Admissions Financial Aid Brochure Sept 2012

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A Guide to Student Financial Aid Affording St. John’s:

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Admissions Financial Aid Brochure Sept 2012

Transcript of Admissions Financial Aid Brochure Sept 2012

Page 1: Admissions Financial Aid Brochure Sept 2012

A Guide to

Student Financial

Aid

Affording St. John’s:

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Overwhelmingly, St. John’s alumni attest to the enduring value

of their education, citing not only the development of practical

skills necessary for successful careers but also the acquired

habits of inquiry and reflection that have profoundly shaped

their characters, leading to lifetimes of independent learning

and evolving self-knowledge. St. John’s engenders in its students

the ability to think critically and analytically, to assimilate new

and unfamiliar knowledge, and to make reasoned ethical

decisions. These abilities are invaluable in today’s marketplace.

Even if this were its only value, a St. John’s education would be

a sound investment. Beyond that, however, is the value of a life

replete with abiding curiosity and the courage and confidence

to ask difficult questions and seek the answers for oneself.

St. John’s prepares students for such a life.

Whatis

value?

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The St. John’s College Commitment

St. John’s College is committed to making its distinctive academic program

affordable for all qualified students, regardless of their financial circum-

stances. We believe that the excellent educational experience at St. John’s is of

lasting value, and we recognize that a private liberal arts education can be an

expensive undertaking for students and their families. However, students and

their families should not assume that a St. John’s education is out of reach

financially. We offer individualized packaging of need-based grants, scholar-

ships, and other forms of aid; our staff will work with students and families to

ensure that this education is affordable.

This year St. John’s College has received special funding for an expanded

program of both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships beginning

with students admitted to the freshman class for fall 2013. All admitted stu-

dents may qualify for grants and/or scholarships, no matter what their family

income. The college offers merit scholarships to students who show academic

promise and is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need as it

appears through the FAFSA and PROFILE financial aid forms. The college’s

individualized financial aid program tailors each package with a combination

of direct grants, reasonable loans, and work-study.

Points to remember:

• St. John’s College follows a need-blind admissions policy. This meansthat students are considered for admission independently of theirneed for financial aid.

• More than 70% of St. John’s students currently receive need-basedfinancial aid.

• St. John’s merit scholarships are available for students who show acad-emic promise.

• Staff in the Financial Aid office at St. John’s can explain the expandedprograms and guide students and families through the process ofapplying.

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Costs

Given the college’s dedication toexcellence in undergraduate educa-tion, especially evident in theextremely low student-faculty ratio of8:1 and discussion classes never larg-er than 14-21 students, it is not sur-prising that costs are high. But nostudent really pays the full cost of hisor her education at St. John’s. Eachyear the college spends about$10,000 more per student on educa-tional expenses than is received inpayment for full tuition. The addi-tional funds required to educate astudent at St. John’s are provided bygifts from alumni and others whosupport the college’s educationalphilosophy and commitment toaffordability, and by income from theSt. John’s endowment.

Total costs for academic year 2012-2013 are $44,544 for tuition and$9,994-10,644 for room and board.

This is similar to tuition at compa-rable selective private colleges anduniversities. At St. John’s, financialaid grants and scholarships are gen-erous. For many families, attendingSt. John’s may not cost any morethan a state-supported institution ora less expensive private institution.

Types of Financial Aid

More than 70% of students enrollingin the freshman class for fall 2012received some form of financial aid.

In fact, in 2012-2013, the collegeawarded more than $18 million indirect need-based grants to students.The direct grant amount is in addi-tion to the federal and state grants,loans, and work-study programsavailable. Students entering in thefall of 2013 will also be eligible formerit scholarships based on academ-ic promise. All financial aid at St. John’s is renewable for four yearsof study.

Need-based financial aid

Eligibility for need-based aid from St. John’s depends on several factors,including family income. To receiveneed-based aid, students file twoforms: the PROFILE and the FreeApplication for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). Once the Financial AidPROFILE and the FAFSA are filed,the college uses this information tofigure a financial aid package, whichmay include direct grants, scholar-ships, loans, and work study. Suchpackages also include an expectedfamily contribution. The college pro-vides 100% of demonstrated need,which is the difference between thecost of attendance and the expectedfamily contribution. (See the charton p. 5 for deadlines and specifics onapplying for need-based financialaid.)

