Find Financial Aid at EPIC Bible College

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”) Reporting- Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

(Posted by the Office of Postsecondary Education on May 06, 2020, Electronic Announcement 050620)

Section 18004(e) of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act” or the “Act”)), Pub. L. No. 116-136, 134 Stat. 281 (March 27, 2020), directs institutions receiving funds under Section 18004 of the Act to submit (in a time and manner required by the Secretary) a report to the Secretary describing the use of funds distributed from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). Section 18004(c) of the CARES Act requires institutions to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received from Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care). On April 9, 2020, the Department published documents related to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants, including a letter from Secretary Betsy DeVos, a form Certification and Agreement for signing and returning by institutions to access the funds, and a list of institutional allocations under 18004(a)(1).

The Certification and Agreement directs each institution applying for HEERF funds to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and submit an initial report (the “30-day Fund Report”) to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution’s Certification and Agreement to the Department. The Department will provide instructions for providing the required information to the Secretary in the near future. In the meantime, each HEERF participating institution must post the information listed below on the institution’s primary website. The Department would like to receive the most current information from the date when the institution received its allocation for emergency financial aid grants to students, and the institution should have received its allocation within a few days after submitting the Certification and Agreement. Accordingly, the following information must appear in a format and location that is easily accessible to the public 30 days after the date when the institution received its allocation under 18004(a)(1) and updated every 45 days thereafter:

Reporting Requirements:

CARES ACT and HEERF Grant Institutional Portion Reporting Documents:

       Sept. 30, 2020, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Dec. 31, 2020, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       April 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       July 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Oct. 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Jan. 1, 2022, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

30-Day Report on Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds

1. An acknowledgment that the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

● EPIC Bible College & Graduate School acknowledges signing and submitting the U. S. Department of Education Certification and Agreement for Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act on April 14, 2020. The U.S. DOE provided EPIC Bible College & Graduate School with an electronically signed Grant Award Notification (GAN) on April 25, 2020.

● EPIC Bible College & Graduate School intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 180004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students primarily for helping them to have the technology necessary to be able to access the online platforms (e.g. Zoom video delivery software) used to deliver their current onsite courses to them now remotely off-campus live through full interactive video streaming from professors.

2. The total amount of funds that the institution will receive or has received from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

● EPIC Bible College & Graduate School received $46,900 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

3. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of the date of submission (i.e., as of the 30-day Report and every 45 days thereafter). Quarterly updated reporting documents:

       Sept. 30, 2020, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Dec. 31, 2020, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       April 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       July 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Oct. 1, 2021, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

       Jan. 1, 2022, EPIC Bible College Quarterly Budget and Expenditures Reporting Under CARES Act (PDF)

4. The estimated total number of students at the institution eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

● EPIC Bible College & Graduate School estimates approximately 59 students could be determined eligible for Emergency Financial Aid Grants as of December 31, 2021 (updated).

5. The total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

● EPIC Bible College & Graduate School has not disbursed any Emergency Financial Aid Grant funds to students as of May 05, 2020 as the College is still evaluating student eligibility and contacting students directly. 1) The College anticipates Spring 2020 quarter enrolled students, that are taking onsite courses and now receiving live instruction by Video conferencing, as receiving technological assistance before the date of June 20, 2020. 2) The College anticipates the following two academic quarters for Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 students, to receive technological assistance before the summer start date of June 08, 2020 and fall start date of August 24, 2020.

6. The method(s) used by the institution to determine which students received Emergency Financial Aid Grants and how much they would receive under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.

● The college will utilize the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the College student information management system, the National Student Loan Data System, and other data sources, as necessary, to students primarily for helping them to have the technology necessary to be able to access the online platforms (e.g. Zoom video delivery software) now being used to deliver their current onsite courses to them now remotely off-campus live through full interactive video streaming from professors. Additionally, students will be contacted via phone and email to see what technological barriers are present that would make accessing their onsite courses remotely to be difficult or impossible based on their current situations and any resulting impact as covered in the CARES act. Student responses will be noted and appropriate technologies and contact will be used.

● PHASE I – Spring 2020 Technological Needs for Students:

● Phase I Funding will be used to purchase technological needs and assistance (e.g. hardware, software, mobile internet access, etc.) to be distributed directly to eligible students attending Spring quarter 2020 onsite courses which then were moved (because of CDC Health Guidelines) to then be receiving live instruction from instructors by Video conferencing (e.g. Zoom software online access). Students not currently receiving Title IV aid may complete the FASFA within 30 days from the initial disbursement date to establish eligibility for HEERF Grant Funds for technological assistance funding in Phase II or Phase III. Students will have curbside pickup or mail delivery options available for receiving technological assistance.

