Parent View 2008 by Oklahoma Christian University

majors

& areas of study

Accounting Advertising Art Bible Biochemistry Biology Broadcast Management Broadcast Journalism Business Pre-Law Chemistry Child Development Communication Studies Pre-Law Computer Science Early Childhood Education Economics Education Elementary Physical Secondary Electronic Media Engineering Computer Electrical Mechanical English Education Pre-Law Teaching English as a Foreign Language Writing Family Life Ministry Family Studies Finance

Forensics Geography Graphic Design History Pre-Law Information Systems Interior Design Interactive Media International Studies Journalism Languages Liberal Studies Management Marketing Mass Communication Master of Arts in Ministry Master of Business Administration Master of Divinity Mathematics Medical Technology Ministry Missions Music Vocal Instrumental New Media Nursing Organizational Communication Philosophy Political Science Pre-Chiropractic Pre-Clinical Dietetics Pre-Dental Pre-Dental Hygiene

Pre-Law Business Communication Studies English History Pre-Medical Pre-Occupational Therapy Pre-Optometry Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Physical Therapy Pre-Physician Associate Pre-Radiological Science Pre-Veterinary Psychology Public Relations Religious Education Sociology Spanish Sport, Wellness and Recreation Management Theater Performance Vocational Ministry Youth Ministry

CLEP and ACT CLEP - Testing is available on campus. Students can test out of several basic courses and get full credit for the course. For more information, go to www.oc.edu/testing or contact Robin Beam at 405.425.1809 or at robin.beam@oc.edu. Residual ACT Test - Oklahoma Christian University offers the residual ACT test at various times throughout the year. Your child can use residual test scores for admittance to Oklahoma Christian and for academic scholarships. Taking the residual test is also a great way for your student to practice for upcoming national test dates! To arrange a test time, call 800.877.5010 ext. 5050. Find scheduled test dates at www.oc.edu/residual.

Zach Anderson Junior Business Management

Contents

Step-by-step guides for enrollment and financial assistance

Your student’s PFC can address all your financial questions

The Admission & Financial Aid Process

Academic and Christian excellence add value to OC education

Important dates to keep in mind

Value & Significance Parent View Contributors President: Dr. Mike E. O’Neal Executive Vice President: Alfred Branch Dean of Enrollment and Marketing: Risa Forrester Director of Student Financial Services: Clint LaRue Managing Editor: Wes McKinzie Art Director: Judson Copeland Design: Jonathan Curtis, Scott Hill, Rachel O’Donnell Contributors: Risa Forrester, Clint LaRue, Wes McKinzie, Dawn Shelton, Ann White

Case Studies

Scholarships and grants can add up in your favor - see how it can be done

Scholarships

Options to help your family pay for college

Emily Spirek Senior Graphic Design

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Personal Financial Counselors

Federal Loans & Financial Aid

Calendar

Housing Options

OC’s state-of-the-art facilities can be your child’s home away from home

Meet the Panters

A family with OC ties says the university is a wise investment

Glossary

A quick primer on financial aid terms

Get your student’s piece of the government pie

Parent View 2008-2009

Parent TO PARENT Dear Parents, I know what you’re going through right now; our high school senior is trying to select a college and there are so many things to consider. From a parent’s point of view, I wonder, will our teen be a name or a number? What kind of examples will the professors set? Are there plenty of internships and research opportunities nearby? What are the dorms like? Are tutoring services available? How much will it cost? Is the university far enough away that I won’t have to do his laundry? In addition to all of this, sending your teen to college is primarily about making sure he or she gets a great education that will be a solid foundation for life.

Department has had the top chapter of Phi Alpha Delta (that’s the national history honor fraternity) in the nation for the past 13 years. Soundings, the literary journal published by our Language & Literature students, was named the top journal in the nation by the international English honor society last year.

Sure, at Oklahoma Christian University, we have classes that are much smaller than at State U. We’re located in a major metropolitan area, where there are a lot of terrific internship opportunities with top companies. The professors here care tremendously about your sons and daughters; they will have them into their homes, see them at church and greet them by name around campus.

Our Chemistry and Biology students consistently place high at the Oklahoma Academy of Sciences research competition and, this past year, one of our students received the award for the best overall presentation. Another student made the top score in Arkansas and Oklahoma in a prestigious international mathematics competition this spring.

But, on top of all of this, OC’s academic program is extremely strong. Our professors are experts in their fields; they write articles and books and speak at conferences around the world. This expertise has a huge impact on our students.

Our Accounting graduates have had the highest CPA exam pass rate in the state for 11 of the past 13 years. And OC’s Marketing program remains strong in the wake of our first-place finish in a national competition to create a marketing plan for Ken Blanchard’s book, Lead Like Jesus.

Our Art & Design and Communications students won all sorts of national awards last year. The History & Political Science

Parent View 2008-2009

one of only two schools in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities with three engineering degree programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. So if you’re looking for a school where your son or daughter won’t just be a number, where the professors set a strong Christian example, and where the academics are first rate, please take a close look at OC. Now, how will I decorate that extra bedroom?

Sincerely,

Dr. Allison D. Garrett Vice President for Academic Affairs

Our School of Engineering continues to attract top students from around the world. OC is

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Letter from the

EDITOR Thank you for taking the time to read through the 2008-2009 edition of Parent View. This issue of Parent View features information about OC scholarships, federal and state financial aid, helpful hints when completing the FAFSA, sample financial aid packages, and much more! Oklahoma Christian continues to invest millions of dollars in scholarships and grants. Every student who applies to OC has the opportunity to receive financial aid. Thanks to OC’s commitment to awarding need-based grants, students from lower- to middle-income families receive more financial aid today than ever before. Attending college requires a financial commitment from the student, the family, the government, and the school. We believe you’ll find an extraordinary commitment from Oklahoma Christian to make a high quality Christian education affordable for your son or daughter. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your personal financial aid counselor at 800.877.5010.

Sincerely,

Clint LaRue Director of Student Financial Services

Sticker price vs. cost for your FAMILY Higher education institutions don’t all price their product in the same way. You may look at the sticker price of one college and think to yourself, “Wow, that school costs less than another school my student is considering.” But that might not be the case. Some schools quote a price per hour based on 15 typical semester units. Others may use block tuition pricing. Some may advertise their cheapest housing option or lowest meal plan. Others may show an upgraded residence option or board plan that includes more meals.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Some universities have all-inclusive fees that include upgraded amenities (like laptop computer hardware and support or complimentary laundry service). Others have lower fees with fewer perks for the student. Some colleges have very few course fees, while others may add several course fees to their standard tuition prices. Think of it like buying a car … a dealer might advertise the base price, but that price may not include add-ons and even basic features like the radio, air conditioning, etc. When it’s

all said and done, the car ends up being a lot more expensive than you were expecting. When determining college cost, your family should also consider scholarships. Institutions at a higher price point may offer more scholarship dollars and opportunities. The Student Financial Services Office encourages you to look beyond sticker price to carefully consider the most important number: net cost to your family.

Parent View 2008-2009

Admission Process The following is a list of items needed to complete Oklahoma Christian University’s admission process. Your child should complete each step below, with the corresponding paperwork, as soon as possible for priority consideration.

Application for Admission

Pre-Admission Test (ACT or SAT)

Current High School or College Transcript

Character Recommendation Form

Housing Request Form

Campus Visit

Immunization Form

Important note: To determine admittance to Oklahoma Christian University, the Admissions Office must receive a student’s application for admission, test scores, current transcript and Character Recommendation Form. Notification of your child’s admissions status will be mailed to your child within one week of receipt of completed information.

For detailed information and online forms, please visit our website. www.oc.edu/process

Scholarship & Financial Aid Process The following is a step-by-step guide for completing the OC scholarship and financial aid process. Due to limited funding, it is best to complete this process early. For more information, visit our website at www.oc.edu/financialprocess. Ensure your child completes the OC Application for Admission. All students must complete this application, submit their ACT and/or SAT scores, and submit their most recent high school and/or college transcript(s) to be eligible for OC scholarships and grants. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to include OC’s Title IV code (003165) in the school section. A renewal application must be completed each year. The completion of this form is a requirement for federal assistance. Receive an electronic award letter from OC within a week after your student has submitted an ACT/SAT score and FAFSA (if you wish to receive federal assistance). Your student will receive (at the email address listed on the FAFSA or application for admission) an email with a link to view his/her award letter. The award letter will show all types of financial aid your student is eligible to receive from Oklahoma Christian. Return additional documentation if necessary. After the financial aid award is sent to your student, additional documents may be necessary. Your student will receive emails notifying him/her which documents we need. (For example, the government may require that we request a copy of your tax forms). Most other types of documents we request are available on our website at www.oc.edu/forms. Complete the Online Payment Plan Form. After your student’s award letter is sent, he/she will be sent a missing document email notifying him/ her to complete the payment plan form. The online payment plan form can be accessed at www.oc.edu/forms.

