Parent View 2009

Side-by-Side. Step-by-Step. planning for College With your Child.

THE PANTERSfrom texas, With love

oC Scholarships and grants

guide to the admission process

Sample financial aid packages

Websites with answers

Student life at oC

Accounting

Advertising

Art

Bible

Biochemistry

Biology

Broadcast Management

Broadcast Journalism

Business

Pre-Law

Chemistry

Child Development

Communication Studies

Pre-Law

Computer Science

Early Childhood Education

Economics

Education

Elementary

Music

Physical

Secondary

Electronic Media

Engineering

Computer

Electrical

Mechanical

English

Pre-Law

Teaching English as a

Foreign Language

Writing

Family Life Ministry

Family Studies

Finance

Forensics

Geography

Graphic Design

History

Pre-law

Information Systems

Interior Design

Interactive Media

Interdisciplinary Studies

International Business

International Studies

Journalism

Languages

Management

Marketing

Mass Communication

Master of Arts in Ministry

Master of Business Administration

Master of Divinity

Master of Science in Engineering

Mathematics

Medical Technology

Ministry

Missions

Music

Vocal

Instrumental

New Media

Nursing

Organizational Communication

Philosophy

Photography

Political Science

Pre-Chiropractic

Pre-Clinical Dietetics

Pre-Dental

Pre-Dental Hygiene

Pre-Law

Business

Communication Studies

English

History

Pre-Medical

Pre-Occupational Therapy

Pre-Optometry

Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Physical Therapy

Pre-Physician Associate

Pre-Radiological Science

Pre-Veterinary

Psychology

Public Relations

Religious Education

Sociology

Spanish

Sport, Wellness and

Recreation Management

Theater Performance

Vocational Ministry

Youth Ministry

CLEP and ACTCLEP - Testing is available on campus. Students can test out of several basic courses and get full credit for the course. For more information, go to www.oc.edu/testing or contact OC’s Admissions Office at 405.425.5050 orat [email protected].

Residual ACT Test - Oklahoma Christian University offers the residual ACT test at various times throughout the year. Your child can use residual test scores for admittance to Oklahoma Christian and for academic scholarships. Taking the residual test is also a great way for your student to practice for upcoming national test dates! To arrange a test time, call 800.877.5010 ext. 5050. Find scheduled test dates at www.oc.edu/residual.

majors & areas of study

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service. Parent View2009-2010 1

Contents 4 The Admission & FinAnciAl Aid ProcessStep-by-step guides for enrollmentand financial assistance

5 VAlue & signiFicAnceAcademic and Christian excellenceadd value to OC education

6 cAse sTudiesScholarships and grants can add up inyour favor - see how it can be done

8 scholArshiPsOptions to help your family payfor college

12 FederAl loAns &FinAnciAl AidGet your student’s piece of thegovernment pie

18 PersonAl FinAnciAl counselorsYour student’s PFC can address all yourfinancial questions

19 cAlendArImportant dates to keep in mind

23 housing oPTionsOC’s state-of-the-art facilities can beyour child’s home away from home

24 meeT The PAnTers A family with OC ties saysthe university is a wise investment

28 glossAryA quick primer on financial aid terms

PArenT View conTribuTorsPresident: Dr. Mike E. O’Neal

Vice President of

Enrollment Management: Risa Forrester

Director of Student Financial Services: Clint LaRue

Managing Editor: Wes McKinzie

Art Director: Judson Copeland

Design: Jonathan Curtis, Scott Hill, Rachel O’Donnell

Contributors: Risa Forrester, Clint LaRue,

Wes McKinzie, Dawn Shelton, Ann White

Zach AndersonBusiness Management

Emily SpirekGraphic Design

Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.Parent View2009-20102

I know what you’re going through right now; our oldest son starts college this fall and there have been so many things to consider.

From a parent’s point of view, I wonder, will our teen be a name or a number? What kind of examples will the professors set? Are there plenty of internships and research opportunities nearby? What are the dorms like? Are tutoring services available? How much will it cost? Is the university far enough away that I won’t have to do his laundry?

In addition to all of this, sending your teen to college is primarily about making sure he or she gets a great education that will be a solid foundation for life.

Sure, at Oklahoma Christian University, we have classes that are much smaller than at State U. We’re located in a major metropolitan area, where there are a lot of terrific internship opportunities with top companies. The professors here care tremendously about your sons and daughters; they will welcome them into their homes, see them at church and greet them by name around campus.

But, on top of all of this, OC’s academic program is extremely strong. Our professors are experts in their fields; they write articles and books and speak at conferences around the world. This expertise has a huge impact on our students.

The History & Political Science Department has had the top chapter of Phi Alpha Theta (that’s the national history honor fraternity) in the nation for the past 13 years.

Soundings, the literary journal published by our Language & Literature students, has been named number one and number two in the nation in the past two years by the international English honor society. Students in Art and Design, Business, Communications, Engineering, Music and Psychology won all sorts of national and regional awards last year.

Our Accounting graduates have had the highest CPA exam pass rate in the state for 11 of the past 14 years. Our School of Engineering continues to attract top students from around the world. OC is one of only two schools in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities with three engineering degree programs accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This fall, we are excited to be starting a new master’s degree program in Engineering, adding to our existing master’s programs in other areas.

We continue to have tremendous success placing our graduates in the best graduate programs in the U.S. and abroad. We’ve placed students in top 10 medical schools, Harvard’s Kennedy School, and other prestigious

national and international graduate programs in the past couple of years. We are also extremely proud that we are able to send many of our graduates into the mission field each year.

So if you’re looking for a school where your son or daughter won’t just be a number, where the professors set a strong Christian example, and where the academics are first rate, please take a close look at OC.

Now, how will I decorate that extra bedroom?

deAr PArenTs,

ParenttO Parent

Sincerely,

Dr. Allison D. GarrettVice President for Academic Affairs

sTicker Price Vs. cosT For your FAmily


Higher education institutions don’t all price their product in the same way. You may look at the sticker price of one college and think to yourself, “Wow, that school costs less than another school my student is considering.” But that might not be the case.

Different schools may quote a price per hour based on a different number of semester units. Some may use block tuition pricing. Some may advertise their cheapest housing option or lowest meal plan. Others may show an upgraded residence option or board plan that includes more meals.

Some universities have all-inclusive fees that include upgraded amenities (like laptop computer hardware and support or complimentary laundry service). Others have lower fees with fewer perks for the student.

Some colleges have very few course fees, while others may add several course fees to their standard tuition prices.

Think of it like buying a car … a dealer might advertise the base price, but that price may not include add-ons and even basic features like the radio, air conditioning, etc.

When it’s all said and done, the car ends up being a lot more expensive than you were expecting. At OC, our sticker price includes everything, including course fees.

When determining college cost, your family should also consider scholarships. Institutions at a higher price point may offer more scholarship dollars and opportunities.

The Student Financial Services Office encourages you to look beyond sticker price to carefully consider the most important number: net cost to your family.

Thank you for taking the time to read through the 2009-2010 edition of Parent View. This issue of Parent View features information about OC scholarships, federal and state financial aid, helpful hints when completing the FAFSA, sample financial aid packages, and much more!

Oklahoma Christian continues to invest millions of dollars in scholarships and grants. Every student who applies to OC has the opportunity to receive financial aid. Thanks to OC’s commitment to awarding need-based grants, students from lower- to middle-income families receive more financial aid today than ever before.

Attending college requires a financial commitment from the student, the family, the government, and the school. We believe you’ll find an extraordinary commitment from Oklahoma Christian to make a high quality Christian education affordable for your son or daughter.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or your personal financial aid counselor at 800.877.5010.

Letter from the EDITOR

Sincerely,

Clint LaRueDirector of Student Financial Services

Admission ProcessThe following is a list of items needed to complete Oklahoma Christian University’s admission process. Your child should complete each step below, with the corresponding paperwork, as soon as possible for priority consideration.

Ensure your child completes the OC Application for Admission. All students must complete this application, submit their ACT and/or SAT scores, and submit their most recent high school and/or college transcript(s) to be eligible for OC scholarships and grants.

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Be sure to include OC’s Title IV code (003165) in the school section. A renewal application must be completed each year. The completion of this form is a requirement for federal assistance.

Receive an electronic award letter from OC within a week after your student has submitted an ACT/SAT score and FAFSA (if you wish to receive federal assistance). Your student will receive (at the email address listed on the FAFSA or application for admission) an email with a link to view his/her award letter. The award letter will show all types of financial aid your student is eligible to receive from Oklahoma Christian.

Return additional documentation if necessary. After the financial aid award is sent to your student, additional documents may be necessary. Your student will receive emails notifying him/her which documents we need. (For example, the government may require that we request a copy of your tax forms). Most other types of documents we request are available on our website at www.oc.edu/forms.

Complete the Online Payment Plan Form. After your student’s award letter is sent, he/she will be sent a missing document email notifying him/her to complete the payment plan form. The online payment plan form can be accessed at www.oc.edu/forms.

The following is a step-by-step guide for completing the OC scholarship and financial aid process. Due to limited funding, it is best to complete this process early. For more information, visit our website at www.oc.edu/financialprocess.

scholArshiP & FinAnciAl Aid Process

For detailed information and online forms, please visit our website.

www.oc.edu/process5

6

7

APPlicATion For Admission

Pre-Admission TesT (AcT or sAT)

currenT high school or college TrAnscriPT

chArAcTer recommendATion Form

housing requesT Form

cAmPus VisiT

immunizATion Form

1

2

3

4Important note: To determine admittance to Oklahoma Christian University, the Admissions Office must receive a student’s application for admission, test scores, current transcript and Character Recommendation Form. Notification of your child’s admissions status will be mailed to your child within one week of receipt of completedinformation.


