Bulletin - Financial and Financial Aid Information

Tuition, room and board, and fees are subject to change each academic year.  Current tuition and fee rates are available online: https://hub.oglethorpe.edu/tuition-fees/.

5.1.1. Tuition

For each student, an account statement is maintained and available on the student’s OASIS account. Statements include, but are not limited to, tuition, fees, room and board charges and meal plan charges.

Payment arrangements must be made and final payment of all tuition and fees must be completed for each academic term by the dates published on the University website at https:// hub.oglethorpe.edu/billing-payments/. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed of all deadlines. Oglethorpe University reserves the right at any time during the semester to drop any student from classes for failure to pay tuition and fees. Until all financial obligations are met, a HOLD (see Sec. 6.9.2.) is placed on the student’s account, no records are released, no future registration is allowed, and the faculty will not consider such a student as a candidate for graduation. No student with an outstanding balance to the University will be permitted to study abroad or attend other University-related trips. Students with outstanding indebtedness may be subject to late penalties. Unpaid student accounts that are deemed delinquent may be placed with a collection agency. If such action is required, the student will be liable for any cost associated with such action. Any disputes to charges must go through the non-academic committee for complaints, appeals and exceptions (see Sec. 3.9.2.)

5.3.1. Employer Reimbursement

Arrangements can be made for those students whose employers pay all or part of their tuition and fees. Upon registration, the student must submit paperwork to the enrollment services area from the employer verifying the reimbursement. The balance is due no later than 30 days after the end of the semester (or session within a semester) being reimbursed. If the balance is not paid within this timeframe, the student will be assessed late fees and will not be permitted to register for future semesters (or sessions within semesters).

5.3.2. Tuition Exchange and Waiver Benefits for Employees and Their Dependents

Students qualified for tuition exchange benefits will receive cumulative gift assistance that is equal to tuition. Students receiving tuition exchange benefits are expected to live on campus while enrolled at Oglethorpe. Like all other forms of financial aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP; see Sec. 5.14.) to retain tuition exchange benefits.

Please refer to the Employee Handbook for eligibility requirements and details.

Oglethorpe University accepts cash, check, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and wire transfers. Students can also pay their accounts online via OASIS. A convenience fee is required for all payments by credit/debit card.

Oglethorpe also offers a payment plan option. Payment plans enable students to divide their account balances into regular installments throughout a term. All students are pre-approved to participate in a payment plan during the term in which they are enrolled. Payment plans expire at scheduled dates prior to the end of each term and are subject to a payment plan enrollment fee (see Sec. 5.1.3.).  Plans are also subject to late fees and returned payment fees.  Payment schedules other than those prescribed by the University must be approved in advance by the office of the controller.

If a check made in payment for student tuition and fees is not valid upon presentation to Oglethorpe’s banking institution, a hold is placed on the student’s account, and a returned check fee is added to the student’s account. Oglethorpe University reserves the right to place a student on “cash only” status for issuing a check that is not honored upon presentation to the bank.

Oglethorpe University’s financial aid programs are administered in conjunction with a federally established policy and a philosophy of financial aid for education.  The University offers a variety of strategies and resources to keep the net cost of an Oglethorpe education affordable. Financial aid offered at Oglethorpe includes need-based and merit awards from federal, state, institutional and private sources. The University may offer an institutional match to certain state awards, with such decisions determined annually. Students are encouraged to disclose any secured, third-party scholarships to Oglethorpe prior to the beginning of the fall semester. Any third-party scholarships disclosed after the fall semester may impact institutional aid or be applied to future terms. Accepted students should begin the financial aid application process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at https://studentaid.gov.

These are restricted to full-time TU students. Merit scholarship recipients are required to uphold and adhere to both Oglethorpe’s honor code and code of student conduct and to federal, state and local laws. Violations or liabilities against either code, or arrest and conviction for a crime, or arrest and acceptance of responsibility for a crime, may result in the suspension (either temporary or permanent) of an Oglethorpe merit scholarship.

Students awarded a full tuition merit-based scholarship must enroll in the term noted on their award notification letter. Deferral of acceptance for a full tuition scholarship will not be granted, although students may be eligible for other merit-based Oglethorpe scholarships.

5.6.1. James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarships

James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program.  Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum and demonstrate a superior record of leadership in extracurricular activities either in school or in the community. This scholarship is renewable for a total of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a James Edward Oglethorpe Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures and deadlines, contact the office of admission.

5.6.2. The J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship

J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Candidates must demonstrate a superior record of leadership in extracurricular activities, either in school or in the community. Applicants are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter each year. Eligible candidates must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum and complete an interview detailing their history of leadership. This scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a J. Fred and Catherine B. Agel Leadership Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures, deadlines, and requirements, contact the office of admission.

5.6.3. OU Theatre Scholarships

OU Theatre Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to performing and must major in Theatre or English. Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year and are expected to perform two prepared monologues, participate in a seminar and write an essay based on the seminar discussion. This scholarship is renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Continued dedication to theatre and to Oglethorpe’s professional theatre partners, The Horizon Theatre or The Alliance Theatre, is expected. Recipients of an OU Theatre Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures, deadlines and requirements, contact the office of admission.

5.6.4. Hammack Scholarships

Hammack Scholarships cover tuition unpaid by state scholarships and grants for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters of undergraduate study in the TU program. Recipients are selected during the annual Scholarship Weekend competition for rising first-time, full-time freshmen held on campus in the winter of each year. Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade-point average in a competitive high school curriculum, and demonstrate the pursuit of entrepreneurial or business-related opportunities and the desire to major in a business field. Each candidate will be evaluated based on a presentation, computer simulation competition, and a writing assessment.  This scholarship is renewable for a total of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided the recipient maintains a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.2 and completes a minimum of 12 semester hours each fall and spring semester. Recipients of a Hammack Scholarship are required to live on campus (excluding Gables Brookhaven) while enrolled at Oglethorpe. For application procedures and deadlines, contact the office of admission.

5.6.5. Additional Substantial Merit-Based Awards

Full-time TU students who are not selected for one of the full-tuition scholarships (see Sec. 5.6.1. through Sec. 5.6.4., above) may be eligible for one of the additional Oglethorpe merit awards which include:

• Presidential Scholarships
• Oxford Scholarships
• Lanier Scholarships
• OU Grants

These scholarships range in value and are offered to entering students with superior academic ability. Merit scholarships are based on criteria such as high school grade-point average, SAT/ACT test scores (if submitted), and high school rank and quality. Oglethorpe will verify the final qualifying GPA by official transcripts during the summer before enrollment. Recipients of Oglethorpe’s merit-based scholarships are expected to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.) and to make significant contributions to the Oglethorpe community. The awards are determined by the office of admission at the time a student is admitted to Oglethorpe and are not offered or changed at any other time. These scholarships are renewable for a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters provided recipients meet the minimum grade-point average requirements specified above and earn a minimum of 12 semester hours each regular (fall and spring) semester.

