Financial Aid Information

Vaughn College provides financial aid packages, which may include scholarships, grants, loans and work study, to students with strong academic records and/or demonstrated need. Counseling and assistance is available at the financial aid office. Financial information is kept confidential to the extent possible.

Applicants for financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application, if appropriate.

Need-based financial aid is determined by a variety of factors such as income, assets, family size and other family information. Every applicant has unique circumstances, and the financial aid office is committed to helping students and their parents through the process. It is strongly recommended that students file for financial assistance as early in the year prior to enrollment as possible. Merit-based financial aid is based solely on each students’ previous academic success and standardized test scores.

Financial aid eligibility requires that the student maintain satisfactory academic progress and program pursuit after enrolling.

Financial Aid Process

The first step in the financial aid process, after applying for admission, is filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application, if you are a state resident. Applications should be filed as soon as possible because processing can take up to eight weeks.

School Federal Code: 002665
School NYS TAP code: 002235

Financial aid advisers are available to assist you in making the process as simple as possible. You may visit the financial aid office for help with completing forms or to develop a plan to help you pay for college.

For more information on financial aid, call 1.866.6VAUGHN, ext. 100 or join the Zoom Room at 678 686 441.

All Bachelor of Science - Aircraft Operations - Pilot License students are required to have their financial aid for flight which is separate from the academic program approved and in place by the first day of class.

Consolidation Loans

Consolidation loans combine several student or parent loans into one bigger loan from a single servicer, which is then used to pay off the balances on the other loans. It is very similar to refinancing a mortgage. Consolidation loans are available for most federal loans, including Federal Direct loans, Health Professional Student Loans, NSL, HEAL, Guaranteed Student Loans and direct loans. Some lenders offer consolidation for private education loans as well.

Students can consolidate their loans with the US Department of Education’s Federal Direct Loan Consolidation program at www.studentaid.gov

Eligibility For Need-Based Federal Aid

In order to qualify for federal financial aid, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a US citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Be formally accepted by Vaughn College as a degree candidate
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Owe no refund on any Title IV funds or be in default on a student loan
• Have a high school diploma or GED certificate

Government Grants and Loans

Federal Pell Grant

This is a grant provided by the federal government to matriculated students who meet the financial need requirements, are in good academic standing and are making satisfactory academic progress.

Award range depending on enrollment status and federal funding for the program.

Note: Students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible to receive a Pell Grant award.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

This grant is awarded to students with high exceptional financial need as determined by the financial aid office. To receive an SEOG grant, students must be Pell recipients. Priority is given to students with the lowest eligibility index. A student must be enrolled full time in order to receive SEOG.

Award range: $400 to $4,000

Federal Work Study (FWS)

Federal Work Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs to undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the recipient’s course of study.

Undergraduate students are paid by the hour. No FWS student can be paid by commission or fee. The College must pay students directly (unless directed otherwise) and at least on a monthly basis. Wages for the program must at least equal the current federal minimum wage but might be higher, depending on the type of work the student performs and the skills required. The amount earned cannot exceed the total FWS award. When assigning work hours, the employer and financial aid counselor will consider the student’s award amount, his/her class schedule and the student’s academic progress. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.3.

Federal Direct Loan Programs

Direct Subsidized Loans

Direct subsidized loans are for students who have demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be in attendance at least part time (six credits); be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree.

The federal government subsidizes these loans, so the loans do not accumulate any interest until the students begin repayment. Subsidized student loans are basically interest-free loans that are backed by the federal government, which means no interest accumulates until repayment begins.

An origination fee is deducted from the loan by the government. A loan cannot exceed the cost of education minus the expected family contribution (EFC) and other financial aid. For first-time borrowers, the loan proceeds cannot be disbursed until 30 days after the first day of class.

The interest rate is adjusted each year on July 1. Students will be notified of interest rate changes throughout the life of their loans. Loan repayment begins six months after the student is no longer in attendance, or if the student falls below six credits per semester or the student graduates. Borrowers can take up to 10 years to repay the loan.

Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Financial need does not have to be demonstrated for this loan. Interest accrues from disbursement of funds until the loan is paid in full. A borrower can choose either to pay the interest or allow it to accumulate until repayment begins. The government guarantees the loan, but does not subsidize the interest, which means the government does not pay the interest while the student is in school.

Applicants must be in attendance at least part-time (six credits), be in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory progress toward their degree. An origination fee is deducted from the loan by the government. A loan cannot exceed the cost of education minus other financial aid. For first-time borrowers, the loan proceeds cannot be disbursed until 30 days after the first day of class.

