Types of Financial Aid

Federal Pell Grant
The Pell Grant is a subsidy grant provided by the federal government.  It is need based and awarded based on the family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC) or Student Aid Index (SAI) as determined by the FAFSA.  Pell grants are awarded to undergraduate students who do not have a bachelor's degree.  Pell Grant aid will vary based on a student's EFC and enrollment status (derived from number of credit hours a student is enrolled in each semester).

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is a Federal grant program for students with exceptional demonstrated need.  Students must be Pell Grant eligible and seeking their first Bachelor's degree to be considered for SEOG.

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date.  This must be completed each aid award year.

Federal TEACH Grant
The federal grant program for students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school, that serves students from low-income families in a high need field.  The grant is awarded to students who apply and meet the defined program requirements.  If you are awarded a TEACH Grant and change majors or do not complete the service requirements, the grant will become a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and subject to all standard repayment obligations.

Virginia Commonwealth Award
The Virginia Commonwealth Award is a state funded grant program for undergraduate (at state supported Virginia institutions) Virginia residents who demonstrate financial need. 

• Student must be a Virginia resident, admitted into a Virginia public two- or four- year college or university.
• Student must be enrolled at least half-time in an approved degree program, while seeking their first Bachelor's degree.
• Student must meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.
• Student must meet and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date.  This must be completed each aid award year.

Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program (VGAP)

The Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program is a state funded need based grant program, for dependent students who are Virginia residents and meet the following criteria:

• Student must be a dependent student & Virginia resident.
• Student must graduate from a Virginia high school, with a 2.5 GPA.
• Student's FAFSA must demonstrate exceptional financial need.
• Student must be enrolled full time

VGAP may be renewed for up three years if the student continues to meet the following renewal criteria:

• Maintains in-state residency
• Is a dependent Student
• FAFSA demonstrate exceptional financial need
• Maintains a 2.5 minimum GPA
• Maintains Full time enrollment
• Maintains satisfactory academic progress
• Meets FAFSA and FAFSA document priority submission deadline each year
• Increases to the next grade level upon completion of each full year

Students seeking consideration for this grant must submit their FAFSA application and any requested financial aid documents, before the priority deadline date.  This must be completed each aid award year.

Virginia Transfer Grant (VTG)

The Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant Program is a need-based grant program for transfer students who have earned an Associate degree at a Virginia community college and graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

• Students that are returning for the Spring term will see the Virginia Transfer Grant as a memo toward account charges. New students who are eligible to receive the award, will see it post after SCHEV certification. This occurs after Radford University’s census date. 
• Students cannot exceed a maximum Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $12,000.
• Students must have enrolled as a first-time freshman in the two-year program, completed the associate degree program, and enrolled full-time in a Virginia four-year college or university the following Fall or Spring semester. 
• Students must complete the Virginia Transfer Grant application and submit their final official transcripts with degree conferral date for consideration.
• Continuing students must maintain full-time enrollment, minimum EFC requirements, and a cumulative 3.00 GPA or higher to renew the grant.

VA Transfer Grant applicant review cannot take place until after Radford University's census date each semester.

Radford University Academic Calendar

Highlander Grant

An institution funded grant program that began in Fall 2004 is awarded to students who have exceptional financial need and meet the priority application deadline each year.

NEW FRESHMAN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Highlander Distinction Program

The Highlander Distinction Program is a four-year renewable scholarship program for all incoming new freshmen and is designed to make your Radford University education more affordable.  The program launched in the 2020-2021 award year and provides more than $7 million dollars in support  to Radford University students.  Beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year all incoming new freshmen, regardless of learning location, will be considered for the Highlander Distinction program.  Award amounts for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition range from $2,500 - $4,000.  Award amounts for out-of-state students range from $7,000 - $10,000.  This scholarship can be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria.

