FINANCIAL AID TOOLKIT
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Student Rights and Responsibilities – Loan Information – Financial Aid Forms – Financial Aid Process – Financial Aid Policies – FASFA Deadline Dates – Financial Drop for Non-Payment Schedule – Cohort Default Rates – Important Links – Important Dates
Student Rights and Responsibilities
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add remove A student has the right to know…
- Types of available financial aid.
- Deadlines for submitting the FAFSA for aid, see FAFSA Deadline Dates.
- When financial aid will be distributed.
- That financial need is determined by the Estimated Family Contribution number assigned by completing the FAFSA.
- The college’s refund policy.
- What portion of your aid package is “gift aid such as scholarships” and what must be repaid (loans).
- About the affect outside scholarships may have on your financial aid award.
- If the aid is a loan, you have the right to know the interest rate, repayment amount and procedures, length of time to repay and when repayment begins.
- How the college determines if you are making satisfactory academic progress, and what happens when you are not.
- You have the right to accept, decline or seek adjustment to your financial aid award(s).
- Information you give to the Office of Student Financial Planning will be confidential.
*Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance. -
add remove A student has the responsibility to…
- Apply for financial aid every year.
- Complete the FAFSA application form accurately and submit it on time.
- Provide correct information. Information found to be knowingly falsified may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General.
- Provide all additional documentation requested by the Office of Student Financial Planning.
- Read all forms you sign.
- Keep copies of all your financial aid records.
- If required, you must register with the Selective Service System.
- Complete the required entrance and exit loan counseling sessions.
- Repay all loans in accordance with the terms of your promissory notes.
- Notify your lender if any of the following occurs before your loan is repaid: change of name, change of address, graduation, withdrawal or less than half-time attendance and transfer to another institution.
- Notify the Office of Student Financial Planning if you:
- Change your residency /housing plan,
- Change your marital status,
- Change your major,
- Change your graduate/undergraduate status,
- Change your enrollment status (i.e. full-time to below full-time).
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add remove Financial aid and fee payment
Fees are calculated each semester or term after the student registers. For students in which the Office of Student Financial Planning has received all requested documentation and the student’s financial aid file is complete, financial aid will be automatically applied to the student’s account after rosters have been finalized by faculty each semester and/or term and when funds have been received from outside entities. (Outside entities are, but not limited to, SC Tuition Grant agency, Palmetto/Life/Hope agency, veteran affairs, loan processors, alternative loan agencies, Parent PLUS Loans, vocational rehabilitation, workforce or trade agencies, and outside scholarship entities.)
The U.S. Department of Education requires that Federal Title IV financial aid funds be applied toward allowable institutional charges (tuition, fees, housing, and meal plans). Non-allowable institutional charges are items such as health fees, parking tickets, lock-out fees, etc. Federal Title IV funds can pay for up to $200 of the previous academic year’s remaining balance.
Questions regarding the student’s Statement of Account? Contact 843-383-8002
Questions regarding the student’s financial aid? Contact 843-383-8055 -
add remove Financial aid eligibility restrictions
Federal and state financial aid programs have eligibility requirements that students must meet to receive financial assistance.
Under current federal regulations, drug-related convictions do not affect a student’s eligibility to receive federal student aid. Students are encouraged to answer all FAFSA questions accurately and review eligibility requirements published by the U.S. Department of Education.
However, some circumstances may still affect financial aid eligibility. These may include incarceration status, failure to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, or default on a federal student loan.
Students who have questions about their financial aid eligibility, or who believe their situation may affect it, should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.
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add remove Unusual Enrollment History
The U.S. Department of Education may flag a student’s FAFSA record for Unusual Enrollment History if the student has attended multiple institutions during the past several academic years and received federal financial aid at those institutions.
When a FAFSA is flagged for Unusual Enrollment History, the university must review the student’s enrollment and academic records to determine whether the student successfully completed coursework while receiving federal financial aid.
Students selected for this review will receive instructions from Inceptia, the university’s verification service provider, to create an account and submit the required documentation.
Coker University partners with Inceptia to assist with the review of verification and Unusual Enrollment History records. Students may be asked to submit transcripts from institutions attended during the prior award years being reviewed.
The information provided will be reviewed to determine the student’s eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
If the review determines that the student received federal financial aid at previous institutions but did not successfully complete academic credit, the student may be required to provide additional documentation explaining the circumstances.