Direct Parent Plus Loans

The Direct Parent PLUS loan is available to help parents meet the cost of their child’s college education expenses not covered by grants or loans directly to students at Vaughn. The most common use of a Parent Plus Loan is to cover the cost of on-campus housing, and flying lessons for aircraft operations majors. Parents can apply for a Direct Parent PLUS loan up to the cost of attendance, including flying lessons, less all other aid. The Parent PLUS is a government-backed, no-collateral-required loan available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. The Parent PLUS loan is not need-based but requires credit approval. Repayment of the Parent PLUS loan begins 60 days after the second disbursement has been sent to the College or if the parent chooses, it can be deferred until student graduates or drops below 6 credits. Parents interested in applying for a PLUS loan may do so by logging in with their parent FSA ID on www.studentaid.gov. Borrowers whose Direct PLUS loan credit checks are processed on or after March 29, 2015 and who are denied based on adverse credit history can secure an approved endorser. The endorser is subject to, and must pass, the same credit check as the applicant and the borrower can successfully appeal on extenuating circumstances. In both cases, the applicant will be required to complete PLUS counseling. PLUS counseling must be completed before disbursement of the Direct PLUS loan funds. A completed PLUS counseling session remains valid for the duration of the associated credit check. Parent borrowers and endorsers can complete the Direct PLUS loan application and counseling session by logging on to www.studentaid.gov. If a student’s parent is denied a PLUS loan and cannot obtain an endorser, the student is eligible to receive additional unsubsidized loan amount up to $5000 per year.

The interest rates on existing variable rate Direct and PLUS loans will continue to change annually on July 1, based on the last 91-day T-bill auction in May. Borrowers can lock in the current rate on their variable rate loans by consolidating them. Borrowers can compare the current and new rates between the end of May and the end of June to decide whether it is worthwhile to consolidate before or after the rate change.

Students that borrow Federal Direct loans must complete certain requirements when accepting the loans: Master Promissory Note (MPN), Entrance Counseling, and Exit Counseling.  The MPN and Entrance Counseling must be completed in order for the loan to pay, and Exit Counseling is completed after the loan has paid for certain enrollment statuses.  These requirements provide important information about your loan rights and responsibilities.  All requirements are completed electronically at StudentAid.gov and is this site is used by all schools and borrowers to simplify the loan application process for students. Information on each requirement and steps to complete are provided below.

Entrance Counseling for Direct Loans

To complete the Entrance Counseling electronically, visit StudentAid.gov Entrance Counseling homepage and follow these steps:

1. Under the ”Complete Entrance Counseling” section click on “Log in to Start” button
2. Log in using your FSA ID Username, Email, or Mobile Phone and Password; your FSA ID Username is the same ID used to log into your FAFSA.
3. Log In and follow the instructions to complete the Entrance Counseling.

Master Promissory Note for Direct Loans

To sign the Master Promissory Note electronically, visit the StudentAid.gov Master Promissory Note (MPN) homepage and follow these steps:

1. Under the ”MPN for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans” section click on “Log in to Start” button
2. Log in using your FSA ID Username, Email, or Mobile Phone and Password; your FSA ID Username is the same ID used to log into your FAFSA.
3. Log In and follow the instructions to complete, sign and submit your MPN.

Exit Counseling for Direct Loans

1. Exit Counseling must be completed by Federal Direct Loan borrowers who are leaving school, dropping below half-time enrollment, or graduating must complete. To complete the Exit Counseling electronically, visit StudentAid.gov Exit Counseling homepage and follow these steps:
   1. Under the ”Complete Exit Counseling” section click on “Log in to Start” button
   2. Log in using your FSA ID Username, Email, or Mobile Phone and Password; your FSA ID Username is the same ID used to log into your FAFSA.
   3. Log In and follow the instructions to complete the Exit Counseling

The chart below shows the loan fees for Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after Oct. 1, 2019.

Loan Fees for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Loan Fees for Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Loan Fees for Direct PLUS Loans

More information about direct loans can be found at www.studentaid.gov or visit the Vaughn College Financial Aid Office.

Satisfactory Progress Standard for Title IV Federal Student Assistance

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is defined as the successful completion of coursework toward an eligible certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the office of student financial aid to monitor the academic progress of students receiving financial aid.

SAP Standards

• Apply to undergraduate and graduate students who wish to establish or maintain financial aid eligibility,
• Apply to a student’s entire academic record, whether or not financial aid was received for prior terms of enrollment,
• Include a minimum grade point average, minimum pace requirement, and total number of semester hours earned and/or semesters enrolled, and
• Do not apply to students enrolled in the College’s eligible certificate programs whose academic progress is monitored by the programs.

