Scholarships & Grants

Grants are outright gifts of money and are awarded on the basis of financial need. A student’s financial aid package may include grant money whenever guidelines and funding levels permit. 

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is awarded to high-need students who are pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. The student’s eligibility is determined by a schedule developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Students who are eligible for a Pell Grant must make satisfactory academic progress to receive this award. Students may apply for this grant by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applications must be submitted annually.

Any student who receives a Pell Grant must certify that he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance during the period covered by the Pell Grant. Brewton-Parker College is in compliance with the standards of the U.S. Department of Education regarding a drug-free workplace.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The FSEOG provides gift aid to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor’s degree. Grants are awarded to needy students who could not attend college without financial assistance. Students may apply for this grant by using the FAFSA application annually. Students who are Pell Grant eligible are automatically eligible for the FSEOG. FSEOG funding is limited and awarded on a first come, first served basis until exhausted.

Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant

The State of Georgia provides a grant to Georgia citizens who attend private colleges in Georgia. The amount of the grant is determined by the State Legislature. Eligible students must enroll for a minimum of 12 academic hours. The Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) must be completed online at www.GAfutures.org. Georgia residency documentation must be provided to the Financial Aid Office.

Georgia HOPE Scholarship

The purpose of the Georgia HOPE Scholarship is to encourage and reward academic achievement of legal residents of Georgia at the postsecondary level by providing scholarships to students who earn and maintain a 3.0 HOPE Grade Point Average (GPA) and are seeking a degree at an eligible Georgia college or university. Developmental courses are no longer paid by the HOPE Scholarship program and do not count either as hours attempted or as a grade for the purpose of determining a student’s HOPE GPA. Eligible students must enroll for a minimum of six academic hours. Students must complete the Georgia Scholarship/Grant Application (GSFAPPS) online at www.GAfutures.org. Georgia residency documentation must be provided to the Financial Aid Office. Additional information regarding the HOPE Scholarship may be obtained in the Financial Aid Office or through the Georgia Student Finance Commission in Atlanta.

Zell Miller Scholarship

The Zell Miller Scholarship program is for students who have demonstrated academic achievement and who are seeking a college degree. Generally, to become eligible, a student must graduate from an eligible high school with a 3.70 HOPE GPA and a minimum score of 1200 on the SAT or 26 on the ACT.

Scholarships are a financial award given to an individual to support their education or pursuit of specific academic goals. Scholarships are typically awarded based on various criteria, which may include academic achievement, merit, talent, leadership ability, community involvement, financial need, or specific criteria set by the scholarship provider.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is based on the Student Aid Index of a student’s submitted Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and high school grade point average (HSGPA). The amount of the scholarship ranges between $4,500 – $9,200 for one given academic year. The scholarship cannot be stacked with an Athletic Scholarship.

Athletic Scholarship

Athletic Scholarships are determined by the head coach of a given sport. The scholarship cannot be stacked with a Presidential Scholarship. To inquire about an Athletic Scholarship opportunity, please visit https://bpcathletics.com.

Program of Study Scholarships

BPC offers Academic Scholarship in two academic areas: Music and Christian Ministries.

Music Majors: This scholarship is up to $10,000. Students must pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Music. Furthermore, the Music Scholarship amount is determined by the BPC faculty who serve in our Music Department. The student will undergo an evaluation by the faculty members. This scholarship is un-stackable with other scholarship opportunities. To set up an evaluation, please contact Dr. David Wilson (dwilson@bpc.edu).

Christian Studies Majors: This scholarship will pay up to 100% of tuition and fees if the student is Georgia HOPE Scholarship eligible. If the student is not Georgia HOPE Scholarship eligible, the student is awarded up to 80% of tuition being covered by the scholarship fund. Student must pursue a Bachelors of Arts in Christian Studies, B.M. in Worship Studies, or B.M. in Ministry to eligible for this scholarship.