5.6.6. International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships

First-time freshmen who are IB Diploma candidates are conditionally eligible for a $1,500 per year scholarship, renewable for up to a maximum of eight regular (fall and spring) semesters. In order to receive the award, students must complete the IB Diploma Programme, which Oglethorpe verifies by official IB score report during the summer before enrollment. Recipients must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.) and earn a minimum of 12 semester hours each regular (fall and spring) semester to renew the IB scholarship.

5.6.7. Freshman Choral and Music Performance Awards

Freshman Choral and Music Performance Awards provide up to $2,000 per year to students who demonstrate exceptional vocal or instrumental ability. Prospective students must audition with the director of music or their proxy. For application procedures and to schedule an audition, contact the office of admission.

5.6.8. Music Scholarships

Choral and Instrumental Scholarships (tuition remission awards) are awarded to selected students who meet the following criteria:

1. Present a short singing or playing audition for the director of music and the director of choral activities at the start of the Fall or Spring semester or at JEO Scholarship Weekends.
2. Register for at least a 1-credit section of applied music instruction.
3. Register and participate in at least one music ensemble (Oglethorpe singers, Oglethorpe symphony, Oglethorpe jazz ensemble).

Potential scholarships may be awarded based on “in-person” auditions at the following times:

1. At JEO Scholarship Weekend auditions;
2. During scheduled times on MAP days;
3. During the week prior to the beginning of Fall or Spring Semesters; or
4. During the first 5 days of the Fall or Spring semester.

Audio/video recordings may be submitted at any time and reviewed at the discretion of the director of music.

Music scholarship students are expected to demonstrate exemplary participation and leadership skills in ensembles and to demonstrate significant growth in applied instruction classes.

Applied instruction awards can be awarded at the discretion of the director of music in consultation with applied instructors to students who register only for applied music classes who a) have participated in an ensemble, b) might participate in a different semester, or c) have a class conflict that prevents them from participating in an ensemble.

Music scholarships can be removed at the discretion of the director of music should the above criteria not be met.

5.6.9. OU HOPE Plus

For recipients of the HOPE Scholarship (see Sec. 5.10.1.) or Zell Miller Scholarship (see Sec. 5.10.2.), Oglethorpe may consider introducing an institutional supplement to the amount of the HOPE Scholarship awarded by the state of Georgia. If a student is determined to be HOPE-eligible, this supplement will be automatic. The supplement amount will be included in the scholarship award letter. This award is only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe. This award has been previously called OU Match for Georgia Hope.

5.6.10. Out-of-State HOPE Equivalents

For students who reside in Florida, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, or Mississippi and graduate from high school with a 3.0 GPA or higher, Oglethorpe may consider the student for a supplemental award. Recipients need to maintain a cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 or higher while at Oglethorpe. These awards are merit-based grants directly from Oglethorpe and are only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe.

Flagship 50

For first-year students who reside in one of the 50 states, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories and who have earned a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.8 (as calculated by Oglethorpe on the student’s final transcript) or achieved an SAT Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing + Math score of at least 1400 or an ACT composite score of at least 30, Oglethorpe will ensure the student’s tuition and fees net of grants and scholarships is equal to the in-state tuition and fees charged by the flagship public college in the student’s home state. Eligible state or federal grants can be received in addition to this award. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time at Oglethorpe, in good academic and conduct standing, and reside on campus (excluding Gables) to keep the award. These awards are merit-based grants directly from Oglethorpe and are only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe. A student’s Flagship 50 award amount is calculated prior to a student’s matriculation to Oglethorpe and remains fixed. Once calculated, a Flagship 50 award amount does not fluctuate from year to year.

5.6.11. Flagship 50

For first-year students who reside in one of the 50 states, including the District of Columbia and U.S. Territories and who have earned a cumulative high school grade point average of at least 3.8 (as calculated by Oglethorpe on the student’s final transcript) or achieved an SAT Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing + Math score of at least 1400 or an ACT composite score of at least 30, Oglethorpe will ensure the student’s tuition and fees net of grants and scholarships is equal to the in-state tuition and fees charged by the flagship public college in the student’s home state. Eligible state or federal grants can be received in addition to this award. Recipients must remain enrolled full-time at Oglethorpe, in good academic and conduct standing, and reside on campus (excluding Gables) to keep the award. These awards are merit-based grants directly from Oglethorpe and are only offered at the time of a student’s admission to Oglethorpe. Changes in a student’s GPA after we receive their final transcripts may result in changes to Oglethorpe University merit scholarship amounts, including the Flagship 50 Program. A student’s Flagship 50 award amount is calculated prior to a student’s matriculation to Oglethorpe and remains fixed. Once calculated, a Flagship 50 award amount does not fluctuate from year to year.

Oglethorpe Need-Based Grants are available to full-time TU students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Oglethorpe Need-Based Grants are awarded in conjunction with federal, state, private or institutional assistance and cannot exceed the student’s financial need.  To apply, students must complete the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov and forward the results to Oglethorpe electronically using school code 001586. Awards are determined annually based on FAFSA data.

Note: Students enrolled in a dual degree program or in transient studies may not use any Oglethorpe assistance to attend other institutions.

Outstanding student achievement may be recognized by being named as an endowed scholar.  Selections for these honorary designations are based on the criteria outlined below for each award. Except as noted, Oglethorpe endowed scholarships are only available for full-time TU students.