● Primary Contact Methods: E-Mail: Students will be notified via college provided student secure e-mail. Telephone: The second contact approach will be by telephone. The College will attempt to reach the student by calling the phone number on file for the student at time of enrollment.  Text: The final contact attempt will consist of a text message to the phone number on file for the student to assist in reaching eligible students.

Following execution of the three-prong approach (21 days), no additional attempts will be made to disburse the undelivered funds to the student. These funds will then revert to Phase II funds.

● PHASE II – Summer 2020 Technological Needs for students:

● Phase II funds will be distributed to eligible students based on the remaining dollar amount of HEERF funds. Following execution of Phase II distribution, any remaining funds will revert to Phase III funds for final distribution.

● PHASE III – Fall 2020 Technological Needs for Students:

● Phase III funds will be distributed to eligible students, via methodology described in Phase I and II. Awards will be determined based on the remaining dollar amount of HEERF funds.

7. Any instructions, directions, or guidance provided by the institution to students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants.

● Currently all eligible students have been directly contacted through the EPIC Bible College & Graduate School Financial Aid department representatives by personal phone contact and email communications to assess and confirm their individual technological needs, or other HEERF criteria, to overcome barriers in currently accessing their education.

Pell Grant

This is a federal grant for students who show financial need. Pell grants range from $598 – $5815 for the 2016-2017 school year at full time. You do not necessarily have to be enrolled full time to receive a Pell grant. Pell grants are adjusted depending on the amount of units taken up to 12 units.

FSEOG

The Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity grant is available for those who have an EFC of zero. Each student will receive a minimum of $200 in the award year. FSEOG funds are reasonably available to all who qualify throughout the year award. Funds are limited and subject to change.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

Subsidized Stafford loans are based on financial aid needs. Interest is paid by the federal government (subsidized) while the student is enrolled at least half time. Payment of both interest and principal begins 6 months after the student graduates, or drops below half time. The annual interest rate is a fixed 3.76% for loans disbursed before on or after July 1, 2016 and prior to July 1, 2017. Students applying for a student loan are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling at www.studentloans.gov. Additional information and instruction will be sent with the Award Letter.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

A loan available to students who do not qualify, in whole or in part, for a Subsidized Stafford Loan. The student is responsible for the interest while enrolled. Repayment may be deferred until 6 months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment. Interest accrues during the time the student is enrolled. The annual interest rate is a fixed 3.76% for loans on or after July 1, 2016 and prior to July 1, 2017. Students may also need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling to apply for the loan. Additional information will be sent with the Award Letter.

Graduate students may also receive unsubsidized loans.  Eligible graduate students may borrow up to $20,500.  The annual interest rate is a fixed 5.31% for loans on or after July 1, 2016 and prior to July 1, 2017.  Graduate students are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and an Entrance Counseling.  Additional information and instruction will be sent with the Award Letter. 

Federal Direct Parent Loan (PLUS)

Available to parents and graduate students to cover educational expenses. May borrow up to the cost of attendance minus financial aid. Interest rate is variable of 6.31% for the 2016 – 2017 school year. Interest and repayment begin while the student is enrolled. The FAFSA is required to apply for the loan and eligibility is based upon the credit of the parent.

Federal Work Study

This program offers students an opportunity to earn wages to help meet the cost of education. Many jobs are located on campus. Students who wish to work on campus under this program are responsible to seek employment and may contact the Registrar’s office for a list of available positions. The amount a student may earn will be determined by financial aid needs and the actual hours and wage of the Federal Work Study position. A FAFSA must be submitted along with a Federal Work Study Application, which is available in the Financial Aid Office.

CHAFEE Grant

A student who is or was in foster care between the ages of 16-18 and have not reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1st of the award year, as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need may be eligible for this grant. Those eligible may receive up to $5000.00 for the 2016-17 school year. For applications please go to csac.ca.gov (select “Commission Programs”). To learn more please contact your case worker or ILP Coordinator or contact the financial aid office.

