The aim of the College's financial aid program is to enable qualified students to attend Middlebury regardless of the family's financial resources. Using information from parents' tax returns and other explanatory materials the family may submit, Student Financial Services staff arrive at a determination of a student's need. Middlebury is committed to meeting the assessed need of all admitted students to the full extent that resources permit. Students should not hesitate to apply for aid. Students apply for financial aid for each year they attend Middlebury. Generally speaking, eligible undergraduate students may receive aid for four years (or the equivalent) at Middlebury College, one of the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, or certain other Middlebury-approved programs.
In addition to the substantial grant funds generated by the College's endowments and alumni gifts, Middlebury has funds available from the Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant programs. Eligibility for these funds is determined by Student Financial Services in accordance with federal regulations. All students are expected, as a matter of routine, to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and to their state grant program if they expect to be considered for grant assistance from Middlebury. Another source of financial aid, the Federal Direct Loan, is processed by Student Financial Services. Aid packages typically consist of a combination of grants, loans, and work.
In addition to what is expected from a student's parents, the College assumes students will take on responsibility for their education in two distinct, complementary ways. First, each student is asked to contribute from his or her personal savings, summer earnings, and any other resources at his or her disposal. The minimum student income contribution for 2005–2006 is $1,300 for first-year students and $1,700 for all other students. Second, a student must meet a self-help requirement during the academic year, generally through a combination of loan and employment. The Student Financial Services staff can advise students about options that range from earning more than the usual student income contribution to an on-campus job to borrowing to meet the full self-help requirement. While Middlebury's resources are not unlimited, the College makes every reasonable effort to see that jobs are available for students who wish to work during the academic year. For those few with demonstrated need who may not borrow under the federal loan programs, a limited amount of College loan funds may be available to assist them.
Government grants and scholarships are credited when the funds are certified as available, as with the Federal Pell Grant, or when the check arrives from the state aid agency. Students are reminded that the College will not replace any federal or state grants that are not received due to a student's failure to apply.
More detailed information about financial aid is available in the prospectus, which can be requested from the Admissions Office. It presents facts and figures about students receiving aid at Middlebury and outlines the application procedures. Information is also available from the Middlebury Web site at www.middlebury.edu/financialaid. Any additional questions concerning financial aid should be addressed to Student Financial Services, Emma Willard House.