Financial Aid and Financial Information

Charleston Southern University’s financial aid program is designed to help students complete a college education regardless of their financial situation. All students are urged to explore the possibilities for financial assistance offered through the CSU Enrollment Services Office.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Make sure you add CSU to your FAFSA! Our school code is 003419.
2. Apply for your FAFSA every October 1 for the upcoming academic year.
3. All residents of South Carolina and active duty military families stationed in South Carolina MUST file the FAFSA by June 30 of each year to be considered for a South Carolina Tuition Grant.
4. Once accepted to the university, the Office of Financial Aid will review your FAFSA on a first-come, first-serve basis, and create an award package based on your eligibility

How to Check Your Financial Aid Status Online

Once you are accepted to CSU you can log-in to your MyCSU with your CSU ID and PIN. Click “view your financial aid live” to view missing or incomplete documents, messages specific to your financial aid, and your financial aid awards. All information is processed in real time, so you see up-to-date information.

Disbursement of Financial Aid

Financial aid will not be disbursed until confirmation of student’s attendance to classes has taken place at the end of the drop/add period. Students who have not been recorded as attending class at drop/add will not be eligible for any financial aid, even if attendance takes place after drop/add and tuition charges remain.

Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid

In order to be eligible for renewal of financial aid, students must show evidence of satisfactory progress toward graduation. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) at Charleston Southern University is defined as successful completion of coursework attempted and progress toward graduation.

Graduate students are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to receive federal Title IV student financial aid.

1. Be regularly admitted and enrolled as degree-seeking student AND
2. Meet CSU graduate program standards (see specific program for details) for continued enrollment by maintaining a 3.0 grade point average AND
3. Successfully complete a minimum number of credits:
   Minimum Number of Earned Hours Required Students are eligible to receive financial aid, provided all other requirements of the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy are met, and so long as they earn at least 67 percent of attempted hours. Students who do not earn at least 67 percent of their attempted hours will be denied eligibility for financial aid. (See Financial Aid Appeals below). Withdrawn classes in which you receive a grade of “W”, “WP”, “WF”, Incompletes, repeated classes, and transfer credits are all considered attempted hours. Example:  Student has attempted 100 hours but only earned 50 hours. Earned hours divided by attempted hours equals 50% of attempted hours; thus student did not meet 67% required.

The academic record of all students receiving financial aid will be reviewed yearly at the end of each spring semester for satisfactory progress; students not meeting minimum requirements will be notified and will have the responsibility of making themselves eligible before the beginning of the next academic year.

Financial Aid SAP Appeals

Students may appeal under any condition that they feel constitutes an extenuating and/or mitigating circumstances and where such circumstances contributed to their not meeting the University’s Standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Appeals are considered on an individual basis, and the student is notified in writing of the committee’s decision. Appeals must be submitted no later than 10 working days after the end of Summer term to ensure sufficient funding for the upcoming fall semester. This can be done by completing a Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form. The form can be downloaded by signing into your MyCSU and clicking on your Financial Aid LIVE.

Financial Aid Appeal Process and Requirements

Students who wish to appeal their denied status may do so by completing the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal and writing a letter of appeal to the Financial Aid Review Committee. In their letter the student should speak to:

1. the reason or reasons including nature of problem, dates issue occurred as to why he/she failed to meet University’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, and;
2. attach any supporting documentation for the appeal and how the issue was resolved and;
3. projected graduation date and;
4. projected GPA and enrollment plan (credit hours and classes you plan to attempt for the academic year) which include your plans to make up any deficiencies in GPA and/or credit hours

The Financial Aid Review Committee reserves the right to require the student to meet with the committee as part of the appeal process.

Approved Appeals

Should a student’s appeal be approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation for one payment period (semester). At the end of approved payment period (semester), the student’s academic progress will again be reviewed at which time the student is expected to either 1) have met the University’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress or; 2) have met the minimum requirements as called for in their approved academic plan. Students who fail to meet either the University’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress or the minimum requirements as called for in their academic plan will again be denied eligibility for financial aid at which time the student will need to submit a subsequent appeal.

