Financial Assistance Programs

Coker College offers access to the following federal, state, and Coker aid programs. We consider the unique circumstances and preferences of each student and family to the extent that we are able.

South Carolina Tuition Grants are grants awarded to state residents who are full-time students at South Carolina independent colleges. The awards are based on family resources, cost of the College, and satisfactory progress toward a degree. Use FAFSA to apply.

South Carolina LIFE Scholarships (varies yearly but can be up to $4500) are awarded to state residents who meet at least two of the following three criteria: 1) 3.0 cumulative grad point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale; 2) a score of 1100 on the Scholastic Apptitude Test (SAT) or an equivalent ACT score of 24; 3) rank in the top thirty percent of the graduating class.

Federal Pell Grant provides undergraduate students with financial assistance to attend post-secondary educational institutions. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined solely by financial resources of a student's family and the cost of the institution. The Pell grant requires the FAFSA to be filed. All students requesting financial aid are expected to apply each year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are available to a limited number of undergraduate students from low income families. Financially eligible students who are enrolled on at least a half-time basis may receive awards up to $4,000.00 per year. This award also requires the student to file the FAFSA each year.

The Federal Perkins Loan are low interest (5%) loans for students with exceptional financial need. These loans are made through the Coker College Financial Aid Office using federal government funds. They do not require a separate loan application. Students may borrow up to $3,000.00 per year, up to a total of $15,000.00. Repayment of the loan begins nine months after the student ceases at least half-time enrollment. The Perkins loan requires the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Federal Stafford Loans are available to students enrolled on at least a half-time basis who demonstrate satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students may borrow up to $3,500 in the first year; $4,500, the second; $5,500.00, the third year; and $5,500.00 in the fourth year. Repayment on the principal and interest of Federal Stafford Loans must begin six months from the time that a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Students who do not qualify for interest benefits will be encouraged, but not required, to make periodic interest payments while in school. Stafford loans require the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Federal Parent Loans Unsubsidized (PLUS) are available for those who need additional loan funds after all other awards have been applied. Such loans are only limited by a student's cost of attendance, but do require a credit check. These loans are taken in the name of the parent but the funds must be spent on educational expenses. If a parent tries for but does not qualify for a PLUS loan, then the student can be eligible for Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans.

Additional Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to students whose parents have tried for but are not eligible for the PLUS loan. Students may borrow up to $4,000.00 in the first year; $4,000.00 in the second year; $5,000.00 in the third year; and $5,000.00 in the fourth year. Repayment on the principal and interest of Federal Stafford Loans must begin six months from the time that a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Students who do not qualify for interest benefits will be encouraged, but not required, to make periodic interest payments while in school. Stafford loans require the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

The Federal College Work-Study Program (CWSP) provides part-time jobs to defray college expenses. A federally subsidized assistance program, CWSP uses financial need as the prime consideration for participation. A student may work up to 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage rate. This also requires the FAFSA to be applied for each year.

Coker College Scholarships Among the many College-endowed scholarships, described under Institutional Scholarships, are several that give priority to students with financial need. These awards do not require a FAFSA to be applied for.

Other Financial Options

Aid from Private Sources Installment Payment Plan provides a method of paying yearly educational expenses in scheduled payments over a period of 10 months. There is an annual enrollment fee. Information is mailed directly to students each summer. For more information you may go to this web site: www.TuitionPay.com

Aid for Handicapped Students Vocational rehabilitation offices provide educational benefits and other services for handicapped persons. Anyone interested in these services should contact his or her local vocational rehabilitation office.

Apogee Search Essay Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to the student who gives the best-written projection of Google's influence in the search engine marketing industry within the next 5 years.  Application details are located at the Apogee website www.Apogee-Search.com/scholarship.   

Army Emergency Relief Scholarship For spouses of active duty Army soldiers and the widows and widowers of soldiers who have died while on active duty. This scholarship is to assist spouses in furthering their education. To apply go to www.aerhq.org.

Veterans' Benefits The Veterans Administration recognizes Coker College as an eligible institution to provide education to qualified veterans. Veterans and veterans' dependents should contact the Veterans Administration (1-800-827-1000) for information and forms. You may also go on-line to apply at: www.gibillexpress.com. Veterans enrolled in the Coker Military Programs should contact:

Coker College, Director of Military Programs, Army Education Center, Fort Jackson, SC 29207
or call 1-803-738-9299