The Highlander Heroes Scholarship
The Highlander Heroes Scholarship is a four-year renewable scholarship program designed to make your Radford University education more affordable.  The program was awarded to new freshmen students who started at Radford University Carilion in the Fall 2021 - Fall 2023.   These scholarships can be renewed for up to eight consecutive semesters if the student continues to meet the renewal criteria.

TRANSFER STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Transfer Excellence Scholarship
Transfer students that maintained excellent academic standards on all attempted college courses will be considered for the Transfer Excellence Scholarship.  To be considered for the Transfer Excellence Scholarship, all completed application materials must be received by the Admissions Office by March 1.  Award amounts for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition range from $1,000 - $2,000 per academic year.  Amounts for out-of-state-students range from $7,000 - $10,000 per academic year.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and maintained high academic success during their college work will be considered for this scholarship.  To be considered for the Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship, all completed application materials must be received by the Admissions Office by March 1.  Award for Virginia residents and students who qualify for in-state tuition is $3,000 per academic year.  

The Radford University Foundation has numerous partial scholarships that are awarded each academic year.  These scholarships are based on factors such as hometown location, major, and merit. 

Upperclass students are invited to apply for these scholarships after November 1 and will be notified of awards in April for the upcoming academic year.  Students applying to Radford University must be admitted in order to apply.

Foundation Scholarship application opens on November 1 with a priority application date of February 5th of the following year. For example for the 2024 - 2025 academic year the Foundation Scholarship application opens Wednesday, November 1, 2023.

• More than 500 unique foundation scholarships
• Over 1.5 million dollars to award
• Learn more about the foundation scholarship awards and process.
• A complete listing of scholarship opportunities can be found online at https://radford.academicworks.com.  
  
• Use your OneCampus username and password to log-on.

If you have questions, contact Cherie Durbin at 540-831-7171 or email cdurbin2@radford.edu.

Many organizations provide scholarships for students such as The Lion's Club, Kiwana's Club, Rotary Clubs, Fraternal Organizations, etc. Students should inquire directly with those individual places for scholarship information.

Students applying to Radford University should talk with school and career counselors to learn more about scholarship opportunities offered at their high school.

In addition, review scholarship opportunities that other Radford University students have received from outside organizations to help fund their education. 

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

The Federal Direct Loan program is offered to all students who complete the FAFSA as a part of an award package.  The loan may be offered as a Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized loan depending on the estimated family contribution as determined by the FAFSA.

If a student is utilizing a Federal Student Loan for the first time, they will also need to complete Entrance Counseling and their Master Promissory Note (loan agreement) by visiting studentaid.gov.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

The Federal Parent PLUS Loan program allows parents of a dependent undergraduate student to borrow funds to assist in funding the student's educational expenses.  The Federal Parent PLUS Loan is a credit based loan.  A parent must complete the online application at www.studentaid.gov.   In order for a Parent PLUS Loan application to be certified, the student must have a FAFSA on file with Radford University.

Each aid award year, this loan is utilized, the parent borrower will need to complete a Parent PLUS Loan application and Master Promissory Note (loan agreement).  To do this they (the parent borrower) will need to log at studentaid.gov, with their FSA ID.

*If the MPN is completed under the student's FSA ID, it cannot be processed.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is for graduate/professional students who need additional assistance with paying educational expenses.  Students are not eligible to borrow from a Graduate PLUS Loan, unless Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loan limits for the academic year are exhausted.  The Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a credit based loan.

Each aid award year, this loan is utilized, the graduate student will need to complete a Graduate PLUS Loan application.

If a graduate student is utilizing a Graduate PLUS Loan for the first time, they will also need to complete their Master Promissory Note (loan agreement) by visiting studentaid.gov.

Nursing Student Loan

The Nursing Student Loan is a Campus Based Loan, awarded to undergraduate students, enrolled in the Nursing program, and demonstrate exceptional need.  Due to the availability of funds, students who met the FAFSA priority filing deadline (Feb 1) are given first consideration for this loan.

