2010-2011 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog
Costs and Financial Aid
Tuition is based on the classification of the student and the course: undergraduate or graduate, lower or upper division, resident or nonresident of Michigan.
Tuition rates and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. The rates listed here are for the 2010-2011 academic year. Additional tuition is assessed on some high cost curriculum. For more information go to the Grand Valley State University website, click on "Quick Facts" under "About Grand Valley" and view the special course charges under Tuition Rates.
Tuition for lower division (0-54 credits) undergraduate students who are Michigan residents taking anywhere from 12 to 16 credit hours is the same, a total of $4,544 per semester. Tuition is $395 per credit hour for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 16. Tuition for upper division (55 or more credits) undergraduate students who are Michigan residents taking anywhere from 12 to 16 credit hours is the same, a total of $4,770 per semester. Tuition is $414 per credit hour for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 16. Tuition for masters resident students is $471 per credit hour for 500-600 level courses, $414 for courses below 500 level. Tuition for doctoral students is $532 per credit hour.
For lower division (0-54 credits) nonresident undergraduate students, tuition is $6,701 total per semester for anywhere from 12 to 16 credits and $571 per credit for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 16. For upper division (55 or more credits) nonresident undergraduate students, tuition is $6,934 total per semester for anywhere from 12 to 16 credits and $591 per credit for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 16. Nonresident masters tuition is $646 per credit hour for 500-600 level courses, $591 for courses below 500 level. Nonresident tuition for doctoral students is $737 per credit hour.
The above tuition rates apply to all students registering for credit courses, including guests, visitors, and all categories of students who are not pursuing a degree at Grand Valley State University. Rates for noncredit courses in special programs apart from the regular university curriculum are published with the announcements of such programs.
Rates of tuition and fees are those in effect at the time of publication of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog. They are subject to change at any time by Grand Valley's Board of Trustees.
Parking
Students wishing to park on either the Allendale or Robert C. Pew Campus must purchase a parking permit. Permits can be ordered electronically starting June 1, 2009 at www.gvsu.edu/publicsafety/. The permit costs* $160/semester for full-time students and $83.00/semester for part-time students. A student is considered part-time if they are taking 6 or less credits each semester. The permit costs will be charged to their student account and billed on their regular tuition bill.
*Subject to change for the 2011-2012 year.
Residency
Because students normally come to Grand Valley State University for the primary or sole purpose of attending the university rather than to establish a home in Michigan, nonresident students will continue to be classified as such throughout their attendance unless they demonstrate that they have permanently abandoned their previous home and permanently established Michigan residency. See Michigan Residence Requirements for Grand Valley's policy for determining residency.
Fees
Late registration (allowed only in the first five days of the semester) requires a $50 late fee. Fees for resident and nonresident are the same.
Additional fees in particular courses may be required to cover the cost of field trips or the use of off-campus facilities. Fees may also be charged for administering standardized tests.
Tuition and Fees Refund Policy
Students who reduce their number of credit hours or withdraw from Grand Valley may be eligible, upon application to the Office of the Registrar, to receive a refund of tuition. The amount of refund will be based on the following schedule:
1. Students withdrawing before the start of the semester and during the first week of classes are eligible for a full (100 percent) refund of the applicable credit hours assessed. All financial aid awarded to the student will be canceled and all financial aid received must be repaid.
2. Students withdrawing during the second week of classes in a shortened session (spring or summer) and in the second, third and fourth weeks of classes in a full session are eligible for a 75 percent refund of the applicable credit hours assessed.
3. Students withdrawing after the second week of classes in a shortened session (spring or summer) and the fourth week of classes in a full session are not eligible for a refund.
4. Students who withdraw completely and are eligible for a 100 percent refund of tuition will be eligible for a full refund of their assessed credit hours and other mandatory fees. All financial aid awarded to the student will be canceled and all financial aid received must be repaid. Students withdrawing completely during the 75 percent refund period will be eligible for a 75 percent refund of their assessed credit hours and other mandatory fees. There will be no refund of these fees after the last date for a 75 percent refund as stated in the Annual Class Schedule online.
Students who have financial aid should talk to the Financial Aid Office before dropping/withdrawing from classes to understand how their aid will be affected.
A specific schedule of refunds, with qualifying dates, is published each semester in Grand Valley's official Annual Class Schedule.
The refund is based on the date of receipt of the completed class drop or withdrawal form in the Office of the Registrar. If a course does not begin during the first week of the start of the semester, refunds will be based on the date of the first class meeting.
When Grand Valley State University cancels a course or when it is determined that a student has registered for a course he or she was not eligible to take, a full refund will be made regardless of the date.
In cases in which financial aid was used to pay for all or part of tuition, the refund will be used to repay the sponsor first and then the student, when appropriate. Refer to the "Repayment of Unearned Federal Student Aid" section of this catalog for details of this procedure.
Tuition Refund Appeals: The Vice Provost and the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs will review student applications for appeal of tuition refunds. This serves as the review process for students seeking exception to the university tuition and registration late fee policy. A final appeal can be made to either the Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs or the Vice Provost of Academic Services.
Financial Aid and Complete Enrollment Withdraw from University/Repayment of Unearned Federal Student Aid
Federal regulations require that the recipients of federal grants and loans who completely withdraw from an institution during an enrollment period must repay any unearned portion of the loan or grant funds that were or could have been disbursed for that enrollment period. The statute makes clear that federal funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student ceases academic attendance before the end of that period, the student has not earned all of the federal financial aid and therefore may not be eligible for the full amount of the federal funds awarded. The amount of federal funds earned by the student is determined by multiplying the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the total amount of federal loans and grants disbursed. If a student completely withdraws before 60 percent of the semester is completed, the student may be required to repay a portion of the federal financial aid. If the percentage of the enrollment period completed is more than 60 percent, the student has earned 100 percent of the aid. Students who completely withdraw will be billed for any institutional charges that remain as well as the amount of the unearned federal student aid that has been given to them.
Students who withdraw during the 100 percent refund period will be required to repay funds previously advanced to them. These students will be billed. Failure to provide repayment will result in a hold being placed on both the student's transcript and registration and ineligibility for further financial aid funding until such funds are repaid. Students who drop out but do not officially go through withdrawal procedures are considered an unofficial withdrawal. In cases of unofficial withdrawals the last recorded day of known class attendance will be used as the date of withdrawal. All cash disbursements will be required to be repaid if the student is unable to document the last day of attendance.
Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students
At Grand Valley State University in 2010, 82 percent of full-time students received some kind of financial aid. The average award is approximately $12,947.
Even though Grand Valley believes that the responsibility for financing a college education rests with students and their families, large amounts of aid are available. All forms of financial aid are viewed as supplemental to the total family effort. A student who receives a scholarship or grant should be willing to borrow and work for additional money needed. In fact, because no one program can cover all college expenses, aid programs are usually combined in "packages" suited to the student's needs. This means that students receive aid in a variety of forms. Rarely would a student receive all one type of aid - for example, a grant - but rather would receive a mixture of grant, scholarship, student employment, and loan.
To be considered for aid, a student must be admitted as a degree-seeking student. The financial aid you receive is based on your enrollment status each semester. Refer to the "Enrollment Requirements for Aid" section. Exceptions are made for part-time students.
