Index
 General Information
 Admissions Information
Academic Programs
 Academic Information
 Financial Information
 Personnel
 FERPA
 CLEP

 Div. of Business
 Div. of Arts & Sciences
 Div. of General Studies
 School of Education
 School of Health Sciences
 Div. of Adult Education


 Courses A
 Courses B-D
 Courses E
 Courses F-G
 Courses H-I
 Courses J-M
 Courses N-O
 Courses P-R
 Courses S-Z

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

OFFICE OF FINANCIAL AID

Mission Statement

The Office of Financial Aid is dedicated to assisting all students in finding the financial means necessary for the attainment of their educational goals. We are committed to creating a friendly, Christian-focused, professional and effective customer service environment to better serve Native American and other students and the Bacone community.

Snapshot of Our Financial Aid

Bacone College’s financial aid program is designed around the federal system of need-based student aid to ensure that all qualified and motivated Americans have the financial means to pursue higher education at Bacone College. Our present configuration of federal, state and tribal grants, work-study, and loan programs were designed to offer all qualified students a chanced to advance their minds, skills, and economic potential, while also providing for the betterment of society. We are committed to working with students and families to make higher education affordable. Most federal and state educational assistance is based on financial need as determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Financial need is the difference between the cost of attending Bacone College and the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC).  The EFC is calculated using formulas prescribed by the U.S. Department of Education. The applicant must have a high school diploma, GED, or demonstrate the “ability to benefit” in order to receive financial aid at the institution to which he/she is applying according to the guidelines set forth by the Department of Education.

Some additional requirements for financial aid are: 

1.  Students must maintain a cumulative 1.60 grade point average (GPA) for the first 30 credit hours attempted; and a cumulative 2.00 GPA for all hours attempted thereafter.

2.  Students must successfully complete at least 70% of all attempted course hours. Withdrawals, I, F, and other unsatisfactory grades are examples of grades that will be counted against the completion rate.

3.  Audit courses do not qualify for financial aid. Should a student receive financial aid for any classes, or hours, which are later changed to audit, the student will be required to repay any applicable financial aid funds.

Financial Aid Application Process

1.  Apply for admission to Bacone College.

2.  Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1st of each year. FAFSA forms can be filed electronically on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Bacone’s school code for the FAFSA is 003147.

3.  Respond promptly to any correspondence requesting additional information.  For Example: Federal Income Tax Forms, Federal Worksheet A,B,C , etc.

4. If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Financial Aid Office at the number listed below.

Office of Financial Aid

Bacone College

2299 Old Bacone Road

Muskogee, Oklahoma 74403-1597

918-781-7340

918-781-7416 (fax)

e-mail: financialaid@bacone.edu

Types of Financial Assistance Available

Pell Grant: The Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need and is available to undergraduate students only. The award amounts can change yearly. For the 2006-2007 year (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007), grants ranged from $400 to $4050. The amount that a student can receive is based not only on the financial need but also the cost of attendance and the enrollment status as full-time or part-time.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate student with an exceptional financial need. The amount that is available to students ranges from $400 to $500.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG): OTAG is a financial need based grant available to Oklahoma residents only. Students automatically apply for it by completing a FAFSA. Students have to be enrolled in at least half time. Students who have listed Bacone College on their FAFSA are selected by Oklahoma State Regents and reported to us. The amount awarded to students for the 2005-2006 year (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006) was $1300 per academic year. The deadline to apply for the OTAG is April 15.

Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG): OTEG is also a financial need based available to Oklahoma residents only. There are specific rules from this scholarship and they are dictated by the Oklahoma State Regents. The amount awarded to students for the 2005-2006 year (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006) was $2000 per academic year.

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP): OHLAP is a unique program set by the Oklahoma Legislature for eighth-, ninth- and 10th-grade students. Below are some of the requirements:

• Oklahoma resident;

• Enrolled in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade in an Oklahoma high school; and

• Student’s parents, custodians or guardians who earn less than $50,000 per year.

For the 2005-2006 year (July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2006), the amount awarded for OHLAP students at Bacone College was $79 per credit hour.

