Financial Aid
Principles of Financial Aid
Students who have satisfactory academic records and need aid may qualify for financial assistance. Although the primary responsibility for financing an education remains with students and their families, Coker University participates in several programs designed to supplement the family contribution to meet the financial need of the student.
The primary principles of administering financial aid programs are:
Financial aid is designed to provide financial help to students who need additional resources to pursue their education and career objectives,
Aid may take the form of a job, grant, scholarship, loan, or a combination of any of these,
Aid is based upon the student’s ability to make satisfactory progress according to the College’s Financial Aid Standards of Academic Progress (SAP), and
Financial aid can be reviewed and canceled at any time due to changes in registration, the financial or academic status of the student as determined by the Office of Financial Aid.
Financial Aid Programs
In addition to offering institutional scholarships and grants, listed at https://www.coker.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants/ Coker partners with federal, state, and local organizations to offer aid to students. Information on specific federal and state programs such as Pell Grant, HOPE/LIFE/Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, SC Tuition Equalization Grant, and the Direct Loan program are available online at https://www.coker.edu/tuition-aid/scholarships-grants/.
The published tuition, housing, and meal costs for Coker University are greatly reduced for many students through grants, scholarships, and low-interest loans. As a result, the cost of an education at Coker University is usually far less than the published price. To obtain an estimated cost, please use the online Net Price Calculator at https://www.coker.edu/tuition-aid/net-price-calculator/first-year-student-net-price-calculator/.
Numerous types of student financial aid are available through public agencies, local industries, civic organizations, church groups and special interest groups. Students should explore these sources of financial assistance by contacting these agencies directly. Often, help is as close as the local library which has listings of such help. The school counselor is a great source for local assistance. Many employers, such as Wal-Mart and Chick-fil-A, participate in scholarship programs.
Federal Aid Eligibility
Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Federal (Title IV) student aid programs:
1. Have financial need, except for some loan programs.
2. Have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
3. Be enrolled or accepted as a degree-seeking student
4. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
5. Have a valid Social Security Number.
6. Make Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
7. Sign a statement on the FAFSA certifying that the student will use federal student aid only for educational purposes and that the student is not in default on a federal student loan and does not owe any money on a federal student grant
Application Procedures
To apply for financial aid at Coker University:
- Submit a completed admissions application to the Admissions Office. Applicants must be accepted by Coker University as degree-seeking students before aid will be awarded. Transient students must coordinate aid through their home institution. Special students are not eligible for financial assistance.
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the U.S. Department of Education at http://www.studentaid.gov each year. The FAFSA should be submitted on or after October 1 and no later than April 15.
Students who previously filed a FAFSA should use the renewal application online at http://www.studentaid.gov. High school guidance offices can provide information on local awards from employers, churches, PTOs, and local civic organizations. Limited aid is also available for summer school. All financial information will be held in strict confidence.
Awarding Process
Once a student’s need has been established by using the FAFSA, the Director of Financial Aid will notify the student of their award package for the academic year. An award package is usually a combination of scholarships, grants, campus employment, and loans. Final award letters for new students are sent as soon as the financial aid and admissions files are complete. In subsequent years, students will receive financial aid award information via CobraStop, Coker’s online student information portal. Students may also use CobraStop to track completed and missing financial aid documents.
Coker University reserves the right to immediately reduce or cancel any and all institutional grants or scholarships during the term of award if a student engages in serious misconduct that results in disciplinary action from the University.
In accordance with federal regulations, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to receive Federal Title IV funding and state aid. Coker University is mandated to deny financial aid to any student who is not in compliance with the satisfactory academic guidelines as outlined in the Student Handbook and on the Coker University’s web site, located on the website under Financial Aid & Tuition, Financial Aid ToolKit.
Financial Assistance Programs
The University offers access to the following federal, state, and Coker aid programs. We consider the unique circumstances and preferences of each family to the extent that we are able.
