Undergraduate Support For Success
Payment and Paperwork Policy
All Undergraduate, Graduate, and Adult Learning students have a payment and financial aid paperwork deadline of the Monday before the first day of each semester. We want students to be able to start off the semester with having all paperwork and (if necessary) payment being made so you can be better prepared to focus on your studies and succeed academically.
Financial Aid
As a Rochester Christian University student, your success is important to us—and we want to provide the support you need to succeed. RCU awarded over $8,600,000 during the 2022-23 award year in institutional and endowed scholarships to students. The University also awarded over $16,800,000 during 2022-23 in financial aid in the form of grants, scholarship and loans.
Rochester Christian University is also proud to provide the RCU Pledge Loan Assistant Repayment Assistance Program to incoming freshmen, as well as providing assistance to our Warrior Early Commit students.
ITEMS TO COMPLETE AFTER REGISTERING & BEFORE THE PAYMENT/PAPERWORK DEADLINE:
- Complete a FAFSA form at studentaid.gov
- Complete any missing items (i.e. verification, missing signatures, unusual enrollment history, etc)
- Accept or Decline all awards on the student portal at my.rochesteru.edu
- If accepting loans, students must complete:
- Entrance Counseling (EC)
- Master Promissory Note (MPN)
- Parent PLUS Loan MPN (if applicable)
- Private/Alternative Loan secured (if applicable)
- New Traditional Students Only:
- Tuition and Fees Promissory Note
- Institutional Aid Renewable Policy
- If payment is due:
- If paying in full, payment is due the Monday before the first day of the semester.
- If doing a payment plan, the first payment is due the Monday before the first day of the semester.
OTHER INFORMATION:
- Students will receive an “Unofficial” email at different intervals, notifying them of any outstanding items, and then daily the week leading up to the deadline. Please do not ignore these emails.
- IMPORTANT: Students who do not complete all of the required steps will be administratively dropped from all of their courses following the payment deadline. You will not be able to move into the residence hall if a Traditional-Residential student.
- You will receive notification to your RCU email that you have been administratively dropped from your courses.
- If you are administratively dropped from your courses and complete your paperwork/payment after the fact, then you can re-register for courses. You may not be able to get back into the same courses as before. Traditional students must re-register by 4pm on the first Friday after the semester begins (Census Date). Graduate and Accelerated Learning students must re-register by Friday 4pm before the first day of the semester.
- Exceptions will be limited, but must be approved by Student Financial Services.
Please contact Student Financial Services at sfs@rochesteru.edu or 248-218-2127 for any questions.
Students should apply for aid every year, even if they think they won’t qualify. Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form is free, and it’s easy to apply. There are many factors affecting eligibility for financial aid, including income, family size and number in college. To apply for most financial aid — including federal and state student grants, work-study and loans – you will need to complete the FAFSA using one of the following formats:
- online at studentaid.gov
- using a paper FAFSA – note: PDF FAFSAs must be mailed for processing.
The FAFSA form is available as early as October 1 for the following school year. It’s important to fill it out as soon as possible to meet school and state financial aid deadlines.
IMPORTANT: The State of Michigan has a priority deadline of May 1st (date received) for State of Michigan student aid programs!
- Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) number. Go to studentaid.gov and click on “Create Account.” Both students and parent(s) are required to use an FSA ID to access sensitive financial aid information and electronically sign Federal Student Aid documents. Each person will create a username and password and enter their personal email address. The FSA ID process requires your name, date of birth, social security number and contact information, along with challenge questions and answers. You will be able to use your new FSA ID number only after confirming your email address using a secure code sent to you when creating your FSA ID. It is important to remember that a mobile phone number or email address can be associated with only one FSA ID.
- Federal Tax Information (FTI) from two years prior to the academic year for which they are applying. This is commonly referred to as Prior-Prior Year FAFSA.
- File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after October 1 as possible each year. The 2024-2025 FAFSA will be available beginning December 2023.
- The 2024-2025 FAFSA is for students attending or planning to attend Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and/or Summer 2025.
- *TIP: If you are given the option to complete a “renewal” FAFSA form, choose that option. When you choose to renew your FAFSA form, your demographic information from the previous year will roll over into your new application. Go to studentaid.gov to start your financial aid application and indicate that you are the student. Certain information may be automatically loaded into your application to prevent common errors.
- Do not start the FAFSA form by supplying the parent’s FSA ID!
- Parent Invitations to Complete FAFSA: Students will complete their section of the FAFSA first, then indicate which parent(s) should be invited via email to complete their parts of the FAFSA:
- One parent (if single parent) or if parents are married and filed joint 2022 tax returns.