SAP Eligibility Review

Students’ academic records are reviewed at the end of the spring semester to determine compliance with the SAP standards. SAP review includes all terms of the student’s attendance, including summer terms. Students who lose financial aid eligibility due to not meeting SAP requirements may:

• Earn the necessary GPA or semester hours to meet the minimum requirements while not receiving federal financial aid
• Submit a SAP Appeal Form
• A full-time student (enrolled in 12 or more credits) must pass at least six credits.
• A Three-Quarter-Time student (enrolled in 7 to 11 credits) must pass at least four credits.

ANY TERM FOR WHICH A STUDENT RECEIVES ZERO ACADEMIC CREDITS (TOTAL WITHDRAWAL, TOTAL FAILURE OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH) WILL RESULT IN THE STUDENT IMMEDIATELY BEING PLACED IN SAP WARNING FOR THE FOLLOWING SEMESTER.

Federal regulations require the College to establish and apply reasonable standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress for the purpose of the receipt of financial assistance under the programs authorized by Title IV of the Higher Education Act. The programs subject to this rule include but are not limited to: Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work-Study and Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), and Federal PLUS (Parent) loans, and some state and institutional aid.

Failure to meet the requirements listed below will result in the suspension of financial aid eligibility.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed at least annually and at the end of the spring term for programs of study longer than one year. Students admitted to a program of study that is less than one year in length will be evaluated at the end of every term. All periods of the student’s enrollment are counted, including periods in which the student did not receive federal financial aid.

Transfer credit hours will also be counted for determining the number of credits the College accepts toward the student’s degree or eligible certificate program.

The Satisfactory Academic Progress policy includes two components:

QUALITATIVE (GPA) - The qualitative standards consist of the grade point average necessary to meet academic progress towards program completion. The chart below shows the required minimum GPA based on the total annual credits attempted (follows the College grading policy for courses taken/retaken within the SAP calculation threshold at the end of the spring term).

Minimum GPA - To be in good academic standing you must earn a minimum GPA based on attempted credits, at the end of the academic award year, as follows:

QUANTITATIVE STANDARDS (Completion Rate and Maximum Time Frame) - The quantitative standards measure the completion rate as well as the total courses attempted overall. You must complete a percentage of all courses attempted and your financial aid eligibility is limited to 150% of the credits required to complete a degree.

Credit Hour Completion Rate (67% Rule) - You must successfully complete a percentage of all attempted credits each academic year. The chart below shows how the credit hours attempted are measured to determine Completion Rate (attempted credits X 67% = required credits) and the required completion rate at the end of each academic year:

Credit Hour Completion Rate Example:

16 / 24 =.67 (67%)

Required Completion Rate at the end of each Academic Year:

*Programs 2 years or less must meet the minimal PACE requirements of 67% at the end of the first year.

Maximum Time Frame - The maximum time frame for students to complete their academic program may not exceed 150% of the published length of the program, measured in academic years. For example, if the length of an AS degree program is 65 credit hours, the maximum period to receive Financial Aid may not exceed 97 (65 X 1.5 = 97) attempted credit hours. The chart below shows the maximum number of credit hours allowed for completion of a program of study. Students who have reached the maximum time frame will become ineligible for financial aid.

Sample Calculations for the 150% rule:

Financial Aid Repeating Courses Policy

The regulatory definition for full-time enrollment status (for undergraduates) has been revised to allow a student to retake, one time only, per previously passed course. For this purpose, passed means any grade higher than an “F,” regardless of the College’s program policy, which require a higher qualitative grade or measure, which is considered to have passed the course. This retaken class may be counted towards a student’s full-time or part-time enrollment status, and the student may be awarded federal aid for the enrollment status based on inclusion of the class. A student may be repeatedly paid for repeatedly failing the same course (normal SAP policy still applies to such cases), and if a student withdraws, from the class he or she is retaking, then the class is not counted as his or her one allowed retake for that course. However, if a student passed a class, received federal aid and retakes the class and then fails the second time, that failure counts as their paid retake, and the student may not be paid for retaking the class a third time.

If a student withdraws from all federally eligible courses in the semester and continues to attend only the course(s) that will not be credited towards the students degree, the student is a withdrawal for federal aid purposes. This is because a student is considered to be attending a federally eligible program only if he or she is attending one or more courses in that program for which the student is receiving federal funds.