Parent View 2008-2009

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

National Recognition, OUtcomes and fast facts • OC is designated by the Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Midwest. • The John Templeton Foundation named OC as an institution that inspires students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives in its guide, Colleges That Encourage Character Development. • OC is one of only two members of the 105-school Council for Christian Colleges and Universities with mechanical, electrical and computer engineering programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Value &

SIGNIFICANCE You have values. Strong values that mean a lot to you. And as a parent, you want value. You want your child to have a strong education and a great college experience that will prepare him or her for a significant life and a successful career. There are a lot of great universities out there. And Oklahoma Christian is one of them. Rest assured … you don’t have to sell your child’s education short as a tradeoff for an encouraging Christian environment. These two things are paramount at OC: a commitment to academic excellence and a commitment to Christian excellence. OC’s mission of integrating faith and learning is distinctive in comparison to most other colleges. The remarkable results of that mission are seen in statistics like the ones listed on this page. But, more importantly, they’re seen in the lives of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

benefit from OC’s location in Oklahoma City, where they can plug into jobs, internships, inner-city ministry and all the cultural and entertainment options the metro has to offer. And while they’ll have a big city in their backyard, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the world, too. OC’s global reach through missions and international study extends from Asia to Europe, from Africa to North and South America. OC’s technological infrastructure ranks among the best in the world. Every student receives an Apple Macbook laptop and their choice of an iPhone or iPod touch to use on OC’s wireless campus, enhancing the educational experience and helping them stay connected with family, friends and professors from virtually anywhere. Those are just some of the things that make an OC education valuable. They’re just some of the things that make OC a unique place where your child can find his or her calling. Read on – we think you’ll like the (Parent) View.

OC students reap those benefits, too. They val·ue (val’yü) noun – a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged; also something intrinsically valuable or desirable.

val·ues (val’yüz) noun – a standard of moral or ethical decision-making, giving guidance on how to behave decently and honorably; beliefs regarded as important or useful.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

• OC is ranked 17th among the 50 most unwired college campuses by Intel Corporation. • OC’s School of Business Administration alumni consistently earn the highest pass rate on the CPA exam of all represented Oklahoma colleges and universities. • OC’s chapter of the National History Honor Society “Best Chapter” named best of all U.S. universities with 3,000 or fewer students for 13 straight years. • 100 percent pass rate on mandatory statewide qualifying exams for OC School of Education graduates. • 100 percent job placement rate for School of Education graduates. • OC School of Engineering graduates with a 2.8 GPA or better enjoy a 100 percent job placement rate. • 90 percent of OC advertising design graduates are placed within six months of actively searching for positions. • Since 1996, more than 90 percent of all OC students who applied to medical school were accepted (100 percent for students who participated in undergraduate research). • 15-to-1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio. • 71 percent of OC’s classes contain less than 30 students. • 60 on-campus student organizations. • 20 study-abroad and off-campus learning opportunities. • 60 percent of OC’s student body is involved in ongoing community service and ministry opportunities. • 500 students, faculty and staff members participate in mission opportunities each year in more than 30 countries on six continents. Countries served include Australia, Austria, China, Croatia, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Rwanda, Switzerland and the United States.

Parent View 2008-2009

Student income Student savings Parent income Parent savings Child(ren) in household Child(ren) in college

$6,000 PASS Academic Scholarship $3,564 OC Grant $2,000 Work Study $3,500 Subsidized Stafford Loan $2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $2,000 Perkins Loan $8,000 Parent PLUS loan $27,064 TOTAL

Home State: Oregon SAT: 1100

$0 $100 $53,537 $16,000 3 1

Sometimes it’s easier to see it in print. Though the examples below are simplified and can’t be used for direct comparison, they may give you an idea of how scholarships and grants can add up in your student’s favor.

Case Study 2

Home state: Texas ACT: 25

Case Study 1

CASE STUDIES

Student income Student savings Parent income Parent savings Parent untaxed income Number in household Number in college

$6,000 $1,000 $1,300 $2,000 $2,280 $4,731 $525 $750 $2,000 $3,500 $2,000 $1,000 $27,086

PASS Academic Scholarship Art & Design Scholarship Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Aid Grant (OTEG) Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) Federal Pell Grant Supplemental Grant (SEOG) Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Federal Work Study Subsidized Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Parent PLUS loan TOTAL

Case Study 4

$0 $0 $29,000 $500 $16,000 2 1

Home State: California ACT: 25

Case Study 3

Student income Student savings Parent income Parent savings Number in household Number in college

$4,000 $250 $2,000 $3,500 $2,000 $15,500 $27,250

PASS Academic Scholarship OC Grant Federal Work Study Subsidized Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Parent PLUS loan TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $192.18 for 10 years

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $99.19 for 10 years

Home State: Oklahoma ACT: 27

$2,700 $1,000 $86,000 $1,000 3 1

$700 $3,900 $9,600 $122,000 $6,200 $95,000 3 1

Student income Student savings Student untaxed income Parent income Parent savings Parent Net Worth of Investments Number in household Number in college

$6,000 $5,500 $15,000 $26,500

PASS Academic Scholarship Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Parent PLUS loan TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $185.98 for 10 years

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $50 for 22 months

*As defined by fasfa

Income Distribution of OC Student Families, 2007-08

Family Aggregate Gross Income (AGI)

Total Students

New Students

Average Grant/ Scholarship*

Average Student Loan*

Average Financial Aid Package*

Below $20,000 $20,000-$40,000 $40,000-$60,000 $60,000-$80,000 $80,000-$100,000 Above $100,000

275 186 227 265 211 419

73 59 82 98 71 167

$11,001.88 $11,022.91 $9,321.13 $7,579.31 $6,570.84 $6,760.89

$5,939.06 $6,236.93 $6,525.01 $7,230.38 $6,601.43 $4,551.53

$16,217.46 $15,611.75 $13,689.50 $12,363.18 $11,126.77 $10,038.33

Parent View 2008-2009

*The chart to the left reflects the average amount awarded in scholarships, grants, and loans to students in particular income brackets. It is not intended to reflect exact amounts that will be awarded during a given academic year, but merely as a means to demonstrate eligibility for scholarships and grant, regardless of family income.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

$8,000 $3,150 $2,000 $3,500 $2,000 $2,000 $6,500 $27,150

PASS Academic Scholarship OC Grant Federal Work Study Subsidized Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Perkins Loan Parent PLUS Loan TOTAL

Home State: Florida SAT: 930

Student income Student savings Parent income Parent savings Net worth of investments Number in household Number in college

Case Study 6

Case Study 5

Home State: Colorado ACT: 29

$0 $0 $76,000 $1,600 $8,000 5 2

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $80.59 for 10 years

$6,600 $50 $36,000 $200 $2,400 3 2

Student income Student savings Parent income Parent savings Parent untaxed income Number in household Number in college

$4,000 $2,025 $2,981 $525 $750 $2,000 $3,500 $2,000 $9,500 $27,281

PASS Academic Scholarship OC Grant Federal Pell Grant Supplement Grant (SEOG) Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Federal Work Study Subsidized Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Parent PLUS loan TOTAL

Student income Student savings Student untaxed income Parent income Parent savings Number in household Number in college

$3,000 $4,000 $2,000 $5,500 $7,000 $21,500

Transfer Scholarship OC Grant Federal Work Study Subsidized Stafford Loan Unsubsidized Student Loan TOTAL

Home State: Kansas ACT: 28

$22,419 $0 $500 N/A N/A 1 1

Case Study 8

Case Study 7

Home State: Oklahoma Transfer GPA: 3.12 with 85 hours

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $117.79 for 10 years

$11,000 Student income $50 Student savings $230,000 Parent income $2,000 Parent savings 4 Number in household 2 Number in college $8,000 $5,500 $12,500 $26,000

PASS Academic Scholarship Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Parent PLUS loan TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PLUS loan is $154.98 for 10 years

Oklahoma Christian is committed to helping your student receive the most financial aid possible. When your child applies to OC, your family will be assigned a personal financial counselor who will walk you through the financial aid process and help your student find scholarships and other aid.

2007-08 Tuition, Fees, Room & Board for Undergraduate Students Full-time Tuition Full-time General Fee (12 + hours) Residence Hall Room & Board Apartment Room & Board (juniors and seniors only)

$14,690 $1,876 $6,390 ($3,190 – Room / $3,200 – Board, incl. full meal plan*) $4,220 – Double occupancy (75 meals per semester*)

*Room and board costs vary based on the type of apartment/residence hall your student lives in and the type of meal plan purchased. Go to www.oc.edu/cost for a full list/breakdown of costs.

$16,217

$17,500 $15,611

$15,000

$13,689

Student LOANS Grants & Scholarships

Family Aggregate Gross Income (AGI)

32% 68%

Below 20K

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

29% 71%

20K - 40K

$12,363 $11,126 32% 68%

40K - 60K

39% 61%

60K - 80K

$12,500 $10,038

$10,000

41% 59%

33% 67%

$ 7,500

80K - 100K

100K & Up

AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

$ 5,000

Parent View 2008-2009

Scholarships, Grants & Discounts

Hard work pays off.

