Fees and Financial Aid

Tuition, Fees, Room and Board 2016-2017

In-state Full-time Student (12-18 credit hours per semester)*

Out-of-state Full-time Student (12-18 credit hours per semester)* 

*A student taking more than 18 credit hours per semester will be charged for the additional hours at the credit hour rate for part time students (see below)

**All students living in the residence halls must choose from one of the three on-campus meal plan options. Actual room and board rates will vary depending on the meal plan selected and the residence hall assignment. The rates identified above reflect a Standard Room and Flex Meal Plan.

Part-time Student (1-11 credit hours per semester)

** A student taking more than 18 credit hours per semester will be charged for the additional hours at the semester hour rate for part-time students.

On-Campus Student Meal Plan Options

All students living on campus may select from any one of the three meal plan options. If a meal plan is not selected, the Flex Meal Plan will be automatically assigned.

On-Campus students can choose from the following meal plan options:

Off-Campus Student Meal Plan Options

For more information on meal plan options, visit Dining Services website at www.dineoncampus.com/radford or call RU Express Office at (540) 831-5054 or (540) 831-6449.

Typical Budget for an In-state Undergraduate On-Campus Student

Typical Budget for an In-state Undergraduate Off-Campus Student

Typical Budget for an Out-of-State Undergraduate On-Campus Student

Typical Budget for an Out-of-State Undergraduate Off-Campus Student

Every effort is made not to change fees after they have been published; however, if this should become necessary, all students will be notified prior to the semester in which the increase goes into effect. Refer to the Radford University website for the most up-to-date information: www.radford.edu.

For information about graduate fees and expenses, consult the Radford University Graduate Catalog.

In-state Tuition Eligibility

All students who wish to apply for in-state tuition rates must submit the appropriate application form prior to the first day of classes for the term they are seeking in-state status.

The form is available in the Office of Admissions. Section 23-7.4 of the Code of Virginia, the law governing eligibility for in-state tuition, is available through the online catalog of McConnell Library or may be accessed online at www.schev.edu/students/vadomicileinfo.asp. It is the responsibility of the student to apply for a change in domiciliary status.

Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014

The following individuals shall be charged a rate of tuition not to exceed the in-state rate for tuition and fees purposes:

• A Veteran using educational assistance under either chapter 30 (Montgomery G.I. Bill – Active Duty Program) or chapter 33 (Post-9/11 G.I. Bill) of title 38, United States Code, who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge or release from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.
• Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b)(9)) who lives in the Commonwealth of Virginia while attending a school located in the Commonwealth of Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Service member’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.*
• Anyone described above while he or she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between courses, semesters, or terms) at the same school. The person so described must have enrolled in the school prior to the expiration of the three year period following discharge, release, or death described above and must be using educational benefits under either chapter 30 or chapter 33, of title 38 United States Code.
• For courses, semesters, or terms beginning July 1, 2017, in-state tuition will be charged for anyone using transferred Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits (38 U.S.C. § 3319) who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and the transferor is a member of the uniformed service who is serving on active duty. 

* For courses, semesters, or terms beginning July 1, 2017, language is updated to state: Anyone using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (38 U.S.C. § 3311 (b) (9)) who lives in Virginia while attending a school located in Virginia (regardless of his/her formal State of residence). 

New Student Enrollment Deposit

Upon notification by the Office of Admissions that they are tentatively accepted for enrollment, new students must submit an enrollment (tuition) deposit of $200. Students who will reside on campus must sign a residential student agreement and also pay a $200 housing deposit. Students who will reside off campus must pay only the $200 enrollment deposit. The deposits are credited to the student’s account and are not a charge. The enrollment deposit is refundable if a written request is received by the Office of Admissions before May 1. After May 1, the deposit is forfeited.

Returning Student Residence Hall Deposit

Currently enrolled students who expect to return to Radford University as residence hall students for the next fall semester are required to sign a residential student agreement and pay a $200 housing deposit according to procedures published during the spring semester. The deposit is credited toward charges for room and board for the fall semester and is not an extra charge. The residential student agreement outlines the procedure for partial refund of the housing deposit fee for returning students.

