Financial Aid

To be considered for financial aid, the student must have been admitted to the College and plan to enroll as a degree-seeking student. Some programs require that students have a demonstrated financial need. Scholastic qualifications are also considered and, for College grants, awards and scholarships, priority is given to those students who have demonstrated academic talent and potential.

The Financial Aid staff determines who will be eligible to receive aid and the amount of that aid. In arriving at such decisions, the cost of education and the total resources available to the student are considered.

As part of the application process, students are asked to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are Virginia residents enrolling for the first time at a Virginia private institution are required to complete the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant application (TAG) by July 31. Both the FAFSA and TAG applications are available from the College’s financial aid office, as well as the College’s webpage.

Financial Aid Regulations and Programs

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used by the College to determine the student’s eligibility for need-based aid and serves as the initial application for financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed to receive any need-based funds from College, state, or federal sources. The College, through endowment and annual giving by alumni, friends, and parents, provides funds for student aid in a variety of forms. When these funds are considered with those from the federal and state programs, financial aid to students may reach substantial proportions. However, it is necessary to qualify for aid within certain limits and regulations.

In order to be fair to all applicants for financial assistance, the Financial Aid Office has established regulations governing the administration of the available funds.

1. Financial aid will be considered for new students after they have been approved for admission.

2. An applicant must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid after October 1 to be considered for need-based aid. The application is available online October 1 each year.

3. Financial aid of various types is available to full-time, first time degree-seeking students carrying a minimum of three units per term. Generally, half-time students who are candidates for their first baccalaureate degree may apply for some federal student financial aid programs but are not eligible for the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program or most College grants and scholarships.

4. To renew merit-based financial awards, a recipient of aid should not be found in violation of College conduct policies and regulations and must maintain satisfactory academic progress according to guidelines available from the Financial Aid Office. To renew need-based assistance, recipients must complete a FAFSA each year. Eligibility for the Roanoke College Supplemental Grant may change if eligibility for need-based aid or residency status changes.

5. Financial assistance is normally based on enrollment for a full academic year.

6. With few exceptions (outside tuition benefit) total institutional dollars awarded to a student cannot exceed the cost of tuition in any given year.

7. Graduate students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Those who do will be considered for Federal student aid programs.

8. Financial assistance is available to students regardless of race, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, disability, or age.