Academic Merit Scholarships All academic awards are reviewed on an annual basis for each incoming class. Modifications for future incoming classes will not change your academic award. PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP (PASS): This scholarship is available to first-time freshmen with an ACT score of 22 or above or an SAT score of 1020 or above. A student may receive this scholarship up to 10 semesters and must maintain a 2.8 cumulative GPA to keep the award. This scholarship will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Documentation of your ACT/SAT scores is requuired. Refer to the following chart to determine the amount of the Academic Scholarship. Please note: At this time, Oklahoma Christian does not incorporate the writing section of the SAT into the total SAT score. Therefore, only the combination of the verbal and writing sections are used to determine the amount of the PASS award. ACT/SAT Academic Scholarship (yearly) 32-36 1400-1600 $10,000 28-31 1250-1390 $8,000 25-27 1130-1240 $6,000 22-24 1020-1120 $4,000

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is determined by the National Merit Corporation and is awarded in the spring of a student’s senior year. A student may receive this award up to 10 semesters and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative college GPA and participate in OC’s Honors Program to keep the award.

Parent View 2008-2009

Finalists receive full tuition, mandatory fees, room and board (minus any other OC award). • This award is prorated for part-time students. • Scholarship room expenses provide for OC’s basic housing unit. If a student chooses to live in a private room and/or a higher-priced residence hall or apartment, the student will be responsible for the difference in housing prices. • Board expenses cover the standard meal plan, but do not cover add-on points. If a student chooses to increase the meal plan or add points, the student will be responsible for the incremental costs. • Mandatory fees do not include private music lessons and fees for Study Abroad programs, CCCU programs, and other special programs. • For National Merit Finalists, OC will apply $2,000 of the Oklahoma State Regents Scholarship (discussed below) to help cover the cost of full tuition, room and board. The additional $2,000 will be applied to the student’s account and can be used as a credit or may help pay for books, costs for available upgraded student housing options, etc.

information, please contact the Oklahoma State Regents Office by phone at (405) 2259131 or (800) 858-1840. Additional information also can be found online at www.okhighered. org/academic-scholars. TRANSFER ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is based on the cumulative GPA of all college transfer work. The scholarship is good for up to 10 semesters. This scholarship will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Students transferring more than 15 credit hours and who have attended another higher education institution starting in the fall semester after their high school senior year will be considered transfer students for financial aid purposes. A student should submit a complete college transcript(s) to OC for consideration. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to keep this award. Refer to the following chart to determine the amount of the scholarship. Cumulative GPA Scholarship Amount (yearly) 3.50-4.00 3.00-3.49 2.50-2.99

$4,000 $3,000 $2,000

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS SCHOLARSHIP: This is awarded by the Oklahoma State Regents and is worth up to $4,000 per year for up to eight semesters. Students must have a total ACT subscore of 133 or above. National Merit Finalists who are not residents of Oklahoma also can apply for this scholarship. A student must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. For more

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Other OC Scholarships/Grants: Maximum OC scholarships and tuition discounts may not exceed full tuition up to 18 hours. Awards will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Excluding OC Grant, students may receive no more than one award from this section. ART/DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students majoring in art and design. It is worth $1,000 per year for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and submit a portfolio of art work to the Department of Art & Design. For more information, contact (405) 425-5556. CHEERLEADING SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for students who are chosen during cheerleading tryouts. It is worth $1,000 per year for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and serve as a cheerleader. To apply, a student must complete the OC Application for Admission and pass the tryouts. For more information, contact the coordinator at (405) 425-5050. CHRISTIAN ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP: The Christian Engineering Scholarship (CES) gives students with a major within the School of Engineering, a chance to earn a full-tuition scholarship in their third and fourth years. For more information, please visit www.oc.edu/ces. To apply, a

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the engineering admissions counselor for additional requirements. The priority deadline for this scholarship is March 7. CHURCH MATCH SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for students who receive a scholarship from a congregation of the churches of Christ. OC will match dollar for dollar up to $500 per student per academic year (August through May). To apply for this scholarship, the church must complete the church match application form with the signatures of two church officials. DISTINGUISHED PERFORMER AWARD (MUSIC): This scholarship is for first-time freshman students who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and accomplishment. It is renewable for up to 10 semesters. Scholarship amounts will vary depending on student’s ability and music department need. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and continue to participate in music. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the music department at (405) 425-5530 for audition requirements. Additional information about OC’s music department is available at www.oc.edu/music. Students should schedule an audition in the fall semester or early in the spring semester.

OC GRANT: This grant is funded by the university and is based on a family’s financial need. A student’s family must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for this award. OC Grant will combine with any other award(s). THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students demonstrating theatrical abilities. Scholarship amounts will vary depending on student ability and theatre department need. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and continue to participate in theatre. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the theatre department at (405) 425-5526 for audition requirements. Students should schedule an audition in the fall semester or early in the spring semester. UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students wanting to play junior varsity sports. It is worth $1,000 per year for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the athletic department at (405) 425-5350. VARSITY ATHLETICS: Oklahoma Christian University is a member of the NAIA and offers a wide variety of collegiate sports. For more information, please contact the athletic department at (405) 425-5350. continued >

Parent View 2008-2009

Scholarships, Grants & Discounts cont. OC Discounts No more than one discount per student. CHILDREN’S HOME DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work as houseparents at a children’s home. To qualify, the parents must be the legal guardians of the applicant. The parents also must live fulltime at the children’s home, and they must have placed children living in the home. This discount is also intended for firsttime students who have lived in a children’s facility for the past year with no parental support. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, complete the OC Application for Admission and provide verification of a recent stay at a children’s home or verification of parent’s fulltime employment as houseparents. CHILDREN OF MINISTERS DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) who are dependent children of fulltime ministers, provided the minister meets certain criteria. To qualify, the minister must be a fulltime

FOREIGN MISSIONARY DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents are currently working in the foreign mission field under the provision and support of a congregation of the Church of Christ located in the United States. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A parent must continue to work in the mission field and the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. To apply, the student should complete the OC Application for Admission with verification of work in a foreign mission field.

Church of Christ minister (40 hours/week paid vocation) and have served at least five years. Applicants must submit the Children of Ministers Discount application form as well as a youth census list (9th-12th grade) from their home congregation. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. The recipient must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, complete the OC Application for Admission and the Children of Minister’s Discount application form. CHRISTIAN ACADEMY/SCHOOL DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work fulltime at a K-12 Christian academy or school. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. Parents must continue to work fulltime at a Christian academy or school, and the student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and submit the Christian Academy/School Discount application form.

Should My Family Complete the FAFSA?

SISTER SCHOOL DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work fulltime at a regionally-accredited sister college or university. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A parent must continue to work fulltime at a sister college or university, and the student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and the Sister School Discount application.

Myth:

My family should not complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because my student will not qualify for any federal money.

Reality:

Every student is eligible to receive federal aid. Before making a decision about completing the FAFSA,ask yourself these questions:

Is our family interested in grants?

• Approximately 25% of OC students qualify for federal and/or state grants. • Many students who do not qualify for federal or state grants qualify for the OC Grant (Oklahoma Christian’s need-based grant). • Completing the FAFSA doesn’t guarantee your student will receive a need-based grant, but you won’t know unless you apply.

Is our family interested in loans?

• EVERY STUDENT CAN QUALIFY for a FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN. • The best kinds of student loans with the lowest interest rates are only available to students who complete the FAFSA. • The Parent PLUS loan is only offered to parents whose dependent children complete a FAFSA.

is my student interested in working on campus?

• The vast majority of OC students who complete a FAFSA qualify for work-study jobs. • On-campus employment is not guaranteed, but students who qualify for work study have a much greater opportunity to find a job.

Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.

Parent View 2008-2009

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

MONEY

Management tips for students Starting college marks a new beginning in your child’s life. The financial decisions your child makes after moving away from home will impact him/her for years to come. Here are some tips you can pass along to your child to help him/her develop good financial habits. Clip them out for your child’s corkboard or mini-fridge, or just use them as talking points when you have that big “going-off-to-college” conversation …

STUDENT TIPS

1. Create a monthly budget Decide how you will spend your money before you spend it. Tracking your day-today spending can help you identify wasteful habits and tighten your purse strings. Reconciling receipts, using cash, using debit cards, online banking, spreadsheets and financial software are all good tools used to track spending. Use a method that works for you. New month = new budget. Spend at least 30-45 minutes a month totaling the results of the previous month’s budget and make a new budget for the upcoming month. Having the discipline to stay the course will help you develop healthy financial practices for life.

2. Avoid credit card pitfalls Many debate the pros and cons of credit cards, but regardless of which side you’re on, there are several common pitfalls associated with credit cards. College students are one of the most heavily-targeted groups for credit card marketers. Unpaid balances, interest charges, and fees accumulate rapidly, usually when one can least afford. Credit cards develop a buy-now, pay-later mentality. This leads to increased spending and trouble when the unexpected happens.

3. Have an emergency fund The unexpected happens! An emergency fund helps you prepare for the inevitable. $500-$1,000 will prevent most students from ever having additional debt. Only spend out of the fund in case of emergencies! Buying that “must-have” sweater is not an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency. Your car breaking down likely is an emergency.

4. Begin the habit of saving and tithing now If you have an income (no matter how small), saving and tithing need to be high priorities in our life. Pay God first, yourself second, and lifestyle third.