Direct grants come from the col-lege and do not need to be repaid.

Educational loans are funded bythe federal government under the

St. John’s College Financial Aid

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Perkins and Direct Stafford Loanprograms and are made directly tothe student. First-year students gen-erally borrow in a range from $3500to $5500. These government loanshave very favorable interest rates,and repayment does not begin untilthe student leaves college; furtherdeferments are possible if the stu-dent attends graduate school.

Several other educational loanprograms are available, regardlessof income level or demonstratedneed, through commercial lendersand the federal government.Interest rates and payment sched-ules vary.

The work-study component of anaid award is in the form of studentemployment, either at a campus jobor off-campus. Many on-campusjobs are available to students receiv-

ing financial aid, from working inthe library or gym to serving as the“canine companion” for the cam-pus dog. On-campus work studyemployment enables a student toearn up to $2,750 per year, workingten hours per week.

Students reapply for needed-basedfinancial aid each year. St. John’s is committed to meeting 100% ofdemonstrated need, and we arecommitted to maintaining thatlevel of support during the fouryears that a student is here providedthe student makes satisfactor yprogress toward graduation.

Merit Aid

Merit aid is offered at St. John’sCollege to those students who,based on their high school records,application essays, and other infor-mation, show academic promise forthis distinctive education. There isno separate application process formerit aid—a student’s eligibility isdetermined as part of the applica-tion for admission and students arenotified with a scholarship offersoon after their acceptance.Students will be considered for suchscholarships regardless of their eli-gibility for need-based financial aid.Merit scholarships are granted forfour years, provided the studentremains in good standing.

St. John’s is important to me because I

have such a great passion for reading;

history and literature have always been

my two loves. My financial aid grant

has allowed me to continue both my

formal education and my growth as a

student of the world.

—Kurt Strom

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1. Register for the Financial Aid PRO-FILE with the College ScholarshipService at www.collegeboard.org. Tohave the analysis of your forms sentto St. John’s, be sure to use the col-lege’s correct code numbers:Annapolis = 5598; Santa Fe = 4737.The PROFILE form is availableOctober 1, 2012.

2. File the Free Application for FederalStudent Aid (FAFSA) atwww.fafsa.ed.gov. The federal codefor Annapolis = 002092; Santa Fe =002093. The FAFSA is availableJanuary 1, 2013.

Information about the PROFILEand FAFSA should be available fromyour high school guidance office; ifnot, we can provide you with theappropriate details. Because incom-plete or inaccurate information maydelay the processing of your PRO-FILE or FAFSA, you should call us if you are unsure about how particularparts of the forms should be completed or what information needs to be pro-vided. Keep printouts of the forms you submit and a record of the dates youfiled them.

3. In cases of divorce or separation, the Non-Custodial Parent’s Statement isrequired. It can be completed online at ncprofile.collegeboard.org.

4. Once an application for admission is accepted, St. John’s will notify the stu-dent about eligibility for assistance. When the PROFILE form is complete,the college will send an estimated award amount; once the FAFSA is complet-ed as well as any other necessary documentation, the college will send offi-cial notification about an award amount. (For details, see the “Admissionand Financial Aid Timeline.”) Families completing the PROFILE andFAFSA will automatically be considered for all the forms of assistance dis-cussed above.

It is important to file the PROFILE and FAFSA as early as possible and preferablyno later than February 15.

How to Apply for Federal and St. John’s Financial Aid

Being a part of the St. John’s

community has changed my life

dramatically in a very short time. The

intellectual gaps that have become

increasingly detrimental throughout

my life are closing and being buried by

an expanse of great ideas; ideas I could

never have dreamed of before coming

here. Financial aid has allowed me to

take part in these endeavors.

—Reza Alexander Djalal

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Admission and Financial Aid Timeline

Early Action I Deadline – November 15

Students who apply for admission by November 15 will be notified about accep-tance by December 15.

Financial Aid PROFILE available – October 1

Fill out the PROFILE and submit it as soon as possible. For students admittedunder Early Action I, an estimated financial aid award will be sent by the middle of December based on the PROFILE information.

Financial Aid FAFSA available – January 1

Fill out the FAFSA and submit it as soon as possible. Once both the PROFILEand FAFSA, as well as any other necessary documentation, has been receivedfor students admitted under Early Action I, an official St. John’s College finan-cial aid award will be sent.