Augustmester, Wintermester, and Summer Session Tuition and Fees

The tuition and fees for Augustmester, Wintermester and the summer sessions of Maymester, Summer I, and Summer II will be based on the credit hour rates for part-time students.The tuition and fees for Summer III is the same as for the regular academic terms.

Miscellaneous Fees

Application Fee

A non-refundable application fee is required of each student who is applying for enrollment for the first time as an undergraduate student. The fee must be submitted with the completed application.

Late Fee

For balances outstanding, a late fee of 10 percent, not to exceed $75, will be assessed after payment deadline unless you are enrolled in a tuition payment plan or have enough authorized aid to cover your charges. (August 17 for Fall Semester 2016).

Overload Fee

An overload fee will be charged for each additional credit hour over the full-time academic load. A full class load at Radford University is no more than 18 hours per semester. The overload fee is based on the credit hour charges for part-time students.

Applied Music Fee

An applied music instruction fee is charged at the rate of $250 per credit per semester. Applied music fees may be waived for level system applied lessons with the approval of the dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts  for students majoring in music, and students registered in Department of Music ensembles and studying in a performance medium relevant to their ensemble participation. Fee waivers do not apply for MUSC 107, MUSC 169 , MUSC 170 , MUSC 470  and 670.

Science Lab Fee

A $35 science lab fee will be charged for students enrolled in astronomy, biology, chemistry, geology, physical science and physics courses that have a lab component.

Special Fee for Bowling Classes

A fee of $45 will be charged to students taking Bowling classes.

Wilderness First Responder Fee

A fee of $160 will be charged to students taking RCPT 460 .

Ed Field Experience Fee

A fee of $110 will be charged to all educator preparation students enrolled in field placements. 

New Student Matriculation Fee

A one-time fee of $275 will be assessed to support programs and services for entering full-time undergraduate students (new freshman and transfer students). The matriculation fee covers the cost of students attending New Student Orientation, Radford University’s summer orientation program, as well as any other orientation and academic advising session provided prior to students entering Radford University. Beyond the orientation programs, the matriculation fee supports extended orientation events sponsored during the opening of school, special speakers, residence hall events, and programs designed to help new students find academic success.

Payment Information

Responsibility for Payment of Tuition and Fees

Payment of tuition, fees and other charges owed to Radford University is the responsibility of the student. Billing statements will be emailed to the student at their RU email address given to them by the university. Students may provide access to authorized payers to view and pay their accounts, however students are ultimately responsible for the timely payment of their accounts.

Unpaid Tuition, Fees, or Fines 

Failure to pay account balances could result in classes being dropped and administrative withdrawal from the university. In addition, the student’s signature on the Application for Admission constitutes an agreement to pay 30 percent attorney’s fees, late fees, interest, and other reasonable collection charges necessary for the collection of any amount not paid when due. The university reports past due accounts to a credit reporting bureau for collection.

Refund Information

Refund Checks Made Payable to Student

It is the university’s policy to hold the enrolled student liable for charges incurred; therefore, refund checks will be issued in the name of the student. As parents are the borrowers on PLUS loans, refunds of these loans are mailed to the parent borrower unless the parent grants permission to refund the amount to the student.

Withdrawal from One or More But Not All Courses

A student who withdraws from a class by the census date will be credited the difference in tuition and fees for the reduced number of credit hours, if any. After the census date, there will be no reduction. The census date is specified in the academic calendar for each semester.

Withdrawal from the University (All Courses)

Fall and Spring Tuition and Fees: Students who withdraw from the University through the census date will not be charged any tuition and fees. For Fall and Spring Semesters only, students who withdraw from all courses after the census date will be charged a percentage of the applicable tuition and fees based on the effective date of the withdrawal as recorded by the Office of the Registrar. The census date is specified in the academic calendar for each semester. This proration does not apply to certain fees including matriculation, lab, bowling, music and late fees. The schedule for allocation of tuition and fees between amounts charged and amounts credited is listed below. This schedule is subject to change.

