Millsaps Legacy Scholarship FAQ

What is the Legacy Scholarship?
The Legacy Scholarship is awarded to all Millsaps legacy students who provide information about their legacy connection at the time of their application for admission.

Who qualifies for the Legacy Scholarship?
Students whose brother, sister, parent, or grandparent are Millsaps alumni.

Can my child or sibling still receive a Legacy Scholarship if I attended but did not graduate from Millsaps?
If you attended Millsaps for two or more years, you qualify as an alumnus of the College and your child or sibling is eligible for a Legacy Scholarship.

Children of United Methodist Pastors
Millsaps College will award $2,000 per year, renewable up to four years, to incoming freshmen or transfer students whose parent provides confirmation of appointment as a United Methodist Church pastor. The confirmation of appointment is required at the point of application for admission. Contact your Millsaps admission counselor with questions.

United Methodist Higher Education Foundation
The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation awards more than $2 million in scholarships every year to United Methodist students attending UM-related schools, including Millsaps College. Learn about the many UMHEF scholarship opportunities, including the popular UM Dollars for Scholars program, at https://umhef.org. Applications are typically open January 1–March 1.

General Board of Higher Education and Ministry
The General Board of Higher Education and Ministry administers numerous scholarships and low interest loans for United Methodist students. Every year an average of $5.5 million is awarded to help students pursue their dreams through higher education. For more information, go to https://www.gbhem.org/loans-scholarships/. Scholarship applications open December 15–March 24.

The Mississippi United Methodist Foundation
For Mississippi United Methodist students, the Mississippi United Methodist Foundation provides scholarships for college. Scholarship applications are available from January 2nd to April 1st at https://methodistfm.org/.

The college invites accepted students planning to major or participate in the arts at Millsaps to apply for a Millsaps College Fine Arts Scholarship. These scholarships are available in the disciplines of Art History, Creative Writing, Music, Studio Art and Theatre, and are awarded based on portfolio reviews, auditions, and/or interviews, which take place annually on campus during Arts Scholars Day. This year’s auditions and interviews will take place on Friday, March 10, 2023 (music and theatre only.)

Music scholarships are available for talented students willing to make significant contributions to the musical arts at Millsaps College. Scholarships include the Jonathan Sweat Music Scholarships for students planning to major in music; the Jonathan Sweat Performance Scholarships for new and current non-music majors; the Ridgeway Scholarship for membership in the Millsaps Chamber Singers; the Distinguished Music Merit Scholarship; and the Music Ensemble Scholarship. For students entering Millsaps in the Fall 2023 semester, scholarship auditions and interviews will take place on Friday, March 10, 2023. Click here for more information on music scholarships.

Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts who have earned Gold Award status admitted to Millsaps College will receive a minimum total scholarship package of $15,000 per year, renewable all four years, in recognition of their leadership, academic and extracurricular achievements. A student’s academic merit scholarship may replace the Scouting scholarship. If an admitted student is eligible for multiple awards, the student will receive the award with the highest monetary value.

For Prospective Students from Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster Counties in Mississippi

Sumners Grant Application

Applications for the Millsaps E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund are available for any high school senior, a limited number of transfer students, and returning undergraduate students who are residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster Counties in Mississippi.

E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund recipients must reside in one of the designated counties. Residency status for dependent students will be based on their parents residing in one of the five counties for at least 12 continuous months prior to the award period; residency status for independent students will be based on the student residing in one of the five counties for at least 12 continuous months prior to the award period. Dependency status requirements for an E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund award are the same as the requirements for federal aid. The E. H. Sumners Foundation verifies residency in the appropriate county for all applicants. Verification for the first time is often a lengthy process.

The E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarships are awarded from Millsaps’ endowed funds to full-time undergraduate academically qualified students who legally reside in one of the five designated counties of Mississippi. The specific amounts for awards will be determined by an annual review of available funds. E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarships will not be awarded with other non-need based institutional funds. If an admitted student is eligible for multiple awards, the student will receive the award with the highest monetary value.

