Information found in this online edition of the 2008-09 catalog is unofficial and for informational purposes only. By authority of the dean of the College, some factual corrections to the printed version may appear here. The official document of record is the printed edition of the 2008-09 Catalog. For more information, please contact the Office of the Registrar.
Student Financial Services
Director: Glendi Gaddis
Lewis & Clark recognizes the challenges students and their families face in financing the cost of attending college. While the primary responsibility for financing education lies with each student and his or her family, Lewis & Clark is committed to working in partnership with students and their families in making a Lewis & Clark education an attainable goal. Financial assistance in the form of gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (student employment and loans) is offered through the Office of Student Financial Services.
Approximately 69 percent of Lewis & Clark's undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance, with individual aid packages ranging from $2,000 to $43,020 a year. Over $32 million in financial aid from Lewis & Clark, federal, and state resources is distributed annually.
The financial aid programs described in this catalog are available to Lewis & Clark undergraduates. Financial aid programs for graduate and law students are described in the appropriate catalogs.
Applying For Financial Aid
To receive financial assistance from Lewis & Clark, students must be admitted as degree-seeking students to Lewis & Clark, must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, must not be in default on educational loans nor owe repayment of federal grant funds, and must be making satisfactory academic progress toward graduation (as defined in this catalog).
Students are eligible to receive financial aid for up to four years (eight semesters) of full-time undergraduate study. Eligibility for transfer students is based on the number of credits accepted by Lewis & Clark. Students who are applying for financial aid are expected to be enrolled full time in order to receive assistance. Students enrolled less than full time are not eligible for assistance from Lewis & Clark resources and will be subject to reductions in federal assistance compared to full-time students. Full-time enrollment as an undergraduate student is defined as registering for 12 credits or more.
All students who wish to be considered for federal and state funding must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who entered Lewis & Clark prior to the fall 2008 semester may apply for need-based Lewis & Clark funding by submitting only the FAFSA. All other students who wish to be considered for need-based funding from Lewis & Clark must complete the CSS Profile administered by College Board. Continuing students must also complete the brief College Aid Application each year to initiate renewal consideration for both merit and need-based Lewis & Clark assistance.
Financial aid is awarded for one academic year and students must reapply beginning January 1 of each year. Students can expect their financial aid to be renewed each year provided they submit all necessary information by the March 1 priority filing date, demonstrate the same level of financial need, and make satisfactory academic progress toward graduation. Students who submit applications after the March 1 priority filing date are awarded aid subject to the availability of funds. Changes in a student's demonstrated need may result in an adjustment to the financial aid package offered. Lewis & Clark reserves the right to adjust aid awards if actual funding for aid programs differs from anticipated levels.
Financial need is defined as the difference between the standard cost of attendance budget--which includes allowances for room and board, books and supplies, miscellaneous personal expenses, and transportation, as well as tuition and fees--and the amount a family is expected to contribute toward meeting that total. Lewis & Clark uses a needs analysis formula known as institutional methodology to evaluate family finances and calculate an expected family contribution, which in turn is used to determine eligibility for need-based Lewis & Clark funding. Factors considered in the evaluation of family finances include income, savings and other assets, family size, and the number of siblings enrolled as undergraduate students. The expected family contribution used to determine eligibility for federal student aid is determined by applying a needs analysis formula known as federal methodology to the information provided on the FAFSA. Because the institutional and federal methodologies differ from one another, the federal expected family contribution (EFC) can vary significantly from the expected family contribution calculated by Lewis & Clark.
Scholarships and grants awarded from Lewis & Clark resources typically do not exceed the cost of full tuition and required fees. The total amount of assistance from all sources (Lewis & Clark, federal, state, and external resources) may not exceed the established cost of attendance. Need-based federal funding must be awarded within the confines of demonstrated financial need, taking into account all other resources available to the student.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and to remain in good academic standing to be eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial assistance. A student must meet both qualitative and quantitative standards that indicate satisfactory progress toward his or her degree.
The qualitative standard required by the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy is that a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.000 at all times. This standard is measured at the end of fall and spring semesters.
The quantitative standard is measured each year at the end of the spring semester. To remain in compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for financial aid eligibility, students have a maximum of nine semesters of college work in which to complete their degree programs. Therefore, in order to meet the quantitative standard, they must have earned the following number of cumulative credits by the end of the spring semester:
| Number of semesters attended | Cumulative credits required | Number of semesters attended | Cumulative credits required |
| 1 | 14 | 6 | 84 |
| 2 | 28 | 7 | 98 |
| 3 | 42 | 8 | 112 |
| 4 | 56 | 9 | 128 |
| 5 | 70 | - | - |
Lewis & Clark Institutional Aid Eligibility
Lewis & Clark will grant eight semesters of institutional aid to students who enter the College of Arts and Sciences as first-time freshmen. Institutional aid eligibility is prorated for transfer students as noted below.