To apply for Veterans Education Benefits please go to www.gibill.va.gov and select apply online and click on education. You may also call 1.888.442.4551 or for more Veterans benefit info. Call 1.800.827.1000

The Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33) is for individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service on or after September 11, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. You must have received an honorable discharge to be eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® will become effective for training on or after August 1, 2009. This program will pay eligible individuals: Tuition & fees directly to the school not to exceed the maximum in-state tuition & fees at a public Institution of Higher Learning, a monthly housing allowance based on the Basic Allowance for Housing for an E-5 with dependents at the location of the school, an annual books & supplies stipend of $1,000 paid proportionately based on enrollment a one-time rural benefit payment for eligible individuals.

Montgomery GI Bill® — Active Duty (Chapter 30) provides up to 36 months of education benefits on the basis of one month of active duty for one month of education benefits. This benefit may be used for degree pursuit by either residence instruction or distance education. Residence instruction or training may also be taken for non-degree diploma or certificate programs, advanced flight training, and apprenticeship/on-the-job training. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses as well as tutorial services may be approved under certain circumstances. Generally, benefits are payable for 10 years following your release from active duty. Rare exceptions to the 10-year rule are based on an individual’s circumstances.

Montgomery GI Bill® — Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) may be available if you are a member of the Selected Reserve for at least six years. The Selected Reserve includes the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard and Air National Guard. This benefit may be used for degree pursuit by either residence instruction or distance education. Residence instruction or training may be taken for non-degree diploma or certificate programs, advanced flight training, and apprenticeship/on-the-job training. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses as well as tutorial services may be approved under certain circumstances. This benefit generally terminates 14 years from the date of enlistment in the reserve.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) (Chapter 1607) was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called up or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits.

Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program (DEA) (Chapter 35) is a program for the spouses and survivors of veterans that were detained (POW/MIA), deceased, or disabled (100% and permanent) due to service-connected cause are eligible for MGIB benefits. The schools and programs approved for the other chapters of the MGIB are approved under this provision. When eligible dependents reach the age of 18 (thereby losing dependent support) they may collect the MGIB to finish high school. Five months of high school benefits may be used that are not charged to the post-secondary eligibility. The program offers up to 45 months of education benefits. This benefit expires at the dependent’s 26th birthday.

Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) (Chapter 32) is available if you entered active duty for the first time between January 1, 1977 and June 30, 1985 and elected to make contributions from your military pay to participate in this education benefit program. Your contributions are matched on a $2 for $1 basis by the federal government. This benefit may be used for a degree by residence or correspondence training. Certificate and diploma programs, flight training, and apprenticeship/on-the-job training may be taken by residence training only. Remedial, deficiency, and refresher courses may be approved under certain circumstances.

If you are eligible under Chapter 30, Chapter 35 or Chapter 1606 the benefit rates you can receive can be accessed at http://www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/rates.htm. Basic rates can vary.

Applying for education benefits can be accomplished by completing an online application or by printing forms out and mailing them to the Department of Veteran Affairs Muskogee Regional Processing Office at 125 South Main Street, Muskogee, OK 74401

Scholarship Searches:

● BrokeScholar – Scholarship search

● CollegeView – Scholarship search

● FastWeb – Scholarship search

● FinAid! – Scholarship search

● Grants & Scholarships for Native Americans – Scholarship search

● Mapping your Future – Scholarship search

● Military Scholar – Scholarship search

● Reviews.com – Scholarship search

● Scholarshipoffers.com – Scholarship search

● Scholarships.com – Scholarship search

● The Christian Connector Inc. – Scholarship search

Foster Youth Resources:

● Chafee Grant

● CDSS Children and Family Services

● California Foster Care youth support site

● Foster Youth Connection(advocacy group)

● www.christianconnector.com – Scholarships for Christian colleges

● Community College Foundation

● Orphan Foundation of America foster support services

● CSU Guardian Scholars Program education services

● Orangewood Children’s Foundation support services

American Opportunity Tax Credit

American Opportunity Tax Credit is a credit for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education. You can get a maximum annual credit of $2500 per eligible student. If the credit brings the amount of tax you owe to zero, you can have 40 percent of any remaining amount of the credit (up to $1,000) refunded to you. THIS WAS COPIED FROM THE IRS.GOV WEBSITE

For more information about Academic Progress and qualifying Policies of EPIC. Please see our Student Handbook. Available once admitted or upon request.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

All students at EPIC Bible College, including those receiving Student Financial Aid from any source shall maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to continue eligibility to receive FA funds.

