Financial Aid

Financial Aid Fall 2011 Deadlines

May 1, 2011 FASFA Priority Deadline

August 1, 2011 Recommended FASFA completion date

August 15, 2011 Academic Scholarship Application Deadline

August 25, 2011 Classes begin

September 7, 2011 FASFA process must be complete. This is

also the last day to add/drop.

September 25, 2011 Student Loan processing cutoff.

To apply for any type of financial aid administered by Lon Morris College:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA). The purpose of the FAFSA is to collect information used in evaluating the financial ability of the family to contribute to the cost of the student’s post-high school education. We recommend that you enter the FAFSA information on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov for faster response from the Department of Education. If you do not have access to the web, you may get the paper application from your local high school or from Lon Morris College. Designate Lon Morris College (federal code 003585) as a recipient.

2. Complete and return all other applications and documents furnished by the Financial Aid Office.

3. Prior to award packaging, entering freshman students will be allowed to enroll only if they have completed all admission requirements:

4. Selected students who enroll at Lon Morris College and seek financial aid assistance from any Federal Title IV funds may be required to complete a process called Verification. These requirements are outlined below:

Federal Verification Requirements

If a student is selected to complete the Verification process, the Financial Aid Director will require that the following items be verified with documents submitted by both the parent(s) and the student:

1. Adjusted gross family income and miscellaneous information on the tax returns and tax schedules.

2. W-2 Information

3. Family size

4. Number of family members in post secondary programs.

5. Untaxed Income and Benefits

6. Selective Service Verification

7. Statement of Educational Purpose

8. Non-default Statement

5. After all Documents have been completed, the student will be awarded any and all Federal Title IV funds that are available. Awarding of funds will be based upon need.

Lon Morris College Scholarships and Award Opportunities

Lon Morris College offers institutional aid for students in an effort to reduce the cost of attendance. Scholarships, grants and awards are forms of institutional aid divided into five categories. No one student may stack money from any of the five different categories. This does not include state or federal funding, such as the Texas Tuition Equalization Grant (TEG) or Pell Grant. All institutional aid is calculated on an academic year basis divided between two semesters.

LMC Academic Scholarships

Students who want to receive a scholarship based on their academic achievements should apply for an Academic Scholarship. Academic Scholarships are only assessed for entering freshman. The deadline to apply for an Academic Scholarship is August 1st for Fall 2011. Applications will then be evaluated based on their submitted information. There are three levels of scholarship: Dean’s, President’s and Trustee’s. *Transfer students do not qualify. Criteria includes: a 3.0 or better high school GPA, a minimum 17 on ACT and/or a minimum of 800 (critical reading and math) on the SAT.

* Exception is made for academic credit earned through dual-enrollment or advance placement

In order to receive a Lon Morris College Academic Scholarship, you must turn in the following documents to:

Lon Morris College

Office of Admissions

800 College Avenue

Jacksonville, TX 75766

admissions@lonmorris.edu

• Application to Admission at Lon Morris College with your application fee.

• Academic Scholarship Application
• Preliminary or Final High School Transcript.

• SAT or ACT scores.

• Letter of Recommendation from one high school teacher

• Statement of Purpose Essay

Write (type) a 150-200 word essay that describes how you will utilize your college

degree in your life after college.

For your convenience, please fill out this transcript request form, to be turned in to your high school's counselor.

Transcript Request Form

LMC Performance Participation Scholarships

In recognition of a student’s unusual talent or academic promise in a particular area of study, a limited number of departmental awards are available annually. Recipients are required to meet normal admissions standards. Some departments may require auditions or portfolios as part of the application process. The scholarship criteria will be set by the individual programs and/or organizations.

Click here for more information, including a complete list of departmental awards and scholarship applications.

Departmental Awards Information Sheets

Humanities Division Scholarship Application

Please fill out and return to Amanda Chesshir (achesshir@lonmorris.edu).

Hospitality Administration Scholarship Application

Please fill out and return to Breezy Lake (blake@lonmorris.edu

Music Scholarship Opportunities

Please contact Jack Brooks at 903.589.4091 or jbrooks@lonmorris.edu for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Chaplain's Award Information

Chuch Careers Application

Please contact the Chaplain, Rev. Rhett Ansley at 903.589.4003 for more information.

LMC Scholarship

A work study scholarship through the Admissions and Financial Aid Office. Please contact Admissions at 903.589.4005 for more information.

Visual Arts Scholarship Application

Please contact Nancy McCain at 903-589-4101 or email nmccain@lonmorris.edu to schedule an appointment.

