Financial Aid

Grants, loans, part-time employment and scholarships are available for eligible students at Concord. Students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1 to assure consideration for available funds since the earlier applications are packaged first. Apply online with FAFSA on the web at www.studentaid.gov. April 15th is the deadline for priority consideration of aid; however, applications processed after April 15th will be considered based on the availability of funds. Awards are normally based on full-time enrollment. However, some programs are available for part-time enrollment. The major portion of financial aid is awarded to students who have demonstrated financial need (as determined by the Department of Education) based on the results of the FAFSA.

Financial aid is normally awarded to students for the regular academic year of two semesters. An academic year is defined as two semesters, 30 weeks or 24-semester hours usually beginning in August and ending in May. Renewal of federal and state aid is contingent upon reapplying each year, having demonstrated financial need, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress toward a degree objective.

Many communities and local organizations offer scholarships to deserving high school graduates. These possibilities should be explored with your high school principal or guidance counselor.

Institutional scholarships available through Concord University are competitive. Information is available from the Offices of Admissions and Financial Aid and can be found here .

General Financial Aid Information

Students who receive financial aid at Concord University must use this money solely for educational expenses related to attendance at Concord. Any student who receives financial aid from sources in addition to programs offered by Concord must report the types and amounts of these awards to the Office of Financial Aid. Additional aid may reduce or cancel the student's original award.

Federal student aid programs, amounts, and policies are subject to change based on Federal legislative action. Questions concerning financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid.

Verification Policy

When a student completes a FAFSA, the student's record may be randomly selected for verification by either the Department of Education or by Concord University. If the FAFSA record is selected for verification, the school must confirm that certain data elements reported on the FAFSA is accurate and/or confirm a student 's identity/statement of educational purpose. The school will request additional documentation based on the verification type.

A letter listing all information needed to complete the verification process is mailed and/or emailed to the student. If the verification documentation is not received within a few weeks, a reminder letter is mailed and/or emailed to the student reminding him/her that the information is still needed. Many types of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Students are packaged with estimated awards prior to completing the verification process. Federal and state aid will not disburse to the student's account until verification is complete. When verification is complete, if there is any type of change by the institution, the student is notified by mail or email from the Department of Education. If there are changes to awards, notification ion is sent from the Office of Financial Aid notifying the student of the changes. Students can view their awards on their MyConcordU account. This information is updated and immediately ready for review after verification is complete.

Grants

You must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (available October 1 of the academic year) to apply for federal student aid and for most state and college aid. Applying online with FAFSA on the Web at www.studentaid.gov is faster and easier than using a paper FAFSA. Submit your FAFSA early; some programs have limited funding.

Federal Pell Grant

A Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant that does not have to be repaid and is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor 's or a professional degree and display exceptional financial need.    

Students can receive a Maximum, Minimum, or calculated Pell Grant award based on the FAFSA results.

The award amount depends on your FAFSA results (as determined by the Department of Education), your budget, enrollment intensity (full-time or a percentage of classes a student will take compared to a full-time course load) and the number of semesters of enrollment. Pell Grants are therefore prorated based on enrollment intensity.

You can only receive the Pell Grant for up to 12 full-time semesters or the equivalent.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal grant that does not have to be repaid and is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need (as determined by the Department of Education). Pell Grant recipients with the lowest student aid index (SAI) will be considered first for a FSEOG. The amount depends on when you complete the FAFSA, your financial need (as determined by the Department of Education) and available funding.

West Virginia Higher Education Grant

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is a need-based West Virginia state grant awarded to full-time (at least 12 credit hours) undergraduate students. In order to apply or renew, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), by April 15th, and have a qualifying student aid index (SAI) to be considered for the award. A separate application is not required. Students must have a certain grade point average (GPA) to be eligible. Go to www.cfwv.com for details. Awards are based on available funds and the student's budget.

The West Virginia Higher Education Grant is renewable if the student maintains a minimum GPA and earns a minimum of 24 credit hours in a year of enrollment (Fall/Spring/Summer).

West Virginia PROMISE Scholarship

The PROMISE scholarship is a merit-based state financial aid program. Students must reach certain academic goals (minimum high school grade point average (GPA) and minimum ACT/SAT scores) to be eligible to receive funds to help pay for college.