- Two parents (if parents married, filed separately in 2022)
- For other parent situations not listed above, refer to the FAFSA for instructions
- Be sure to include Rochester Christian University’s federal school code (002288) in the number 1 spot in step titled “Enter the schools that should receive the student’s FAFSA information” on your application to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of aid.
- Contributors Must Provide Consent and Sign FAFSA: All students and parent(s) contributing to the FAFSA must provide consent on the 2024-25 FAFSA to have their 2022 tax information released from the IRS to the Department of Education.
- Contributors must use their FSA ID to access the FAFSA form, answer questions, provide consent, and sign the form electronically.
- The FAFSA will not be submitted for processing until ALL contributors provide consent and sign.
- Consent to releasing tax information cannot be revoked and is mandatory for the Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation to be completed and for the student to be eligible for federal aid
- Students or parents who are non-tax filers must still provide consent and enter income data manually.
- You will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) upon completion of the FAFSA. The FSS is a summary of the FAFSA data you submitted. Review your FSS and correct any mistakes online by logging into your student aid account.
- Student Financial Services at RCU will receive a copy of your FAFSA application 3-5 business days after submission and review to determine your eligibility for financial aid. For the 2024-2025 award year, RCU will begin to receive FAFSA information in March 2024. If additional information is required, you will receive an email from SFS@rochesteru.edu outlining what information or update(s) is required. When your FAFSA is approved, you will receive a financial aid offer outlining cost information and detailing your financial aid award package.
Types of Federal and State Aid
By closely following and completing the following steps, you will accelerate the financial aid process and maximize the amount of aid you are eligible to receive. Packaging will be based on students’ maximum eligibility for grants/scholarships/loans within the cost of attendance.
Eligibility: Need-based grant for low-income undergraduate students. Awarded to students with exceptional financial need who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients.
Amount: Maximum $500 per award year, pro-rated based on enrollment. RCU receives a limited amount of funds each year, so early application is important to receive this grant.
Deadline: June 30, 2024 for the 2024-2025 award year.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first.
Eligibility: Need-based loan available to undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time.
Amount: Determined by student’s grade level, dependency status, financial need and cost of attendance. Freshman up to $3,500, Sophomore up to $4,500, and Junior/Senior up to $5,500. There are aggregate (lifetime) limits.
Details: The government pays the interest while student is enrolled in college at least half-time and during a six-month grace period. Repayment begins six months after graduation or when the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. There is a time limit on how long a student can receive loans.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first.
Eligibility: Loan available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time regardless of financial need.
Amount: Determined by student’s grade level, dependency status, and cost of attendance Freshman/Sophomore maximum $6,000 and Junior/Senior maximum $7,000. There are aggregate (lifetime) limits.
Details: Student is responsible for paying the interest during all periods. Interest payments are the responsibility of the student for the duration of the loan. Repayment begins six months after graduation or the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first.
Eligibility: Provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Amount: Varies (at least minimum wage) – student receives a paycheck.
Details: Work-study funds listed on a student’s award letter are not applied directly to the student’s bill. In order to receive funds, students must apply and be hired in a student worker position.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first and submit work-study application on the RCU student portal. Complete work study application.
Eligibility: The Michigan Tuition Grant is available to undergraduate Michigan residents with financial need who plan to attend or are attending a Michigan degree-granting, nonprofit independent college.
Amount: Awards pay up to a maximum of $3,000 for the 2024-25 award year.
Details: Current and future awards are subject to available and approved funding.
Deadline: July 1, 2024 for the 2024-2025. Only eligible if eligible prior to 2024-2025.
Apply: Complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester Christian University listed first prior to the state deadline of March 1.
Eligibility: Need-based award available to eligible students enrolled in an associate degree program (Phase I) and/or a bachelor’s degree program (Phase II). TIP application must be completed prior to August 31 of the year the student graduates from high school.
Amount: Phase I maximum is $131 per credit hour (up to 80 hours) and Phase II maximum is $1,000 per award year (up to $2,000 total lifetime benefit).
Details: Only students who were identified by the Michigan Medicaid Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) as having met the Michigan Medicaid eligibility requirement may apply for TIP.
Deadline: July 1, 2024 for 2024-2025. $131 per credit hour for 2024-2025.
Apply: The TIP application may be completed online in the MiSSG Student Portal or by calling 1-888-447-2687 prior to the application deadline and complete FAFSA with school code 002288 Rochester University listed first.
