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Financial Aid

Financial Need
How to Apply
Merit Scholarships and Awards
Tuition Discounts
Need-based Grants
Work Programs
Loan Programs
Other Types of Assistance
Financial Aid Policies
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

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.

Academic Year
Alvernia College’s definition of an academic year for the day program consists of two fifteen-week semesters that total 30 weeks for an academic year. For the Continuing Studies Division, an academic year consists of four seven-week modules. During these periods, a full-time student must complete 24 credits to maintain academic progress. Students are eligible for only one loan during an academic year.

How to Apply

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 preceeding 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. Upperclassmen must
refile the FAFSA each year to apply for financial aid.
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 Alternative Loan applications are available from the Financial Aid Office or by calling one of the lenders listed in the Loan Programs section of this catalog. 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 has separate requirements for PA State grants)
• Not be convicted for possession or sale of drugs (Federal programs only)
• be seeking a first Bachelor’s degree

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. See the Financial Aid Office for a copy of the full Continuing Studies Division policies.

Merit Scholarships and Awards

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.

Students may not receive scholarships, grants and awards from all Federal, State, college and private sources in excess of tuition and fees for commuters and in excess of tuition, fees, and room and board for resident students. These scholarships, grants and awards also include, but are not limited, to Resident Assistant discount, Student Ambassador Award, employee/dependent tuition remission. See the Financial Aid Office for details.

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 the 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 scholarship 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 their high school class. Students 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 and 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 participation 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 students who graduate from a Berks County high school.
• PACE (PArtners in Catholic Education). This award is given to students who graduate from a Catholic high school.
• Bernardine Heritage Award. This award is given to students who graduate from a high school founded by the Bernardine Sisters. This includes St. Pius X High School in Pottstown, PA. These students are not eligible to receive a PACE award.
• Commuter Outreach Award. This award is given to 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. See the Financial Aid Office for a complete list of eligible high schools.
• Principal’s Community Service Award. Principals nominate one student from each Partnership High School (For PACE recipients: Allentown and Harrisburg Diocese schools only). This award is based on academics, and the recipient must demonstrate past participation 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 in the church 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.
• Alumni Referral
• Governor’s School of Excellence
• Boy Scout-Eagle
• Home School Partnership
• Boys and Girls State
• Hugh O’Brien Leadership
• Future Business Leaders of America
• Miss Pennsylvania
• National Honor Society
• Girl Scout-Gold

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.
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. Please refer to the financial aid web page for current donor scholarships.

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 transfer 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.
• ARC (Alvernia and RACC Connection) Scholarship. All students who have a 3.0 grade point average and transfer with at least 24 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 24 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.
  

Tuition Discounts

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%. 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.
• Alumni Discount. Students who have earned a Bachelor Degree from Alvernia College and return to complete another undergraduate program are eligible to receive a 40% tuition discount off three credits twice a year. Alumni who enroll in a graduate program are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount.
• Criminal Justice Partnership Program. This tuition discount of 36% of the day tuition rate was developed for criminal justice practitioners who are currently employed in the field so they may return to college to complete their degree at the lower cost offered in the evening program. Students must be accepted by the College to be eligible.
• Senior Citizen Discount. A tuition discount of 100% is given to students who are at least 65 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 participates in the Tuition Exchange Program. This discount covers up to 100% of tuition. Tuition exchange students attending the College are required to file a FAFSA. Contact the Human Resources Office for details.

Need-Based Grants

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.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG). Students 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, they may use it in the summer sessions.
• 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 1-800-692-7392. 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.
  

Work Programs

• Federal Work-Study (FWS). 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 through- out 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 name 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. The maximum hours a student may work is ten hours per week. The pay level is dependent upon job title and the number of years of employment with the College. Students MUST file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 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.

Loan Programs

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 via the Web 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 profes- sions majors: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, and Athletic Training. Students must demonstrate financial need and be enrolled at least half time. The interest rate is 5% 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, and 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 four 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%. 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 Freshman 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 lenders listed in the Alternative Loan Programs section 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 students should 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 lenders has been provided to families because not all private loans are the same with regard 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
  1-800-762-1001
  www.eduloans.pncbank.com
  
  Key Alternative Loan
  1-800-KEY-LEND
  www.key.com
  
  Citibank CitiAssist Loan
  1-800-745-5473
  www.studentloan.com
  
  Fleet First Loan
  1-888-FLEET-GO
  www.fleet.com
  
• 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.
  

Other Types of Assistance

• 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 within need (see Merit Scholarships and Awards section).
• KeyBank Payment Plan. The tuition payment plan is a service provided by KeyBank on behalf of Alvernia College. Students may pay all or part of tuition on a monthly and interest-free basis. The yearly fee is $50 and details and applications are available from the Bursar’s Office, key.com/paymentplan, or 1-800-KEYLEND.
• 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. The College will notify the Veterans Administration if a student receiving VA benefits does not meet the academic progress requirements after serving a probationary period of two semesters.
• 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.
• Graduate Assistantships. Students enrolled in one of the graduate programs at Alvernia College may be eligible to apply for graduate assistantships. Contact the Graduate Center at 610-796-8228.
  

Financial Aid Policies

Aid Disbursement
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 approximately 3-4 weeks 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 two percent 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 Bursar’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.

Financial Aid Academic Progress Standards
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.

Financial Aid Refund Policy
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 Bursar’s Offices.

Alvernia College will allocate a refund in the following order:
1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG
7. Any other Title IV programs
This refund order is in compliance with federal requirements.

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 loan funds before reducing college grant funds.

Special Family Circumstances
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 Pennsylvania State grant program requires additional forms for special circumstances and these forms 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.

Study Abroad/The Washington Center
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. Students interested in study abroad should go to the Center for Academic Advancement for assistance.

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. Contact Graduate and Continuing Studies in the Graduate Center for the summer courses schedule.

Questions?

Please contact the Financial Aid Office for further information and details on other Financial Aid Policies. Feel free to write, call or e-mail any questions or concerns. Students may also visit the financial aid section of the web site at www.alvernia.edu/financialaid.

Alvernia College
Financial Aid Office
Admissions Building
400 Saint Bernardine St.
Reading, PA 19607
Phone: 610-796-8356 Fax: 610-796-8336