VaLuE & SIGNIFICaNCE

You have values. Strong values that mean a lot to you. And as a parent, you want value. You want your child to have a strong education and a great college experience that will prepare him or her for a significant life and a successful career. There are a lot of great universities out there. And Oklahoma Christian is one of them. Rest assured … you don’t have to sell your child’s education short as a tradeoff for an encouraging Christian environment. These two things are paramount at OC: a commitment to academic excellence and a commitment to Christian excellence. OC’s mission of integrating faith and learning is distinctive in comparison to most other colleges.

The remarkable results of that mission are seen in statistics like the ones listed on this page. But, more importantly, they’re seen in the lives of our students, faculty, staff and alumni.

OC students reap those benefits, too. They benefit from OC’s location in Oklahoma City, where they can plug into jobs, internships, inner-city ministry and all the cultural and entertainment options the metro has to offer. And while they’ll have a big city in their backyard, they’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the world, too. OC’s global reach through missions and international study extends from Asia to Europe, from Africa to North and South America. OC’s technological infrastructure ranks among the best in the world. Every student receives an Apple MacBook laptop and their choice of an iPhone or iPod touch to use on OC’s wireless campus, enhancing the educational experience and helping them stay connected with family, friends and professors from virtually anywhere. Those are just some of the things that make an OC education valuable. They’re just some of the things that make OC a unique place where your child can find his or her calling. Read on – we think you’ll like the (Parent)View.

val·ues (val’yüz) noun – a standard of moral or ethical decision-making, giving guidance on how to behave decently and honorably; beliefs regarded as important or useful.

val·ue (val’yü) noun – a fair return or equivalent in goods, services, or money for something exchanged; also something intrinsically valuable or desirable.

1st• among CPA exam pass rates: School of Business Administration alumni consistently earn the highest pass rate on the CPA exam of all represented Oklahoma colleges and universities.

1st• and 2nd in the nation, respectively, in the past two years for our student literary journal, Soundings.

13th• straight year named National History Honor Society “Best Chapter”: Named best of all U.S. universities with 3,000 or fewer students.

13• varsity athletic sports: Almost 300 students participate in 13 varsity sports, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field.

15-to-1• undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio.

16• intramural sports.

17th• ranked most unwired college campus: Intel Corporation’s ranking of the nation’s most unwired college campuses.

20• study abroad and off-campus learning opportunities.

$34million• recently spent to complete comprehensive housing project: Almost 1,800 living spaces available on campus in 11 residence halls and nine apartment complexes; more than 850 new or renovated spaces available.

60• on-campus student organizations.

60• majors plus 30 additional areas of study.

81• national, regional and conference team and individual athletic championships.

500• students, faculty and staff members participate in mission opportunities each year in more than 30 countries on six continents: Some countries served include Australia, Austria, China, Croatia, Germany, Ghana, Honduras, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Rwanda, Switzerland and the United States.

60percent• of student body involved in ongoing community service and ministry opportunities.

85percent• of classes contain fewer than 30 students.

90percent• job placement rate for advertising design graduates.

90percent• medical and graduate school placement rate: Since 1996, 90 percent of all students who applied to a professional program were accepted (100 percent acceptance rate for all students who participated in undergraduate research).

96percent• of undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.

99percent• job placement rate for School of Education graduates.

100percent• job placement rate for engineering graduates.

100percent• pass rate for School of Education graduates on mandatory statewide qualifying exams for teachers.

100percent• grad school placement for history majors.

oc by The numbers


*AS DEFINED BY FAFSA

*The chart to the left reflects the average amount awarded in scholarships, grants, and loans to students in particular income brackets. It is not intended to reflect exact amounts that will be awarded during a given academic year, but merely as a means to demonstrate eligibility for scholarships and grant, regardless of family income.

FAMIlY AGGREGAtE GROSS INCOME (AGI)

Below $20,000$20,000-$40,000$40,000-$60,000$60,000-$80,000$80,000-$100,000Above $100,000

tOtAlStUDENtS

215187189200200433

NEwStUDENtS

5465676465149

AVERAGE GRANt/SCHOlARSHIP*

$10,013 $10,074 $9,408 $7,532 $6,722 $6,009

AVERAGEStUDENt lOAN* $6,487 $7,522 $7,001 $7,755 $6,662 $5,619

AVERAGE FINANCIAlAID PACkAGE* $15,297 $15,681 $14,894 $13,495 $11,927 $10,365

Income Distribution of OC Student Families, 2008-09

CaSeStUDIeS

Sometimes it’s easier to see it in print. Though the examples below are simplified and can’t be used for direct comparison, they may give you an idea of how scholarships and grants can add up in your student’s favor.

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$700 Student income$3,900 Student savings$9,600 Student untaxed income$122,000 Parent income$6,200 Parent savings$95,000 Parent Net worth of Investments3 Number in household1 Number in college

$6,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$5,500 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$15,000 Parent PlUS loan$26,500 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment forPlUS loan is $185.98 for 10 years

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$0 Student income$0 Student savings$29,000 Parent income$500 Parent savings$16,000 Parent untaxed income2 Number in household1 Number in college

$6,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$1,000 Art & Design Scholarship$1,300 Oklahoma tuition Aid Grant (OtAG)$2,000 Oklahoma tuition Equalization Aid Grant (OtEG)$2,640 Oklahoma Higher learning Access Program (OHlAP)$4,731 Federal Pell Grant$525 Supplemental Grant (SEOG)$750 Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)$2,000 Federal work Study$3,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$1,000 Parent PlUS loan$27,446 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PlUS loan is$50 for 22 months

$0 Student income$100 Student savings$53,537 Parent income$16,000 Parent savings3 Child(ren) in household1 Child(ren) in college

$6,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$3,564 OC Grant$2,000 work Study$3,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Perkins loan$8,000 Parent PlUS loan$27,064 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PlUS loan is$99.19 for 10 years

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$2,700 Student income$1,000 Student savings$86,000 Parent income$1,000 Parent savings3 Number in household1 Number in college

$4,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$250 OC Grant$2,000 Federal work Study$3,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$15,500 Parent PlUS loan$27,250 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PlUS loanis $192.18 for 10 years

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Sam WardellCommunication Studies

Full-time tuitionFull-time General Fee (12+ hours)Residence Hall Room & BoardApartment Room & Board (juniors and seniors only)

$14,690$1,676$5,940 to $8,010* $4,480 to $9,110*

2009-10 tUItION, FEES, ROOM & BOARD FOR UNDERGRADUAtE StUDENtS

Oklahoma Christian is committed to helping your student receive the most financial aid possible. when your child applies to OC, your family will be assigned a personal financial counselor who will walk you through the financial aid process and help your student find scholarships and other aid.

*Room and board costs vary based on the type of residence hall/ apartment your student lives in and the type of meal plan purchased. Go to www.oc.edu/cost for a full list/breakdown of costs.

Below 20k 40k - 60k 80k - 100k20k - 40k 60k - 80k 100k & UpFamily Aggregate Gross Income (AGI)

AVERAGEFINANCIAlAID PACkAGE

$17,500

$15,000

$12,500

$10,000

$ 7,500

$ 5,000

GRANtS &SCHOlARSHIPS

StUDENt lOANS39%

61%47%

53%51%

49%

$15,297$15,681

$ 14,894$13,495

$11,927$10,365

50%

50%48%

52%

$0 Student income$0 Student savings$76,000 Parent income$1,600 Parent savings$8,000 Net worth of investments5 Number in household2 Number in college

$8,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$3,150 OC Grant$2,000 Federal work Study$3,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Perkins loan$6,500 Parent PlUS loan$27,150 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PlUS loan is$80.59 for 10 years

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$22,419 Student income$0 Student savings$500 Student untaxed incomeN/A Parent incomeN/A Parent savings1 Number in household1 Number in college

$3,000 transfer Scholarship$4,000 OC Grant$2,000 Federal work Study$5,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$7,000 Unsubsidized Student loan$21,500 TOTAL

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$6,600 Student income$50 Student savings$36,000 Parent income$200 Parent savings$2,400 Parent untaxed income3 Number in household2 Number in college

$6,025 OC Grant$2,981 Federal Pell Grant$525 Supplement Grant (SEOG)$750 Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)$2,000 Federal work Study$3,500 Subsidized Stafford loan$2,000 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$9,500 Parent PlUS loan$27,281 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment for PlUS loan is $117.79 for 10 years

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30

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$11,000 Student income$50 Student savings$230,000 Parent income$2,000 Parent savings4 Number in household2 Number in college

$8,000 PASS Academic Scholarship$5,500 Unsubsidized Stafford loan$12,500 Parent PlUS loan$26,000 TOTAL

Approximate monthly payment forPlUS loan is $154.98 for 10 years

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43%

57%


Lacy RosenbalmFamily Studies

Cumulative GPA ScholarshipAmount (yearly)

3.50-4.00 $4,000 3.00-3.49 $3,000 2.50-2.99 $2,000

ACT/SAT Academic Scholarship (yearly) 32-36 1400-1600 $10,000 28-31 1250-1390 $8,000 25-27 1130-1240 $6,000 22-24 1020-1120 $4,000

Hard work pays off.

SChOlarShIPS,GrantS & DISCOUntSAll academic awards are reviewed on an annual basis for each incoming class. Modifications for future incoming classes will not change your academic award.

PRESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SUCCESS SCHOLARSHIP (PASS): This scholarship is available to first-time freshmen with an ACT score of 22 or above or an SAT score of 1020 or above. A student may receive this scholarship up to 10 semesters and must maintain a 2.8 cumulative GPA to keep the award. This scholarship will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Documentation of your ACT/SAT scores is required. Refer to the following chart to determine the amount of the Academic Scholarship.