In addition, the student must submit an essay on their salvation experience and their calling into full-time Christian ministry. The essay will need to be submitted to admissions@bpc.edu. Lastly, a Pastor or Church Leader must submit a recommendation of the student. Click here to access the Christian Studies Scholarship Nomination Form.   

This scholarship is un-stackable with other scholarship opportunities.

Extracurricular Scholarships

BPC offers scholarship to student who choose to actively participate in specific extracurricular activities on campus. These scholarships are stackable with a(n) Presidential Scholarship and Athletic Scholarship.

Voices of Truth: $2,500
Choir: $1,000
Band: $1,000

BPC will evaluate each student to determine if the student is eligible for additional institutional scholarships based on financial need. Additional scholarship monies are not guaranteed.

The GBMB offers a range of scholarships to support students pursuing higher education at Baptist-affiliated colleges and universities in the state of Georgia. These scholarships are designed to assist students in achieving their academic goals while fostering a strong connection to the Baptist faith and values.

GBMB Ministers’ Children Scholarship: This scholarship is available to dependent children of Georgia Baptist ministers who are actively serving in a Baptist church. It provides financial assistance to help these students pursue their undergraduate education at a Georgia Baptist college or university. To apply for this scholarship, please submit the scholarship application by click here.

Student Loans

Student loans are a type of financial aid that is specifically designed to help students pay for the costs associated with higher education, such as tuition, fees, books, and living expenses. These loans are typically offered by government agencies and private lenders, and they must be repaid over time with interest.

Here are some key points to understand about student loans:

1. Borrower Eligibility: To qualify for student loans, borrowers generally need to be enrolled in an accredited educational institution, such as a college, university, or vocational school. Eligibility may also depend on factors like credit history and financial need.

2. Types of Student Loans:

– Federal Student Loans: These loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Education. They include options such as Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and Direct PLUS Loans. Interest rates and terms may vary depending on the specific loan program.

– Private Student Loans: These loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks and credit unions. The terms and interest rates for private loans can vary widely based on the lender and the borrower’s creditworthiness.

3. Interest Rates: Federal student loans typically have lower interest rates compared to private loans. Some federal loans, like Direct Subsidized Loans, have interest that is subsidized while the borrower is in school, meaning interest does not accrue until after graduation. Unsubsidized federal loans and private loans generally start accruing interest as soon as they are disbursed.

4. Repayment: Most student loans have a grace period, typically six months, after a student graduates or leaves school before repayment begins. After the grace period, borrowers are required to start making monthly payments. Federal loans offer various repayment plans, including income-driven repayment options that base payments on the borrower’s income and family size.

5. Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Options: Some federal student loans offer forgiveness options, such as Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for individuals working in qualifying public service jobs. Additionally, certain income-driven repayment plans may lead to loan forgiveness after a set number of years of making payments.

6. Responsibility: It’s important for borrowers to understand that student loans are a financial obligation, and failing to repay them can have serious consequences, including damaged credit and wage garnishment.

7. Application Process: To apply for federal student loans, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Private loans often have their own application processes.

Student loans can be an essential tool for many individuals to access higher education, but they should be managed carefully to avoid excessive debt. It’s important for students and their families to research and compare loan options, understand the terms and conditions of their loans, and plan for repayment to ensure a successful financial outcome after graduation.

Parent Plus Loan

The Parent PLUS Loan, also known as the Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students, is a federal student loan program in the United States that allows parents or legal guardians of dependent undergraduate students to borrow money to help pay for their child’s college education. Here are some key features of the Parent PLUS Loan:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for a Parent PLUS Loan, the borrower must be the biological or adoptive parent of a dependent undergraduate student who is enrolled at least half-time in an eligible educational institution. The student must also meet general federal student aid eligibility requirements.

2. Credit Check: Unlike most federal student loans, Parent PLUS Loans require a credit check. The borrower’s credit history will be evaluated to determine eligibility. Adverse credit history may affect the ability to secure a PLUS Loan, but there are options for obtaining an endorser (co-signer) or appealing the credit decision.

