Financial Aid Options

A.B. Simpson Grant - Up to $10,500/year, award amounts vary and are based on a combination of academic merit and need. This Simpson University foundational scholarship is awarded at varying amount to all full-time undergraduate students who apply and are eligible to receive financial aid.

President's Academic Scholarship - This scholarship will cover 100% of tuition after the application of any state aid. Must have a minimum of 3.7 GPA, SAT of 1300 (Math & Verbal only) or ACT of 30, and submit a creatively designed portfolio (details below) by February 15 to be eligible for this scholarship. Students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA at Simpson University in order to receive this award annually. This scholarship is renewable for up to eight consecutive semesters if all eligibility requirements are met, including meeting the priority deadline each year.

Portfolio Structure:

1. Community Service
2. Church Involvement
3. High School Achievements/Honors
4. Two Letters of Recommendations (1 academic, 1 community)
5. 1000 word (2 page) essay, questions:
   • What experiences have you had that have impacted your choice of major?
   • How will the education and experience of Simpson University prepare you for your future?
   • How will you contribute to Simpson University?

College Transfer Honors Grant - Up to $2,000/year to students who graduated from high school and transfer into Simpson University with 30 college credits or more completed (at time of awarding) and a 3.0 GPA. One time only.

Music Scholarship - Up to $2,500/year to exceptional musicians via recommendation from Music Chair/Department.

Promising Musician Award - Up to 100% tuition after application of all other financial aid. Granted to exceptional music majors receiving a Music Scholarship based on recommendation of Music Chair/Department.

Ensemble Scholarship - up to $750/year ($375/term). Available to students who participate in a Simpson University ensemble group.

Athletic Scholarship - Award amounts will vary. Each coach will determine the amount of institutional athletic aid awarded to team members.

Christian and Missionary Alliance Ministerial Grant - Up to $5,000/year to dependents of full-time pastors or missionaries with the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

MK Grant - Up to $5,000/year to dependents of full-time missionaries not serving through the Christian and Missionary Alliance.

Ministry/Christian Worker Dependent Grant - $2,000/year to dependents of full-time pastors or full-time Christian service workers.

Church Matching Grant - (Home Church Support) - If the home church contributes up to $500 annually, Simpson University will match up to $500/year. Student scholarships paid to Simpson University and received from church will be matched 1:1 (up to $500, $250/semester). Gifts may be made for any number of students from a church; the gifts must be an official act of the church rather than from individual church members. Wages earned will not be matched. A Church Match Grant form (available under Student Financial Services Forms) must be filled out by the student and church and submitted to Student Financial Services to receive the matching portion of this grant.

Golden State Award - This Simpson University scholarship is awarded at varying amounts to full-time undergraduate students who are eligible to receive the Cal Grant. Award amounts vary and are based on need.

Immediate Family Grant - $500 per student/year. Granted to students with a sibling concurrently enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program.

Alumni Dependent Grant - $1,000/year to dependents of a Simpson graduate.

Sharpe Diversity Scholarship - Amount of award will vary. Available to students of African, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian, or Pacific Islander descent who have a high level of financial need. Award is renewable each year as long as student meets the priority EDAP deadline.

Returning students are eligible to be considered for academic merit, talent, ministry and other scholarship categories as well. Students will only be considered for these returning student scholarships once they have completed an academic year with Simpson University.

Academic Excellence Awards - $1000/year to the top returning student scholars and most improved student scholar by major. Nominations are made by the faculty on an annual basis.

Academic All-American Grant - $1000/year to Academic All-Americans in the Simpson University Athletic program as reported by NAIA or NCCAA.

Missions - Award amounts vary, based on actual student service on a Simpson University Missions Team.

Student Service and Leadership Awards - Amount varies for students at Simpson University who are in service or leadership positions. These students must meet additional financial aid eligibility requirements. Recommendations are made by the Simpson University staff from each respective area.

Institutional Aid Eligibility Requirements:

1. Simpson University asks that all students applying for institutional aid apply for other forms of grant-based aid available through federal and state programs. We ask that all students file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid); California students must apply and meet the Cal Grant deadline and criteria.

2. Students receiving institutional aid must complete their financial aid file by the end of the first week of each semester (this includes completing verification if selected) in order to maintain eligibility for the aid.

3. Institutional aid is applied directly to a student's account and is not transferable to a student other than the recipient.

4. Aid recipients must maintain full-time enrollment or the institutional, federal, and state financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. Students taking only part-time credits at Simpson University, who are not considered a graduating senior, are not eligible for institutional aid.