Transfer Credit and Summer Enrollment
All semesters of enrollment will be counted toward the nine-semester maximum time frame, whether or not the student received aid during a particular semester. This includes semesters at Lewis & Clark and non-Lewis & Clark coursework accepted for credit at Lewis & Clark. Credits earned prior to enrollment at Lewis & Clark will impact the maximum time frame for degree completion as follows:
| Credits transferred | Semester equivalency | Semesters remaining | Lewis & Clark aid semesters remaining |
| 0 - 13 | 0 | 9 | 8 |
| 14 - 28 | 1 | 8 | 7 |
| 29 - 41 | 2 | 7 | 6 |
| 42 - 55 | 3 | 6 | 5 |
| 56 - 68 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Summer credits at Lewis & Clark and credits earned elsewhere between periods of Lewis & Clark enrollment will impact the maximum time frame as follows:
| Credits transcripted from a single period of enrollment* | Semester equivalency |
| 0 - 5 | 0 |
| 6 - 13 | 0.5 |
| 14+ | 1 |
* A single period of enrollment is defined as a single summer semester at Lewis & Clark (Session I and/or Session II) or a single semester or quarter of enrollment at another institution.
Unsatisfactory Completion of a Course
Withdrawal (W), a course grade of Incomplete (I), a grade of F, or a No Credit designation is not considered satisfactory completion of a course. Course credit for an Incomplete (I) course can be counted only if the course requirements are completed within the time prescribed by Lewis & Clark. A total semester withdrawal will count as one semester toward the maximum time frame of nine semesters. If Lewis & Clark institutional aid was used to cover any portion of the costs associated with the total withdrawal semester, it will count toward the eight semester maximum of Lewis & Clark aid.
Noncredit Remedial Coursework
A maximum of four credits of remedial coursework that do not count toward graduation requirements (e.g., Mathematics 055 and certain Academic English Studies courses) will count toward the quantitative component.
Appeal Process
Petition letters are accepted along with an academic plan endorsed by the academic advisor or other faculty/advising staff member acting in that capacity. Appeals are accepted for students who fail to meet the qualitative, quantitative, and maximum time frame components.
Impact of Academic Standing on Financial Aid Eligibility
Students who are placed on academic probation are not considered to be in good academic standing and are therefore not eligible to receive financial aid. This applies even if the student is in otherwise good standing with regard to the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. Students placed on probation may use the appeal process described above to petition for reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility.
Withdrawal Policy
Students who have received financial aid and withdraw will receive their refund (if any) after the required portion of their financial aid is returned to the aiding programs. Financial aid is earned in a prorated manner on a per-day basis based on the academic calendar up to the 60-percent point in the semester. After that point, students retain 100 percent of the aid applied to their student account. The date of notification appearing on the completed Withdrawal form is the date used for determining the amount of financial aid that the student will retain. Recalculation of financial aid for withdrawing students is based on the following formula: Percent of aid earned equals the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total number of days in the semester. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor in the Office of Student Financial Services to discuss the financial aid implications of withdrawal prior to beginning the withdrawal process.
Sources Of Assistance
"Financial aid" includes resources awarded in the form of gifts (grants and scholarships) and self-help (student employment and loans). Funding for these resources is provided by Lewis & Clark; federal and state government; and private organizations, businesses, and individuals. While the majority of assistance is awarded primarily on the basis of demonstrated financial need, Lewis & Clark also offers certain select scholarships to students based on merit, without consideration of financial need.
Merit-Based Assistance
Barbara Hirschi Neely Scholarship* Up to 10 full-tuition scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students who demonstrate a commitment to learning that characterizes the best of Lewis & Clark students. Special preference is given to students committed to studying science and natural systems or intercultural and international issues. The Awards Committee selects recipients from a pool of outstanding applicants identified by the Office of Admissions. Scholarships are renewable based on continued academic excellence. Neely scholars are expected to complete 32 semester hours per academic year, of which at least 24 are graded, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.300 or higher.