• The J. Frederick Agel, Sr., ’52 Endowed Scholarship: Awarded to two junior students (rising seniors) who contribute significantly to student life, as determined by the office of campus life, and who have achieved a grade-point average qualifying them for Latin honors. The scholarship will support the students during their senior year at Oglethorpe University.
• The John A. Aldrich Memorial Scholarship Fund: Endowment funding was established in 2008 by a gift from Lyman C. Aldrich, class of 1938, in honor of his father, John A. Aldrich, former dean of the school of science at Oglethorpe. Scholarship preference is given to a worthy student in need.
• The Ivan Allen Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by a grant from The Allen Foundation, Inc., of Atlanta, in memory of Ivan Allen, Sr., who was a trustee of the University for many years and general chairman of the first major fundraising campaign. The Ivan Allen family and foundation are long-time benefactors of the University. Ivan Allen Scholars must be from the Southeast, have at least a 3.2 grade-point average, leadership ability and demonstrated financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
• The Marshall A. and Mary Bishop Asher Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by the Asher family in 1988. The late Mr. and Mrs. Asher were both alumni (classes of 1941 and 1943, respectively) and both served for many years as trustees of the University. The scholarship is awarded to a superior student in science.
• The Keith Baker Endowed Scholarship: Funding was established by former students in honor of Professor Keith Baker, a valued member of the Oglethorpe Accounting faculty from 1983 to 1999. This scholarship is awarded annually to a junior majoring in Accounting. The student must demonstrate a strong academic record, active campus and community involvement, relevant work experience and aspirations for a career in the field of accounting.
• The Bank of America Scholars Program: This endowed scholarship program was established in 1999 by Bank of America, formerly NationsBank, and is awarded to students majoring in Business or Computer Science.
• The Becker-Grenwald Fund: Funding was established by Judith M. Becker of Augusta, Georgia, former member of the president’s advisory council and longtime friend of Oglethorpe University, in memory of Edward S. Grenwald, member of the Oglethorpe University board of trustees and former president of the board of visitors. The scholarship is designed to help defray tuition and other educational expenses of one or more full-time undergraduate or graduate students at Oglethorpe who are citizens and permanent residents of Turkey. The scholarship is based on merit, without regard to financial need.
• The Leo Bilancio Scholarship Fund: Created with a gift from Dr. Theodore P. Kallman ’68 and Deborah B. Kallman in memory of Oglethorpe faculty member, Dr. Leo Bilancio, this scholarship benefits a History major (or if no student meets the qualifications a student in Division Two) who has demonstrated financial need and who maintains good academic standing.
• The Earl Blackwell Endowed Scholar: Earl Blackwell, distinguished publisher, playwright, author and founder of Celebrity Services, Inc., headquartered in New York, established this scholarship for deserving students with special interest in English, journalism or the performing arts. Mr. Blackwell was a 1929 graduate of the University.
• The Homer Edgar Bodiford, Jr. Scholarship Fund: Funding was established from the estate of Mr. Bodiford, an Oglethorpe alumnus from the class of 1949. The fund is to provide a scholarship or scholarships to an Oglethorpe student or students in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need, as determined by the director of financial aid.
• The Lauren Ashley Burk Memorial Scholarship Fund: Endowment funding was established by gifts from family friends, colleagues and community members in 2008 in memory of Lauren Ashley Burk, daughter of James Burk, class of 1983, and Viviane Guerchon. This scholarship is awarded to a student with an interest in art.
• The Frank and Eleanor Burke Endowed Scholarship Fund: Funding was established by a gift from Mr. Burke, a 1966 graduate of the University, and his family. Scholarship preference is given to a worthy student in need, deserving of a second chance at college.
• The L. Thomas Clements ’86 and Penelope B. Clements Scholarship: Funding was established by a gift from L. Thomas Clements, Oglethorpe class of 1986, and his wife, Penelope B. Clements. The scholarship will be awarded annually to an Oglethorpe student who has substantial demonstrated financial need and who has maintained good academic standing.
• The Miriam H. and John A. Conant Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by Mrs. Miriam H. “Bimby” and Mr. John A. Conant, long-time benefactors of Oglethorpe and both recipients of Oglethorpe Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees. Mrs. Conant served as a trustee of the University from 1981 until her death in January 2003. Scholarships are awarded annually to superior students with leadership ability.
• The Estelle Anderson Crouch Endowed Scholar: Mr. John W. Crouch, class of 1929 and a former trustee of the University, provided funding for this scholarship in memory of Mrs. Estelle Anderson Crouch, mother of John Thomas Crouch, class of 1965. Mrs. Crouch died in 1960. The scholarship is awarded annually without regard to financial need to students who have demonstrated high academic standards.
• The Katherine Shepard Crouch Endowed Scholar: Funding was given in memory of Mrs. Katherine Shepard Crouch by Mr. John W. Crouch and is awarded annually based upon academic achievement.
• The Cammie Lee Stow Kendrick Crouch Endowed Scholar: This scholarship was endowed by Mr. John W. Crouch in memory of Mrs. Cammie Lee Stow Kendrick Crouch. Mr. and Mrs. Crouch were classmates at Oglethorpe and graduates in the class of 1929. It is awarded annually based upon academic achievement.
• The Karen S. Dillingham Memorial Endowed Scholar: Funding was provided by Mr. and Mrs. Paul L. Dillingham in loving memory of their daughter. Mr. Dillingham was a former trustee and served for several years as a senior administrator of the University. The scholarship is awarded each year to an able and deserving student.
• The Paul L. Dillingham Memorial Scholarship Fund: Funding was established in 2014 by a gift from Barbara Rosson Dillingham. The fund is to provide a scholarship or scholarships to an Oglethorpe student or students in good academic standing, majoring in a discipline housed within the Hammack School of Business, with preference given to students majoring in Accounting.
• The R. E. Dorough Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by a gift from Mr. Dorough’s estate. Scholarships from this fund are awarded to able and deserving students based on the criteria outlined in his will. Mr. Dorough was a former trustee of the University.
• The William A. Egerton Memorial Endowed Scholar: Initial funding was established in 1988 by Franklin L. Burke ’66, Robert B. Currey ’66 and Gary C. Harden ’69 who encouraged other alumni and friends to assist in establishing this fund in memory of Professor Egerton, a highly respected member of the faculty from 1956 to 1978. The scholarship is awarded to a student with a strong academic record and demonstrated leadership skills who is majoring in Business Administration.
• The Henry R. “Hank” Frieman Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by Mr. Frieman, class of 1936. An outstanding athlete during his days at Oglethorpe, Frieman spent a career in coaching, earning a spot in the Oglethorpe athletic hall of fame. This scholarship is awarded annually based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, demonstrated need and a special interest in sports.
• The Charles A. Frueauff Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by grants from the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation of Little Rock, Arkansas. Scholarship preference is given to able and deserving students from middle-income families who do not qualify for governmental assistance. The criteria for selection also include academic ability and leadership potential.
• The Lu Thomasson Garrett Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in honor of Lu Thomasson Garrett, class of 1952, a former trustee of the University and a recipient of an Oglethorpe Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Preference for awarding scholarships from this fund is given to students who demonstrate superior academic abilities, who have made a significant contribution to the Oglethorpe community, and who are majoring in Education or Business Administration.
• The Georgia Power Company Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by a grant from the Georgia Power Company of Atlanta. The fund will provide scholarship support for able and deserving students from Georgia. Georgia Power Scholars must have at least a 3.2 grade-point average, leadership ability and financial need.
• The J. Lewis Glenn ’71 Scholarship Fund: Funding was established by a donation from Mr. Glenn in 2014. This fund provides an annual scholarship for a student who has substantial demonstrated financial need, who has completed their first year in good academic standing, and who has shown outstanding leadership qualities and a significant interest in community service. Preference may be given to a student who has declared a minor in Non-Profit Management.
• The John T. and Betty V. Goldthwait Scholarship Honoring Dr. Thornwell Jacobs: Funding was established by a gift from the estate of Dr. John T. Goldthwait, an Oglethorpe alumnus from the class of 1943. The Scholarship is awarded each year to an Oglethorpe student who has demonstrated superior academic achievement (a grade-point average of at least 3.25), leadership ability and active community involvement.
• The Goizueta Endowed Scholar: Established by grants from the Goizueta Foundation, this endowment provides need-based scholarships for Hispanic students who reside in the United States. Participation in high school extracurricular activities and an evaluation of the student’s potential to succeed at Oglethorpe are considered.
• The Golden Petrels Endowed Scholar: the fund was established in 2014 through the generosity of the Class of 1963 and the Class of 1964 on the occasion of their 50^th The intention of the scholarship is “to give to others, so they too can be enriched by an Oglethorpe education.”
• The Walter F. Gordy Memorial Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in 1994 with a bequest from the Estate of William L. Gordy, class of 1925. Walter Gordy was also an alumnus of Oglethorpe, class of 1924. The scholarship fund was increased in 1995 with a bequest from the Estate of Mrs. William L. (Helene) Gordy. Scholarships from this fund are awarded at the discretion of the University.
• The Nell and Jesse Hall Scholarship Fund: Established by a bequest from former Oglethorpe board chair Jesse Seaborn Hall, this fund is for scholarships for Oglethorpe students, with a preference for students who are working part-time while attending school.
• The Bert L. and Emory B. Hammack Memorial Scholar: Established in 1984 by Mr. Francis R. Hammack, a member of the class of 1927 and brother of Bert L. and Emory B. Hammack, this scholarship is awarded annually to a senior student majoring in science or mathematics, who is a native of Georgia and who had the highest academic grade-point average of all such students who attended Oglethorpe University in their previous undergraduate years.
• The Francis R. Hammack Scholar: Established in 1990 by Mr. Francis R. Hammack, a member of the class of 1927, this scholarship is to be awarded annually to a needy but worthy junior class English major who is a native of Georgia and has attended Oglethorpe University in their previous undergraduate years.