Federal and State Aid Programs
South Carolina Tuition Grant is awarded to state residents who are full-time students at South Carolina independent colleges. The awards are based on family resources, cost of the college, and satisfactory progress toward a degree. Use the FAFSA to apply. Students must complete FAFSA each year, prior to the deadline of August 1st.
Federal Pell Grant provides undergraduate students with financial assistance to attend postsecondary educational institutions. The amount of the Federal Pell Grant is determined solely by the financial resources of a student’s family and the cost of the institution. All students requesting financial aid are expected to apply each year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are available to a limited number of undergraduate students from low-income families. Financially eligible students who are enrolled on at least a full-time basis may receive awards up to $4,000.00 per year.
Federal Direct Loan Program is available to students enrolled on at least a half-time basis who demonstrate satisfactory progress toward their degree. Students may borrow up to $3,500.00 in the first year (up to 27 completed credit hours); $4,500.00, the second (28-57 completed credit hours); $5,500.00, the third (58-89 completed credit hours) and fourth (90+ completed credit hours). Repayment on the principal and interest of Direct loans begins six months from the time that a student ceases to be enrolled on at least a half-time basis. Students who do not qualify for interest benefits will be encouraged, but not required, to make periodic interest payments while in school.
Federal College Work-Study Program (CWSP) provides part-time jobs to defray college expenses. A federally subsidized assistance program, CWSP uses financial need as the prime consideration for participation. A student may work up to 20 hours per week at the federal minimum wage rate.
LIFE Scholarship is a merit-based grant for South Carolina students equal to the average cost of tuition and books at state institutions as determined by the state government each year. Students are eligible for the LIFE Scholarship if they meet two of the three following requirements: a 3.00 GPA, 1100 SAT or 22 ACT score, or top 30% of the graduating class. Scholarships are renewable with a 3.00 GPA and an average of 30 semester hours (non-remedial hours) earned by the end of the academic year. No application is needed.
HOPE Scholarship is a merit-based grant for South Carolina freshmen who have earned a 3.00 high school GPA but who do not meet additional criteria for receiving LIFE and Palmetto Fellows Scholarship. HOPE Scholarship is not renewable after the freshman year; however, students who earn the necessary hours and GPA may become eligible for LIFE Scholarship.
Palmetto Fellows Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship administered by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE). Selection and initial notification is made by the CHE. Application is made during the senior year of high school through the high school guidance office.
Other Financial Options
Aid from Private Sources - Grants, scholarships, and loans for college may be available from parents’ employers, local businesses, churches and religious organizations, PTOs, civic organizations, and other sources. High school guidance offices and libraries can provide information on these possibilities.
Private Loans - Students may apply for a private loan with Fast Choice https://choice.fastproducts.org/FastChoice/home/342700.
Aid for Students with Disabilities - Vocational rehabilitation offices provide educational benefits and other services for persons with disabilities. Anyone interested in these services should contact their local vocational rehabilitation office.
Veterans’ Benefits - The Veterans Administration (VA) recognizes Coker University as an eligible institution to provide education to qualified veterans. It is a VA requirement that students receiving VA benefits must declare their academic major during their first year of enrollment at Coker University. Students and/or parents would provide a Certificate of Eligibility and DD214 to va_benefits@coker.edu at least 4 weeks prior to the 1st day of classes.
Veterans and veterans’ dependents should contact the Veterans Administration (1-800-827-1000) for information. Application for benefits can be made online at www.gibill.va.gov or www.ebenefits.va.gov. Veterans may contact the University’s VA Representative at va_benefits@coker.edu.
Institutional Scholarships
Friends of Coker University have shown their generosity and confidence in the University and its students by endowing numerous scholarships. Coker University scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding academic potential as well as those who qualify for financial assistance. The institutional scholarships and grants described below are limited to those students enrolling in the day program. Note that all institutional scholarships are restricted to direct expenses. Refunds cannot be generated from institutional scholarships. If financial aid is awarded in excess of charges, institutional scholarships may be reduced.
