Financial Aid

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The College serves as a conduit through which students can access federal, private, and state aid to assist in paying the costs associated with attending college. Completing the necessary forms and providing documentation that might be required are the responsibilities of the student.

Most students are eligible for some type of financial aid regardless of family financial circumstances.  To be eligible for aid, students must:

  • Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a Renewal FAFSA designating Stillman College (school code 001044) to receive FAFSA results;
  • Be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen;
  • Be registered with Selective Service (males, 18 years or older only);
  • Be admitted to or enrolled in an eligible degree program;
  • Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress as defined by the Stillman College Office of Financial Aid; and
  • Not owe a refund on a student grant or be in default on a student loan.

The types of aid Stillman offers is in the form of:

  • Grants
    • Federal Pell Grant - awarded based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated by the U. S. Department of Education based on information listed on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, the number of credit hours per semester, and the student's cost of attendance.
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) - awarded based on the student's EFC number, determined upon completion of FAFSA, the student's financial need, and the amount of funds available.
    • Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant - up to $4,000 per year provided to students who agree to teach for four years at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families and to meet other requirements. If the service obligation is not met, the grant is converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
    • Alabama Student Grant - awarded to students who are residents of Alabama and who are enrolled in at least 6 or more credit hours for the fall or spring semester. The award amounts vary. Students are required to complete the Alabama Student Grant Application.
    • Alabama National Guard Education Assistance Program (ANGEP) - funds awarded for tuition and educational fees for Alabama National Guard members. Students must be active and in good standing with a federally recognized unit of the Alabama National Guard.
  • Scholarships
    • Academic and Endowed Scholarships - donated funds given to Stillman College students each year from private gifts made by individuals, groups, or companies. They are awarded to students based on various criteria, including major, high school attended, outstanding academic achievement, community service, leaderships, and/or financial need.
    • Athletic Scholarships - awarded to student-athletes by the Athletic Department. For information about eligibility, please contact the administrative assistant to the Athletics Department, Mrs. Daphne Hood (dhood@stillman.edu; 205.366.8987).
    • Music Scholarships - awarded to students through the choir and band programs. For information about eligibility, please contact the Director of Choral Activities and/or the Director of Bands.
    • Merit-Based Awards - awarded to incoming freshmen as well as transfer students. Eligibility for merit-based awards is determined by the student's SAT/ACT score and GPA.
    • Outside Scholarships - awarded by organizations outside of the college. When searching for outside scholarships, students should consider the various application deadlines and application requirements. (NOTE: Students should never pay a fee to apply for a scholarship.)
  • Work Program
    • Federal Work-Study Program - part-time jobs provided to students with financial need. Awards are up to $2,000 a semester. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 credit hours for financial aid and must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • Loans
    • Federal Direct Stafford Student Loans
      • Federal subsidized loans require students to have a financial need and complete their program of study within 150% of the time needed to complete the program.
      • Federal unsubsidized loans will charge interest while students are in school. The interest can either be paid or applied to the principle.
    • Federal Direct Stafford Parent Plus Loan is made to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid.
    • Private Loans
      • Many private lending institutions offer loans to students and families seeking assistance to meet expenses related to attendance at Stillman College. An alternative/private loan that is not guaranteed by the federal government requires a credit check and may require a co-signer. When searching private loans, students should pay close attention to the borrower benefits, fees, interest rates, and payment options.