The allocation above does not apply to partial withdrawals, i.e. dropping individual courses, after the census date. In a complete withdrawal from all courses, the allocation will only be based on the number of credit hours the student was actually enrolled in at the time of complete withdrawal. Any partial withdrawals occurring after census and prior to the complete withdrawal will not be included in the allocation. 

Any refunds owed to the student as a result of withdrawal will first be offset against any other amounts owed to the University.

Students who receive financial aid and withdraw prior to the completion of 61 percent of the enrollment period must repay Title IV funds (i.e. PLUS, Perkins, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Pell, SEOG, and HETAP) to their sources. The percentage is determined by dividing the number of days attended by the number of days in the semester. After the 60 percent point in the enrollment period, a student is considered to have earned 100 percent of the Title IV funds he or she received during the period.

Augustmester, Wintermester, and Summer Session Tuition and Fees: For Augustmester, Wintermester and summer sessions, students who withdraw from the University through census date will not be charged any tuition and fees. No proration of tuition and fees will be made for students who withdraw after the census date.

Residence Hall and Apartment Rent: For all semesters, students who withdraw through the census date will be charged a flat fee of $200 ($100 for summer sessions). No proration of rent will be made for students who withdraw after the census date.

Meal Plans: For all semesters, students who withdraw through the census date will be charged a flat fee of $200 ($100 for summer sessions) or actual usage, whichever is greater. After census date and through the last day to withdraw and receive a grade of “W,” refunds will be prorated based on the number of weeks or actual usage, whichever is greater. No proration will be made after the last day to withdraw and receive a grade of “W” for that semester (date is published in the academic calendar).

Return of Title IV Federal Financial Aid

This policy governs all federal grant and loan programs, but does not include the Federal Work-Study program.

The law assumes that a student “earns” approved (verified) federal financial aid awards in proportion to the number of days in the term prior to the student’s complete withdrawal. If a student completely withdraws from school during a term, the school must calculate, according to a specific formula, the portion of the total scheduled financial assistance that the student has earned and is therefore entitled to retain, until the time that the student withdrew. If a student receives (or the university receives on the student’s behalf) more assistance than he/she earns, the unearned funds must be returned to the Department of Education or to the Federal Direct or parent’s Federal PLUS loan lenders. If a student’s charges are less than the amount earned, and a refund is due, the student may be able to receive those additional funds. Students who have not completed the verification process are ineligible to receive any financial aid.

The portion of the federal grants and loans that the student is entitled to receive is calculated on a percentage basis by comparing the total number of days in the semester to the number of days that the student completed before he/she withdrew. For example, if a student completes 30 percent of the semester, he/she earns 30 percent of the approved federal aid that he/she was originally scheduled to receive. This means that 70 percent of the student’s scheduled or disbursed aid remains unearned and must be returned to the Federal Programs. This policy governs the earned and unearned portions of the student’s Federal Title IV Financial Aid only. It determines how much, if any, the student and/or the school may need to return. This policy does not affect the student’s charges. The University’s Withdrawal Policy (stated above) will be used to determine the reduction, if any, in the student’s tuition and fee or room and board charges. The student is responsible for paying any outstanding charges to the university.

The student’s official withdrawal date will be determined by the university as 1) the date the student began the university’s withdrawal process (the date that the student officially notified the advising center of his/her intent to withdraw); 2) the midpoint of the semester if the student withdraws without notifying the university; or 3) the student’s last date of attendance at an academically-related activity as documented by the university.

If it is determined that a portion of the financial aid received on the student’s behalf is unearned, the university will guide the student on the proper process of returning those funds.

Any grant funds that the student is required to return to the Federal Programs are considered an overpayment. The student must either repay the amount in full or make satisfactory payment arrangements with the Department of Education to repay the amount. If the student fails to repay, or make payment arrangements, to repay an overpayment the student will lose his/her eligibility to receive future federal financial aid at any institution.