Students must complete the PROMISE Scholarship Application and the FAFSA by March 1st. Go to www.cfwv.com for details. Award amounts are based on available funding.

The PROMISE Scholarship is renewable if the student has maintained a minimum GPA and obtained a minimum of 30 credit hours in a year of enrollment (Fall/Spring/Summer). Go to www.cfwv.com for details.

Higher Education Adult Part-Time (HEAPS) Program

The Higher Education Adult Part-Time (HEAPS) grant is a need-based West Virginia state grant awarded to part-time (less than 12 credit hours) undergraduate students. Students should complete a HEAPS application on the Financial Aid web page. Go to www.cfwv.com for details. Awards are based on available funding and awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. 

Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program

The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholarship is a state funded scholarship for students who are pursuing a teaching career in the fields of math, science, elementary education, or special education degree and agree to teach with in West Virginia for the length of time set forth by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Recipients who do not meet the minimum service obligation will be required to make monetary repayment of the scholarship plus any accrued interest and fees. Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) and minimum test score to be eligible for the award. The first-round application deadline is early April.

West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship Program

The West Virginia Engineering, Science and Technology Scholarship is a state funded scholarship for students who are interested in obtaining a degree in engineering, science, or technology and agree to work full-time in West Virginia in a corresponding field for the length of time set forth by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. Recipients who do not meet the minimum service obligation will be required to make monetary repayment of the scholarship plus any accrued interest and fees. Students must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) to be eligible for the award. Applications must be submitted by March 1st and the student must reapply each year. Priority is given to West Virginia residents. Go to www.cfwv.com for details. Awards are based on available funding.

West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program

The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship program is for LPN, RN, LPN teaching certificate, and master's or doctoral nursing education students. In exchange for receiving the scholarship, participants agree to complete a service obligation in West Virginia. The program is a joint project by the West Virginia Center for Nursing and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Award amounts vary each year based on the availability of funds and may be less than the maximum amount established in WV State Code. For more information about the program and application process please visit https://wvcenterfornursing.org/wvcfn-scholarship/. 

State Grants (Other Than West Virginia)

Check with your home state grant office, if one exists, to determine if state residents attending out-of-state schools are eligible for grants. If so, process the paperwork for Concord, and we will disburse your state grant.

Loans

Federal Direct Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)

Direct Stafford Loans, from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, are low-interest loans (must be repaid) for eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students borrow directly from the U.S. Department of Education.

Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are for students with financial need (as determined by the Department of Education). Students are not charged interest while in college at least half-time.

Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans do not require students to demonstrate financial need. Interest accrues from the time the loan is first disbursed. Students can pay the interest while in college and during grace periods and deferment or forbearance periods, or students can allow the interest to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal amount of the loan). Not paying the interest as it accrues will increase the total repayment amount because interest is charged on a higher principal amount.

Students must complete the FAFSA. First time borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. The MPN is a legal document in which the borrower (student) promises to repay the loan and any accrued interest and fees to the Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of the loan. The MPN and Entrance Counseling can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov.

The maximum annual subsidized loan amount an undergraduate student may borrow is $3,500 at the freshman level, $4,500 at the sophomore level, and $5,500 at the junior or and senior level, with an aggregate loan limit of $31,000 ($23,000 maximum Subsidized Loan). An additional $2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford may be borrowed, if eligible, for each grade level. Loan amounts may be reduced based on the student's budget and other aid.

The interest rate on Stafford Loans is set by the federal government. Review your loan history at www.nslds.ed.gov.

Federal Parent Loan For Undergraduate Dependent Students (FPLUS)

Parents of dependent students may apply for a Direct Parent PLUS Loan to help pay their child's education expenses as long as certain eligibility requirements are met. Loans will come directly from the U.S. Department of Education under the Direct Loan Program. The parent must complete a Direct Parent PLUS Loan Application and Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN is a legal document in which the borrower promises to repay the loan and any accrued interest and fees to the Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of the loan. The application and MPN can be completed online at www.studentaid.gov. Parents may borrow an annual amount equal to the cost of attendance minus other aid. The interest rate is set by the federal government.

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work-Study Program is a need-based federal student employment program. Students in the Federal Work-Study Program may secure jobs in various offices on campus, as well as other agencies. The work hours for this program will be adjusted to the student's schedule but may not exceed 20 hours per week. Students must apply for jobs at www.joinhandshake.com and are paid bi-weekly.  