• The Leslie U. and Ola Ryle Hammack Memorial Scholar: Funding of this third gift was established in 1985 by Francis R. Hammack, class of 1927, in memory of his parents. It is awarded annually to a junior student working toward the Bachelor of Business Administration degree, who is a native of Georgia and who had the highest academic grade-point average of all such students who attended Oglethorpe University in their previous undergraduate years.
• The William Randolph Hearst Scholarship: This is an endowed scholarship awarded annually to a deserving student who has attained exceptional academic achievement. The William Randolph Hearst Foundation, New York, established the endowment to provide this scholarship in honor of Mr. Hearst, one of the benefactors of Oglethorpe University.
• The Harold Hirsch Foundation Endowed Scholarship: Established in 1981 by the Harold Hirsch Foundation with the intent of assisting non-traditional age students, this scholarship is awarded annually to degree-seeking students enrolled in Oglethorpe’s adult degree program (ADP).
• The Ira Jarrell Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in 1975 to honor the late Dr. Jarrell, former Superintendent of Atlanta Schools and a 1928 graduate of Oglethorpe. It is awarded annually in the fall to a new student who is a graduate of an Atlanta public high school studying teacher education. Should there be no eligible applicant, the award may be made to an Atlanta high school graduate in any field, or the University may award the scholarship to any worthy high school graduate requiring assistance while working in the field of teacher education.
• The Nancy H. Kerr Endowed Scholarship: Funding was established by Margaret O. Y. Chin, class of 1987, in honor of former Professor of Psychology and Provost Nancy H. Kerr. Scholarships are awarded annually to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership potential and active community involvement.
• The Mary Jane Stuart Kohler Memorial Scholarship Fund: The fund was established by family and friends in memory of Mrs. Kohler, a 1990 graduate. The scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior female student who demonstrates strong involvement in campus life, a positive outlook coupled with diligence and commitment to all she undertakes and at least a 3.0 grade-point average.
• The Ray M. and Mary Elizabeth Lee Foundation Endowed Scholarship: Funding was established by the Lee Foundation of Atlanta. Scholarships are awarded to able and deserving students.
• The Lowry Memorial Scholar: Established by a bequest from Emma Markham Lowry in 1923, awards are made to students who “desire an education but are unable to secure the same because of a lack of funds.”
• The Janice M. McNeal ’98 Scholarship: Funding was established by Ms. McNeal, Oglethorpe Class of 1998. This scholarship is awarded to an able and deserving student of sophomore standing, with preference given to residents of Fulton County, Georgia, or the City of Atlanta who attended a public high school. Recipients may continue to receive scholarship funding throughout their remaining years at Oglethorpe provided they remain in good standing with the University.
• The Vera A. Milner Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by Belle Turner Lynch, class of 1961 and a trustee of the University, and her sisters, Virginia T. Rezetko and Vera T. Wells, in memory of their aunt, Vera A. Milner. The scholarship is awarded to students needing financial assistance in order to study abroad. The students chosen to receive this aid will be recommended by the director of the CGE (center for global education) and the director of financial aid to the president or provost for selection.
• The Oglethorpe Christian Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by a grant from an Atlanta foundation which wishes to remain anonymous. The fund also has received grants from the Akers Foundation, Inc., of Gastonia, North Carolina; the Clark and Ruby Baker Foundation of Atlanta; and the Mary and E. P. Rogers Foundation of Atlanta. Recipients must be legal residents of Georgia and have graduated from a Georgia high school. High school applicants must rank in the top quarter of their high school classes and have Scholastic Assessment Test scores of 1100 or more; upperclassmen must have a grade-point average of 3.0. Applicants must submit a statement from a local minister attesting to their religious commitment, active involvement in a local church, Christian character and promise of Christian leadership and service. The Oglethorpe Christian Scholarship Committee interviews applicants.
• The Oglethorpe Memorial Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in 1994 by combining several existing scholarship funds created over the previous two decades. This fund also allows people to establish memorials with amounts smaller than would otherwise be possible. The following are honored in the Oglethorpe Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund:
  • Allen A. and Mamie B. Chappell
  • Dondi Cobb Memorial
  • Louis Colombo, Sr.
  • The Michael A. Corvasce Memorial Endowed Scholar
  • The Virginia O. Dempsey ’29 Scholar
  • The Ernst & Young Endowed Scholar
  • Lenora and Alfred Glancy Foundation
  • Diane K. Gray
  • D. M. Harris
  • Anna Rebecca Harwell Hill and Frances Grace Harwell
  • George A. Holloway Sr.
  • Elliece Johnson Memorial
  • The Virgil W. and Virginia C. Milton Endowed Scholar
  • The Dr. Keiichi Nishimura Endowed Scholar
  • The Manning M. Pattillo, Jr., Endowed Scholar
  • The Dr. Heyl G. and Ruth D. Tebo Endowed Scholar
  • The L. W. “Lefty” and Frances E. Willis Endowed Scholar
• The Tony and Louise Palma Scholar: Funding was established by a gift from Dr. and Mrs. James Cox to honor the late Antonio M. Palma, an alumnus from the class of 1942, and his wife Louise. The scholarship is awarded to an able and deserving Oglethorpe senior in academic good standing.
• The David Reynolds Pass Scholarship for the Applied Liberal Arts: Funding was established by a gift from Mr. Pass, a 1998 graduate of Oglethorpe University. The purpose of the fund is to provide a scholarship to an Oglethorpe undergraduate student who has a thirst for liberal arts and demonstrates strong potential for practically applying liberal arts education to make a meaningful difference in the world. The scholarship will be awarded to an incoming freshman student who possesses an outstanding record of academic achievement, strong extracurricular background, and does not qualify for federal need-based awards. The scholarship is renewable for a maximum of four years provided the student maintains a minimum GPA of at least 3.0.
• Pullen Family Scholarship Fund: Funded by a gift from Robert H. (Pete) Pullen ’79, this scholarship is awarded to a Chemistry major (or if no candidates meet the qualification a student in Division Three), who has demonstrated financial need and who maintains good academic standing.
• The Milton M. Ratner Endowed Scholarship Fund: Funding was established in 1999 by the Milton M. Ratner Foundation of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
• The E. Rivers and Una Rivers Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by the late Mrs. Una S. Rivers to provide for deserving students who demonstrate superior academic abilities and who have made a significant contribution to the Oglethorpe community.
• The Fred C. Robey Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by Fred C. Robey, class of 1997. This scholarship is awarded based upon financial need to international students or to first-generation college students enrolled in Oglethorpe’s adult degree program (ADP).
• The J. Mack Robinson Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by Atlanta businessman J. Mack Robinson. It is awarded to a deserving student who demonstrates superior academic abilities and who has made a significant contribution to the Oglethorpe community. Preference is given to students majoring in Business Administration.
• The John P. Salamone Endowed Scholar: This scholarship was established by Ben Salamone in honor of his son, John P. Salamone, a graduate of the class of 1986 who died in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student leader from New Jersey, New York or Connecticut who is involved in, or demonstrates the potential to be involved in, campus activities. Preference is given to a male student from New Jersey.
• The Rhett Pinson Sanders Endowed Scholar: Rhett Pinson Sanders, class of 1943, attended Oglethorpe during the early 1940s, a time when few students could pursue education without financial aid. She greatly appreciated the education she received at Oglethorpe and desired to help others obtain the benefit of the “Oglethorpe Experience.” The scholarship is awarded to deserving juniors and seniors to help them finish their degrees.
• The Timothy P. Tassopoulos Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in 1983 by S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, Inc., in honor of Timothy P. Tassopoulos, a 1981 graduate of Oglethorpe University. This scholarship is awarded to individuals who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership ability.
• The Lorie Vivian Terry Memorial Scholarship Fund: Funding was established by a gift from the Terry Family as well as friends and family. The purpose of the fund is to provide assistance to an Oglethorpe University student with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade-point average and demonstrated financial need. Preference is given to a student who is actively involved in school and community service activities.
• The J. M. Tull Scholar: Funding was established by a gift from the J. M. Tull Foundation in 1984. Scholarships are awarded annually to superior students with leadership ability as well as financial need.
• The United Technologies Corporation Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by a grant from the United Technologies Corporation, Hartford, Connecticut. The fund provides scholarship support for able and deserving students who are majoring in science or pursuing a pre-engineering program. United Technologies Scholars must have at least a 3.2 grade-point average and leadership ability, as well as financial need.
• The Charles Longstreet Weltner Memorial Endowed Scholar: Funding was established in 1993 by former U.S. Senator Wyche Fowler, Jr., a longtime friend and colleague of Weltner. An alumnus of the class of 1948 and trustee of Oglethorpe University, Charles Weltner was chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia at the time of his death in 1993. He was the recipient of the 1991 Profile in Courage award and a recipient of an Oglethorpe Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. He was a tireless advocate for equal rights for minorities and, while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, was the only congressman from the Deep South to vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Weltner Scholarships are awarded annually to selected Oglethorpe students who are residents of Georgia with financial need, satisfactory academic records and, to the extent allowed by law, of African-American descent. At the donor’s request, the amount of the scholarship award to any recipient is to be no more than one-half of full tuition in order to encourage student recipients to work to provide required additional funds.
• The Vivian P. and Murray D. Wood Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Murray D. Wood. Mr. Wood is a former vice chairman of the board of trustees and former chairman of Oglethorpe University’s campaign for excellence. Scholarship preference is given to superior students who are majoring in Accounting.
• The Louise H. Woodbury Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by the late Mrs. Louise H. Woodbury. Scholarship preference is given to a worthy student in need.
• The David, Helen and Marian Woodward Endowed Scholar: Funding was established by grants from the David, Helen and Marian Woodward Fund of Atlanta to provide assistance to students who demonstrate superior academic achievement, leadership potential and financial need.