Private Student Loans

Private Student Loans are offered by many lending institutions and are designed to help fund educational expenses not met by other means.  Private Student Loans are credit based and consist of varying interest rates depending on the lender.  As standard practice, Private Student Loans should only be considered after a student exhausts all Federal Loan program funding eligibility.

Radford University students use a variety of lending institutions to obtain additional funding.  For the sake a parity, we do not provide lender recommendations.  More information about lender Private Student Loan programs, is found on the private student loan information page.

Short Term Loan

For students who find themselves in need of minor financial assistance during the semester, students may request up to $250 to support student related expenses.  Students must have a plan to repay the funds within thirty (30) days from the time the funds are disbursed. 

Student employment opportunities are listed in the university career portal, Handshake.  To view open positions, please visit the The Center for Career and Talent Development website and select the Handshake icon.    

Priority for all positions is given to students who file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and who have financial need.  Students who have established need through FAFSA will be hired through the second week of classes.  Beginning with the 3rd week of classes, positions will open to any student regardless of need.

America Reads tutors play key roles in working with individual children and supporting classroom teachers and activities.  America Reads tutors will work 9-12 hours per week in area schools and classrooms, primarily in Montgomery County or Radford City.  Activities include: tutoring in the classroom; tutoring in after-school programs; reading at school; assisting teachers and students with classroom activities and homework.  Tutors must provide their own transportation. 

1. Student applies for open positions in the career portal, Handshake.  
   
2. Supervisor submits student employee request to begin student employment process with the financial aid office.
3. If approved, the student submits required pre-employment paperwork to Human Resources.
4. Financial aid issues student employment contract once pre-employment paperwork is completed.
   
5. Student is eligible to begin work on date inlcuded in student employment contract.
6. Student and supervisor sign employment contract and return to the financial aid office.

Submission of I-9 Forms

All new student employees are required to submit a completed I-9 form to the Department of Human Resources before they will be issued a contract or considered eligible to work.  Students will be notified by the Department of Human Resources on what is required to complete the I-9 process.  The Office of Financial Aid cannot make exceptions to the paperwork that is required to complete the I-9 process.  Any students who do not work consecutive academic years will be required to submit a new I-9 form.

International students will need to have their I-9 form completed by the University's International Tax Manager to ensure the student is eligible for employment.

Completion of Income Tax Withholding Statements

Student employees are required to fill out the W-4 and VA-4 tax forms.  Students should send the completed forms to the Payroll Office - Campus Box 6906. Student employees of Radford University will receive a W-2 reflecting their total wages and tax withholdings for the calendar year. Work supervisors will assist student workers in completing the W-4's or VA-4's. Any questions regarding the completion of the forms should be directed to the Payroll Office.

International students should be referred to our International Tax Manager in Preston Hall to complete all tax forms.

submit direct deposit information

We encourage students to set up direct deposit, which is the most secure and convenient way to receive pay checks.  Direct Deposit is not required for Federal Work Study employees. An employee’s net pay is sent via electronic funds transfer directly to the employee’s checking or savings account(s). Multiple accounts can be designated for pay allocation. Net pay or take-home pay is available from the employee financial institution (bank) on pay day. 

In an effort to secure bank account change requests, the employee Direct Deposit Form is behind the OneCampus portal in the Employee Tools section. Completed forms may be faxed to 7219 or delivered to Payroll at 314B Tyler Avenue. To protect sensitive information, do NOT email direct deposit forms! Emailed forms will be deleted and will not be processed.

Please note: Direct deposit account changes may take more than one pay cycle to take effect. 

PAYROLL PAPER CHECK PROCESS

Employees who receive paper checks may pick up their paychecks at the Office of the University Bursar on payday. Photo ID is required.  Checks will not be released to anyone but the employee. 

Student Employment Contracts

The financial aid office will issue a contract for all student's who have met the employment criteria.  The employment contract will outline the dates of employment, the number of hours and the, the hourly wage, and the total dollar amount the student is eligible to earn.  Students and supervisors will need to sign and return a copy of the contract to the financial aid office.