Trustees Scholarship: This award of up to $15,000 is the highest academic scholarship. It is given to in-state students who receive a Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, and to out-of-state students who qualify with a 3.50 high school GPA.
Presidents Scholarship: This award is based on the minimum high school grade point average of 3.50. Scholarship amount is up to $14,000 per year. Award amount is based on the student's high school grade point average at the time of acceptance.
Deans Scholarship: This award is based on the minimum high school grade point average of 3.00. Scholarship amount is up to $13,000 per year. Award amount is based on the student’s high school grade point average at the time of acceptance.
Bell Tower Grant: This award is based on the minimum high school grade point average of 2.5. Scholarship amount is up to $11,000. Award amount is based on the student’s high school grade point average at the time of acceptance.
Founders Scholarship: This award is based on the minimum high school grade point age. Scholarship amount is up to $7,500. Award amount is based on the student’s high school grade point average at the time of acceptance.
Departmental Scholarships: The Departments of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre award scholarships to talented students. The Department of Communication, Language and Literature also sponsors a creative writing scholarship. Scholarship amounts begin at $500 per year.
Legacy Scholarship: Sons and daughters of Coker alumni receive a scholarship of $500 per academic year.
Sibling Scholarship: Siblings of Coker students who have graduated or are currently enrolled in day or evening may qualify for $500 per academic year.
Intercollegiate Athletics: Athletic scholarships are offered in all sports.
Scholarships for Foreign Study: Income from the Susan Coker Watson Fellowship Foundation facilitates study in Europe for rising juniors and seniors. Additional foreign study scholarships are the Dr. Malcolm C. and Jacqueline E. McLeod Doubles Scholarship and the Rubinstein-Büchler Endowed Scholarship for International Study, and John McLarty Williams, Jr. Scholarship.
Transfer Scholarships: These scholarships are based upon the grade point average achieved at the previous institution(s). Amounts range from $7,500 to $15,000 per year.
Valedictorian Scholarship: A $500 per year scholarship to students ranked number one in their high school class at the end of the junior year or at the end of the fall semester of their senior year.
Need-Based Grants: Other institutional funds are used to recognize merit, contributions to school and community and to meet the demonstrated need of traditional students. Because money is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, early application each year is essential. Amounts range from $500 to $5,000 per year.
Named Scholarships
The following scholarships have been established by families and friends who wish to honor the memory of those named below. They will be awarded on a competitive basis to degree-seeking students who have demonstrated academic excellence and who show potential for continued high performance and leadership. Scholarships are renewable for four academic years to qualified students. The C. W. Coker, W. C. Coker, Charles H. Campbell and Linville Scholarships constitute the highest monetary awards offered by Coker University for exceptional ability, performance and character. Every accepted applicant to Coker University will be considered for one of the following named scholarships. A separate application is not necessary for scholarship consideration.
The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation Endowed Scholarship: A need-based award given on the basis of demonstrated aid eligibility, academic promise and demonstrated high personal character and commitment to public service.
The Bank of America Scholarship: This is an annual award to South Carolina students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential.
The Charles H. Campbell Scholarship: Established by his children, this award honors a prominent Hartsville industrialist and Sonoco Products Company executive.
The Katherine Coker and Doyle Cannon Scholarship: This award, in memory of a Coker alumna and granddaughter of the University founder, was established by her husband.
The Charles W. Coker Scholarship: This scholarship is named for a nationally known industrialist and a longtime president and chairman of the board of Sonoco Products Company. A grandson of the University founder, Mr. Coker was chairman of the Coker University Board of Trustees for many years.
The William Chambers Coker Scholarship: This scholarship fund was established by Mrs. William Chambers Coker to honor her husband, a son of Major James Lide Coker.
The Ethel Lide, Charles, and Cameron Council Scholarship: A gift from Ethel Lide Council honors the Council family. She (deceased) and her daughter, Cameron Council Speth, are Coker graduates.