Outstanding student achievement may be recognized by being named as recipient of an annual scholarship. Selections for these honorary designations are based on the criteria outlined below for each award. Except as noted, Oglethorpe annual scholarships are only available for full-time TU students.

• The Assistance League of Atlanta Links to Education Scholarship: Funding is awarded to students with financial need, a grade-point average of 2.5 or higher, and who have demonstrated participation in community service, past and present. Citizens of the United States who are Georgia residents are eligible.
• The Dr. Barbara R. Clark Book Award: Funding is provided annually for this award by Oglethorpe University alumna Dr. Karen J. Head ’98. The award is given to a non-traditional student or students with financial need, for the purpose of purchasing textbooks and is named in honor of Dr. Barbara R. Clark, professor emeritus. Preference will be given to students attending Oglethorpe full-time. The award can be renewed as long as the student remains in good academic standing with the University.
• The Coca-Cola Oglethorpe Scholars Program: This program, funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the global philanthropic arm of the Coca-Cola Company, began in January 2013 and will provide 100 first generation college students with scholarships over four years.
• First Families of Georgia (1733 to 1797) Annual Scholar: Funding is awarded to an academically superior senior majoring in history. First Families of Georgia is a society whose members are able to document their descent from early settlers of the State of Georgia.
• The Mack A. Rikard Annual Scholar: Funds were established in 1990 by Mr. Mack A. Rikard, class of 1937 and a former trustee of the University. He received an honorary Doctor of Commerce degree from Oglethorpe in 1992. Funds are awarded to able and deserving students who meet certain criteria. The criteria are flexible, with consideration given to a number of factors including, without limitation: academic achievement, leadership skills, potential for success, evidence of propensity for hard work and a conscientious application of abilities. Recipients must be individuals born in the United States of America and are encouraged, at such time in their business or professional careers when financial circumstances permit, to provide from their own funds one or more additional scholarships to worthy Oglethorpe students.
• The Vicky Weiss Scholarship: Funding was established on an annual basis in 2011 by former students, colleagues, and friends of Vicky Weiss in honor of her retirement from Oglethorpe as Professor of English and in recognition of her 35 years of service to the University and of her years of outstanding teaching.  Preference is given to an English or Theatre major.
• The Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation Scholar: Grants have been made annually for a number of years to Christian women from the Southeastern states who are deserving and in need of financial assistance.
• The Ruth Winecker ’87 and John Winecker ’85 Annual Scholarship: awarded annually to a student or students who are self-identified members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) community, or who have shown leadership in advocacy of LGBT issues on campus.
• The Winestock Foundation Scholarship: Funding is provided by The Winestock Foundation of DeKalb County, Georgia. Scholarships are awarded to students with demonstrated financial need who are currently enrolled in good standing at Oglethorpe University as traditional day (TU), adult degree program (ADP), and/or financial planner program (FPP) students. Preference will be given to veterans of the United States armed forces.