Academic Plan

For students who will need more than one payment period to meet the University’s Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, an approved academic plan will be required as a condition of the approval of the appeal. Should the appeal be approved, the student will be on financial aid probation for one payment period (semester) at which time the student would have expected to have met the minimum requirements as called for in their approved academic plan. If standards are met, the student will continue financial aid eligibility for the next payment period (semester). Should the student fail to meet the academic plan requirements, the student will be required to submit a subsequent appeal.

Denied Appeals

Should a student’s appeal be denied, the student will not receive financial aid for the academic year. The student must meet the University’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards before being able to receive financial aid for the following academic years.

The Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Appeal Form can be downloaded by signing into your MyCSU account, click on Financial Aid tab and view your Financial Aid LIVE. Once in your Financial Aid LIVE, click on the document tab and download the Satisfactory Academic Progress form.

Appeals are considered on an individual basis, and the student is notified of the committee’s decision. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 843-863-7050 or by email at financialaid@csuniv.edu.

Charleston Southern University Programs

Scholarships and grants, made possible through gifts and endowment income, as well as college-funded programs, are available to qualified students.

Scholarships and awards are a part of your total financial aid package and must be awarded according to the policies of institutional and federal programs. There are limitations on the amounts of CSU funded awards students may receive. Please contact the Enrollment Services Office for more information.

The CSU School of Business MBA Funded Scholarship

Students do not need to apply for this scholarship. Students must be regular status accepted and enrolled part or full time in the MBA program. Recipients will be selected by the Director of the MBA program with the approval from the Dean of the School of Business.

The Dr. Jairy C. Hunter, Jr., MBA Endowed Scholarship

Students do not need to apply for this scholarship. Student must be accepted into the MBA program as a degree seeking student enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours of graduate work. The student must have earned a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours in previous semesters, while maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Recipient will be selected on the previously mentioned criteria as well as financial need determined by federal guidelines.

The MBA Funded Scholarship

Students do not need to apply for this scholarship. Student must be Regular Status accept and enrolled part or full time in the MBA program. Recipients will be selected by the Director of the MBA program.

The Dr. Michaeal J. Frost Graduate Assistant for Track and Field

Students do not need to apply for this scholarship. Student must be enrolled fulltime in graduate level courses (6 credit hour minimum), meet the graduate assistantship guidelines (listed below in the Graduate Catalog) and be recommended by the Track and Field Coaches and Director of Athletics.

Federal Assistance for Graduate Students

Direct Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan - The same as a Subsidized Stafford Loan except the interest does accrue while the student is enrolled. The interest has a fixed interest rate of 6.00% and can be paid quarterly or allowed to accrue and be capitalized to the principal. There is a six month grace period after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours) during a major semester before repayment on the loan begins. Students are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Direct Loan Entrance Counseling to receive this loan. This process can be done by visiting www.studentloans.gov and signing in with your FAFSA ID and password. The Financial Aid Office will receive notification of completion electronically from the Department of Education.

Military Assistance

ROTC Scholarships

These scholarships are available to sophomores who meet all qualifications designated by the ROTC Department. Scholarships will fund the full cost of tuition, fees and books for the junior and senior years. If you are interested in this program, you should contact 843-863-7148 for the Air Force ROTC and 843-270-9590 for the Army ROTC.

Yellow Ribbon

CSU is a Yellow Ribbon Program participant. If you apply to use Chapter 33 VA Educational Benefits you may be eligible to participate in this program if your Certificate of Eligibility shows that you are at the 100 percent rate. You need to notify the Veterans Services Coordinator at CSU that you plan to use Chapter 33 VA Educational Benefits no matter what percentage rate you may receive.

Veterans and Military Programs

Any student who plans to use VA Educational Benefits should contact the CSU Veterans Services Coordinator. Active duty personnel eligible to use tuition assistance should contact the Education Services Office at the military base where they are stationed and our Student Accounts office at 843-863-8058.  The CSU Veterans Services Coordinator assists students with VA educational benefits including Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program. For more information visit our campus Veterans Services Office located in the Hunter Center or call 843-863-7050.

