Scholarships and Financial Aid

Financing a college education is an important concern for most families. Tuition, fees, room and board, books and other expenses often make it difficult for families alone to pay the total cost of education at a college or university.

To help qualified students meet these expenses, Transylvania has established a strong financial aid program. The university’s goal is to provide assistance to as many students as possible who have strong scholastic backgrounds, financial need, or special aptitudes or talents.

There are four basic types of financial assistance:

1. Scholarships
2. Loans
3. Grants
4. Work-Study (campus employment)

Scholarships are awarded each year to students with the best academic records. Grants are non-repayable gifts to students based on financial need and should not be confused with scholarships, which are based on merit. Loans are to be repaid according to their individual terms. Campus employment is offered through the federally sponsored Work-Study Program to help students pay for part of their college expenses.

Transylvania uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to provide an analysis of financial need. All final decisions regarding financial aid eligibility, however, are made by the university’s Office of Financial Aid. Financial need is defined as the difference between the total cost of attending Transylvania and a family’s ability to contribute to this cost. The total period of eligibility for financial aid cannot exceed 36 course units or completion of graduation requirements, and students must continue to make satisfactory progress toward a degree to maintain eligibility for financial aid.

Financial aid offers are made by the Office of Financial Aid after the applicant has been accepted for admission to the university and after all of the information required for financial aid consideration has been received.

Need-based financial aid funds are provided for one academic year and are reviewed annually. Financial aid is extended from one year to the next if the student continues to demonstrate need by completing the required FAFSA application annually. Adjustments are made each year to compensate for a family’s changing circumstances and for changes in funding available to the university.

Scholarships awarded on the basis of academic merit are renewed automatically each year if the student maintains the conditions of the scholarship.

To receive financial aid, students must be in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 or be in their first academic year at Transylvania. Students must earn at least seven units per academic year to continue receiving financial aid. Students must pass two-thirds of the cumulative units they attempt, and they must graduate in six years.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Students seeking financial aid may apply for institutional, state and federal aid programs through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form is available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid. Completion of the FAFSA is all that is necessary to apply for all financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority Grants.

The FAFSA is required of all need-based financial aid applicants, regardless of dependency, marital or residential status.

Transylvania’s financial aid and scholarship application procedures involve the following steps:

1. A student must be accepted for admission to the university before the Office of Financial Aid can consider making a financial aid offer. A student may, however, submit the FAFSA before admissions acceptance.
2. The FAFSA must be completed each year. Students are strongly urged to complete it as soon as it becomes available each year to receive maximum consideration.

After Transylvania receives all completed financial information, the student may be offered a package of financial aid based upon need and merit. Every effort will be made to meet the needs of individual students. Students have the option to decline any or all portions of the package. Students also have the right to appeal any decision made by the financial aid office. For further instructions on how to properly appeal a financial aid decision, students should contact the Office of Financial Aid.

Federal Grants

Pell Grants are federal grants designed to provide financial assistance for postsecondary education. The federal government determines eligibility for a Pell Grant based on information a student provides on the FAFSA.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), designed to supplement Pell Grants, are federal grants for students with exceptional financial need.

State Grants

Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) Grants are available to Kentucky residents who demonstrate financial need and who are full-time students at eligible Kentucky institutions. Financially eligible students who choose to attend accredited private colleges and universities in Kentucky may have a tuition supplement included in their KHEAA grant.

Loans

Federal Direct Student Loans

Repayment of these loans is deferred while the student is enrolled in college. The maximum loan eligibility depends upon class standing:

Freshman - $5,500 ($3,500 of which can be subsidized)
Sophomore - $6,500 ($4,500 of which can be subsidized)
Junior - $7,500 ($5,500 of which can be subsidized)
Senior - $7,500 ($5,500 of which can be subsidized)

The difference between the two types of loans is as follows:

Subsidized Loans are need-based, and the federal government pays the interest while the student is enrolled in school. The interest rate for subsidized Stafford Loans is determined by Congressional action.

Unsubsidized Loans are not need-based. The student is responsible for paying the interest, which can be paid quarterly or deferred until the student is out of school. The interest rate on unsubsidized Stafford Loans is determined by Congressional action.

Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans
The Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan allows parents to borrow up to the cost of a student’s education minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. The interest rate is determined by Congressional action. For PLUS Loans disbursed after July 1, 2008, parents have the option of repaying the loan either 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or waiting until six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.

The George L. Bagby Scholarship Loan Program provides loans to selected Kentucky students from funds contributed to the university. These loans are granted to supplement other financial aid and are usually awarded to returning students.

C. E. Schell Foundation Loans are available to students who demonstrate need, are under 25 years of age and are residents of Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia or adjoining states.