The graduation rate, as defined in the federal IPEDS Graduation Rate Survey, for students entering Grand Valley State University as new, full-time degree-seeking freshmen during the fall of 2003 was 61 percent. The cohort includes students who may have stopped, dropped out, reduced loads to become part-time students, or transferred to other institutions. The students in this cohort who remained at Grand Valley as full-time students for the first four complete academic years had a graduation rate of 89 percent.
To maintain and renew aid, students must make satisfactory academic progress. For most federal and state aid, need must be demonstrated by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to visit www.fafsa.gov to file the FAFSA online. Contact the Financial Aid Office if you need assistance in obtaining or completing this form.
Application Procedure
All financial aid is awarded for the academic year beginning with the fall semester. Students must reapply for financial aid every year.
We encourage students to file the FAFSA for the following academic year by the Grand Valley State University priority deadline of March 1. Limited funds are available to students who file after March 1 (see application dates in the next section). You must be a degree-seeking student to be eligible to receive financial assistance. Most aid is awarded to students attending at least half time (six or more credit hours for undergraduate students), although students attending less than half time may be considered for the Federal Pell Grant Program. Continuing education students (part-time, non-degree-seeking students) are not eligible for federal financial aid; however, they may apply for and receive some types of alternative loan programs. These students, and all others, can also utilize the Grand Valley State University tuition payment plan offered by the Student Accounts office. For additional information on alternative loan programs, contact the Financial Aid office. Financial aid for international students is extremely limited.
Additional aid may be awarded for the spring/summer session depending on the availability of funds. You must enroll at least half time to receive financial aid for the spring/summer session. If you are seeking a spring/summer award, you must also file the spring/summer application, available at our website, www.gvsu.edu/financialaid, after March 1, 2011.
If you wish to be considered for financial aid, please refer to the deadline dates listed below and follow the four basic steps outlined here.
1. If you are a new student, you must submit application forms for admission to Grand Valley. It is recommended that you apply for admission by December 31 for the fall semester.
2. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed by you and/or your parents and/or your spouse. Applying on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov is the fastest and most accurate means of filing. Paper forms are also available from your local high school, community college or by contacting the Financial Aid Office. You should list Grand Valley State University among your choice of schools. Our federal school code is 002268. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the only application for aid Grand Valley requires.
3. In some cases you and your parent will be required to submit Federal 1040 forms to verify the information submitted on your application.
4. Award notifications will be mailed to your permanent address beginning mid-March.
The Financial Aid Office (FAO) may request additional information if, upon reviewing data you have presented, we believe further clarification of your financial situation is needed. Such additional information may include information about your household size, assets, or income.
Application Dates to Remember
If you plan to enroll for the fall semester, the following dates are important:
December 31: Freshman and community college transfer applicants must submit a completed admission application by this date to be considered for the major scholarship programs offered by Grand Valley.
March 1: Entering freshman and transfer students: submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Grand Valley as a college choice. Our federal school code is 002268.
March 1: Renewal aid applicants and returning upperclass and graduate students: submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
April 1: Entering freshman and transfer students receive notification of their financial aid award.
April 1: Spring/summer session students receive notification of their financial aid award.
June 1: Renewal aid applicants and returning upperclass and graduate students receive notification of their financial aid award.
If you plan to enroll beginning with the winter semester, the following dates are important:
October 1: Entering freshman, graduate, transfer, renewal aid applicants, and upperclass students: submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). List Grand Valley as a college choice. Our federal school code is 002268.
December 1: Students receive notification of their financial aid award.
If you plan to enroll beginning with the spring/summer session, the following dates are important:
March 1: All students interested in receiving aid for the spring/summer must also file the Spring/Summer Supplemental Financial Aid form. This form is available online at www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/.
April 1: Students receive notification of their financial aid award.
Cost of Attendance and Student Budgets
Before applying for financial aid, students and parents should assess all of the costs of attending Grand Valley. The following tables estimates the typical nine-month (two-semester) academic year expenses for single residents (living anywhere on or off campus except with parents or relatives) and commuting students (living with parents or relatives).
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Commuting Students |
$9,088 |
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Out of State Students Tuition and fees* (Non-Michigan resident) |
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*Estimated tuition and fees and room and board charges. Actual charges are determined by the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees. The rates listed here may change for the 2011-2012 academic year.
Are you a Dependent or Independent Student?
You may consider yourself independent because you don't receive support from your parents and/or don't live in your parents' home. You may even qualify as independent for income tax purposes, but the U.S. Department of Education has stricter standards for financial aid purposes.
In order to file your financial aid application as an independent student, you must be one of the following: (1) age 24 by January 1 of the aid year, (2) a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, (3) currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training, (4) a graduate, graduate/professional, or doctoral student, (5) married prior to filing and signing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), (6) an orphan, ward of the court, or in foster care age 13 or older, (7) have legal dependents other than a spouse, (8) an emancipated minor as determined by a court, (9) a legal guardianship as determined by a court, or (10) at any time on or after July 1, 2009 an unaccompanied youth who was homeless as determined by a high school guidance counselor, the director of an emergency shelter, or the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center.
See the FAFSA instructions for additional information on these criteria. If you do not meet one of the above conditions, you must file as a dependent student and include your parents' information.
The only exception to the dependency rules is in very rare instances where it can be proven that there is a total breakdown in the relationship between student and parent(s). Grand Valley calls this a Dependency Status Appeal. If you are unsure if your situation would qualify for consideration contact a financial aid counselor in our office.
Filing incorrectly as independent when you're actually a dependent student can seriously delay the processing of your financial aid. If you have questions about your status, contact a financial aid advisor before filing your FAFSA.
Three types of financial aid are available to degree-seeking graduate students enrolled for at least 4.5 credit hours at Grand Valley:
1. Federal College Work-Study Program: The majority of campus jobs are funded under this program (see following program description).
2. Student Loans: Federal Direct Student Loans of up to $10,250 per semester are available (see following program description). In addition, graduate students are able to borrow through the Federal Graduate PLUS loan. This loan program does require a credit check. For additional information see our website at www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/. Private, alternative education loan program information is also available at our site under the "How Do I" section of our website.
3. Assistantships: You can find additional information regarding assistantships at www.gvsu.edu/gs, which is the Graduate Studies website.
If you are a graduate student, you should follow normal financial aid application procedures. Additionally, graduate students should refer to the "Special Programs" section for other programs for which they may qualify.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad
Financial aid is available to assist in financing the cost of approved study abroad programs. Students may receive assistance for Grand Valley summer programs, as well as full year and one-semester programs through exchanges and other individualized programs.
Students participating in study abroad programs receive financial aid in the amount they normally would receive if remaining on campus; however, students are generally able to borrow loan funds to cover the additional costs. Limited scholarships and grants are available for some programs. An appointment with a financial aid counselor is highly encouraged. This helps facilitate discussions to ensure your study abroad is fully covered.
Students interested in a study abroad experience must contact the Barbara H. Padnos International Center regarding available program options and are encouraged to apply early for financial aid.
Financial Aid Programs
At Grand Valley, financial aid includes scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. This aid is usually combined in a "package" to offer you flexibility in meeting your educational costs. This assumes that a combination of the various types of aid - that is, loans, jobs, scholarships, and grants - is put together for an award rather than just one of these sources. If you wish to apply for or renew financial assistance, you should review the following information on the types of available financial aid.
