Financial Aid at Watkins

At Watkins, we strive to help meet the financial needs of our students by offering financial assistance from grants, scholarships, loans and work programs. Funding for these programs is based on need, non-need and merit. Approximately 80 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance.

The amount of financial aid a student receives is based on their financial needs and enrollment status. Financial need is determined by subtracting the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the Cost of Attendance.

In order to be considered for student aid assistance, students must complete a FAFSA each year at www.fafsa.gov, as soon as possible after January 1^st, and have a valid output in our financial aid database by the deadline(s) listed below.  In addition, you must be accepted to the College in a degree or certificate program, be in good academic standing and meet all eligibility requirements outlined for the various aid programs offered at Watkins. (Non-degree seeking students do not qualify for student aid assistance).

For a list of the types of aid that our Financial Aid office has to offer, click here.

Financial Aid Process

• Complete the FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov), as soon as possible after January 1^st of each year you want to be considered for student aid assistance
• Respond to all requests for additional information as quickly as possible (especially if selected for VERIFICATION)
• Make sure you are ACCEPTED into the College in a DEGREE or CERTIFICATE program
• Maintain Good Academic Standing beginning with your first year of enrollment. Students who fail to maintain good academic standing may not qualify for continued student aid consideration
• Review your AWARD OFFER and CHOOSE the aid programs you would like to utilize for that enrollment period
• Complete any additional requirements needed for certain aid programs (such as student and/or parent loans)
• Sign and return ONE copy of the Award Offer
• Complete, sign and date the Institutional Application for Financial Aid and RETURN WITH THE SIGNED AWARD OFFER
• Ask questions.  Contact the Financial Aid Office if you need additional assistance or have special circumstances that may affect your eligibility or if you are unsure about any of the aid program requirements or the process

FINANCIAL AID DEADLINES

The FAFSA should be completed using the most accurate  estimated income information available (i.e., end of year check stub of earnings, W-2 forms, federal tax returns- if available). Even if you haven’t filed your federal tax return, you can still complete your FAFSA in order to meet our deadline and update later with actual income once available. Remember that early filing maximizes your chances of receiving assistance from aid programs for which you qualify.

Click here to read about drug convictions effect on student aid eligibility.

Once your FAFSA has been processed and a valid output has been sent to Watkins’ financial aid database, it will be reviewed to determine if additional information is required. Students requiring additional information are those that have been selected for a process called VERIFICATION.  This selection can be random or due to conflicting data.  If you are selected for verification, the financial aid office will send a request for additional information or actions required to clear this process.  IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. NO AID CAN BE PROJECTED OR AWARDED UNTIL THIS PROCESS IS COMPLETED.

After requirements are met, a Financial Aid Award Offer will be generated and mailed to you indicating the type and amount of assistance you are eligible to receive for the enrollment period for which you are applying. Included with this offer is an Institutional Application for Financial Aid that must be completed and returned with ONE copy of your signed award offer indicating the aid programs you are accept or decline. 

All eligible aid programs (except work-programs) that you accept in the award offer can be used towards your cost of attendance during registration.  Any costs not funded by the aid programs, must be paid at the time of registration or by installment using our interest-free payment plans. Questions regarding the payment plans should be directed to [email protected] or call (615) 383-4848, ext. 7436.

FINANCIAL AID CALCULATOR

Use this free financial aid calculator to estimate charges and aid amounts. Please note that the aid estimates provided in the calculator is based on 2008-09 data and does not currently reflect the increased and expanded scholarship programs offered at Watkins for first-time students. However, the parameters are the same and should give you an overall accurate estimate for planning purposes. For more detailed information on your financial aid package at Watkins, please contact our financial aid office.

Click here to use the calculator

Payment Plans

Watkins offers an Interest Free payment plan processed through the Business Office. Interested students and parents should contact the Business Office Manager for Student Accounts at (615) 383.4848 ext. 7412 or [email protected]

Private Loan Options

Use this search tool to find non-federal aid funding after federal aid has been considered. http://beta.elmselect.com/link/query?schoolid=292

RECEIVING OUTSIDE AID FROM OTHER RESOURCES

Any aid received from private or other sources should be communicated to the Financial Aid Office so that it can be coordinated with the aid you have been awarded through federal, state and/or Watkins’ programs in order to provide you with the most accurate account of student aid options available for you.

Helpful links for financial aid planning and scholarship searches: www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.studentloans.gov, www.fastweb.com , www.minted.com/design-grant and www.cfmt.org

OTHER FINANCIAL AID REQUIREMENTS

Loan Entrance Interviews are required for all first time borrowers of the student loan program. Its purpose is to inform students of their rights and responsibilities associated with borrowing from the federal student loan program.

Loan Exit Interviews are required for students who graduate, transfer, withdraw or drop below half-time status at the College. Its purpose is to inform students of their loan obligations and to provide information relevant to successful loan repayment.

Both are mandatory federal requirements.

CONTACT US:

Phone: 615.383.4848

Regina Gilbert, Director of Financial Aid  - ext 7421

Lyle Jones, Financial Aid Coordinator - ext 7420

Email: [email protected]

Address:

Watkins College of Art, Design & Film

Office of Financial Aid

2298 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37228