Federal Work-Study

The Federal Work-Study Program offers part-time work on campus to students who have received a work-study stipend as part of their financial aid package. Work-study stipends are based strictly on financial need, and emphasis is placed on students from low-income families. Students are paid an hourly wage of $9.50.

University Scholarships and Grants

William T. Young Scholarships are awarded each year to exceptionally well-qualified prospective first-year students. Recipients are chosen on the basis of superior academic achievement, leadership and promise for development. The Young scholarship covers tuition and the general fee. Scholarships are renewed annually until graduation if recipients maintain a grade point average of at least 3.5 and continue to demonstrate the outstanding qualities that led to their selection. Selection is highly competitive and is based on merit alone.

William R. Kenan Jr. Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic ability and demonstrated leadership skills. A minimum 2.6 grade point average is required for renewal.

Trustee Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic ability and demonstrated leadership skills. A minimum 2.6 grade point average is required for renewal.

President’s Scholarships are awarded to students with outstanding academic ability and demonstrated leadership ability. A minimum 2.6 grade point average is required for renewal.

James Morrison Scholarships recognize students with superior academic ability and distinctive leadership qualifications. A minimum 2.6 grade point average is required for renewal.

Pioneer Scholarships for Distinctive Accomplishment are awarded to students who have demonstrated strong academic ability and distinctive leadership qualities. For renewal, recipients must maintain at least a 2.6 grade point average.

Founders Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated strong academic ability and a variety of academic or nonacademic endeavors. Recipients must maintain a 2.6 grade point average for renewal.

John R. Bryden Appalachian Scholarships are funded by the Steele-Reese Foundation of New York and other donors. These scholarships are awarded annually to well-qualified prospective first-year and transfer students. Recipients must be from southern Appalachia, be outstanding citizens of their schools and communities, and have financial need. Scholarships are renewable until graduation if recipients maintain a 2.6 grade point average and continue to demonstrate the outstanding qualities that led to their selection.

Kentucky River Coal Company Scholarships are awarded to students living in Knott, Leslie, Letcher or Perry counties in Kentucky who demonstrate financial need and meet certain academic requirements. Scholarships are renewable until graduation if recipients maintain a 2.6 grade point average.

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Scholarships are awarded to incoming students who are verified members of a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) congregation.

Legacy Scholarships are awarded to incoming students who have a parent, step-parent, grandparent, step-grandparent, sibling or step-sibling who is considered a Transylvania alum. Incoming students who are siblings of current Transylvania students are also eligible.

Designated Scholarships are usually awarded in the name of a specific donor. Eligibility for these scholarships is determined from the admissions application or from a student’s academic performance at Transylvania.

General Scholarship Endowment: Gifts from and in honor of individuals are held in Transylvania’s general scholarship endowment and provide funding to support the institutional scholarship denoted.

ROTC Scholarships

Army ROTC Scholarships cover tuition and fees, a textbook allowance and a tax-free monthly stipend during the academic year for each year the student is on scholarship. In addition, Transylvania provides three-year and four-year Army ROTC scholarship recipients at least the value of room and board. (This may be a combination of scholarships and grants.) Recipients must enroll in Army ROTC courses, which are taught in partnership with the University of Kentucky on its campus. Upon graduation, recipients receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. For more information, contact the Army ROTC office at the University of Kentucky at (859) 257-6865 or 6864, or visit armyrotc.as.uky.edu.

Air Force ROTC Scholarships offer two- to four-year college scholarships to all majors through a partnership with the University of Kentucky.  Air Force scholarships may be awarded at varying amounts. Recipients receive an annual textbook allowance and a tax-free monthly stipend during the academic year. In addition, Transylvania will provide to each three- and four-year recipient at least the value of room and board. (This may be a combination of scholarships and grants.) Upon graduation, recipients receive a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. For more information, contact the Air Force ROTC office at the University of Kentucky at (859) 257-7115, or visit afrotc.as.uky.edu.