State Student Employment Program

This is a State-funded work program, and students may be hired by various departments. Financial need is not a prerequisite. Students must apply for jobs at www.joinhandshake.com and are paid bi-weekly.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy for Financial Aid Recipients (Revised 10/11/2024)

Federal regulations require Concord University (CU) to establish and apply reasonable standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for eligible students to receive financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act. SAP is a Federal Student Aid (FSA) eligibility requirement and is administered by the university in addition to the academic standards of performance required under the CU academic progress policy. The SAP policy is reviewed annually by the Director of Financial Aid.

Students must also be in good Academic Standing to receive financial aid.Students are evaluated at the end of every academic term on three standards:

1. Grade point average (GPA) – qualitative measure
2. Credit hour completion ratio – quantitative measure
3. Maximum time frame

To maintain eligibility under SAP, students must meet ALL three standards.

Standard 1: Grade Point Average

Students must maintain a minimum qualitative measure of progress defined as the cumulative grade point average (GPA). The requirements are listed below:

• Undergraduates:

• Graduates: Must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or better and earn a minimum grade of "C" to successfully complete a course.

Standard 2: Credit Hour Completion

Students (either full-time or part-time) must maintain a minimum quantitative measure by completing a percentage of all credit hours attempted. Progress is evaluated at the end of each term. All courses are used in the credit hour completion ratio including repeated, transferred, withdrawals and incompletes. All students must successfully complete (earn) 67 percent of all cumulative credit hours attempted.

• Undergraduates:

• Graduates: Must successfully complete 67% of all cumulative credit hours attempted.

Standard 3: Maximum Time Frame

Students must complete their degree program within 150 percent of the credit hour requirements for the degree. Students who are unable to complete their degree program within the time frame limitation will be ineligible for federal student aid. Students who change majors and have not completed the new program requirements but have reached the maximum time frame limit must submit appeal to be re-evaluated on a case by case basis.

• Undergraduates Pursuing a Baccaleaureate Degree: Not to exceed 180 attempted credit hours;
• Undergraduates who has a Bacceleaureate Degree and is pursuing a 2nd Baccalaureate Degree: Not to exceed 240 attempted credit hours;
• Graduates: Not to exceed 54 attempted credit hours for students pursing a degree other than the standard MSW;
• Standard MSW Graduates: Not to exceed 90 attempted credit hours.

Additional Degrees

Students pursuing additional undergraduate degrees are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete 67% of the remaining courses for the additional degree. Maximum time frame will be calculated on a 150% of the average remaining requirements to complete the additional degree. Students pursuing additional graduate degrees are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA and must earn the minimum grade of "C" to successfully complete a course. Completion of 67% of hours attempted and 150% maximum time frame of the average remaining courses for the additional degree is also required.

SAP Notification

Students are notified of the SAP policy via the CU academic catalog and website. All periods of enrollment at CU are calculated in SAP, including periods of enrollment during which a student did not receive federal student aid. Cumulative GPAs are calculated in accordance with CU academic policies. Students receiving federal student aid who do not meet minimum SAP requirements will be notified by mail and/or email by the Office of Financial Aid.

Transfer Credits

Transfer credits accepted toward the student's degree program will be included when calculating the SAP GPA, credit hour completion ratio (earned and attempted hours) and the 150% maximum time frame. This includes credit for English as a Second Language (ESL) and remedial courses, if accepted toward the degree program.  Students entering CU not meeting the established SAP requirements could have to appeal within two semesters of enrollment.

Remedial Courses

Students may receive federal student aid for up to 30 credit hours of remedial coursework. If more remedial courses are required, credit hours taken will not be considered for determining the amount of federal student aid eligibility.  This rule is not related to SAP but is a general financial aid eligibility requirement.  At this time, no remedial coursework is offered through CU but should it be offered in the future this policy remains in effect.

Repeated Courses

Undergraduate students receiving federal student aid may repeat a course, as allowed under CU academic policy. Repeated courses will be included in the credit hour completion ratio calculation (in attempted hours) and the 150% maximum time frame requirements for SAP.  Any undergraduate student who earns a grade of D or F for a course taken prior to the receipt of a baccalaureate degree, may repeat the course prior to the receipt of the baccalaureate degree and the original (first attempt) grade will be disregarded in GPA calculation. Only the grade earned when repeated will be used in determining GPA. However, the original grade will not be deleted from the student's academic record.  Additionally, eight (8) credit hours of original (first attempt) C grade upper division coursework (300-400 level) may be repeated with written permission of the department chair.  All repeatable D, F, or upper division C coursework is capped at 21 credit hours.  

