Student Consumer Information Guide

Financial aid will be disbursed to the student’s account at end of the “Registration” period.  Excess financial aid (loans, grants, including Federal Pell Grant, need-base aid, Federal Work-study and scholarships) will be disbursed within 14 days after the student’s account balance is at 0. For more information, please call (404) 270-3570 or (404) 270-5162.

Financial Aid Forms and information of need-based, non-need-based federal, state, private and institutional aid can be viewed at Financial Aid.

Incoming Undergraduate Students

Financial aid can help make college more affordable. We encourage all incoming students to apply for financial aid. You should file as early as you can to maximize your potential aid opportunities. By applying for financial aid, you're automatically considered for all need-based aid. You will need to reapply for financial aid every year.  At Spelman College we utilize the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), go to studentaid.gov.

Returning Undergraduates

The financial aid application process is annual. All applicants must reapply for financial aid each year. At Spelman College, the academic and financial aid year is comprised of the fall and spring semesters.  Failure to reapply for aid will result in a loss of financial aid for that year.

At the time of initial review, if a file is considered complete and all information is accurate, Spelman College will evaluate your eligibility based on general requirements and specific program requirements and offer a financial aid package designed to best meet your needs.

Spelman College will consider you for the most beneficial financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, work-study, subsidized loans, and unsubsidized loans.  For programs with limited funding, applications received by the priority date are ranked in order of first-come, first-serve and awarded until funds are depleted.

Financial aid/funds awarded for student financial support may not exceed the established cost of attendance (COA) as defined by the Office of Financial Aid.  If additional resources become available, a reduction in previous awards may occur to keep the student’s aid package within the estimated cost.

All financial aid awards are reviewed annually based on:

• The timely completion of the financial aid application process (FAFSA).
• Continued demonstrated financial need.
• Maintenance of Standards of Academic Progress.
• Good standing at Spelman College.
• Availability of financial resources.

All financial aid awards are offered based on the expectation that you will be enrolled full-time, taking 12 or more billable class credit hours per semester. After each registration period, your financial aid award amount will be reviewed and may be adjusted based on the number of credit hours in which you are enrolled. Enrolling in less than full-time can significantly change your financial aid eligibility, including a total loss of eligibility for a certain fund(s), a reduction of a certain fund(s), or both.

Federal regulations require that Spelman establish and apply reasonable standards of satisfactory academic progress (SAP) for the purpose of awarding financial assistance under the Title IV programs authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended (34 CFR 668.34). To comply with federal regulations governing SAP, Spelman has established, published, and applies both qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time related/pace) standards to ensure students are satisfactorily progressing toward their college degree.  Spelman College monitors academic progress at the end of each semester. More information about SAP can be found at SAP Policy.

Active participation in classes is a requirement for continued eligibility for financial aid. Verification of Participation is a process whereby instructional faculty report to the Registrar’s Office and the OSFA whether a student enrolled in their class is engaged in the course. Verification of Participation is performed at the beginning of each academic term. Professors use the grade reporting system to confirm students’ participation.

Engaging or “participating” in the course can be determined in different ways. As instructional faculty are reporting their findings at the beginning of each term, the following examples might be helpful:

• Attending the class
• Handing in homework
• Taking a quiz or exam
• Posting information or accessing information on a website
• Posting blog entries or comments in a chat room
• Participation in group projects
• Any other activity that demonstrates engagement in the course

If a student does not participate in class, the students' financial aid eligibility will be recalculated based on confirmed course participation. For more information about this requirement, please email financialaid@spelman.edu.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) provides part-time jobs for undergraduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.

At Spelman College undergraduate students demonstrate a qualifying amount of financial need. FWS awards vary from $1000 to $1,500 per semester and are earned during enrollment. Students may work on-campus, off-campus, or in a community service position. For more information, dial 404-270-5222 or send an email to financialaid@spelman.edu.

Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans and PLUS (parent loans) are federal loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.  All federal educational loans require at least half-time enrollment, which is six (6) credit hours applicable to your degree. Audit hours are not acceptable for eligibility.  Terms of Direct student loans, information regarding sample loan repayment schedules, Entrance Loan counseling, Master Promissory Note, and the necessity of repaying loans is located within the Student Aid/Loans.

Completing a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling

Eligible undergraduate students requesting Direct Subsidized Loans or Direct Unsubsidized Loans must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).  The Master Promissory Note (MPN) is a legal document in which you promise to repay your loan(s) and any accrued interest and fees to the U.S. Department of Education. It also explains the terms and conditions of your loan(s).  You may receive more than one loan under an MPN over a period of up to 10 years to pay for your or your child’s educational costs.  For more information regarding the MPN, go to www.studentaid.gov. 

Entrance Counseling is required for students who have not previously received a subsidized/unsubsidized loan or PLUS loan (graduate/professional students only) under the Direct Loan Program or Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program.  The Department of Federal Student Aid offers more information about the entrance loan counseling, Entrance Loan Counseling.  

Student Loan Deferments for Performed Services

Borrowers in the Federal Loan programs may be eligible for deferred payment provisions for service in the Peace Corps, service under the Domestic Volunteer Service Act of 1973, or comparable service as a volunteer for a tax-exempt organization of demonstrated effectiveness in the field of community service.  For more information, go to Deferred student loans.

Educational grants are a valuable source of financial aid that do not need to be repaid, unless specific obligations are not met. They differ from loans, which must be repaid with interest. The primary difference between a grant and a scholarship is that grants are typically need-based, awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, while scholarships are often merit-based, awarded for academic achievements or other talents.

Pell Grants

A Federal Pell Grant is a type of federal financial aid awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to help undergraduate students with exceptional financial need pay for college.  Pell Grants are based on full-time enrollment in order to receive the maximum award for the term. Enrolling in less than full-time credits will result in a prorated disbursement.

State Grants

Information on Georgia grants and scholarships (Hope/Zell Miller Scholarship and Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant GTEG) is available from the State of Georgia is located at GAfutures.org.

Other State Grants

Information on other U.S. states and territories, besides Georgia, and their grants and scholarships is available from the U.S. Department of Education.

Institutional Scholarships

Most institutional/merit scholarships for an entering first-year student require a cumulative grade-point average of 4.1. First-year students are limited to the number of institutional scholarships they can receive. Transfer students are not able to receive merit scholarships for two semesters of enrollment during an academic year (Fall, Spring, or Summer). A transfer student's eligibility will be determined on an individual basis depending upon hours transferred. These requirements for scholarship retention are in addition to the renewal terms listed above.

Scholarships for Returning Students

The Spelman Scholarship Application Portal is a matching system that maximizes opportunities for students and is designed to help students connect to as many scholarship opportunities as possible. Once the student applies, the scholarship portal will automatically match students with eligible scholarships. Some scholarships may require an additional application and/or materials; if so, the student will be prompted to submit more information.

Fall semester scholarship consideration requires current enrolled students to submit a Spelman College scholarship application by the deadline.  Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered for the Fall semester.

For more information about institutional merit scholarships and scholarships for returning students, go to Financial Aid Office.

Outside External Scholarships

Many outside scholarships require students to provide proof of enrollment. In these cases, the donor's own form can be used.  Proof of enrollment will be provided from the Registrar’s Office after the student has arrived on campus.   More information on external scholarships can be obtained on the External Scholarships/Financial Aid.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) web site contains important information for students and parents about scholarship scams. The FTC cautions the use of scholarship service agencies that say:

• “The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.”
• “You can’t get this information anywhere else.”
• “I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.”
• “We’ll do all the work.”
• “The scholarship will cost some money.”
• “You’ve been selected by a ‘national foundation’ to receive a scholarship” or “You’re a finalist” in a contest  you never entered. If you believe you have been the victim of scholarship fraud, wish to file a complaint, or want more information, call 1(877) 382-4357.