The Thomas C. Coxe, Jr. Scholarship: This award was established by the South Carolina State Fair Association to honor a valued member.
The Charles Kirkland Dunlap Scholarship: This award was established by his family to honor a prominent Hartsville industrialist and Sonoco Products Company executive.
The Mr. and Mrs. A. G. (Gus) Hart Scholarship: This scholarship honors the parents of a Coker alumna. Priority is given to a graduate of McBee High School, Chesterfield County, South Carolina, or to a South or North Carolina resident who enrolls as a full-time student.
The Herlong-Youmans Scholarship: Established by a 1931 graduate and her husband, this award is for a student from Florida, preferably Lake County.
The Anna White Hill Music Scholarship: Established to honor Anna Hill’s involvement in music at the University and in Hartsville. The scholarship is meant to assist an incoming freshman or current student who is not majoring in music, but wishes to participate in the Coker Singers.
The Randolph Hope Scholarship: This scholarship was established by the Coker alumnus who was named an outstanding businessman and citizen.
The Hungerpiller Memorial Scholarship: Established by their children, this scholarship honors John C. and Leland Segars Hungerpiller.
The Kirby-Smith Scholarship: A gift from a 1966 graduate established this award in memory of her parents.
The Linville Scholarships: Outstanding awards are provided by this fund established by Susanne Gay Linville, a granddaughter of Major Coker and longtime Coker trustee.
The Belle Wolfe McCall Scholarship: Established by her husband, this scholarship is in memory of a 1915 graduate.
The McCandlish Art Scholarships: Awards are offered to talented students preparing for careers in art, made on the basis of portfolio presentation. Finalists are interviewed on campus by the scholarship committee and art faculty.
The C. G. Timberlake Memorial Scholarship: This award is a memorial to a vice-president of the University Board of Trustees and a prominent Hartsville businessman.
The United Daughters of the Confederacy Scholarship: Offered by the Pee Dee district of the UDC, this award gives preference to students from the Pee Dee region who are lineal descendants of Confederate veterans and who have done at least a year of college work.
The Helen Akers Whaley Memorial Scholarship: Established by her husband, this award is given to a student with good moral character and scholastic potential.
The May Powell Whaley Scholarship: Established by her husband, this award is given to a student with good moral character and scholastic potential.
The Lee Wiggins Scholarship: A gift from his wife honors this former University trustee, who served for 30 years, and former endowment fund treasurer.
The Ruth Lawton Wilds Scholarship in Music: Established by her son, this fund honors a former faculty member and trustee. Awards for music majors are made by audition and interview.
The Arthur W. Zeigler Scholarship: This scholarship, established by the wife and sons of this former scientist, is for students studying science.
Scholarships for Financially Deserving Students
The following scholarships are awarded on the basis of financial need or other criteria, as noted.
The Bettie Woodham Bedenbaugh Scholarship: This award for a worthy student was established by the Coker graduate for whom it is named.
The May Roper Coker Scholarship: The family and friends of May Roper Coker established this memorial scholarship.
The Mary Elizabeth DuBose Cottingham Scholarship: This award honoring a 1955 graduate was established by her husband and is awarded based on academic performance and promise. Preference is given to residents of Williamsburg and Clarendon Counties, South Carolina.
The Flora Newsome Folsom and William Arthur Folsom Scholarship: Established by the Folsoms' children, this award recognizes a student’s scholastic ability and character. Preference is given to residents of Darlington County, South Carolina.
The Hartsville Cotton Mill Scholarship: An award is offered to a South Carolina resident.
The Hartsville Kiwanis Club Scholarship: This scholarship is for a resident of Darlington County who shows above-average scholastic ability.
The Gustave Adam and Carrie Lee Erwin Kalber Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship was established by an alumna in memory of her husband.
The Caroline M. Reaves Scholarship: This fund was established by the late Miss Reaves, a member of the mathematics faculty from 1916 to 1946.