Endowed Scholarships

• Harold E. and Mildred F. Abbott Scholarship
• Edward Ackall Endowed Scholarship
• ADIUVO Endowed Scholarship
• Alumni Heritage Scholarship
• Opal and Gabriel C. Banks Scholarship
• Essie Moore Barnett Scholarship
• James E. “Ted” Bassett III Endowed Scholarship
• P. J. Baugh Sr. Scholarship
• James A. Beazley Endowed Scholarship
• H. Gordon Bechanan Memorial Scholarship
• Benjamin and Laura Harp Berman Scholarship
• Paul Biddle Endowed Scholarship
• B’nai B’rith Brotherhood Scholarship
• Bolin/Chandler Scholarship
• Frances Borres, M.D. Memorial Scholarship
• Bourne Scholarship
• Lila Boyarsky Scholarship
• William Newton Briney Memorial Scholarship
• Jan Brown Humanitarian Endowed Scholarship
• Judge J. Gregory Bruce Scholarship
• William Gregory Bruce ‘60, M.D. Endowed Scholarship
• Stewart and Virginia Bruner Endowed Service Scholarship
• John R. Bryden Appalachian Scholarship
• Ruby Ann Arnsparger, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Clyde and Emma E. Buckley Scholarship
• Thomas Buckner Scholarship
• Laura A. and Aristides S. Candris Scholarship
• Douglas and Marilyn Cardwell French Scholarship
• Gordon B. and Beth Carson Scholarship
• Central Christian Church Scholarship
• Chandler/Bolin Music Scholarship
• Class of 1961 Endowed Scholarship
• Class of 1967 Endowed Scholarship
• Bryan Clark Scholarship
• Mitchell Clarke Scholarship
• Class of 1971 Endowed Scholarship
• Dr. William M. Clay Memorial Scholarship
• James C. Codell Jr. Scholarship
• E. P. Coleman Scholarship
• Edward and Doris Coleman Endowed Travel Grant
• Columbia Healthcare Corporation Scholarship
• Emily Hedden Conway Scholarship for Chi Omega
• John and Ruby Cook Memorial Scholarship
• Ewing Cossaboom Scholarship
• Ann S. Cranfill Memorial Scholarship
• Paulina Thomas Crawford Scholarship
• W. H. and Mary Bell Cole Crossfield Scholarship
• Richard Henry Crossfield Scholarship
• Adrienne Dantin Memorial Scholarship
• Ella L. Delap Memorial Fund for International Music
• Travel Scholarships
• E. W. Delcamp Scholarship
• Delta Delta Delta Centennial Summer Study Abroad Scholarship
• Anne Deskins Scholarship
• Dowd/Harrison County, Ky. Scholarship
• F. A. Dowd Scholarship
• Fred Scott Downing Memorial Scholarship
• G. L. and Elsie Downing Scholarship
• Marjorie and David Drye Scholarship
• William C. and Doris Ellis Scholarship
• Ruth Huffman Estes Scholarship
• Frances Eward Scholarship
• H. Bennett Farris Scholarship
• James and Elizabeth Faulkner Study Abroad Scholarship Fund
• L. G. Fegenbush Scholarship
• First Christian Church Scholarship, Maysville, Ky.
• First Generation Student Scholarship
• Fitzpatrick Memorial Scholarship
• John E. Fryer Endowed Scholarship
• Paul E. Fuller Scholarship
• Tom Fuller Endowed Scholarship
• D. Gay Sr. Scholarship
• John T. Gentry Scholarship
• Martha Giltner Scholarship
• James F. Glenn Scholarship
• Jesse and Mary Graddy and Florence Graddy Kennedy Scholarship
• Gray Art Endowment for Travel and Enrichment
• Sharridan Kawaja Greer ‘75 Scholarship
• Virginia Clark Hagan Memorial Scholarship
• Joseph W. Hagin Scholarship
• Hardy Williams Scholarship
• Hart Scholarship
• Lucie T. Hart Scholarship
• Haugli Family Study Abroad Scholarship
• Rodney Hayes Scholarship
• William Randolph Hearst Scholarship for Minority Students
• Mary Nance Helm Scholarship
• The Hodges Scholarship
• Joyce Swango Holmes Scholarship
• R. T. Howard Memorial Scholarship
• Janet Seaton Humphrey Scholarship
• Owen and Annette Hungerford Endowed Scholarship
• Mary Margaret Hutchings Endowed Scholarship
• Hutchings Tandy Memorial Scholarship
• Helen Deiss Irvin Prize
• JGK III Scholarship
• Evelyn F. Johnson Scholarship Fund
• Karen Crissman and Douglas P. Johnson Endowed Scholarship
• Grover Cleveland Jones Scholarship
• John Marshall Jones Scholarship
• Virginia Kalusy Memorial Scholarship
• Alice T. Karr Scholarship
• Roger H. and Sudie Maupin Karrick Scholarship
• Keeneland Scholarship
• William R. Kenan Jr. Scholarship
• Kleiser Scholarship
• Austin E. Knowlton Memorial Scholarship
• Margaret H. and Richard W. Knowlton Scholarship
• KRCC Scholarship
• Bess Kriegel Scholarship
• Ella Jean Northcutt Kromer Scholarship
• Charles Bennett Lake Memorial Scholarship
• Elizabeth Rae Claxton Landolt Memorial Scholarship