If the documentation is not approved, the student may be determined ineligible to receive federal and state financial aid.
Federal financial aid programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Direct Loans, and Parent PLUS Loans. State programs include the South Carolina Tuition Grant and other applicable state aid programs.
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add remove Loan certification
Student loans will be certified after the withdrawal date for each semester or term. This change was instituted due to inconsistencies in course registrations and students withdrawing from classes prior to the final withdrawal period. In such cases creating an overpayment to the student in which it is hard to regain those over-paid funds. This policy will help to ensure students are actively enrolled.
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add remove Option to deny loans to students
The Office of Financial Aid reserves the right to reduce or deny student loan eligibility on a case by case basis in accordance with federal regulations and institutional policy.
In certain situations, the Financial Aid Office may determine that certifying or disbursing a loan is not appropriate. When this occurs, the student will be notified of the decision.
Examples of situations where a loan may be reduced or denied include the following.
- The student has demonstrated a history of difficulty repaying previous student loans.
- The student is concurrently enrolled at another institution.
- The student has not provided required documentation requested by the Financial Aid Office.
- The student has provided inaccurate or fraudulent information.
- The university receives notification that the student is in default, bankruptcy status, or has an outstanding federal aid overpayment.
These decisions are made to ensure responsible borrowing and compliance with federal financial aid regulations.
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add remove Financial aid satisfactory academic progress guidelines
In accordance with federal regulations (HEA Sec. 484(c), 34 CFR 668.16(e), 34 CFR 668.32(f), 34 CFR 600.2, and 34 CFR 668.34), students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in order to receive Federal Title IV aid. Coker University is mandated to deny financial aid to any student that is not in compliance with SAP. The following are Coker University’s SAP guidelines for financial aid. Financial Aid SAP is processed during each academic year at the end of the summer term, and for each enrollment period for which a student is provisionally approved through an appeal and/or academic plan process.
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add remove SAP Requirements
1. Students must be admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student, and take courses required for the chosen degree completion. Only courses required for degree completion for your selected degree program will be eligible for Federal Title IV funds (Pell, SEOG, Work-Study, Direct Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, Perkins Loans, SC Tuition Grant, and Hope, LIFE, or Palmetto Fellows Scholarships). Per 34 CFR 600.2, courses that do not count toward the completion of the student’s degree program requirements are not eligible for federal funding.
2. Maintain a cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 or higher (as outlined in the college catalog under “Continuation Requirements and Classification Probation”).
3. Complete at least 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted during the academic year toward chosen program of enrollment (grades of W, I, and F will be counted as hours attempted).
4. Transfer students must be making SAP at his or her previous college.
5. Students must complete their chosen degree requirements for a single degree within the 150% published length of the program. Coker University requires that students complete 120 degree hours within their chosen program—students will have up to 150% of the 120 hours to complete their program, for up to 180 attempted credits. All transfer credit hours received by Coker University are included in the total attempted credit hours.Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance. -
add remove Appeals
- Students can appeal the denial of Federal Title IV financial aid due to lack of SAP. The appeal must be submitted by the deadline date listed under the Appeal and Academic Plans Deadline Dates section to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid. The appeal should provide the reason(s) (illness, injury, death of a family member, or other special circumstance) why SAP was not achieved, what has changed that would allow demonstration of progress at next evaluation, and what the student intends to do to regain SAP. Documentation substantiating the reason for the lack of SAP must be provided. The appeal conditions will be, but are not limited to: make “C’s” or better’ complete courses without incomplete grades (“B’s” or better for graduate students); do not withdraw from courses; complete a defined percentage above 67% of attempted hours; complete the term or semester with a 2.0 or higher GPA; and/or increase their CGPA.
- If a student’s appeal is approved, but it is determined that the student will require more than one semester to achieve SAP, the student will be placed on financial aid probation with an academic plan. As long as the student meets the requirements of the academic plan (subject to maximum timeframe requirements), s/he will continue to be eligible for Federal Title IV aid. Progress is checked at the end of each payment period, or enrollment period.
- If the appeal is denied by the Assistant Director of Financial Aid, the student has the right to appeal the decision with the Director of Financial Aid.
- Students can appeal a maximum of one time provided that progress was made during the previous payment period.
