Converse Main Menu | Financial Aid
	Converse College seeks to make education possible for graduate students through the federal and state loan programs. Getting Started To be considered eligible for financial aid, you must first apply and be accepted into a degree program prior to the term for which you wish to receive aid. Although Converse operates on a rolling admissions basis, it is best to apply as early as possible. Students interested in receiving financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) as soon after January 1 as possible. This form relies on tax information from that year. Submitting the FAFSA determines your eligibility for federal and state loan programs. FAFSA forms are available in the Converse Office of Financial Assistance, and online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. List Converse College in Step 6 of the FAFSA, and your information will be sent directly to the College for faster processing. The Title IV School Code for Converse College is 003431 Once your FAFSA results, Converse financial aid application, and admissions information have been received, Converse will send an award letter containing the details of your financial aid package. Sources of Financial Assistance Loans: Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan Program:   The Stafford Loan Program is a low-interest loan made to students from an outside lender. Graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 a year. The interest rate for new borrowers is variable, but cannot exceed 8.25%. The interest is paid to the lender by the federal government while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time. Repayment of the loan and interest begins six months after the student drops below half time, withdraws, or graduates, and may extend over ten years depending upon the amount borrowed. If you are eligible to borrow under the program, the Office of Financial Assistance will notify you by forwarding the necessary application with your award letter. Eligibility is based on your level of financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program:  Students who do not qualify for a subsidized Stafford Loan or who are not eligible for the full Stafford Loan amounts are eligible for the unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The unsubsidized loan program incorporates the same interest and repayment guidelines as the Federal Stafford Loan Program with the following exception: under the unsubsidized program, interest begins accruing while the student is enrolled. Interest may either be paid during the deferment period or may be capitalized; in which case the interest will be added to the principal amount of the loan. All students are eligible for this loan, however, you must file the FAFSA to qualify. South Carolina Teachers Loan Program:  To encourage talented and qualified South Carolina students to enter the teaching profession, the State of South Carolina developed the Teachers Loan Program to assist students with college expenses. The loans can be canceled at the rate of 20% per year by teaching in South Carolina public schools in state-designated areas of critical need. Applications are available in the Office of Financial Assistance beginning in January for the following academic year. The deadline for applying is June 1st. Graduate Assistantships: Converse offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to assist students with their educational costs. Assistantships require at least twenty hours of work each week in a specific campus office. Compensation for the assistantship is equal to the tuition of one graduate course per semester. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies for education at (864) 596-9220 for more information.  Click here for more information on Graduate Assistantships in Music or contact the Petrie School of Music Office of Music Admissions at (864) 596-9021 for more information.   Contact Us If you have any questions or comments about the financial aid process, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance at (864) 596-9019 or financial_aid@converse.edu.. We're here to help.