1. Programs not based on need. Each program requires different application procedures. Eligibility is determined jointly by the Financial Aid Office and the agency or department funding the program.
2. Programs based on need. You are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is determined by the Financial Aid Office.
3. Special programs. These require students to apply directly to the agency or department responsible for determining eligibility and funding.
Programs Not Based on Need
Grand Finish
The less time you spend in college, the less money you'll spend on your degree. Grand Valley's Focus on the Finish grant will help you achieve that goal.
Every new, full-time student can take advantage of the Focus on the Finish grant. Complete 90 credit hours within three years of enrollment and we'll pay you $1,000 over the next two semesters of study. If you transfer to Grand Valley, you're eligible for a $500 grant once you've earned 90 credit hours, with an average of 30 credit hours per year at Grand Valley in the year(s) following your transfer.
Dual enrollment and advanced placement credits earned prior to your first semester at Grand Valley count toward the 90-hour requirement, speeding your time to graduation.
Grants and Scholarships
Scholarship eligibility criteria indicated below are for students entering in the 2010-2011 academic year and may change. Grand Valley offers an outstanding merit-based scholarship program. We determine initial eligibility for these scholarships at the time of admission, although final award decisions and the amount of most scholarships are made by the scholarship committee after the student has completed all required application materials. To be considered for a scholarship, students must minimally have a complete application for admission submitted to the Admissions Office by December 31 for the following fall semester. Complete applications consist of an application for admission, official transcripts, results of the ACT or SAT test, and a $30 application fee. All relevant information including ACT and SAT scores must be received by the December 31st deadline to receive scholarship consideration. The three levels of merit-based scholarships are described below.
1. Awards of Distinction. This group of scholarships includes Grand Valley's highest merit-based scholarships, ones that many students aspire to receive. They generally require high academic achievement and top scores on the ACT or SAT. Additional amounts of up to $2,000 are awarded to students who are National Merit Finalists.
a. Presidential Scholarships. To be considered for a Presidential Scholarship you must have a 3.80 high school GPA, a minimum 32 composite ACT for Michigan residents or SAT of 1420 for nonresidents, based on the critical reading and math combined scores, and attend a scholarship competition. Awards range from $3,000 to $7,000. Awards are made up to $8,200 in combination with the Award for Excellence. Grand Valley must be the first institution you attend after graduation from high school. This award is renewable for three consecutive additional years (eight total semesters) provided you continue to maintain a 3.5 or better GPA and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
b. Faculty Scholarships. To be considered for a Faculty Scholarship you must have a 3.6 high school GPA, a minimum 29 composite ACT for Michigan residents or SAT of 1300 for nonresidents, based on the critical reading and math combined scores, and attend a scholarship competition. Awards are made up to $4,200 in combination with the Award for Excellence. Grand Valley must be the first institution you attend after graduating from high school. This award is renewable for three consecutive additional years (eight total semesters) provided you maintain a 3.5 or better GPA and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
2. Awards for Excellence. The following group of scholarships requires students to submit their complete application for admission by December 31 for the following fall semester. Complete applications consist of an application for admission, official transcripts, results of the ACT or SAT test, and a $30 application fee.
a. Awards for Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,200. You must be a graduate of a high school in Michigan and Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award have GPAs of 3.5 or better and a minimum ACT composite score of 26. For students entering in Fall 2011 the award will be $1,500.
This scholarship is renewable for three consecutive additional years (eight semesters total) provided you maintain a 3.25 or better GPA and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
b. Out-of-State Awards for Excellence. This scholarship provides awards up to an amount equal to the differential between non-Michigan and Michigan resident tuition plus $1,200. For students entering in Fall 2011 the award will be the differential plus $1,500. Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after high school graduation. This amount is currently approximately $5,520. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award have GPAs of 3.5 or better and minimum ACT composite scores of 26 or SAT scores of 1190, based on the critical reading and math combined scores.
This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years (eight semesters total) provided you maintain a 3.25 or better GPA and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
c. Awards for Excellence Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,200. You must be a graduate of an accredited community college in Michigan and have completed 45 college credit hours. All admitted transfer students with a completed admission application by December 31 will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship have at least a cumulative collegiate 3.5 grade point average. For students entering in Fall 2011 the award will be $1,500.
This scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year (four semesters total) provided you maintain a 3.25 or better GPA and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
3. Laker Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,000. Students who receive this award have GPAs of 3.5 or better and ACT scores of 23, 24, or 25 for Michigan residents or SAT scores between 1070 and 1150, based on the critical reading and math combined scores. This scholarship will begin with the students entering in Fall 2011.
The scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years (eight semesters total) provided you maintain a 2.85 GPA and complete 25 GVSU credits after your first year, 55 GVSU credits after your second year and 85 GVSU credits after your third year.
4. Early Awareness Scholarship. Recipients of this $3000 scholarship will have participated in one of the following programs: The Detroit Compact, Wade H. McCree, Jr. Incentive Scholarship, Introspect Youth Services, Inc., Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc., Upward Bound Program (including Upward Bound Math and Science Program and Talent Search) and GEAR UP while in high school., Additionally, students must have a 3.30 cumulative high school grade point average (GPA) and a 21 ACT composite score. Non-residents of Michigan may also qualify with a 990 on the SAT on the critical math and combined science score. Students must have a completed Admissions application submitted by December 31st for the following Fall semester. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Urban Schools Scholarship or a Native American Grant. This scholarship is renewable for three successive semesters (eight consecutive semesters) provided the student maintains full time attendance and a 2.50 cumulative grade point average and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
Transfer students that have participated in one of the programs listed above can also receive this scholarship if they have a 3.00 cumulative community college grade point average and 45 college credits earned. They must have a completed admission application by December 31 and transfer directly from the community college. Transfers can renew for one additional consecutive year (up to a total of two years) provided they maintain a 2.50 or better grade point average and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
5. Urban Schools Scholarship. This $3,000 scholarship is specifically for students graduating from the following high schools: Michigan high schools: Grand Rapids Public Schools, Detroit Public Schools, Arthur Hill, Detroit High School of Fine and Performing Arts, Detroit University Prep Academy, John Pershing, JW Sexton, Northwestern, Pontiac Central, Pontiac Northern, Southfield Lathrup, Southfield Senior High, and Western International. Non-Michigan high schools include: Chicago High School Agricultural, Curie, Gwendolyn Brooks, Hillcrest, Hyde Park Academy, John Hope College Preparatory, Jones College Prep, Kenwood Academy, Lane Tech, Morgan Park, Percy Julian, Proviso East, Proviso West, Thornridge, Thornwood, and Whitney Young. In addition to graduating from one of the above high schools, students must also meet minimum grade point average and standardized test scores. Michigan residents must have a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and a 21 ACT composite score. Non-Michigan residents must also have a 3.30 cumulative grade point average and score a 990 on the SAT based on the critical math and science combined scores or have a 21 ACT composite score. Students must have a complete Admissions application submitted by December 31st for the following fall semester. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Early Awareness Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant. Students must be enrolled full time, achieve a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average, and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. This scholarship is renewable for three successive years (eight semesters). This scholarship can only be used in the traditional academic year. A completed admissions application serves as your application for this scholarship. Transfer students that graduated from one of the high schools listed above can also receive this scholarship if they have a 3.00 cumulative community college grade point average and 45 college credits earned. They must have a completed admission application by December 31 and transfer directly from the community college. Transfers can renew for one additional consecutive year (up to a total of two years) provided they maintain a 2.50 or better grade point average and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
6. Community College Distinguished Graduate Scholarships. Grand Valley provides two $2,000 Community College Distinguished Graduate Scholarships to Grand Rapids Community College and Muskegon Community College and one $2,000 scholarship to each of the following community colleges: Northwestern Michigan College, West Shore Community College, Lansing Community College, Lake Michigan Community College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kellogg Community College, North Central Michigan Community College, and Montcalm Community College. The respective community colleges select the recipients. Students must have a 3.50 GPA cumulative grade point average, be completing the associate's degree, matriculate directly to Grand Valley, and apply for admission by December 31. To be renewed for one additional consecutive year, students must have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. The scholarship will take the place of any other merit scholarships awarded by Grand Valley.
7. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarships. New entering transfer students who are members of the PTK Honor Society at Michigan community colleges are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must possess a 3.50 cumulative grade point average, be a member of the PTK Fraternity, be admitted to Grand Valley, and enroll as a full-time student. Applicants must apply for admission by March 15. Applications are mailed to admitted students who qualify and are available at participating community colleges. Applicants must submit a letter of application indicating their educational and career goals, send a letter of recommendation from their PTK chapter advisor, and arrange an interview with the PTK scholarship committee if requested. The scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year provided the student maintains a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards.
The above scholarships are only for use in the fall and winter semesters. The Financial Aid Office will review each scholarship recipient at the end of the winter semester for renewal for the next academic year. If a student fails to meet the renewal requirements the scholarship will be canceled fro the following academic year. A student can petition for reinstatement once they again meet the minimum and only at the beginning of an academic year. The appeal for reinstatement must be done online at the Financial Aid Office website.
8. Robert C. Trotter Tri-County Scholarships. Each high school in the counties of Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa are allotted two $250 scholarships to Grand Valley to award to students of their own choosing. Students must have a 3.2 cumulative grade point average, a minimum ACT composite score of 22, and not be the recipient of other academic scholarships offered by Grand Valley. Entering freshmen wishing to be considered should contact the counseling office in their high school.
9. Upperclass Honor Scholarships. A limited number of scholarships up to $1,000 are awarded annually to upperclass students not receiving scholarships from other sources. Students must be full-time undergraduates, have a 3.50 cumulative grade point average and have completed at least 40 semester hours at Grand Valley, or if a transfer student, must have completed at least 15 hours at Grand Valley. Students are supported by academic departments and are requested to submit applications and personal essays. Selection of upperclass honor award recipients are made by the Grand Valley Scholarship Committee. These scholarships may be renewed for one consecutive year for students who enroll full time, maintain a 3.25 GPA, and meet the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards. Students must apply by the March 1 deadline.
10. Athletic Scholarships. Scholarships are given to students participating in varsity sports. Awards are determined by the coaches. Athletic scholarships are awarded in all men's and women's varsity sports--men: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, swimming and diving, track, and tennis; women: basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track, and volleyball. If you think you would be eligible for athletic aid assistance, you should contact the appropriate Grand Valley coach for more information.
11. Music and Dance Scholarships. Talent awards are available to outstanding instrumentalists, pianists, singers, and dancers attending Grand Valley State University and participating in various performance groups, regardless of financial need or academic major. Contact the chair of the music department for more information.
12. Fine Arts Scholarships. These scholarships are for students majoring in the Fine Arts Program at Grand Valley. Information and application forms for these scholarships are available from the departmental offices. Selection of scholarship winners is made by a committee of fine arts faculty members.
13. Federal TEACH Grant. The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in specific specified content areas in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
14. Native American Tuition Benefit. Students who are certified by the Michigan Inter-Tribal Council to be a member of a federally recognized tribe and a Michigan resident are eligible for a tuition benefit equal to their tuition costs. Students who believe they are eligible Native Americans can contact the Michigan Inter-Tribal Council at (800) 562-4957 for an application and additional information. Students receiving the Native American Tuition Benefit are not eligible for the Bert Price Diversity Scholarship. Student must be degree-seeking and must meet satisfactory academic progress to receive this benefit.
15. Other Grand Valley State University Scholarship Programs
Grand Valley State University offers an ever increasing number of endowed, departmental and annually funded scholarships. Please refer to our Scholarship Database at www.gvsu.edu/scholarships for a complete listing. The database allows for a search based on a number of common qualifying criteria such as major, grade point average, and class level. Below is a list of these scholarship programs currently awarded to students attending Grand Valley:
Accounting Alumni Scholarship
Ada Council for Arts Rebecca Vogelsang Memorial Scholarship
Alumni Heritage Scholarship
American Production and Inventory Control Society Scholarship
Angus Foundation "Most Improved Student" Award
David G. and Mary L. Annis Education
David G. and Mary L. Annis
Joseph E. Appelt P.E. Engineering Scholarship
Carl and Delores Arendsen Golf Scholarship
Art and Design Scholarship
Association of Information Technology Professionals Scholarship
Atomic Object LLC Scholarship
John Batchelder Political Science Scholarship
Battle Creek Community Foundation
Newton D. Becker Scholarship Award
Fred Bell Business Scholarship
David A. Bergsma Scholarship
Hyman H. & Greta M. Berkowitz Scholarship Fund
Berkowitz Scholarship for Handicapped Students
Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan Integrity Scholarship
Owen Bieber Scholarship
Rev. Darld and Joyce Black
Doctor of Physical Therapy Scholarship in memory of Robert Klein
Edith Blodgett Piano Scholarship
Joan Boand Athletic Endowment Scholarship
Robert Bosch Fuel Systems Engineering Scholarship
Ira Brad Scholarship
Branstrom Fine Arts Scholarship
Breen Scholarship Fund
Brooks Family Minority Scholarship
Donna K. Brooks Presidential Scholarship
Building Owners and Managers Association Scholarship
Johnny C. Burton Scholarship
Business Study Abroad Scholarship
Butterworth Nursing Scholarship
Alexander Calder Honor Scholarship
Capital Region Community Foundation Scholarship
Campus View Apartments Upperclass Scholarship
Career Services Internship Award
Carlton Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Undergraduate Scholarship
Barry Castro Business Ethics
Bernard J. and Camille Cebelak Foundation Scholarship
Robert L. Chamberlain Memorial Scholarship
Hong Chen Memorial Scholarship
Children's Enrichment Center Scholarship Fund
Douglas K. and Ellen Chung Asian Social Work Graduate Scholarship
Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Scholarship
Clerical Office Technical (COT) Association Scholarship
College of Education Future Teacher Scholarship
Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization Scholarship
Commercial Real Estate Women Scholarship
Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area Scholarship
Community Foundation for Muskegon County Scholarships
School of Communications Scholarship
GVSU Community Leadership Scholarship