Students regularly enrolled in a college degree program who enroll in a Spelman Study Abroad program or a non-Spelman study abroad program (and have completed the College’s “Study Abroad Credit Approval Form”) may receive financial aid if they are otherwise eligible. Contact the following offices for more information about eligible study abroad programs: Office of Study Abroad, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5538; Study Abroad. Students enrolled in a program of study abroad approved for credits by the home school (Spelman) may be considered enrolled in the home school for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid. For financial aid information contact the Office of Financial Aid, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5222 or at contact Financial Aid.

A consortium agreement is a written contract that enables students to pursue coursework at two institutions simultaneously. Under such an agreement, a student may receive financial aid based on total hours of enrollment at home/host institutions, however, schools are not required to enter into consortium agreements.  If a Spelman degree-seeking student has a valid and approved academic reason for requesting a consortium agreement, Spelman will serve as the ‘home’ school. Non-degree/Guest students may request that Spelman serve as the ‘host’ school and request a consortium agreement through the applicable ‘home’ school. More information about consortium agreements and federal aid transient requirements is at Consortium Agreements.

Descriptions of academic programs, degree offerings, instructional facilities, labs and instructional personnel are online at Spelman College.  Spelman College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and we are proud members of the Atlanta University Center Consortium.  Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call (404) 679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Spelman college. All other queries about programs, services, or admissions should be directed to Spelman College at (404) 681-3643. For more information about Spelman’s accreditation, go to, learn about Spelman College. Information regarding plans to improve academic programs at the Spelman is available at Institutional Advancement.  Information about the E-certificate program can be found at eSpelman Certificates . 

Information regarding requirements for admission to an academic program, the transfer student application process and the criteria the College uses regarding transfer credits earned at another institution is available in the Office of Admissions, Packard Hall, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, Georgia, 30314; (404) 270-5193; or at Admissions.

Students may link to the Spelman Bookstore website to view required and recommended textbooks and supplemental materials for each course. Students may also go directly to Spelman’s bookstore website to create required materials list for courses. This list can be used to purchase new and used textbooks for classes.  For additional information contact Spelman College Bookstore, 350 Spelman Lane, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5151).

Tuition and Fee Refund Policy: Students who formally withdraw from the College receive a pro rata refund during the first 60% of the semester. Students who withdraw from the College when the calculated percentage of remaining days is 40% or less are not entitled to a refund of any portion of institutional charges.

Housing and Meal Plan Refund Policies: Refunds for Housing and Meal Plan charges are determined by the applicable College office and transmitted to the Student Account System via the Banner system.

Financial Aid and the Refund Policy: Students who receive financial aid, complete registration, and subsequently reduce his/her enrollment status or withdraw are subject to the federal and state refunds and repayments regulations. The Office of Student Accounts determines if students who completely withdraw during a term have earned the money disbursed or owe a repayment. For additional information contact Student Accounts, Office of the Bursar, phone (404) 270-5161 or (404) 270-5163.

The Disability Services coordinates and provides various academic and support services to students with disabilities as defined by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Information is available at the Disability Services, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5288; (404) 270-5289; or at Disability Services.

The official College policy on withdrawal from courses is contained in the Office of Registrar or online at Registrar. Students should contact their academic advisor with questions about the academic impact of their withdrawal. Recipients of veterans’ education benefits must contact the Office of the Registrar, Spelman College, 350 Spelman Lane, SW., Atlanta, GA 30314; or (404) 270-5237 or (404) 270- 5230. Recipients of federal and/or state of Georgia financial aid should contact the Office of Financial Aid, 350 Spelman Lane, Spelman College, and Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5222.

Retention rates of degree-seeking first-time full-time undergraduate students are located in the Spelman College Fact Book published by the Office of Institutional Research Assessment and Planning, Rockefeller Hall, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA, 30314, phone (404) 270-5675 or see Fact Books.

The information on Graduation rates of degree-seeking first-time full-time undergraduate students is located in the Spelman College Fact Book published by the Office of Institutional Research Assessment and Planning, Rockefeller Hall, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA, 30314, phone (404) 270-5675. See Spelman Ranks High for Graduation Rates.