3. Loan Limits: Parents can borrow up to the cost of attendance at the student’s college or university, minus any other financial aid the student has received. This includes grants, scholarships, and other loans. There is no specific annual or aggregate loan limit, but parents should be mindful of borrowing responsibly to avoid excessive debt.

4. Interest Rate: Parent PLUS Loans have a fixed interest rate that is set annually by the federal government. The interest rate for Parent PLUS Loans is typically higher than the rates for federal student loans made to students.

5. Repayment: Repayment of a Parent PLUS Loan usually begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. However, parents have the option to request a deferment while the student is enrolled at least half-time and for an additional six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment.

6. Loan Disbursement: The funds from a Parent PLUS Loan are disbursed directly to the college or university to pay for the student’s educational expenses. Any remaining funds, if applicable, are typically refunded to the parent borrower.

7. Loan Forgiveness and Repayment Plans: Parent PLUS Loans do not qualify for some of the forgiveness programs and income-driven repayment plans available to student borrowers. However, parents can explore options like loan consolidation and extended repayment plans to manage their loan payments.

It’s important for parents considering a Parent PLUS Loan to carefully evaluate their financial situation and repayment ability. While this loan can provide valuable financial support for a child’s education, it’s also a significant financial obligation. Borrowers should be aware of the interest rates, fees, and repayment terms associated with Parent PLUS Loans and consider alternative financing options if necessary.

Private Loans

Private loans, also known as private student loans or alternative loans, are a type of financial assistance that students and their families can use to pay for education-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and living costs. Unlike federal student loans, which are funded and regulated by the U.S. government, private loans are offered by private financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Here are some key characteristics of private loans:

1. Source: Private loans are provided by private financial institutions, not the government. This means that the terms, conditions, and interest rates of private loans can vary widely from one lender to another.

2. Eligibility: Eligibility for private loans is often based on the borrower’s creditworthiness. Lenders may consider the borrower’s credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio when making lending decisions. Some private lenders may require a co-signer if the borrower does not meet their credit criteria.

3. Interest Rates: Private loan interest rates can be fixed or variable, depending on the lender and the terms of the loan. Variable interest rates may change over time based on market conditions, potentially leading to fluctuations in monthly payments.

4. Loan Limits: The loan limits for private loans are determined by the lender and can vary significantly. Borrowers can typically borrow up to the total cost of attendance (COA) minus other financial aid received. However, it’s essential to borrow only what is needed to avoid excessive debt.

5. Repayment: Private loan repayment terms vary but often include a grace period after graduation before payments are due. Some lenders offer flexible repayment options, while others may require immediate repayment. It’s essential to review the terms carefully.

6. Cosigners: Many private lenders may require a co-signer, especially if the primary borrower has limited credit history or a lower credit score. A co-signer is equally responsible for repaying the loan and should have a strong credit history.

7. Loan Forgiveness and Benefits: Private loans typically do not offer the same loan forgiveness options, income-driven repayment plans, or federal protections as federal student loans. Borrowers should carefully consider these differences when deciding between private and federal loans.

8. Application Process: Applying for a private loan usually involves submitting an application directly to the lender. The lender will assess the borrower’s creditworthiness and determine eligibility and loan terms.

Private loans can be a valuable option for students and families who need additional funding for education expenses. However, they should be used judiciously, and borrowers should compare offers from multiple lenders to find the most favorable terms. Additionally, it’s essential to understand the repayment terms, interest rates, and fees associated with private loans and to explore federal student aid options first, as federal loans often offer more borrower-friendly terms and protections.

Federal Work-Study Program

This program provides part-time employment for U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have demonstrated financial need on the FAFSA. The maximum amount a recipient can earn under this program is determined through an evaluation of the FAFSA. General wage policies are established by the College within the guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education. Work-study students are paid on an hourly basis and are not eligible for fringe benefits such as holiday, vacation, or sick pay. They are also not eligible for unemployment. The majority of jobs are limited to on-campus positions.