Computer Science and Information Systems Scholarship
Cook Leadership Fellows of Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
The Coopersville Scholarship
Ann M. Cusack Upperclass Scholarship
Dance Scholarship
David Daniels Memorial Scholarship
Gilbert and Patricia Davis Scholarship for Full- or Part-time English Majors
Greta and Arthur DeLong Perpetual Scholarship
Aaron M. DesRocher Memorial Chemistry Scholarship
Richard M. DeVos Presidential and Faculty Scholarship
Helen DeVos Presidential Scholarship
Dick and Betsy DeVos Leadership Fellow Endowment
The Pamela and Daniel G. DeVos Musical Theatre Scholarship
Dewitt Barrels Inc. Env. Science
Henry and Juanita Dungey School of Public and Nonprofit Administration Excellence Award
Scott M. Dykstra Oliver Products Company Engineering Scholarship
L.V. Eberhard Business Scholarship
Becky Eckstrom Environmental Studies Scholarship in Philanthropy
Valerie Eggert Distinguished Scholarship in Philanthropy
Leslie Eitzen Voice Scholarship Fund
School of Engineering/SAE Engineering Scholarship
Jean Enright Women and Gender Studies Scholarship
FTLC Endowment Scholarship for Minority Students in Education
Federated Garden Club of Michigan Scholarship
Finance Advisory Board Scholarship
First Robotics Engineering Scholarship
First Generation Urban Schools Scholarship
Scott Flahive Police Academy Scholarship
Richard E. Flanders/University Club Scholarship
Janice Flentje Memorial Nursing Scholarship
Robert W. Fletcher Memorial Scholarship
Folds of Honor Scholarship
Fremont Area Community Foundation Scholarship
General Dynamics Land Systems Engineering Scholarship
Geology Scholarship
Charlotte Gierst and Salome Egeler Music Scholarship
Richard Giles Scholarship
Geology Field Study Scholarship
The Norman Gibson Geology Field Study Scholarship
Charlotte A. Gierst & Salome C. Egeler Trust Fund
Global Forex Trading Scholarship
Joseph and Elizabeth Godwin Scholarship
John and Barbara Gracki Football Degree Completion Scholarship
Scholarship
Grand Forum Scholarship for Continuing Education
Grand Rapids Community Foundation Local College Scholarship
Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Scholarship
Grand Valley Lanthorn Merit Scholarship
Grand Valley UAW Region 1-D
Thomas J. and Marcia Haas Laker Marching Band Scholarship
Gail and Scott Haebich Nursing
Grubbs & Ellis/Paramount Commerce Scholarship
Earl Harper Management Scholarship
Joyce Hecht Philanthropy Scholarship
John C. Heerspink Scholarship
William Hegarty Scholarship
Paul Henry Foundation Congressional Internship Scholarship
Arthur C. Hills Music Scholarship
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Dr. James D. Hoffman Scholarship
Hilda C. Holder Scholarship for Women in Business
Holliday-Willey Psychology Scholarship for the Study of Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Hospitality and Tourism Management Club Scholarship
Professor Paul A. Huizenga Biology Education Scholarship
J.C. Huizenga Business Scholarship
Professor Paul Huizenga Biology Education Scholarship
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids - South Hospitality and Tourism Scholarship
William and Lois Hundley Baseball Scholarship
Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, P.C. Accounting Scholarship
Investment Club Student Scholarship
Charles H. and Florence Irwin Scholarship Endowment
Michael and Susan Jandernoa Scholarship Endowment
Todd Jager Memorial Athletic Training Scholarship
Jurries Family Scholarship
Kalamazoo Community Foundation Scholarship
Fred M. Keller Engineering
Fred M. and Bernadine Keller Diversity Scholarship
Daniel Kemp Alumni Leadership Scholarship
Kemp Faculty Scholarship Kurt. Kimball Scholarship
Russell H. Kirkhof Engineering Scholarship
Don Klein Graduate Scholarship in Accounting
Walton B. Koch Scholarship
Albert S. and Ella D. Koeze Art Scholarship
A. Scott and Ruth Koeze Graduate Business Scholarship
Dirk Koning Film and Video
Jack J. Korff Seidman College of Business Finance Scholarship
Lynn Kraemer Memorial Scholarship
Lacks Enterprises Scholarship
Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual and Transgender Scholarship
Arend D. and Nancy Lubbers University Honors College Scholarship.
Dr. Faite R-P Mack/Thomas Jackson Urban Teacher Education Scholarship
Dr. Nancy K. Mack Scholarship Fund Eric Maino Community Technology Award
Macomb County Student of the Week Scholarship
Eric Maino Community Technology Award
Jean Martin
Doctor of Nursing Practice Scholarship
MathCounts Scholarship
Mathematics Scholarship
McFadden Picciuca International Child Welfare Scholarship
Theresa McKee Occupational Therapy
Reverend Dennis and E. Jean (Lackey) McMurray Academic Achievement Scholarship
Frederick Meijer First Generation Honors College Scholarship
Corky Meinecke Scholarship
Metro Detroit Alumni Scholarship
Metropolitan Hospital Scholarship
Michigan Nursing Scholarship
Michigan Society of Professional Engineers Scholarship
Paul C. Miller Scholarship
Milhilesh and Jitendra Mishra Foreign Student and Faculty Scholarship
Jacob Mol Athletic Scholarship
Rodney Mulder Social Work
Mullendore Legal Studies and Criminal Justice
Mark and Elizabeth Murray International Travel Scholarship
Nichols Sustainability
Glenn A. and Betty Niemeyer History Scholarship
Amos Nordman Foundation Scholarship
Nedra Smith Otis Art and Design Scholarships
Candace Otte Scholarship for Nursing
Barbara H. Padnos Scholarship for Study Abroad
Esther Padnos Nursing Scholarship
Louis Padnos Iron & Metal Co. Employees Scholarship
Seymour and Esther Padnos Engineering
Joan Panopoulos Scholarship
Lt. James W. Parmlee Memorial Scholarship
Pathways to Recover Scholarship
Eugene and Lillian Pawl Scholarship
Peace and Justice Award
Ross W. Perry Bachelor of Science/Core Sciences Major Scholarship
Ross W. Perry
Doctor of Physical Therapy Scholarship Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center Minority Scholarship
Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center Minority Scholarship
Pew Faculty Teaching & Learning Center Women's Scholarship
Tony Pfenning Baseball Commitment Award
Plant Services Personnel Scholarship
Polish Heritage Scholarship
Positive Black Women Scholarship/Endowment
Paul and Margaret Potter Scholarship
Judith S. Pratt Nontraditional Nursing Scholarship
Berthold Price Memorial Endowment Scholarship
Price Heneveld Engineering Scholarship
Margaret Proctor School of Communication Scholarship
Dr. George I and Helen Z. Quimby Scholarship
Esther Rehm Stotz Nursing Scholarship
Joe E. Reid Memorial Scholarship
Reister Family Memorial Scholarship
Renaissance Church of God in Christ African American Academic Achievement Scholarship
Peter P. and Patricia R. Renucci Clinical Lab Sciences Scholarship
Peter P. Renucci Family Clinical Lab Sciences Scholarship
Warren Reynolds Scholarship
SAE Engineering Scholarship
Laura Sakoski Memorial
Hugo Salazar Memorial Scholarship Fund
Salski Biology Scholarship
J. Patrick Sandro Education Scholarship
School of Engineering/MSPE Engineering Scholarship
Ilene I. Schooley Biomedical Science Scholarship
Lois Searles Hospitality and Tourism Award
Ambassador Secchia International Studies
Mary and Wilhelm Seeger Scholarship Fund
Seidman College of Business Commercial Real Estate Scholarship
Seidman College of Business Study Abroad Scholarship
Thomas Seykora Alumni Leadership Scholarship
Shakespeare Scholarship
Marilyn and Budge Sherwood Scholarship
John J. and Marjorie E. Shepard Communications Scholarship
Ryan Short Memorial Scholarship
John Shontz Native Plants Biology Scholarship
Drs. Esther and Enrico Sobong Nursing Scholarship
Ram Singh Social Work Scholarship