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add remove Appeal and Academic Plans Deadline Dates
Deadlines dates are firm and there will be no exceptions.
Fall 2025 Semester – August 1, 2025
Spring 2026 Semester – December 1, 2025
Summer 2026 Terms – March 2, 2026Fall 2026 Semester – August 1, 2026Spring 2027 Semester – December 1, 2026Summer 2027 Terms – March 1, 2027
Loan Information
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add remove Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized LoansThe Federal Direct Loan Program offers Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans to eligible undergraduate students. These loans are provided by the U.S. Department of Education.Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for federal student loans.Direct Subsidized LoansDirect Subsidized Loans are awarded based on financial need. While the student is enrolled at least half-time, the federal government pays the interest on the loan.Annual loan limits for dependent undergraduate students are:- Freshman (0 to 27 credit hours): $3,500
- Sophomore (28 to 57 credit hours): $4,500
- Junior and Senior (58 or more credit hours): $5,500
Federal law requires a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan before funds are disbursed.Direct Unsubsidized LoansDirect Unsubsidized Loans are available to eligible students regardless of financial need. Students are responsible for paying the interest on these loans.Interest may be paid while the student is in school or deferred until repayment begins. If the interest is not paid while enrolled, it will accrue and be added to the loan balance.Additional unsubsidized loan eligibility may be available for dependent students if a Parent PLUS Loan is denied.Annual unsubsidized loan limits are determined by academic level and federal guidelines.Federal Direct Loans have fixed interest rates that are established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.Loan RequirementsStudents receiving federal student loans for the first time must complete the following requirements before loans can be disbursed:- Entrance Counseling
- Master Promissory Note
Both requirements can be completed online at studentaid.gov.The Office of Financial Aid must receive confirmation of completion before loan funds can be certified and disbursed.Accepting or Declining LoansFederal Direct Loans are offered each academic year after the FAFSA has been processed. Students may accept, reduce, or decline their loans through CobraStop, the university student portal.Students may also contact the Office of Financial Aid to adjust their loan amount.Federal Loan ResourcesStudents can review current federal loan interest rates and repayment information at the Federal Student Aid website. -
add remove South Carolina Teacher Loans
The South Carolina Teacher Loan Program was created to encourage students to enter the teaching profession in South Carolina.Eligible students may borrow the following amounts:- Freshman and Sophomore students may borrow up to $2,500 per year.
- Junior and Senior students may borrow up to $5,000 per year.
The cumulative borrowing limit for this program is $20,000.Career Changers Loan ProgramThe Career Changers Loan Program is designed to assist individuals who wish to change careers and become teachers.Eligible borrowers may receive up to $15,000 per year, with a cumulative maximum of $60,000.Loan ForgivenessLoan forgiveness may be available if the borrower becomes a teacher in South Carolina.Borrowers who teach in a critical need subject area may qualify for loan forgiveness at a rate of 20 percent for each year of full-time teaching.Borrowers who teach in both a critical need subject area and a critical geographic area may qualify for loan forgiveness at a rate of 33.3 percent for each year of full time teaching.Application InformationFunding for the South Carolina Teacher Loan Program is limited.Applications typically become available between late February and early March for the academic year that begins in August. The application deadline is June 1.Students may apply online through the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation website.View eligibility requirements and application information at
https://www.scstudentloan.org/career-pathways/teacher-loansThe FAFSA is not required to apply for this program. -
add remove Parent/PLUS Loans
The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan allows parents of dependent undergraduate students to borrow funds to help pay for educational expenses not covered by other financial aid.Parents must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before applying for a Parent PLUS Loan.EligibilityParent PLUS Loans are available to creditworthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. A credit check is required as part of the application process.If a Parent PLUS Loan application is denied based on the required credit check, the student may become eligible for additional Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds under federal guidelines.Applicants must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and must not be in default on any federal student loan or owe a repayment on a federal grant.Loan TermsParent PLUS Loans have fixed interest rates that are established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.Federal law requires a loan origination fee, which is deducted from the loan amount before funds are disbursed.Repayment generally begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed, although parents may request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half time.Application ProcessParents may apply for a Parent PLUS Loan online at studentaid.gov.After the credit decision is received, Coker University will provide the parent with instructions regarding loan certification.If approved, the parent must complete the required Master Promissory Note before the loan can be disbursed.Parents who are approved with an adverse credit history may also be required to complete PLUS Credit Counseling.Additional InformationParents who wish to borrow a Parent PLUS Loan should contact the Office of Financial Aid to determine the maximum loan amount available based on the student’s cost of attendance and other financial aid.More information about the Parent PLUS Loan program is available at