Eligibility: To be eligible students must be undergraduate and must complete a FAFSA and demonstrate need by having a Student Aid Index (SAI) of $30,000 or less. Students must graduate from high school in Michigan with a diploma or a high school equivalency in 2023 or after. Students must enroll at an eligible institution within 15 months of graduation. Students must enroll at their University full time and must be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. If the student is dependent, their parent must also be a Michigan resident since July 1 of the previous calendar year. The student must be a US citizen, permanent resident or approved refugee and not be incarcerated. Students must not be in default on federal students loans and must be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
Amount: Up to $5,500
Details: Awards are based on the first Michigan college choice listed on the FAFSA
Deadline: May 1
Apply: FAFSA
Eligibility: A student must complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application and file a current-year FAFSA. The student must be a high school graduate and be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program. The student must be working on their teacher certification and be enrolled in enough coursework to be considered full-time during the academic year. The student must have reached junior grade level and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. The student must have been a Michigan resident as of July 1 of the previous calendar year. If the student is dependent, their parent must have been a resident of Michigan as of July 1 of the previous calendar year. The student must complete a “Commitment to Teach in Michigan” Agreement, which requires that the recipient teach in Michigan in a public school or qualifying public preschool program for a specific number of years, depending on the number of years they have received the MI Future Educator Fellowship.
Amount: $10,000 per academic year
Details: If the recipient does not fulfill their “Commitment to Teach in Michigan” Agreement, the MI Future Educator Fellowship converts to a 0% interest rate loan which must be repaid within ten years of the loan conversion, plus any periods of deferment as approved by the Treasury.
Renewal: Students may receive the Fellowship for up to three years. Annual applications are required. To continue to receive the Fellowship, students must meet the requirements discussed above plus they must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and have participated in relevant academic and career advising programs offered by the institutions.
Deadline: Dec 31
Apply: A student must complete the annual MI Future Educator Fellowship application and file a current-year FAFSA.
Eligibility: Students must complete the stipend application on the MiSSG portal at Michigan.gov/missg. The student must be admitted into an eligible Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and be working towards teacher certification. They must be participating full time and not be employed by the district as a teacher of record. Student must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
Amount: $9,600 per semester
Details: Institutions are to pay the student student teacher the award amount in full and it is not to be counted towards regular financial aid eligibility. Students are limited to one MI Future Educator Stipend, unless their EPP specifically requires they complete more than one semester of student teaching in order to become a certified teacher.
Deadline: Fall – May 1, Spring – November 1, Summer – April 1
Apply: Students must complete the stipend application on the MiSSG portal at Michigan.gov/missg.
Additional Financial Aid Resources
- Parents of dependent students may apply for a federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan at studentaid.gov to help pay for their child’s educational expenses. If approved for the loan, the parent must complete the PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the loan must be accepted on the student’s portal. Note, there is one MPN for Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans and a different MPN for Direct Parent PLUS Loans.
- When a parent is denied for a PLUS loan, the dependent student may then be eligible for additional unsubsidized loans. The student may be awarded as much as an independent student at the same grade level. Independent students in their junior or senior year are eligible to receive up to $12,500 per year in federal Direct loans, with a limit of $5,500 in subsidized loans.
- Students may apply for a private, or alternative, student loan. Private loans available from private lenders and vary in their interest rates, terms and eligibility requirements. Find more information here.
- Students may pay the out-of-pocket cost in full by the due date.
- RCU offers a payment plan option, breaking down the balance into affordable monthly payments. Students are required to enroll or re-enroll in the payment plan ($75 enrollment fee) each semester. Students are never penalized for paying off the balance early.
Current students who refer a new student to RCU stand a chance to earn $250 for themselves and for the referred student. You can refer an unlimited number of applicants. To qualify, the new students must successfully complete their first semester at RCU. Both you and the referred student will receive your $250 award the semester following their first semester.
Scholarship and Grant Opportunities
Rochester Christian University is pleased to offer students institutional scholarships and grant opportunities. All institutional scholarships are reviewed on an annual basis. Modifications for future incoming classes will not change your scholarship award. All institutional scholarships are available for the fall and spring semesters only. Awards shall be applied directly against the recipient’s educational expenses at a rate of 50% for the Fall semester and 50% for the Spring semester. The total of all institutional aid for residential students may not exceed 100% of tuition, room, board, and fees. Please note that only full-time students (minimum of 12 hours) are eligible for institutional aid.
Scholarship Application
Each year, students have the opportunity to apply for scholarships that they are qualified for, based on specific criteria. Admitted students who have already completed their FAFSA are encouraged to apply for these general and endowed scholarships. Amounts vary.