Joseph Spruit Engineering Scholarship
School of Social Work Scholarship Endowment
Social Work Minority Scholarship
Society for Automotive Engineers Scholarship
Society of Manufacturing Engineers Scholarship
Spectrum Health Diversity Scholarship
Paul Springer Crew Scholarship
Joseph Spruit Engineering Scholarship
SPX Corporation Engineering Scholarship
Statistics Scholarship
Steelcase Foundation Scholarship
Steelcase Inc. Seidman College of Business Diversity Scholarship
Howard and Rose Stein Endowed Biology
Tim Strickler Pre-Medical Scholarship
Student Legacy Scholarship
Student Support Fund
Subar Family-Model Coverall Service Scholarship
Sullivan Scholarship Trust Fund
Duke Tanaka Jr. Anatomy Scholarship
Steele A. and Mary D. Taylor Pathway to Education Scholarship
TEI Accounting/Tax Scholarship
Telephone Pioneers Scholarship
Alice C. TenBrink Scholarship
Topcraft Metal Products, Inc. Scholarship
Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau Education Foundation Scholarship
Arlene Treanor Native Plants Internship
Edward L. Tremba Geology Scholarship
Robert Trotter Scholarship
TV 35/52 Auction Grant
UFCW Local 951 Foundation Scholarship
David and Carol Van Andel Leadership Fellow Endowment for the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
Donald and Barbara VanderJagt Mathematics and Athletics Scholarship
Donald and Wilma VanderZwaag Business Scholarship
Veazey Graduate Academic Scholarship in Accounting Scholarship
Kathleen B. Vogelsang Seidman College of Business Scholarship for Women
Volkhardt Family Nursing Scholarship.
Volkhardt Family Physical Therapy Scholarship.
Caprice R. Wagner Memorial Scholarship Fund
Florence Cowan Ward Scholarship for Nursing
Barbara Waddell Native Plants Research Scholarship
Margaret F. Ward Art and Design Scholarship
Margaret F. Ward Music Scholarship
Dr. Ronald Ward Scholarship
John D. Wardrop Leadership Fellow Endowment for the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies
Westerman Nursing Scholarship
West Shore Aware Scholarship
WGVU-TV Scholarship
Shawn D. Wiersma Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship
H. James and Carole Lynn Campbell Williams Business Scholarship
Bill and Diana Wipperfurth Annis Water Resources Institute Student Research Scholarship
Wisner First Generation Engineering Scholarship
Wisner Non Traditional Student Engineering Scholarship
Wisner Doctor Physical Therapy Scholarship
Women's Center Scholarship for Non Traditional Students
Robert and Barbara Wood Entrepreneur
Doug and Linda Woods Excellence in Athletic Training Scholarship
Whitney Young Village Outreach Engineering Scholarship
Writing Department Scholarship
Jennifer Youssef Journalism Scholarship
Lt. William Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship
Felix V. and Gladys A. Zukaitis Scholarship Trust Fund
Felix V. and Gladys A. Zukaitis Athletic Scholarship Trust
Programs Based On Need
The programs listed below are considered "gift" assistance and do not require repayment.
1. Grand Valley Need Based Grant programs. These grants are available to full-time undergraduate students based on financial need and availability of funds. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA.
a. Grand Valley Grant: Eligibility: Need based grant for students who have have filed by the priority application deadline and an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $2000 or less from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Amount: up to $3000. Renewal criteria: FAFSA must be filed by March 1st each year with the EFC $2000 or less. The student must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress. This grant can be received for a total of four years. Application: Be admitted to Grand Valley and complete or continuing undergraduate student FAFSA by March 1.
b. GV Freshmen Grant: Eligibility: Need based grant for new first time freshmen students who have exceptional unmet need after all other financial aid is awarded. Amount: Up to $2,000. Renewal criteria: Award is only available to new first time freshmen students. Application: Complete the FAFSA. Priority consideration is given to students that complete the FAFSA by March 1st.
c. GV Grant: Eligibility: Need based grant for transfer and returning students who have exceptional unmet need after all other financial aid is awarded. Amount: Up to $2,000. Renewal criteria: The student must complete the FAFSA, have continued financial need based on their EFC and be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for renewal. Application: Complete the FAFSA. Priority consideration is given to students that complete the FAFSA by March 1st.
2. Federal Pell Grant. This program is the main source of need-based federal financial aid grant funds. To apply for a Pell Grant, you must submit the FAFSA and indicate on this form that you wish Grand Valley State University to receive your application. You will then receive a notification form called the Student Aid Report (SAR). The Financial Aid Office in turn will notify you of the exact amount of the grant, which is determined from a payment schedule published by the U.S. Department of Education. No specific GPA is required for renewal; however, students must be making satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible.
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). These federal grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who, without the grant, would be unable to continue their education. No specific GPA is required for renewal; however, students must be making satisfactory academic progress to remain eligible. Priority is given to students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant Program.
4. Michigan Competitive Scholarship. The Michigan Higher Education Assistance Authority (MHEAA) offers scholarships on an annual, renewable basis. You must (1) fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1, (2) demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA, (3) qualify as a result of your performance on the American College Test (ACT), (4) be a continuous resident of Michigan for 12 months preceding the examination date, (5) be a high school graduate with no previous college training, and (6) comply with all other provisions of Public Act 208 and regulations adopted by the MHEAA. As a scholarship winner, you are eligible to have your scholarship renewed if you are making satisfactory academic progress, have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and continue to demonstrate financial need. You must reapply for the scholarship each year by filing the FAFSA before March 1. You must also satisfy other regulations adopted by the state authority. Awards from this program are subject to state funding.
5. Michigan Educational Opportunity Grants. The State of Michigan provides grant assistance for needy undergraduates who are enrolled at least half-time. Students must submit the FAFSA. Since these funds are limited, they are targeted to students with greatest financial need. Awards from this program are subject to funding.
6. Michigan Adult Part-Time Grant. This program is designed to provide grants to financially needy students who enroll as part-time students (3-11 credits). Students must be self-supporting, out of high school for at least two years, and Michigan residents. You must file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and notify the Grand Valley Office of Financial Aid that you wish to apply for this grant. Students can receive this grant for only four semesters. The maximum grant is $300 per semester. Awards from this program are subject to funding.