Please note: At this time, Oklahoma Christian does not incorporate the writing section of the SAT into the total SAT score. Therefore, only the combination of the verbal and math sections are used to determine the amount of the PASS award.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is determined by the National Merit Corporation and is awarded in the spring of a student’s senior year. A student may receive this award up to 10 semesters and must maintain a 3.0 cumulative college GPA and participate in OC’s Honors Program to keep the award.

Finalists receive full tuition, mandatory fees, room and board (minus any other OC award).•Thisawardisproratedforpart-time

students.•Scholarshiproomexpensesprovidefor

OC’s basic housing unit. If a student chooses to live in a private room and/or a higher-priced residence hall or apartment, the student will be responsible for the difference in housing prices.

•Boardexpensescoverthestandardmealplan, but do not cover add-on points. If a student chooses to add points, the student will be responsible for the incremental costs.

•Mandatoryfeesdonotincludeprivatemusic lessons and fees for Study Abroad programs, CCCU programs, and other special programs.

•ForNationalMeritFinalists,OCwillapply$2,000 of the Oklahoma State Regents Scholarship (discussed below) to help cover the cost of full tuition, room and board. The additional $2,000 will be applied to the student’s account and can be used as a credit or may help pay for books, costs for available upgraded student housing options, etc.

OKLAHOMA STATE REGENTS SCHOLARSHIP: This is awarded by the Oklahoma State Regents and is worth up to $4,000 per year for up to eight semesters. Students must have a total ACT subscore of 133 or above. National Merit Finalists who are not residents of Oklahoma also can apply for this scholarship. A student must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA. For more

information, please contact the Oklahoma State Regents Office by phone at (405) 225-9131 or (800) 858-1840. Additional information also can be found online at www.okhighered.org/academic-scholars.

TRANSFER ACADEMIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is based on the cumulative GPA of all college transfer work. The scholarship is good for up to 10 semesters. This scholarship will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Students transferring more than 15 credit hours and who have attended another higher education institution starting in the fall semester after their high school senior year will be considered transfer students for financial aid purposes. A student should submit a complete college transcript(s) to OC for consideration. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to keep this award. Refer to the following chart to determine the amount of the scholarship.

AcAdemic meriT scholArshiPs


oTher oc scholArshiPs/grAnTs:Maximum OC scholarships and tuition discounts may not exceed full tuition up to 18 hours. Awards will be prorated for part-time enrollment. Students may receive no more than one award from this section, excluding the OC Grant and the Church Match Scholarship.

ART/DESIGN SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students majoring in art and design. It is worth $1,000 per year for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and submit a portfolio of art work to the Department of Art & Design. For more information, contact (405) 425-5556.

BIBLICAL STUDIES SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is equivalent to either half- or full-tuition for qualified applicants. Go to www.oc.edu/biblescholarships to apply no later than January 15, 2010. For more information, contact the Admissions Office at [email protected] or Dr. Richard Wright at [email protected].

CHRISTIAN ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP: The Christian Engineering Scholarship (CES) gives students with a major within the School of Engineering, a chance to earn a full-tuition scholarship in their third and fourth years. For more information, please visit www.oc.edu/ces. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the School of Engineering at (405) 425-5400 for additional

requirements. The priority deadline for this scholarship is March 7.

CHURCH MATCH SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for students who receive a scholarship from a congregation of the churches of Christ. OC will match dollar for dollar up to $500 per student per academic year (August through May). To apply for this scholarship, the church must complete the church match application form with the signatures of two church officials. The Church Match application can be found at www.oc.edu/forms.

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time freshman students who demonstrate exceptional musical ability and accomplishment. It is renewable for up to 10 semesters. Scholarship amounts will vary depending on student’s ability and music department need. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and continue to participate in music. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the music department at (405) 425-5530 for audition requirements. Additional information about OC’s music department is available at www.oc.edu/music. Students should schedule an audition in the fall semester or early in the spring semester.

OC GRANT: This grant is funded by the university and is

based on a family’s financial need. A student’s family must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for this award. OC Grant will combine with any other award(s) except the Christian Engineering Scholarship.

THEATRE SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students demonstrating theatrical abilities. Scholarship amounts will vary depending on student ability and theatre department need. A student must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA and continue to participate in theatre. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the theatre department at (405) 425-5526 for audition requirements. Students should schedule an audition in the fall semester or early in the spring semester.

UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship is for first-time OC students wanting to play junior varsity sports or participate in cheerleading. It is worth $1,500 per year for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and contact the athletic department at (405) 425-5350.

VARSITY ATHLETICS: Oklahoma Christian University is a member of the NAIA and offers a wide variety of collegiate sports. For more information, please contact the athletic department at (405) 425-5350.

continued >

Heather DriskillMarketing/Management


SChOlarShIPS, GrantS & DISCOUntS COnt.

should my FAmily comPleTe The FAFsA?

is our FAmily inTeresTed in grAnTs?

• Approximately 25% of OC students qualify for federal and/or state grants.

• Many students who do not qualify for federal or state grants qualify for the OC Grant (Oklahoma Christian’s need-based grant).

• Completing the FAFSA doesn’t guarantee your student will receive a need-based grant, but you won’t know unless you apply.

is our FAmily inTeresTed in loAns?

• EVERY StUDENt CAN QUAlIFY for a FEDERAl StUDENt lOAN.

• the best kinds of student loans with the lowest interest rates are only available to students who complete the FAFSA.

• the Parent PlUS loan is only offered to parents whose dependent children complete a FAFSA.

is my sTudenT inTeresTed in working on cAmPus?

• the vast majority of OC students who complete a FAFSA qualify for work-study jobs.

• On-campus employment is not guaranteed, but students who qualify for work study have a much greater opportunity to find a job.

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CHILDREN’S HOME DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work as houseparents at a children’s home. To qualify, the parents must be the legal guardians of the applicant. The parents also must live fulltime at the children’s home, and they must have placed children living in the home. This discount is also intended for first-time students who have lived in a children’s facility for the past year with no parental support. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, complete the OC Application for Admission and provide verification of a recent stay at a children’s home or verification of parent’s fulltime employment as houseparents.

CHILDREN OF MINISTERS DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) who are dependent children of fulltime ministers, provided the minister meets certain criteria. To qualify, the minister must be a fulltime Church of Christ minister (40 hours/week paid vocation) and have served at least five

years. Applicants must submit the Children of Ministers Discount application form as well as a youth census list (9th-12th grade) from their home congregation. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. The recipient must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, complete the OC Application for Admission and the Children of Minister’s Discount application form.

CHRISTIAN ACADEMY/SCHOOL DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work fulltime at a K-12 Christian academy or school. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. Parents must continue to work fulltime at a Christian academy or school, and the student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, a student should complete the OC Application for Admission and submit the Christian Academy/School Discount application form.

FOREIGN MISSIONARY DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents are currently working in the foreign mission field under the provision and support of a congregation of the Church of Christ located in the United States. This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A parent must continue to work in the mission field and the student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0. To apply, the student should complete the OC Application for Admission with verification of work in a foreign mission field.

SISTER SCHOOL DISCOUNT: This $4,000 tuition discount is for first-time OC students (age 23 or under) whose parents work fulltime at a sister college or university (a school that participates in the Sister School Undergraduate Reciprocal Tuition Remission program). This discount may be used for up to 10 semesters. A parent must continue to work full-time at the sister college or university, and the student must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. To apply, complete the OC application for admission and the Sister School Discount application form.

oc discounTs

Myth: My family should not complete the Free Application forFederal Student Aid (FAFSA) because my student will notqualify for any federal money.

Reality:Every student is eligible to receive federal aid. Before making a decision about completing the FAFSA, askyourself these questions:

Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

no more ThAn one discounT Per sTudenT.


1. Create a monthly budget Decide how you will spend your money before you spend it. Tracking your day-to-

day spending can help you identify wasteful habits and tighten your purse strings. Reconciling receipts, using cash, using debit cards, online banking, spreadsheets and financial software are all good tools used to track spending. Use a method that works for you.

New month = new budget. Spend at least 30-45 minutes a month totaling the results of the previous month’s budget and make a new budget for the upcoming month. Having the discipline to stay the course will help you develop healthy financial practices for life.

2. Avoid credit card pitfalls Many debate the pros and cons of credit cards, but regardless of which side you’re on,

there are several common pitfalls associated with credit cards. College students are one of the most heavily-targeted groups for credit card marketers.

Unpaid balances, interest charges, and fees accumulate rapidly, usually when one can least afford.

Credit cards develop a buy-now, pay-later mentality. This leads to increased spending and trouble when the unexpected happens.

3. Have an emergency fund The unexpected happens! An emergency fund helps you prepare for the inevitable. $500-$1,000 will prevent most students from ever having additional debt. Only spend out of the fund in case of emergencies! Buying that “must-have” sweater is

not an emergency. Christmas is not an emergency. Your car breaking down likely is an emergency.

4. Begin the habit of saving and tithing now If you have an income (no matter how small), saving and tithing need to be high

priorities in our life. Pay God first, yourself second, and lifestyle third.

5. Start thinking about student loan repayments before they begin Borrow for education, not lifestyle. Know your loan obligations, read the fine print, and retain all loan documents. Estimate loan payments before taking a student loan. To help determine the amount of your student loan repayments, visit www.oc.edu/managemyloans.

Starting college marks a new beginning in your child’s life. The financial decisions your child makes after moving away from home will impact him/her for years to come.