Federal Work Study (FWS): The FWS program is a financial need based program that provides part-time jobs on campus to help students earn money to pay for school. Students are paid at least minimum wage and the financial aid office determines the yearly amount awarded to the student. For the 2006-2007 year (July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007) the amount awarded is $1000. The FWS program encourages community service and helps students gain valuable work experience while paying for their education.

Tribal Grants: Higher ED Grants are provided to supplement financial assistance to eligible American Indian/Alaska Native students entering college seeking a baccalaureate degree. The Higher Education Grant Program is not an entitlement program. Students do not automatically receive funding because they are American Indian/Alaska Native. Students must meet certain criteria in order to apply for a Higher ED Grant. Bacone College receives tribal grants from over 25 different Indian tribes. All American Indian students are encouraged to apply with their respective tribes.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans: This loan is need-based and the amount varies according to student’s grade level ($2625 for freshman, $3500 for sophomores, $5500 for juniors and seniors). There is a variable interest rate capped at 8.25% and repayment starts at the end of the grace period (6 months after no longer enrolled in at least half-time or 6 credit hours). There may be an origination fee of 3% charged by the lender.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: This loan is for students who are independent, or parents have been denied for the Federal Plus Loan. Students can receive up to $2000 at freshman and sophomore levels and $5000 for juniors and seniors. There is a variable interest rate capped at 8.25%, which begins after loan is disbursed. There may be an origination fee of 3% charged by the lender. Repayment begins at the end of grace period or 6 months after student is no longer enrolled in at least half time or 6 credit hours.

Federal Parent Plus Loans: This is a loan for parents or legal guardians that can cover students’ expenses up to the cost of education less other aids. The Parent Plus loan requires parent/guardian credit approval. There is an origination fee of 3% charged by the lender and there is no grace period. Repayment begins 60 days after last disbursement. The interest rate is variable but capped at 9%, and it begins 60 days after disbursement. The minimum payment is $50 each month and the life of the loan is 10 years.

Private Collegiate Loans or Alternative Loans: This type of loan is available to students who have utilized all their loan eligibility for the subsidized and unsubsidized loans. It also provides a dependent student with an alternative if the Parent Plus Loan has been denied. There are several alternative loans that are available for students and each lender dictates their own rules and regulations. For example, the Wells Fargo Collegiate Loan Program is available for U.S citizens, permanent residents and international students who are temporary residents. The loan is based on positive credit histories and a co-signer is required. There is no origination fee and the annual loan amount varies between $1000 to $25,000 but cannot exceed the cost of education. The interest rate is variable and is determined by the lender, and begins upon disbursement. The financial aid office certifies the loan amount a student can receive.

Assistance From Other Sources: Other sources of state and federal financial assistance are available to qualified students including Vocational Rehabilitation, Veterans’ education benefits, Workforce Oklahoma, and assistance from the Department of Human Services. Students are encouraged to contact the appropriate government office in their community for more information about these programs.

Helpful Websites For Scholarship Search

Below is a list of websites that can be used for scholarship search:

1. www.wiredscholarship.com

2. www.fastweb.com

3. www.smexpress.com

4. www.collegenet.com

5. www.spiritfund.com

Change of Major or Second Degree

Students who change their major or course of study are advised to try to complete their degree or certificate in a reasonable, prescribed amount of time in order to retain eligibility for financial aid. All students enrolled in an eligible degree program may attempt 150% of the hours required in pursuit of that degree or certificate.

Students who have a degree and are pursuing a second degree of the same type are required to meet with an advisor in the new major to establish what classes are needed to complete the new degree. Students can only receive financial aid for up to 150% of these hours.

Transfer Students

The Office of Admissions will review academic transcripts for all transfer students.  Transfer students with no grade history at Bacone College will be placed on financial aid probation their first semester of attendance if the transcript shows that the minimum requirements shown below have not been met. Transfer students admitted on financial aid probation are eligible to receive financial assistance their first semester of attendance. Continuation of financial aid eligibility beyond the first semester of attendance will be approved only if the requirements shown below are met.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Students receiving assistance through the Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Oklahoma Tuition Grant (OTAG), Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan and Federal Parent Plus Loan programs are required to meet two separate requirements in maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress at Bacone. First, students are required to maintain a minimum satisfactory cumulative grade point average. Second, students are required to complete (pass) at least 70% of the credit hours attempted each academic year. These two requirements are summarized in the following chart. Failure to meet both of these minimum academic standards will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.