1. Federal Perkins Loans. This federal loan program is for students who can establish financial need, are U.S. citizens, meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements of Grand Valley, and are not in default on previous Federal loan programs. No interest accrues and no repayment is required while you carry at least a half-time load in most institutions of higher education. Repayment at a minimum of $40 per month is required within a 10-year period following the termination of your student status. Because of limited funds, loans are made for up to a maximum of $2,000 per year at Grand Valley. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students will be notified by the Grand Valley Financial Aid Office.
The interest rate is a simple annual five percent on the unpaid balance with repayment beginning nine months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time (six credits for undergraduate students).
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. This federal loan program operates through the U.S. Department of Education and provides loans to students to help meet their educational expenses. Interest rates are fixed at 4.5% for 2010-2011. The interest rate changes every July 1. The federal government deducts a 0.5 percent origination fee from the total amount of the loan. If you are eligible for a subsidized loan, the federal government will pay the entire interest charge while you are in college. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify. A student can borrow up to $3,500 for the freshman year of study, $4,500 for the sophomore year, $5,500 for the junior and senior years, and $8,500 for each year of graduate study, although the total borrowing plus other available resources cannot exceed the calculated financial need of the student to attend Grand Valley. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligible students will be notified by the Grand Valley Office of Financial Aid.
3. Nursing Loans. These federal loans are for students who are accepted into the nursing program at Grand Valley. Nursing loan criteria closely follow those of the Federal Perkins Loan Program.
Educational Loans Not Based on Need
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan Program. The unsubsidized loan is not based on need. Eligibility is determined by taking the cost of education to attend Grand Valley and subtracting any financial aid the student has been awarded. The interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. Under the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan Program, however, the interest accrues on the loan while the student is enrolled in school, during the grace period, and during any periods of deferment or repayment. Students may pay on the interest while in school. Students not paying on their accruing interest should be aware that their loan principal will increase based on the amount of that unpaid interest. The federal government deducts a 0.5 percent origination fee from the total amount of the loan. Repayment of the loan principal begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. To be considered for the Unsubsidized Federal Direct Student Loan, students must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Grand Valley as a college choice.
Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS): Parents of dependent students may borrow funds under the Parent Loan Program. The program makes loans of up to the full cost of educational charges without regard to financial need. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9%. The federal government deducts a 2.5 percent origination fee from the total of the loan. Funds are made available through the Federal Direct Plus Loan Program. Grand Valley, not local banks, will originate these loans for parents.
Alternative Loan Programs. Alternative loans are non-federal loans to supplement financial aid for credit-worthy students and their families. A student may borrow an amount up to the cost of education minus other financial aid already awarded. Both fixed and variable interest rates are available. Interest rates may vary depending on the student's decision to pay on the loan while in school versus deferring repayment until after graduation. Contact the Financial Aid Office or visit our website www.gvsu.edu/financialaid for more information.
Career Services and Graduate Enrollment Statistics
The Career Services Office provides extensive services to students and alumni as they prepare for internship/co-op and post-graduation employment. The staff assists students and alumni with preparing written application materials along with developing interviewing skills and job search techniques. Individual appointments can be scheduled with an advisor, in addition to attending workshops and seminars. Students and alumni may take advantage of LakerJobs, a web-based system to access current job/internship opportunities, sign up for on-campus interviews, and receive email correspondence regarding upcoming events and employment information. LakerJobs also includes a resume database available to employers for resume referrals. The office coordinates several career fairs each year including: Grand Valley State University Careerfest, West Michigan Career Connections and Health Career Day, Summer Job Fair, Teacher Search, and Out-of-State Teacher Fair. The Career Contact Bank is a web-based database which contains professional contacts in various career fields that students can access to learn more about a career of interest. In addition, the office provides internship listings and assistance in locating internships for students.
The Career Services office has primary locations: 206 Student Services Building (616) 331-3311, and 116B DeVos Center (616) 331-6708. Both office locations have office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Services are also available at the L.V. Eberhard Center and Cook-DeVos Center for Health Science in Grand Rapids, at the Meijer Campus in Holland, Muskegon Campus at Muskegon Community College, and Traverse City/Petoskey locations by appointment. Visit our website at www.gvsu.edu/careers/.
Student Employment
The Student Employment Office has a website to assist students in finding jobs both on and off campus. Visit www.gvsu.edu/studentjobs to view job postings, a gallery of pictures showing students working at all types of jobs on campus, the on-campus wage schedule, the pay period calendar, hints for interviewing, student handbook, forms for employment, explanation of work study, and much more. The Student Employment office is located at 105 Student Services Building. Telephone (616) 331-3238.
1. Regular Student Employment. Any student wishing to work on campus can apply for job opportunities through the student employment office. It is important to follow the procedures outlined on the website to be informed of these employment opportunities.
2. Federal College Work-Study Program. Many campus jobs are funded under this program. Preference is given to students who have the greatest financial need and who are enrolled full time. Students usually work an average of 10 to 15 hours a week. Employment is not guaranteed.
3. Michigan Work-Study Program. Grand Valley also receives funds from the State of Michigan to provide work opportunities for needy undergraduate and graduate students. The guidelines for this program are subject to state funding.
Additional Payment and Student Options
1. Grand Valley Short-Term Loans. For a small service fee, short-term loans of up to $500 are available for books and other emergencies. Repayment dates are determined by the Financial Aid Office at the time of application but do not exceed 60 days or the end of the semester (whichever comes first). Students need to be in good standing with the institution to apply for this loan. Applications and general policies regarding short-term loans are available at the Financial Aid Office.
2. Grand Valley Deferment Plan. Tuition loans allow students to pay their tuition in four installments for a small processing fee each semester. Applications and general policies regarding tuition loans are emailed with the initial tuition billing each semester and are also available online through the My Banner system. Contact the Student Accounts Office for more information at (616) 331-2209 or toll free (800) 789-1923.
3. Company Loans. Employees from participating companies that have a tuition reimbursement program are eligible to apply for a deferred tuition loan. Under this program, students may defer payment of their tuition until they receive reimbursement from their employers. Applications for this loan are available online through the My Banner system. Contact the Student Accounts Office for more information at (616) 331-2209 or toll free (800) 789-1923.
Special Programs
The Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (G.I. Bill) provides educational benefits for servicemen who have served on active duty. You can obtain further information from the Veterans Administration Office nearest your home or by calling them. They also have a website you can utilize for more information.www.va.gov
Michigan Public Act 245 provides partial tuition payment to students from Michigan who are children of veterans who died in service or were totally disabled because of service causes. You can request an application and further information from the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, Lansing, Michigan 48904.
Michigan Works! provides financial assistance designed to prepare individuals for entry into the labor force. Go to www.michiganworks.org to find out more about these funding options and the steps necessary to receive this financial assistance.
Veterans Administration Benefits may be available to children of deceased or totally disabled veterans if the cause is service-connected. You can obtain an application from the Veterans Administration, 477 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Michigan 48226, or any Veterans Administration Office.
Vocational Rehabilitation. The Michigan Department of Education, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, provides services and financial assistance to students with certain disabilities. You can obtain information by calling your local Bureau of Rehabilitation Office or writing to Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Box 30010, Lansing, Michigan 48909 or calling (517) 373-3390. For a listing of district offices call (800) 605-6722. To renew Vocational Rehabilitation assistance, you must submit the necessary financial aid forms each year and make arrangements for a review of your case with your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
Tribal Grants. Financial assistance may be available for Native American students who are affiliated with a tribe. For more information on requirements and application materials, contact your tribal Higher Education officer.