Here are some tips you can pass along to your child to help him/her develop good financial habits. Clip them out for your child’s corkboard or mini-fridge, or just use them as talking points when you have that big “going-off-to-college” conversation …

STuDENT TIPS


MONEY MaNaGEMENT TIPS FOR STuDENTS

Parent View2009-201012 Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

Pell grAnTThis grant is available to undergraduate students only. The award amount is based on the family’s need as determined by the government and does not require repayment. suPPlemenTAl educATionAl oPPorTuniTy grAnTThis grant is only available to undergraduate students. The amount is determined by the student’s financial need and the availability of funds at the school. It does not require repayment. Policies may vary according to institutions. AcAdemic comPeTiTiVeness grAnT (Acg)This grant is available to first-year and second-year students who are full-time Pell-eligible U.S. citizens and have completed a rigorous high school program as designated by their state. First-year students are eligible for a maximum of $750. Second-year students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA and are eligible for a maximum of $1,300. smArT grAnTThis federal grant is for full-time Pell-eligible U.S. citizens in the third or fourth year of a four-year academic program. The student must be pursuing a major in mathematics, science (including physical, life and computer sciences), technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language (such as Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Russian). The student also must have a GPA of at least 3.0. The SMART Grant is worth $4,000 per year.

FederAl work-sTudy ProgrAmThis program is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The inclusion of work-study on your financial aid offer only indicates eligibility. It is not a guarantee of a job. The student is responsible for contacting potential supervisors and finding a job. You may find job listings at www.oc.edu/campusjobs. Perkins loAnThis loan is currently a needs-based 5% fixed interest loan. Repayment begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. The award amount is based on the family’s need as determined by the government. THIS MUST BE REPAID. sTAFFord loAn•Instructionsonhowtosigntheonline

master promissory note (MPN) will be linked to your student’s missing document email. Your student will need to choose a lender on his/her online award.

•TherearetwotypesofStaffordLoans.Eligibility is determined by using the government’s need analysis.

Subsidized – This loan is based on need. The government pays the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. The subsidized Stafford Loan interest rate for 2009-2010 is fixed at 5.6%.

Unsubsidized – This loan is not based on need, but on the cost of attendance. The government does not pay the interest while the student is in school. The student may choose to pay the interest quarterly or defer it by adding it to the loan principle

while in school. The unsubsidized Stafford Loan interest rate for 2009-2010 is fixed at 6.8%.

•Theloanmaybedividedbetweenthetwosemesters.

•REPAYMENTbeginssixmonthsafterthestudent drops below half-time enrollment. The minimum monthly payment is $50 per month. However, the maximum repayment term is 10 years; therefore, your monthly payment may be higher.

•Werecommendcontinuedborrowingfromthe same lender.

•FIRST-TIMEBORROWERSmustcomplete a loan entrance interview before any funds can be issued.

•THESELOANSMUSTBEREPAID! The following is a list of the maximum

amounts that may be borrowed: Freshmen (0-31 hours) – $5,500 ($2,000

must be unsubsidized) Sophomores (32-63 hours) – $6,500

($2,000 must be unsubsidized) Juniors and Seniors (64+ hours) –

$7,500 ($2,000 must be unsubsidized) Graduate Students – $20,500 ($12,000

must be unsubsidized) PArenT loAn For undergrAduATe sTudenTs (Plus)This is a loan available to the parents of a dependent student. A parent may borrow to cover the cost of a college education on behalf of a child regardless of the family’s income.•Parentsmayborrowuptothefullcostof

their dependent’s cost of education, less the amount of any financial aid received.

Federal grant and loan options to help sweeten your student’s financial aid packages.

PIeCeOf the PIe

Parent View2009-2010 13Transforming lives for Christian faith, scholarship, and service.

•Parentsareresponsiblefororiginatingthe PLUS loan. Oklahoma Christian will be notified after application is made.

•ThePLUSloaninterestrateisfixedat8.5%.

•Repaymentbegins60daysaftertheloanis fully disbursed. Parents can request that the loan repayment be deferred until the student finishes college.

•Theminimumpaymentis$50permonth.You have up to 10 years to repay.

•Therewillbea4%fee(3%originationplus 1% default fee) automatically deducted from the disbursements.

•Theparentisresponsibleforpayingtheinterest that accrues on the loan from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

•IfyouhavehadaPLUSloaninthepast,we recommend that you continue to borrow from the same lender.

•Youmustbeacreditworthyborrower.

FederAl sTudenT AidinFormATion cenTerCALL 1.800.4.FED.AID (1.800.433.3243)www.studentaid.ed.gov

www.oc.edu/financial

though Oklahoma Christian University is a private institution that doesn’t receive government money for operations, that doesn’t mean students are cut off from state scholarships.

the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education offers several scholarships and grants to help stu-dents pay for college. For more information, call the Student Information Hotline at (800) 858-1840 or (405) 225-9239, or visit www.okhighered.org.

Academic Scholars Program – this award is worth up to $4,000 per year for up to eight semesters. Students must have a subscore of 133 or higher on the ACt. National Merit Finalists who are not resi-dents of Oklahoma also may apply for this scholar-ship. You must maintain a 3.25 cumulative GPA.

Future Teachers Scholarship Program – Awards scholarships to outstanding Oklahoma students who want to teach in the areas of foreign language, science, and early childhood education. A full-time student with less than 60 hours can receive up to $1,000/year. A full-time student with more than 60 hours can receive up to $1,500/year.

Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) – this is a need-based grant worth up to $1,300 per year for qualifying Oklahoma residents. Oklahoma students should file their FAFSA before April 15 to receive this grant.

Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG) – this is a need-based grant worth up to $2,000 per year for qualifying Oklahoma residents.

Oklahoma Higher Learning Access Program (OHLAP) – this scholarship is for students whose families meet certain income requirements and who have demonstrated a commitment to academic preparation in high school. Students must enroll in the eighth, ninth or 10th grade. In 2009-2010, this award is worth $110 per credit hour.

oklAhomA sTATe money

The Wright Family


hoPe scholArshiP TAX crediTThe Hope Scholarship is a tax credit, not a scholarship. Tax credits are subtracted directly from the tax a family owes, instead of being subtracted from taxable income like a tax deduction.

A family must file a federal tax return, owe taxes, and have a modified AGI of $57,999 ($115,999 for joint returns) or less to get this tax credit. A family cannot get a refund for the Hope credit if it does not pay taxes. A family that owes less tax than the maximum amount of the Hope tax credit for which it is eligible can only take a credit up to the amount of taxes owed.

For the 2008 tax year, a family may claim a tax credit up to $1,800 for each eligible dependent for up to two tax years (100% of the first $1,100 and 50% of the second $1,200 paid for qualified expenses). The Hope credit is available only until each student completes his/her first two years of postsecondary education.

The exact amount of the Hope credit also depends on a family’s income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. The total credit also is based on how many eligible dependents are in the family, rather than a maximum dollar amount for the family as with the Lifetime Learning Credit.

liFeTime leArning crediTThe Lifetime Learning Credit is a tax credit available to individuals who file a federal tax return, owe taxes, and have a modified AGI of $57,999 ($115,999 for joint returns) or less to get this tax credit. The amount of the credit is subtracted from the taxes owed, rather than reducing taxable income as with a tax deduction.

Individuals who do not pay taxes are not eligible for a Lifetime Learning Credit. Taxpayers who owe less tax than the maximum amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit for which they are eligible can only take a credit up to the amount of taxes owed.

A family may claim a tax credit of up to $2,000 per tax year for the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or any eligible dependents for an unlimited number of tax years.

The amount of the Lifetime Learning tax credit is 20% of the first $10,000 of qualified educational expenses paid for all eligible students. Therefore, the maximum amount of a Lifetime Learning tax credit is $2,000.

The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills, unlike the Hope credit, which is only available for two years.

The actual amount of the credit depends on a family’s income, the amount of qualified tuition and fees paid, and the amount of certain scholarships and allowances subtracted from tuition. This credit is family-based rather than based on the number of dependents in a family as with the Hope credit.

TuiTion And Fees deducTionThe Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction can reduce taxable income by as much as $4,000 in 2008. This tax deduction was set to expire in 2008, but Congress extended this benefit until December 31, 2009, as part of the $700 billion in economic stimulus package.

This deduction is taken as an adjustment to income, which means you can claim this deduction even if you do not itemize deductions on Schedule A of Form 1040. This deduction may benefit taxpayers who do not qualify for either the Hope or Lifetime Learning education tax credits. However, taxpayers with a modified AGI greater than $80,000 ($160,000 for married couples filing jointly) are not eligible for this deduction.

Up to $4,000 may be deducted from tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at an eligible postsecondary institution. Personal living and family expenses (including room and board, insurance, medical and transportation) are not deductible expenses.

The exact amount of the Tuition and Fees Tax Deduction depends on the amount of qualified tuition and related expenses paid for one’s self, spouse or dependent for whom the taxpayer can claim an exemption.

More information concerning these tax benefits is available at:

Higher Educational Expenses Can Benefit Your Bottom Line

taXBenefItS

www.nasfaa.org/taxbenefitsguide.html

The Kelly Family


Oklahoma Christian delivers missing document notifications and financial aid award packages, complete with estimated billing, the way students prefer to receive them: online.

this electronic process replaces the traditional process of sending hard-copy award letters to students, speeding the notification process and minimizing university costs.

“Your Electronic Award” provides a comprehensive award package to students sooner, enabling them to make decisions and finalize arrangements in a timelier manner. the program offers flexibility to students and families who may be traveling or working away from home.

Many of OC’s online award notifications contain links to tools and resources to help students evaluate and obtain their preferred financing solutions. Award recipients simply respond electronically to Oklahoma Christian to revise their award or accept the award as offered.

Your Electronic Award also features a bill estimator. this tool presents families with a true picture of their total education costs, the aid they have been awarded and the remaining funds they must obtain to fund their education costs.

the bill estimator even adjusts costs to reflect the student’s intended residency choice – dorms, apartments, etc. this tool helps families better plan for and manage their out-of-pocket costs earlier in the process.

