Thiel College Financial Aid Brochure

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QUICK LINK Visit us online to discover what Thiel College can offer you! Simply use a QR Code reader on your smart phone to scan the code and launch www.thiel.edu/finaid in your browser.

We know the process can be confusing, so we Your financial aid package, including your scholarships

WITHIN YOUR REACH

Filling out the FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is essential toward receiving the maximum possible

and grants, will stay roughly

in financial aid. The U.S. Department of

the same each year you

Education uses the information to determine your

attend Thiel, assuming you

eligibility for valuable federal student financial

gladly work one-on-one with our students and their families to answer their questions.

CYNTHIA FARRELL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES

VA L U E F O R Y O U R I N V E S T M E N T

1

assistance. Thiel also uses the information for

meet the minimum grade

Even before you are an

awarding need-based financial aid. The FAFSA

HELP AVAILABLE NOW

point requirements. After

is available online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Ask

official student at Thiel, we’ll work with you and

you receive your financial

for your results to be sent to Thiel College;

your parents to help you understand how to

our code is 003376. If you have questions about

compute your college costs. If you have questions

how to fill out the FAFSA, call us. Your

about filling out the FAFSA, or any part of the

admissions counselor will be able to help answer

process, just call or come by. Be sure and visit the

your questions.

Thiel website for more information. All of your

aid package, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline parts or all of it.

questions are important; so call or e-mail us anytime.

H E L P I S AT H A N D

STUDENT AID COMPARISONS For the 2012-2013 academic year, Thiel's tuition and fees was $26,288 and room and board was $10,120, making the total annual direct cost to attend Thiel $36,408. However, with the substantial amount of financial aid offered at Thiel, students can often pay substantially less than the “sticker price.” Below are three examples of common financial aid packages: JOE is a student transferring to Thiel as a second year student from another college who will also be living off campus. Joe was offered a financial aid package including: Thiel Assistance $1,250 Thiel Merit Award $5,000 Pennsylvania State Grant $3,992 Federal Pell Grant $5,550 Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $4,500 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $6,000 Total $26,292

2

SARAH is an academically high-achieving student whose family has average financial need.

She will also be living on campus. Sarah was offered a financial aid package including: Thiel Assistance $1,500 Academic Scholarship $500 Thiel Merit Award $10,500 Thiel Leadership Award $2,000 Pennsylvania State Grant $3,992 Federal Pell Grant $4,500 Federal Perkins Loan $1,000 Federal Work Study Job $1,470 Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000 Direct PLUS Loan $5,446 Total $36,408

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SOURCES FOR FINANCIAL AID Sources of Student Financial Aid for Thiel Students 2012-2013 Institutionally Funded Aid Includes about 1% campus employment

Federal Grant Aid

42%

8% 6% 3% 5%

State Grant Aid

Direct, Perkins & PLUS

but from a family with high financial need. He will be living on campus. Jacob was offered a financial aid package including: Thiel Assistance $5,800 Thiel Merit Award $9,500 Federal Pell Grant $5,550 State Grant $600 Federal Perkins Loan $1,500 Federal Work Study Job $1,470 Federal Direct Subsidized Loan $3,500 Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan $2,000 Parent Plus Loan $3,500 Total $33,420

Outside Grants

36% Federal Loans

JACOB is an average student academically,

Outside (Private) Loans

The sample financial aid packages above are intended for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a guarantee or contract to any student seeking financial aid with Thiel College.

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID More than 98% of students receive some form of financial assistance.

ACADEMICS More than 60 majors, minors and areas of study. Degrees offered: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science.

ACCREDITATION Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, Pennsylvania Department of Education, American Chemical Society.

STUDENTS More than 1,100 students; 46% are female and 54% are male; 6% are international students.

STUDENT-TO-FACULTY ratio is 13-to-1.

LIVING ON CAMPUS 88% of students live on campus in nearly 30 residence halls, apartments, theme houses and townhouses.

ATHLETICS & ACTIVITIES 24 athletic teams, most at the NCAA Division III level, more than 50 student organizations/activities, one local and three national fraternities, and four national sororities.

Intramural sports are available for all interests.

FINANCIAL AID

VALUABLE ONLINE RESOURCES

Making your education Affordable

www.fafsa.ed.gov — to fill out the FAFSA, which must be completed by all students seeking financial aid (Thiel College FAFSA code: 003376) www.pheaa.org — for information about funding and scholarships for Pennsylvania residents www.thiel.edu/finaid — comprehensive explanation and resources about the Thiel College financial aid process

www.thiel.edu/finaidhelp — online calculator to estimate your cost of attendance

LOCATION Thiel College is located on a beautiful 135-acre, tree-lined campus in Greenville, Pa., in the heart of Western Pennsylvania’s hill country.

HISTORY Founded as Thiel Hall in Monaca, Pa., in 1866 as a co-educational institution; chartered by Pennsylvania in 1870 and moved to Greenville, Pa., in 1871; affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Thiel College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religious belief, national origin, ancestry, age or non-job related handicap as those items are defined under applicable law. This policy of nondiscrimination applies in connection with admission to and participation in all programs and activities sponsored by Thiel College and to all employment practices of Thiel College.