A recalculation of the student’s federal aid is completed to exclude any credits, for repeated courses, that will not be counted toward the student’s degree. All repeated courses affect the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress calculations. A repeated course, along with the original attempt course, will be counted as attempted credit hours.

Explanation of Attempted Hours for Pace Calculation

In compliance with federal regulations, financial aid developed procedures for evaluating pace. In addition to the hours you completed for a letter grade, we will count the following types of credit: Transfer, In Progress (IP), Incomplete (I), Withdraw (W), FX, WX, Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory and repeated courses. Non-credit (NC) or audited (AU) courses do not count toward the calculation of attempted hours.

Additional Standards of Academic Progress Requirements and Information:

Students must be enrolled in a Financial Aid approved academic degree or certificate program. Attempted credit hours include all courses for which a student is registered as of the end of the drop/add period. The following grades are used to calculate the cumulative GPA: A, B+, B, C+, C, D, F, and FX. The following grades are counted as attempted credit hours when calculating completion rate but will not count as earned credits: F, FX, WX, U, W, I, IE.

The following grades do not affect the cumulative GPA but will be counted as attempted credit hours: I, P and IE, and all withdrawals (or their equivalents from transferring institutions). The College’s Academic Amnesty policy does not apply to the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements for Federal Financial Aid eligibility.

There is a 30 credit hour maximum limit for remedial courses. Remedial and repeat courses are eligible for Financial Aid, as long as the courses are required by the student’s selected academic program, do not exceed the maximum number of credits allowed, and the student is otherwise maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress. Multiple changes to your program will negatively impact your academic progress status. Courses not applicable towards your current degree will negatively impact your academic progress status. Any term for which a student receives zero (0) academic credits (total withdrawal, total failure or a combination of both) will result in the student to immediately be placed on SAP warning.

Appeal Process:

The Vaughn College’s SAP Review Committee shall review and validate the documentation attached, to determine if the student has met the conditions for reinstatement, or if extenuating circumstances of the students should be taken into consideration for reinstatement.

Students, whose eligibility for federal financial aid is approved for reinstatement on a temporary* basis by the SAP Review Committee, will be awarded effective with the academic term for which the reinstatement is requested, if funds are still available for the current academic term/year. Approval will not be retroactive to prior terms. All costs of attendance incurred during the period of time the student was suspended are the sole responsibility of the student. Upon student’s request, denied appeals may be reviewed by the financial aid director or designee for re-review and a final decision.

SAP Appeal and Progress Alerts

SAP Appeal

When a student becomes ineligible for financial aid due to failure to meet SAP standards, an opportunity is given to appeal for further financial aid consideration. A student may file a SAP appeal on the basis of:

• death of a relative
• injury or illness of the student
• other special circumstances (such as difficult transition to Vaughn College, family issues, legal troubles, work or budget problems, etc.)

Appeals are considered on an individual basis. Depending on the nature of the appeal, the number of appeals the student has filed and/or the student’s academic record, additional steps may be required of the student before the appeal can be accepted. For example, the student may be required to complete an Academic Plan.

Completed SAP appeals will be reviewed within 15 business days. The student will be notified by email if the appeal is accepted or denied. If the email is returned undeliverable, a letter will be mailed to the student’s current residing address as listed on Vaughn College’s administrative portal or Student Aid Report (SAR). Students should keep their Vaughn email and current residing addresses up to date.

Please note: Up to three appeals may be accepted. Per federal financial aid regulations, appeals are not automatically accepted and may be denied based on failure to maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards set forth at Vaughn College.

Any appeals after the third time needs to be review by the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Services.

2024-2025 Appeal Deadlines

• Summer 2024 - June 23, 2024
• Fall 2024 - September 30, 2024
• Spring 2025 - January 31, 2025

Satisfactory Progress Standard for Title IV Federal Student Assistance

SAP Progress Alerts

A student is placed on a SAP progress alert if they fail to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress after one award year. A SAP appeal must be filed and accepted before a student can be placed on an SAP progress alert. Progress alert terms are one semester in length. The student is given specific requirements that must be met in order to maintain financial aid eligibility in the future. If the SAP progress alert requirements are not met within the progress alert term, the student will again become ineligible for financial aid and may need to file another SAP appeal.

Academic Plan

Students, who at the end of the progress alert period, do not meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) may submit a second appeal. If Vaughn College determines, based on the second appeal, that the student will require more than one semester to meet SAP, the student will be placed on progress alert and must develop an Academic Plan, for one semester. At the end of the semester, the student must meet SAP or meet the requirements of the Academic Plan, which leads to program completion.

