Financial Aid

Academic Year

The School of Nursing operates on a semester system.  Each semester is 18 weeks.  The academic year begins mid-August and ends mid-May.

Purpose

The role of the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid at Graham Hospital School of Nursing is to help eligible students pursue their educational goals.  The school's financial aid policy is based on the philosophy that the primary responsibility for educational costs rests with students and parents.  It is the goal of the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid to assist students to keep financial obligations at a minimum during their educational experience.  Through federal and state resources, work study, and loans, the school provides award packages which contain both gift and self help forms of assistance.  Priority consideration for funding is given to the students who meet established deadlines for submission of aid forms.  The Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid believes self-help (loan and work) should be a part of the aid package when the student's demonstrated need cannot be met through other means.   The financial aid package process insures effective use of funds available and provides fair and equitable treatment of all applicants.

94% of the students enrolled at Graham Hospital School of Nursing during the 2006 -2007 academic year received some form of financial assistance.

During the 2006-2007 academic year a total of $777,023 was awarded in Federal and State financial aid, student loans, and miscellaneous institutional/outside scholarships.  The total amount of miscellaneous institutional/outside scholarships was $128,306.

The Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid administers the financial aid program and assists students with information and counseling.  All students are encouraged to file for financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements
Financial Aid Awards
Financial Aid Application Procedure
Financial Cost Information
Billings
Uniforms
Books and Professional Supplies

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for financial assistance, a student must meet the following criteria:

• have financial need (except for Unsubsidized Stafford Loans);
• have a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent;
• attend a participating college as a regular student and be working toward a degree or certificate;
• be U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen;
• have a valid Social Security Number;
• be making satisfactory academic progress;
• certify that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes;
• certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and you do not owe money on a federal student grant;
• be registered with Selective Service (if required);

In  Addition:

• Federal student loans must be repaid,
• Students going to college less than half-time may be eligible for Federal Pell Grants and some other Federal student aid programs.
• Students who have received a bachelor's degree are not eligible for Federal Pell Grants or FSEOG, but may be eligible for other Federal student aid programs.
• Students who are attending two schools in the same enrollment period can only receive financial aid at one of the schools.
• Conviction of drug distribution or possession may make a student ineligible.

Financial Aid Awards

The following sources of aid are available:

FEDERAL

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
• Federal Family Educational Loans
• Federal Work Study Programs (FWS)
• VA Benefits

STATE

• Illinois Student Assistance Commission Monetary Award (ISAC)
• Illinois Incentive for Access Grant (IIA)

PRIVATE

• Loans and scholarships from private sources, such as hospitals and health care agencies, service organizations, foundations, and civic organizations.
• Gift aid awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement.

Programs are outlined in more detail in the Financial Aid Handbook.

Financial Aid Application Procedure

Eligibility to receive need based aid is based on a difference between what the parent or spouse and student are expected to contribute toward an education at Graham Hospital School of Nursing and the cost of education.  The family contribution is determined by a federally required formula that weighs factors such as income, assets, debts, family size, number in college, and recognized family expenses.

Awards based on need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal Form (previous filers)   The FAFSA is available from the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.  Students who request financial aid to attend Graham Hospital School of Nursing must indicate our school to receive a report from the FAFSA/Renewal Application.  Graham Hospital School of Nursing's federal code number is 008938.

Listed below are the steps involved in the application procedure:

Step 1
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a renewal Application for Federal Aid (for previous filers).   You can apply for student aid electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov.   Be sure to follow the accompanying instructions and answer all required questions carefully. 

Step 2
Complete the Graham Hospital School of Nursing Financial Aid Application and return it to the Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.

Step 3
You will receive a Student Aid Report within 4 to 6 weeks.  Graham Hospital School of Nursing will receive the report electronically. Information received from these documents is used to determine need eligibility for funds.  All information is held in confidence.  Information will not be released without consent of the student. Students will be notified of any documentation needed by the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.   Documentation may include but not limited to a signed and dated copy of a student's  (and spouse, if married) and his/her parents (if applicable) Federal Tax Return; W-2 forms, verification worksheets, and other income information.

Step 4
After all information is submitted to the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid, you will receive a financial aid award letter listing the amount of assistance offered to you.  You must sign and return the school copy of the award letter to the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid, indicating your acceptance or refusal.

Financial Cost Information
2007-2008
Academic Year

* Tuition includes nursing courses of 9-12 credits and support courses at Spoon River College.  Tuition for a student taking only a 5 credit nursing course is $1,600 per semester plus $79.00 per credit hour for Spoon River College support courses.

**   The meal expense is not included in the above figures.  Meals are available at a discount from the Hospital Cafeteria.

A fee of $50 per year will be added for wireless internet access in the dormitory.

Upon receipt of final acceptance, all entering students are required to pay a non-refundable $75.00 enrollment deposit to insure a place in the entering class.  This deposit is applied toward payment of first semester tuition.

Tuition at Graham Hospital School of Nursing is comparable to other hospital based diploma programs.  The Coordinator of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid maintains catalogs from other schools which include tuition and fees.

Billings

Approximately 2 weeks after the start of each semester, two copies of the billing form are provided for each student.   Upon receipt of the two copies of the billing form the student is to:

• Return one form to the Office of Admissions, Recruitment, and Financial Aid.
• Retain one form for their personal record.

Tuition and fees are due and payable one month after the start date of each semester.  The fees should be paid to the cashier in the Business Office on the main floor of the hospital.

Students will not be furnished an official report of grades, a transcript of credit, receive a diploma, or be permitted to register for another semester until all financial obligations to the School are paid.

Students who withdraw from, or fail the program with tuition amounts due will immediately owe the balance of tuition plus interest.  The interest will accrue on the unpaid portion of the tuition at the rate of 10% from the date of withdrawal. 

Uniforms

Students are responsible for the purchase of a white uniform, white nursing shoes, white lab coat and student patches.   Students may purchase their uniform at any uniform or medical supply store.   Please see student handbook for dress code.

Books and Professional Supplies

Graham Hospital School of Nursing books and supplies may be purchased through the Graham Hospital School of Nursing.  Fees for books and supplies can be added to the student’s billing with their permission.  In the case of withdrawal from Graham Hospital School of Nursing, books and supplies are considered an institutional charge and will be refunded according to the refund policy listed in the School Catalog and Financial Aid Handbook.