LMC ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

Coaching staff may offer students an athletic scholarship based on specific program requirements. Athletic Scholarships are considered merit-based. Student athletes will not be considered for state funding (Texas Equalization Grant) due to state regulations. Athletic programs include: M&W basketball, M&W soccer, Volleyball, Softball, Baseball, M&W Track and Cross Country and Football.

WORK-BASED AWARD

Any general student who comes to Lon Morris College and does not qualify for the first three levels of aid may apply for a work based award. This award comes directly from LMC monies and is separate from Federal and State Work Study programs. Students must apply for the award through the Office of Admissions. Students receiving a work award must commit to working 20 hours a semester in Enrollment Services or other assigned departments. Students may also qualify for TEG.

NEED-BASED GRANT

General students who do not qualify for any of the first four levels of aid may apply for the LMC need-based grant. This grant will be awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Students must meet the following criteria: Students must apply for FAFSA and have a family Adjusted Gross Income of $95,000 or less. Unlike a state grant, the LMC grant is available for any student who resides within the United States. Students must meet SAP requirements to renew. Students may also qualify for TEG.

LMC UNITED METHODIST SCHOLARSHIPS

In recognition of the historic importance to Lon Morris College of The United Methodist Church and the surrounding community, awards are available to members of the constituent groups listed below. These awards may not be combined with each other, but recipients may qualify for additional limited activity or departmental awards and all other need-based financial assistance funded from external sources. For specific information, contact the Office of Financial Aid.

BISHOP’S SCHOLARSHIP: A limited number are available to one student from each Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church who has been nominated by his or her presiding Bishop. The Bishop must write a letter of recommendation to the President of Lon Morris College. The value of the scholarship is up to $10,000. This scholarship may not be combined with an Academic Scholarship.

UNITED METHODIST PASTORS' AWARDS: A limited number are available to students who are members in good standing of The United Methodist Church upon the written nomination of their pastor. The value of the award is $2,500 annually. The student must maintain a 2.25 cumulative grade point average to receive the scholarship their second year.

2011- 2012 United Methodist Pastor Nomination Form

UNITED METHODIST PASTOR'S DEPENDENT AWARDS: A limited number are available to a child of a United Methodist pastor in the Texas Annual Conference. The value of the award is up to $3,000 annually. The student must meet normal admissions requirements and must maintain a 2.25 cumulative grade point average to receive the scholarship their second year.

There is no application for this scholarship. Please contact Financial Aid at 903.589.4044 for information on receiving this award.

MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMS

UNITED METHODIST SCHOLARSHIP: Granted by The United Methodist Church to Methodist students who have made significant contributions to church and community.

HOPE PIERCE TARTT SCHOLARSHIP: Students who reside in Panola, Marion, Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur counties may apply for this special award that ranges up to $2,500 per year.

P.L.A.N. SCHOLARSHIP/MERIT AWARD: A limited number are available to students who have one parent of Hispanic background. The student must live in Cherokee County. A full-time
recipient enrolled in12 or more hours will be awarded up to $1,000 for the academic school year. A part-time recipient enrolled in 3-11 hours will be awarded up to $500 for the academic school year. Award and scholarship amounts may vary from year to year based on investment returns and other financial considerations. All scholarships and awards are payable at a rate of ½ per semester.

LMC SCHOLAR DOLLARS

Scholar Dollars: Scholar Dollars is a grades for scholarship program for 7th-12th grades in designated public schools. Students may earn credit toward a scholarship at Lon Morris College by making good grades. To apply for the program, a student must complete the application and have it signed by a parent or guardian. The student must, also, write a brief essay on “Why Education is Important to My Future.”

Guidelines for Lon Morris College’s Scholar Dollar Program are as follows:
• You must enroll at LMC within 15 months of graduation from high school in order to be eligible for scholarship dollars. You must then be enrolled for four consecutive fall and spring semesters as a full-time student (registered for 12 semester hours) to remain eligible to participate in the program.
• After enrolling at LMC, you must maintain at least a C average (2.0) each semester.

• When eligible, you may receive up to ¼ of your LMC scholarship dollars each fall or spring semester that you are registered.
• Award cannot exceed tuition and fees.
• Student must meet LMC admission standards.
• LMC reserves the right to change or modify guidelines at any time. Exceptions to the guidelines will be considered on an individual basis.
• Credit cannot be used for payment of dual enrollment, summer school, the May
Semester, or other special terms.

Federal and State Aid

Federal Programs

PELL GRANT - Federal grant that provides up to $5,350 per year based on need. Separate application required

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL ED. OPPORTUNITY GRANTS - A Federal grant to students based on need.

FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK-STUDY PROGRAM - A Federal student job program based on need.