Note: students whose financial aid eligibility has been reinstated under an academic plan and are making progress under that plan are considered to be eligible students for Title IV purposes.

New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Guidelines

Students can receive TAP for six semesters in an associate degree program and eight semesters in a bachelor’s degree program.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

Students must be New York state residents, enrolled full time and in good academic standing. The award is based on New York state net taxable income. Students must complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and TAP applications.

Award range: $1000 to $5,665

Part-Time TAP Program

Part-time TAP helps eligible New York residents attending in-state postsecondary institutions on a part- time basis pay for tuition. Part-time TAP is a grant and does not have to be paid back.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for part-time TAP, a student must:

1. Be a first-time freshman in the 2006-2007 academic year or thereafter.
2. Maintain good academic standing.

TAP Credits

Part-time TAP payment will be made for students taking six to 11 credits as shown in the chart below.

New York State Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

This program has the same eligibility criteria as TAP. The Annual award up to $2000; to receive an APTS award, students must:

1. Be enrolled for three to 11 credits
2. Complete an APTS application
3. Submit New York state tax returns for the student and parent
4. Maintain good academic standing.
5. APTS payment equals to 3 TAP points

More information about grants and scholarships can be found by visiting: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/aid-part-time-study/

To maintain eligibility for New York state aid, you must make satisfactory progress toward the completion of a degree. To make satisfactory progress, an undergraduate student must accumulate credits toward the degree, according to the following standards:

TAP Program Pursuit and Good Academic Standing Charts:

Program pursuit and good academic standing chart for students who received TAP on or after summer 2006, two-year remedial associate degree programs:

Four- and five-year remedial baccalaureate degree programs

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Effective 2010-2011 for nonremedial students receiving New York state award payments. 

Non-Remedial Baccalaureate Programs

Non-Remedial Associate Programs

Program: Baccalaureate Program

Calendar: Semester 2015-2016 and thereafter (ADA part-time students)

Program: Associate Program

Calendar: Semester 2015-2016 and thereafter (ADA part-time students)

If you fail to meet continuing eligibility requirements, you may regain eligibility by:

Making up the deficiency while attending, without state aid

• Leave Vaughn College and return after one year or more
• Receive a one-time TAP waiver. This is granted based on extenuating circumstances and when there is a reasonable expectation that the student will meet future requirements.

Waiver Guidelines

The New York State Education Department allows a one-time waiver of the pursuit and progress standards if, for some exceptional reason such as serious illness or a death in the immediate family, you were unable to meet the standards. Students who apply for waivers must document the reason for the request.

New York State Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) Program Guidlines

The Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA) program provides tuition awards to students who are New York State residents attending a participating private college located in New York State. Recipients will receive $6,000 through a combination of their TAP award, ETA award and a match from their private college.

Student Eligibility

To be eligible for ETA, a student must:

1. Be a resident of NYS and have resided in NYS for 12 continuous months prior to the beginning of the term;
2. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen;
3. Have either graduated from high school in the United States, earned a high school equivalency diploma, or passed a federally approved “Ability to Benefit” test, as defined by the Commissioner of the State Education Department;
4. Have a combined federal adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less;
5. Be pursuing an undergraduate degree at a participating private college or university located in New York State;
6. Be enrolled in at least 12 credits per term and complete at least 30 credits each year applicable toward his or her degree program.
7. Opportunity Programs: If you are in an opportunity program, the scholarship allows five years to complete your bachelor’s degree and requires the completion of 24 credits each academic year.
8. Attended college before? You must have earned at least 30 credits each year (successively), applicable toward your degree program, prior to applying for an ETA Scholarship.
9. Continuously enrolled without any pauses in enrollment.  
10. Be in a non-default status on a student loan made under any NYS or federal education loan program or on the repayment of any NYS award;
11. Be in compliance with the terms of the service condition(s) imposed by any NYS award(s) that you have previously received; and
12. Execute a Contract agreeing to reside in NYS for the length of time the award was received, and, if employed during such time, be employed in NYS.

To apply for New York State Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) please visit: https://www.hesc.ny.gov/find-aid/nys-grants-scholarships/enhanced-tuition-award-eta/

Vaughn College Grants and Aid

Vaughn College grants and aid are used to assist new and continuing students. Awards are granted to students who are matriculating in a bachelor’s or associate degree program. Recipients are selected based on financial need, academic performance and availability of funds. Priority is given to PELL grant recipients and students with the lowest eligibility index. Awards are granted on an annual basis and may be renewed each year, if the student meets the following requirements:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on or before the deadline
2. Be registered full time for the fall and spring semesters.
3. Maintain a cumulative grade point average of no less than 2.0
   • Awards range: $950 to $2,200 for the year.

