|
Financial Aid & College Costs
Financial Aid
We make every effort to ensure that financial concerns do not stand in the way of those pursuing a Sterling College education. The combination of funds from federal and state assistance programs, Sterling’s scholarship funds, our Work-Learning-Service Program, and a student’s personal resources works effectively to meet costs. Sterling College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Sterling College Application for Financial Aid to determine a student’s financial need and to measure the student’s ability to pay. Our federal code (step six on the FAFSA) is 014991. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are used.
The FAFSA and the Sterling College Application for Financial Aid take approximately four to six weeks to process; we urge you to submit them early, even if your college plans are indefinite. Don’t forget to apply for state grants through your home-state’s financial aid agency; know that deadlines vary from state to state.
Applicants may qualify for up to six federal aid programs: Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Stafford Loans (subsidized or unsubsidized), PLUS Loans, and Work-Study and the Work-Learning-Service Program. Students eligible for PELL Grants should pay particular attention to questions on the FAFSA pertaining to academic coursework. First and second year PELL eligible students who have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study may be eligible for an Academic Competitive Grant (ACG), which ranges from $750-$1,300. Third and fourth year college students who are PELL eligible and majoring in conservation ecology or a self-designed major in a physical or life science may be eligible for a National SMART (Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent) Grant of $4,000. Some candidates are eligible for state grants, Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits, or Veteran’s Administration Benefits. Sterling College provides grants and scholarships to individuals on the basis of both need and merit.
Did you know that...
- 100% of the College’s students are eligible to receive financial assistance through our Work-Learning-Service Program.
- 100% of the students determined to have need receive financial assistance.
- For the 2006/2007 academic year 97 enrolled students received a total of $1,402,651 of aid.
- For all eligible full-time enrolled students, the average Sterling College Aid Package plus the expected family contribution exceed direct costs.
- For the 2006/2007 academic year the average full-time undergraduate need-based gift award (based on federal, state, and institutional grants) was $10,500.
Resident students receive credit toward tuition and books in exchange for participation in the Sterling College Work-Learning-Service Program. This federally funded program assists with the reduction of college costs. For the 2007/2008 academic year, students may earn a minimum of $1,500 to help pay for tuition and books. In exchange, students commit to work assignments on and off campus that promote the common good of the community and strengthen job related skills. Students on internship are eligible to earn an additional $500.
Your education is an investment in your future. For more information regarding Financial Aid, how eligibility is determined, and how financial aid is disbursed, please contact the Sterling College Financial Aid Office at 800-648-3591 or financialaid@sterlingcollege.edu
Back to top
Sterling College Grants
Grants range from $500-$10,500 and are awarded each year of attendance based on need as determined by the FAFSA and the Sterling College Application for Financial Aid. Sterling College grants for commuter students may differ.
Back to top
Sterling College Scholarships
Students are encouraged to apply for the following scholarships by submitting the Sterling College Scholarship Application. Completed scholarship applications must be received by April 1. Scholarship applicants must also be accepted for admission to the College.
The Environmental Steward Scholarship–Covers the annual cost of tuition.
Scholarship application required. Deadline is April 1. Scholarship applicants must also submit a completed application for admission. Scholarship is awarded to two students based on the type and amount of environmental service and volunteerism the applicant has completed. The level of commitment to these activities the applicant has demonstrated is also a very important factor.
The scholarship covers tuition expenses at Sterling College for four years (8 semesters) or, in the case of a transfer student, until completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree, whichever comes first. Scholarship recipients must enroll full-time at Sterling College during the fall semester for which they are awarded the scholarship, stay enrolled continuously, live on campus, and maintain full-time status, a quality point average of a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, satisfactory effort grades, and satisfactory progress in the Work College Program.
Students receiving the Environmental Steward Scholarship are responsible for the cost of room, board, and fees. Should federal, state, or other outside aid sources be available and create an over award situation then the Environmental Steward Scholarship will be reduced to eliminate the over award but cover expenses up to the budget total. Recipients of the Environmental Steward Scholarship are ineligible for other Sterling College grants and scholarships.
