1. Merit is determined by examining the applicant’s academic achievements, test scores, class standing, GPA, and awards. The better a student does academically, the more points he/she will receive in this category.
2. Islamic scholarship represents the student’s simultaneous quest for Islamic knowledge. Examples include learning Arabic, memorizing the Quran, attending a weekly halaqah, weekend seminars, etc.
3. Community involvement examines how involved an applicant is in the greater Muslim and non-Muslim community. Examples include volunteering at a local food bank, being the president of a club or school organization, tutoring, feeding the poor, etc.
4. Need is determined by looking at the financial portfolio of the applicant, spouse, and parent(s). Other scholarships such as FAFSA are included for review. The greater the need, the greater the points that are assigned to this section.

Eligibility Criteria

Our basic eligibility requirements are that you must

• be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen;
• have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
• be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program;
• maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school;
• Currently attending or attended a community college, four-year institution, master’s program, PhD program, or professional doctorate program in the United States
• No criminal record and/or clear background

The Application Review Committee (ARC) will determine the loan amount given to each student and the repayment period based on the strength of their application, the amount requested, and the amount of funds raised by ACC during that calendar year.

1. Maximum lifespan of loans: ACC will only give loans to students who can realistically pay back their total loan within 4 years. No loan lifespan can exceed the 4-year maximum. If an applicant cannot pay back their loan within 4 years, then a lesser amount may be loaned out.
2. Minimum monthly repayment: When determining a recipient’s minimum monthly repayment, the ARC will determine the maximum a recipient can repay without it becoming a burden on the recipient. However minimum monthly payments start immediately after the loan is awarded.
3. Flexibility of Repayment: In Islam, a loan is a form of sadaqah (charity). In those cases where a student is unable to meet their minimum monthly payments due to financial hardship, then ACC will
   contact the student in order to determine a new minimum monthly payment. This flexibility may extend the lifespan of the loan. This flexibility reflects the mercy and compassion demonstrated in the Quran and Sunnah and will be determined by the ARC.
4. Loans are Sadaqah: As mentioned above, loans are a form of sadaqah. We still believe that students are obliged to repay their loans; however, in cases where a student is unable to due to loss of work, injury, or other life circumstances, ACC will work with them to reassess their loan repayment.
5. Loan Delinquency: If a student refuses to repay their loan, ACC will take the following actions to ensure repayment:
   1. ACC will take all appropriate actions to speak with the student in order to find a solution. If the student still refuses to repay their loan, the following actions may be taken.
   2. Damage to credit rating by student loanee or cosigner
   3. Garnishment of wages
   4. Withholding of tax refunds
   5. Possible loss of eligibility for federal and state financial aid