Receipt of the E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund is contingent upon meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements, as defined by federal regulation, and remaining in good standing with the college (see Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress section).

No person may receive the E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship for more than 8 semesters. Students must remain continuously enrolled at Millsaps (excluding summer terms).

The award amount is based on campus residency. Should the student decide to live off campus, the award will be reduced by 35%.

The E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund Application must be completed annually, as well as maintaining continued legal residency in one of the five designated counties in Mississippi.

The E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship funds will not be used for summer school. Those students receiving the E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship may qualify for Mississippi Resident Tuition Grant (MTAG) or the Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant (MESG), as well as need-based financial assistance as indicated by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The priority deadline for incoming students is February 1, and for returning undergraduate students, the priority deadline is March 1. By completing the online E. H. Sumners Endowed Scholarship Fund Application, you the parent(s) and student certify that you are a bona fide, legal resident, physically residing in one of the following Mississippi counties: Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster.

The VA’s Yellow Ribbon Program is a benefit in which Millsaps partners with the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure that Yellow Ribbon 100% eligible recipients receive matching institutional funds to cover tuition and fees. If you become eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits, we will adjust your financial aid award accordingly and send you a revised financial aid award. If you are an incoming student and believe you will be eligible for Yellow Ribbon benefits, please notify the Office of Admissions immediately so that your financial aid can be adjusted in a timely fashion. Millsaps merit scholarships are not stacked on top of the Millsaps Yellow Ribbon award. However, if Yellow Ribbon benefits do not cover 4 years, the initial Millsaps merit scholarship will be made available to the student when Yellow Ribbon benefits expire.

To begin the process for VA Yellow Ribbon benefits, apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. If you qualify for benefits, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). Provide a copy of your COE to the Millsaps Office of Records. Along with your COE, you will also need to complete and return a VA Information Sheet, which can be downloaded at https://www.millsaps.edu/_resources/documents/form-va-information-sheet.pdf.

Verification is a process required by the Department of Education (DOE) to confirm the accuracy of the information listed on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student’s FAFSA may be selected by either the Department of Education or by the institution. Through the collection and review of additional documents, this process ensures fair and accurate distribution of federal funds and need-based institutional funds when financial aid is awarded.

After completion of the FAFSA, a student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the Department of Education. If selected for verification, the SAR will contain a comment notifying the student of the selection. The Office of Financial Aid at Millsaps College has contracted with KHEAA Verify to process student FAFSA verifications for Millsaps. KHEAA uses a secure portal to collect verification documentation from students. KHEAA will communicate with students directly to complete the verification process.

Schools are required to correct any inaccurate information discovered through the verification process and use the verified FAFSA results when determining eligibility for financial aid. Corrections to your FAFSA may result in a change in your eligibility and result in revisions to aid offered prior to the completion of verification. If corrections to a student’s FAFSA are required as a result of the verification process, they will be sent electronically to the Department of Education. Once verification is completed, any resulting changes in a student’s financial aid award will be communicated by a revised financial aid award letter.

No federal or need-based institutional awards can be disbursed to a student’s account until verification is completed. All required documentation should be submitted as soon as possible to finalize an accurate financial aid award. However, to receive federal funds or need-based institutional funds, verification must be completed by October 31st. If a student has not completed the verification process by that date, federal and need-based institutional aid will be removed from the student’s financial aid award and the student will be responsible for covering the resulting balance on their student account in the Business Office by other means.

Additionally, if a student requests consideration of extenuating circumstances not reflected on the FAFSA, Millsaps College will complete verification of the student’s FAFSA prior to determining if any adjustments can be made to the FAFSA as a result of the extenuating circumstances.

The Department of Education requires schools to refer any credible information indicating that an applicant for federal student aid may have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with his or her application to the Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). Fraud is the intent to deceive as opposed to a mistake. Millsaps College, in compliance with the Department’s guidance, will refer suspected cases of fraud to the OIG for further review.