The Presidential Scholarship–Award ranges from $1,000-$5,000.
Scholarship application required. Deadline is April 1. Scholarship applicants must also submit a completed application for admission. Awarded to high school students and graduates and home-schooled students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent), have pursued an activity in an environmental field, and describe a personal lifestyle change that has benefited the environment.
The Achievement Scholarship– Award ranges from $1,000-$5,000.
Scholarship application required. Deadline is April 1. Scholarship applicants must also submit a completed application for admission. Awarded to any first-time student who has been involved in service to his/her community, school, or environment or has demonstrated significant life achievement.
Back to top
Sterling College Awards
Awards up to $2,000 are granted to students who are admitted to the College and meet the criteria as described below. No application required.
The Vermont Award –Up to $2,000
An annual award to accepted students who are residents of the state of Vermont. No application required.
The Student Conservation Association Award (SCA) –$1,000
A one-time award to alumni of the Student Conservation Association (SCA) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service performed by alumni of the Student Conservation Association. No application required.
The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps Award–$1,000
A one-time award to alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (VYCC) who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service and contributions to the state of Vermont performed by alumni of the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps. The VYCC is a non-profit service, conservation, and education organization. Each year, the VYCC hires over 300 young people between the ages of 16 and 24 to manage State Parks, build trails, restore rivers and streams, and improve community greenspaces. No application required.
The Northwest Youth Corps Award–$1,000
A one-time award to alumni of the Northwest Youth Corps who meet the criteria for admissions to Sterling College. Accepted students are awarded $500 per semester for the first two semesters of enrollment. This award recognizes the valuable and important service performed by alumni of the Northwest Youth Corps. No application required.
AmeriCorps/Sterling College Matching Award
Prior to enrollment, AmeriCorps alumni should notify Admissions of their intent to use AmeriCorps funds at Sterling College. Students qualifying for federal financial aid will receive a $1,000 match per academic year. Students not eligible for federal financial aid will receive a $500 match per academic year. AmeriCorps funds exceeding the matching amount may be applied towards tuition, room, board, and books. For more information, contact Admissions. No application required.
The Transfer Award–$500-$1,000
A one-time award to students who transfer at least 12 credits and have maintained a minimum gpa of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. This scholarship is designed to recognize a transfer student’s prior academic achievement and to alleviate the costs incurred during the transfer process. Students who enter in the fall and continue for the spring semester receive $1,000 for the academic year. Students entering in the spring semester receive a $500 award. No application required.
The Travel Award—Up to $500
A one-time award to first-time students who have significant travel costs and have visited campus prior to enrollment. Contact the Admissions Office for details.
The Bounder Award–Maximum award is $500.
An annual award to returning students who live west of the Mississippi River or in the Deep South. The amount given will be related to distance from Sterling College. No application required.
Back to top
For more information about financial aid:
Back to top
College Costs
Sterling College is a year-long commitment of two semesters. Therefore students are billed in two installments. Some students may also enroll during the summer. Summer enrollment is billed separately. New students starting in the fall are generally billed before the end of July. New students starting in the spring are generally billed by January 1. Returning students are billed prior to the beginning of each semester. Payment for the fall semester is due before classes begin in September; payment for the spring semester is due before classes begin in January; and payment for summer enrollment is due before classes begin. Students choosing to pay with a credit card will be charged a 3% fee.
Each student is responsible for purchasing textbooks, program supplies, and personal items. Additional expenses may include individual course lab fees, woodworking project materials, outdoor equipment rentals, film and processing for internship reports, laundry costs, and transportation at the start and end of semesters. These costs are estimated at $1,700 for the year. Some courses involving individual projects may require purchase of additional supplies. The design of the project by the student will determine these costs. Additional lab fees are required for Sterling’s Global Field Studies. Credits beyond 33 will be billed at $580 per credit hour.
All students planning to live on campus for both the fall and spring semesters will be charged a $150 room deposit for the year, which is refundable if no damage is assessed.
