Oct 09, 2024  
Traditional Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020 
    
Traditional Undergraduate Catalog 2019-2020 Archived Catalog

Federal and State Financial Aid Opportunities


Each year 90% of the students attending John Brown University benefit from some type of scholarship, loan, or workstudy program. Students seeking financial aid are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Only full-time students may receive institutional aid.

Based on information supplied by financial aid applications and official notifications from federal and state programs, the Financial Aid Office will determine each student’s financial aid award offer. Consideration for financial assistance will occur only after the student has received a tentative or final acceptance through the Admissions Office. Returning students will be awarded assistance if they are making satisfactory academic progress. To continue to receive financial aid, application for aid must be made each year. Appropriate scholarship, loan, and workstudy awards will be made by the Financial Aid Office using the policy set by the Financial Aid Committee.

Merit scholarships are available to students based on academic, leadership, athletic, and musical talent.

Financial aid applications and information may be obtained by contacting either the Admissions or Financial Aid office. Early application is advised. The priority award deadline for applying for financial aid is February 15th. Those applying after February 15th will be awarded financial aid as funds are available.

Federal and State Financial Aid Opportunities

The federal government sponsors student assistance programs to those who have demonstrated financial need. Through the Federal Pell Grant Program, students may receive as much as $6,195 per year, based on authorization from Congress. Students may also be eligible for assistance from other sources, such as the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program (SEOG), the Federal Workstudy Program, and Federal Direct Loans.

Many states also participate in student aid programs for residents attending college either in or out of the state. Arkansas residents may be eligible for the Arkansas Governor’s Distinguished Scholarship (GDS) in the amount of $10,000. The Arkansas Department of Higher Education also administers the Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship Program. This grant program offers first-time freshmen a four-year renewable scholarship in the amount of $1,000 the first year with increases each year. Contact the Financial Aid Office or the Arkansas Department of Higher Education for more details.

Students may qualify for a low interest Federal Direct Loan (subsidized or unsubsidized) to help cover both direct and indirect costs of education. Award amounts are based on financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA.

U.S. AIR FORCE and U.S. ARMY ROTC Scholarships

Scholarships are available to qualified applicants. Scholarships pay tuition, and there may be allowances for books and additional expenditures. Selection is based on academic record, ACT/SAT entrance scores, leadership potential, a physical exam, and a personal interview. Preferences are given to technical fields and nursing, but all disciplines may apply. Army ROTC full tuition and fee scholarship recipients will receive full room and board scholarships from JBU.

Student Employment

Students may qualify for workstudy employment through the university by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students with the greatest amount of determined financial need will be given preference for workstudy. Workstudy positions are available throughout the university.

Students interested in seeking employment on campus must contact the Financial Aid Office. Employment will be awarded as part of the financial aid package. Job assignments for upper-classmen will be made in accordance with student class schedules, position preference, and supervisor recommendation. All students are assigned a service-oriented position for the first year and may choose to work in food services, grounds crew, or custodial services. These areas, vital for the daily operation of the university, require large numbers of student workers in order to function effectively. Work time is limited to around seven hours per week. Paychecks are issued to students bimonthly for hours worked under the work program. Students may apply their earnings toward their school accounts.

Workstudy participants must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and work at least half of their workstudy hour threshold (i.e. 226 hours per year) to remain eligible for the program. Students failing to maintain the required GPA will be removed from the workstudy program until their cumulative GPA is at least 2.0. Students failing to work at least half of their hours (113 hours per year) will be removed from the workstudy program unless otherwise determined by the Financial Aid Office.

Veterans Administration Benefits

John Brown University is an approved institution for veterans and veterans’ beneficiaries training. Veterans, widows, and children of veterans who lost their lives in service, or veterans who are now disabled as a result of service should contact the nearest Veterans Administration Regional Office as far in advance of enrollment date as possible for assistance in securing Veterans Administration benefits. Information regarding this program may be obtained from the VA Certifying Official in the JBU Registrar’s Office.

VA Pending Payment Compliance Addendum

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679(c), this educational institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Ch.33) (GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.), or Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from VA.

This educational institution will not:

  • Prevent the student’s enrollment;
  • Assess a late penalty fee to the student;
  • Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding;
  • Deny the student access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

  • Produce the VA Certification of Eligibility (COE) by the first day of class;
  • Provide a written request to be certified;
  • Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Contact Veteran Services at veteranservices@jbu.edu for additional information.