All admitted transfer students are guaranteed a $6,000 housing grant toward on-campus residence halls, and may receive merit scholarships ranging from $18,000 to $22,000, plus additional awards for students involved with Phi Theta Kappa.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

• PTK Member: $5,000, plus a $6,000 on-campus residence hall grant, annually
• PTK Officer: $6,000, plus a $6,000 on-campus residence hall grant, annually
• PTK President: $7,000, plus a $6,000 on-campus residence hall grant, annually

Note: If an admitted transfer student is eligible to be considered for multiple awards from the following list, the student will receive only the award with the highest monetary value: Second Century Scholarship, E.H. Sumners Grant, Tuition Exchange benefit, Staff/Faculty tuition benefit. Renewal of all scholarships is contingent upon meeting specific eligibility criteria provided with the award.

• Millsaps Transfer Scholarship/Grant Guidelines and Conditions for Renewal

• For renewal of merit-based institutional financial aid:
  • You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • You must maintain a minimum academic course load of at least 12 hours per semester.*
  • You must remain continually enrolled at Millsaps (excluding summer terms).
  • You must reside on campus; off campus residency will result in loss of any housing grant funds.
  • The number of semesters of scholarship renewal for transfer students is calculated as the number of semesters needed to meet the requirements for graduation after taking into account the number of hours accepted for transfer from the previous institution.

  Cost of attendance is subject to change each academic year. Millsaps merit scholarship amounts remain constant over the course of enrollment.

  You are required to report to the Office of Financial Aid any scholarships, awards, or other funding received from outside sources to be used at Millsaps. Your financial aid award will be revised to include outside aid after notification is received.

  *For students enrolled in the M PLUS program during their final semester and enrolled in a combination of undergraduate and graduate coursework totaling less than 12 hours, the 12 hour per semester condition will be waived for the final semester. Students will be billed at full-time undergraduate tuition and fees and will have the full amount of their Millsaps scholarship/grant aid applied to their semester charges. NOTE: This exception applies to Millsaps scholarship/grant eligibility only. Federal and state financial aid funds are regulated by federal and state regulations.

International students will be automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.  Below is the Millsaps’ international simplified scholarship selection system to help you estimate your scholarship. The student’s high school and/or college work is converted by Millsaps to a U.S. GPA on a 4.0 scale. The final award will be determined by additional criteria such as the rigor of a student’s academic program and high school and/or college curriculum, leadership, extracurricular involvement, letters of recommendation, alumni/legacy relationships, institutional fit and demonstrated interest. No separate application is required for merit-based scholarships. Students may be eligible for artistic, musical or theatre talent. Need based aid is not available for international students through Millsaps College.

Tier 1- $30,000 and up
International applicants with an equivalent 3.9 GPA or above will automatically be considered upon submission of a complete undergraduate application for admission.

Tier 2 – $23,000 – 28,000
International applicants with an equivalent 3.5-3.89 GPA will automatically be considered upon submission of a complete undergraduate application for admission.

Tier 3 – $16,000 – 23,000
International applicants with an equivalent 3.0-3.49 GPA will automatically be considered upon submission of a complete undergraduate application for admission.

Note: All renewable scholarships are contingent on meeting specific eligibility criteria provided with the award. Merit scholarships do not increase annually. The average increase in cost of attendance is estimated between 4 and 5% annually.

Review estimated cost of study on the International Student Verification of Financial Support.

Effective beginning with the 2020–21 Academic Year

Millsaps scholarships are normally restricted to eight semesters of eligibility. Occasionally, students may face circumstances that would significantly impair their ability to complete an undergraduate degree in four years. An additional semester(s) might be required for a student to successfully finish degree requirements.

Recognizing that extenuating circumstances may be beyond a student’s control, Millsaps College has established an appeal process to request additional scholarship eligibility. This extension of Millsaps scholarship funding would be capped at 10 semesters of total scholarship eligibility.

A student may complete an appeal form and submit it to the Office of Financial Aid. The appeal will be reviewed by the Scholarship Review Committee. The Office of Financial Aid will notify the student of the results of the review. Note: This appeal is limited to extension of scholarship eligibility. The student must continue to meet all other scholarship guidelines and conditions, as published on the Millsaps website. This appeal is for Millsaps-funded scholarships only and does not extend to federal and/or state funding eligibility.