Back to top
Standard Charges for 2007-2008
| |
Fall Semester* |
Spring Semester** |
Annual Costs |
| Tuition |
9,500.00 |
9,500.00 |
19,000 |
| Room |
1,545.00 |
1,545.00 |
3,0902 |
| Board |
1,847.50 |
1,847.50 |
3,6952 |
| Total |
$12,892.50 |
$12,892.50 |
$25,785 |
* Includes Fall intensive
** Includes Winter or Spring Intensive. Students will be billed an additional room and board charge ($200/week) if they are on campus for both the Winter and Spring Intensives.
Tuition
Annual tuition cost covers up to 33 credits each academic year, from 12-17 credits per semester.
Room
Annual room cost assumes double occupancy for the fall and spring semesters. Students who are not paying full-time room charges pay prorated room charges for periods of on campus living.
Board
Annual board cost includes 20 meals per week for each full week of enrollment during the fall and spring semesters. Students who are not paying full-time board charges pay prorated board charges for periods of on campus living depending on the level of services provided. Students living off campus may purchase a meal plan; see Student Handbook for cost information.
Fees for 2007-2008
| Activities Fee |
100 |
| Technology Fee |
275 |
| Total |
$375 |
Activities Fee
The Activities Fee is charged to all enrolled students—whether living on or off campus. Annual activities fees are assessed in the first semester/session of the academic year during which the student enrolls. This fee covers such things as supporting entertainment brought to campus, attending student conferences, yearbook, etc. Part-time students enrolled in 6 or more credits are assessed the activities fee in the first semester/session of the academic year of which they enroll. Sustainable Agriculture Semester students are not required to pay the student activities fee.
Technology Fee
The Technology Fee helps to cover the cost of providing students with internet access, computer facilities, and other instructional technologies. Annual technology fees are assessed in the first semester/session of the academic year during which the student enrolls. Part-time students enrolled in 6 or more credits are assessed the technology fee in the first semester/session of the academic year during which they enroll. Sustainable Agriculture Semester students are charged a $100 Technology Fee.
Other Charges For 2007-2008 At-A-Glance
Back to top
Internship
Students generally complete the Internship (SS300 Practicum in Environmental Stewardship I) in the summer. Students seeking to complete their internship at other times should consult with the Dean of the College and their advisor to assure adequate credits for satisfactory academic progress. Cost is defined as 6 credits x $580 per credit for $3,480. Summer internship charges are billable in the summer. These charges are deducted from the fall full-time tuition, except for students completing an internship in addition to two full-time semesters. Monitoring of the internship is included in tuition. Students are responsible for transportation and living expenses.
Students who complete a summer internship (6 credits) may enroll in 6-12 credits during the fall semester and 15-17 credits during the spring semesters (not to exceed 33 credits for the year) and pay standard tuition charges as indicated.
Back to top
2007 Sustainable Agriculture Semester
Tuition is defined as 8 - 11 credits for $6,950. Students are charged a $100 Technology Fee.
Back to top
Per Credit Tuition
Credits beyond the 33 maximum per academic year will be billed at $580 per credit hour. Part-time students (fewer than 24 credits per year or 12 credits per semester) are charged $580 per credit hour.
Back to top
Upper Level Independent Study
Students enrolling in Upper Level Independent Study courses will incur a charge of $290 per credit hour attempted. These courses are categorized as self-designed guided study and are open to Juniors and Seniors.
Back to top
Auditing Courses
Auditing courses is allowed with permission of the Dean. Audit fees are 50% of normal credit charges based on $580 per credit. Students who audit do not earn credit and elements of their work will not be reviewed for final evaluation. Global Field Studies courses are generally not eligible.
Back to top
Senior Citizen Discount
Senior citizens (age 62 and older) may register for courses at $290 per credit (50% of normal credit charges based on $580 per credit). Global Field Studies courses are generally not eligible.
Back to top
Global Field Studies
Global Field Studies include additional costs. Amounts vary each year based on location, travel, accommodations, and number of students. Following are estimated costs for 2007-2008. Costs are subject to change and dependant on transportation costs. Students not matriculated at Sterling College who wish to participate must also pay $580 per credit. Global Field Studies courses may not be audited.