Your Electronic Award is a free tool provided by Sallie Mae and USA Funds. the tool improves service to students, maximizes the financial aid information available to families, and frees financial aid offices from administrative activities that take time away from counseling students and their families.

with Answers

Visit www.oc.edu/affordability to see yourself in the examples given and calculate your own potential scholarship and aid package. The site features our Financial Aid and Scholarship Estimator, information on the average amounts awarded to students in particular income brackets, case studies, testimonials, links to our Financial Services blog, and much more!

Think of the site as an online, interactive extension of Parent View. We hope you’ll find the tools and information on the Affordability Website extremely helpful as you plan to send your child to college. Here’s more info about some of our key online features:

The choice to invest in an education at Oklahoma Christian University is the choice to invest in your own future.

Attending college requires a financial commitment from the student, the family, the government, and the school. We believe you’ll find an extraordinary commitment from Oklahoma Christian to make a high quality Christian education affordable for your family.

Affordability website

OC offers a Financial Services Blog and an Admissions Blog to further enhance our ability to communicate new and vital information quickly and efficiently.

The Financial Services Blog (www.oc.edu/financialblog) explores the various types of financial aid, the amount that should be saved for college, and other important facts for future students and their parents. It focuses on four main topics: college savings, scholarship tips, federal and state aid, and outside scholarships. Readers also are provided useful links.

The Admissions Blog (www.oc.edu/admissionblog) explores ways parents can partner with their child in the college search process. It provides tips for the campus visit, choosing a major, and determining the right college fit.

Blogs for Parents

Oklahoma Christian offers an index of information on the university’s website specifically for parents. Visit www.oc.edu/parents.

Parent website

your elecTronic AwArd

Your student will be sent a link to view his/her award letter to the email address listed on their application for admission.

Your family doesn’t need to wait until spring to find out how much financial assistance (including scholarship and grant money) your child may qualify for. Simply visit www.oc.edu/estimator and complete a few simple questions. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be provided with an estimate including scholarships, grants, loans and work study from all sources.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Estimator

Tuition Payment Plan – When all scholarships, grant and loans are calculated, most families have a remaining balance. A great way to pay this balance is with the tuition payment plan. You may divide all or a portion of the remaining balance into eight, nine or ten payments. This service is available through Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI). Additional information will be sent with your award letter. More info is available on request or at www.edsinet.com.

Alternative Student Loan – Alternative loans, also called private loans, are credit-based consumer loans that can be used for any education-related purpose. Most freshmen and students with no credit history require a co-signer. Private student loans should be used only after you have used all available federal Stafford and/or Perkins loans. For more information, please visit www.oc.edu/loans.

PLUS Loan – The Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) is a loan available to the parents of a dependent student. A parent may borrow to cover the cost of a college education on behalf of a child regardless of the family’s income. For complete information, please refer to the federal financial information in this magazine (on page 12) or visit www.oc.edu/loans.

Cash – Parents may pay all or a portion of the remaining balance with cash. This option avoids all processing fees and finance charges.

Credit Card – Many parents may pay all or a portion of their student’s charges with a credit card in order to take advantage of the reward programs offered through credit card companies. However, a credit card may only be used to pay existing costs. Overpaying with a credit card to add a credit on a student’s balance is not allowed. If you would like to pay by credit card, contact your Personal Financial Counselor in the Financial Services Office.

reAsons For diFFerences in FinAnciAl Aid AT diFFerenT schoolsSpecial Circumstances – The federal government uses your previous year’s financial information to determine financial aid eligibility. However, if you (and your family) have unusual circumstances, such as tuition expenses at an elementary or secondary school, unusual medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance, a family member who recently became unemployed, or changes in income or assets that affect your eligibility for financial aid, please contact the financial aid office for guidance. NOTE: You must contact each financial aid office with whom you are corresponding.

Cost of Attendance – Direct student costs such as tuition, fees, room and board are not constant. Indirect costs such as books and personal expenses will differ on an individual basis. To accurately compare aid awards from a different university, you need to compare the total student expense budget and OC’s financial aid award with similar information from other schools.

The Amount of Funding a University has available to Award – Internal and government funding will differ between institutions. Students applying after published deadline dates may see a reduction in aid that could have been awarded.

Summer Work – Students who work just 20 hours per week during the summer should be able to earn enough to pay for their books or apply some money toward their account.

www.oc.edu/financialaid

Many families choose a combination of all the options below to pay for the costs that scholarships, grants and student loans do not cover. Parents may make a down payment and cover the remainder of the balance through a PLUS loan and the Tuition Payment Plan.

PaymentPlanOPtIOnS


PaYING FOR COLLEGESome call it the elephant in the room. Sometimes it’s the 800-pound gorilla. It’s the topic no one is talking about, but what everyone is thinking about.

We’re outing the elephant/gorilla of college admissions ... the cost and value debates.

Obviously, affording a private Christian college education is a concern for many families, particularly when the cost of everything is going up from gasoline to groceries. The popularity of money-management programs such as The Dave Ramsey Show also has kicked the debate up a notch.

“I think education is extremely important. However, going into major debt in order to get a degree that you will never use is ridiculous,” Ramsey wrote on his website, daveramsey.com. “When I hire people for my company, I don’t look only at the degrees they have. I look at desire, attitude, diligence, people skills, and other qualities. These are the things that will determine if they are successful, not necessarily a degree.”

You might think that statements like that would make OC’s admissions folks squirm a little bit. No, in fact, he has helped us.

OC’s foundation was built on transforming students’ lives to not only be successful in a career, but to be people who have the qualities that Ramsey admires. And, no, you can’t necessarily get that at just any college or university.

Jon Junker is an OC alumnus who facilitates Ramsey’s “Financial Peace University” at his congregation. He paid his own way through college in the 1980s – spurred on by his dad, who taught him to spend his money on things that will appreciate over time, like education.

“I believe that a Christian education has a lot of value that may be intangible to those that have not experienced it, such as a better student-teacher ratio, a better environment, lots of opportunities to grow spiritually, and making many good friends for life,” he said.

Jon owns his own company, Redbud Technical Consulting, based in Edmond, Oklahoma. He says that his former professors still remember his name and are genuinely interested in his career and life when he sees them.

He and his wife, Gayle, have three children who are rapidly heading toward college age. And they are planning for it.

“I personally want my kids to have a stake in paying for their higher education, whether it is by earning scholarships or cold, hard cash,” he said. “I believe that if the kid puts a little bit of his or her treasure into it, their heart will follow.”

That’s advice that OC admissions counselor Matt Johns has heard himself giving as he visits with potential students.

“My parents sent three kids to OC, all within eight years. My parents took out a Parent Plus loan after my scholarships and we knew we were not throwing away our money,” Matt said. “We paid for my education knowing that my life would forever be changed for the better.”

Crislyn Ward, another admissions counselor, says she hears the value versus cost question a lot. She gives a response that offers both a “how to” and a passion that is hard not to catch.

“I tell students that my dad was a teacher and my mom was a stay-at-home mom until

I was in high school, which means we didn’t have a lot of money growing up,” she said. “My parents had not been able to save much for my education, but I knew that I wanted to be at a Christian university. So I worked hard in school to get good grades and good test scores. Through hard work, good family support, and the grace of God, not only was I able to come to OC, but both of my younger brothers came here as well.”

Granted, Crislyn, Matt and the other counselors are part of the OC Admissions Team. But you can train a counselor; you can’t force authenticity.

“I do have student loans that I am paying off, but I tell students and parents that those loans are completely worth it. The lifelong friendships I made at OC, the things I learned from my professors, and the experiences I had as a student will always be worth that monthly student loan payment I make each month,” Crislyn said.

Nancy and Steve Thomas are Ramsey followers who had two children at OC at the same time (read about them in another article in this issue of Parent View).

“I agree with Dave Ramsey in that I don’t believe we owe our children a college education, but we always wanted our children to be able to be independent and support themselves,” Nancy said. “If that education and the skills that come with it can help others, then they will always be able to serve in the Lord’s kingdom.”

Talking about elephants, gorillas, student loans, choices and value may not be so controversial after all. Talking it out might just turn dreams into reality.

By Dawn Shelton

Honest talk about the Big Elephant



You’ve been there for your children all of their lives. When it’s time for them to leave the nest, they’ll put on a brave face, but it can be scary for them.

And even though you may put on a brave face, it can be scary for you, too.It helps to have someone you can count on … someone you can trust to help your student navigate the waters.

That’s especially true in the financial services consultation. Those unfamiliar with the financial aid process need a friend and guide to help them, and that’s what OC provides.

“First-time students have different financial aid needs than those of returning students,” said Clint LaRue, director of student financial

services. “Our counselors for incoming students are specially trained to handle their unique needs and concerns.”

The ability of OC financial aid counselors to tailor their skills for different types of students allows them to know students and families on a more personal level. Counselors know students by name and are able to give more of their time to help understand each student’s unique situation.

Another distinct advantage to the OC Financial Services office is that the same counselor handles a particular student’s financial aid awards, financial planning and the collection of tuition expenses, and can work personally with students and parents if there is a concern in any area.

“We are able to work with families step by step through this process, hopefully eliminating any extra concern as they enjoy what should be an exciting time of life,” LaRue said.

The Oklahoma Christian advantage is a personal touch. In a world where we’re lucky to hear a human voice on the other end of the phone after jumping through hoops of automated messages and menus, OC’s financial aid counselors are accessible advocates who go the extra mile, looking for ways to help students’ dreams become realities.

www.oc.edu/financialaid

PerSOnalfInanCIalCOUnSelOrS

Your Advocates and Guides

PARENTVIEW: IF A StUDENt IS HAVING A DIFFICUlt tIME IN AN AREA, wHAt DOES YOUR OFFICE DO tO HElP?