To apply for need-based financial aid, students must begin the process by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). We recommend completing this form as soon as possible after October 1, and before our priority financial aid filing date of March 1. Need-based aid recipients must reapply and requalify each year.

There are several types of need-based assistance for which you may demonstrate eligibility:

Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a federal program available to families with low income. The maximum amount a student can receive is subject to federal appropriations.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
This federal grant is available to students taking at least two courses, with exceptional financial need, and is valued from $200 – 4,000 per year. Awards are determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
$3,500 available for the first year of study, and a total of $23,000 available for the undergraduate program. Repayment begins six months after the student completes study or drops below half-time status.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
Valued at the same amount as a Subsidized Loan, this program expands borrowing privileges to students who do not meet the income criteria for those loans. Terms and conditions are also the same as Subsidized Loans except that the borrower must pay the accrued interest each year.

Millsaps Need-Based Grants
Amounts vary, and may range from $500 – 10,000 per year. Awards are determined by the Office of Financial Aid, and eligibility must be reestablished each year

State Aid for Mississippi Residents
Applications and eligibility requirements for these and other state grants are available from the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid at https://www.msfinancialaid.org/.

Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant: $500 – $1,000

Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant: $2,500

Higher Education Legislative Plan (HELP): The amount is equal to the award of a student attending the nearest comparable public institution. Our nearest comparable public institution is Jackson State University.

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans are long-term, low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.

To receive a Federal Loan, you must file the annual FAFSA.

The Subsidized Direct Loan is need-based. The federal government pays the interest on the loan during: (1) your enrollment in school on at least a half time basis, (2) a deferment, which is a temporary, authorized time when your payments may be postponed.

The Unsubsidized Direct Loan is non-need-based. “Unsubsidized” means the federal government does not pay the interest on your behalf. You are responsible for paying all interest on the loan. Interest is charged beginning the day the loan is paid to you until the day the loan is repaid in full. You either may choose to pay the accumulated interest while you are in school, or to have the unpaid, interest capitalized, i.e., added to the principal balance of the loan. Note: If your loan interest is capitalized, it will increase the amount you have to repay.

Only borrow what you need. Make a budget for yourself to keep your debt within manageable limits.

Your award package may include a combination of Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans.

Annual Loan Limits

The amount in Direct Loan funds that you are eligible to borrow each academic year is limited by (1) your grade level (2) whether you are a dependent or an independent student, (3) your financial need, and (4) your cost of attendance. You cannot borrow more than your financial need or the cost of attendance (your budget).

Lifetime Aggregate Loan Limits

Undergraduate Dependent Students can borrow a maximum total of $31,000 (of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized loans).

Undergraduate Independent Students can borrow a maximum total of $57,500 (of which no more than $23,000 can be subsidized loans).

Graduate/Professional Students can borrow a maximum total of $138,500 (of which no more than $65,500 can be subsidized loans). These graduate loan limits include all loans borrowed as an undergraduate.

Interest Rates

Interest rates for Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans are fixed rates for the life of the loan. Interest rates on federal student loans are set by federal law and are subject to change each year. For current interest rate information go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.

Federal Origination Fees

Most federal student loans have loan origination fees that are a percentage of the total loan amount. The loan fee is deducted from each loan disbursement the student receives while in school. Therefore, the money you receive will be less than the amount you actually borrow. You are responsible for repaying the entire amount you borrowed and not just the amount you received. Loan origination fees are subject to change each year. For current origination fee information go to https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates.

Loan Entrance Counseling

Entrance loan counseling is required for first-time Federal Loan borrowers. Counseling can be completed online and will help you understand your rights and obligations as a student loan borrower. Loan counseling must be completed before you can receive loan funds.

Subsidized and Unsubsidized (Direct) Loan Entrance Counseling

Loan Promissory Note

As a Federal Direct Loan borrower, you must sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) before your loan can be disbursed. The Federal Direct Loan MPN is valid for 10 years. You have to sign a Loan MPN only once while you are enrolled at Millsaps College.