Additional Programs

Hope Tax Credit

The Hope program provides a tax credit equal to 100 percent of the first $1,000, and 50 percent of the second $1,000, of qualified tuition and related expenses paid by the taxpayer (e.g., a maximum tax credit of $1,500).

This tax credit is available for each student for whom the taxpayer pays qualifying tuition and fees. A student may qualify for the tax credit on his or her own basis, but only if the student is independent and not used as a dependent on another person’s tax return. The tax credit may be taken only by a taxpayer for whom the student is a dependent for tax purposes. For more information, please consult with a financial aid counselor.

Veterans’ Educational Benefits

Veterans Educational Assistance Program

For more information and applications, please consult with Marcia Gomez, the College’s veterans affairs liaison and bursar, at 1.866.6VAUGHN, ext. 190. Her email address is marcia.gomez@vaughn.edu.

GI Bill

The GI bill is available to veterans with at least 181 days of continuous active-duty service, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955 and before January 1, 1977. Eligible veterans are New York State residents discharged under honorable conditions from US armed forces and who are:

• Vietnam veterans who served in Indochina between February 28, 1961, and May 7, 1975.
• Persian Gulf veterans who served in the Persian Gulf on or after August 2, 1990.
• Afghanistan veterans who served in Afghanistan during hostilities on or after September 11, 2001.
• Veterans who served in hostilities that occurred after February 28, 1961, as evidenced by receipt of an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal or a Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal.

Awards are available for up to four years of undergraduate study, or five years for enrollment in an approved five-year program; up to three years of graduate study at degree-granting institutions.

Yellow Ribbon Program

The Yellow Ribbon benefit was introduced by the federal government to help veterans go to college. It is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. It supplements the new Post 9/11 GI Bill, and allows private US colleges and universities to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to fund tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. The VA matches tuition contributions made by Vaughn College to eligible students.

Beginning in the 2011-2012 academic year, Vaughn College provided private funds toward tuition balances to veterans at the 100% benefit levels who has been admitted as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student. Student requirements follow:

1. Must complete the FAFSA application for the current academic year
2. Must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher

Post-9/11 GI Bill

The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service- connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

This bill became effective on August 1, 2009. The amount of support that an individual may qualify for depends on where he or she lives and what type of degree is being pursued.

Approved training includes graduate and undergraduate degrees, and vocational/technical training. All training programs must be offered by an institution of higher learning and approved for GI benefits. Tutorial assistance, and licensing and certification test reimbursement are also approved under this bill.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill expands the number of people who qualify for education support from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more about this bill, visit www.gibill.va.gov.

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e), this institution adopts the following additional provisions for any students using U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while payment to the institution is pending from the VA. This institution will not:

• Prevent nor delay the student’s enrollment.
• Assess a late penalty fee to the student.
• Require the student to secure alternative or additional funding.
• Deny the student access to any resources available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution, including but not limited to access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities.

However, to qualify for this provision, such students may be required to:

• Produce the Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class.
• Provide written request to be certified.
• Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies.

Private Alternative Loans

Private loans originate outside of the College and require a separate application. Private loans are offered through commercial lenders and are approved according to the family’s ability to repay. Private loans are available to students and parents. Amounts, interest rates, repayment terms and application procedures vary according to the individual loan program. Before considering a private loan, students should be certain they understand their rights and responsibilities under the loan program, including how interest is assessed, when repayment begins and what repayment options are available. The following website can be used to compare private loan interest rates and options: https://www.elmselect.com/link/query?schoolid=1003

Vaughn Awards for New and Currently Enrolled Students

Below is a list of merit-based scholarships funded by donors consisting of faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the institution. Each scholarship is distributed each summer before the beginning of the new academic year and have distinct criteria each student must meet in order to be awarded such scholarships. In order to be considered for these awards you must complete a profile in Scholarship Universe, You can find more information regarding this process and description of each individual award on the Donor-Based Scholarships section on the Institutional Advancement & Engagement area of the website.

Founders’ Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to freshman students upon acceptance to a bachelor of science degree program at Vaughn. Students will be considered for awards, based on their grades and/or exam scores, by Vaughn College’s scholarship committee. Scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA of no less than 2.75 to continue to participate in the scholarship program at Vaughn. Students with extraordinary circumstances will be reviewed by Vaughn’s Scholarship Committee.

