Atlanta Campus Catalog 2009-2010 - Mercer University

that financial assistance is available only for meeting the difference between the cost of
education and the amount students and parents can reasonably be expected to contribute.
The purpose of Mercer’s financial assistance program is to provide assistance to students
who would be unable to attend college without such aid. Financial assistance may
include scholarships, grants, loans, and part-time employment. These types of assistance
are extended either singly or in combination. The financial assistance award, or “package,”
offered depends upon the student’s academic record and need for assistance. It is
understandable that most students would prefer assistance through a full scholarship or
gift program, but our packaging concept enables the University to assist more students,
thereby making it possible for more students to attend. Each aid applicant will automatically
be considered for all aid programs administered by the Student Financial Planning
Officers.
May 1 is the “priority filing date” for applications for the subsequent fall term.
Completed applications received after this date will be considered based upon availability
of funds. Applicants must complete a Mercer Application for Financial Assistance and
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may complete the FAFSA
on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov and print the Mercer University Application for Financial
Assistance online at www.atlanta.merceraid.com.
How To Apply For Financial Assistance
In order to apply for financial assistance, an applicant must:
1. Apply for admission to the University. Only students who have been accepted for
admission may receive a financial assistance award notification. To obtain an
Application for Admission contact the Admissions Office.
2. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at
www.fafsa.ed.gov. Processing of this application generally requires one week.
Time should be allotted for filing and processing prior to the May 1 deadline date.
3. Complete a Mercer Application for Financial Assistance and return it to the Office
of Student Financial Planning. This form is available at
www.atlanta.merceraid.com.
4. Full-time undergraduate students who are legal residents of Georgia should complete
the Application for the Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant. This form is available
online at www.gacollege411.org.
5. Summer Session: Students applying for financial assistance for the summer session(s)
should apply during the preceding spring semester. Awards are made contingent
upon the availability of funds.
6. Students receiving financial assistance from any source other than Mercer
University are required to advise the Student Financial Planning Officers. An
adjustment to your award may be required.
7. Applications for assistance must be renewed annually.
General Regulations
1. An applicant for financial assistance must be admitted to the University before
financial assistance can be awarded.
2. Ordinarily, financial assistance is awarded for the two semesters of the regular
academic year. One-half of the annual financial assistance award will be paid
each semester, with the exceptions of work-study earnings and the Georgia
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