All students who wish to borrow Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans will be required to complete a Federal Direct Loan Master Promissory Note. Complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note.

You will need the FSA ID you used to file your FASFA. If you do not have your FSA ID, see https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch for more information. The FSA ID for Millsaps College is 002414.

Student Loan Repayment

More information about federal student loans and repayment options is located at https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans.

The Federal Direct PLUS loan is an optional federal loan program for parent(s) who wish to access additional resources beyond what a student is eligible to receive. This credit-based parent loan option may cover up to the total Cost of Attendance (COA) as defined by Millsaps College, minus student aid. Direct PLUS loans have fixed interest rates as well as a federal origination fee, both of which are subject to change on a yearly basis. For more information about Direct PLUS Loans, including current interest rates and loan origination fee percentages, go to https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/.

A credit check is required to access this loan program.

Repayment on the PLUS loan begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed for an academic year. An in-school deferment will delay repayment on the PLUS loan until six months after the dependent student on whose behalf the parent borrowed ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. An in-school deferment can be requested on the Direct Loan PLUS Application, located at https://studentaid.gov/. Interest will continue to accrue on this loan during the deferment period. Therefore, we recommend that you make your interest payments during this deferment period if at all possible.

Apply for a Direct PLUS loan in two easy steps:

Step 1: The student must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), if not already completed, each academic year.

Step 2: The parent can then complete the Federal PLUS Loan process at https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/parent/landing after logging in with his or her FSA ID information. Parent borrower applications can be submitted after April 30th of each year, for the following academic year.

Note: If parents are determined ineligible to borrow through the Federal Direct PLUS program, Millsaps may award additional Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan eligibility to the student. First- and second-year students are eligible for up to an additional $4,000 per year, while third- through fifth-year students are eligible for up to an additional $5,000 per year. If a student does not wish to accept all or part of their Unsubsidized Direct Loan, the student should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

You may access your prior loan information on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website. This site contains all of your federal Title IV aid history.

Millsaps College recognizes that even with grants, scholarships, and federal loans you may need additional funding to meet your college expenses. To fill the gap between financial aid and the cost of attendance, Millsaps students may investigate alternative loan funding.

Loan Availability

Undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled in an eligible program. Loan approval is subject to credit criteria set by the lender. Your credit report will be obtained from a national credit bureau. If approved, you may borrow on a yearly basis, an amount up to the student’s cost of attendance, less any financial aid he/she is receiving.

Items to Review

Millsaps encourages you to review each loan thoroughly. Listed below are a few items that should be considered:

• Interest Rate Options
• Loan Fees
• Repayment Options
• Repayment Benefits
• Cosigner Release Options

Loan Disbursement

After the loan has been approved and the lender receives the promissory note and required signatures from the borrower and cosigner, the lender will request certification from Millsaps College. Once Millsaps certifies your loan, it will be scheduled for disbursement.

If your loan funds are not ready for disbursement by the time of registration, your alternative loan will not be counted toward your costs and new payment arrangements must be made.

How to Apply

You must apply for a private student loan directly with the lender, either by phone or on the lender’s website. Please note that each lender may have a different process for loan application. You will need to make sure you follow your lender’s application process and provide all required documentation to the lender. Your lender will notify Millsaps once your application has been completed, approved, and signed.

Listed below is a neutral list of lenders our students have used over the past few years for their alternative loan funding.

Citizens Bank Student Loans

College Ave Student Loans

Discover Student Loans

Sallie Mae

Millsaps College derives no benefit from, nor participates in any revenue sharing agreements with the lenders listed. The College provides the above alphabetized list as a service to our students and Millsaps students are free to choose a lender not represented above. If you choose a lender not listed below, please inform us so that we may ensure that our electronic processes are set up for that lender. You may reach us toll-free at 1.800.352.1050, call us at 601.974.1220, or contact us by email at financialaid@millsaps.edu.