https://studentaid.gov -
add remove Alternate Loans
Alternative loans, also called private education loans, are offered by private lenders to help students pay for educational expenses not covered by other financial aid. These loans may be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, housing, supplies, transportation, and other education related costs.The total amount borrowed through an alternative loan cannot exceed the student’s Cost of Attendance as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services, minus any other financial aid received.Loan TermsInterest rates and repayment terms are determined by the private lender. Interest rates may be fixed or variable, depending on the lender and the loan product.Interest typically begins to accrue once the loan is disbursed. If interest payments are deferred while the student is in school, the unpaid interest may be added to the loan balance when repayment begins.Because these loans are credit based, most students will need a credit worthy co signer. Dependent students generally require a co signer, and some independent students may also need one.Application InformationThe FAFSA is not required to apply for an alternative loan. However, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA first to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs, which may offer lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.Students can compare lenders and apply for an alternative loan through the Coker University loan comparison tool.View alternative loan lenders and apply at
https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/342700Important Considerations- Private education loans should be considered only after exploring federal student loan options. Federal student loans typically offer lower interest rates and additional repayment protections.
- Students should carefully review loan terms and repayment obligations before borrowing.
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add remove Student Loan Interest Rates
(Effective for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.)
Loan Type Borrower Type Fixed Interest Rate Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans Undergraduate 6.39% Direct Unsubsidized Loans Graduate or Professional 7.94% Direct PLUS Loans Parents and Graduate or Professional Students 8.94% -
add remove Statistics
- Coker’s Graduation Rate – 53%
- Default Rate – 0.0%
0.0% (National Average) - Retention Rate – 63% (Full-Time)
- Average Loan Debt – $26,000
- Typical Monthly Loan Payment – $276
- Average Amount Awarded in Aid Categories
- $6,842 (Federal Direct Loans)
- $24,455 (Scholarships)
- $5,279 (Grants)
Financial Aid Process
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add remove Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid at Coker University, please complete the following steps
- Apply for admission to Coker University
Students must submit a completed application to the Admissions Office and be accepted as a degree-seeking student before financial aid can be awarded.
- Transient students must coordinate financial aid through their home institution. Special students are not eligible for financial assistance.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible. The FAFSA is available online at the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov.
- When completing the FAFSA, include Coker University so that your information can be sent to the university for financial aid review.
- Submit any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid Office
After the FAFSA is received, some students may be asked to submit additional information. Required documents will be listed in the student’s Financial Aid Checklist in CobraStop. - Explore additional scholarship opportunities
High school guidance offices often provide information about local scholarships offered by employers, churches, parent organizations, and civic groups.
Limited financial assistance may also be available for summer enrollment.
All financial information submitted to the Financial Aid Office is kept confidential.
- Apply for admission to Coker University
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add remove Awarding process
Once a student’s financial aid information is received from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Office of Financial Aid reviews the student’s eligibility for available aid programs.
After eligibility has been determined, students will be notified of their financial aid offer for the academic year. A financial aid offer may include a combination of scholarships, grants, student employment opportunities, and student loans.
Financial aid offers are released after both the admissions file and financial aid file are complete. Students may be asked to submit additional documentation before their aid can be finalized.
Students can view their financial aid offer and any required steps through CobraStop, the university’s student portal.
Continuing students are evaluated for financial aid each semester based on their academic performance at Coker University. Students must meet the university’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy to remain eligible for financial aid.
If additional documents are required, students will be notified, and the items will appear on their Financial Aid Checklist in CobraStop. Please submit the requested documentation promptly to help prevent delays in the awarding process.
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add remove Loan certification
Student loans are certified after the withdrawal date for each semester or term. This practice helps ensure that students remain actively enrolled in their courses before loan funds are finalized.
Because course schedules may change early in the term, including students dropping or withdrawing from classes, certifying loans after the withdrawal period helps prevent adjustments that could result in a balance owed by the student.
