Financial Assistance
Graduate students are eligible to borrow money from the Federal Stafford loan program to assist with their educational expenses. Currently, students who qualify may borrow up to $8,500 per academic year through the subsidized program and $10,000 through the unsubsidized program. Subsidized loans have the interest deferred until six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time. Students are responsible for paying the interest on unsubsidized loans as it becomes due. In some cases, the interest may be deferred until after graduation. The interest rate for the year beginning July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2004 will be 2.82%. The interest caps at 7.75% (if College Foundation of North Carolina is the lender). Other lenders have an interest cap of 8.25%.

In order to be considered for either program, students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications for financial assistance and for the loan programs are available at the Office of Financial Assistance in Johnson Hall. You may also apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

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Business Administration Scholarships
Two merit scholarship funds provide financial assistance to enrolled, degree seeking students in the Master of Business Administration program. Information about these scholarships is mailed to eligible students.

The Shearon Harris Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Shearon Harris, a Meredith trustee, chairman of the Board of Associates and an exemplary community leader. His family established the fund to express a commitment to church-related higher education to perpetuate his interest in Meredith College students.

The Wyford Scholarships are made possible by a bequest from Louise Ledford Wyatt, a Meredith graduate of the class of 1930. The Wyford Scholarship Fund was established by her husband, Guy E. Wyatt; her mother, Bess J. Hord; and her father, John Ferris Ledford.

www.fafsa.ed.gov

Teacher Tuition Assistance
Teachers enrolled in the Master of Education program are eligible to receive tuition assistance of $200 for each three-credit course. Students must be under contract in a North Carolina public or private school at the K-12 level. The principal of the school needs to sign a teacher tuition assistance form, which the student must return to the graduate studies office.

Music Scholarships
Two scholarships provide financial assistance to students in the Master of Music program. The Dr. Harry C. Cooper Scholarship was established to honor the long-time head of the music program at Meredith. The Beatrice Donley Scholarship is awarded to a graduate-level voice student to honor the long-time former head of the vocal section of Meredith's music program. Additional information on these scholarships can be obtained from the coordinator of graduate music studies or the music office.

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