• CHAPTER 30: You are eligible for Chapter 30 VA Educational Benefits if you paid in $1200.00. If you have never used your benefit you will need to fill out a VA Form 1990 (obtained through CSU Military Services Coordinator’s Office), or apply online at www.gibill.va.gov by using VONAPP. In addition to your application you will need to submit copies of page 4 of your DD214’s, and if you paid in an additional $600.00 you will need to submit a copy (or copies) of pay sheets showing the total additional amount. Sometimes it’s easier to submit everything through the CSU Military Services Coordinator, that way Atlanta receives it submitted as a packet with your first certification. First-time users can expect a 60-90+ day wait in receiving benefit, but Atlanta will pay retro to day classes start. Under Chapter 30, veteran has to verify his/her enrollment at the end of each month, or the first few days of the following month. Verify either online using WAVE or call 1-888-GIBILL1. This will release your check. Under Chapter 30 you have 10 years from the date of your discharge (honorable) to use your benefits. The last semester you are in classes even if you have only 1 day of eligibility left, this chapter will pay for the entire semester.  If you are transferring from another college you will need to fill out a VA Form 1995. Since you will already be in Atlanta’s system you should be paid at the beginning of the month following the month you attended classes. You will have to verify using WAVE.
• CHAPTER 1606: You are eligible for Chapter 1606 VA Educational Benefits if you are currently drilling or are in the active reserves. If you have never used your Chapter 1606 VA Educational Benefits, you will need to fill out a VA Form 1990 (available through CSU Military Services Coordinator’s Office), or apply online at www.gibill.va.gov by using VONAPP. In addition you will need to submit your Notice of Basic Eligibility form (available from your unit). First-time users can expect a 60-90+ day wait in receiving benefit, but Atlanta will pay retro to day classes start. Under Chapter 1606, veteran has to verify his/her enrollment at the end of each month, or the first few days of the following month. Verify either online using WAVE or call 1-888-GIBILL1.
• CHAPTER 1607: You are eligible for Chapter 1607 VA Educational Benefits (REAP) if you are a member of a Guard/Reserve component who serves on active duty after September 11, 2001, for a contingency operation and who served at least 90 consecutive days or more. Currently, qualifying members were called under: Sections 688, 12301 (a), 12302, 12304, 12305 and 12406 of Title 10 or Title 15, or any other provision of law during a war or national emergency as declared by the President or congress. Only Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have the authority to determine basic eligibility for REAP benefits. Individuals are eligible for benefits as long as they remain within their component. Individuals released from disability will have 10 years from the date of eligibility to use benefit.
• CHAPTER 31: You may be eligible for Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment). Under Chapter 31 you may be eligible for VA Educational Benefits if you have a service-related disability rating. You will need to make an appointment with VA Voc Rehab located at 4600 Goer Drive, Suite 110, North Charleston, SC 29406 or call 843-740-9114 and speak to a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. For more information go to benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/eligibility_and_entitlement.asp on your website. VA Voc Rehab will provide you with VA Form 22-1905 which you will bring to CSU’s Military Services Coordinator in the Hunter Center. Under this chapter I certify approximately two weeks before start of class. I provide a list of VA Voc Rehab students to the Business Office. You must show your CSU ID and a copy of your class schedule before purchasing books and supplies in the CSU Bookstore. Please make sure that you register for classes early if you plan to use your benefit.
• CHAPTER 33: For most current information on the Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) please go to www.gibill.va.gov. You may apply online using VONAPP. If you have used any of your Chapter 30 benefits you will only transfer remaining months to Chapter 33. If you exhaust all of your Chapter 30 benefits and then apply for Chapter 33, you may be eligible for an additional 12 months of VA Educational Benefits for a total of 48 months max. Once you apply for Chapter 33 you cannot change your mind, because the bill is irrevocable. You have 15 years from time you get out of service to use Chapter 33, and your benefits may be transferred to spouse and children. The transfer of entitlement is a function of the DOD. You will need to fill out an Application For Transfer of Entitlement (TOE). Transfer of benefits may be made online at milconnect.dmdc.mil.
• CHAPTER 35: If you are the spouse or child of a veteran who is either deceased, or 100 percent totally and permanently disabled due to a service-connected injury or disease that was incurred or aggravated during active military service, you may be eligible for Chapter 35 VA Educational Benefits. A spouse may elect the effective date from the time of notification. Period of eligibility expires 10 years from date of election. A child can establish his/her eligibility between their 18th and 26th birthday. A child may elect effective date, notification date or any date in between. Period of eligibility expires 8 years from date of election. At CSU (a private college) if you are receiving VA Educational Benefits you will receive a check each month from VA prorated based on number of days per month you are in class. Please go to www.gibill.va.gov, click on Education, scroll down to Pay Rate and click, scroll down to Chapter 35 to see how much you will be paid while attending a private college. If you attend a state supported college, all tuition is paid. You should receive a letter from the state saying that you are eligible to attend a state college. It is good only at a state college.

