Degree Completion Program (DCP)

The Ferguson Foundation’s Degree Completion Program is a one-time financial assistance program that will provide financial assistance for students at risk of dropping out of college due to a  financial hardship. This program covers outstanding balances, such as tuition and unpaid fees, for students who are on track to graduate or continue to the next semester.

Students must complete an online application form and show proof of financial hardship as well as the amount needed in order to satisfy their graduation obligations.

The maximum award is $1,000. Any additional fees must be paid before The Ferguson Foundation will pay the remaining balance, up to $1000, to the financial institution.

*Supporting documentation may be requested.


Educational Assistance Program (EAP)

The Ferguson Foundation’s Educational Assistance Program assists college students with outstanding balances, such as tuition and unpaid fees, books, and assistance with on campus student housing.

Students must complete an online application form and show proof of financial hardship as well as the amount needed.

The maximum award is $500. Any additional fees must be paid before The Ferguson Foundation will pay the remaining balance, up to $1000, to the financial institution.

*Supporting documentation may be requested.


Please be advised: Funding is limited, and the amounts awarded will differ according to each student’s financial need. While we will do our best to address financial emergencies related to students' most critical needs, we may not be able to accommodate every request.


Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible if you meet ALL of the following:

  • Enrollment: You are currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing an associate’s, bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree. OR
  • Emergency Financial Need: You have an emergency financial need that is directly impacting your ability to enroll in college or your continued college enrollment.
  • GPA: You have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
  • Credit Hours: You are currently enrolled in at least 12 credits at an accredited college or university. (For Educational Assistance Program)
  • FAFSA Completion: You have completed a FAFSA.
  • Scholarship Status: You have not received a scholarship from The Ferguson Foundation during this academic year or twice in the last five years.
  • Scholarship Status:
  • Graduation Assistance: I have fulfilled all the requirements to complete my degree, and this support will give me the final help I need to graduate. (For Degree Completion Progam)

Additional requirement for amounts over $500:

  • You must have exhausted all financial aid.
  • You must no longer be eligible to receive HOPE and Pell Grants provided by the state.

Documents Needed For Assistance

Please gather the following documents to upload/attach in the designated area of your application. The applicant must include:

  • Current Photo ID
  • Proof of Enrollment:
    Current class schedule, acceptance letter, or any official documentation verifying your enrollment in an accredited college or university.
  • Proof of Acceptance:
    Acceptance letter from the institution along with a statement showing the amount due for enrollment (if applicable).
  • Emergency Financial Need Documentation:
    Documents that support your claim of emergency financial need (e.g., past-due tuition bills, letters explaining financial hardships, or other evidence of the financial emergency impacting your ability to stay enrolled).
  • GPA Verification:
    An official or unofficial transcript or a letter from the school confirming that you have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5.
  • Credit Hour Verification:
    Proof of enrollment in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution (often included in your class schedule or a letter from the institution).
  • FAFSA Completion Confirmation:
    Confirmation of FAFSA submission or a Student Aid Report (SAR) to verify that you have completed the FAFSA.
  • Pell Lifetime Limit Verification:
    Documentation showing that your Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Limit has been reached. This can be obtained from your school or through Bannerweb.
  • Income Verification:
    • If employed: Last 60 days of pay stubs.
    • If self-employed: Most recent 1099 form.
    • If unemployed: Wage verification letter from the Department of Labor.
  • Other Documentation Supporting Financial Need:
    Additional documents that provide evidence of your financial hardship or emergency.
  • Final Assistance Statement:
    A written statement explaining that you have met all criteria necessary to complete your degree, and that this support will provide the final assistance needed for graduation.

Submitting Your Application

  1. Review and ensure you meet the Eligibility Criteria for financial assistance.
  2. Ensure you have all the Required Application Documents ready to upload/attach to the application.
  3. Complete the application and upload/attach the Required Application Documents.
  4. Review the terms and conditions.
  5. Click submit. You will receive an email at the address provided in your application indicating "Pending," which means your application has been received but not yet reviewed. If you don’t see this email in your inbox, please check your spam folder..
  6. A Ferguson Foundation advisory member will review your application, and you can expect one of the following emails: (Approved, Additional Information Needed, Denied, Not Currently Accepting Applications) within approximately 5 to 7 business days. Please note that applications submitted on Fridays will be reviewed the following Monday. If you do not receive a notification, be sure to check your spam folder..

 

APPROVED – Your application has been approved. An advisory member will reach out to you to gather or provide more information regarding funding.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED – An advisory member will email you to request further information. If you do not submit the requested details within the specified timeframe, your application will be automatically denied, and you will need to reapply.

DENIED – You are not eligible for financial assistance. An email will be sent to you detailing the reasons for the denial.

NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS – Your application was submitted during a time when the foundation is not accepting new applications.

Check your spam folder if you do not receive a notification in your inbox.