5. Start thinking about student loan repayments before they begin Borrow for education, not lifestyle. Know your loan obligations, read the fine print, and retain all loan documents. Estimate loan payments before taking a student loan. To help determine the amount of your student loan repayments, visit www.oc.edu/managemyloans.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Parent View 2008-2009

Piece of the PIE Federal grant and loan options to help sweeten your student’s financial aid packages.

PELL GRANT

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY PROGRAM

This grant is available to undergraduate students only. The award amount is based on the family’s need as determined by the government and does not require repayment.

This program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The inclusion of work-study on your financial aid offer only indicates eligibility. It is not a guarantee of a job. The student is responsible for contacting potential supervisors and finding a job. You may find job listings at www.oc.edu/services/jobs.

SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANT This grant is only available to undergraduate students. The amount is determined by the student’s financial need and the availability of funds at the school. It does not require repayment. Policies may vary according to institutions.

ACADEMIC COMPETITIVENESS GRANT (ACG) This grant is available to first-year and second-year students who are full-time Pelleligible U.S. citizens and have completed a rigorous high school program as designated by their state. First-year students are eligible for a maximum of $750. Second-year students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and are eligible for a maximum of $1,300.

SMART GRANT This federal grant is for full-time Pelleligible U.S. citizens in the third or fourth year of a four-year academic program. The student must be pursuing a major in mathematics, science (including physical, life and computer sciences), technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian). The student also must have a GPA of at least 3.0. The SMART Grant is worth $4,000 per year.

Parent View 2008-2009

PERKINS LOAN This loan is currently a needs-based 5% fixed interest loan. Repayment begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The award amount is based on the family’s need as determined by the government. THIS MUST BE REPAID.

STAFFORD LOAN • Instructions on how to sign the online master promissory note (MPN) will be linked to your student’s missing document email. Your student will need to choose a lender on his/her online award. • There are two types of Stafford Loans. Eligibility is determined by using the government’s need analysis. Subsidized – This loan is based on need. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. The subsidized Stafford Loan interest rate for 2008-2009 is fixed at 6.0%. Unsubsidized – This loan is not based on need, but on the cost of attendance. The government does not pay the interest while the student is in school. The student may choose to pay the interest quarterly or defer it by adding it to the loan principle

while in school. The unsubsidized Stafford Loan interest rate for 2008-2009 is fixed at 6.8%. • The loan may be divided between the two semesters. • REPAYMENT begins six months after the student drops below half-time enrollment. The minimum monthly payment is $50 per month. However, the maximum repayment term is 10 years; therefore, your monthly payment may be higher. • We recommend continued borrowing from the same lender. • FIRST-TIME BORROWERS must complete a loan entrance interview before any funds can be issued. • THESE LOANS MUST BE REPAID! The following is a list of the maximum amounts that may be borrowed: Freshmen (0-31 hours) – $5,500 ($2,000 must be unsubsidized) Sophomores (32-63 hours) – $6,500 ($2,000 must be unsubsidized) Juniors and Seniors (64+ hours) – $7,500 ($2,000 must be unsubsidized) Graduate Students – $20,500 ($12,000 must be unsubsidized)

PARENT LOAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (PLUS) This is a loan available to the parents of a dependent student. A parent may borrow to cover the cost of a college education on behalf of a child regardless of the family’s income. • Parents may borrow up to the full cost of their dependent’s cost of education, less the amount of any financial aid received.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

• Parents are responsible for originating the PLUS loan. Oklahoma Christian will be notified after application is made. • The PLUS loan interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. • Repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Parents can request that the loan repayment be deferred until the student finishes college. • The minimum payment is $50 per month. You have up to 10 years to repay.

• There will be a 4% fee (3% origination plus 1% default fee) automatically deducted from the disbursements. • The parent is responsible for paying the interest that accrues on the loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. • If you have had a PLUS loan in the past, we recommend that you continue to borrow from the same lender. • You must be a creditworthy borrower.

Oklahoma STATE MONEY Though Oklahoma Christian University is a private institution that doesn’t receive government money for operations, that doesn’t mean students are cut off from state scholarships. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers several scholarships and grants to help students pay for college. For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at (800) 858-1840 or (405) 225-9239, or visit www.okhighered.org.

www.oc.edu/financial

FEDERAL STUDENT AID INFORMATION CENTER

Academic Scholars Program – This award is worth up to $4,000 per year for up to eight semesters. Students must have a subscore of 133 or higher on the ACT. National Merit Finalists who are not residents of Oklahoma also may apply for this scholarship. You must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA.

CALL 1.800.4.FED.AID (1.800.433.3243 www.studentaid.ed.gov The Wright Family

Future Teachers Scholarship Program – Awards scholarships to outstanding Oklahoma students who want to teach in the areas of foreign language, science, and early childhood education. A full-time student with less than 60 hours can receive up to $1,000/year. A full-time student with more than 60 hours can receive up to $1,500/year. Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) – This is a need-based grant worth up to $1,300 per year for qualifying Oklahoma residents. Oklahoma students should file their FAFSA before April 15 to receive this grant. Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) – This is a need-based grant worth up to $2,000 per year for qualifying Oklahoma residents. Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) – This scholarship is for students whose families meet certain income requirements and who have demonstrated a commitment to academic preparation in high school. Students must enroll in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade. In 2008-2009, this award is worth $110 per credit hour.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Parent View 2008-2009

TAX BENEFITS The Kelly Family

Higher Educational Expenses Can Benefit Your Bottom Line

HOPE SCHOLARSHIP TAX CREDIT

LIFETIME LEARNING CREDIT

TUITION AND FEES DEDUCTION

The Hope Scholarship is a tax credit, not a scholarship. Tax credits are subtracted directly from the tax a family owes, instead of being subtracted from taxable income like a tax deduction.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is a tax credit available to individuals who file a tax return and owe taxes. The amount of the credit is subtracted from the taxes owed, rather than reducing taxable income as with a tax deduction.

The Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction can reduce taxable income by as much as $4,000 in 2007. This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income, which means you can claim this deduction even if you do not itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. This deduction may benefit taxpayers who do not qualify for either the Hope or Lifetime Learning education tax credits.

A family must file a federal tax return and owe taxes to get this tax credit. A family cannot get a refund for the Hope credit if it does not pay taxes. A family that owes less tax than the maximum amount of the Hope tax credit for which it is eligible can only take a credit up to the amount of taxes owed. For the 2007 tax year, a family may claim a tax credit up to $1,650 for each eligible dependent for up to two tax years (100% of the first $1,100 and 50% of the second $1,100 paid for qualified expenses). The Hope credit is available only until each student completes his/her first two years of postsecondary education. The exact amount of the Hope credit also depends on a family’s income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. The total credit also is based on how many eligible dependents are in the family, rather than a maximum dollar amount for the family as with the Lifetime Learning Tax Credit.

Parent View 2008-2009

Individuals who do not pay taxes are not eligible for a Lifetime Learning Credit. Taxpayers who owe less tax than the maximum amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit for which they are eligible can only take a credit up to the amount of taxes owed. A family may claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax year for the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse, or any eligible dependents for an unlimited number of tax years. The amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit is 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses paid for all eligible students. Therefore, the maximum amount of a Lifetime Learning tax credit is $2,000. The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills. This differs from the Hope credit, which is only available for two years.

Up to $4,000 may be deducted from tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible postsecondary institution. Personal living and family expenses (including room and board, insurance, medical, and transportation) are not deductible expenses. The exact amount of the Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction depends on the amount of qualified tuition and related expenses paid for one’s self, spouse or dependent for whom the taxpayer can claim an exemption.

www.nasfaa.org/TaxBenefitsPSIntro

The actual amount of the Lifetime Learning Credit depends on a family’s income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. This credit is family-based rather than based on the number of dependents in a family as with the Hope credit.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

with Answers

Your student will be sent a link to view his/her award letter to the email address listed on their application for admission.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Estimator Your family doesn’t need to wait until spring to find out how much financial assistance (including scholarship and grant money) your child may qualify for. Simply visit www.oc.edu/estimator and complete the simple form. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be provided with an estimate including scholarships, grants, loans and work study from all sources. NOTE: If you plan to apply for federal grants and loans, please complete the FAFSA forecaster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov. This online step will help you determine your estimated family contribution (EFC).

Blogs for Parents Oklahoma Christian offers a Financial Services Blog and an Admissions Blog to further enhance our ability to communicate new and vital information quickly and efficiently. The Financial Services Blog explores the various types of financial aid, the amount that should be saved for college, and other important facts for future students and their parents. It focuses on four main topics: college savings, scholarship tips, federal and state aid, and outside scholarships. Readers also are provided useful links. The Admissions Blog investigates ways parents can partner with their child in the college search process. The blog provides tips for the campus visit, choosing a major, and determining the right college fit. It also shares information specifically about OC that may be of interest to parents. Take a few minutes and visit the blogs at www.oc.edu/financialblog and www.oc.edu/ admissionblog.

Parent Website Oklahoma Christian offers an index of information on the university’s website specifically for parents. Visit www.oc.edu/parents.