DeanJeffBennett: Our office is staffed with a number of personnel who serve as freshman advisers. they are available to assist new students with areas of difficulty. Both the Dean of Students and the Associate Dean of Students are available to counsel with students on particular issues. we also coordinate with the wellness Center and refer students there if they have issues that are beyond the scope of this office.

PARENTVIEW: IS OC A SAFE CAMPUS?

DeanJeffBennett:Our campus is extremely safe. looking at our crime reports over the past three years, we find that our greatest problems come in the areas of vandalism and theft. Some of those are due in part to the trusting nature of our students, who often do not heed warnings to lock their rooms. we have increased lighting to better secure our parking areas at night. Campus security also is available to escort students from parking areas to their residence if desired.

PARENTVIEW: HOw DO StUDENtS GEt INVOlVED IN CAMPUS lIFE?

DeanJeffBennett:Students can run for various positions in the Student Government Association. Following freshman year, students also have the opportunity to join a Social Service Club, which gives them an opportunity to connect with others with similar interests. Students also are encouraged to get involved in a local church, outreach programs and other clubs.

PARENTVIEW: wHAt IF MY SON OR DAUGHtER BECOMES Ill?

DeanJeffBennett: we have a wellness Center that is staffed with a school nurse, physician and psychologist. Students who become ill can report to the wellness Center during the school day. After hours, students may seek the help of residence hall personnel and may be transported to an emergency room if necessary.

PARENTVIEW: wHAt CAN A PARENt DO tO HElP A StUDENt wHO IS StRUGGlING wItH HOMESICkNESS?

DeanJeffBennett: Parents should discuss the possibility of homesickness prior to sending their student off to school. Students need to know that this is a natural and common occurrence. Frequent telephone calls can be helpful, but parents should help the student reduce excessive parental dependence as early as possible. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Director of Freshman Programs concerning a homesick situation.

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sTudenT liFe Answers common PArenT quesTions

Jeff Bennett, Associate Dean of Students, and the other dedicated personnel in the Office of Student life spend their time doing what they can to ensure students have the best experience they can have on campus. Dean Bennett answered a few questions for Parent View.


CaLENDaRImportant Dates and events to remember

Reserve dorm space!

15 Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

FEB

Ru

aR

Y

5-6 Spring Sing & Spring Visit (Weekend Visit Event)

15-19 Spring Break

26 Campus ConnectMa

RC

H Register for New Student Orientation and Parent Orientation


aP

RIL 1 Housing Deposit Refund

Deadline

7 New Student Orientation

7 Parent Orientation

Ma

Y


19 Parent OrientationJuN

E

Plan a school shopping trip

JuLY


24-28 Earn Your Wings

30 Classes Beginau

Gu

ST

For a complete list of OC events, visit www.oc.edu/calendar

Encourage your student to apply to OC … application fee waived through September.


25-26 Fall Visit (Weekend Visit Event) Freshman FanfareSE

PT

EM

BER


15-16 Fall Break

19 Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)O

CT

OBE

R


6-7 OC Homecoming

25-27 Thanksgiving Break

NO

VE

MBE

R

Finish your taxes this month and complete FAFSA

11 Spring Classes Begin

15 Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)Ja

Nu

aR

Y4 Campus Connect (Group Visit Event)

15 Early Admit Deadline

21 Christmas Break Begins

DE

CE

MBE

R2009-2010

LOOkING TOMakE a DIFFERENCE

“If you are looking to change the world, OC is a great place to start.”

You might expect to get such a statement in a cool magazine like Parent View. After all, it is designed by Oklahoma Christian in hopes of encouraging parents to send their kids to the university we love.

But when you hear that from a student … and he says it almost as an understatement … you know it was a genuine assessment that came from the heart.

That’s marketing you really can’t buy.

KC Thomas said it. KC, the son of Steve and Nancy Thomas, just earned his degree in electrical engineering from OC. Nancy, by the way, is an RN who works in OC’s health center and takes care of students when they’re ill.

KC concluded that OC is a great, world-changing launching pad after seeing how the students themselves will organize projects – like Wishing Well (a project to raise money to provide fresh water wells in Africa) – and participate in prayer sessions, accountability groups and late-night devotionals.

“The university is progressive to let us look for ways to grow and change and find our own faith,” KC said.

His mom agrees. In fact, she says that is one of the reasons she and her husband planned for their son and daughter, Lacey, a nursing major, to attend OC.

“Academics and education for our children have always been priorities for Steve and me. We always prayed that our children would come into their own faith and be independent,” Nancy said. “OC gives them that platform so they can ask questions and be taught and mentored by faculty who show their faith in everything that they do.”

Steve and Nancy believe their plan is working. They’ve seen their family conversations become deeper and flavored with more spiritual maturity. Nancy said her kids have

even taught her new things that they have learned in their Bible classes.

She also says she has heard a few “horror stories” from friends whose kids are at other schools where partying (and more partying) is emphasized.

Lacey, who was selected as a Spring Sing Hostess as an OC freshman, agrees. She couldn’t possibly be more enthusiastic about OC.

She didn’t even mind freshman curfew! That’s because it was when she and her friends from the dorm knew they would get together to talk about the day. They studied together, prayed together ... and of course, just had fun.

“I know these girls will be my friends for the rest of my life,” Lacey said.

The opportunities at OC have not come without planning and sacrifice. The kids grew up eating off-brand cereal, wearing clearance-rack clothes and riding around in older cars (giving kids at school many ribbing opportunities).

It was a strategy to be good stewards of their money and to keep materialism at bay. It was also what we parents like to call “character-building” exercises.

“They may not see the value yet, but I see the people they are becoming,” Nancy said.

Both KC and Lacey have been on mission trips to Honduras and Mexico. Lacey spent a month in the African country of Ghana in 2008. KC participated in a summer Vienna Studies program.

“He came home with so much more confidence and a greater appreciation for his values and beliefs,” Steve said.

Having an OC education is part of Steve and Nancy’s long-term vision for their family. A vision that could change the world.

By Dawn Shelton


CAmpUs

Comprehensive information you may find helpful when planning your family’s campus visit is available at www.oc.edu/visitcampus and www.oc.edu/beforeyouvisit. Information at these web addresses includes:•Detaileddirectionstocampus•Parkingsuggestions•Campusmap• LocalinformationaboutOklahomaCityandEdmond•Overnightstayinformation(localhotels)•Diningoptions

AddiTionAl inFormATion

Fall and Spring Visit both provide a weekend of fun and informational activities for future OC student families. Both events include Friday campus visits, an overnight stay for students in one of OC’s residence halls, and Saturday academic programming (academic and student life fairs, academic department showcases, performance scholarship auditions, etc.).

Fall Visit means a trip to a local Oklahoma City hotspot and a performance of Freshman Fanfare (OC’s freshman variety show). Spring Visit includes the much-anticipated annual Spring Sing performance (featuring themed shows by OC’s social service clubs). Both juniors and seniors and their families are invited to attend Fall and Spring Visit.

FAll And sPring VisiT: Two dAys; oVernighT eVenT

If your family can make just one visit to OC, this is the option for your student! An individual visit is especially appropriate for high school senior families. Let Admissions Office staff tailor a personalized campus visit experience just for your student. You’ll walk the campus, attend Chapel, enjoy a complementary lunch, attend class, visit with a faculty member about your student’s potential major, and meet your child’s admission counselor. Visits can be scheduled most weekdays.

indiViduAl cAmPus VisiT:one dAy; indiViduAl sTudenT FAmily VisiT

Students make campus connections at this one-day, small-group program. High school sophomores, juniors, seniors and parents are invited to attend. Campus Connect is pre-planned with a specific schedule of events to give your family a comprehensive look at OC. Schedule highlights include a campus walk, class visit, complementary lunch, financial aid session for parents, and more. A limited number of slots are available for each session, so please register early.

cAmPus connecT:one dAy; smAll grouP ProgrAm

•Monday,September7• Friday,October9•Monday,October19• Friday,November6(Homecoming)•Friday,December4• Friday,January15•Monday,February15• Friday,March26•Friday,April16

one-dAy eVenT dATes

•FallVisit,September25-26• SpringVisit,March5-6

oVernighT eVenT dATes

To schedule a campus visit, go to www.oc.edu/visitcampus or call the Admissions Office at 800.877.5010.

The Admissions Office at Oklahoma Christian University invites your family to visit campus. With three campus visit program options, you’ll find an event to meet your needs.

To register for Fall and Spring Visit, visit www.oc.edu/visitcampus or call the Admissions Office at 800.877.5010.


Through the years, mission work and evangelism have taken the Hobbes family all over the world – from Washington, D.C., to Oklahoma City … from Guatemala to California.

Today, sharing the Gospel remains a big part of the family tradition. Pancho, who spent 12 years as a missionary in Guatemala, is the mission minister at an inner-city congregation. His wife, Lera, helps with the women’s ministry there. And their four children regularly go on mission campaigns.

But now, when they spread the word about the Christian life, they also talk about the impact Oklahoma Christian has made on their family. And their passion has built a pipeline from northern California that has blessed their kids with a lot of friends and familiar faces on the OC campus.

Of course, that doesn’t mean it wasn’t hard sending Ben and their oldest daughter, Miriam, off to college thousands of miles away.

“Losing our son and first daughter was rough. It was like a punch in the stomach,” Lera said. “But we were so excited because we always wanted them to get a Christian education. We believed in OC and we had friends in Oklahoma, so that took some of the angst out of it.”

