Converse II Financial Aid
Converse seeks to make education possible for Converse II students through federal and state grants and loan programs.
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 admission basis, it is best to apply as early as possible. To complete an application for financial aid, click here. To complete an Independent Verification Form, click here.
Grants
South Carolina Higher Education Tuition Grant: This is available yearly to students who attend the State's private colleges on a full-time basis and who demonstrate need as computed according to federal criteria. You must be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree. Eligibility is based on your level of financial need as determined by the FAFSA. To be eligible to receive this grant for the following school year, you must file the FAFSA before June 30.
Federal Pell Grant: Grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to the neediest of students.
TEACH Grant
The TEACH Grant is a federally funded program for students who plan to teach in both a critical subject and critical geographic area. This grant converts to a loan with accrued interest if certain conditions are not met. Please refer to the TEACH Grant Checklist (PDF) for more information including eligibility criteria.
Loans
Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan Program: The Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program is a low-interest loan made to students from an outside lender. Freshmen are eligible for up to $3,500, sophomores can receive up to $4,500, and juniors and seniors can qualify for up to $5,500. The interest rate for new borrowers is set at 3.4%. The interest is paid to the servicer 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 this program, the Office of Financial Assistance will notify you on your award letter. Eligibility is based on your level of financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program: Students who do not qualify for a subsidized Stafford Loan or who are not eligible for the full Subsidized 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. The current interest rate for unsubsidized Stafford loans is 6.8%.
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 April 15.
External Scholarships
Additional scholarship programs exist through external organizations. For information, view our list of external scholarships.