This process helps confirm that loan funds are awarded based on a student’s final enrollment for the term.
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add remove Financial Aid Census Date
What is the financial aid census date?
The financial aid census date is the point in the semester when a student’s enrollment status is finalized for financial aid purposes. This date occurs shortly after the deadline to drop classes for a full refund.
In accordance with federal and state regulations, the Office of Financial Aid reviews student enrollment on the census date and adjusts financial aid if necessary.
Important Notes
- Coker University observes multiple census dates. Each module within a semester has its own census date, and the semester also has an overall census date.
- A student’s financial aid census date is based on the semester in which the student is enrolled.
- Courses added after the financial aid census date are not included when calculating financial aid eligibility.
- If a student drops a class and the last day of attendance occurs before the financial aid census date, financial aid may be adjusted.
- If a student drops a class and the last day of attendance occurs after the financial aid census date, financial aid is typically not adjusted.
- All financial aid census dates are listed in the Academic Calendar in the Academic Catalog.
Financial Aid Forms
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add remove 2026-2027 Academic Year
View all the forms for this academic year.
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add remove 2025-2026 Academic Year
View all the forms for this academic year.
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add remove Direct Loans
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add remove Private Loan Self Certification Form
Financial Aid Policies
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add remove Financial Aid Terms and Conditions
Students who receive financial aid at Coker University are responsible for understanding the conditions associated with their financial aid awards. These terms explain how financial aid is applied to student accounts, enrollment requirements for receiving aid, policies related to outside scholarships, satisfactory academic progress standards, loan responsibilities, and federal regulations that may affect financial aid eligibility.
Students should review the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions carefully each academic year.
Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Terms and Conditions
Receiving financial aid indicates that the student understands and agrees to comply with these terms.
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add remove Return of Title IV Funds
Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)Federal financial aid is earned based on how many classes a student attends during the term. If a student withdraws from all courses before completing the term, Coker University is required by federal law to calculate the amount of aid earned and the amount that must be returned.This process is called the Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4).Withdrawing may result in federal aid being reduced and could create a balance owed on the student’s account. R2T4 is separate from Coker University’s tuition and fee refund policy.For a full explanation of how R2T4 works, how it may affect your account, and what to expect if you withdraw, please review the detailed policy below: -
add remove Verification
The U.S. Department of Education and institutions are required to review certain Free Application for Federal Student Aid records to confirm the accuracy of the information reported. This process is called verification.
If a student is selected for verification, the information reported on the FAFSA must be confirmed using additional documentation. Selection may occur for several reasons, including estimated information, inconsistencies in the FAFSA data, conflicting information, incomplete responses, or random selection.
Students who are selected for verification will be notified through their Student Aid Report and may also receive communication from the university.
Coker University partners with Inceptia to assist with the verification process. Students selected for verification will receive instructions from Inceptia to create an account and securely submit the required documentation.
Requested documentation must be submitted before financial aid eligibility can be finalized. Failure to provide the required documentation will prevent the university from completing the review of the student’s financial aid eligibility.
In some cases, a student may be selected for verification after financial aid has already been awarded or disbursed. If this occurs, the student will be notified and must complete the verification process. If the requested documentation is not submitted, financial aid may be canceled, and adjustments may be made to the student’s account, which could result in a balance owed to the university.
Students who do not wish to complete the verification process may request cancellation of their financial aid application by submitting written notification to the Office of Financial Aid.
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add remove Awarding
Federal regulations require Coker University to review a student’s eligibility for all applicable Title IV financial aid programs before awarding federal student loans. When determining eligibility, the university must first consider grants and other aid that may reduce the need for borrowing.
When awarding federal loans, the university must offer the Direct Subsidized Loan for the maximum amount for which the student is eligible before offering the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. However, if the amount of the Direct Subsidized Loan is two hundred dollars or less and that amount can be included in the Direct Unsubsidized Loan, the university is not required to originate a separate subsidized loan in accordance with federal guidelines.
For dependent undergraduate students, Coker University may originate and disburse a Parent PLUS Loan without first determining the student’s eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant or Direct Subsidized Loan.
Determining Loan Eligibility
As part of the financial aid awarding process, loan eligibility is determined based on several factors, including the student’s academic level and federal loan limits.