Refund Policy for State and Institutional Aid

This policy will affect students who completely withdraw from all classes in a semester and who are receiving state or institutional financial assistance. It does not apply to students who withdraw from some, but not all classes within a semester. All financial programs are covered under this policy. State Student Loan, Last Dollar and VTG must be reduced to tuition costs only before any further refund is considered. The portion of the Commonwealth Grant and VGAP funds that the student is entitled to receive will be calculated on the same basis as the federal return of title IV funds. This compares the total number of days in the semester to the total number of days that the student actually completed before he/she withdrew. Funds from the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program must be returned to this program in full.

Enrollment Deposit Refunds

Students who are offered admission as an on-campus student must submit a $400 enrollment and housing deposit. Off-campus students are required to submit a $200 enrollment deposit. Students who choose not to enroll can receive a refund of the enrollment deposit upon request before May 1. After that date, the deposit is forfeited.

Financial Services

Banking Facilities

Three banks are located within walking distance of the Radford University campus with several other bank branches located within the Radford City limits. BB&T, SunTrust Bank, and Wells Fargo operate automatic teller machines on campus.

Checks presented by Radford University students are accepted by the university subject to the following limitations and policies:

The university accepts checks for the exact amount of tuition, fees, room, board, fines or other goods or services owed to the University.

• Checks written directly to a student by the Commonwealth of Virginia or by Radford University may be cashed at the bank indicated on the check or at a bank where the student has an account.
• A student who knowingly writes a check with insufficient funds in his or her checking account may be charged with an honor code violation and may be prosecuted under the criminal law of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• If a check written for tuition, fees, room and/or board is returned from the bank for any reason, future tuition/fee or room and board payments may be required to be made with cash, money order, certified check or cashier’s check. The student will be assessed a $50 service charge and, if applicable, a late fee of either 10 percent of the amount of check or $75, whichever is less, may be assessed.  In addition, the student may be administratively withdrawn from the University.
• A student may be blocked from registration and transcripts may be held if a check is returned from the bank and remains unpaid.

Financial Aid

Helping qualified students who would be unable to attend the university because of a lack of funds is the aim of Radford’s financial aid program. During the 2015-2016 academic year, Radford provided some form of aid for approximately 76 percent of its students. Primary responsibility for funds for education belongs to parents and students. The difference between the family contribution and the cost of attending the university determines the financial need of the student. The criteria used for selecting student aid recipients involve both the computed need and the academic progress standing of the individual student. Top consideration for awarding financial aid dollars will be given to those who demonstrate the greatest need, who have valid applications finalized by the deadline, and who are admitted to Radford by the deadline. Should funds not be available to meet all these needs, the aid will be prioritized by need among eligible applicants.

After a student has been admitted to Radford and has demonstrated financial need, the university tries to meet that need by offering a financial aid package, which may consist of a scholarship, grant, loan and/or on-campus job.

In addition to awards based on demonstrated financial need, scholarships based on leadership, character and academic achievements are offered at Radford. Sources of financial aid include loans and grants from the federal and state governments, as well as numerous private funds established through the Radford University Foundation. For additional information, refer to the RU Financial Aid website: http://www.radford.edu/content/financial-aid/home.html/

Applying for Financial Aid

To determine need in a consistent way for aid applicants, Radford suggests that parents or independent students seeking financial aid submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Forms and further information about the needs analysis system may be obtained from high school guidance counselors, the Financial Aid Office, or the Radford University Financial Aid website at: http://www.radford.edu/content/financial-aid/home.html/.

Currently enrolled students may obtain FAFSA worksheets from the university’s Financial Aid Office or complete the FAFSA through the web at: http://fafsa.ed.gov/

Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, the FAFSA for renewal student should be filed by December 1.

Radford awards financial aid separately for the academic year and the summer terms.

Undergraduate students who plan to be enrolled during the summer must submit a separate university summer Financial Aid Application. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, however, needs to be completed only once annually and is effective for both the academic year and the following summer sessions.