5.10.1. HOPE Scholarships

HOPE Scholarships of $2,152 (12 semester hours or more) and $1,076 (6-11 semester hours) per semester are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• graduated from an eligible high school within the past seven years, with at least a 3.0 grade-point average (GPA) in specific core curriculum classes while fulfilling Georgia’s published Academic Rigor Requirements.

The applicant must be a Georgia resident for at least one year prior to attendance at any college or university in Georgia. Students entering the HOPE Scholarship program for the first time after attempting 30 or 60 semester hours should be aware that their grade-point average is calculated to include all attempted hours taken after high school graduation. Recipients of the scholarship are required to maintain a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade-point average (GPA) for reinstatement. Consideration for the scholarship ends once a student has attempted 127 hours of college coursework. Recipients who lose the scholarship through low GPA will have only one opportunity to regain the award.  Applicants for the program must either complete the online application called GSFAPPS online at www.gafutures.org or each year’s FAFSA.  For more information, please visit www.gafutures.org or Oglethorpe’s enrollment services area.

5.10.2. Zell Miller Scholarships

Zell Miller Scholarships of $2,808 (12 semester hours or more) and $1,404 (6–11 semester hours) per semester are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• graduated from an eligible high school within the past seven years with at least a 3.7 grade-point average (GPA) in specific core curriculum classes while fulfilling Georgia’s published Academic Rigor Requirements, and who
• earned a minimum ACT score of 26 or a minimum SAT score of 1200 (math and verbal combined), achieved in one sitting.

The applicant must be a Georgia resident for at least one year prior to attendance at any college or university in Georgia. Recipients of the Zell Miller Scholarship are required to maintain a 3.3 or higher cumulative grade-point average in college courses.  Consideration for the scholarship ends once a student has attempted 127 hours of college coursework. Recipients who lose the scholarship through low GPA will have only one opportunity to regain the award.  Applicants for the program must either complete the online application called GSFAPPS online at www.gafutures.org. For more information, contact the Zell Miller Scholarship Program at 770-724-9000 or 1-800-505-GSFC or Oglethorpe’s enrollment services area.

5.10.3. Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants (GTEG) are available to:

• U.S. citizens or permanent residents who also reside in Georgia, and who
• are full-time, degree-seeking students at Oglethorpe who have attempted less than 127 cumulative college hours.

The program was established by an act of the 1971 Georgia General Assembly. The GTEG program helps to “promote the private segment of higher education in Georgia by providing non-repayable grant aid to Georgia residents who attend eligible independent colleges and universities in Georgia.” All students must either complete an application online called GSFAPPS at www.gafutures.org or each year’s FAFSA and may be required to submit additional eligibility information to Oglethorpe. The amount of the award is determined annually (and is currently $475 per semester). Financial need is not a factor in determining eligibility.

5.11.1. Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal aid program that provides non-repayable funds to eligible students with exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based upon the results from the FAFSA.

5.11.2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who also qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. The FSEOG is a grant and does not require repayment.

5.11.3. Federal Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) permits a student to earn part of their educational expenses. The earnings from this program and other financial aid cannot exceed the student’s financial need and Cost of Attendance budget. Students eligible for this program work part-time primarily on the Oglethorpe campus, but a limited number of community service positions are available at locations near the campus. Students seeking consideration for federal work-study must first file a FAFSA.

5.11.4. William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loans

William D. Ford Federal Direct Stafford (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Loans are long-term loans available through the U.S. Department of Education. Completion of the FAFSA and at least half-time attendance is required. The federal government pays all interest accruing on Subsidized Stafford Loans as long as the student remains enrolled at least half-time and does not exceed 150% of the length of the academic program attempted. Students are responsible for paying accruing interest on any Unsubsidized Stafford Loan.  Federal regulations allow dependent students to borrow the following total maximum amounts:  $5,500 per academic year for freshmen ($3,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized); $6,500 per academic year for sophomores ($4,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized) and up to $7,500 per academic year for juniors and seniors ($5,500 subsidized and $2,000 unsubsidized). Undergraduate students who are classified as independent by the FAFSA may be eligible to borrow additional amounts. Students may borrow up to $23,000 in cumulative Subsidized Stafford Loans toward undergraduate study. Combining both subsidized and unsubsidized, dependent students may borrow up to a total of $31,000 in Stafford Loans for undergraduate study, while independent students may borrow up to a total of $57,500. All first-time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling online at https://studentaid.gov. Information regarding repayment terms, deferment and cancellation options are available in the enrollment services area or online at https://studentaid.gov.

5.11.5. William D. Ford Federal PLUS Loans

William D. Ford Federal PLUS Loans are long-term loans available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students through the U.S. Department of Education. Undergraduate parents desiring to seek a loan from this program should complete an application and credit check online at https://studentaid.gov and should also complete Oglethorpe’s PLUS application available on our website. Credit-worthy parents may borrow up to the student’s cost of attendance annually.

This section applies to all undergraduate students, both TU and ADP.

5.12.1. Applications and Requirements

Although U.S. citizenship is not a criterion for institutional (Oglethorpe) assistance, all applicants for state and federal financial assistance must be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens, must be admitted as regular degree-seeking students and must have a high school diploma, GED certificate, or successful completion of a home school program. Transient and special status students, students enrolled less than half-time, and students who are only auditing courses are not eligible for financial aid.

In order for a student to be considered for every type of assistance available (federal, state and/or institutional sources) a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted online at https://studentaid.gov.  Beginning with the fall 2016 semester, applicants may complete the FAFSA beginning on October 1, but no later than August 1 of the award year. Students should keep a copy of the FAFSA before submitting it to the federal processor. Oglethorpe’s Federal Code is 001586. Once the FAFSA has been received and processed by the federal processor, an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR) will be sent to the enrollment services area. Keep copies of all federal income tax returns, etc., as these documents may be required in order to verify the information provided on the FAFSA.  Students who are selected by the U.S. Department of Education to provide additional verification information to Oglethorpe will be contacted via Oglethorpe e-mail, by letter to permanent address or both.

