An Allen University student with family on campus
Parents & Families

Your student is in excellent hands.

You laid the foundation. At Allen, your student builds on it, growing in mind, skill, and character. We’re thrilled to partner with you every step of the way.

My student is considering Allen My student attends Allen
For Families of Future Students

Exploring Allen together.

The college search is a family journey. Here are four steps you can take side by side with your student.

A family touring Allen University’s campus
A prospective student meeting with an Allen faculty member

  1. Visit campus

    Walk the historic campus on Harden Street and meet with faculty and staff.

  2. Estimate your cost

    Use the Net Price Calculator to see what your family may pay after aid.

  3. Plan for financial aid

    Learn how to file the FAFSA and connect with our Financial Aid team.

  4. Apply

    Your student can start the application online in minutes.

Questions Families Ask

The answers you’re looking for.

Paying for College

Let’s talk about cost, clearly and early.

Most families pay for college with a mix of aid, savings, and payments. These are the places to start.

  • 1. File the FAFSA

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the key to federal grants, work-study, and loans. If your student is a dependent, you’ll provide parent information too.

    Start at StudentAid.gov

  • 2. See your estimated net price

    Compare the full cost of attendance with what your family may pay after grants and scholarships.

    Net Price Calculator

  • 3. Understand parent loan options

    Parents of dependent undergraduates may apply for a federal Direct PLUS Loan to help cover remaining costs.

    Parent PLUS Loans

  • 4. Talk with Financial Aid

    Our team will walk your family through every award and option.

    Financial Aid · 803-255-4786
New to College?

College words, explained.

Whether you’re a first-generation family or it’s just been a while, here’s a plain-language guide to the terms you’ll hear most.

FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. One form that opens the door to federal grants, work-study, and loans.
Net price
What your family may actually pay: the cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships.
Grant vs. loan
Grants and scholarships don’t have to be repaid. Loans do, usually with interest.
Bursar
The office that manages student bills, charges, and payments.
Registrar
The office that keeps academic records and handles registration and transcripts.
FERPA
A federal privacy law. Once your student is in college, they decide who can see their records.
Credit hour
The unit used to measure coursework. Most classes are worth about three credit hours.
Hold
A block on a student’s account, often for a balance due, that can delay registration or transcripts.
See 8 more terms
Cost of attendance
The estimated total cost of one year: tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, and other expenses.
Parent PLUS Loan
A federal loan parents of dependent undergraduates can apply for to cover remaining costs.
Full-time student
For undergraduates, generally 12 or more credit hours in a semester. It can affect financial aid.
Drop/add
The first days of a term when students can change their schedule without penalty.
GPA
Grade point average: the average of a student’s grades, on a 4.0 scale.
Major & concentration
The major is the main field of study. A concentration is a focus area within it.
Accelerated session
At Allen, a 7-week course session that runs within the fall or spring semester.
Commencement
The graduation ceremony, held at the end of the spring semester.
Allen University campus
For Families of Current Students

Welcome to the Allen University family.

By staying informed and engaged, you become an essential part of your student’s support system. These resources will help you support their success.

2026–2027 Dates to Know

Mark your calendar.

  • Aug 6New student registration, advisement & move-in
  • Aug 6–9Orientation for freshmen & new students
  • Aug 10Fall classes begin
  • Nov 21Residence halls close at 5:00 pm
  • Nov 26–27Thanksgiving · University closed
  • Jan 11Spring classes begin
  • Mar 8–12Spring Break
  • May 8Commencement

Dates subject to change. Full academic calendar

Getting Ready for Move-In

Help them pack for The Hive.

Families helping students move into an Allen residence hall

Everything you need, in one place.

Good to know: student privacy (FERPA)

Once a student is 18 or attending college, federal law (FERPA) gives them control of their education records. Allen can share grades, billing, or other records with parents only with the student’s written consent. Talk with your student about signing a release.

FERPA & the Registrar

Money matters

Academics & dates

Health, safety & campus life

Who to Call

The right office, the first time.

Save these numbers. Tap any card to call. For grades or account details, your student may need to give consent first (see FERPA above).

Looking for a specific person or office?

Search the full directory
How You Can Help

Coach from the sidelines.

You’re still one of your student’s most important supporters. A few conversations before and during the year go a long way.

An Allen University graduate celebrating at Commencement

  • Talk about the budget

    Agree on a weekly or monthly budget and who pays for what, before the first bill arrives.

  • Sign the paperwork together

    Decide whether your student will sign a FERPA release so you can discuss records with the University.

  • Encourage self-advocacy

    Help your student know which office to contact, and let them make the call. It builds confidence.

  • Save the key numbers

    Make sure both of you have Campus Police and the Dean of Students saved in your phones.

  • Check in on wellbeing

    Ask how they’re really doing. Counseling is available on campus, and 988 is available any time, day or night.

  • Celebrate the wins

    Good grades, new friends, a first performance or game. Your encouragement matters more than you know.

Come home to Harden Street.

Join us for Homecoming, campus events, and the moments you’ll celebrate together. Questions? Our main line is always a good place to start.

See upcoming events Main line: 803-376-5700 Follow @allenuniversity_sc