Founders’ Scholarships are sometimes awarded as:

• The Charles S. (Casey) Jones Scholarship is awarded in memory of one of our founders and the first president of the basic program from which the current curricula have evolved.
• The Lee D. Warrender Scholarship is awarded in the name of one of our founders and an engineer who developed the basic program from which current curricula have evolved.
• The B. Hunt Smith Scholarship is awarded to honor the pioneer aviation executive who provided extensive technical assistance in designing the College’s laboratories.
• The Walter A. Neff Scholarship is awarded in honor of the airline executive and charter trustee who was responsible for laboratory equipment acquisition.
• The Elmer A. Sperry Scholarship is awarded in the name of the charter trustee and inventor who contributed substantially to aerial navigation.

Residential Leadership Scholarships

These partial scholarships are awarded to incoming students upon acceptance to a bachelor of science degree program at Vaughn. Students will be considered for awards based on their grades and/or exam scores by Vaughn’s scholarship committee. Residential Leadership Scholarship recipients’ academic progress is reviewed at the end of each academic year to determine renewal. Scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA of no less than 2.75 to continue to participate in the scholarship program at Vaughn. Students with extraordinary circumstances will be reviewed by Vaughn’s Scholarship Committee.

Gold Wings Scholarship

This scholarship covers the complete annual tuition and fees for four consecutive years of full-time study, and is awarded annually to one student graduating from Aviation High School. A high school counselor, teacher or principal must nominate students. Nominees must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Demonstrate a record of strong academic achievement
• Attain a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0 (a “B”)
• Enroll in a bachelor’s degree program

Recipients must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and maintain a 2.75 GPA. Recipients are selected annually in the fall semester, and the final decision is made by Aviation High School’s leadership. If the recipient is eligible for any federal or state financial aid grants (excluding loans), or receives any additional scholarship funds from agencies other than Vaughn College, those funds will be applied to the Gold Wings award. Books, tools and miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the recipient.

Transfer Student Scholarship

Students who transfer to the College having completed 24 or more credits at an accredited college or university, and who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 (including all courses at every institution attended), may be awarded scholarships to transfer. The awards may be renewable for up to three years of consecutive study, providing the recipient maintains a 2.75 cumulative GPA. The number of years the scholarship will be provided will depend on the number of credits accepted by the College at the time of transfer. Students with extraordinary circumstances will be reviewed by Vaughn’s Scholarship Committee.

Academic Excellence Scholarships

Academic excellence scholarships are awarded each year to continuing students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement.

To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Satisfactory completion of at least two semesters (29 credits/units or more) as a matriculated student.
2. Maintain the required cumulative GPA (see below)
3. Be registered full time

Award, range and required cumulative GPA:

• President’s Honors: 3.85 GPA or above, $1,000 per academic year
• Dean’s Honors: 3.68 to 3.84 GPA, $750 per academic year
• Faculty Honors: 3.50 to 3.67 GPA, $500 per academic year

Note: Vaughn College scholarships and grants are not awarded during the summer semesters.

Donor Funded Scholarships

Here are a list of outside donor scholarships funded by alumni, friends, and partners of the institiuion. For more information visit the website.

Kiwanis Scholarship

The Kiwanis Club of LaGuardia Airport has established an annual scholarship for graduates of Aviation High School to help defray the daily expenses associated with higher education. Candidates selected for this scholarship are those who demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to aviation. Funding for the first two years is provided solely by Kiwanis.

For those students enrolled in a baccalaureate program, Vaughn College will provide matching funds for the remaining two years. Recipients must maintain full-time matriculation and sustain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

John F. Kennedy International Airport Chamber of Commerce Scholarship

This endowed scholarship fund with the College allows the Chamber of Commerce to make a significant long- term scholarship award to one student who meets its criteria. In turn, Vaughn matches this scholarship amount by awarding four additional scholarships. Vaughn annually awards these scholarships to students who meet the Chamber’s criteria:

• Enrolled in either a bachelor of science or an associate in applied science program
• A son or daughter of an aviation industry employee working on or adjacent to John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Demonstrates financial need
• Achieved a high school grade point average of not less than 75 percent
• Performed service to the high school or community
• Recommended by a high school teacher

Walter Hartung Memorial Scholarship

Vaughn College is pleased to work in partnership with The Resource Foundation to award annual tuition scholarships to promising students enrolled in any of Vaughn’s bachelor of science degree programs.