Disbursement of Financial Aid

All types of financial aid are credited to the student’s account at the beginning of each term with the exception of work-study and some loans. These financial aid funds must be used first to pay the required university charges outstanding at that time. All awards will be disbursed equally over the course of the two academic semesters unless the student applies for only one term. Financial assistance awarded for the summer terms will be indicated for the specific term.

Radford University participates in Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) of William D. Ford Direct Lending Education Loan funds.

This option of disbursing loan proceeds is an additional service that the university offers its students. Financial aid applicants will receive information with their award package regarding this service.

Refund of Excess Financial Aid

Any financial aid that exceeds the amount of charges on a student’s account will be refunded directly to the student. The university strongly encourages that students sign up to have any refunds deposited directly to their checking or savings account. If this option is not chosen, a refund check will be mailed to the student’s mailing address. Students may sign up for direct deposit of refunds by contacting the Student Accounts/Cashiers Office.

If PLUS Loan funds remain as excess on a student’s account, with parent permission, the balance will be refunded to the student. As noted above, the university strongly encourages students to sign up to have any refunds deposited directly to their checking or savings account.  If the parent borrower does not authorize the refund of excess PLUS funds to the student, a refund check will be mailed to the parent borrower.

Satisfactory Progress

Financial aid awards are conditional on students maintaining satisfactory progress in their course of study according to academic and progress requirements. Satisfactory progress for financial aid purposes requires that the student meet the university’s progress requirements and maintains progress toward a degree. Additional progress requirements exist for the state financial aid programs. For financial aid recipients, the policy can be obtained from the RU Financial Aid Office or at: http://www.radford.edu/content/financial-aid/home.html/

The academic progress of students who fail to meet the minimum standards will be reviewed each semester of the school year. At that time financial assistance may be awarded, if available, to those students who improve satisfactorily.

Class Standing

Students who wish to receive funds from the Federal Direct Lending Program or the Federal Parent Direct Lending for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program will have their class standings determined at the beginning of the semester in which they are applying for financial assistance. Students with 26 semester hours will be classified as sophomores, with 56 semester hours as juniors and with 86 semester hours as seniors.

Rights and Responsibilities of Student Recipients

As a recipient of state or federal aid, each student has certain rights and responsibilities. Knowing what they are will place the student in a better position to make decisions about educational goals and how they best can be achieved. If at any time there are questions about financial aid, students should come to the Financial Aid Office where there is additional information available concerning their legal rights and responsibilities.

The student has a right to know:

• the total cost of attending Radford University for an academic year, including tuition and fees and estimated costs of personal expenses, books and transportation;
• the due dates for mandatory fees and the payment procedures for those receiving financial assistance;
• the deadline for submitting applications;
• how the financial need was determined;
• how much of the estimated financial need has been met;
• the types of financial aid offered by Radford University and the terms of those types of aid which were received;
• how satisfactory academic progress is measured; and
• the university refund policy for students who withdraw.

The student is responsible:

• for submitting honest and accurate information concerning enrollment and family financial circumstances (full-time status is defined as 12 semester hours for undergraduate students unless indicated otherwise);
• for adhering to all agreements signed in the course of applying for and receiving financial assistance;
• for reporting a change to less than full-time enrollment during the award period;
• for reporting promptly to the Financial Aid Office the receipt of scholarships, grants or loans awarded by organizations or agencies other than Radford University;
• for becoming familiar with the deadlines for application, the terms of financial aid received and refund policies for students who withdraw;
• for knowing the loan repayment responsibilities and abiding by the terms of the promissory note; and
• if awarded student employment, for performing the job in a satisfactory manner. An unsatisfactory performance may result in removal from the work program.

Scholarships and Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Authorized by the 1972 Higher Education Act, this program operates under the assumption that needy students are entitled to a certain amount of federal assistance while pursuing an undergraduate degree. The eligibility for an award is determined by a formula consistently applied to all applicants, the cost of attending the institution and the student’s part-time or full-time enrollment status. For the 2015-2016 academic year, grants ranged from $588 to $5,775. Application can be made by filing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form.  Beginning with the 2012-2013 academic year students cannot receive more than 600% in Pell grant funds. This new Pell Lifetime Eligibility percentage includes all prior and future disbursements of Pell.  

Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants

These grants, awarded under a federal aid program, are available to any student who has exceptional financial need and is progressing satisfactorily toward a degree. The grants range from $200 to $4,000 per year with no limit placed on the maximum cumulative award.

Federal Teach Grant

The Federal Teach Grant program is a federal grant program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students (regardless of income or need) who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low income families in a high need teaching field. Failure to complete the required teaching service requirements or an eligible program/major/concentration cause the grant to become a Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan.

The obligation must be completed within eight years of completing your program. Review the service agreement for details. For all requirements, review the Financial Aid website at http://www.radford.edu/content/financialaid/home.html/

Commonwealth Award

A Commonwealth Award scholarship recipient must be a legal resident of Virginia and demonstrate financial need. The value of these scholarships may vary according to the student’s need, not to exceed the cost of tuition and required fees. You can receive between $1,000 and $7,500 a year, depending on when you apply, your level of need, and Radford University’s funding level. You cannot receive both the Commonwealth Award and VGAP at the same time.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program

The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP) is a state-funded scholarship program restricted to financially needy Virginians who graduated from a Virginia high school with a 2.5 or higher grade point average. Awards may not exceed the costs of tuition and fees, and a standard books and supplies allowance. Awards during the 2016-2017 academic year range from $1,000 - $8,500 per student. Recipients of this grant must maintain continuous full-time enrollment and earn full-time credit hours to remain eligible. Students may not receive both a VGAP award and a Commonwealth award. VPAP renewals must also maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA.

Virginia Transfer Grant

The Virginia Transfer Grant Program (VTG) is a state-funded scholarship program restricted to financially needy (based on a student’s Expected Family Contribution) Virginians who graduated with an associate degree from a Virginia Community College. In addition, they must have entered a public two-year college as of fall 2007 as a first-time freshman, be enrolled full-time into a Virginia four-year public or private nonprofit college or university by the fall following completion of the associate degree. See details by going to http://www.schev.edu/students/factsheetTransferGrant.pdf.

Radford University Foundation, Inc. Scholarships

Merit and need-based academic and athletic scholarships are awarded annually to both incoming and currently enrolled students. These scholarships have been made possible through contributions from alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, businesses, foundations, corporations and friends of the university.

The Presidential Scholarship competition is for students who have excelled during their high school career.  Both in-state and out-of-state applicants are eligible to receive Presidential Scholarships.  Additional academic scholarships are also available for new freshman and transfer students.  All students who wish to be considered for these scholarships should have their completed applications submitted to the Office of Admissions by January 15^th.  All applications meeting the deadline will be reviewed and invitations to apply for the scholarship program will be sent by the Office of Admissions. These academic scholarships are renewable assuming the recipients meet certain conditions, such as maintaining a specific grade point average.

In addition to scholarships for incoming freshmen, approximately 500 scholarships are awarded to returning upper-class students through the Radford University Foundation. Many of these scholarships contain conditions for receiving the award, such as declaring a particular major, residing in a particular geographic region, being involved in extracurricular activities, or simply demonstrating financial need. The Radford University Foundation receives hundreds of applications for scholarships from a pool of deserving and well-qualified individuals. Every year, new scholarships are created to meet the ever growing need for financial assistance and meritorious recognition.

Students who wish to apply for freshman scholarships should submit a complete application for admission to Office of Admissions before January 15 of the academic year prior to attending the university. For upper-class scholarships, applicants may complete the scholarship application on the web during the competition time period. Information is available on the Financial Aid website at http://www.radford.edu/content/financial-aid/home.html/.

For more information on scholarships for incoming freshmen, contact the Office of Admissions, Radford University, Martin Hall, P.O. Box 6903, Radford, VA 24142, (540) 831-5371.