W W W. T H I E L . E D U

THIEL COLLEGE

7 5 C O L L E G E AV E N U E G R E E N V I L L E , PA 161 2 5 800.24.THIEL (800.248.4435) ADMISSIONS@THIEL.EDU W W W. T H I E L . E D U FA 0612

F O U N D E D 18 6 6

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G R E E N V I L L E , PA

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KNOCKING

A structured

internship as early as your first year. An

individual attention, closer

exploratory program providing personal career

mentoring, better career

guidance. More than 50 clubs and organizations

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID When you receive your financial aid package from Thiel, you’ll find information about the scholarships, grants and/or loans that you are being offered.

Small classes mean more

preparation and increased

for building teamwork and leadership skills along with friendships for life. Erie, Cleveland and

confidence. That's why our

Pittsburgh within 90 minutes for internships, job

small 13:1 student-to-faculty

opportunities and entertainment. A Washington

ratio is so important. Thiel

An Education for Your Future

to medical, dental, law and graduate programs.

an easy four-step process.

professors will motivate you to do your best.

10,000 alumni for professional networking.

An investment in a Thiel education opens doors!

4

Applying for financial aid at Thiel is

13:1

Semester as a starting point for a permanent job.

A high acceptance rate for students who go on

FINANCIAL AID 101

steps

OPPORTUNITY

COMMITTED TO YOU

THE THIEL COMMITMENT

1 Fill out and submit an application

Sometimes

for admission to Thiel College.

students need an extra semester to finish their degrees because of opportunities like internships, service learning or study

2 After January 1, complete and

abroad. These opportunities are an

submit the FAFSA form online.

important part of the college experience WITHIN YOUR REACH

It can be mind-

boggling to sift through information about financial aid, but it’s worth the effort!

Prospective students and their families

With Thiel’s competitive

Everyone at Thiel makes you feel

and Thiel makes them affordable for

scholarships and access to

like family. They are there to

students by significantly reducing tuition in

grants, we are often less

answer your questions. They get to

expensive than regional public

know you; you aren’t a number.

some students are able to transfer in AP or

colleges and universities. More

That’s what appealed to Matthew

college credits and graduate in 3.5 years,

than 98% of our students

and to me, more than anything.

thereby saving a semester’s tuition. Either

receive financial assistance.

SHARON SCHNEIDER MOTHER OF MATTHEW SCHNEIDER ’13 BUTLER, PENNSYLVANIA

3 Upon acceptance, your official

the ninth semester—a 60% discount for

financial aid award will be sent to

qualifying students! On the other hand,

you shortly after we have received the results of your FAFSA.

sometimes rule out colleges based on what they think the school will cost, without understanding what they might receive in financial aid. However, the “net” price can be quite different from a school’s sticker price.

Your own net cost at Thiel is likely to be much less than what you expect. Last year,

98%

4 Accept award package prior to

way, you win on your investment at Thiel!

SEP

OCT

Accepting fall applications.

Make sure application, Receive letter of recommendation, admission ACT/SAT scores and your decision.

HS transcripts are sent.

Thiel gave $10,800,000 to students in funded

NOV

enrollment.

Learn more at www.thiel.edu/commitment.

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

Make sure to apply for a FAFSA PIN for both students and parents.

Presidential Scholarship Competition

Academic Departmental Scholarship Competition

•Fin Aid packets begin going out •Juniors: Start planning to take the ACT or SAT •New Student Registration Day #1 for fall

New Student Registration Day #3

New Student Registration Day #4

New Student Registration Day #5

Freshmen Move-in Day!

and unfunded grants and scholarships. Call

SEP

us or visit us online today and begin the conversation about how to make your education affordable at Thiel.

OCT

NOV

DEC

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

FALL

JAN & FEB

MAR

APR

JUNE

SUMMER

Thiel admission counselors travel the country visiting high schools and college fairs. Take advantage of this opportunity to talk to your admissions counselor and learn more about Thiel College. Visit Thiel’s campus, take a tour, meet a professor or coach and see what our campus has to offer you.

Personal Visits or Preview Days are two of the best options.

•FAFSA is now available to fill out for fall.

•Receive your W-2 tax forms and complete taxes in order to complete the FAFSA. •Send in 7th semester grades to show improvement.

Accepted students make 1:1 visits to campus.

New Student Registration Day #2

Housing assignments begin for fall.

Juniors and Sophomores: Start to visit Thiel with either a Personal Visit or one of our Preview Days.

It is never too early to start your college search.

Visit www.thiel.edu/finaid to see what you should be doing right now.

SCHOLARSHIPS are based on academic merit or performance in programs like music or theater.

Scholarships do not have to be repaid. Most are awarded on a rolling basis at the time of your application, but some have specific deadlines, so be sure to talk this over with your admissions counselor.

GRANTS are funds offered to you that do not have to be repaid. Grants are usually based on financial need, not academic merit. Sources include the federal and state governments, as well as Thiel College and private foundations.

LOANS must be repaid, with a payment structure set up just before you graduate from college. Education loans come in the form of 1) low-interest student loans, available through Thiel or federal government funds, 2) low-interest parent loans funded through the government or 3) private or alternative loans.

WORK STUDY PROGRAM is a federally funded, need-based program that helps students earn money on campus to meet their costs. Work-study students receive priority in finding jobs on campus.

OTHER SOURCES for financial aid outside of Thiel College may be available. Grants and scholarships may be available through your local church, employer and other civic or community organizations. Talk to your admissions counselor for possible alternatives.

I paid as much as my brother who went to a state school. I loved it at Thiel. If I needed to talk to a professor about something, they were always there.

LIZ SITKO ’10 BUSINESS COMMUNICATION/ BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION/ INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS HIRAM, OHIO

L I F E L O N G E D U C AT I O N