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 aid program is designed to provide assistance to students with the highest levels of demonstrated need. This grant is gift aid which does not need to be repaid. The amount of Pell Grant is determined based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA, cost of attendance and enrollment status.

FEDERAL SEOG GRANT:

This federal aid program is designed to provide assistance to students with the highest levels of demonstrated need. Recipients must also qualify for the Pell Grant. This grant is gift aid which 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

All federal loans require that the student complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and respond to any requests from the Financial Aid Office for additional information. Once a loan has disbursed, students have 120 days to request that the loan be cancelled if they no longer wish to borrow it.

FEDERAL PERKINS LOAN:

This federal loan program expired in September 2017 and is no longer available.

FEDERAL SUBSIDIZED AND UNSUBSIDIZED DIRECT LOANS:

Low-interest loans for students enrolled at least half-time, awarded based on need. Repayment begins 6 months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Origination fee applies.

FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT PLUS LOAN:

A low-interest federal loan available to credit-worthy parents of dependent undergraduate students who apply online at https://www.studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action and complete a Master Promissory Note. Maximum award amount equals the cost of attendance minus all other aid received. Origination fees apply.

PRIVATE LOANS:

Loans for credit-worthy students who complete the application process with the lender of their choice.

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.