Loans

Federal Perkins Loan

The Perkins Loan is a need-based loan that is funded by the federal government but is administered directly by Radford University. Undergraduate students receive loans under this program of up to $5,500 annually and up to $27,500 for their total undergraduate study. Students begin paying back these loans nine months after they either complete their education or leave school. No interest is charged until repayment begins, and then a five percent charge is applied to the unpaid balance.

Federal Direct Lending Student Loan

The Federal Direct Lending Student Loan Program enables both dependent and independent students to borrow. All students will be required to pay an origination fee ranging from 1.068% to 4.272% depending on loan type and is subject to change. The interest rate for new borrowers is fixed at 3.76 percent. The interest rate for subsidized Federal Direct Loans is subsidized by the federal government until six months after the student graduates or leaves school, when repayment begins. For unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans, the borrower makes interest payments or capitalizes interest.

The Federal Direct Loan Program is a long-term repayable educational loan that offers low interest rates. It is the Department of Education’s major form of self-help aid. Repayment is deferred until you graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time status (does not include summer sessions.) This loan program offers funds to students regardless of family income level. Federal Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized. The results of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determine which type of loan you are eligible for.

For detailed information regarding this loan program, please visit the following website: http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSFAP/DirectLoan/student.html. You can keep track of your loan accumulations by using the federal NSLDS system.

Dependent undergraduate students may borrow as much as $5,500 for the first year (with at least $2,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan), $6,500 for the second year (with at least $2,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan) and $7,500 annually for remaining undergraduate years (with at least $2,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan), up to a total of $31,000 (with at least $8,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan.)

Independent undergraduate students may borrow as much as $9,500 for the first year (with at least $6,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan), $10,500 for the second year (with at least $6,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan), and $12,500 annually for remaining years (with at least $7,000 of this amount in unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan). The total Federal Direct Loan debt the student can have outstanding as an independent undergraduate is $57,500.

For periods of undergraduate study that are less than an academic year, the amounts the student may borrow will be less than those above.

All students applying for Federal Direct Loans must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those students not eligible for subsidized Federal Direct Loans or partially subsidized Federal Direct Loans will be eligible for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans. Federal Direct Student Loans are made in multiple disbursements. Therefore, half of the proceeds of the loan will be available in August and January for the payment of semester fees.

Federal PLUS Loan Program

The Parent Loan Program (PLUS) is available for parents of dependent students. All loans are subject to paying a required origination fee of 4.272%. The interest rate is fixed at 6.31 percent. There is no federal interest subsidy or maximum eligible income. Repayment begins 60 days after disbursement of the loan, unless the parent works with the lender to defer payment. Parents may borrow as much as the cost of education per year. Parents applying for the PLUS loan must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

State Student Loan Fund

A student loan fund is a need-based loan available to Virginia students through previous appropriations made by the Virginia General Assembly. A student may borrow up to the cost of tuition and required fees per academic session with repayment beginning four months after withdrawal or graduation from college. All notes covering loans must be endorsed by parents or other responsible Virginia adults. The loan bears a three percent interest rate.

Nursing Student Loan

This need-based federal program provides long-term, low-interest loans for nursing students. A student may borrow up to $3,000 for an academic year. Third and fourth year nursing students may potentially borrow up to $5,200 per year. An interest rate of five percent annually begins to accrue nine months after graduation. The student must be admitted into the Nursing Program to be eligible.

Work Programs

Federal Work-Study Program

This is a federal program that provides part-time jobs for students with financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A student is awarded work for a specific number of hours per week. Students must contact supervisors listed on the Financial Aid website to secure a work position. An undergraduate student is paid the current federal minimum wage and may earn up to $1,305 per semester or a maximum of $2,610 for the academic year.

Students awarded a work award may use the university “Hire a Highlander” website to locate positions on campus (http://www.radford.edu/content/career-services/home/students/hire-highlander.html). Students are paid once each month for the preceding pay period.