Private Scholarships. A limited number of scholarships are available from private sources. Contact organizations in your community that may provide scholarships, especially those in which you and/or your parents are active. Your local high school guidance office is also a source of this information. Scholarships may have deadlines beginning as early as October 1 for the following year, so it is important to begin your search as early as possible.
Enrollment Requirements for Disbursement of Aid
Your financial aid award is based on full-time enrollment, regardless of the plans you indicated on the FAFSA. Specific funds, however, have enrollment requirements and will apply toward your bill and be backed off your bill as your enrollment changes (i.e. as you drop and add credits).
The following funds will pay on your bill as long as you are enrolled for at least one credit:
- Michigan Promise Scholarship
- Some private (nonfederal) loans
- Some private scholarships
The following funds will pay on your bill as long as you are enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits as an undergraduate; 4.5 or more as a graduate):
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans
- Some private loans
The following funds will be prorated based on your enrollment:
- Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant
- Federal Smart Grant
- State Competitive Scholarship
Prorated for three-quarter time enrollment of 9-11 credits
Prorated for half-time of 6-8 enrollment credits
- Federal Pell Grant
- Federal TEACH Grant
Prorated for three-quarter time enrollment of 9-11 credits
Prorated for half-time enrollment of 6-8 credits
Prorated for less than half-time enrollment of 1-5 credits
The remaining funds require full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits to pay on your bill:
- Federal Perkins Loan
- Federal Nursing Loan
- Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant
- Grand Valley Grants
- Grand Valley scholarships
- Some private scholarships
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Federal regulations governing federal funds require institutions to monitor the academic progress of financial aid recipients. Grand Valley State University's policy is to provide financial aid only to students capable of remaining in good academic standing and who make adequate progress toward a degree. Adequate academic progress required to remain eligible for financial aid is defined below.
Undergraduate students
- Achieve a minimum 1.5 cumulative GVSU GPA after 24 credits (0-24)
- Achieve a minimum 1.8 cumulative GVSU GPA after 54 credits (25-54)
- Achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GVSU GPA after 55 credits (55+)
- Complete and pass a minimum of 2/3 of all undergraduate collegiate credit hours attempted.
- Complete all degree requirements within 150% of the minimum number of credits hours required to graduate (based on 120 credits for undergraduate students.)
Graduate students
- A 3.0 cumulative GVSU GPA.
- Complete and pass a minimum of 2/3 of all collegiate graduate credit hours attempted.
- Complete all degree requirements within 150% of the minimum number of credit hours required to graduate (based on 60 credits for graduate students)
Second Undergraduate Students
- A 2.0 cumulative GVSU GPA.
- Complete and pass a minimum of 2/3 of all collegiate undergraduate attempted hours.
- Complete all additional requirements within 150% of the minimum number of credit hours required to complete an additional program. An additional 60 credits will be allowed for subsequent undergraduate work (based on 120 + 60 credits for second undergraduates).
General Provisions and Information
- The complete Grand Valley State University academic record is considered regardless of whether or not financial aid was received each semester.
- Transfer credits (both attempted and earned) will be included in calculating the 2/3 completion rate and the 150% of required credits limit for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Satisfactory academic progress will be determined at the end of each semester for all enrolled students regardless of whether or not financial aid was received that semester.
- Students in good Financial Aid academic standing who fail to meet the requirements in the subsequent semester will be placed on financial aid probation. During the semester the student is on probation, the student must:
- Earn a 2.5 semester GPA or a 2.0 cumulative GPA.
- Complete all credits the student is still registered for at the end of the drop/add period.
Students meeting financial aid probationary requirements will be continued on FA probation until they again meet Standard Academic Progress requirements. Failure to meet the financial aid probationary GPA and/or credit completion requirement while on financial aid probation will result in the loss of eligibility for continued financial aid.
- Students may regain financial aid eligibility by achieving a minimum accumulative GPA of 2.0 and/or successfully completing a minimum of 67% of cumulative attempted credit hours at their own expense.
- Students repeating courses are eligible for financial aid; however, repeat classes increase the total attempted hours, but do not increase the total number of credits completed.
- Grades of W, NC, F, or I do not count in the GPA or credit completion requirement.
- Credits hours earned by testing or other non-standard means are counted in the satisfactory academic progress calculations as both hours attempted and hours earned.
- All credit hours attempted through international programs and through concurrent enrollment agreements count in both attempted and earned calculations.
- Students who fail to meet the above academic progress standards may appeal the loss of financial aid eligibility only if special circumstances exist, such as the death of a close relative or an injury or illness of the student. Appeals must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid with appropriate documentation of the special circumstances. The deadline for submission of an appeal for any semester in which aid is denied under this policy is the last day of the fourth week of classes.
NOTE: Refer to the Academic Policies and Regulations for the Academic Review Policy. These are separate from and different than the financial satisfactory academic progress requirements discussed above.
Conditions Governing Acceptance of Award
In accepting your financial aid award offer, you are stating that you have met and will meet all of the following conditions of acceptance:
1. The information submitted by you (and your parents or spouse, if applicable) is true, correct, and complete to the best of your knowledge.
2. You will use the financial aid awarded to you only for payment of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and other related educational expenses.
3. If you completely withdraw from Grand Valley before the 60 percent point of the enrollment or payment period, you may be required to repay a portion of the federal financial aid disbursed to you.
4. You will report to Grand Valley's Financial Aid Office if you receive assistance from any source that was not originally on your award notification. Grand Valley reserves the right to adjust financial aid when other aid is received.
5. You will maintain sufficient academic progress toward your degree according to the policy of Grand Valley State University (see Satisfactory Academic Progress section).
6. You have not defaulted on any previous Federal Title IV loan, do not owe a refund or repayment to any institution on any Federal Title IV program (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan, Work-Study, Federal Direct Loans, and have not borrowed in excess of any loan limits from any Federal Title IV program at any institution.
7. You will maintain the minimum credit requirements for your financial aid award. Your award notification indicates by semester the minimum number of credit hours you must enroll in to receive your financial aid. If you drop below the required number of credit hours upon which your award was based or if you withdraw completely from your courses, you may be expected to repay all or part of your award (see the Tuition and Fees Refund section).
8. You are a student enrolled in a program of study that leads to an academic degree.
9. The Military Selective Service Act (Pub. L. 97-252) requires that any student who is required to register with the Selective Service and fails to do so is ineligible for Title IV Student Financial Aid (Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Perkins Loan, Work-Study, Federal Direct Loans, and state scholarships funded under Title IV). Among Title IV financial aid applicants, men who are at least 18 years old and born after December 31, 1960, and who are not currently on active duty with the Armed Forces must be registered. If you are applying for Title IV student financial aid, you may have to sign a statement certifying that either you are indeed registered with the Selective Service or that you do not have to be registered with them.
10. You may be asked to submit additional documentation (e.g., 1040 tax returns) to the Grand Valley Financial Aid Office as part of your application for financial aid. The federal government requires that a number of financial aid forms be verified for correctness of information. If your application is selected, we will not be able to award and disburse your financial aid to you until all documentation is received and verification of information is complete.