FEDERAL DIRECT SUBSIDIZED STUDENT LOAN – A loan awarded on the basis of financial need. The government pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time, and during grace and deferment periods. *Avaliable for LMC Students after July 1, 2010.

FEDERAL DIRECT UNSUBSIDIZED STUDENT LOAN – A Federal Stafford loan not awarded on the basis of financial need. Interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, although interest payments may be deferred during in-school, grace, and deferment periods and added to the principle balance of the loan. *Avaliable for LMC Students after July 1, 2010.

FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN – Loans designed to help the parents or legal guardian of dependent students pay for post-secondary (college) education. They must be obtained in addition to or in place of Stafford loans. PLUS loans have a 8.5% fixed interest rate. Like Stafford loans, a guarantee and origination fee is charged. PLUS borrowers may receive up to the student’s estimated cost of education less other financial aid, including Stafford loan assistance for which the dependent student is eligible. Borrowers will be subject to a credit evaluation. If a PLUS loan is denied, the dependent student may be eligible for an unsubsidized loan. Repayment of the PLUS loan will begin within 60 days after the final disbursement. *Avaliable for LMC parents after July 1, 2010.

FEDERAL SUBSIDIZED STAFFORD STUDENT LOAN – A loan awarded on the basis of financial need. The government pays the interest while the student is in school at least half-time, and during grace and deferment periods. *Avaliable for LMC Students up until June 30, 2010.

FEDERAL UNSUBSIDIZED STAFFORD STUDENT LOAN – A Federal Stafford loan not awarded on the basis of financial need. Interest accrues from the time the loan is disbursed, although interest payments may be deferred during in-school, grace, and deferment periods and added to the principle balance of the loan. *Avaliable for LMC Students up until June 30, 2010.

PARENT PLUS LOAN – Loans designed to help the parents or legal guardian of dependent students pay for post-secondary (college) education. They must be obtained in addition to or in place of Stafford loans. PLUS loans have a 8.5% fixed interest rate. Like Stafford loans, a guarantee and origination fee is charged. PLUS borrowers may receive up to the student’s estimated cost of education less other financial aid, including Stafford loan assistance for which the dependent student is eligible. Borrowers will be subject to a credit evaluation. If a PLUS loan is denied, the dependent student may be eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford loan. Repayment of the PLUS loan will begin within 60 days after the final disbursement. *Avaliable for LMC parents up until June 30, 2010.

Parent Plus Loan Credit Approval Instructions

State Programs

TEXAS TUITION EQUALIZATION GRANT (T.E.G.) - A program for Texas residents based on need to help offset tuition at a private college.

LEVERAGING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT PARTNERSHIP (LEAP) – A Federal grant that matches the T.E.G. and is based on need.

SPECIAL LEVERAGING EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PARTNERSHIP (SLEAP) – A Federal grant that matches the T.E.G. and is based on need.

TEXAS COLLEGE WORK STUDY PROGRAM – A State student job program based on need.

EARLY HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SCHOLARSHIP – A state funded grant for students that graduate from high school (grades 9-12) in 36 months.

All financial aid award letters are prepared with the understanding that the student will enroll full-time. Full-time status for financial aid purposes is twelve credit hours or more. If students enroll less than full-time in any semester, they must notify the Financial Aid Office (FAO) prior to the first day of classes. Awards will be adjusted accordingly. Students have the option of accepting or declining any portion of the award. When the award letter is signed and returned to the FAO, the student has given his/her permission for accepted awards to be disbursed and credited to the student account.

When the student accepts Stafford loan funds on the award letter and submits the Federal Stafford Student Loan - Information Form, the student has confirmed to have a loan certified and disbursed. The Master Promissory Note (MPN) for the Federal Stafford Loan Program only needs to be completed by the student once for the student’s entire attendance at the College. The student’s signature on this form allows for all future disbursements while enrolled at Lon Morris College. If the student needs additional funds during the academic year, the student’s signature on the MPN gives the lender permission to disburse future loans certified by LMC. The student must request additional loan money with the FAO at LMC and the FAO will ask the student to initial and date the amount of extra money requested on the Federal Stafford Student Loan - Information Form. The FAO will certify additional loan funds with the lender.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year as soon as possible after January 1st.

Students should always notify the FAO if any awards such as scholarships, assistantships, or other types of assistance are not listed on the financial aid award letter. When a student received funds after being notified of or receiving the original financial aid award, adjustment to the original financial aid may be required. Federal regulations require LMC to prevent awarding in excess of a student’s financial need. In some instances, a portion or all of a student’s loan or other funds may have to be returned to the source. If the student has already received these funds, the student may owe funds back to LMC.