Graduate students receiving federal student aid may repeat a course, as allowed under CU academic policy. Repeated courses will be included in the credit hour completion ratio calculation (in attempted hours) and the 150% maximum time frame requirements for SAP.  Graduate students may repeat up to two courses in which they earned a grade of C or lower.  The decision to repeat a course is made between the student and the advisor and must be approved by the Graduate Program Director for their respective program.

To graduate, students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) set by the individual program. Except for those taken under the Graduate Forgiveness Policy, all courses will count toward the student's graduate-level GPA to determine academic progress and graduation requirements within the established minimum cumulative GPA requirement.  Each course may only be repeated once before receiving the degree, and the original (first attempt) grade will be disregarded in the GPA calculation.  Only the grade earned when repeated will be used to determine the GPA, even if the grade for the second attempt is lower than the first attempt.  However, the original grade will not be deleted from the student's academic record.  Graduate Grade Forgiveness cannot be approved if the student received a grade of W when the course was repeated.  Programs may prohibit students from repeating courses or petitioning for grade forgiveness.

Incomplete Grades

Students receiving federal student aid may receive incomplete grades, as allowed under CU academic policy. Incomplete grades will be included in the credit hour completion ratio calculation (In attempted hours) and the 150% maximum time frame requirements for SAP. Zero quality points will be assigned, as stated in the academic catalog, for financial aid SAP determination until an earned grade is posted. If the grade is posted after the SAP determination occurs, it will not be recalculated for the next semester of enrollment.  Students who are ineligible may appeal and provide documentation of the grade change.  Otherwise, this being the only issue, it will resolve when the SAP process is ran again at the end of the next semester. 

Withdrawals

Students receiving federal student aid may withdraw from a course, as allowed under CU academic policy. Courses from which a student has withdrawn will be included in the credit hour completion ratio calculation and the 150% maximum time frame requirements for SAP.

Financial Aid Warning

Students who do not maintain SAP under this policy will initially be placed on financial aid warning and will be notified by mail, email or via myCU of their status. While on financial aid warning, the student will be eligible to receive federal student aid for the next period of enrollment; an appeal is NOT required. Students on financial aid warning will be reviewed at the end of the next period of enrollment. If the student does not meet all conditions of SAP, they will be ineligible for federal student aid.

Federal Student Aid Ineligibility

By statute, students who do not maintain SAP and students on financial aid warning who do not meet SAP requirements after the warning period are ineligible for federal student aid program funding. Students not eligible for federal aid will be notified by mail, email or via myCU.

SAP Appeal

Students ineligible for federal student aid program funding may appeal by completing the SAP appeal. The form is located on our webpage at www.concord.edu/financial-aid under Forms and Resources. This appeal must be submitted by the deadline date listed on the form. Students may appeal their ineligibility under SAP if they were unable to maintain SAP as a direct result of hardship, injury or illness of the student, death of a relative, or other special circumstance. Per federal regulations, the student must include in the appeal why he/she failed to make SAP and what has changed that will allow the student to meet SAP at the next evaluation.

Completed SAP appeals will be reviewed by the Concord University Appeals Committee. The Committee's decision is the final determination. Students are notified of the decision in writing by the Office of Financial Aid.

If the appeal is approved, the student will have a probationary period of one semester during which he/she will receive federal student aid. If the appeal is denied, the student is responsible for paying university charges or withdrawing from classes.

Continued Financial Aid Probation

Students granted an approved appeal may be given an academic plan. If at the end of the probationary period, the student is not meeting the conditions of SAP but did meet the academic plan requirements, the student can appeal again submitting documentation of meeting the academic plan. At the end of the probationary period if the student did not meet all conditions of SAP or requirements of the academic plan, the student is ineligible for federal student aid.

Reinstatement of Federal Student Aid

A student may be reinstated for federal student aid once they have successfully met all of the conditions of the financial aid SAP policy. Students on warning or probation have reinstatement of the federal student aid for one semester only. Sitting out a semester is not sufficient to re-establish eligibility for federal student aid.