In compliance with the Student Loan Code of Conduct requirements in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008, the Millsaps College Office of Financial Aid prohibits all of the following:

• Revenue sharing agreements with lenders
• Conflicts of interest
• Accepting gifts above a nominal value from lenders and guarantors
• Accepting private loans conditioned on the use of lender’s Title IV loans
• Contracting arrangements with a lender that provides compensation to school staff
• Assigning a lender to a borrower or refusing to certify a loan for a borrower’s choice of lender or guarantor
• Accepting from lenders any staffing assistance for call center or financial aid office
• Accepting compensation for service on an advisory board, except that reasonable expenses associated with that service may be reimbursed by the lender or guarantor

For the following purposes, it is not considered a “gift” to the school for a lender or guarantor to provide:

• Standard materials, activities or programs on issues related to a loan, default aversion, default prevention or financial literacy (i.e. brochures, workshops, training)
• Food, refreshments, training, or informational material that is designed to improve the service of a lender, guarantor or servicer if the training contributes to the professional development of the school staff
• Favorable terms, conditions and borrower benefits, as long as these are provided to all students at the school
• Entrance and exit counseling services, as long as the school controls the counseling and does not promote the products and services of the lender
• Philanthropic contributions not tied to loan volume

Please do not hesitate to contact our office if we can be of any assistance to you in the financial aid application process. You may reach us at 601.974.1220 (toll-free 1.800.352.1050), or contact us by email: financialaid@millsaps.edu.

Required for Federal and Need-Based Institutional Financial Aid

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at http://www.studentaid.gov/. Millsaps School Code: 002414

The student and parent should each request an FSA ID at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch for an electronic signature on the FAFSA.

Submit the 2022–2023 FAFSA to apply for aid for academic terms from fall 2022 through summer 2023.

Submit the 2023–2024 FAFSA to apply for aid for academic terms from fall 2023 through summer 2024.

The priority deadline for financial aid is March 1. Most of the information required on the FAFSA will come from the prior-prior year’s tax return. The FAFSA can be submitted after October 1 of each year.

Required for Specific Scholarships, Grants, and Loans

Methodist Scholarships and Loans
Methodist students may apply for outside scholarships and loans by submitting applications to the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry and United Methodist Higher Education Foundation. Students must re-apply by organizational deadlines each year.

E. H. Sumners Grant
Students who are permanent legal residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery, or Webster counties should complete the Sumners Grant Application online at http://www.sumnersgrant.com/millsaps each year. Terms, conditions, and deadlines are posted on the Sumners website.

Mississippi Scholarships and Grants
Students who are residents of Mississippi should complete the Mississippi Office of Financial Aid Application online at https://www.msfinancialaid.org/ after October 1 each year.

Verification Documentation
Students who submit the FAFSA are subject to selection for verification by the U.S. Department of Education. Students selected for verification will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and contacted by KHEAA Verify, our verification processor. KHEAA Verify has a secure portal for students to submit required documents for completion of verification.

Parents and students exploring financial aid options may find the following links useful.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA) Online – https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

Federal Student Aid electronic signature (FSA ID) from the U.S. Department of Education – https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) scholarship and loan resources for Methodist students –http://www.gbhem.org/loans-scholarships/

United Methodist Church Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) scholarship resources for Methodist students – http://www.umhef.org/scholarships/

E.H. Sumners Grant for residents of Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Montgomery and Webster counties in Mississippi – http://www.sumnersgrant.com/millsaps

Under governance of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid administers state-funded financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships and loans, for residents of Mississippi. – https://www.msfinancialaid.org/

U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid resource for students preparing for, attending, and graduating from college – http://www.studentaid.gov/

U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid resource for Undergraduate, Graduate, and Parent PLUS loans – http://www.studentaid.gov/

The largest scholarship search on the Internet – http://www.fastweb.com/

Effective July 1, 2011

In order to receive and maintain federal financial assistance, students are required to progress satisfactorily toward completion of their course of study. Federal financial assistance includes grants, loans and employment. The satisfactory academic progress of students will be monitored at the end of each spring semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress is measured in three ways:

• Students must progress qualitatively by earning the required number of grade points.
• Students must progress quantitatively by completing the required minimum number of credits each year (PACE).
• Students must complete their program of study within a reasonable time period.