It is the supervisor's responsibility to monitor the number of hours worked by each employee.  If a student works more than the awarded number of hours the department can be held responsible for paying their wages.

Submission of Online Timesheets

For new student employees, your supervisor will work with you to complete and submit your timesheet for the first pay period.  If you have any questions on how to complete this process, you may review the Student Employee Time Entry Presentation (PPT).

As outlined in the payroll calendar, each pay period ends on a Friday and timesheets must be submitted to your supervisor by 10 a.m. the following Monday.  If you do not submit your timesheet to your supervisor by the 10 a.m. deadline you will not be paid on the defined pay date.  You will have to work with your supervisor to have your time worked submitted to the payroll office and you will be paid on the following pay day.

If you will not work on the last day(s) of the pay period you may submit your timesheet to your supervisor on your last day worked for each pay period.

Confidentiality of Records

Student employment positions that have access to student records must understand the sensitive and high confidential nature of these records.  Supervisors should communicate that all information contained in student records is strictly confidential and any breach of confidentiality will result in termination of employment. 

Students with access to the university system will be required to complete paperwork and training certifying that they understand the confidential nature of their position.

Drug and Alcohol Policy
All university employees, full time and student employees alike must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.  Additionally there are two drug and alcohol related policies that all employees must abide by, the Commonwealth of Virginia has developed a Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs as well as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments as set forth for all universities that receive federal financial aid funds.  The human resources website contains the full Drug and Alcohol Policy for all University employees.

Falsification of Hours
Students are expected to accurately record and report the hours they work in their student employment position for each pay period.  Students who falsify hours reported on their timesheets (or the hours of a co-worker) is guilty of a Honor Code violation according to the Radford University Student Conduct Code.  If a student is found to be falsifying hours their position will be terminated and they will not be eligible for future employment in the student employment program.

Accidents/Injuries During Work Hours
All student employees are covered Radford University's Worker Compensation plan during periods of employment.  If a student employee is injured while working it is important that the incident is reported according to the standards set forth in the Human Resource Worker's Compensation policy.

Students employed in a FWS position are paid an hourly wage.  Students are required to submit hours worked through the university timesheet system.  Student employees are paid twice a month for hours worked and paychecks are deposited directly into the banking account provided on the pre-employment paperwork.

Student employee earnings cannot direct the university to apply earnings toward education-related charges such as tuition, fees, room, or meal plans. 

Students are paid bi-weekly according to the schedule provided by the Payroll Office.

Advertising Open Positions

All student employment opportunities will be listed on Handshake through OneCampus. Once you have logged into Handshake you will be able to place your advertisement for open positions, check status of posted positions, and retrieve applications from advertisement. Assistance with Handshake can be found through Career and Talent Development.

Priority for all positions is given to students who file a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and have financial need. If a student is interested in a position, let them know to complete the FAFSA and to come to our office in Heth Hall if they need assistance.

The Hiring Process      

1.       Supervisor requests to have student's eligibility confirmed (see below).

2.       Financial Aid Office confirms student eligibility.

3.       Supervisor submits Student Employment Request Form (see below).

4.       Financial Aid Office forwards student information to HR to complete the I-9 process.

5.       Financial aid office is notified when the I-9 is completed and issues employment contract so the student can begin work.

6.       Supervisor returns a copy of signed work study contract to finaid@radford.edu.

Request to Hire a Student

If you would like to have a student's eligibility reviewed for an open position in your office please email the Student Employment Coordinator, Christopher McCloud at cmccloud@radford.edu, with the student’s name and ID number. If they are eligible, submit the Student Employee Request Form. Oftentimes, there will be an email sent to the student if other aid must be adjusted to accommodate the work-study award or from HR to complete the I-9 Process. Remind students to check their email for further instructions.