Your Electronic Award Oklahoma Christian now delivers missing document notifications and financial aid award packages, complete with estimated billing, the way students prefer to receive them: online. This new electronic process replaces the traditional process of sending hard-copy award letters to students, speeding the notification process and minimizing university costs. “Your Electronic Award” provides a comprehensive award package to students sooner, enabling them to make decisions and finalize arrangements in a timelier manner. The program offers more flexibility to students and families who may be traveling or working away from home. Many of OC’s online award notifications contain links to tools and resources to help students evaluate and obtain their preferred financing solutions. Award recipients simply respond electronically to Oklahoma Christian to revise their award or accept the award as offered. Your Electronic Award also features a bill estimator. This tool presents families with a true picture of their total education costs, the aid they have been awarded and the remaining funds they must obtain to fund their education costs. The bill estimator even adjusts costs to reflect the student’s intended residency choice – dorms, apartments, etc. This tool helps families better plan for and manage their out-of-pocket costs earlier in the process. Your Electronic Award is a free tool provided by Sallie Mae and USA Funds. The tool improves service to students, maximizes the financial aid information available to families, and frees financial aid offices from administrative activities that take time away from counseling students and their families.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Parent View 2008-2009

Payment Plan options Tuition Payment Plan – When all scholarships, grant and loans are calculated, most families have a remaining balance. A great way to pay this balance is with the tuition payment plan. You may divide all or a portion of the remaining balance into eight, nine or 10 payments. This service is available through Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI). Additional information will be sent with your award letter. More info is available on request or at www.edsinet.com. Alternative Student Loan – Alternative loans, also called private loans, are creditbased consumer loans that can be used for any education-related purpose. Most freshmen and students with no credit history require a co-signer. Private student loans should be used only after you have used all available federal Stafford and/or Perkins loans. For more information, please visit www.oc.edu/loans. PLUS Loan – The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan available to the parents of a dependent student. A parent may borrow to cover the cost of a college education on behalf of a child regardless of the family’s income. For complete information, please refer to the federal financial information in this magazine (on page 12) or visit www.oc.edu/loans. Cash – Parents may pay all or a portion of the remaining balance with cash. This option avoids all processing fees and finance charges.

Parent View 2008-2009

Many families choose a combination of all the options below to pay for the costs that scholarships, grants and student loans do not cover. Parents may make a down payment and cover the remainder of the balance through a PLUS loan and the Tuition Payment Plan.

Credit Card – Many parents may pay all or a portion of their student’s charges with a credit card in order to take advantage of the reward programs offered through credit card companies. However, a credit card may only be used to pay existing costs. Overpaying with a credit card to add a credit on a student’s balance is not allowed. If you would like to pay by credit card, contact your Personal Financial Counselor in the Financial Services Office.

Reasons for Differences in Financial Aid at Different Schools

The Amount of Funding a University has available to Award – Internal and government funding will differ between institutions. Students applying after published deadline dates may see a reduction in aid that could have been awarded. Summer Work – Students who work just 20 hours per week during the summer should be able to earn enough to pay for their books or apply some money toward their account.

www.oc.edu/financialaid

Special Circumstances – The federal government uses your previous year’s financial information to determine financial aid eligibility. However, if you (and your family) have unusual circumstances, such as tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school, unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, a family member who recently became unemployed, or changes in income or assets that affect your eligibility for financial aid, please contact the financial aid office for guidance. NOTE: You must contact each financial aid office with whom you are corresponding. Cost of Attendance – Direct student costs such as tuition, fees, room and board are not constant. Indirect costs such as books and personal expenses will differ on an individual basis. To accurately compare aid awards from a different university, you need to compare the total student expense budget and OC’s financial aid award with similar information from other schools.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

PayinG For College Some call it the elephant in the room. Sometimes it’s the 800-pound gorilla. It’s the topic no one is talking about, but what everyone is thinking about. We’re outing the elephant/gorilla of college admissions ... the cost and value debates. Obviously, affording a private Christian college education is a concern for many families, particularly when the cost of everything is going up from gasoline to groceries. The popularity of moneymanagement programs such as The Dave Ramsey Show also has kicked the debate up a notch. “I think education is extremely important. However, going into major debt in order to get a degree that you will never use is ridiculous,” Ramsey wrote on his website, daveramsey.com. “When I hire people for my company, I don’t look only at the degrees they have. I look at desire, attitude, diligence, people skills, and other qualities. These are the things that will determine if they are successful, not necessarily a degree.” You might think that statements like that would make OC’s admissions folks squirm a little bit. No, in fact, he has helped us. OC’s foundation was built on transforming students’ lives to not only be successful in a career, but to be people who have the qualities that Ramsey admires. And, no, you can’t necessarily get that at just any college or university. Jon Junker is an OC alumnus who facilitates Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” at his congregation. He paid his own way through college in the 1980s – spurred on by his dad, who taught him to spend his money on things that will appreciate over time, like education.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

“I believe that a Christian education has a lot of value that may be intangible to those that have not experienced it, such as a better student-teacher ratio, a better environment, lots of opportunities to grow spiritually, and making many good friends for life,” he said. Jon owns his own company, Redbud Technical Consulting, based in Edmond, Oklahoma. He says that his former professors still remember his name and are genuinely interested in his career and life when he sees them. He and his wife, Gayle, have three children who are rapidly heading toward college age. And they are planning for it. “I personally want my kids to have a stake in paying for their higher education, whether it is by earning scholarships or cold, hard cash,” he said. “I believe that if the kid puts a little bit of his or her treasure into it, their heart will follow.” That’s advice that OC admissions counselor Matt Johns has heard himself giving as he visits with potential students. “My parents sent three kids to OC, all within eight years. My parents took out a Parent Plus loan after my scholarships and we knew we were not throwing away our money,” Matt said. “We paid for my education knowing that my life would forever be changed for the better.” Crislyn Ward, another admissions counselor, says she hears the value versus cost question a lot. She gives a response that offers both a “how to” and a passion that is hard not to catch. “I tell students that my dad was a teacher and my mom was a stay-at-home mom until

Honest Talk about the Big Elephant I was in high school, which means we didn’t have a lot of money growing up,” she said. “My parents had not been able to save much for my education, but I knew that I wanted to be at a Christian university. So I worked hard in school to get good grades and good test scores. Through hard work, good family support, and the grace of God, not only was I able to come to OC, but both of my younger brothers came here as well.” Granted, Crislyn, Matt and the other counselors are part of the OC Admissions Team. But you can train a counselor; you can’t force authenticity. “I do have student loans that I am paying off, but I tell students and parents that those loans are completely worth it. The lifelong friendships I made at OC, the things I learned from my professors, and the experiences I had as a student will always be worth that monthly student loan payment I make each month,” Crislyn said. Nancy and Steve Thomas are Ramsey followers who currently have two children at OC (read about them in another article in this issue of Parent View). “I agree with Dave Ramsey in that I don’t believe we owe our children a college education, but we always wanted our children to be able to be independent and support themselves,” Nancy said. “If that education and the skills that come with it can help others, then they will always be able to serve in the Lord’s kingdom.” Talking about elephants, gorillas, student loans, choices and value may not be so controversial after all. Talking it out might just turn dreams into reality. By Dawn Shelton

Parent View 2008-2009

Personal Financial Counselors Your Advocates and Guides You’ve been there for your children all of their lives. When it’s time for them to leave the nest, they’ll put on a brave face, but it can be scary for them. And even though you may put on a brave face, it can be scary for you, too. It helps to have someone you can count on … someone you can trust to help your student navigate the waters. That’s especially true in the financial services consultation. Those unfamiliar with the financial aid process need a friend and guide to help them, and that’s what OC provides. “First-time students have different financial aid needs than those of returning students,” said Clint LaRue, director of student financial

Parent View 2008-2009

services. “Our counselors for incoming students are specially trained to handle their unique needs and concerns.” The ability of OC financial aid counselors to tailor their skills for different types of students allows them to know students and families on a more personal level. Counselors know students by name and are able to give more of their time to help understand each student’s unique situation. Another distinct advantage to the OC Financial Services office is that the same counselor handles a particular student’s financial aid awards, financial planning and the collection of tuition expenses, and can work personally with students and parents if there is a concern in any area.

“We are able to work with families step by step through this process, hopefully eliminating any extra concern as they enjoy what should be an exciting time of life,” LaRue said. The Oklahoma Christian advantage is a personal touch. In a world where we’re lucky to hear a human voice on the other end of the phone after jumping through hoops of automated messages and menus, OC’s financial aid counselors are accessible advocates who go the extra mile, looking for ways to help students’ dreams become realities.

www.oc.edu/financialaid

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

2008-2009 CALENDAR

6 6-7

Campus Connect (Group Visit Event) Spring Sing & Spring Visit (Weekend Visit Event)

16-22 Spring Break 27 Campus Connect

20 20

New Student Orientation Parent Orientation

Finish your taxes this month and complete FAFSA

12 19

Spring Classes Begin Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

Plan a school shopping trip

NOVEMBER

(Group Visit Event)

Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

7-8 OC Homecoming 26-28 Thanksgiving Break

FEBRUARY

Christmas Break Begins

Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

MAY

13-14 Fall Break 17 Campus Connect

8 8

New Student Orientation

AUGUST

Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

APRIL

OCTOBER

26-27 Fall Visit (Weekend Visit Event) 27 Freshman Fanfare

JANUARY

Encourage your student to apply to OC â&#x20AC;Ś application fee waived through September.

