Step 4 Talk with Financial Aid Staff - Coastal Carolina University
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Step 4: Talk with Financial Aid Staff

WAYS TO PAY FOR STUDY ABROAD

It is important to discuss your financial options with a financial aid counselor during the EARLY stages of the planning process.  Financial Aid and Scholarships can answer questions about using financial aid, scholarships and/or loans to pay for education abroad program expenses after students know the following three key points: 1). Program 2). Program Cost 3). Course selections to satisfy degree requirements. The Education Abroad Services Coordinator in the Center for Global Engagement and your academic or faculty advisor can assist with determining courses that may satisfy degree requirements.

Under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, federal financial aid funds may be used for tuition charges, room and board (if contracted with the University) and mandatory fees. Many financial aid options require that coursework taken abroad will satisfy CCU degree requirements. Additional eligibility requirements may apply, and students receiving merit-based scholarships must confirm with a CCU financial aid counselor whether their scholarships can be applied to cover education abroad program costs.

To schedule an appointment with financial aid, call 843-349-2313, email finaid@coastal.edu, or visit Baxley Hall 219.

But first…

Start by following the 5 steps below!

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.gov, listing CCU’s federal school code (003451) on the application.
    • The FAFSA application opens on October 1st of every year.
    • NOTE: For dependent students, both the student and parent need a user name and password to electronically sign the FAFSA.
  2. In Step 2 of the CCU Education Abroad process (“Explore Programs”), make sure you choose an option that is academically AND financially appropriate.
    • Some programs are cheaper than CCU’s cost of attendance. Others are much, MUCH more expensive. Try to consider the average cost per week or month instead of getting fixated on the total program fee.
    • There are dozens of scholarships available, and some are program-specific. Apply for as many as you can!
  3. Once your online CCU Education Abroad application is approved, make sure you are enrolled in the appropriate credit hours per term abroad.
    • Enrolling in less than six credit hours (e.g., during the summer) may jeopardize your eligibility to receive financial aid.
    • Enrolling in less than 12 credit hours (e.g., during the fall/spring term) may jeopardize your eligibility to receive financial aid.
    • Be aware that there are some restrictions on the number of semesters (or course credits) for education abroad that can count toward a degree program.
  4. Consider applying for additional loan funding, if the financial aid and scholarship monies awarded do not cover all of your program costs. 
  5. Set up direct deposit on MyCCU to receive your financial aid disbursement electronically:
    • To set up direct deposit, go to MyCCU Self-Service, Click “Banking Information”, “Add Account” and choose the “Refunds and Reimbursements” option.
    • Students can view their financial aid awards online by going to the MyCCU Self-Service Financial Aid tab (NOTE: Be sure to select the correct aid year).
    • Some financial aid awards must be actively accepted (and additional information completed) before the funds can be disbursed.