The Kay Sutton Rivers Memorial Scholarship: A memorial to a 1965 graduate, this scholarship is awarded annually to a high school graduate of Chesterfield County, South Carolina.
The Walter Sperring Strahan Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship honors a victim of the Vietnam War and brother of a Coker graduate. It was established by his mother and family and supplemented by friends.
The John L. M. Tobias Scholarship: This fund was established by Mr. Tobias, a former trustee and prominent Columbia businessman.
Other Named Scholarships
Additional scholarships have been endowed in honor of or memory of the following friends of Coker University:
Lawrence K. and Amelia Anthony
Frances Gray Atkinson
Ernestine Prince Bailey
Nancy Barrineau
Nan Richardson Rickenbacker Baskin
Cecilia Coker Bell
Marjorie H. and Thomas C. Bethea
James Clarence Bigby
Kathryn Gibbons Blackmon
Benji Newton Blanton
Ann Matthews Bragdon
Sloan H. Brittain (Music)
Nickey Brumbaugh (Art)
Berdie-Ella James Buffkin
Frank Bush
James and Naomi Caldwell
Katherine Still Campbell
Gilbert and Faye Coan
Coker College Class of 1953
Coker College Class of 1956
Billie Barclay ’59
Tuck Amis Coker
James E. Copenhaver (Science)
Sara Cottingham (Music)
Alma Stubbs Crowe
Darlington County School District (Teacher Education)
Blanche S. Derrick
Barbara D. Dixon
Rion and Ann Dixon
Jesse Dubard
James Dunlap
Carolyn Thompson Edwards
Nell Caldwell Ezell (Sciences)
Farmer’s Telephone
E. F. and G. R. Floyd
Jane Andrews Funderburk Endowment
Harrell C. Gainey
Marion Gamble
S. W. Garrett
Thomas E. and Pearl S. Goodson (Music)
Eleanor Fogle Harrison
Barnell Hatch
Marvis Wiggins Henry
Rebecca Field Henslee
Charles Huntley
The Inabnit Family
Erby and Sue Jackson
Jacqueline Everington Jacobs
Howard Lee Jones
Carleene Myers Jordan
The Katy Did It Endowment
Charles R. and Mary P. Koewer
Kenneth W. Krueger
Eugenia McAlpine Lewis
Barbara Lindstedt
Jean Ludlam ’51
Anne Lamb Matthews
Lavaughn Robinson McCall (Music)
Maude McDermott
Ruth Ludlam McLamb ’46
Jennie Smith McLeod
Ethel Laney Miller
Ann Holloway Murchison ’45
Mutual Savings and Loan
Diana Cobb Nall (Social Work)
Jane Parler Norwood
Chaty Hayes O’Neal ’46
Lou Smith Otts (Art)
Pepsi-Cola
Leona Davis Perry
Edna Poyner
Bill and Margaret Reaves
Lt. Col. Howard Calhoun Rogers
Beverly and Barbara Rush
Eleanor Ruthven (Creative Writing)
Sarah Jo Safrit
Willie Calcutt Saleeby
William and Elizabeth Shelly
Bob Simpson (Pee Dee Heritage)
Alice and Virgil Smith
E. Jack Smith
Marguerite Lawton Smith
Mary Huggins and T. Bruce Smith, Sr.
Sparrow Scholar Program
J. C. Spivey
Harriet Britton Stackhouse ’45
Florence H. Steele
Louis and Lillian Dillard Stephens
Gretchen Livingston Toole
Howard Tucker
Joyce Johnston Jordan Utt
Eleanore Whittinghill Vaughan (Music)
Vera King Watford
Christine and Brent Weaver
Pat West
Zan West
Elizabeth Newell Whaley
Willis Chiro-Med
Kenneth Wilmot (Music)
Ann Ludlam Winfield ’44
Joanne Moody Zobel
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more about financial assistance options and application procedures, contact:
Office of Financial Aid - Coker University
1-843-383-8055
Email: financial_aid@coker.edu