For a complete list of OC events, visit www.oc.edu/calendar

JULY

JUNE

MARCH

DECEMBER september

Important Dates and Events to Remember

24 New Student Orientation 25-29 Earn Your Wings 31 Classes Begin

Parent Orientation

Student Life Answers COMMON Parent QUESTIONS Jeff Bennett, Associate Dean of Students, and the other dedicated personnel in the Office of Student Life spend their time doing what they can to ensure students have the best experience they can have on campus. Dean Bennett answered a few questions for Parent View.

PARENT VIEW: IF A STUDENT IS HAVING A DIFFICULT TIME IN AN AREA, WHAT DOES YOUR OFFICE DO TO HELP?

Dean Jeff Bennett: Our office is staffed with a number of personnel who serve as freshman advisers. They are available to assist new students with areas of difficulty. Both the Dean of Students and the Associate Dean of Students are available to counsel with students on particular issues. We also coordinate with the Wellness Center and refer students there if they have issues that are beyond the scope of this office.

PARENT VIEW: IS OC A SAFE CAMPUS?

Dean Jeff Bennett: Our campus is extremely safe. Looking at our crime reports over the past three years, we find that our greatest problems come in the areas of vandalism and theft. Some of those are due in part to the trusting nature of our students, who often do not heed warnings to lock their rooms. We have increased lighting to better secure our parking areas at night. Campus security also is available to escort students from parking areas to their residence if desired.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

PARENT VIEW: HOW DO STUDENTS GET INVOLVED IN CAMPUS LIFE?

Dean Jeff Bennett: Students can run for various positions in the Student Government Association. Following the freshman year, students also have the opportunity to join a Social Service Club, which gives them an opportunity to connect with others with similar interests. Students also are encouraged to get involved in a local church and in outreach programs.

PARENT VIEW: WHAT IF MY SON OR DAUGHTER BECOMES ILL?

Dean Jeff Bennett: We have a Wellness Center that is staffed with a school nurse, physician and psychologist. Students who become ill can report to the Wellness Center during the school day. After hours, students may seek the help of residence hall personnel and may be transported to an emergency room if necessary.

PARENT VIEW: WHAT CAN A PARENT DO TO HELP A STUDENT WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH HOMESICKNESS?

Dean Jeff Bennett: Parents should discuss the possibility of homesickness prior to sending their student off to school. Students need to know that this is a natural and common occurrence. Frequent telephone calls can be helpful, but parents should help the student reduce excessive parental dependence as early as possible. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Director of Freshman Programs concerning a homesick situation.

Parent View 2008-2009

Looking to make a difference “If you are looking to change the world, OC is a great place to start.”

even taught her new things that they have learned in their Bible classes.

You might expect to get such a statement in a cool magazine like Parent View. After all, it is designed by Oklahoma Christian in hopes of encouraging parents to send their kids to the university we love.

She also says she has heard a few “horror stories” from friends whose kids are at other schools where partying (and more partying) is emphasized.

But when you hear that from a student … and he says it almost as an understatement … you know it was a genuine assessment that came from the heart. That’s marketing you really can’t buy. KC Thomas said it. He’s an electrical engineering major and the son of Steve and Nancy Thomas. Nancy, by the way, is an RN who works in the university’s health center and takes care of students when they’re ill. KC concluded that OC is a great, worldchanging launching pad after seeing how the students themselves will organize projects – like Wishing Well (a project to raise money to provide fresh water wells in Africa) – and participate in prayer sessions, accountability groups and late-night devotionals. “The university is progressive to let us look for ways to grow and change and find our own faith,” KC said. His mom agrees. In fact, she says that is one of the reasons she and her husband planned for their son and daughter, Lacey, a nursing major, to attend OC. “Academics and education for our children have always been priorities for Steve and me. We always prayed that our children would come into their own faith and be independent,” Nancy said. “OC gives them that platform so they can ask questions and be taught and mentored by faculty who show their faith in everything that they do.” Steve and Nancy believe their plan is working. They’ve seen their family conversations become deeper and flavored with more spiritual maturity. Nancy said her kids have

Parent View 2008-2009

Lacey, who was selected as a Spring Sing Hostess as an OC freshman, agrees. She couldn’t possibly be more enthusiastic about OC. She didn’t even mind freshman curfew! That’s because it was when she and her friends from the dorm knew they would get together to talk about the day. They studied together, prayed together ... and of course, just had fun. “I know these girls will be my friends for the rest of my life,” Lacey said. The opportunities at OC have not come without planning and sacrifice. The kids grew up eating off-brand cereal, wearing clearance-rack clothes and riding around in older cars (giving kids at school many ribbing opportunities). It was a strategy to be good stewards of their money and to keep materialism at bay. It was also what we parents like to call “characterbuilding” exercises. “They may not see the value yet, but I see the people they are becoming,” Nancy said. Both KC and Lacey have been on mission trips to Honduras and Mexico. Lacey spent a month in the African country of Ghana in 2008. KC participated in a summer Vienna Studies program. “He came home with so much more confidence and a greater appreciation for his values and beliefs,” Steve said. Having an OC education is part of Steve and Nancy’s long-term vision for their family. A vision that could change the world. By Dawn Shelton Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

CampUs The Admissions Office at Oklahoma Christian University invites your family to visit campus. With three campus visit program options, you’ll find an event to meet your needs.

Individual Campus Visit: One day; individual student family visit If your family can make just one visit to OC, this is the option for your student! An individual visit is especially appropriate for high school senior families. Let Admissions Office staff tailor a personalized campus visit experience just for your student. You’ll walk the campus, attend Chapel, enjoy a complementary lunch, attend class, visit with a faculty member about your student’s potential major, and meet your child’s admission counselor. Visits can be scheduled most weekdays.

Campus Connect: One day; small group program Students make campus connections at this one-day, small-group program. High school sophomores, juniors, seniors and parents are invited to attend. Campus Connect is pre-planned with a specific schedule of events to give your family a comprehensive look at OC. Schedule highlights include a campus walk, class visit, complementary lunch, financial aid session for parents, and more. A limited number of slots are available for each session, so please register early.

Fall and Spring Visit: Two days; overnight event Fall and Spring Visit both provide a weekend of fun and informational activities for future OC student families. Both events include Friday Campus Connect programming, an overnight stay for students in one of OC’s residence halls, and Saturday academic programming (academic and student life fairs, academic department showcases, performance scholarship auditions, etc.). Fall Visit means a trip to a local Oklahoma City hotspot and a performance of Freshman Fanfare (OC’s freshman variety show). Spring Visit includes the much-anticipated annual Spring Sing performance (featuring themed shows by OC’s social service clubs). Both juniors and seniors and their families are invited to attend Fall and Spring Visit.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

One-Day Event Dates • Friday, September 26 (Campus Connect at Fall Visit) • Thursday, October 16 • Friday, October 17 • Friday, November 7 (Homecoming) • Monday, December 8 • Monday, January 19 • Monday, February 16 • Friday, March 6 (Campus Connect at Spring Visit) • Friday, March 27 • Monday, April 13 To schedule a campus visit, go to www.oc.edu/visitcampus or call the Admissions Office at 800.877.5010.

Additional Information Comprehensive information you may find helpful when planning your family’s campus visit is available at www.oc.edu/visitcampus and www.oc.edu/beforeyouvisit. Information at these web addresses includes: • Detailed directions to campus • Parking suggestions • Campus map • Local information about Oklahoma City and Edmond • Overnight stay information (local hotels) • Dining options

Overnight Event Dates • Fall Visit, September 26-27 • Spring Visit, March 6-7 To register for Fall and Spring Visit, visit www.oc.edu/visitcampus or call the Admissions Office at 800.877.5010.

Parent View 2008-2009

Family spreads the word about what OC means to them Through the years, mission work and evangelism have taken the Hobbes family all over the world – from Washington, D.C., to Oklahoma City … from Guatemala to California. Today, sharing the Gospel remains a big part of the family tradition. Pancho, who spent 12 years as a missionary in Guatemala, is the mission minister at an inner-city congregation. His wife, Lera, helps with the women’s ministry there. And their four children regularly go on mission campaigns. But now, when they spread the word about the Christian life, they also talk about the impact Oklahoma Christian has made on their family. And their passion has built a pipeline from northern California that has blessed their kids with a lot of friends and familiar faces on the OC campus. Of course, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard sending Ben and their oldest daughter, Miriam, off to college thousands of miles away. “Losing our son and first daughter was rough. It was like a punch in the stomach,” Lera said. “But we were so excited because we always wanted them to get a Christian education. We believed in OC and we had friends in Oklahoma, so that took some of the angst out of it.”