Graduate Assistantship Guidelines

• There will be a maximum of four (4) graduate assistantships approved for each semester (Fall, Spring, Maymester, Summer I, Summer II) for a maximum of 3 graduate credit hours each. The graduate assistant positions will be allocated accordingly: one graduate assistant position for each of the following four academic departments:

1. School of Business
2. School of Education
3. College of Nursing
4. Department of Criminal Justice  

       Funding for this program is not guaranteed. University funds will be allocated on a per semester basis.

• The student must perform the duties of the Graduate Assistantship within the academic department of their major with the exception of the College of Nursing  since this graduate program is an on-line degree program. In this case, a student pursuing a master’s degree in the School of Business may be allowed to serve their graduate assistantship within the College of Nursing by permission of the Dean of the School of Business, Dean of the College of Nursing and the Graduate Council.

• A Graduate Assistantship Request Form must be completed and signed by the student, supervisor and chairperson of the Graduate Council for each term and submitted to the Financial Aid office. The Graduate Assistantship will only be allowed for three (3) credit hours. Should the student be registered in more than three credit hours for any term, the Graduate Assistantship will be allowed for the course with the lesser tuition charge. The student must be registered for the course before the Graduate Assistantship Request Form will be processed.

• Funds received through the Graduate Assistantship are considered a tuition waiver and will be applied to the student’s account. The Graduate Assistantship is a tuition waiver and is considered a fringe benefit by the IRS. Taxes are not included in the Graduate Assistantship award. The student will receive a 1098-T Form at the end of the tax period indicating the fringe benefit amount.

• Should the graduate student not fulfill the requirements of the Graduate Assistantship as approved on the Graduate Assistantship Request Form, the supervisor has the responsibility to notify the Financial Aid office and the Graduate Assistantship will be removed from the student’s financial aid award.

Eligibility Criteria:

1.      Applications must be received 30 days prior to beginning of the term in which assistance is requested.  

2.      Assistantship awards to a student who applies late will be on a term to term basis and will be contingent on the availability of funds. 

3.      Students holding the bachelor’s degree must be regularly admitted to one of the graduate programs before an assistantship can be awarded. 

4.      A second semester senior undergraduate student may apply for a graduate assistantship for the terms following graduation and assuming the student has been regularly accepted in the graduate program if he or she has met all application requirements except for (1) receiving the bachelor’s degree and/or (2) submitting scores from required tests. In this case, an assistantship may be awarded contingent on successful completion of these requirements.  

5.      Prior to being recommended for an assistantship, an applicant must submit a degree study plan to his or her graduate director showing enrollment for a minimum of three (3) graduate credit hours per term during the academic year. 

6.      For each three (3) credit hour graduate course for which a graduate assistant receives a fee waiver, he or she will be required to work seventy (70) hours for the university in accordance with the provisions of the job description provided by his or her Graduate Assistant Site Supervisor. 

7.      All graduate assistantships are awarded by the Graduate Directors of the respective programs. In addition, Graduate Directors will determine work assignments for their respective departments. All approved applications will be submitted to the Graduate Council Chair who will then sign and forward the documentation to the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Information (Tuition)

Business Office

Payment of Accounts

The registration of a student signifies the assumption of definite and legally enforceable obligations between the University and the student. This includes an agreement by the student to fulfill the financial terms as stated in the catalog. The student agrees to pay all collection costs and/or legal fees incurred in debt collection efforts.

