36 / 68
ORIENTATION
36
FINANCES
Clemson University’s financial team comprises Student Financial Aid, Scholarships and Student
Financial Services. The offices of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships award scholarships, grants,
loans and work-study, and is available to answer questions regarding eligibility and applications,
including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Office of Student Financial
Services is responsible for the university’s billing process and can assist families with inquiries about
payment plans, payment methods, university charges and refunds.
These offices work closely with students and their families to provide the most up-to-date
information and resources. We recommend visiting each office’s website often for important
deadlines and announcements.
Applying for Aid
Need-based aid, such as grants, student loans and work-study, requires the submission of the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Each year, students and families should complete
the FAFSA to secure aid for the next academic year. The FAFSA priority deadline is March 1 for
incoming first-year students. Continuing students should renew the FAFSA annually by April 1.
For families who need additional assistance, applications for parent PLUS loans and private loans
should be submitted annually by June 15.
In cooperation with the Office of Admissions, recruiting scholarships are awarded on the basis of
the student’s admissions application, high school transcript and official test scores received by March
1. South Carolina residents are considered for state merit-based scholarships, including the Palmetto
Fellows, LIFE and Hope scholarships. Continuing students are automatically considered for general
and departmental scholarships on the basis of their college work.
When financial aid is awarded, students will receive an email alerting them to view their awards in
iROAR. Students must review and accept the terms and conditions of their awards before they are
able to individually accept/decline their financial aid. Available funds will be credited to the student
bill, except for work-study stipends, which are paid bi-weekly based on the hours worked. Arrange
for direct deposit of financial aid refunds to avoid handling large sums of cash and discuss with
your student ways to budget funds for the entire semester.
College Finance Lingo
•
Cost of Attendance (COA)
COA is the total amount of college expenses before financial aid. Cost of attendance includes
money spent on tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and living expenses.
•
529 Savings Plans
State-sponsored investment plans, officially called Qualified Tuition Programs (QTP), help
families save money for college. The plans have tax benefits so your savings can grow faster.
The money in the accounts can be used only for education expenses.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“I have been so impressed
by how helpful and
accommodating the
different administrative
departments on campus
have been to me as a parent.
Whether it be answering
a question concerning my
daughter’s tuition bill or
addressing concerns about
her transitioning to college,
everyone I have dealt with
has gone out of their way
to be friendly and take
time to help.”
Linda Davidson
Annandale, Va.