1. Qualitative Measure

The Office of Financial Aid strictly adheres to the academic standards established by Millsaps College and printed in the College Catalog. Students who have attempted up to a total of 28 hours must earn a 1.5 cumulative grade point average. Students who have attempted more than 28 hours and less than 60 hours must earn a 1.8 cumulative grade point average. Students who have attempted 60 or more hours must earn and maintain a 2.00 cumulative grade point average. Total hours attempted will include credit taken at Millsaps College and any credit transferred from another institution. Grade point averages are based solely upon credits earned while enrolled at Millsaps College.

Minimum acceptable academic standards are represented in the following table:

Transfer Students

Students transferring into Millsaps College shall be assumed to be maintaining satisfactory academic progress. Hours transferred from previously attended schools will be considered when establishing total hours attempted for GPA requirements, as well as determining the maximum number of hours allowed for financial aid eligibility.

2. Quantitative Measure (PACE)

Students receiving financial aid must also satisfactorily complete 66% of financial aid hours (hours in which a student is enrolled the last day to add a class) at the end of each spring term.

Passing grades include A, A-, B+, B, B-,C+, C, C-, D+, and D. Grades of I, W, NR, IP and AU will not be accepted as passing grades.

Withdrawals
Courses with a grade of W will affect the quantitative measure of academic progress in determining eligibility and maintaining financial aid.

Audit Courses
Courses taken for audit do not count for credit or graduation and, therefore, are not counted in determining eligibility for receiving or maintaining financial aid.

Credit/No Credit Grades
For courses taken as Credit/No Credit grades:

• CR course work will count as both attempted and completed hours.
• NC course work will count as attempted hours but will not count as completed hours.

Repeat Courses
Repeat courses are counted for credit and will affect cumulative grade point averages in determining eligibility and maintaining financial aid as well as determining the maximum number of hours allowed for financial aid eligibility.

3. Maximum Hours to Complete Course of Study

Students must complete degree requirements within a normal time frame. To remain eligible to receive financial aid, students must complete their degree requirements within 150% of the published length of their academic program. In most cases students will be eligible to receive financial aid during the first 192 attempted hours as an undergraduate, whether or not they received financial aid or whether or not the course work was successfully completed. This includes both College and transfer hours. A student will be placed on financial aid suspension if his/her course work is in excess of 192 attempted hours or if at any time it becomes clear that the student will not meet the quantitative standards by graduation date.

Second-Degree Undergraduate Students

Students who have already earned a baccalaureate degree and are currently seeking a second undergraduate degree will be reviewed for financial aid eligibility on an individual basis.

Graduate Students

Graduate students will be eligible for financial aid until they have completed six years of study at the graduate level.

Financial Aid Suspension

Students who fail to meet the minimum Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students on financial aid suspension are NOT eligible to receive federal financial aid. The mere passage of time will not restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory academic progress. The student may appeal the Financial Aid Suspension if unusual circumstances beyond their control prevented them from meeting satisfactory academic progress (see appeal process).

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial aid eligibility can be reestablished after the student improves their academic record to meet the minimum standards required by the SAP Policy, without the assistance of financial aid funds. Similarly, financial aid eligibility can be reestablished by successfully appealing your suspension.

Appeal Process

A student may appeal the loss of financial aid eligibility if extenuating circumstances interfered with the ability to meet satisfactory academic progress standards. In order to appeal the loss of financial aid eligibility, the student must submit a detailed appeal letter explaining the extenuating circumstances that resulted in the lack of academic progress and documentation to support extenuating circumstances. To complete the appeal process, the student may be required to submit an academic plan provided by the director of academic advising.