Merit-Based Awards
Exceptional students may also qualify for Merit-Based Awards. Students may receive no more than one merit award.
All institutional merit scholarships are reviewed on an annual basis. Modifications for future incoming classes will not change your merit award. All institutional scholarships are available for the Fall and Spring semesters only. Awards shall be applied directly against the recipient’s educational expenses at a rate of 50% for the Fall semester and 50% for the Spring semester.
Transfer scholarships are based on the student’s college transfer GPA and may not change throughout their time as a student at Rochester Christian University. “First time at any college” students’ academic scholarships are based on their high school GPA and ACT scores and will remain unchanged throughout their time as a student at Rochester Christian University.
Note: While many colleges only offer their scholarships for four years, Rochester Christian University offers their scholarships for up to five years. So if you change your major or want to add a minor which takes you more than four years to complete, our scholarships will be there for you in year five.
Varsity Athletes, Women of Tomorrow, Detroit Promise Scholars, and Trustee Scholars are not eligible for these discounts / scholarships. Students may receive no more than one of the following discounts:
Christian Academy/School Graduate Discount
Eligibility: Awarded to first-time RCU students under age 24 who graduated from an accredited Christian High School
- Amount: $,5000/year
- Renewal requirements: 2.0 CPGA
- Applied automatically, discuss with your admissions adviser
Family Tuition Discount
Eligibility: Awarded if two or more dependent children or a parent and child are concurrently enrolled full time
- Amount: $2,500 per year
- Renewal Requirements: Continued enrollment of two or more immediate family members as verified by the registrar. Minimum of 2.0 CGPA.
- Applied automatically, discuss with your admissions adviser
Children of Ministers Scholarship
Eligibility: First time RCU students under age 24 who are dependent children of full-time ministers (pulpit, youth, worship) or foreign missionaries (working under the supervision and support of a Christian Church in the United States, letter from supporting congregation required annually) and who have served in that capacity for at least 3 years. Discount application form as well as youth census list (9th-12th) from your home congregation must be submitted annually.
- Amount: $3,000/year
- Renewal Requirements: Discount application form as well as youth census list (9th-12th) from your home congregation must be submitted annually. Must remain full-time boarding student and maintain 2.0 CGPA.
- Discuss with your admissions adviser about applying for this award
Warrior Legacy Scholarship
Eligibility: At least one parent must have attended Rochester Christian University and must have earned a minimum of Rochester Christian University 24 credit hours
- 50% off tuition, including any academic awards, for up to 5 years (not stackable)
- Renewal Requirements: 2.0 CGPA
- Applied automatically, discuss with your admissions adviser
Varsity Athletes, Women of Tomorrow, Detroit Promise Scholars, and Trustee Scholars are not eligible for these discounts / scholarships.
Nonprofit Management Major Scholarship
Eligibility: Through generous funding provided by the Stewart Team Real Estate, Rochester Christian University offers a scholarship for students who are current Nonprofit Management majors, or who have been accepted to Rochester Christian University and have declared Nonprofit Management as their major.
- Amount: RCU awards $5,000 annually to one or more individuals that meet the criteria of the scholarship.
- Apply For Scholarship
Pure Oakland Water Scholarship
Eligibility: Through generous funds provided by Pure Oakland Water, Rochester Christian University offers an annual scholarship for students who are currently biology majors, have a 3.0 GPA, are sophomore status or higher, and preferably an Oakland County resident.
- Amount: $3,000
- Apply For Scholarship
Additional Scholarship Opportunities
All RCU financial aid offers are customized to each student based on their specific needs. This can include considerations for single parents, caretakers, students who have been or are currently in the foster care system, and more. Speak to your admissions recruiter directly to determine your final financial aid offer.
SAGE Scholars – Tuition Rewards
- To help make a Rochester Christian University education financially accessible to more families, RCU is an active participant and member in the Tuition Rewards program, sponsored by SAGE Scholars (Savings and Growth for Education), an independent organization.
- By investing or saving with participating banks, credit unions, 529 Plans, and other financial institutions, family members can earn “points” to provide students with guaranteed minimum scholarships at a national consortium of participating independent colleges, including Rochester Christian University. Starting with the freshman year, the points can be redeemed for up to the full cost of base tuition and spread evenly over four undergraduate years. Tuition Rewards are provided regardless of the income or assets of the student or the student’s family.
- The student’s Tuition Rewards statement must be submitted through the Account Statement page at the time the student applies for admission to Rochester Christian University. Statements submitted after RCU has prepared a financial aid package for the student may invalidate the use of Tuition Rewards.
- Learn more about SAGE Tuition Rewards