Community Service

Students may also apply for placement in one of our Community Service positions. For additional information, please contact Natalie Byrd in the Financial Aid Office.

University Work Scholarship Program

This program provides a limited number of part-time employment opportunities for students who do not qualify for the work-study program. Any full-time student with satisfactory grades is eligible for employment. The number of hours worked and hourly earnings are identical to those in the Federal Work-Study Program.

Under an agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, the institution is obligated to employ qualified financially eligible students before offering employment to others.

Residence Hall Assistants

Each candidate must have a personal interview for the Resident Assistant (R.A.) position. This position is available to undergraduate students. Additional information, application forms and specific job descriptions are available from the Office of Residential Life, P.O. Box 6897, Radford University, Radford, VA 24142.

Tuition Payment Plan 

In a continuing effort to assist students in the payment of educational expenses, Radford University offers online tuition payment plan through a third party vendor, Nelnet Business Solutions. The plan offers easy online enrollment, flexible payment options, and automated monthly payments by credit card or direct debit to the payer’s bank account.

Simple steps to enroll in the Payment Plan:

• Log in to MyRU
• Click the Finances icon
• In the Student Accounts area, click on Set up Payment Plan
• You will now be directed to QuikPay where you will need to click on Make Payment on the left side of the page
• Follow the instructions, and provide the required information to set up the payment plan

Senior Citizens Higher Education Act of 1974

The Commonwealth of Virginia allows senior citizens who meet certain requirements to take courses at state colleges or universities free-of-charge. To be eligible, persons must have reached 60 years of age before the beginning of the semester in which they wish to enroll and must have had legal domicile in Virginia for one year prior to the semester in which they plan to enroll.

Senior citizens may register for and enroll in courses as full-time or part-time students for academic credit if their federal taxable income does not exceed $23,850 for the year preceding the year in which enrollment is sought. Senior citizens may register for and audit courses for academic credit regardless of their federal taxable income. In all cases, senior citizens are entitled to register for courses only after all tuition-paying students have been accommodated. Applications are available in the Office of Graduate and Professional Studies and the Admissions Office.

Virginia War Service Orphans Education Program

(Section 23-7.1, Code of Virginia) provides for tuition-free educational benefits at any state-supported college or university for children of permanently and totally disabled veterans or for children orphaned by an act of war. Both tuition and fees are covered by this program.

Eligibility is determined by the Director of the Division of War Veterans Claims upon submission of an application. To be eligible for assistance, the applicant’s parent must have been a resident of Virginia upon entry into the service; the applicant’s parent must have been a resident of Virginia for at least 10 consecutive years prior to the date of the application; the applicant must be between 16-25 years of age; and the applicant must verify admission to a state college or university. Eligible applicants are entitled to a maximum of 48 months of tuition assistance and must be progressing toward a clearly defined educational objective.

If this is a first-time enrollment, contact the VA Office in Roanoke.

Virginia Public Service Orphans Education Program

In addition, an amendment to Section 23-7.1 now allows for tuition-free educational benefits for orphans and spouses of certain law enforcement officers, correctional and jail personnel, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, fire fighters, members of rescue squads and alcoholic beverage control agents who have been killed in the line of duty while serving or living in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Eligibility for this benefit is determined by the chief administrative officer of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, emergency medical services agency, law-enforcement agency, Superintendent of the State Police or other appropriate agency.

If this is a first-time enrollment, contact the Radford University Office of Financial Aid at (540)831-5408.

Army ROTC Department

The Radford University ROTC program provides a variety of opportunities to earn scholarships to pay for a significant portion of college expenses.  They range from four-year scholarships for high school applicants to green-to-gold scholarships for enlisted soldiers.  These scholarships are awarded on merit, which provide each individual the opportunity to show their potential.  When activated, ROTC scholarships cover all tuition and mandatory fees, plus a stipend.  On top of this stipend, students receive an amount for textbooks.

Contact:

U.S. Army ROTC Department
P.O. Box 6947
Radford, VA 24142
or call (540) 831-5288/5209
Email arotc@radford.edu