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Satisfactory Academic Progress at EPIC is defined as (1) maintaining a quality of learning as identified from GPA and Attendance records and (2) maintaining a Pace of Progress towards an academic goal by completing a percentage or quantity of credits within 150% of allowed time (number of credits required for the program).

Qualitative Measures:

1. Maintaining a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) or better each quarter.

2. Maintaining a 2.0 Cumulative GPA or better after completing 6 quarters of enrollment.

3. Attending all classes with a minimum of 80% attendance.

Quantitative Measures:

1. Pace of Progress/Completing 67% of units attempted.

Pace of Progress is determined by calculating the ratio of Credits Completed divided by the Credits Attempted.

Credits Completed = Ratio/Percentage

Credits Attempted

Pace of Progress would be, for example, if 201 quarter units are required to complete a BA in Ministerial Studies with an Emphasis in Biblical Studies, the student would be eligible to complete the program by attempting up to a total of 150% of 201 units, or 301.5 units.

Each quarter SAP will be reviewed to evaluate that each student is maintaining at least a 2.0 GPA, completing at least 67% of units attempted, and attending at least 80% of classes.

Cumulative GPA will be assessed after a student has completed 6 quarters of enrollment. Each student whose cumulative GPA after completing 6 quarters is below 2.0 will not be eligible for FA any longer at EPIC. There is no warning period or appeal process.

FINANCIAL AID WARNING

Students who do not maintain a quarterly GPA of 2.0, or whose attendance is below 80%, or who do not complete 67% of units attempted will be placed on “Financial Aid Warning.” This status will allow the student to remain eligible for FA for the next (second succeeding) quarter while improving SAP.

SUSPENSION, APPEAL, ACADEMIC PROBATION, ACADEMIC PLAN

If a student fails to meet SAP for the second succeeding quarter, the student will be on Suspension and will not be eligible for FA.

Appeal & Academic Plan

When this situation occurs, the student can appeal the Suspension by completing an Appeal Application that includes an explanation of why the student was not able to meet SAP and what has changed in order for the student to achieve SAP, and an Academic Plan. The student will meet with her/his Academic Advisor to develop an “Academic Plan.” The “Academic Plan” will review the student’s courses needed to complete the student’s program, time management issues, what circumstances have changed relative to the student being able to complete course requirements, and the student’s schedule. The purpose is to guide the student to be able to achieve SAP: Meet a GPA of 2.0 or better, complete 67% or more of units attempted, and attend all class sessions.

Academic Probation

If the Appeal is accepted/approved, the student will be removed from Suspension and placed on Academic Probation for the coming (third) successive quarter and will be eligible for FA. If the student does not meet SAP for the third successive quarter, the student and her/his Academic Advisor will review the “Academic Plan” to assess the student’s progress and potential for meeting SAP. Upon recommendation of the Academic Advisor, the appeal may be continued for a fourth successive quarter. If the student fails to meet SAP after being allowed to continue Academic Probation for a fourth successive quarter, then the student is placed on Academic Suspension and is not eligible for FA.

SUCCESS IN COLLEGE COURSES

Success in College Courses that are offered to prepare a student for a course required for a Degree or Certificate will be considered as part of the enrollment as a regular student at EPIC. Grades for these courses will be included in determining GPA (qualitative) and for Pace of Progress (quantitative or time based) SAP.

REPEAT COURSES

When a student repeats a course where a grade below “C” was earned, and earns a “C” or better for the second time the course was attempted, the original grade will not be considered in assessing GPA (qualitative), but will be included in assessing Pace of Progress (quantitative) for SAP purposes.

SUMMARY

All students at EPIC must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to remain eligible for Student Financial Aid (FA).  To maintain FA eligibility, a student must:

1. Maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better,

2. Maintain a Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better after completing 6 quarters of enrollment,

3. Attend classes (with a minimum attendance of 80%),

4. Complete 2/3 (67%) of units attempted.

Students who do not meet SAP will be placed on Financial Aid Warning after the end of the first quarter of not meeting SAP and Academic Suspension when not meeting SAP for two successive quarters. A student is not eligible for FA when on Academic Suspension. Academic Suspension may be appealed by submitting an Appeal Form and completing an Academic Plan with the student’s Academic Advisor. If the Appeal is approved, the student will be removed from Academic Suspension and placed on Academic Probation and will be then eligible for FA. This will allow the student opportunity to meet SAP.