Trustee Scholarship* Up to 15 half-tuition scholarships are awarded to entering first-year students who demonstrate a commitment to learning that characterizes the best of Lewis & Clark students. Special preference is given to students committed to studying science and natural systems or intercultural and international issues. The Awards Committee selects recipients from a pool of outstanding applicants identified by the Office of Admissions. Scholarships are renewable based on continued academic excellence. Trustee scholars are expected to complete 32 semester hours per academic year, of which at least 24 are graded, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.300 or higher.
National Merit Herbert Templeton Scholarship Awards of $1,000 are awarded to entering first-year students who have been selected as National Merit Scholars and have named Lewis & Clark as their first-choice college with the National Merit Corporation prior to May 1. To qualify, applicants must take the Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT) no later than their junior year of high school. Additional information is available through high school counselors or the National Merit Corporation.
Dean's Scholarship A number of scholarships of $4,000 to $10,000 are awarded by the Office of Admissions to entering students based on their academic program and performance as evidenced in the materials submitted for admission to the College of Arts and Sciences. Scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 3.000 or higher.
Leadership and Service Award A number of $5,000 scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions to entering students based on their academic profile and exemplary commitment to leadership and service. Scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains a cumulative grade point average of 2.800 or higher and actively participates in leadership and service during his or her enrollment at Lewis & Clark.
R.B. Pamplin Corporation Scholarship Two $2,500 scholarships are awarded each spring to currently enrolled sophomore students for use in their junior and senior year. Students are invited to apply based on academic merit. Recipients are selected by the Awards Committee, with consideration given to community and college service as well as academic performance.
Alumni Leadership Award Scholarships Three scholarships of $2,500 are awarded to upperclass students who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the Lewis & Clark community through their involvement in activities on and off campus.
Ben B. Cheney Foundation Scholarship Five $2,000 scholarships are awarded each spring to currently enrolled first-year students for use in their sophomore year. An additional five $2,000 scholarships are awarded each spring to currently enrolled junior students for use in their senior year. Students are invited to apply based on academic merit. Recipients are selected by the Awards Committee, with consideration given to community and college service as well as academic performance.
Forensics Scholarship Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 are awarded annually to students who have outstanding records of achievement in debate and forensics. The amount of the award is determined on the basis of financial need. The scholarship is renewable on the recommendation of the director of the forensics program. Students may apply through the Department of Communication.
Music Scholarship Scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 are awarded annually to students who have outstanding musical talent. The amount of the award is determined on the basis of financial need. Participation in the music program is required for renewal. The application process includes an audition. Further information may be obtained through the Department of Music.
William J. Ingram Scholarship This scholarship, established through the estate of William J. Ingram '32, is awarded to an outstanding senior student majoring in chemistry.
Leon Pike/Edgar Reynolds Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to one or two upperclass theatre students, with a preference given to technical and design students.
Howard Ross Warren Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to one or two upper-class theatre students under the age of 25 who show unusual talent and promise in the area of art.
Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) Parents may borrow funds up to the total cost of their student's education minus other financial aid for each undergraduate dependent student through a private lending institution. The federal government requires the lender to deduct a 3-percent origination fee and the guarantor to deduct an insurance fee of up to 1 percent from the loan principal at disbursement. Effective July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 8.5 percent. Repayment begins within 60 days of the last disbursement of funds. Eligibility is determined through the filing of the FAFSA. For additional information, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.
* The amount of these scholarships is based on tuition and fees, including ASLC fees. See Summary of Charges in this catalog for details.
Need-Based Assistance
See also Endowed Scholarship Funds in this catalog.
Lewis & Clark Grant Grants are awarded to students on the basis of financial need and overall strength as applicants. Students who submit the FAFSA are considered for this funding source. Renewal of grants is not guaranteed because financial need must be assessed each year.
Lewis & Clark Endowed Scholarships These scholarships are awarded to students who have strong academic records and demonstrated financial need. Endowed scholarships are funded by the annual income from financial gifts held in Lewis & Clark's endowment. Each recipient is notified about the specific gift funding his or her scholarship and may be asked to write a note of thanks to the donor or participate in a donor recognition event. See also Endowed Scholarship Funds in this catalog.
Donald G. Balmer Scholarship This scholarship, which honors Professor Balmer's history of exceptional teaching and scholarship, is awarded to outstanding upper-class political science majors who demonstrate academic strength and financial need.
Lloyd K. and Ana Maria Hulse Scholarship This scholarship honors Professor Hulse's long history at Lewis & Clark where he taught the Spanish language as well as the culture and literature of Spanish-speaking countries. Upper-class students with a strong academic record, demonstrated financial need, and who are majoring in either Hispanic studies or Spanish are invited to apply for this scholarship.