Parent View 2008-2009

Ben is a mass communication major who had an award-winning radio show and played varsity basketball at OC. Miriam is a nursing major whose interests were a perfect match with courses that send students to practice in Honduras. “I appreciate the way OC combines exactly what I’m looking for – my love for missions and service and medical care,” Miriam said. “And I love that OC is welcoming to every continent. A lot of times, college students will stay in their shell, but we have a chance to really connect with the international students that OC brings in.” Ben and Miriam were joined this year by their sister, Rachel, who also plans to pursue a career in medicine. The Hobbes’ youngest daughter, Rebecca, will hit campus in two years … along with several friends from her California bible camp. “We know our kids will be making big decisions in this time of their lives,” Pancho said. “Good teaching is so important because we want them to be challenged and supported. OC has a healthy environment with caring faculty who are so helpful, and it’s a place where they’ll make friends that last forever.”

Pancho said the upgrades and growth on campus and in the Oklahoma City metro area also made an impact: “It showed that they weren’t resting on their laurels, but had a

Your child’s faith is going to be challenged wherever they are ... OC is a good place for them. vision to grow for the future,” he said. Of course, Pancho and Lera are playing a direct role in that growth by sending their four kids to Oklahoma Christian, and planting the seed in many other teens that have chosen OC. Though their commitment comes with financial sacrifices (OC hasn’t put them on the recruiting payroll just yet!), they believe the sacrifices are worth it. And they’ll share that belief with anyone who will listen. “Your child’s faith is going to be challenged wherever they are,” Lera said. “We know OC isn’t perfect, but it gives our kids the last vestige of a concentrated Christian environment before they go out into the world – not as protection, but as preparation. OC’s a good place for them.” By Wes McKinzie

Besides the academic, spiritual and social support system his children have at OC,

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

HOUSING OC’s recent $34 million housing initiative means first-class living on a cutting-edge campus Six new apartment buildings ... two new residence halls ... renovation of existing residence halls ... a new central plant that allows personal temperature control in every new and many of the renovated rooms and apartments. OC’s new housing is nice. The project has dramatically changed the campus landscape and improved OC students’ “homes away from home.” Beginning with sophomore year, students have the opportunity to live in University House North (men) or University House South (women). These new residence halls are state-of-the-art facilities featuring bathrooms, microwaves, refrigerators and ceiling fans in each suite, laundry rooms on each floor, a theatre room, fitness center, and more. Juniors and seniors have the option to live in one of OC’s new apartment complexes. Each apartment unit includes a full kitchen, dishwasher, living area, balcony or patio area, bathroom, and full-size washer and dryer. Students can choose either single bedrooms or double bedrooms. Men’s freshman dorm room

in Fails Hall

All the rooms include high-speed network and Internet access. Not that students need it – our completely wireless campus lets them work and surf on their school-provided MacBook laptop or iPhone/iPod touch. The new residence halls also include a “hotel room” available to visiting parents. For reservation information, contact Judy Davis at (405) 425-5930 or judy.davis@oc.edu.

Sophomore University House

Get more housing information, including floor plans and details on other amenities, at www.oc.edu/living.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Parent View 2008-2009

FROM Texas, With Love

Parent View 2008-2009

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Panter family values OC scholarships, community The Panter family is a house divided. With both Texas and Texas A&M fans in the home, the passions and tensions can run deep when the Longhorns and Aggies clash. Of course, there’s also a lot they agree on. And from parents Tommy and Gwen down to the last of their four sons, they share a strong consensus on the need for a strong, Christian collegiate experience. That consensus led three of the four Panter sons to Oklahoma Christian University. Caleb is a recent OC graduate, Luke is a senior at OC, and Andrew started this year as a freshman. When you ask Tommy and Gwen if they went to a Christian university, they respond, “Unfortunately not.” Their college experience, they say, is one reason they’re so gung ho about Oklahoma Christian. “Our main priority as our kids came up was protecting them and supporting them in Christian ways,” Tommy said. “Young adulthood is critical in the development of character – more of them pull away from Christ at that age. We wanted our kids to be in a place with strong academic credentials where they could be around good people and stay on the right path.”

“With the help they can get initially, it sort of evens out between OC and the major state universities here in Texas. After that, we’ve paid some and our kids have worked – we haven’t had to go into terrible debt,” Tommy said. As Caleb and Luke got involved on campus, it paid off big time … not just in taking care of tuition, but in the experiences they’ve had. Both of them were officers with OC’s student government association and helped lead Earn Your Wings, OC’s big event for incoming students. Luke has worked as a residence assistant and in a variety of offices around campus.

I don’t think we would have done anything differently. It’s been a sacrifice, but God has taken care of us and we totally give Him the glory.

The academic focus is strong in the Panter home. Tommy, who got his master’s in biblical studies at Abilene Christian University, is the assistant principal and attendance administrator at the high school in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Gwen teaches fifth-grade science and social studies in one of the local elementary schools. Their work in education means they didn’t have a big nest egg to draw from when their kids went to college. But OC’s academic scholarships, which reward good scores Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

on the SAT or ACT, and other financial opportunities are a big help to families who want to invest in a Christian atmosphere for their children.

Caleb, who earned a scholarship to play varsity basketball at Oklahoma Christian, is still plugged in as an assistant coach while he pursues his graduate law degree at a nearby school. “OC has made it a real experience for them, and that’s helped pay for their schooling. They had to figure out ways to enjoy all of it and figure out ways to pay for it,” Gwen said. “It’s been a sacrifice, but God has taken care of us and we totally give Him the glory. It’s like the feeding of the 5,000 – we don’t know how it happened, but it happened.” By Wes McKinzie

Parent View 2008-2009

When Dr. Kathy Thompson attended her first fall faculty meeting at Oklahoma Christian University, she wondered whether she was making the right career decision. But when Dr. Bailey McBride, who was academic vice president at the time, asked all faculty members to share news about their students, she was amazed at the response. It not only sealed the deal for her new career as a music professor, but it assured her that she wanted her own kids to go to OC. That was in 1993. “These faculty members were invested in the lives of their students. They wanted them to succeed, and they were so proud to share their successes with us,” she remembers. Turns out those fellow teachers also invested in the lives of each other, as Thompson would find out 15 years later.

In addition to her teaching schedule, which includes courses in music theory, private and class piano, piano pedagogy, and music education, she conducts the University Chamber Orchestra. She is a member of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra and supervises the OC Music Academy, a program in which qualified OC students teach music lessons to pre-college students.

The transplant surgery was successful and Thompson spent the summer recovering and regaining her energy. Fowler is fully recovered from his laparoscopic procedure.

It’s a busy and fulfilling schedule in which Thompson thrives. So when a genetic kidney condition, polycystic kidney disease, inched her closer to full-time dialysis as a means to save her life, a friend who sat in that same faculty meeting in 1993 stepped up to donate a kidney.

Fowler said the donation also was a “thank you” to Thompson for giving him back the gift of music.

Dr. Mike Fowler was a long-time member of the OC faculty, serving as distinguished professor of biology. He is now the vice chairman of pharmaceutical sciences at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.

Thompson, associate professor of music, and her husband, Bill, had three of their four children graduate from OC. The one who didn’t attend OC, now teaches here. Mark Thompson is an assistant professor of physics and assistant cross country coach.

“I decided to give my kidney because I have been blessed by many people – both family and friends,” Fowler said. “I have had excellent health and understood both the processes and implications of donating a kidney. It was something I could do for a friend that would improve her quality of life so that she could continue to teach and influence others.”

“It’s fun to see him in a different role. He’s a great teacher and very patient. He has created some top-notch online courses,” she said.

By the time the transplant occurred in May 2008, Thompson’s kidneys were functioning at less than 10 percent. She was very weak and ill, but finished out the semester.

Parent View 2008-2009

“Friends and family made the whole process convenient and fun. Other than the few days right after the surgery, I really didn’t have any problems. I am very glad I could donate the kidney,” he said.

Thompson encouraged Fowler to pick up his violin again. He had played in high school, but quit when he went to college. Her encouragement led him to play again and join the OC String Ensemble before he moved. “I continue to practice and play when I have the opportunity. Playing gives me a great stress reliever,” Fowler said. Thompson said music is an important part of life, whether you make it your career or do it for recreation. Fowler’s gift of life ensures that she will be able to continue making music and sharing her passion. “I love teaching and I love my students,” she said. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. I have the best career.” By Dawn Shelton

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Life

After COLLEGE

See what OC grads are up to

Whether it’s going to med school or law school, getting an advanced degree, or beginning a professional career, OC has a high placement rate for its alumni. We’ve heard from many employers – the governor of Oklahoma, presidents of large corporations, superintendents of school districts, and more – who hire OC graduates because of their strong work ethic (begun by you) and excellent academic preparation. Here are just a few of their stories (and the names haven’t been changed to protect the excellent!). John Maple was first in his class at medical school. After six years at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, he’s one of just two doctors in Oklahoma who have expertise in the specialty area of advanced endoscopic procedures. Jennifer Ma was one of the chief artists behind the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Nathan Pope went to work for Ernst & Young, the world’s third-largest public accounting firm, right after he graduated from OC. Now he’s part of a group that advises companies when they’re making million- and billiondollar deals. Sherri Coale, the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma, has won numerous Big 12 titles and led her team to the 2002 national championship game. She’s one of eight OC alumni who are head coaches at NCAA Division I schools. OC alumnus Shon Smith has become one of the most sought-after ministers in the U.S., serving as a keynote speaker at conferences

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

and lectureships around the country in addition to his pulpit work at University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Lando Hamlett’s job as a senior engineer for Honda has taken him to Japan and back as he researches new and future technologies to enhance occupant safety. Western Village Academy hired Joy Rainey as soon as she earned her education degree and teaching certificate. Joy and other OC alumni have helped the inner-city elementary school go from the academic at-risk list to one of the best charter schools in the nation. Jeff Dimick saw his career launch into an orbit that led him to Boeing, managing the GPS technology that does everything from give us directions in our cars to help ensure our national security. Most students at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government have years of professional experience, but OC grad Andrew Silvestri got a jump on his career by being part of the four percent who are accepted straight out of college. Diana Oglesby started working for NASA while she was still an OC student; now she’s a computer engineer at Kennedy Space Center.