Academic level is determined by the number of completed credit hours:
- Freshman: 0 to 27 completed credit hours
- Sophomore: 28 to 57 completed credit hours
- Junior: 58 to 89 completed credit hours
- Senior: 90 or more completed credit hours
Transfer students are assigned an academic level based on the number of transfer credits accepted by Coker University, as outlined in the academic catalog.
Federal loan eligibility is also determined based on the student’s annual loan limits and aggregate loan limits established by federal regulations. Please refer to Table 2.0 for academic level loan eligibility and Table 2.1 for aggregate loan limits.
Please see the academic level loan eligibility in Table 2.0
Please see aggregate loan limits in Table 2.1
Please see Parent PLUS Loan Limits in Table 2.2
Please see Graduate PLUS Loan Limits in Table 2.3Loan Adjustments
Students may request to reduce their federal loan amount for an enrollment period. Loan origination for less than the student’s annual maximum eligibility may be processed upon written request from the student. Students who are close to or have reached the federal aggregate loan limit will receive written notification from the Office of Student Financial Services if their loan eligibility must be reduced. Copies of this communication will be retained in the student’s financial aid file.For graduate or professional students applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan, the university must first determine the student’s maximum eligibility for the Direct Unsubsidized Loan before the Graduate PLUS Loan may be processed.
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add remove Borrower and Self Certification Form
Coker’s borrower and self certification form is available here.
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add remove Professional Judgment Policy
Federal regulations allow financial aid administrators to review a student’s financial aid eligibility when special or unusual circumstances affect the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
This process is called Professional Judgment. Professional Judgment allows the Financial Aid Office to evaluate documented circumstances on a case by case basis and determine whether adjustments to a student’s financial aid information or cost of attendance are appropriate.
Examples of situations that may be considered include:
- Loss of employment or reduction in income
- Extraordinary medical or dental expenses
- Death of a parent or spouse
- Separation or divorce
- Other significant changes in a family’s financial situation
Students who believe their financial situation has changed since completing the FAFSA may contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss their circumstances and learn about the documentation required for review.
Professional Judgment decisions are made individually based on the documentation provided and in accordance with federal regulations.
Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid.
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add remove Financial Aid Code of Conduct
Coker University is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the administration of student financial aid. The Financial Aid Code of Conduct establishes ethical guidelines that govern the actions of university employees involved in the financial aid process.
These standards are designed to ensure that financial aid decisions are made in the best interest of students and their families and are free from conflicts of interest.
Under this policy, employees of the Office of Financial Aid are prohibited from accepting gifts from lenders, entering into revenue sharing arrangements with lenders, or directing borrowers to specific lenders in exchange for financial benefits. The policy also establishes expectations for professional conduct when working with students, lenders, and other financial aid partners.
Coker University complies with federal regulations and the Higher Education Opportunity Act regarding student loan practices and ethical standards.
Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid.
View Coker’s Financial Aid Code of Conduct here.
FAFSA Deadline Dates
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add remove 2026-2027 FAFSA
Fall 2026 June 1, 2026 Spring 2027 October 1, 2026 Summer 2027 March 1, 2027 -
add remove 2025-2026 FAFSA
Fall 2025 June 1, 2025 Spring 2026 October 1, 2025 Summer 2026 March 1, 2026
Important Links
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add remove Financial Aid
- FAFSA on the Web
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Used to apply for all forms of Federal Aid and most forms of Need Based Aid. - Student Financial Assistance
A source of information for students seeking knowledge on the Financial Aid process and regulations. A US Department of Education Web Site. - StudentLoans.gov
Direct Lending Entrance Counseling, Master Promissory Note, PLUS Loan Prescreen - FinAid
A student guide to Financial Aid - South Carolina College Aid
A source of information for South Carolina residents seeking college financial aid from their State. - 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. - The South Carolina Tuition Grant
Information Regarding the Grant for South Carolina Residents who attend an SC Private College Full Time. - The GI Bill Express:
A source of information of the Government Issued Military Grants and Scholarships. - Fast Web
A search engine for Student Scholarships. - Tuition Exchange
A Coker Employee Benefit: Attend another College at the Tuition Rate of Coker University - Selective Service Online
Are you registered for Selective Service? It’s required for Federal Aid - National Student Loan Data System Exit Counseling
Complete Exit Counseling. - National Student Loan Data System
The NSLDS is the U.S. Department of Education’s central database for student aid. NSLDS receives data from schools, loan agencies, and U.S. Department of Education programs. A student can use the web site to make inquiries about Title IV loans and/or grants. The site displays information on loan and/or grant amounts, outstanding balances, loan statuses, and disbursements. To use the web site, you will need to provide your social security number, the first two letters of your name, your birth date, and your PIN. - Scholly Scholarship Search
- Scholarship America
- FAFSA on the Web
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add remove Debt Management
- AES
AES offers resources to students regarding budgeting, estimating your loan payments, grace period, interest savings, debt repayment, and consolidation. - Discover
Discover Student Loans offers a “Borrow Smart Video”, loan planner, and information on establishing and maintaining good credit. - Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers information on understanding student costs, planning wise, investment planner, etc. - WellsFargo
WellsFargo offers “Hands on Banking” that provides young adults with tips on budgeting, savings, and credit counseling
- AES
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add remove Inceptia Verification
Federal and/or Institutional Verification Process
We are pleased to announce we have established a partnership with Inceptia to expedite the verification process for Coker University. Verification Gateway (VG) from Inceptia is an online portal to guide students and parents through verification.