Most financial aid programs require students to demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA (exceptions include: Oglethorpe’s merit-based scholarships, HOPE Scholarships, Zell Miller Scholarships, Georgia Tuition Equalization Grants, and Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans).

As a condition to receive federal aid, all male students must register with Selective Service, either at a U.S. post office, through the FAFSA, or online at SSS.gov.

Additional requirements for all students in order to receive aid include:

• Students must not owe a refund on any grant or loan; not be in default on any loan or have made satisfactory arrangements to repay any defaulted loan; and not have borrowed in excess of the loan limits, under federal aid programs, at any institution.
• Students must make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP, see Sec. 5.14.).
• Students may not be a member of a religious community, society or order who by direction of their community, society or order is pursuing a course of study at Oglethorpe and who receives support and maintenance from their community, society or order.
• Students must be enrolled full-time to receive institutional aid and enrolled in at least six semester hours for the semester (including all sessions within the semester) after the drop/add period to receive federal and state aid, with the exception of the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant, for which students must be enrolled full-time for the semester (including all sessions within the semester).
• If eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan or Federal PLUS Loan, a Federal Direct Master Promissory Note (MPN) and entrance counseling must be completed online at studentaid.gov.
• Students applying for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant, HOPE Scholarship, and Zell Miller Scholarship programs for the first time must submit either the current year’s FAFSA or a GSFAPP from the Georgia Student Finance Commission Web site at gafutures.org/.

5.12.2. Payment of Awards and Renewal for Subsequent Years

Disbursements of annual awards will follow the schedule indicated on the student award letters (with the exception of federal work-study) and will be automatically credited to students accounts each semester by the enrollment services area after the drop/add period, provided the student continues to remain enrolled and all necessary paperwork has been completed.  Federal need-based financial aid will not be disbursed while a student is in the “verification” process.  Only when a student’s paperwork and applications are complete can aid be credited to the student’s account.

Renewal FAFSA information is provided to students by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must meet the eligibility requirements indicated above and file the appropriate applications for each program for each academic year they attend. The preferred deadline for receipt of a completed financial aid file is May 1. Applicants whose files become complete after this time will be considered based upon availability of funds.

For renewal of most institutional aid, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (see Sec. 5.14.).  A 3.2 or higher cumulative grade-point average is required for renewal of Presidential Scholarships with Recognition and for all full-tuition scholarships such as the James Edward Oglethorpe, Civic Engagement and OU Theatre Scholarships.

In addition to the cumulative grade-point average requirement, students must earn at least 24 semester hours during the two regular (fall and spring) semesters comprising the current academic year in order to renew institutional aid for a subsequent year. Students who are deficient in the number of hours required might attend summer school at Oglethorpe.

Students meeting the scholarship renewal criteria will have their merit awards automatically renewed for the next academic year.

To renew federal and state financial aid, students should complete the procedures outlined in Sec. 5.12.1.

The enrollment services area may be able to offer additional assistance if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances are those situations that have a direct impact on your or your family’s ability to pay for your educational expenses. Students who have extenuating financial circumstances may request additional assistance by completing the “Request for Review/Special Circumstances” packet available from the enrollment services area. In order for any request to be considered, complete documentation must be submitted along with the request. If a student’s FAFSA is selected for verification, this process must be completed before a Request for Review can be considered. All submitted requests will be evaluated and reviewed by the financial aid director, who will notify students of the outcome by Oglethorpe e-mail once the review process has been completed. To request a financial aid appeal based on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), please see the SAP section, below.

Unless otherwise indicated, in this section “student” refers to any undergraduate (TU or ADP) student.

Applicants for federal, state and/or institutional financial aid must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward the completion of degree requirements and must be in academic good standing with the University in order to receive federal, state or institutional financial aid. SAP at Oglethorpe is defined according to each of three standards being satisfied.

5.14.1. Qualitative Standard

Students must successfully meet the minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) as shown below, consistent with graduation requirements:

5.14.2. Pace Standard

Students must successfully complete their program of study at a certain pace, requiring successful completion of at least 67% of attempted courses. CLEP and test credits are also included as attempted credits. Audited courses are not included in the number of hours attempted or earned for SAP determination and students do not receive a grade in audited classes.

Pace = Cumulative number of semester hours earned / cumulative number of semester hours attempted

Unsatisfactory grades that count against a student’s progress are:

“F” Failure
“FA” Failure due to Absence
“W” Withdrew
“WF” Withdrew Failing
“I” Incomplete
“U” Unsatisfactory

5.14.3. Timeframe Standard

Students must complete their declared program within 150% of the published number of credit hours required to complete the program. For example, in undergraduate programs requiring 128 semester hours, this provides up to 192 attempted semester hours to complete a 128 semester hour degree program. For students seeking a second undergraduate degree, the maximum time frame (using the above example) is 252 attempted semester hours or 150% of hours needed to complete the first degree, plus 60 additional semester hours.

The maximum timeframe calculation is performed as follows:

A = All Oglethorpe semester hours attempted (including repeated credits)
T = All semester hours transferred from other institutions
R = All remedial semester hours attempted
P = The total number of semester hours used to determine current progress toward degree

P = A + T – R

All transfer semester hours accepted by Oglethorpe University are counted as both attempted and completed credits and are included in the maximum timeframe calculation. These grades are not counted toward the cumulative GPA requirement since initial transfer semester hours do not count toward the Oglethorpe cumulative GPA. CLEP and test credits are also included as attempted credits. Repeated courses count as credits attempted during each semester the student is enrolled in the course; however, they will be counted once as credits completed the first time a passing grade is received for the course. Students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audited courses. Audited courses are not included in the number of semester hours attempted or earned for SAP determination and students do not receive a grade in audited classes.

5.14.4. SAP Evaluation and Notification

The three standards of satisfactory academic progress are evaluated at the end of each semester and students are notified through their official Oglethorpe e-mail address, of any adverse (“warning,” “suspension” or “probation”) SAP status. Students meeting all three standards of SAP, and who are not in a period of warning, suspension or probation, are considered to be in good standing for SAP purposes. No additional requirements are specified and no notification will be sent regarding SAP to students who are in good SAP standing.

5.14.4.1. Financial Aid Warning

To be in financial good standing with the University means all of the following:

• The student’s financial account with the University is current, meaning that all bills (tuition, fees, room, board, fines, etc.) have been paid in full or are being paid on-time according to a payment plan schedule prescribed by the University or one approved by the office of the controller. See especially Sec. 5.3. and Sec. 5.4.
• If the student receives any federal, state or institutional aid, then the student is making SAP (see Sec. 5.14.) and is not on financial aid warning, suspension or probation.