PARENT ASSOCIATION When it comes to sending your kids to college, it’s no wonder moms and dads want to be thrown a rope. There’s the emotional roller coaster involved in sending your child to live and learn away from you. There’s the endless process of filling out applications for admissions, financial aid, scholarships, housing and meal plans. And there’s the financial implication involved in making it all happen. So many parents have “been there, done that,” that they want to help the next class of parents who drop their kids off at OC each August. The OC Parent Association was formed in 1990 with one basic goal – to improve communication between parents and the university. Through the popular Throw Me A Rope parent orientations, information is shared about everything from where your student can do laundry to how healthy the food in the cafeteria is. There also are tips about finding out about your son or daughter’s school bill, how to find that information online and what a PFC (Personal Financial Counselor) is. These summer orientations are designed to be informative, yet humorous, and to allow parents to unload a little stress before heading back home. The Parent Association also helps with care packages throughout the school year. You can order cakes for birthdays, late-night snacks for studying, a balloon and candy to say, “we love you,” and a variety of other items to keep in touch and encourage, your child.

As a parent, you have prayed over the decisions, choices and opportunities your child will make. You’ve done your best, and it’s time to let them start becoming the person God wants them to be. At OC, you’ll find faculty and staff who will honor that and continue to help them fly.

Above all, the Parent Association provides a network of parents who want the best for their children and can share experiences. Parents can be assured that OC’s staff and faculty care for their sons and daughters physically, academically and spiritually. Find out more about the Parent Association at www.oc.edu/parents.

Parent View 2008-2009

GLOSSARY of FINANCIAL AID TERMS A

AGI: (Adjusted Gross Income): All taxable income less IRS allowable adjustments to income. This figure is from U.S. IRS tax forms. Academic Year: A period of time used to measure a quantity of study. At OC, it is the fall and spring semester. Accrued Interest: Interest that accumulates on the unpaid principal balance of a loan. Alternative loans: (also called private student loans) are based on credit and do not require completing a FAFSA, but often carry a higher interest rate than federal loans. Much like a Stafford loan, repayment begins when a student drops below half-time hours. Alternative loans are used by students when federal financial aid cannot meet all educational financial needs. Amortization: The process of gradually repaying a loan over an extended period of time through periodic installments of principal and interest. Award Letter: An official document issued by a financial aid office listing all the financial aid awarded to the student. The award letter will include information about the cost of attendance and terms and conditions for the financial aid.

Need Analysis: Calculation used to determine a student’s need for financial assistance for college expenses. The analysis determines the family’s ability to contribute to costs compared to the student’s cost of attendance.

Eligible Non-Citizen: Someone who is not a U.S. citizen, but is nevertheless eligible for federal student aid. Eligible non-citizens include U.S. permanent residents who are holders of valid green cards, U.S. nationals, holders of form I-94 who have been granted refugee or asylum status, and certain other non-citizens. Non-citizens who hold student visas or exchange visitor visas are not eligible for student aid.

Need-Based: A means of determining eligibility for certain types of financial aid using financial need as the determining factor.

Enrollment Status: An indication of whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Generally you must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program to qualify for financial aid. Entitlement: Entitlement programs award funds to all qualified applicants. Federal student loans are an example of such a program.

O Origination: The process whereby the lender, or a servicing agent on behalf of the lender, handles the initial application processing and disbursement of loan proceeds. Origination Fee: Fee payable by the borrower and deducted from the principal of a loan prior to disbursement to the borrower. For federally-backed loans, the origination fee is paid to the government to offset the cost of the interest subsidy to borrowers. For private loan programs, the origination fee is generally paid to the originator to cover the cost of administering and insuring the program.

FAA (Financial Aid Administrator): A college or university employee who is involved in the administration of financial aid. Some schools call FAAs ‘Financial Aid Advisors,’ ‘Financial Aid Counselors’ or ‘Personal Financial Counselors.’

Overaward: The amount of financial aid proceeds that, when added to other student financial assistance, exceeds the borrower’s educational need.

Borrower: The person who receives the loan.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): The form that must be completed by students and parents applying for Federal Title IV student aid.

PLUS (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students): Federally-insured loans for parents of dependent students.

Capitalization of Interest: Addition of unpaid interest to the principal balance of a loan, which increases the total outstanding balance due.

FFELP: The Federal Family Education Loan Program. Stafford and PLUS loans are financed by private lenders and guaranteed by the government.

Pell Grant Program: The largest grant program. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the college based on established guidelines.

Cosigner: A person who signs the promissory note in addition to the borrower and is responsible for the obligation if the borrower does not pay.

Financial Aid Package: A combination of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans and/or work-study) awarded by the financial aid office of a college or university.

Perkins Loans: Federally-insured loans funded by the government and awarded by the school. The loans feature a low interest rate and are repayable over an extended period.

Financial Need: The difference between the cost of attendance at a college and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

PFC (Personal Financial Counselor): This is your contact person for any questions you have about financial aid and your student account.

Fixed Interest: On a fixed interest loan, the interest rate remains the same for the life of the loan.

Promissory Note: Contract between a borrower and a lender that includes all the terms and conditions under which the borrower promises to repay the loan.

B and C

Cost of Attendance: The total cost for one academic year - tuition, fees, room, board, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. CPS (Central Processing System): The organization that processes the information submitted on the FAFSA and submits the results to students and colleges. Credit-Worthy: An individual with no negative credit history per the criteria established by the lender.

Deferment: A period during which a borrower, who meets certain criteria, may suspend loan payments. For some loans, the federal government pays the interest during a deferment. On others, the interest accrues and is capitalized, and the borrower is responsible for paying it. Dependent Student: An undergraduate student whose parents provide more than half of his or her financial support. A dependent student is not married, is under 24 years of age, has no legal dependents, is not an orphan or ward of the court, nor a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Parents of a dependent student must submit parental information on the FAFSA for their son or daughter to be considered for financial aid. Parents of dependent students are eligible for the PLUS Loan program. (See also Independent.) Disbursement: The release of loan funds to the school for delivery to the borrower. Disbursements are usually made in equal multiple installments copayable to the borrower and the school. Disclosure Statement: Statement of the total cost and amount of a loan, including the interest rate and any additional finance charges.

E EDSI (Educational Data Systems Inc.) Tuition Payment Plan: This is a payment plan option available to families who want to make monthly payments to the school.

EFC (Expected Family Contribution): The amount a family is expected to contribute to a student’s education. EFC is calculated based on family earnings, net assets, savings, and size of family and number of family members in college.

Parent View 2008-2009

G, I and L

Gift Aid: Financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, which does not need to be repaid. Grants: Financial aid awards that do not have to be repaid. Grants are available through the government, state agencies and colleges. Independent Student: A student who is either married, 24 years of age or older, enrolled in a graduate or professional education program, has legal dependents other than a spouse, is an orphan or ward of the court, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Interest: An amount calculated as a percent of the principal loan amount that is charged for borrowed money. Loan: A type of financial aid that is available to students and their parents. Education loan programs have varying interest rates and repayment provisions. An education loan must be repaid. Loan Entrance and Exit Interview: Students with educational loans are required to complete a loan counseling session before they receive their first loan disbursement and again before they graduate or otherwise leave school. During these counseling sessions, called entrance and exit interviews, the FAA reviews the repayment terms of the loan and the repayment schedule with the student.

N Need: The difference between the cost of education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the student’s financial need.

S SAR (Student Aid Report): An output document sent to a student by the application processor. The SAR contains financial and other information reported by the student on the FAFSA. The student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is printed on the front of the SAR and is the figure used by colleges to determine eligibility for aid. Self-Help Aid: Financial aid in the form of loans or student employment. SEOG: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program; grant funds made available through some schools to a limited number of undergraduate students with financial need. Subsidized Stafford Loans: Need-based loans.

T, U, V and W

Transcript: A list of all the courses that a student has taken at a particular high school or college with the grades that the student earned in each course. Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: Non-need-based loans. Verification Worksheet: A form sent by the college to students who are selected for verification by the Department of Education’s Central Processing System. Work Study: A program, awarded by the college, through which students work part-time to help fund their education.

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.