If your FAFSA application is selected for verification by the U.S Department of Education, you will receive an email from VGCS@inceptia.org, or postcard from Inceptia, containing Coker University’s unique website link to start the verification process.
We encourage you to begin the verification process within 7 days of receiving notification from Verification Gateway to ensure you receive your financial aid in time for payments. Failure to complete the verification process could result in the delay or denial of your financial aid.
Follow these steps to complete your verification:
• Access our school’s unique website link in the email from VGCS@inceptia.org or listed below.
• Create your account* and choose preferences for text messages and e-signatures.
• Complete your Task List.
• Confirm your signature and review your information.
• Sign your account.*If you are a dependent student, your parent also needs to create their own account and complete each of these steps.
The Coker University Verification Gateway Link is https://cokeruniversity.verificationgateway.org
Student Information Link
Parent Information Link
Inceptia Verification Process_Student InformationQuestions about the verification process? Contact Inceptia, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Central at 833.932.1877 or VGCS@inceptia.org.
About Inceptia Inceptia, a nonprofit organization, provides innovation and leadership in higher education access and success through engaging and empowering students and streamlining processes. Our mission is to support schools in illuminating a path towards educational and financial success for students and families, allowing them to pursue their dreams of reaching their full potential. Our solutions are designed to support student success by helping schools maximize resources, so they can spend more time delivering meaningful learning experiences across the student lifecycle that fosters education and personal development.
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add remove The Ombudsman Office
The Ombudsman Office is a final resource after individuals look for help through other customer service avenues. Before contacting the Ombudsman, borrowers concerned about student loans should contact their loan holder or visit our web site for further information. Current students should contact their financial aid office first.
When contacting the Ombudsman Office, be ready to:
- Identify the problem and the reason behind it
- Define expectations
- Describe actions already taken to resolve the problem
- Supply Documentation to support your position
The easiest way to contact the Ombudsman is to file an on-line assistance request thru https://studentaid.gov/feedback-ombudsman/disputes/prepare. Other contact options are:
Mail:
FSA Ombudsman Group Mailing Address
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Federal Student Aid
P.O. Box 1854
Monticello, KY 42633FSA Ombudsman Group Contact Information
Phone: 1-800-433-3243
Website: https://studentaid.gov/feedback-center/ (best used to initiate a case)
Cohort Default Rates
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add remove Cohort Default Rates
The Cohort Default Rate is the percentage of a school’s federal student loan borrowers who enter repayment during a federal fiscal year and default on their loans within the following three years.The U.S. Department of Education calculates and publishes Cohort Default Rates each year for institutions that participate in federal student loan programs. These rates are used to measure how successfully student borrowers are managing their loan repayment obligations.Students and families can review Coker University’s most recent Cohort Default Rate as well as national comparison data published by the U.S. Department of Education.Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance. -
add remove 2022
- FY 2022 Official Cohort Default Rate is 0.0
- The national FY 2022 Cohort Default Rate is 0.0
Important Dates
Financial Aid Important Dates 2026-2027
Financial Aid Important Dates 2025-2026
*Students who require materials in an alternate format should contact the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.