Incoming Vaughn students will need to meet the following eligibility criteria to be considered for the Walter Hartung Memorial Scholarship:

Enrolled in a bachelor of science degree program

• Achieved a high school grade point average of not less than 80 percent
• Recommended by one of his or her high school teachers Demonstrates financial need

Enrolled Vaughn students need to meet the following criteria to be considered for the Walter Hartung Memorial Scholarship:

• Enrolled in a bachelor of science degree program
• Achieved a college grade point average of not less than 3.0
• Recommended by one of his or her college professors
• Demonstrates financial need

The application process will begin on or about February 15 of each year with the publicizing of the Walter Hartung Memorial Scholarship to all eligible students. Incoming freshmen will be asked to write a 250-word essay on their decision to enroll at Vaughn and their career aspirations. Sophomores, juniors and seniors will be asked to submit a 250-word essay on their experience at Vaughn and their career aspirations.

International Aviation Womens Association (IAWA) Scholarship Award

IAWA awards one $5,000 scholarship to a student of Vaughn College who maintains a minimum 3.0 grade point average, demonstrates financial need, and has a demonstrated commitment to increasing the representation of women in the aviation industry.

Laura Tabor Barbour Foundation Scholarship Fund

This fund awards scholarships to accomplished students who are enrolled in aviation and aviation management career studies at accredited aviation schools, nominated by their professors and selected by the Scholarship Committee. Nominations are based on a student’s commitment to a career in aviation, scholastic excellence indicative of success in the future, a strong interest in and aptitude for aviation safety and commendable character, professionalism, and integrity.

Kenneth E. Senior Scholarship

This scholarship is offered in conjunction with the Kenneth E. Senior Aerospace Foundation to two students enrolled in any Vaughn bachelor of science program. The annual scholarship of $10,000 each is awarded to students in the top 20 percent of the incoming class who also demonstrate financial need. Applicants are required to submit a written recommendation from a teacher or guidance counselor, and a committee composed of at least one member of the admissions department, a member of the Kenneth E. Senior Aerospace Scholarship Foundation, and the executive director of corporate and foundation relations will make the selections. Presentation of the award will take place at Vaughn’s fall honors ceremony.

The Wings Club Scholarships 

• Franke Scholarship

• The Wings Club Distinguished Scholarship

• The William R. DeCota Scholarship

• The Wings Club Foundation Scholarship

Susan M. Baer Memorial Scholarship

Recipient will be a student enrolled in airport management with a GPA of at least 3.0 and 60 credit hours.

The Ventura Air Services Scholarship

Peter Massella ‘01 Scholarship

Recipient will be a continuing student in a 4 year academic business management program, demonstrating financial need, with a GPA of 3.0 or above, who has also submitted a letter of recommendation and an essay.

Thomas A. Broschart Memorial Scholarship

Must be enrolled in an ATI Program, in good academic standing with a 3.0 or higher, and must demonstrate financial need.

George A. Vaughn Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Recipient will be a continuing student in a 4 year academic program, who demonstrates financial need, and has a GPA of 3.0 or more, who has also submitted both a letter of recommendation and a completed essay.

ATL Partners Scholarship

Michelle Ann McKee-Weltens Memorial Scholarship 

Samantha and Devon Mitchell Scholarship

Chris and Shawn Scholarship

Fredrick Schlictmann Memorial Scholarship

Daniel Turner Memorial Scholarship

Recipient will be a continuing student in a 4 year academic aviation program, who demonstrates financial need, and has a GPA of 3.0 or more, who has also submitted both a letter of recommendation and a completed essay.

JFKIAT Scholarship

Recipient will be a continuing student in a 4 year academic business management program, who demonstrates financial need, and has a GPA of 3.0 or more, who has also submitted both a letter of recommendation and an essay.

250-word essay on their decision to enroll at Vaughn and their career aspirations. Sophomores, juniors and seniors will be asked to submit a 250-word essay on their experience at Vaughn and their career aspirations.

Michael and Joseph Cannon Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student enrolled in a bachelor of science degree program who is among the top 10 percent of the incoming class and demonstrates financial need.

John and Irene Duffy Scholarship

This award will be provided to a student each fall in the bachelor of science program in either engineering or engineering technology. The requirements are that the student has completed at least 90 credits and earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0.

Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Scholarships

All qualified students enrolled in either the Army or Air Force ROTC programs can apply for an ROTC college scholarship.

This scholarship will cover full tuition, laboratory expenses, incidental fees and an allowance for books at the College.

In addition, cadets with these scholarships will receive a modest nontaxable stipend each month. The scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis to freshmen, sophomores or juniors.

Searching The Web

Students may use the computer labs to search the Internet for additional scholarships. One useful resource is: http://www.finaid.org.

• Please check with the financial aid office for additional resources and information.
• International students are generally more successful finding scholarships and grants in their home countries.