• Lena Lawrence Scholarship
• Margaret T. Leavy Scholarship
• W. E. Lehman Scholarship
• Dr. Marjorie Peace Lenn Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Benjamin Franklin Lewis Scholarship
• M. W. Lowe Scholarship
• Dorothy R. Lykins Scholarship
• Virginia Heinlein Macke Endowed Scholarship
• Hildreth Maggard Scholarship
• Majmundar Family Endowed Scholarship Fund
• William A. Marquard Endowed Scholarship
• Maxine Troxel McIntyre Scholarship
• Mary Frances Brown Mellen Scholarship
• Professor James E. Miller Endowed Scholarship
• J. M. and C. R. Miller Scholarship
• Ralph Mills Scholarship
• Charles D. Mitchell Sr. Scholarship
• Sara Best Moeller Scholarship
• Robert Downman Montgomery Memorial Scholarship
• Earle H. and Catherine O’Donnell Scholarship
• William P. Oliver Scholarship
• Mary Isabel Omer Scholarship
• Shelby and Nola U. Parks Scholarship
• Alexander Headley Peck Jr. Scholarship
• E. Ray Phelps Scholarship
• Phi Kappa Tau Moosnick Scholarship
• P. T. Powell Scholarship
• David and Mary Graham Prewitt Scholarship
• Providian Scholarship
• Nazaretta Hays Price Memorial Scholarship
• Sarah Hombach Price Memorial Scholarship
• Mary J. Quenette Scholarship
• Barbara Sue Rea Memorial Scholarship
• Frank Rose Scholarship
• Warren W. Rosenthal Endowed Scholarship
• W. L. Rouse Jr. Endowed Scholarship
• Frankie Mae Milton Rush Scholarship
• Nick Sanders ‘53 Scholarship
• Sanders-Siebers Endowed Scholarship
• Honorable Charles F. Satterwhite Scholarship
• David C. Scott Scholarship
• Seifert Study Abroad Scholarship
• David and Christine Shannon Endowment Fund
• Ralph D. Sharp Memorial Fund
• Charles L. and Susan P. Shearer Endowed Scholarship
• Smith Music Scholarship
• Bert E. Smith Scholarship
• Kenneth Snyder Scholarship
• Nick Spaulding Memorial May Term Trip Endowed Scholarship
• Carol Spotts Scholarship
• D.H. Starns Endowed Scholarship
• Martha Nell Stauffer Endowed Scholarship
• Willie Mae Montague Stephenson Memorial Scholarship
• George Stopp Scholarship
• Elizabeth T. Sympson Scholarship
• W. B. Terry Scholarship Fund
• Max M. and Ruth L. Tharp Memorial Scholarship
• J. Richard Thompson Student Leadership Prize
• Transylvania Woman’s Club Scholarship
• Faull S. and Betty Hailey Trover Scholarship
• Anna Turner Scholarship
• David Joe Turner Scholarship
• Margie Embry Turner Study Abroad Scholarship
• Vance Endowed Scholarship
• Charlton and Lillian Wallace Scholarship
• Clara Link Wallace Scholarship
• J. N. and Mary Ward Scholarship
• Anabel Couch-Ida Watson Scholarship
• Helen K. Wellman Scholarship
• Susan Martin Wells Scholarship
• Ronald F. Whitson Memorial Scholarship
• Catherine Van Arsdall Willis Scholarship
• Kathryn Lunger Willis Scholarship
• J. H. and G. B. Wilson Scholarship
• Ann O. Windley Endowed Scholarship
• David A. Windley Scholarship
• Belle Wisdom Endowed Scholarship Fund
• Professor John D. Wright Jr. Scholarship
• Wyncom, Inc. Scholarship
• David L. and Jean Eidson Yewell Scholarship Fund
• Judy Gaines Young Literary Awards
• William T. Young Scholarship
• F. Zorniger Memorial Scholarship

Notice

Transylvania University reserves the right to offer any of the previously mentioned scholarships on a need or merit basis, depending on the individual situation. No scholarship is automatic, and we offer financial aid within the framework of available funds and within federal guidelines when aid is based on determination of need. With the exception of specific scholarship deadlines stated on the admissions application, Transylvania has set no definite deadline regarding application for financial assistance, but prospective applicants should understand that the earlier they apply, the better the chances are that funds will be available. Renewal of scholarships is contingent on academic performance, along with high standards of personal conduct, good citizenship and availability of specific awards.

The names and other directory information respecting students receiving scholarships may be publicly disclosed by Transylvania, including notification of recipient names to scholarship donors. See the Transylvania University Notification of Rights Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), published annually, regarding your ability to opt out of such disclosure.