Ben and Miriam just graduated from OC. Ben was a mass communication major who had an award-winning radio show and played varsity basketball at OC. Miriam was a nursing major whose interests were a perfect match with courses that send students to practice in Honduras.

“I appreciate the way OC combines exactly what I’m looking for – my love for missions and service and medical care,” Miriam said. “And I love that OC is welcoming to every continent. A lot of times, college students will stay in their shell, but we have a chance to really connect with the international students that OC brings in.”

Ben and Miriam were joined last year by their sister, Rachel, who also plans a career in medicine. The Hobbes’ youngest daughter, Rebecca, hits campus next year … along with several friends from her California bible camp.

“We know our kids will be making big decisions in this time of their lives,” Pancho said. “Good teaching is so important because we want them to be challenged and supported. OC has a healthy environment with caring faculty who are so helpful, and it’s a place where they’ll make friends that last forever.”

Besides the academic, spiritual and social

support system his children have at OC, Pancho said the upgrades and growth on campus and in the Oklahoma City metro area also made an impact: “It showed that they

weren’t resting on their laurels, but had a vision to grow for the future,” he said.Of course, Pancho and Lera are playing a direct role in that growth by sending their four kids to Oklahoma Christian, and planting the seed in many other teens that have chosen OC. Though their commitment comes with financial sacrifices (OC hasn’t put them on the recruiting payroll just yet!), they believe the sacrifices are worth it. And they’ll share that belief with anyone who will listen.

“Your child’s faith is going to be challenged wherever they are,” Lera said. “We know OC isn’t perfect, but it gives our kids the last vestige of a concentrated Christian environment before they go out into the world – not as protection, but as preparation. OC’s a good place for them.”

By Wes McKinzie

FaMILY SPREaDS THE wORD aBOuT wHaTOC MEaNS TO THEM

Your child’s faith is going to be

challenged wherever they are ...

OC is a good place for them.


Six new apartment buildings ... two new residence halls ... renovation of existing residence halls ... a new central plant that allows personal temperature control in every new and many of the renovated rooms and apartments. OC’s new housing is nice.

The project has dramatically changed the campus landscape and improved OC students’ “homes away from home.”

Beginning with sophomore year, students have the opportunity to live in University House North (men) or University House South (women). These new residence halls are state-of-the-art facilities featuring bathrooms, microwaves, refrigerators and ceiling fans in each suite, laundry rooms on each floor, a theatre room, fitness center, and more.

Juniors and seniors have the option to live in one of OC’s new apartment complexes. Each apartment unit includes a full kitchen, dishwasher, living area, balcony or patio area, bathroom, and full-size washer and dryer. Students can choose either single bedrooms or double bedrooms.

All the rooms include high-speed network and Internet access. Not that students need it – our completely wireless campus lets them work and surf on their school-provided MacBook laptop or iPhone/iPod touch.

The new residence halls also include a “hotel room” available to visiting parents. For reservation information, contact Judy Davis at (405) 425-5930 or [email protected].

Get more housing information, including floor plans and details on other amenities, at www.oc.edu/living.

OC’s recent $34 million housing initiative means

first-class living on a cutting-edge campus

hOUsinG

Men’s freshman dorm room in Fails Hall

SophomoreUniversity House


FROM Texas, wITH LOVE


The Panter family is a house divided.

With both Texas and Texas A&M fans in the home, the passions and tensions can run deep when the Longhorns and Aggies clash.

Of course, there’s also a lot they agree on. And from parents Tommy and Gwen down to the last of their four sons, they share a strong consensus on the need for a strong, Christian collegiate experience.

That consensus led three of the four Panter sons to Oklahoma Christian University. Caleb and Luke are recent graduates and Andrew is a sophomore at OC.

When you ask Tommy and Gwen if they went to a Christian university, they respond, “Unfortunately not.” Their college experience, they say, is one reason they’re so gung ho about Oklahoma Christian.

“Our main priority as our kids came up was protecting them and supporting them in Christian ways,” Tommy said. “Young adulthood is critical in the development of character – more of them pull away from Christ at that age. We wanted our kids to be in a place with strong academic credentials where they could be around good people and stay on the right path.”

The academic focus is strong in the Panter home. Tommy, who got his master’s in biblical studies at Abilene Christian University, is the assistant principal and attendance administrator at the high school in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Gwen teaches fifth-grade science and social studies in one of the local elementary schools.

Their work in education means they didn’t have a big nest egg to draw from when their kids went to college. But OC’s academic scholarships, which reward good scores on the SAT or ACT, and other financial

opportunities are a big help to families who want to invest in a Christian atmosphere for their children.

“With the help they can get initially, it sort of evens out between OC and the major state universities here in Texas. After that, we’ve paid some and our kids have worked – we haven’t had to go into terrible debt,” Tommy said.

As Caleb and Luke got involved on campus, it paid off big time … not just in taking care of tuition, but in the experiences they’ve had.

Both of them were officers with OC’s student government association and helped lead Earn Your Wings, OC’s big event for incoming students. Luke worked as a residence assistant and in a variety of offices around campus.

Caleb, who earned a scholarship to play varsity basketball at Oklahoma Christian, is still plugged in as an assistant coach while he

pursues his graduate law degree at a nearby school.

“OC has made it a real experience for them, and that’s helped pay for their schooling. They had to figure out ways to enjoy all of it and figure out ways to pay for it,” Gwen said. “It’s been a sacrifice, but God has taken care of us and we totally give Him the glory. It’s like the feeding of the 5,000 – we don’t know how it happened, but it happened.”

By Wes McKinzie

PaNTER FaMILY VaLuESOC SCHOLaRSHIPS, COMMuNITY

I don’t think we would have done

anything differently. It’s been a

sacrifice, but God has taken care of

us and we totally give Him the glory.


When Dr. Kathy Thompson attended her first fall faculty meeting at Oklahoma Christian University, she wondered whether she was making the right career decision.

But when Dr. Bailey McBride, who was academic vice president at the time, asked all faculty members to share news about their students, she was amazed at the response. It not only sealed the deal for her new career as a music professor, but it assured her that she wanted her own kids to go to OC. That was in 1993.

“These faculty members were invested in the lives of their students. They wanted them to succeed, and they were so proud to share their successes with us,” she remembers.

Turns out those fellow teachers also invested in the lives of each other, as Thompson would find out 15 years later.

Thompson, Chair of the Music Department, and her husband, Bill, had three of their four children graduate from OC. The one who didn’t attend OC, now teaches here. Mark Thompson is an assistant professor of physics and head cross country coach.

“It’s fun to see him in a different role. He’s a great teacher and very patient. He has created some top-notch online courses,” she said.

In addition to her teaching schedule, which includes courses

in music theory, private and class piano, piano pedagogy, and music

education, she conducts the University Chamber Orchestra. She is a member of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra and supervises the OC Music Academy, a program in which qualified OC students teach music lessons to pre-college students.

It’s a busy and fulfilling schedule in which Thompson thrives. So when a genetic kidney condition, polycystic kidney disease, inched her closer to full-time dialysis as a means to save her life, a friend who sat in that same faculty meeting in 1993 stepped up to donate a kidney.

Dr. Mike Fowler was a long-time member of the OC faculty, serving as distinguished professor of biology. He is now the vice chairman of pharmaceutical sciences at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn.

“I decided to give my kidney because I have been blessed by many people – both family and friends,” Fowler said. “I have had excellent health and understood both the processes and implications of donating a kidney. It was something I could do for a friend that would improve her quality of life so that she could continue to teach and influence others.”

By the time the transplant occurred in May 2008, Thompson’s kidneys were functioning at less than 10 percent. She was very weak and ill, but finished out the semester.

The transplant surgery was successful and Thompson spent the summer recovering and regaining her energy. Fowler is fully recovered from his laparoscopic procedure.

“Friends and family made the whole process convenient and fun. Other than the few days right after the surgery, I really didn’t have any problems. I am very glad I could donate the kidney,” he said.

Fowler said the donation also was a “thank you” to Thompson for giving him back the gift of music.

Thompson encouraged Fowler to pick up his violin again. He had played in high school, but quit when he went to college. Her encouragement led him to play again and join the OC String Ensemble before he moved.

“I continue to practice and play when I have the opportunity. Playing gives me a great stress reliever,” Fowler said.

Thompson said music is an important part of life, whether you make it your career or do it for recreation. Fowler’s gift of life ensures that she will be able to continue making music and sharing her passion.

“I love teaching and I love my students,” she said. “There is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. I have the best career.”

By Dawn Shelton


LIFEaFTER COLLEGE

when it comes to sending your kids to college, it’s no wonder moms and dads want to be thrown a rope.

there’s the emotional roller coaster involved in sending your child to live and learn away from you.

there’s the endless process of filling out applications for admissions, financial aid, scholarships, housing and meal plans.

And there’s the financial implication involved in making it all happen.

So many parents have “been there, done that,” that they want to help the next class of parents who drop their kids off at OC each August.

the OC Parent Association was formed in 1990 with one basic goal – to improve communication between parents and the university.

through the popular throw Me A Rope parent orientations, information is shared about everything from where your student can do laundry to how healthy the food in the cafeteria is.

there also are tips about finding out about your son or daughter’s school bill, how to find that information online and what a PFC (Personal Financial Counselor) is.

these summer orientations are designed to be informative, yet humorous, and to allow parents to unload a little stress before heading back home.

the Parent Association also helps with care packages throughout the school year. You can order cakes for birthdays, late-night snacks for studying, a balloon and candy to say, “we love you,” and a variety of other items to keep in touch and encourage, your child.

Above all, the Parent Association provides a network of parents who want the best for their children and can share experiences. Parents can be assured that OC’s staff and faculty care for their sons and daughters physically, academically and spiritually.

Find out more about the Parent Association at www.oc.edu/parents.