A cohort default rate is the percentage of a school’s borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or Federal Direct Loan Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year. Spelman College’s default rate can be found on the  Federal Student Aid website using OPEID 001594. 

Information on placement of and types of employment obtained by graduates of Spelman College’s degree programs is located in the Spelman College Fact  Book at Student Achievement. This also includes information about the top ten graduate and professional schools the graduating class plans to attend. For information contact the Office of

Institutional Research Assessment and Planning, Rockefeller Hall, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA, 30314, phone (404) 270-5675.

The Office of Institutional Research oversees the policies and sanctions related to copyright infringement and liabilities students may face for unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials. The Information Security Officer is the designated agent to receive notifications of alleged copyright infringement at Spelman College. For information contact the Office of Institutional Research, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA, 30314; phone (404) 270-5675.

To report any information on breaches or other internet security incidents at Spelman College contact the Spelman Technology Department (STS) Help Desk at (404) 270-5400; or at Spelman Technology Services. Under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), the College reserves the right to terminate computing services of users who repeatedly infringe upon the rights of copyright owners. To access the policies, a copy of the DMCA, FAQs, and the student guide to download music and movies at the College, contact the MIT Help Desk at (404) 270-5400.  Information about copyright infringement is available through the Office of Spelman Technology Service, Spelman College 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, and GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5400 at Spelman Technology Services.

Immunization requirements for students entering the College are listed on the College Health Service website at Health Services A copy of the mandatory Certificate of Immunization and Tuberculosis (TB) Screening Form may be printed from this site. It must be completed and signed by the student’s physician or healthcare provider and returned to the Student Health Center before registering for classes. More information is available at the web site listed above or by contacting The Student Health Service Center, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; phone (404) 270-5250.

The College of Georgia Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs is located in the Office of Human Resources. The College’s student conduct regulations prohibit the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol and other drugs by students and student organizations. Other alcohol-related misconduct is also prohibited. The College also does not tolerate employee misconduct related to alcohol or other drug abuse. Sanctions are detailed for students and staff who violate this policy. Office of Human Resources, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; Phone (404) 270-5193.

Effective communication is one of the major challenges in emergency management. The College has a comprehensive emergency notification system including outdoor sirens, radio alerts, the “SpelmanAlert” emergency notification system, telephone trees, crawler messages on TVs subscribed to College Cablevision, loud speakers on Spelman police vehicles, and campus-wide email system. Details about these methods of communication are available through the Office of Public Safety, 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314; or at Emergency Procedures.

The primary concern of the College Police Department is the safety and security of all members of the campus community. In compliance with Federal law, the Police Department makes available campus safety and crime statistics, an updated crime statistics and fire log on its website, Crime Alert. Policies regarding the handling of any residential student who is believed to be missing can be found at Public Safety Department.   Additional important information is available for current campus policies regarding procedures for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus, policies concerning security of and access to campus facilities, programs offered to inform students and employees about crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters.

The website contains complete on-campus crime statistics as well as crimes reported by the Spelman’s Public Safety Department of off- campus locations occupied or used primarily by students, and provides the number of reports of alcohol, drug and weapons violations referred to the Spelman Student Judiciary during the most recent calendar years covered in the annual report. For more information regarding sexual assault and other reported crimes click here, Latest Crime/Security Report or contact Public Safety Police Department, 404-270-5330 or mail to 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA 30314.

Applications for voter registration for Georgia residents are available online at or by dialing (404) 656-2871. Detailed voter information is also located at theGeorgia Secretary of State. Nonresident students may find voter information about their specific states through the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.

Spelman College GUIDE TO STUDENT CONSUMER INFORMATION is produced by the Office of Financial Aid.

350 Spelman Lane, SW, Box 771, Packard Hall, Atlanta, GA 30314-4399 Phone: (404) 270-5222; Email: financialaid@spelman.edu .

Contact Persons: Lisa Berrien, Director, or Stella Beckham, Administrative Assistant, Office of Financial Aid Availability: Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Email: sbeckham@spelman.edu.
Website: https://www.spelman.edu/financial-aid.