Please consult Sec. 6.3. and Sec. 6.9. for registration policies, Sec. 6.10. for information on academic load, and Sec. 6.16. for a discussion of schedule modification, including dropping and adding courses and withdrawing from single courses. Withdrawal from the University is discussed in Sec. 6.24.2. The policies and procedures described in the entirety of Sec. 5.16. (below) pertain most directly to students whose entire schedule is comprised of courses that span the full timeframe of a traditional-length semester. Registration in any course or courses that do not span the entire timeframe of a semester, such as courses offered during sessions embedded within a semester and scheduled for periods of time less than the full extent of the semester, can lead to a variety of financial and financial aid outcomes upon dropping, adding and/or withdrawing from such individual courses. Related problems can arise when a student leaves the University before the conclusion of a semester, either voluntarily or involuntarily. Therefore, students who enroll in courses which do not span the entire timeframe of a semester are strongly advised to seek the counsel of personnel in the enrollment services area prior to adding, dropping and/or withdrawing from individual courses. Similar counsel is urged, when practicable, before students leave the University in the midst of a semester.

5.16.1 Withdrawing from the University Prior to the First Day of Classes

If students decide to withdraw from the University any time prior to the start of business on the “first day of classes” (or FDOC) for the session in question and as determined by the University’s official academic calendar, then students must concurrently drop all their courses. The withdrawal must be official, meaning that the appropriate forms (completely filled out and endorsed by all required parties) must be received by enrollment services prior to the FDOC. A student who officially withdraws from the University prior to the FDOC will be entitled to a 100 percent refund of tuition and fees already paid for that session. If applicable, the student will receive a refund of room and board charges paid for the session, less a charge for room and board that takes into account the daily rate for such services in combination with the actual number of days the student resided on-campus prior to the end of their residential occupancy at the University. Additionally, the contract a residential student signed with the office of residence life may stipulate a penalty for early termination; any such fee will be billed to the student’s account. The student will not receive any federal, state or institutional financial aid.

5.16.2 Withdrawing From the University On or After the First Day of Class

All students are advised to meet in person with a manager or director in the enrollment services area prior to actually withdrawing from the University to make certain they understand the associated financial and financial aid implications.

Student schedules (and the associated financial and financial aid implications) are considered somewhat fluid through the close of business on the final day of the drop/add period of a given session. If, after the close of business on the final day of the drop/add period, students remain registered for one or more courses, then students will receive an updated statement of account that will reflect the program (TU or ADP) in which they are enrolled and which will also reflect any other germane factors. For TU students enrolled for a fall or spring semester, for instance, such factors would include whether the student is full- or part-time, whether or not there is an overload in hours, whether or not the student lives on-campus, whether or not (and to what extent) the student’s bill is to be offset by federal, state and/or institutional financial aid, and so on.

Any student who remains registered for one or more classes after the start of business on the “first day of classes” (FDOC) for the session in question and as determined by the University’s official academic calendar will not be eligible for a refund of any fees, even if the student withdraws from the University for any reason later the same session. Additionally, there is no refund associated with withdrawing from individual courses past this point, nor is there any refund for students who simply stop attending Oglethorpe and never officially withdraw from the University.

If a student withdraws from the University after the start of business on the FDOC, a refund or offset of tuition charges (not fees, which are not refundable at this stage) is determined by the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) and the Tuition Percentage Refund Schedule (see below). The OWD is the date on which students (or their representative) file the official withdrawal from the University form (fully endorsed by all required parties) with enrollment services. The Tuition Percentage Refund Schedule is as follows:

*A Monday through Friday period is considered one complete week for purposes of this table.

Students receiving government grants or loans who withdraw during an academic term will be subject to the refunding of all or a portion of these grants and loans according to the regulations applicable to the particular government aid program. Students receiving institutional aid who withdraw during an academic term will retain their institutional aid at the same rate as their Tuition Percentage Not Eligible for Refund. The refunded financial aid is returned to its source, not to the student. The calculations associated with this process are complex and all students are advised to meet in person with a manager or director in the enrollment services area prior to actually withdrawing from the University to make certain they understand the associated financial and financial aid implications.

Residential students who withdraw from the University will receive a refund of room and board charges which have already been billed, less a charge for room and board that takes into account the daily rate for such services in combination with the actual number of days the student resided on-campus prior to the end of their residential occupancy at the University. Additionally, the contract a residential student signed with the office of residence life may stipulate a penalty for early termination; any such fee will be added to the student’s account.

Students should be particularly mindful of the following:

• The date that will be used for calculation of a potential refund due to withdrawing from the University (referred to herein as the “official withdrawal date” or OWD) will be the date on which enrollment services receives the official form signed by all required parties. An arrangement with a professor or an advisor will not be recognized as an official change of any sort.
• Any student who has registered and decides not to attend must officially withdraw from the University. Simply not showing up, or ceasing to show up, is not the same as withdrawing from the University.
• Fees are only refundable for those who withdraw from the University prior to the start of business on the FDOC.
• In no case is a student eligible for any tuition or fees refund whatsoever if:
  • The student fails to formally withdraw from the University; or
  • The student is expelled for disciplinary reasons; or
  • The student withdraws from the University when a disciplinary action (code of student conduct violation or honor code violation) is pending; or
  • The student withdraws from a class or classes, but does not totally withdraw from the University.
• Issuance of credit for room and board is governed as outlined above.

Non-academic withdrawal is explained in Sec. 6.24.3. From the financial and financial aid perspectives, (involuntary) non-academic withdrawal from the University is handled exactly the same as is (voluntary) withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except that the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date that the dean of students notified the students that they are to be non-academically withdrawn. If students appeal the dean of students’ decision, the days which elapse during the implementation of the appeal process are not counted for purposes of refunds associated with tuition and federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. However, such “appeal days” would count as days in residence for purposes of determining a potential refund of room and board charges, if applicable.

From financial and financial aid points of view, the death of a student is handled exactly the same as is withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except that the “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date of death and, if applicable, no termination fee for breaking the housing contract is assessed.

Expulsion is explained in Sec. 6.24.5. From financial and financial aid perspectives, expulsion is handled exactly the same as is withdrawal from the University (see Sec. 5.16.), except as follows:

• Regardless of the date students are notified of their expulsion, students receive no tuition or fee refunds for the semester in which they were expelled.
• If the student resides on-campus then the student will automatically be subject to a fee for breaking the housing contract they signed with the office of residence life.
• The “official withdrawal date” (OWD) is the date that students receive official notification that they are to be expelled. If the student appeals the expulsion decision, the days which elapse during the implementation of the appeal process are not counted for purposes of refunds associated with federal, state and/or institutional financial aid. However, such “appeal days” would count as days in residence for purposes of determining a potential refund of room and board charges, if applicable.