Total Hours Attempted from All Institutions	1-30 credit hours	31 hours or more
Minimum Cumulative GPA	1.60	2.00
Percentage of Attempted Hrs. which must be completed each academic year	70%	70%

Grades

1.  For financial aid purposes, all grades of A, B, C, D, F, CR, LA, W, AW, I, and U are hours attempted.

2.  Only grades of A, B, C, D, and CR are counted as hours successfully completed.

3.  Audit classes are not eligible for financial aid and are not counted as hours attempted.

4.  All classes attempted at all institutions are used in satisfactory academic progress calculations.

5.  Passing grades received in zero level remedial classes count as hours attempted for financial aid purposes.

Financial Aid Probation or Suspension Policy

1.  Satisfactory Academic Progress is calculated at the end of each semester. For students on financial aid probation, financial aid suspension, or on appeal, it is also checked at the end of each semester

2. FINANCIAL AID PROBATION will be required for students not meeting the requirements shown above. This is a warning status and students on probation may continue to receive financial aid.

3.  FINANCIAL AID SUSPENSION will be required for students on probation who do not meet the requirements shown above. Students cannot receive funds from financial aid programs while on financial aid suspension. (See Appeals Below)

4.  Rules are applied uniformly to all students whether or not aid has been received previously.

5.  Eligibility is re-established after the students improve their scholastic record to meet the minimum standards.

6.  If a student completely withdraws during a semester, he/she will be placed on PROBATION.  Two consecutive semesters of complete withdrawal will place a student on financial aid SUSPENSION. (for Academic Suspension, See Suspension Policy under ADMISSION INFORMATION, Office of Admissions General Policies.)

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

Students who have been placed on Financial Aid Suspension may appeal such action in writing to the Director of Financial Aid. The letter should give reasons why the students feel they should not be placed on Financial Aid Suspension. The Student Academic Status Committee will review the appeal and make a determination that will include the consideration of mitigating circumstances. The student will be informed in writing concerning the decision within 5 working days.

Refund Policy For Financial Aid Recipients Who Withdraw

Effective October 7, 2000 any student receiving federal financial assistance who completely withdraws from all classes at Bacone College will be subject to the Return of Title IV Funds refund policy required by federal regulation.

This policy only applies to students receiving assistance through the Pell Grant, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Subsidized Stafford Loan, Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP PLUS), Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students Programs.

This policy assumes a student “earns” his or her financial aid based on the period of time the student remains enrolled through the semester. Upon withdrawal, the Office of Financial Aid will determine the date of the student’s withdrawal on record in the Registrar’s Office and will calculate the amount of financial assistance the student “earned” while enrolled in classes according the following formula: number of days enrolled divided by total number of days in the semester.

If the amount of federal aid disbursed exceeds the amount of federal aid earned as of the date of withdrawal, either the college or the student, or both are required to return some portion of the federal aid received. Late disbursements for which the student is eligible are required to be included.

Students who remain enrolled beyond the 60% of the semester are considered to have earned 100% of the financial aid received. Students who are enrolled for less than 60% of the semester will likely be responsible for repaying a portion of the financial aid received.

The Office of Financial Aid will calculate the amount of any refund due according the Return of Title IV Funds Formula outlined in federal regulation. Examples of this refund formula are available in the Office of Financial Aid. Any refund amount calculated from this formula will be returned to the appropriate federal financial aid programs. Refunds for financial aid recipients are never given directly to the student. Calculated refunds amounts are returned to the federal financial aid programs in the following order: Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, other federal financial aid programs.

Under this policy, the date of withdrawal is the date the student began the withdrawal process by contacting the Bacone College Office of the Registrar to complete a Notice of Withdrawal form. If a student leaves Bacone College without contacting the Office of Admissions to formally withdraw, the withdrawal date will be designated as the midpoint of the semester or the last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity. For students who fail to return from an approved leave of absence, the withdrawal date will be designated as the date the leave of absence began.

