Frequently Asked Questions - Adult Degree Programs

Financial Aid information specific to the Adult Degree Programs (onsite and online).

Will I be eligible for financial assistance?

The answer is likely yes, but only the AIM Financial Aid Office can give exact details as far as what type of aid a student is eligible for and the estimated amount. Undergraduate students are typically eligible for grants and loans. In order to receive a financial aid estimate you need to fill out the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

How are OCU's prices in comparison with other programs of this type?

Our programs are reasonably priced as compared to our competitors. When comparing programs it is important to take into consideration two things: flexibility and total cost. Flexibility is important because there are many schools that provide low cost education to adults, but these courses are generally scheduled around traditional aged students' schedules making them inconvenient for adults. Secondly, our programs feature no hidden cost. Our total price includes the tuition, books (including delivery to your house), and any fees.

How will I be able to afford this?

Paying for education is a worry for nearly all the students at any level, but getting an education offers advanced career options and other opportunities. There are also several ways one can pay for education. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement (total or partial). In addition, students could be eligible for federal or state grants as well as federal student loans.

What is financial aid?

Financial aid is any kind of money that is either given or loaned to a student for a period of time, which can assist in paying for school. Last year at Ohio Christian University, our students received over 11.4 million dollars in financial assistance of some type.

Is Ohio Christian University approved to receive Federal and State financial aid?

Yes, Ohio Christian University has been approved to receive both Federal and State financial aid funds. OCU has been approved to do so since 1973.

Does Ohio Christian University accept employer assistance or reimbursements?

Ohio Christian University does accept employer assistance or reimbursements. For specific terms regarding your employer's reimbursement and tuition assistance policies, please see your employee handbook or inquire at your company about the program. OCU is happy to work with students and companies to ensure that education is affordable and easy to access.

Does Ohio Christian University accept funds through military benefits?

Ohio Christian University does accept funds through military benefits. For questions about the program, ask your military contact or OCU VA Certifying Official, Wes Brothers at 740-477-7757.

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for financial aid, you must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The FAFSA can be found at www.fafsa.ed.gov. By completing the FAFSA, you are applying for federal grants and loans, along with state grants. Your financial aid advisor cannot determine your financial aid eligibility until you have completed and signed the FAFSA. The FAFSA must be completed annually. The deadline to complete the FAFSA and be eligible for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant is October 1st.

What information do I need in order to complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA will ask for specific tax information. Therefore, you will need to be prepared to enter information that can be found on the following items:

Your (and your parents', if you are a dependent student) 1040 tax forms from last year. For example, if you are going to be entering school anytime during the 2011-2012 school year, you will need to obtain your 1040 tax forms from the year 2010.
Any W2 forms from your employer (and your parents’ employer, if you are a dependent student) from last year.

What if I don't have a computer or need assistance in completing my FAFSA?

You may contact your financial aid advisor for assistance in one of the following ways:

For students enrolled in the AIM Adult Programs

Email: spayton@ohiochristian.edu
Phone: 740-477-7864 or toll-free @ 1-877-496-8342
Students may use the two available computers in the Financial Aid Office, located in the second floor of Johnson Hall, to fill out their FAFSA. The computer lab located in the OCU library may also be used.
Note to AIM students: If you do not have a computer with internet access, you will need to gain access to one via family, local library or otherwise. You will need this in order to complete coursework, download course guides, etc.

For students enrolled in the Traditional Undergraduate program

E-mail: finaid@ohiochristian.edu
Phone: 740-477-7716 or toll-free at 1-877-7OCU-NOW
The Traditional Financial Aid Office is located in the second floor of Johnson Hall. There are two computers available for student use in this office.
The computer lab(s) in the OCU library may be used as well.

Send by email

How can I make sure that Ohio Christian University receives all of my financial aid information?

This is very important! When asked to enter your school code on the FAFSA, please remember us! OHIO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY'S SCHOOL CODE IS: 003030.

How and when will I know what my financial aid eligibility is?

For students enrolled in the AIM or Gateway programs, a financial aid award packet will be mailed to you after registration. For students enrolled in the Traditional program, a financial aid packet will be mailed to you as soon as your FAFSA information is received and processed. The award packet will include an award letter that will show your financial aid eligibility by listing the names and amounts of all awards offered to you. You can also contact your financial aid advisor for estimates prior to registering, as long as your FASFA has been completed in its entirety. ***Keep in mind that if you have previously attended another institution, you may not have the same eligibility at OCU as you did at your previous institution. Eligibility is determined by the information on your FAFSA, and varies by the type of school (Private/Public/Proprietary) and your enrollment status (Full-time, ¾-time, ½-time, less than ½ time). ***

Are there scholarships available for AIM students?

OCU does not generally offer any institutional scholarships for adult students. However, pastors may be eligible to receive some institutional discounts. Please see your recruiter for details. If you are receiving a scholarship from an outside source, please inform your financial aid advisor as soon as possible.