Early Action II Deadline – January 15

Students who apply for admission by January 15 will be notified about accep-tance by February 15.

Students admitted under Early Action II should submit both their PROFILEand FAFSA as early as possible. They will receive an estimated award amountbased on their submissions soon after their acceptance, and an official finan-cial aid offer once all necessary documentation has been submitted.

Regular Admission

Students who apply for admission after January 15 will be notified about accep-tance on a rolling basis approximately a month after their completed applica-tion is received.

Students admitted after February 15 should submit both their PROFILE andFAFSA as early as possible. They will receive an estimated award amount basedon their submission soon after their acceptance, and an official financial aidoffer once all necessary documentation has been submitted.

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This is the place I truly

consider to be my

home. I have made

friendships here and

learned lessons, in and

out of the classroom,

that will last the rest of

my life. St. John’s

College provides me

with the most

challenging and

satisfying educational

experience I have ever

known and I love and

respect my alma mater

dearly. There is nowhere

else I can imagine that

is better suited and

more dear to me, and

financial aid makes it

possible for me to

attend.

—Charlotte Steineke

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Annapolis CampusP.O. Box 2800Annapolis, MD 21404

Admissions [email protected]

Financial Aid [email protected] 410-626-2885

Santa Fe Campus1160 Camino Cruz BlancaSanta Fe, NM 87505

Admissions [email protected]

Financial Aid [email protected] 505-984-6164

Find more information and links to online forms at www.stjohnscollege.edu,click on “Admissions” or “Financial Aid.”

If you would like to discuss your particular situation or if you need help completing the PROFILE or FAFSA, or if you simply need some further infor-mation, please feel free to call or e-mail the financial aid staff on either campus. We will be happy to help you in any way we can.

St. John’s admits qualified students of any race, religion, national or ethnicorigin, without regard to sex, age, physical disability, or sexual orientation. Allacademic facilities and most residence halls are accessible to persons withphysical disabilities.

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GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS are gifts or awards available from St. John’s, the federal govern-ment, and state scholarship boards. They vary in their eligibility requirements, value,and duration. By definition, grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANNUAL AMOUNTS

St. John’s need-based grants Need as established by PROFILE $1,000-$45,000

Federal Pell Grant Need as established by FAFSA $555-$5,550

Supplemental Educational Exceptional need as $200-$4,000Opportunity Grant (SEOG) established by FAFSA

St. John’s Scholarships Merit Vary

Maryland State Scholarships Maryland residence, need, and/or $200-$5,000excellent high school record

New Mexico Odyssey Grants New Mexico residence, applying $7,500to the Santa Fe campus

Other State Scholarships Need/Merit Vary

LOANS must be repaid at the end of a designated period of time. For many loans, however,the repayment obligation is deferred as long as the student attends college at least half-time.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANNUAL AMOUNTS

Federal Direct Stafford Loan Need as established by FAFSA for Up to $5,500 for freshmen; subsidized loans; unsubsidized $6,500 for sophomores; loans available when need is $7,500 for juniors and seniors; fixed not demonstrated interest rate of 3.4%–6.8%, beginning

6 months after termination of studies

Federal Perkins Loan Need as established by FAFSA $200-$4,000 per year; repayment at 5% simple interest beginning 9 monthsafter termination of studies

Federal Direct Parent Parents of undergraduate Parent loans up to full cost of Plus Loan students; credit worthiness education, minus other aid;

fixed interest rate of 7.9%

Private Loans All families; credit worthiness Total cost of education less other aid received

Scofield Loan Fund (Annapolis) Institutional loans for special $200–$5,500; no interest; repayment St. John’s College Loan (Santa Fe) financial need which cannot begins after termination of studies;

be met through federal programs 5- to 10-year payback

MONTHLY PAYMENT PLANS offer the flexibility of budgeting payments from current income.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANNUAL AMOUNTS

Tuition Management Systems, Full-time students Amount needed; 1-800-722-4867, www.afford.com $65 application fee

JOBS — both on and off campus — help students meet their own educational expenses.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY ANNUAL AMOUNTS

Federal Work-Study Program Need as established by FAFSA $8 minimum per(FWS), supported by federal hour paid bi-weeklyand college funds

On-campus job, supported Special skills or $8 minimum perby college funds non-US citizenship hour paid bi-weekly

Off-campus job, supported Any student Various wages; contact college’sby the local community Student Employment Office

Financial Resources Table

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I developed a crush on

St. John’s College last

August and since then it

has grown into a

serious relationship.