If a student withdraws before at any time before the 60% of the semester, the student’s institutional will be revoked. If withdrawal is at any time after the 60%, the student will be entitled to keep the full amount of the scholarship.

Bacone College Scholarship Programs

Each year many scholarships are awarded to deserving students based on merit and talent.  If more than one scholarship is offered, the student will receive the highest award.

The scholarships listed below can be applied towards a student’s total expenses as a main campus student enrolled full-time (minimum of 12 credit hours) in the fall and spring semesters.  These scholarships aid students in meeting their college tuition expenses and are not cash awards.  These awards cannot exceed a student’s total college expenses.

Bacone Institutional scholarships, when added together with all other federal and state grants, or any other scholarships and grants, will not exceed the total cost of Tuition, Room, and Board. Bacone Scholarships do not cover fees or books. Federal Work Study, Tribal Awards, and student loans can be used to cover outstanding balances, fees and/or books. All institutional scholarships will be applied with one-half of the award for participation during the fall semester, and one-half of the award for participation during the spring semester. 

Bacone Scholars Society

Up to 100% Tuition for Fall and Spring Applied.

Initial Eligibility Requires Meeting Two of the Following Three Criteria: 

1.     A minimum ACT composite score of 24 or a minimum combined SAT I score of 1090;

2.     A high school GPA of at least 3.75;

3.     High school standing within the top 10% of graduating class.

Renewable Each Year Up To Four Years Based on the Following Criteria:

1.     Be a student in good standing

2.     Maintain a full academic load of at least 12 credit hours per semester

3.     Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.50

4.     Actively served in some type of leadership/service role on campus

Members of the Bacone Scholars Society are expected to participate in various leadership roles on campus such as Student Government Association, The Baconian Newspaper, Campus Ambassador’s, etc. 

Presidential Scholarships

Up To 75% of Fall and Spring Tuition.

Initial Eligibility Requires Meeting Two of the Following Three Criteria:

1.         A minimum ACT composite score of 23 or a minimum combined SAT score of 1060

2.         A high school GPA of at least 3.50

3.         High school standing within the top 15% of graduating class.

Renewable Each Year Up To Four Years Based on the Following Criteria:

1.         Be a student in good standing

2.         Maintain a full academic load of at least 12 credit hours per semester

3.        Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.25

Success Scholarships

Awards vary according to financial need. Success Scholarships range up to 35% of Fall and Spring Tuition.

Initial Eligibility Requires Meeting the Following Two Criteria:

1.         Meet admissions requirements into Bacone College

2.         Demonstrate a financial need

Renewable Each Year Up To Four Years Based on the Following Criteria:

1.         Be a student in good standing

2.         Maintain a full academic load of at least 12 credit hours per semester

3.         Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00

Program Specific Scholarships

The following academic programs offer specific, merit-based tuition scholarships for eligible students enrolled full-time in both Fall and Spring terms of an academic year.

Business, Health Sciences, Education, Criminal Justice,

Art, Theatre, and Journalism

CLUB and TEAM Scholarships

Bacone College has designed specific club and activity teams to impact the quality of life for our residential campus. Consideration for scholarship begins with the application and is considered by each coordinator. These scholarships are up to 35% of Fall and Spring Tuition.

Student Life Council Admission Ambassador Praise Team

Praise Band Praise Choir Spiritual Drama Team

Stand Band Journalism Team Marketing & Design Team

Students On Patrol Bacone Historical Society Emergency Management Team

Native Culture Club Native Art Club Native Stickball Team

Native Language Club Web Design Team Computer Lab Team

Computer Technologist Team

2007 - 2008 Bacone College Scholarship Program

Quick Reference Guide

Native American College Students

Contact your tribe’s Higher Education Office or Administrator to apply for tribal scholarships and grants. You must be an enrolled tribal member in order to be considered for tribal assistance.  If you are not enrolled, contact the particular tribal government and apply for enrollment.