2006 - James Bay, Quebec
Fall Intensive (August 25– September 3)
$700 (Covered transportation and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2006 - Field Study in the Circumpolar North—Scotland
Fall Intensive (May 15-30)
$2,400 (Covered airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2007 - Field Study in the Circumpolar North—Iceland
Spring Intensive (May 15-31)
$2,900 (Coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2007 - Field Study in the Circumpolar North—Newfoundland/Labrador
Fall Intensive (September 1-21 estimated)
$800 (Estimated coverage of transportation and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2007 - Sustainable Japanese Systems
Fall Intensive (September 6-21 estimated)
$2,700 (Estimated coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2007 - Field Study in the Circumpolar North—Hokkaido, Japan
Fall Intensive (September 6-21 estimated)
$2,700 (Estimated coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2008 - Research in Tropical Ecosystems—Belize
Winter Intensive (January 8-29 estimated)
$3,700 (Estimated coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2008 - Sustainable Scandinavian Systems
Spring Intensive (May 20-31 estimated)
$2,500 (Estimated coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2008 - Field Study in the Circumpolar North—Ontario
Spring Intensive (May 20-31 estimated)
$1,000 (Estimated coverage of transportation and in-country expenses)
3 credits
2008 - Mountain Cultures Semester—Sikkim/Craftsbury Common—Proposed
Fall—4 weeks (August 15-September 15 estimated), with on-campus course during fall semester.
$2,700 (Estimated Coverage of airfare and in-country expenses)
3-6 credits
Back to top
Part-Time Students
Part-time students (fewer than 24 credits per year or 12 credits per semester) are charged $580 per credit hour. Standard room and board charges apply. Part-time students enrolled in 6 or more credits will be charged the full technology fee and full student activities fee per semester in the first semester/session of the academic year during which they enroll part-time.
Back to top
Commuter Credit
Under certain circumstances, students may petition to live off-campus and commute. Petitions should be submitted in writing to the Dean of Students. Students granted permission to commute are charged the full-time room and board costs per semester and granted a credit of $2,900 per semester. The difference covers particular fixed costs the college incurs. Commuter students may purchase a meal plan. See the Student Handbook for details.
Back to top
Credit Deficiencies
Students who wish to enroll for an extra semester to earn additional credits or redress credit deficiencies will be charged $580 per credit for part-time study or regular tuition for full-time study. Standard room and board charges apply.
Back to top
Transfer Credit
Students already enrolled at Sterling College who complete courses at other institutions and transfer credits back to Sterling College will be charged $45 per credit hour to cover administrative costs. An official transcript indicating a grade of C or higher in appropriate coursework is required for transfer.
Back to top
Late Payment
Students who fail to make arrangements for the payment of their accounts will not be permitted to attend classes. Second-year students will not be considered enrolled in internships until payment, or arrangement for payment, is made in full. At the end of the year, transcripts and diplomas will be withheld until the student’s entire account (including payment of tuition, library fines, guest meals, parking tickets, etc.) is settled. Accounts will be considered delinquent if not paid in full or if an approved letter of agreement is not on file within 30 days of the date due. If this condition is not met, a $25 late fee will be charged each month. At the end of each semester, delinquent accounts will be reviewed. We reserve the right to deny further participation in classes and access to the dining hall if there is no satisfactory resolution. If a delinquent account must be sent to a collection agency, an additional 35% will be added to the amount due.
Back to top
All students and their parents should understand that tuition and other charges create a personal liability to the College. Students receiving financial aid should be especially aware that while the charges for the entire semester are incurred upon enrollment, financial aid is credited to your account as received, and on the premise that the student is in good standing. A student who withdraws at any point during the semester or who fails to maintain good standing may be subject to a reduction in financial aid. A student receiving financial aid who leaves the College before aid can be fully credited incurs personal liability for unpaid charges.
