Avalon Center cannot offer the usual sort of financial aid which major colleges and universities offer. However, we do offer a limited number of scholarships based on financial need or exceptional ability. This page explains the different types of scholarships for which you may apply.
Partial Tuition Waivers
Avalon offers need-based scholarships in the form of tution waivers. These can be awarded as tuition waivers of 40% on the basis of demonstrated financial need and demonstrated academic achievement at the B level or higher. With this kind of scholarship the student may enroll part time or full time, paying 60% of the normal tuition rate, or in other words, $178 per course.
Full Tuition Waivers
Members of the Advisory Board, Faculty, and Staff of the Center are offered a 100% tuition waiver under their terms of voluntary service.
Work-Study Scholarships
A limited number of work-study positions are available and will be advertised on the Avalon Forum message board titled "Job Listings." Work-study jobs are volunteer positions that are compensated with a tuition waiver equivalent to one three-credit course for every 25 hours worked per quarter. Thus, if you wish to take only one course in each quarter, you would ask for a position of 25 hours per quarter (approximately 2 hours per week). If you wished to take two courses, you would ask for a position of 50 hours per quarter (approx. 4 hours per week) and so forth. The exact nature of the work will be determined by your supervisor and may include administrative assistance, research assistance, or creating web or print documents for particular projects.
If you take a work-study scholarship, you must do the work and log your hours to the satisfaction of your supervisor. Failure to abide by your volunteer service agreement will render you inelligible for future scholarships, and may result in a hold being placed upon your academic record until such time as you have completed your obligation.
Completion of Studies
If you are awarded a scholarship and then fail to complete the course for which you enroll, your scholarship status will not be renewed. These awards are made on a quarterly basis and renewed based on academic performance at a level consistent with B (3.0) work. So, it is essential, if you wish to apply for a tuition waiver, that you are sure you are able to keep up with the work in your chosen classes.
Applying for Scholarships
To apply for a scholarship, you need only to write a letter explaining your circumstances to the Admissions and Scholarship Council. You may submit this letter with your Admission Form or at any time after you have been admitted if you find your financial circumstances altered. In the letter you should describe your commitment to your studies, your ability to complete the courses for which you enroll, and an explanation of your financial need. If you wish to apply for a specific, posted work-study position, you may note that in your application letter. Work-study positions will be awarded on the basis of need and qualifications for the particular work involved.
The deadline for scholarship applications is eight weeks prior to the start of the term in which you wish to enroll for classes.