Whether it’s going to med school or law school, getting an advanced degree, or beginning a professional career, OC has a high placement rate for its alumni.

We’ve heard from many employers – the governor of Oklahoma, presidents of large corporations, superintendents of school districts, and more – who hire OC graduates because of their strong work ethic (begun by you) and excellent academic preparation.

Here are just a few of their stories (and the names haven’t been changed to protect the excellent!).

John Maple was first in his class at medical school. After six years at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, he’s one of just two doctors in Oklahoma who have expertise in the specialty area of advanced endoscopic procedures.

Jennifer Ma was the chief designer of visual and special

effects for the opening and closing ceremonies at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Nathan Pope went to work for Ernst & Young, the world’s third-largest public accounting firm, right after he graduated from OC. Now he’s part of a group that advises companies when they’re making million- and billion-dollar deals.

Sherri Coale, the head women’s basketball coach at the University of Oklahoma, has won numerous Big 12 titles and has led her team to two NCAA Final Fours. She’s one of nine OC alumni who are head coaches at NCAA Division I schools.

OC alumnus Shon Smith has become one of the most sought-after ministers in the U.S., serving as a keynote speaker at conferences and lectureships around the country in addition to his pulpit work at University Church of Christ in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Lando Hamlett’s job as a senior engineer for Honda has taken him to Japan and back as he researches new and future technologies to enhance occupant safety.

Western Village Academy hired Joy Rainey as soon as she earned her education degree and teaching certificate. Joy and other OC alumni have helped the inner-city elementary school go from the academic at-risk list to one of the best charter schools in the nation.

Jeff Dimick saw his career launch into an orbit that led him to Boeing, managing the GPS technology that does everything from give us directions in our cars to help ensure our national security.

Most students at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government have years of professional experience, but OC grad Andrew Silvestri got a jump on his career by being part of the four percent who are accepted straight out of college.

Diana Oglesby started working for NASA while she was still an OC student; now she’s a computer engineer at Kennedy Space Center.

As a parent, you have prayed over the decisions, choices and opportunities your child will make. You’ve done your best, and it’s time to let them start becoming the person God wants them to be. At OC, you’ll find faculty and staff who will honor that and continue to help them fly.

Some students come to OC with career goals in mind, and some come with general broad ideas. OC’s career services office provides assistance throughout college, helping your student explore majors, job opportunities and much more. Free services available through OC’s career services office include career assessments, career exploration, resume/cover letter critiques, mock interviews/interview preparation, and assistance in obtaining internships, part-time work or full-time work. For more information, contact Director of Career Services Mark Chan at (405) 425-5960 or at [email protected].

See what OC grads are up to

PArenT AssociATion

Alan and Emily


AGI:(AdjustedGrossIncome): All taxable income less IRS allowable adjustments to income. This figure is from U.S. IRS tax forms.

AcademicYear: A period of time used to measure a quantity of study. At OC, it is the fall and spring semester.

AccruedInterest: Interest that accumulates on the unpaid principal balance of a loan.

Alternativeloans: (also called private student loans) are based on credit and do not require completing a FAFSA, but often carry a higher interest rate than federal loans. Much like a Stafford loan, repayment begins when a student drops below half-time hours. Alternative loans are used by students when federal financial aid cannot meet all educational financial needs.

Amortization: The process of gradually repaying a loan over an extended period of time through periodic installments of principal and interest.

AwardLetter: An official document issued by a financial aid office listing all the financial aid awarded to the student. The award letter will include information about the cost of attendance and terms and conditions for the financial aid.

Borrower: The person who receives the loan.

CapitalizationofInterest: Addition of unpaid interest to the principal balance of a loan, which increases the total outstanding balance due.

Cosigner:A person who signs the promissory note in addition to the borrower and is responsible for the obligation if the borrower does not pay.

CostofAttendance: The total cost for one academic year - tuition, fees, room, board, supplies, transportation and personal expenses.

CPS(CentralProcessingSystem): The organization that processes the information submitted on the FAFSA and submits the results to students and colleges.

Credit-Worthy: An individual with no negative credit history per the criteria established by the lender.

Deferment:A period during which a borrower, who meets certain criteria, may suspend loan payments. For some loans, the federal government pays the interest during a deferment. On others, the interest accrues and is capitalized, and the borrower is responsible for paying it.

DependentStudent: An undergraduate student whose parents provide more than half of his or her financial support. A dependent student is not married, is under 24 years of age, has no legal dependents, is not an orphan or ward of the court, nor a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Parents of a dependent student must submit parental information on the FAFSA for their son or daughter to be considered for financial aid. Parents of dependent students are eligible for the PLUS Loan program. (See also Independent.)

Disbursement:The release of loan funds to the school for delivery to the borrower. Disbursements are usually made in equal multiple installments co-payable to the borrower and the school.

DisclosureStatement: Statement of the total cost and amount of a loan, including the interest rate and any additional finance charges.

EDSI(EducationalDataSystemsInc.)TuitionPaymentPlan:This is a payment plan option available to families who want to make monthly payments to the school.

EFC(ExpectedFamilyContribution): The amount a family is expected to contribute to a student’s education. EFC is calculated based on family earnings, net assets, savings, and size of family and number of family members in college.

EligibleNon-Citizen:Someone who is not a U.S. citizen, but is nevertheless eligible for federal student aid. Eligible non-citizens include U.S. permanent residents who are holders of valid green cards, U.S. nationals, holders of form I-94 who have been granted refugee or asylum status, and certain other non-citizens. Non-citizens who hold student visas or exchange visitor visas are not eligible for student aid.

EnrollmentStatus: An indication of whether you are a full-time or part-time student. Generally you must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program to qualify for financial aid.

Entitlement:Entitlement programs award funds to all qualified applicants. Federal student loans are an example of such a program.

FAA(FinancialAidAdministrator):A college or university employee who is involved in the administration of financial aid. Some schools call FAAs ‘Financial Aid Advisors,’ ‘Financial Aid Counselors’ or ‘Personal Financial Counselors.’

FAFSA(FreeApplicationforFederalStudentAid):The form that must be completed by students and parents applying for Federal Title IV student aid.

FFELP:TheFederalFamilyEducationLoanProgram. Stafford and PLUS loans are financed by private lenders and guaranteed by the government.

FinancialAidPackage:A combination of financial aid (scholarships, grants, loans and/or work-study) awarded by the financial aid office of a college or university.

FinancialNeed:The difference between the cost of attendance at a college and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

FixedInterest: On a fixed interest loan, the interest rate remains the same for the life of the loan.

GiftAid: Financial aid, such as grants and scholarships, which does not need to be repaid.

Grants: Financial aid awards that do not have to be repaid. Grants are available through the government, state agencies and colleges.

IndependentStudent:A student who is either married, 24 years of age or older, enrolled in a graduate or professional education program, has legal dependents other than a spouse, is an orphan or ward of the court, or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Interest:An amount calculated as a percent of the principal loan amount that is charged for borrowed money.

Loan: A type of financial aid that is available to students and their parents. Education loan programs have varying interest rates and repayment provisions. An education loan must be repaid.

LoanEntranceandExitInterview: Students with educational loans are required to complete a loan counseling session before they receive their first loan disbursement and again before they graduate or otherwise leave school. During these counseling sessions, called entrance and exit interviews, the FAA reviews the repayment terms of the loan and the repayment schedule with the student.

Need: The difference between the cost of education and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the student’s financial need.

NeedAnalysis: Calculation used to determine a student’s need for financial assistance for college expenses. The analysis determines the family’s ability to contribute to costs compared to the student’s cost of attendance.

Need-Based: A means of determining eligibility for certain types of financial aid using financial need as the determining factor.

Origination:The process whereby the lender, or a servicing agent on behalf of the lender, handles the initial application processing and disbursement of loan proceeds.

OriginationFee: Fee payable by the borrower and deducted from the principal of a loan prior to disbursement to the borrower. For federally-backed loans, the origination fee is paid to the government to offset the cost of the interest subsidy to borrowers. For private loan programs, the origination fee is generally paid to the originator to cover the cost of administering and insuring the program.

Overaward: The amount of financial aid proceeds that, when added to other student financial assistance, exceeds the borrower’s educational need.

PLUS(ParentLoansforUndergraduateStudents):Federally-insured loans for parents of dependent students.

PellGrantProgram:The largest grant program. Eligibility and award amounts are determined by the college based on established guidelines.

PerkinsLoans: Federally-insured loans funded by the government and awarded by the school. The loans feature a low interest rate and are repayable over an extended period.

PFC(PersonalFinancialCounselor):This is your contact person for any questions you have about financial aid and your student account.

PromissoryNote:Contract between a borrower and a lender that includes all the terms and conditions under which the borrower promises to repay the loan.

SAR(StudentAidReport): An output document sent to a student by the application processor. The SAR contains financial and other information reported by the student on the FAFSA. The student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is printed on the front of the SAR and is the figure used by colleges to determine eligibility for aid.

Self-HelpAid:Financial aid in the form of loans or student employment.

SEOG: Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Program; grant funds made available through some schools to a limited number of undergraduate students with financial need.

SubsidizedStaffordLoans: Need-based loans.

Transcript: A list of all the courses that a student has taken at a particular high school or college with the grades that the student earned in each course.

UnsubsidizedStaffordLoans: Non-need-based loans.

VerificationWorksheet: A form sent by the college to students who are selected for verification by the Department of Education’s Central Processing System.

WorkStudy: A program, awarded by the college, through which students work part-time to help fund their education.

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glossAry of FINANCIAL AID TERMS


At Oklahoma Christian University, our students

learn to push their limits without compromising

their faith. Spiritually grounded, they are fully

equipped and ready to impact the world.

Documents

Parent View 2009