, the public
library, the Alvernia College Financial Aid Office (which has a
limited supply of private scholarship applications) and web sites for
scholarship searches on the Internet (hot links provided from the
Alvernia College homepage). Under the college's
Private Scholarship Matching
Program, the college will match the award up to $2,000
per year (see Merit Scholarships and Awards section).
• Alvernia College Installment Payment
Plan. The tuition payment plan is a service provided by Alvernia College for students to pay
all or part of tuition on a monthly basis. The plan is set up on a
10-month basis with no interest charged. Yearly fee is $50 and the
minimum monthly payment is $200. Details and applications are
available from the Cashier's office.
• Veterans Administration
Benefits. Junior G. I. and Veterans Educational Benefits are available for children and spouses of veterans
who died or who were totally disabled in the service. For more
information contact the Veterans Administration at 1-888-442-4551
or the Veterans Affairs Coordinator in the Financial Aid Office.
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Blindness and Visual
Services. The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
(OVR) and Blindness and Visual Services (BVS) give educational
monies to students with disabilities. To receive additional
information, contact the office nearest your home. The OVR office closest
to Alvernia College is located at 1090 Commons Blvd., Reading,
PA 19605 and can be reached at 610-378-4370 or 1-800-442-0949.
The BVS office can be reached by dialing 1-570-826-2361.
Study Abroad
Financial aid (including Federal Title IV assistance) may be
available for students who enroll in study abroad or the Washington
Center programs. Students should make an appointment with the director
of financial aid to determine individual funding availability.
Financial Aid for Summer Term
Stafford Loans, Pennsylvania State Grants and Pell Grants may
be available on a limited basis. The college does not offer any grants
for summer courses. The FAFSA that was filed for the prior year will
be used to determine eligibility for Federal and State aid. A separate
State Grant application must be filed for the summer term and is available
in April. Contact the Financial Aid Office for details on individual
eligibility during the summer.
Families with special circumstances involving severe financial
hardship should contact the college for a copy of the college's guidelines
for special circumstances and a form to complete. The State grant
program has additional forms for special circumstances and are available
through the financial aid office. A review of the request will be made
and additional aid will be processed on a funds-available basis.
The college reserves the right to change the configuration of any
award package throughout the academic year. Adjustments could result
from (but are not limited to) one or more of the following: change
in income reported; change in enrollment status; change in
resident/commuter status; change in need; or receipt of outside assistance.
The financial aid director will analyze each adjustment on an
individual basis. Federal regulations prohibit a student from receiving aid in
excess of his or her need. If necessary, the college will reduce loans
funds before reducing college grant funds.
All financial aid will appear as "unapplied aid" on student bills
until aid has been received and credited. Federal, state and college
grants, scholarships and awards for each semester will be deducted after
the add/drop period of each semester as long as the student has
complied with all requirements set by the Financial Aid Office. Work
program checks are not credited to the bill; rather, students are encouraged
to use these earnings for spending money related to educational
expenses. Perkins, Health Professions, and O'Rourke Loans will be credited
to accounts after the student signs the promissory note.
Stafford/PLUS loan recipients should remember to deduct three
percent (3%) in lender fees from loan approval amounts before deducting
the loan from the bill. Stafford/PLUS proceeds will be sent by
electronic funds transfer (EFT) or by check and applied to student
accounts. Students will be notified by the cashier's office if endorsement
is required. Students will be notified when loans have been credited
and have the option to cancel all or a portion of those loans.
If a student is receiving an outside scholarship, he/she should notify
the Financial Aid Office by sending a copy of the award letter.
The Cashier's Office can then extend credit to the student until the
scholarship arrives. The college must include the scholarship as a financial
aid resource to prevent overawards. Continued financial assistance is contingent upon the student
maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Financial
Aid Office. It is the student's responsibility to inquire as to how
the financial aid academic progress standards will affect his or her
financial aid (i.e., dropping or withdrawing from classes and /or falling below
a certain GPA). Academic progress standards are sent to each student
when he or she is awarded any type of financial aid. Full time students
are required to complete 24 credits per academic level and achieve
a minimum cumulative grade point average of 1.8 after their first
year; 1.9 after their second year; and 2.0 thereafter. Students receiving
merit scholarships and awards must meet specific criteria set forth for
that program (see Merit Scholarship and Awards section). Further details
of these standards and the appeal process are available in the
Financial Aid Office.
Students who withdraw completely from the college should refer to
the college's refund policy in the Financial Information section of
this catalog. For students who have received federal Title IV financial
aid, and have withdrawn completely from the college, the college will
follow the return of funds policy in accordance with the 1998 Code of
Federal Regulations 668.22. These federal regulations will determine how
much federal financial aid has been earned and how much must be
returned to the federal Title IV programs by the student and the college. For
a complete copy of the refund policy, contact the Financial Aid
or Cashier's Offices.
Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information and details on other Financial Aid Policies. Feel free to write, call or email questions or concerns. Students may also visit the financial aid section of the web site at www.alvernia.edu. We are here to serve students and their families.
Alvernia College
Financial Aid Office
Admissions Building
400 Saint Bernardine St.
Reading, PA 19607
Phone: 610-796-8215 Fax: 610-796-8336
610-796-8356
http://www.alvernia.edu/financialaid/