All accounts are due and payable no later than “Registration Day” the week classes begin. The student may not receive an official transcript until all financial obligations are settled. The Business Office will accept VISA, MASTERCARD, and DISCOVER at the cashier window or via the CSU Web site at www.charlestonsouthern.edu or through MyCSU. A payment plan, for each major semester, is available at nominal cost to those who enroll in the plan prior to the semester.

Graduate Program Tuition and Fees

All graduate tuition rates are applied per credit hour for all terms.

Summer Session 2017 - Spring 2018*

General & Miscellaneous Fees:

*Tuition charges and fees are subject to changes, pending Board of Trustees’ approval.
Current information is deemed to be accurate at the time of this publication. Errors and/or changes are subject to adjustment by the Business Office. 

Additional Online Course Fees

No additional charges such as proctoring or technology fees may be associated with online courses beyond the established price of tuition unless students are otherwise notified.  Students are notified at the time of registration on the course schedule of such fees. Additional notification may include electronic announcements, postings, policy sheets, handbooks, or frequently asked questions  available to  students prior to enrolling in a given course.

Billing

Students will be billed according to their tuition classification. Tuition classification will be determined by the student’s official Registration and Change of Schedule forms processed by the Office of the Registrar by the last date to add a class for each term. Bills are posted online through MyCSU. Preliminary bills will be posted at least one week before each major semester begins. Final bills will be posted approximately one week after the last date to drop/add a course. Payment is due no later than Registration Day each academic term.

Refund Checks Issued in Error

The Business Office makes every effort to issue refund checks as quickly as possible. Due to this emphasis, on rare occasions, amounts are refunded in error. The University has the right and will reclaim these funds. Electronic refund is the required method at CSU and students must sign up for this service through MyCSU.  CSU does not have access to this information and therefore cannot take this information directly from the student.  Refunds begin processing after final aid and charges have posted, approximately 3-5 weeks into each semester.

Refunds

• 100 percent refund for withdrawals through the last date of drop/add. 
• 25 percent refunds of tuition are made only for students who formally withdraw from the University, during major semesters, as follows: 25 percent refund for withdrawals between first day after last day to add and end of first quarter of the term. See the Academic Calendar for specific dates.

Demand for residence hall space routinely results in denial of this privilege to some students. Thus, no refund of room fees will be made after the drop/add date. Students who officially withdraw from the residence hall will receive a prorated refund for meals not taken after their withdrawal.

Return of Federal Financial Aid

Federal financial aid funds are awarded with the expectation that students will complete the entire period of enrollment. Students “earn” a percentage of the funds they are disbursed with each day of class attendance. When a student who has received federal financial aid (Title IV funds) leaves school before the end of the semester or period of enrollment, federal law requires the University to calculate the percentage and amount of “unearned” financial aid funds that must be returned to the federal government. This calculation may have the effect of requiring the student to repay funds that have already been disbursed to the student.

Once a student has completed more than 60 percent of the enrollment period, students are considered to have earned all funding received. The university will not reduce the amount owed simply because of the loss of eligibility of financial aid. Thus, withdrawal prior to completion of 60 percent of the semester may result in the student having to pay from personal funds a larger portion of the money owed to the university. Students are urged to consider these financial implications prior to making the decision to withdraw from school.

Returned Check Policy

For each check, paper or online, returned because of insufficient funds or stop payment, a charge of $30.00 will be assessed. The University maintains the right to refuse additional personal checks from (1) any party who cashes or remits to the University, for any reason, a “non sufficient funds” check or (2) any party who places a “stop payment” on a personal check without University approval. This policy will not apply if a statement from the bank, on letterhead stationery, is submitted to the Business Office verifying that the check was returned due to the bank’s error.

Identification Cards

A Charleston Southern University Identification Card (“student I.D.”) is required for all students (new and returning; full-time and part-time). New students are issued Charleston Southern University Identification Cards upon arrival. These cards are necessary for admission to all official school functions, for cashing checks, for using the meal plan, for checking books out of the library, for using University equipment, for buying books from the bookstore, for voting in campus elections and for purchasing tickets for Student Activities concerts. I.D. cards can be replaced for a fee of $10.00.