Financial assistance comes in a variety of forms and from many sources, both public and private.
Students who possess strong test scores and high grade point averages are eligible for numerous merit scholarships at Transylvania. These awards range from several thousand dollars to full tuition. Scholarships are also offered to students with impressive achievements, particular skills, or special qualifications.
To find out more about the scholarships Transylvania offers, view our list of scholarship opportunities.
Christian Church (DOC) Scholarships
Transylvania offers a number of scholarships for members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For more information, please click here.
Designated Scholarships
Transylvania awards a number of designated scholarships; however, the majority of these scholarships are awarded to students who are in their sophomore, junior, or senior years at the university. There is no application required to be considered for these scholarships. Rather, Transylvania's Financial Aid Office will award each scholarship on the basis of academic performance at Transylvania, financial need as determined by the FAFSA, and the specific criteria of the scholarships.
Transylvania takes part in the Federal Student Aid Programs, which include three types of aid. Eligibility for these programs is based on information provided on a completed FAFSA form.
Grants
These awards are gifts to students, based on need. Two federal grants exist:
Pell Grant
For the 2013-14 academic year, the Pell Grant ranges from $400 to $5,645 per year depending on the student's need.
SEOG Grant
The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is up to $1,000 per year and is given only to students receiving the Federal Pell Grant.
Work-Study
The Federal College Work-Study (FCWS) program allows students to work a set number of hours a week at campus jobs for an hourly rate. Students receive paychecks for this work and are expected to use the money for education-related expenses. Transylvania's program offers:
Loans
These awards must be repaid according to schedules devised by the lending entity. Transylvania offers three types of loans, with the following stipulations and interest rates:
Federal Direct Student Loans
Repayment of these loans is deferred while the student is enrolled in college. The maximum loan eligibility depends upon class standing:
The difference between the two types of loans is as follows:
Federal Perkins Loans
These are need-based loans from $500 to $2,000. The interest rate is fixed at 5 percent, and repayment is deferred while the student is in school.
Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loans
The Federal Direct Parent (PLUS) Loan allows parents to borrow up to the cost of a student's education minus any other financial aid the student is receiving. The interest rate is 7.9 percent. For PLUS Loans disbursed after July 1, 2008, parents have the option of repaying the loan either 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed or waiting until six months after the student leaves school or drops below half-time enrollment.
Each student's home state offers a variety of educational grants and scholarships. Students from states other than Kentucky should contact their state government for information. Kentucky offers two types of aid:
KEES Scholarship
The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship can be applied to tuition bills at any post-secondary institution in Kentucky. This scholarship is based on a student's yearly GPA and highest ACT or SAT score. For more information, see the KHEAA homepage.
Grants
Kentucky offers two types of grants, both of which require completion of the FAFSA form for eligibility:
CAP Grant
The College Access Program grant is given to in-state students with high levels of financial need. This grant is set at $1,900 for the 2013-14 academic year.
KTG Grant
The Kentucky Tuition Grant is awarded to in-state students attending Kentucky private colleges and universities. This grant is set at $2,930 per year and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in this grant are urged to complete the FAFSA form before February 1.
A private student loan (also referred to as an alternative loan) is not a federal student loan, but one through a private bank or other lending institution.
Generally, private loans have interest rates, repayment terms, and deferment options that are less favorable than those of the Direct Stafford, Perkins and Parent PLUS Loan programs.
We strongly encourage you to review each of the lender's information to determine which benefits and terms are best for you. Take into consideration repayment terms, interest rates, and deferment options before choosing a private loan. Some lenders may require a co-signer for credit reasons.
Questions regarding a particular lender's private loan program should be directed to that lender.
Steps to take before applying for a private loan

Transylvania University admits students regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.