5. Institutional aid is for the fall and spring semesters only (no aid is awarded for summer sessions). Please contact Student Financial Services if you are considering summer enrollment.

6. All institutional aid is subject to the Early Deposit Advantage Program (EDAP) deadline of March 2. A number of scholarships and grants are available on a first come, first serve basis. Please be sure to meet the deadline in order to ensure the best financial aid package possible.

7. Institutional aid is coordinated and adjusted with other forms of aid and cannot exceed a student's cost of tuition, fees, room and board even when other aid has been awarded. If a student is a Cal Grant recipient, institutional aid cannot exceed the student's need (as defined by state regulations). Institutional aid may have to be reduced so that aid does not exceed these limits.

8. Students may participate in one semester (fall or spring) of international study abroad prior to completion of the bachelor degree and as approved by the Office of Academic Affairs. Institutional aid will be applied at 50% of the student's renewable award.

9. Students concurrently enrolled in other institutions are only eligible for Simpson University institutional aid if enrolled in full-time units at Simpson University.

10. Students who are in default on Title IV federal aid are not eligible for institutional aid.

11. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress in order to maintain eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.

We welcome any questions that you may have. 

Incoming students – contact your admissions counselor at (888) 9SIMPSON or admissions@simpsonu.edu

Continuing students – contact your student financial services counselor at (530) 226-4621 or financialaid@simpsonu.edu.

State and federal aid is given to students that fit certain criteria.

Pell Grant - This is a federal entitlement program available to undergraduate students who have demonstrated need. Awards are up to $5,550 for the financial aid year. The Pell Grant is the largest source of gift aid from the federal government. When the FAFSA is filed, a student is automatically considered for the grant.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) - For students who have exceptional financial need, Simpson University will award students up to $750/semester, if not receiving Cal Grant; $200/semester, if receiving Cal Grant. Funds are limited.

Perkins Loan - A federal loan that is available to a limited number of students with demonstrated financial need. Perkins loans have a low fixed 5 percent interest rate and repayment starts nine months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Stafford Loan - Stafford loans are available to undergraduate students. Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. There are two types of Stafford loans:

Subsidized:
All accrued interest is paid by the United States government until the student begins repayment of the loan.

Unsubsidized:
All accrued interest is paid by the student while in school; however, the student may elect to postpone or capitalize the interest until repayment of the loan begins.

Based upon calculated financial need, annual award amounts will be determined based on a student's grade level. Please visit our Stafford Loans page for more information.

PLUS Loan - This loan is available to parents of students who are classified as “dependent” by the U.S. Department of Education. To qualify, parents must be U.S. citizens or eligible non citizens, have a valid Social Security number.

A credit check of the parent is required. If the parent is denied the PLUS, the student becomes eligible to apply for additional unsubsidized Stafford loans. PLUS loans are long-term, with a fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment that generally begins within 60 days of the final disbursement of the loan for the academic year.

Loan funds will not post to your account until the loan request process is complete, a valid MPN is on file, and entrance counseling has been completed, if applicable.

State and federal aid is given to students that fit certain criteria.

Cal Grant - California student financial aid is available to eligible residents of the state of California who are not in default on a prior student loan or do not owe a refund on any federal or state education grant. The FAFSA and an additional GPA verification form must be filed and postmarked by March 2 for all possible recipients who are applying to receive a Cal Grant award for the first time. The March 2 deadline is established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and is not flexible.

Cal Grant A - A California tuition assistance grant for those students who have at least two years of undergraduate studies remaining. Current year award amounts can be viewed on the CSAC website.

Cal Grant B - A California tuition assistance plus access grant for undergraduate students. Current year award amounts can be viewed on the CSAC website. Student’s must complete 30 college credits at Simpson University to before becoming eligible to receive the Tuition & Fees portion of Cal Grant B.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship - A program providing scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in high school. Award amounts are $1,500 per year for up to four years. Applications are available at high schools after February 1st. Deadlines to apply may vary depending on the school. All nominations must be submitted to the California Student Aid Commission by the deadline established each year.