The International Student Scholarship One scholarship is awarded to an international student who articulates and demonstrates a love of learning, a passion to achieve higher standards, and a desire to participate in the development of the Lewis & Clark community, with consideration given to financial need. This scholarship was established by alumni to commemorate the international dimension of their Lewis & Clark experience and to provide a lasting impact on the cross-cultural commitment of the institution. It was founded in memory of Meg O'Hara, former dean of students, but has been expanded to include memorials to others who have contributed to international life at Lewis & Clark.
Mary Stuart Rogers Scholarship Scholarships are awarded each spring to currently enrolled sophomores and juniors for use in their junior or senior year of undergraduate study. Recipients are selected by the Committee on Admissions, Awards, and Academic Standing, with consideration given to academic achievement, outstanding leadership qualities, and financial need.
Summit Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in cocurricular activities that benefit the academic community or community at large, with consideration given to academic achievement and financial need, and with a preference for students who have overcome special challenges.
Kent Philip Swanson Jr. Memorial Scholarships These scholarships were established by his parents to honor the life of Kent P. Swanson Jr. '95. Two scholarships are awarded to upper-class biology students who demonstrate excellence in biology, financial need, and a love of the outdoors. One scholarship is awarded to an upper-class student who demonstrates financial need as well as excellence in the field of ceramics.
Federal Pell Grant Federally funded grants are awarded to financially needy students who meet the program's specific requirements. Federal Pell Grants for the 2007-08 academic year ranged from $400 to $4,310.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant Federally funded grants are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, with priority given to Federal Pell Grant recipients. The amount of the grant ranges from $500 to $3,000 per year depending on available funding.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) Federally funded grants are awarded to students who meet the program's specific requirements, including receipt of the Federal Pell Grant and completion of a rigorous secondary school program of study recognized by the Department of Education. Up to $750 may be received for the first academic year of study and up to $1,300 for the second year of academic study.
Natural Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant Federally funded grants of up to $4,000 for the third and fourth academic years of study are awarded to students who meet the program's specific requirements. Recipients must have at least a 3.000 cumulative grade point average and major in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or critical foreign languages as defined by the Department of Education.
Oregon Opportunity Grant Students who are residents of Oregon may be eligible to receive assistance funded by the state. Eligibility is determined by the Oregon Student Assistance Commission using financial information provided on the FAFSA.
External Scholarships Students are encouraged to seek assistance through external sources. Students should investigate the possibility of scholarships through their parents' employers, professional associations, community organizations, fraternal groups, churches, local businesses, PTAs, veterans posts, and similar groups. Many high school counseling centers maintain free reference information on scholarship opportunities, and the Internet is a good resource for information leading to these funding sources. External resources must be considered when determining a student's eligibility for assistance and are treated as a resource in addition to the expected family contribution. Students are responsible for notifying the Office of Student Financial Services of funding they are awarded from any external sources. If a student's financial aid award must be revised because of external scholarships, Lewis & Clark normally looks first at the loan and employment portion of the package in considering where to make a reduction.
Federal Stafford Loan (Subsidized and Unsubsidized) Undergraduate students may be certified by the Office of Student Financial Services to obtain a loan through a private lending institution. First-year students may borrow a maximum of $3,500; sophomores may borrow up to $4,500; juniors and seniors may borrow up to $5,500 per year (up to an aggregate undergraduate total of $23,000). Principal and interest payments are deferred for six months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half time. The federal government also requires the lender to deduct an origination fee of approximately 3 percent of the principal and the guarantor to deduct a default management fee of up to 1 percent of the principal from each disbursement of the loan. Eligibility for Stafford loans is determined through the filing of the FAFSA. Students who do not qualify for a subsidized Stafford Loan may apply for an unsubsidized loan. Unsubsidized loan borrowers are responsible for the interest that accrues during in-school and grace periods, though payments may be deferred.
Federal Work-Study This federally funded program provides the opportunity for students to work part-time during the academic year. Work-study positions are typically on campus and wage rates range from $7.95 to $8.95 an hour. Paychecks are issued once a month. Eligibility for this program is based on financial need as determined by analysis of the information provided on the FAFSA.
Federal Perkins Loan These long-term, low-interest loans are awarded to students who demonstrate need according to federal regulations. A student may borrow an annual maximum of $4,000 through this program, with an aggregate of $20,000 during the undergraduate years. Actual awards vary, contingent on available funding. The interest rate is 5 percent, with repayment beginning nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half time.