Circumstances must meet one of the following criteria:

• Prolonged illness, medical condition, or injury to student or immediate family member
• Death of an immediate family member
• Extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control

Appeal must include the following information:

• A detailed appeal letter
• Circumstances and how the circumstances affected academic performance
• Dates and time periods involved
• Explanation of how your situation has changed and the steps you are taking to resolve the circumstances

Documentation may include:

• Physician’s letters and hospital records (must include dates of illness and recovery time)
• Death certificate or obituary
• Court or police documents
• Letters from third party professionals on his/her letterhead

Students that have exceeded the maximum time frame must include additional information:

• Explanation of why you were unable to complete your program within the time frame allowed for your degree
• Number of hours needed to complete current degree and intended graduation date
• Copy of your academic degree plan listing all remaining classes needed to graduate

ATTENTION:  No appeal will be accepted without supporting documentation. The appeal may not be based upon the need for financial aid assistance or the lack of knowledge that the financial aid assistance was in jeopardy.

Appeals may be mailed to:
The Financial Aid Appeals Committee
Millsaps College
Box 151150
Jackson, MS  39210
or
Fax to 601.974.1224

Appeal Decisions

• Requires approximately 3 weeks
• Notification will be mailed to the student’s financial aid address currently on file and emailed to the student’s Millsaps email account
• If approved, financial aid will be awarded on a probationary period for one semester

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility

Financial aid eligibility can be re-established after the student improves their academic record to meet the minimum standards required by the SAP Policy, without the assistance of financial aid funds. Similarly, financial aid eligibility can be re-established by successfully appealing your suspension.

Approved Appeals and Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation

For approved appeals, the student will be placed on Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation. (Financial Aid SAP Probation is for financial aid purposes only and is separate from academic probation.)  While on Satisfactory Academic Progress Probation, certain conditions for academic performance will be set and monitored.

Students placed on “Probation” regain eligibility for financial aid if:

• The student meets ALL of the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress by the end of one subsequent period of enrollment; or
• The student is placed on an academic plan leading to graduation that, if followed, ensures that the student is able to meet ALL of the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress by a specific point in time. Student progress will be monitored at the end of each semester while on an academic plan.

Students who meet all of the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress while on “Probation” will be placed in “Financial Aid Good Standing” at the conclusion of the period of enrollment or academic plan period. Progress in an academic plan is measured at the end of each period of enrollment. Students who do not meet all of the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress or academic plan requirements while on “Probation” will be placed on “Suspension” without the option for a second appeal.

This policy is subject to change without notice in order to remain compliant with federal regulations.

Student Rights

You have the right:

• to apply for financial aid
• to know how to apply for financial aid
• to know the deadlines for applying
• to know what financial aid programs are available at Millsaps
• to know how financial aid will be distributed, how distribution decisions are made, and the basis for such decisions
• to know how your financial need was determined
• to know what resources were considered in calculation of your need
• to know how much of your financial need, as determined by Millsaps, has been met
• to request an explanation of the various programs in your student aid package
• to know Millsaps’ refund policy
• to know what portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid, what the interest rate is, the total amount that must be repaid, the payback procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment is to begin
• to request a sample repayment schedule
• to know whom to consult concerning your financial assistance

Student Responsibilities

It is your responsibility:

• to complete all application forms accurately and truthfully and submit them on time to the proper location
• to reapply each year that you want financial assistance
• to return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by the Office of Financial Aid
• to read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign
• to inform the Office of Financial Aid of any outside resources
• to notify the Office of Financial Aid of any change in your financial resources
• to accept the responsibility for all agreements that you sign
• to perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Work-Study award
• to inform the Office of Financial Aid if you withdraw from Millsaps, drop any courses, or change your name or address
• to sign the Statement of Educational Purpose and the Certification Statement on Over-payments and Defaults
• if you have a loan, to inform the Office of Financial Aid of any name or address change and to answer any inquiry from them concerning your loan, now and after you leave school
• if you have a Federal Perkins loan, to go to the Business Office during your last semester of attendance at Millsaps and arrange an exit interview concerning the terms of your repayment
• if you have a Federal Direct loan, to take part in the required online entrance and exit interviews available at https://studentaid.gov