Back to top
Refunds
A full refund (less the $500 deposit and an administrative fee of $100) of cash payments will be credited to a student’s account upon receipt of written notice of withdrawal received prior to the first day of classes. In the event a student voluntarily withdraws or is dismissed from the College after beginning classes, a partial refund of payments may be made. Students must notify the Dean of the College directly, in writing, of their intention to withdraw from the College. The withdrawal date is the date the student provides official notification to the Dean of the College. As of this date students are no longer eligible to participate in College-sponsored activities.
Any refund will be credited against a student’s account based on the official termination date. Financial aid refund policies are largely determined by Federal law and involve very specific definitions and calculation procedures. Students are cautioned to contact the Financial Aid Office and/or the Business Office if they have questions regarding the calculation of refunds and the settling of their accounts. It is the stated policy of the Federal government that students have the first responsibility in meeting school costs; therefore, Federal funds often must be repaid to the appropriate Federal program, leaving students with the obligation to pay their bills to colleges from their own resources. Sterling College Grants and awards are also reduced if a student withdraws before completion of the enrollment period.
Sterling College can determine a withdrawal date related to extenuating circumstances, which include illness, accident, grievous personal loss, or other such circumstances beyond the student’s control, for a student who left without notification because of the extenuating circumstances but when another party gave notification on the student’s behalf. If a student does not return from an approved leave of absence (based on the Federal definition of an approved leave of absence), the withdrawal date is the date the student began the leave of absence.
Back to top
Refunds at Sterling
The amount of any refund is determined by the charges that a student has incurred for the semester in which a withdrawal occurs, the amount of those billable charges that a student has actually paid, and the amount of financial aid, if any, the student is entitled to retain as of the date of withdrawal. Federal rules state essentially that students “earn” Title IV funds on the basis of the fraction of the total number of days of the semester that a student has completed upon withdrawal. If a student completes 35% of the semester, for example, the student is entitled to 35% of the Federal Aid allocated for the semester. Sterling College Grants are “earned” in the same manner.
Institutional charges are calculated according to the percentage of weeks that the student has attended, or 10%, whichever is greater. A week is defined as a seven-day period during which the student is present one day or more. Charges are not pro-rated like aid and all charges will be made based on the following percentages:
Withdrawal between the first day of classes and the end of the first 10% of the semester: 10% charged
Withdrawal between the end of the first 10% and the end of the first 25% of the semester: 50% charged
Withdrawal between the end of the first 25% and the end of the first 50% of the semester: 75% charged
After the student has completed 51% of the semester, the only reduction in charges will be a refund based on the incremental cost of food at a rate of $20 per week for each scheduled, on-campus, full week remaining in the student’s semester based upon the official termination date.
If a student withdraws, his or her account will be settled as follows:
- Determine the date of withdrawal and from that the number of days completed and the number of weeks completed.
- Determine how much Federal and Sterling College financial aid has been earned.
- Determine if any state aid has been received and, if so, how much the student can retain and apply to Sterling College charges for the period before withdrawal (state policies vary widely).
- Determine the Sterling College charges that apply.
- Subtract the total earned financial aid from the applicable charges. This is the amount that the student/family owes Sterling College for the period of enrollment (bookstore and other incidental fees, if incurred, are added to the academic fees).
- If the student/family has paid more than owed (as determined in Step 5), a refund is made for the amount of overpayment. If a balance remains, the unpaid portion is still due from the student/family even after withdrawal.
- Return all unearned Title IV Federal aid in the order listed below:
a. to outstanding balances on the Federal Family Education Loans
b. to the Federal Pell Grant Awards
c. to the SEOG Awards
Second-year students completing internships during the summer between their first and second years will not receive Federal or Sterling College aid for that period and will incur a per credit hour attempted charge for the period. Charges will be based on the completion percentages outlined if a student withdraws. (This tuition charge is credited toward the tuition for the fall semester provided the student enrolls on a full-time basis in the fall.)
Further information and sample calculations are available from the Director of Financial Aid.
Back to top
Appeals
Any appeal of the payment or refund policy must be addressed in writing to the President, Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, Vermont, 05827. In the event of a conflict with Veterans Administration policy concerning enrolled veterans receiving V.A. benefits, the V.A. policy will prevail.
Back to top
|