Job Description & Employment Standards

Each department that hires student employees has different job responsibilities and expectations for the employees.  It is the responsibility of the supervisor to provide the student with a job description for the position they are being offered.  Additionally, the supervisor should communicate the work standard that will be expected from all employees.  We recommend that you provide a formalized list of work expectations and guidelines that is given to each student. If you are able, an orientation meeting could provide beneficial information and training appropriate to their student employment position, you could explain the "do's" and "do not's" of the job as well as what procedures are to be followed when illness or other reasons keep a student away from daily work assignments.

Submission of I-9 Forms

All new student employees are required to submit a completed I-9 form to the Financial Aid office before they will be issued a contract or considered eligible to work.  Students must complete the form and set an appointment to present required documents to HR using the email that is sent to the student’s Radford email address.  Any students who do not work consecutive academic years will be required to submit a new I-9 form. When the I-9 is complete, HR will notify the Financial Aid Office and the contract will be processed.

Student Employment Contracts

The financial aid office will issue a contract for all students who have met the employment criteria.  The employment contract will outline the dates of employment, the number of hours, and the total dollar amount the student is eligible to earn.  Students and supervisors will need to sign and return a copy of the contract to the financial aid office.

It is the supervisor's responsibility to monitor the number of hours worked by each employee to ensure they do not exceed the amount of their financial aid work award.  If a student works more than the awarded dollar amount listed on their contract, the department will be held responsible for paying their wages.

Review & Approval of Student Timecards

Student timecards are due by 10 a.m. on Monday following the end of the pay period. The pay period schedule can be found on the Payroll website. As a supervisor you should review and approve all submitted timecards by 5 p.m. on Monday.  There are no exceptions to this policy.  If the student’s time is not submitted or approved by the deadlines, then the student will not be paid until the next pay period.

Student Worker Evaluations

Before a student's employment ends supervisors should complete a Student Worker Evaluation and discuss their evaluation of the employee’s performance with them.  These evaluations should be kept on file with the department for prospective employer inquiries regarding a student employee’s performance as a reference.

Terminating Employment

Termination of student employment may occur for several reasons. Students may resign, a supervisor may recommend termination, or the financial aid office may terminate employment when a student has reached the maximum work award.

If a supervisor feels a student has not performed the job as required, has been excessively absent, or is not abiding by the terms of employment the supervisor may request termination of a student's employment. Supervisors should recommend termination only after discussing the employment issue with the student and providing the student warning and an opportunity to correct the issue.

If a student is terminated the supervisor should have the student submit any hours worked to the supervisor for approval prior to the last day of employment.  The supervisor should communicate the termination with the Financial Aid Office immediately by submitting the Student Termination Form so the position can be processed appropriately.

Policies Relating to Student Employees

Confidentiality of Records
Students employment positions that have access to student records must understand the sensitive and high confidential nature of these records.  Supervisors should communicate that all information contained in student records is strictly confidential and any breach of confidentiality will result in termination of employment. 

Students with access to the university system will be required to complete paperwork and training certifying that they understand the confidential nature of their position.

Drug and Alcohol Policy
All university employees, full time and student employees alike must comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988.  Additionally, there are two drug and alcohol related policies that all employees must abide by the Commonwealth of Virginia has developed a Policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs as well as the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments as set forth for all universities that receive federal financial aid funds.  The Human Resources website contains the full Drug and Alcohol policy for all University employees.

Falsification of Hours
Students are expected to accurately record and report the hours they work in their student employment position for each pay period.  Students who falsify hours reported on their timesheets (or the hours of a co-worker) is guilty of a Honor Code violation according to the Radford University Student Conduct Code found on the Office of Student Standards and Conduct website.  If a student is found to be falsifying hours their position will be terminated and they will not be eligible for future employment in the student employment program.

Accidents/Injuries During Work Hours
All student employees are covered Radford University's Worker Compensation plan during periods of employment.  If a student employee is injured while working it is important that the incident is reported according to the standards set forth in the Worker's Compensation policy on the Human Resources website.