Department website: https://www.vanguard.edu/admissions/financial-aid

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FIRST-TIME FRESHMEN AND TRANSFERS:

Vanguard University offers a wide-range of academic scholarships programs to recognize and reward the scholastic accomplishments of our most distinguished entering freshmen and transfers. Scholarship selection coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Scholarships are renewable for 8 semesters for entering freshmen and up to 6 semesters for transfer students provided renewal GPA requirements are met. If the renewal GPA is not achieved, the academic scholarship will be reduced to the corresponding Academic Scholarship level for subsequent aid years.  Detailed information about these programs can be found on the Financial Aid Office website at https://www.vanguard.edu/admissions/financial-aid.

Eligible academic scholarship recipients who complete a FAFSA will also be considered for all types of federal, state and institutional aid in accordance with University policies and federal and state regulations. Receipt of an academic scholarship does not preclude consideration from other financial aid awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD EMERGING LEADER:

Vanguard University administers this competitive annual award of $1,500 that may be available to full-time traditional undergraduate students who demonstrate superior involvement and leadership in their Assemblies of God (AG) church, community, and/or high school. Preference is given to students who receive a superior rating at the AG National Fine Arts Festival or National Bible Quiz. A copy of the award certificate should be submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. To be eligible freshmen applicants must apply by the early action admission application deadline and have a Cal Grant (Grades 10/11, unweighted core) GPA of 3.0. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three years based on maintaining the 3.0 renewal GPA.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD CHURCH GRANT PROGRAM:

Grant amounts will vary and must be requested by the Church and approved by Vanguard University before the student may be awarded. Eligible students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA. A FAFSA is not required to qualify.

CAL GRANT:

Eligibility for this state grant is determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), based on California high school GPA or California Community College GPA, household size and family income and assets as reported on the FAFSA. All undergraduates who are residents of California are encouraged to apply. Cal Grants do not need to be repaid. For more information visit https://www.csac.ca.gov/.

CHAFEE GRANT:

A California state grant offered to California foster youth who have aged out of foster care to help pay for college. The maximum award is $5,000 per school year. It is a federal and state funded grant subject to annual availability of funds. It does not need to be repaid.

FEDERAL PELL GRANT:

This federal grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students. The Federal Pell Grant is gift aid that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility and award amounts are determined in accordance with federal regulations and are based on factors that may include the Student Aid Index (SAI), enrollment status, cost of attendance, and other applicable federal eligibility criteria as determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Award amounts may be prorated based on enrollment status.

FEDERAL SEOG GRANT:

This federal grant program is designed to provide financial assistance to students with the highest levels of demonstrated financial need. Recipients must also qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is gift aid and does not need to be repaid.

MINISTRY GRANT FOR TRADITIONAL UNDERGRADUATES:

Ministry grants of $1,000 annually are awarded by Vanguard University to those involved in full-time Christian service as ordained or licensed ministers and missionaries, or their dependents. The Office of Undergraduate Admission and the Financial Aid Office confirm eligibility at point of admission. Supporting documentation must be submitted each year by the Financial Registration deadline or the grant will be removed.

NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST:

Awards up to 100% of tuition are available to full-time undergraduate students selected as national merit finalists and entering VU as first-time freshmen. Awards are renewable for up to four years based on maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA.

SCHOLARSHIPS:

There are additional scholarships available to VU students. Most scholarships are awarded by the Financial Aid Office and do not require a special application to be considered.

TALENT SCHOLARSHIPS (ATHLETICS, MUSIC, MUSICAL THEATRE, AND THEATRE):

Athletics Scholarships: Available to students involved in the Intercollegiate Athletic Program at Vanguard University. Award amounts will vary and are determined by the Athletic Department. Recipients are selected annually and are renewable upon the recommendation of the athletic coach and athletic department.  Recipients of Athletic scholarships are not eligible to receive Vanguard Need Grants or Vanguard Grants. Athletic scholarship amounts cannot exceed direct costs, which include tuition, on-campus housing and university meal plans. Athletic scholarships will not be awarded for health insurance, books, transportation, off-campus or with parent living expenses.

• Music Scholarship: Available to Music majors, exceptionally talented non-majors may also be considered. Award amounts will vary and are determined by the Music department. Audition required.
• Music Theatre Scholarship: Available to Musical Theatre majors only. Award amounts will vary and are determined by the Theatre department. Audition required.
• Theatre Scholarship: Available to students who make significant contributions to Theatre productions sophomore through senior year. Award amounts will vary and are determined by the Theater department. Audition required. 

VANGUARD NEED GRANT AND VANGUARD GRANT:

These Vanguard University grants may be awarded to Traditional Undergraduate Students who demonstrate particularly high levels of financial need or merit. Recipients are selected by the Financial Aid Office. Students must complete a FAFSA annually by March 2nd to be considered. Student athletes are not eligible to receive these awards.

STUDENT AND PARENT LOANS

Federal student and parent loans require that the student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide any additional information requested by the Financial Aid Office to determine eligibility. After a federal loan has been disbursed, borrowers may request to cancel all or a portion of the loan within 120 days of the disbursement date, in accordance with federal regulations.

FEDERAL SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED DIRECT LOANS:

Low-interest federal loans are available to eligible students enrolled at least half-time who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are awarded based on financial need, while Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available regardless of financial need, subject to annual and aggregate loan limits. Annual loan eligibility for students enrolled less than full-time is determined in accordance with applicable federal regulations. Repayment begins six months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. An origination fee applies. For more information visit www.studentaid.gov.

FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN:

A low-interest federal loan available to creditworthy parents of dependent undergraduate students. Parents must complete the Federal Direct PLUS Loan Application and a Master Promissory Note at www.studentaid.gov. For new Parent PLUS borrowers, the maximum loan amount is $20,000 per academic year, subject to a $65,000 aggregate limit per dependent student, federal eligibility requirements, and any applicable legacy provisions. An origination fee applies. The student must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

PRIVATE LOANS:

Private educational loans are available to creditworthy students who complete the application process with the lender of their choice. Loan eligibility, terms, and approval are determined by the lender. Private loans may be used to assist with educational expenses, including eligible prior balances, subject to institutional and lender requirements. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required; however, students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid before applying for a private loan.

STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

FEDERAL WORK-STUDY:

A source of employment for students who qualify based on financial need. This program is jointly funded by the federal government and Vanguard University. Students are hired part-time by an employer on campus, and they may earn up to the amount listed on their financial aid award letter.   

VA WORK STUDY:

A source of employment for students who qualify based on their G.I. Benefit eligibility. This program is fully funded by the Department of Veteran Affairs. For more information, contact the university's VA School Certifying Official.