Program Details
Program Details
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Program Details

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Bachelor of Arts
Virginia Wesleyan University

As an interdisciplinary subject, historically related to philosophy and biology, psychology is well suited as a major for students seeking a diversified education that will advance their understanding of themselves and others. The Psychology Department offers both B.A. and B.S. degree options featuring a diversified curriculum designed to prepare students to enter a field of professional psychology requiring master's- or doctoral-level training or successfully compete for post-baccalaureate jobs requiring content-specific psychological knowledge and skills. Along with a variety of courses within core content areas from which to choose, both degree paths feature coursework aimed at providing instruction and experiences aimed at fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking, ethical and social responsibility, communication, and professionalism. The Psychology Major as Preparation for Healthcare Professions Students planning to enter schools of medicine, dentistry, or other healthcare fields after college can major in psychology and still have time to take essential courses in the natural sciences. Practitioners who can consider the psychological factors that contribute to their patients’ complaints and reactions to treatment often find that having this perspective improves their diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness. The university’s pre-medical advisor can describe how this curricular integration can be achieved through careful planning.

Outcomes

I. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency on standardized tests of their knowledge of the major areas in psychology. Subject areas selected for assessment based on overlap with the existing major course curriculum and Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology of the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major II. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency in writing about their research in APA style. (Writing) III. Seniors will demonstrate proficiency in presenting and defending their research orally (Oral Communication)


Program Overview & Guidance
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Program Web Page
External Link
Delivery Mode
In-Person
Check Course Schedules
Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
Check Course Schedules
Program Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses

  • Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year
  • Connect with an advisor at your community college and Virginia Wesleyan University within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights
Program Credit Requirements
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Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.

The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio and the requirements for the selected program.

A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
BA in Psychology
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
General Education
52
Wesleyan Seminar
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Transfer students may have seminar I and/or II waived pending credits transferred.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth Requirements
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Courses must be completed from 6 different departments and must be outside your major department.
Breadth: Creative Arts
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Upper-Level Humanities
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Mathematical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Natural Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong or WattsSPS)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
English Composition
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
English 001 may be required prior to ENG 105. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 105.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Options for satisfying the language requirement can be found at https://www.vwu.edu/academics/general-education/foreign-language-proficiency.php . Students with prior language experience, transfer students, and evening/weekend students are encouraged to review the options. Students satisfying the language requirement through other options will complete these 12 credit hours through completion of other courses related to their program plans.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
32
Intro to Psy I
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Intro to Psy II
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Scientific Lit in Psy
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Developmental Psychology Choice
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Applied Psychology Choice
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Biological Foundations Choice
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Social/Theoretical Foundations Choice
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Diversity Choice
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Elective 300/400 Level
8
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Elective to be approved by your advisor.
Earn 8 credits: Complete the following
Earn 8 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 400
AND
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 300
Ethics and Professional Issues
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
32
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Earn 32 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements
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The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Wesleyan University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name Type Title
Blue Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Central Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Danville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Gateway Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Eastern Shore Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Germanna Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Brightpoint Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Laurel Ridge Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Mountain Empire Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
New River Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Northern Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Paul D. Camp Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Patrick & Henry Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Piedmont Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Rappahannock Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southside Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Southwest Virginia Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Tidewater Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Peninsula Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Highlands Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Virginia Western Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Wytheville Community College GAA Fair Transfer Guarantee
Blue Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Central Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Danville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Gateway Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Eastern Shore Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Germanna Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Brightpoint Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Laurel Ridge Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Mountain Empire Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
New River Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Northern Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Paul D. Camp Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Patrick & Henry Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Piedmont Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Rappahannock Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southside Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Southwest Virginia Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Tidewater Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Peninsula Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Highlands Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Virginia Western Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass
Wytheville Community College Concurrent Enrollment Marlin Fast Pass

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
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Transfer Guidance Element What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an associate of arts, associate of fine arts, or associate of science will enter Virginia Wesleyan with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree.

Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School First-time college students arriving with conferred Associate's degrees get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework.They are not exempted from any breadth requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning Transfer credit is considered on the basis of an official transcript or transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Virginia Wesleyan University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the transfer evaluation of credit are recorded on the student’s “Transfer Evaluation Report” on WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Virginia Wesleyan University grade point average. Amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credits are awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and that are comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Virginia Wesleyan University.
Did You Know That...
  • Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?
  • Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Virginia Wesleyan University
College Level Information
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Transfer Center
External Link
Transfer Admission Application
External Link
Transfer Student Aid
External Link
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
For the Fall 2020 recruitment cycle, 63% of transfer applicants were admitted. Average GPA 3.06
College Fit Guidance What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me? First year students who do not have parents in the local 7 cities are required to live on campus. Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 24. Average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations.
Transfer Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog)
First Year Student Catalog Year First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog)
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions There is no specific date as to when a student needs to let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early so they can take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php
Where Can This Degree Transfer
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This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution Title Degree Award Name Award Level Delivery Mode
Averett UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Averett UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
Hollins UniversityBA in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Hollins UniversityBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Germanna Community CollegeAssociate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies with Specialization in PsychologyAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Brightpoint Community CollegeAssociate of Science Degree in PsychologyAssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community CollegePsychology, A.S.AssociateAssociate of Science2-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community CollegeAssociate of Sciences in Computer ScienceAssociateAssociate of Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community CollegeAA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work SpecializationAssociateAssociate of Arts and Sciences2-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
Sweet Briar CollegeBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Arts in Psychology, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Christopher Newport UniversityBachelor of Science in Psychology, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Science, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
James Madison UniversityBachelor of Arts, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Longwood University Psychology BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Roanoke CollegeBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBA in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Radford UniversityBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
The University of Virginia's College at WiseBachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearOnline, Hybrid
Mary Baldwin UniversityBachelor of Science in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online, Hybrid
George Mason UniversityPsychology, BABachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
George Mason UniversityPsychology, BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid, Online
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Norfolk State UniversityBachelor of Arts in Psychology - OnlineBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearOnline
William & MaryPsychology - Bachelor of ArtsBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
William & MaryPsychology - Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Old Dominion UniversityPsychology-BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Online
University of Mary WashingtonBS in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Marymount University Psychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Art4-YearIn-Person
Bridgewater CollegePsychology Major - BSBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Shenandoah UniversityBachelor of Science PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Ferrum CollegeB.S. in Psychology (Minor Required)BachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person, Hybrid
Randolph CollegeBachelor of Arts in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Addiction Studies, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Applied Psychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Life Science, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Pre-Graduate School, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Virginia Commonwealth UniversityPsychology with concentration in Urban Psychology, Bachelor of ScienceBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPhilosophy, Political Science, Economics (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Emory & Henry UniversityPsychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Randolph-Macon CollegePsychology (BA)BachelorBachelor of Arts4-YearIn-Person
Regent UniversityA.S. in PsychologyAssociateAssociate of Science4-YearHybrid
Regent UniversityB.S. in PsychologyBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearHybrid
University of LynchburgBS in Psychological Science - Counseling Psychology EmphasisBachelorBachelor of Science4-YearIn-Person
Careers Where This Degree Applies
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O*Net Code Name Description Parent
11-9199.11Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site ManagersPlan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.Management Occupations
19-3039.03Clinical NeuropsychologistsAssess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3033.00Clinical and Counseling PsychologistsAssess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.02Compliance ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.Management Occupations
19-3032.00Industrial-Organizational PsychologistsApply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.08Loss Prevention ManagersPlan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.Management Occupations
11-9199.00Managers, All OtherAll managers not listed separately.Management Occupations
19-3039.02NeuropsychologistsApply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3039.00Psychologists, All OtherAll psychologists not listed separately.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
25-1066.00Psychology Teachers, PostsecondaryTeach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9199.01Regulatory Affairs ManagersPlan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.Management Occupations
19-4061.00Social Science Research AssistantsAssist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.10Wind Energy Development ManagersLead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.Management Occupations
11-9199.09Wind Energy Operations ManagersManage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.Management Occupations
Cost To Complete
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This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 128 credits remaining to be completed

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Estimated Cost for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Virginia Wesleyan University
These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category Cost Basis Cost (To You) Estimated Benefits Net Cost Notes
Tuition $18,005 Per Semester $144,040 $0 $144,040 Full time- semester rate (12-18 credit hours each semester)
Fees
Fee $300 Per Semester $2,400 0 $2,400 New Student Enrollment
Fee $70 Per Semester $560 0 $560 New Student Orientation
Fee $250 Per Semester $2,000 0 $2,000 Student Activity (day students only) per year
Fee $700 Per Semester $5,600 0 $5,600 Technology (day students only) per year
Fee $150 Per Semester $1,200 0 $1,200 Car Decal - per year
*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.
Tuition & Fee Notes:
  • Part-Time Tuition
    • Part time (less than 12 credit hours)
  • Evening & Weekend Programs
    • Evening & Weekend Programs - the tuition rate for these classes is $399 per credit hour.
  • Dual Enrollment Courses
    • Dual Enrollment Courses are $275 per course and available to approved in-state students only.
Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:
  • You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.