I have the privilege of:

waking up every

morning to refreshing

conversation in the

dining hall; spending an

afternoon in the library

reading prize essays

from fellow Johnnies;

and enjoying evenings

with my new

community of

bookworms. Reading

the Program books and

attending classes are

my favorite part of

going to this “serious

thinking” school.

My mom is a single

parent with two children

in college. I would not

be here without

financial aid, and for

that, I am eternally

grateful.

—Marybeth Beydler

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St. John’s College Facts

CharacterSt. John’s is a four-year, co-educational, liberal arts college with no religious affiliation.

CurriculumThe integrated arts and sciences program is based on a chronological study of seminal works of Western civilization.

Degree GrantedB.A. in Liberal Arts

Faculty-Student Ratio1 to 8

Class SizeSeminars of 17 to 21 students are led by one or two faculty members. Tutorials and laboratory sessions usually have 12 to 16 students led by one faculty member.

LocationThe 36-acre eastern campus is located in the heart of historic Annapo-lis, Maryland.The 250-acre campus in Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers both spectacular scenery and the cultural attractions of historic Santa Fe.

Student EnrollmentEach campus maintains an enrollment of 400–475 undergraduates. Students come from all 50 states and about 20 countries. Students of color make up approximately 10 percent of the student body. The ratio of men to women is 10:9.

Diversity StatementThe aim of the education offered by St. John’s College is the liberation of the human intellect. This is an education for all, regardless of a person’s race, ethnicity, sex, religious beliefs, country of origin, economic

background, age, disabil-ity, or sexual orientation. By reading great books and struggling together with the fundamental questions that they raise, students and their teachers learn from their differences and discover more deeply their shared humanity. In this and other ways, a diversity of background and experience enriches our community of learning. Because it offers an education for all, St. John’s College makes its program of study known and available to people of diverse backgrounds.

Student LifeAbout 80% of the students live on campus. Both campuses offer extensive intramural sports pro-grams and extracurricular opportunities.

AdmissionsStudents may apply using the Common Application with supplement or the college’s paper applica-tion. Interviews and campus visits are not required but are highly recommended.

Application DeadlinesEarly Action I: November 15

Early Action II: January 15

Regular Admission: Rolling after January 15

SAT Scores for Current Freshmen*Middle 50% Verbal: 620-730

Middle 50% Math: 560-690

*St. John’s generally does not require SAT scores. These scores represent combined classes, fall 2011, 55% reporting.

Fees for Academic Year 2012-2013Tuition: $44,554

Room and Board: $9994 – $10,644

Required Fees: $450

A typical student budget includes $630 for books, $400 for personal expenses, and a transporta-tion allowance.

Financial AidSt. John’s is committed to making its distinctive educational program available to students from families of all income levels. This year St. John’s College will begin an expanded program of need-based aid and merit scholarships. All students admitted to the freshman class for fall 2013 may qualify for renewable grants and/or scholar-ships, regardless of their family income. Through a combination of direct grants and scholarships, reasonable loans, and work-study, the St. John’s College financial aid program aims to ensure that any qualified student can afford to attend. Aid packages are tailored individually to each student’s family situation.

Average Total Aid Package for 2012: $38,500

Average Loan: $7,500

Average Grant Assistance (college, federal, and state): $29,770

Work Expectation: $2,750

Percent Aid Met Through Grants: 76%

Percent Aid Met Through Loans and Jobs: 24%

Founded as King William’s School, 1696; chartered as St. John’s College, 1784; accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2680; 215-662-5000), by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (30 N La Salle Street, Chicago, IL 60602; 800-612-7440), and by the American Academy for Liberal Education (1710 Rhode Island Ave., NW, 4th Floor, Washington, DC 20036; 202-452-8611). The college is co-educational and has no religious affiliation. St. John’s admits qualified students of any race, religion, or national or ethnic origin, without regard to sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Academic facilities and most residence halls are accessible to persons with physical disabilities.

P.O. Box 2800 Annapolis, MD 21404-2800

410-626-2522 800-727-9238

fax: 410-269-7916

1160 Camino Cruz Blanca Santa Fe, NM 87505-4599

505-984-6060 800-331-5232

fax: 505-984-6162

www.stjohnscollege.edu