Requirements:

1. Student must be at “application complete” stage
2. FAFSA application must be completed
3. Student must have a GPA of 2.5
4. Must have financial need
5. Continuous enrollment is required
6. Student must enroll in the semester in which they applied in order to receive the scholarship
   • If the student does not enroll, they forfeit the scholarship and must re-apply for the semester they intend to enroll
   • Total scholarship amount to be split equally per semester within academic year

Essay Guidelines:

Personal Statement:

• Your personal statement should be minimum 500 words (2 pages in length) double spaced, Times-Roman 12 font). Subtitling each section is recommended for clarity. Please organize paper by addressing each question in the sequence listed:
  1. What are the top factors and primary life experiences that have drawn you to your program of study?
  2. What personal challenges have you overcome?
  3. What experiences have you had that have impacted your choice of major?
  4. Explain what your dreams and life goals are.
  5. How will the education and experience of Simpson University help you achieve your goals?

Deadlines:

• Fall Deadline: July 1
• Spring Deadline: November 1
• Summer Deadline: March 1

Access scholarship application (PDF)

*Currently only awarded to Shasta College transfer students. Students must apply through their community college.

1. Community College scholarship for low income transfer students
2. FAFSA must be received
3. 60% of tuition covered after federal aid
4. Four scholarships available per year
5. Scholarships are awarded in the spring for a fall start term
6. Cannot be combined with any other scholarship

1. One- time $250 scholarship
2. Student must submit bethel certificate to financial aid
3. Can be combined with INSPIRE & EOPS scholarships

Pell Grant*

This is a federal entitlement program available to undergraduate and teacher credentialing students who have demonstrated need. Awards are up to $5550 for the 2011-2012 financial aid year. The Pell Grant is the largest source of gift aid from the federal government. When the FAFSA is filed, a student is automatically considered for the grant.

*NOTE: STUDENTS PURSUING THEIR CREDENTIAL ONLY QUALIFY FOR THE PELL GRANT. STUDENTS PURSUING THEIR CREDENTIAL AND MASTER'S SIMULTANEOUSLY DO NOT QUALIFY.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

For more information, visit our student loan page.

Parental Loan for Undergraduate Students, or PLUS

This loan is available to parents of students who are classified as “dependent” by the U.S. Department of Education. A credit check of the parent is required. If the parent is denied the PLUS, the student becomes eligible to apply for additional unsubsidized Stafford loans. PLUS loans are long-term, with a fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment that generally begins within 60 days of the final disbursement of the loan for the academic year. For more information, visit our student loan page.

PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

This loan is available to graduate students, in addition to Stafford loans. This loan is credit based. The loan has a fixed interest rate set by the government, but repayment starts soon after the last disbursement. The loan amount can vary but can be awarded up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received.

Once you have been awarded federal student loans, visit our student loan page for more information. Loan funds will not post to your student account until the loan request process is complete, a valid MPN is on file, and entrance counseling has been completed, if applicable.

California student financial aid is available to eligible residents of the state of California who are not in default on a prior student loan or do not owe a refund on any federal or state education grant.

Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program (TCP) Benefits

Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits are available for those students who received Cal Grant as an undergraduate student and are continuing into the teaching credential program. Credential students can receive one additional year of Cal Grant eligibility. Award amounts for this additional year remain at the same level as the student’s initial year of Cal Grant eligibility. A Cal Grant TCP Benefits Form should be filed with the California Student Aid Commission before enrolling in the credential program.

Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE Grant)

The Assumption Program of Loans for Education(APLE) is a loan forgiveness program offered to California teachers by the state of California. If you would like to apply for the APLE Grant, you may do so by completing the application and submitting it to Student Financial Services before receiving your credential.

For information on the APLE Grant, please visit the California Student Aid Commission website.

If you have questions regarding a submitted APLE Grant application, please contact the Student Aid Commission directly.

Legacy Scholarship

Students in the credential or credential and Master of Arts in Education combination program, who received their Bachelor’s degree from Simpson University, are eligible to receive the Legacy Scholarship. The Legacy Scholarship entitles students to receive a 10% discount on the tuition charges for the program. Continuous enrollment and priority application are required.

Stafford Loans

Stafford loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students. Stafford loans are long-term, with a low fixed interest rate set by the federal government and repayment generally begins six months after the student graduates or ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

For more information, visit our student loan page.

PLUS Loan for Graduate Students

This loan is available to graduate students, in addition to Stafford loans. This loan is credit based. The loan has a fixed interest rate set by the government, but repayment starts soon after the last disbursement. The loan amount can vary but can be awarded up to the full cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance received.

Once you have been awarded federal student loans, visit our student loan page for more information. Loan funds will not post to your student account until the loan request process is complete, a valid MPN is on file, and entrance counseling has been completed, if applicable.