2016-2017 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2016-2017 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

The Graduate School: Student Financial Aid


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We believe a student should consider the advantage of a private college when choosing an institution of higher education. Realizing the cost of higher education today, Friends University makes every effort to enable all students to attend regardless of financial resources, age, sex, marital status, physical handicap, race, religion and/or national origin. Financial need may be met through a combination of federal, state and institutional financial aid programs. Friends University provides financial counseling and encourages campus visits by students and parents to discuss financial planning. If additional information is desired, students should direct their questions to the Financial Aid Office.


THE FOLLOWING GENERAL RULES APPLY TO FINANCIAL AID AWARDS:

  1. To be eligible for financial aid, students are required to be fully admitted to the University and enrolled in a program leading to a degree.
  2. Financial need and availability of funds are primary factors in determining awards. Most awards are for one year and are always made on a full-time basis.
  3. Federal aid is prorated when enrollment is less than full time.
  4. State aid requires enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester in a standard term program.
  5. Institutional aid requires enrollment in a minimum of 12 credit hours a semester in the traditional undergraduate program.
  6. All awards are to be used for educational related expenses.
  7. Financial aid will be forfeited by a student who has been dismissed for academic reasons or failed to comply with the satisfactory academic progress policy.
  8. Discrimination is prohibited – refer to the non-discriminatory policy.

Application Procedures for Financial Aid

  1. A need analysis is required for aid from federal or state programs. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  2. Complete/Provide any additional documents requested by the Financial Aid office.

Admission Status

  • Students tentatively admitted to the University are not eligible to receive financial aid.
  • Students fully admitted and provisionally admitted to the University are eligible to receive financial aid.
  • Students conditionally admitted to the University are eligible to receive financial aid. However, financial aid may be limited. Contact the Financial Aid Office regarding your individual file.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)

A student must make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree to be eligible for financial aid. Friends University’s policy for satisfactory academic progress is in accordance with Federal guidelines.

Satisfactory academic progress is checked after every semester at Friends University.

Full-time students must earn a minimum number of credit hours in conjunction with number of years of enrollment as defined as follows. Part-time students will be expected to make the same proportional progress as full-time students. Students must earn a cumulative grade point average in accordance with academic classification.

 

Graduate Student Status   Cumulative GPA Requirement
Year 1   3.0
Year 2   3.0
Year 3 (if applicable)   3.0

Eligible students may receive aid up to a maximum of 1.5 times the regular length of time required to complete a degree as defined by the academic program. Students are required to complete 67 percent of all attempted hours to maintain eligibility to receive federal financial assistance.

Incompletes: will not be counted as credit earned. One semester is allowed to finish incomplete work.

Retakes: A student may receive federal financial aid for retakes of any previously failed courses and financial aid will pay for one retake of any previously passed course.

Financial Aid Warning Status: A student is placed on this status if they fail to make satisfactory academic progress as defined by the quantitative and qualitative standards listed above. A student can receive federal financial aid for one payment period (semester) while on this status. If a student fails to make academic progress after they have been on Financial Aid Warning status, they will not be eligible for federal financial aid at this institution.

Financial Aid Appeal Procedure: If a student fails to meet satisfactory academic progress standards and is no longer eligible for federal financial aid, there is an appeal process. A student can appeal for undue hardship based on the death of a relative, personal injury or illness of the student or other special circumstances.

1. Write a letter of appeal to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid explaining why the student failed to make progress, and what has changed in the student’s situation that would demonstrate the ability to make satisfactory academic progress. Please include any supporting documentation.
2. Appeal must be made before the enrollment period or make arrangements if more time is needed.
3. Written notification will be made to the student.

Financial Aid Probation Status: If an appeal for federal financial aid is granted, the student will be placed on probation status and may receive federal financial aid. There may be specific terms or conditions required such as taking a reduced course load, enrolling in specific courses or reduced loan eligibility.

Refunds: If a refund is due to a student for tuition, room and board, or other institutional charges, and the student received financial aid, a portion of the refund will be returned to the student aid programs in accordance with federal guidelines. Refer to Refund Policy and Repayment of Title IV Funds.

Student Account Services calculates the initial refund based on the refundable charges and the date of withdrawal. Refer to the University refund schedule.

Disbursement: Scholarships, grants and loans will be disbursed as a credit to the student’s account either by direct deposit or by endorsement of check(s). Direct deposit transactions will be made when the 100 percent (100%) refund period has expired for the enrollment period or when the 100 percent (100%) refund period has expired for the first class of a non-standard term.

Federal Grants and Loans

Teach Grant

A non-need-based grant that provides up to $4,000 per year to students who are enrolled in an eligible program and who agree to teach in a high-need field, at a low-income elementary or secondary school for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which the TEACH grant was awarded.  If the grant recipient fails to complete the required teaching service, the TEACH grant is treated as a Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan.

Federal Direct Student Loan
A long-term, need-based loan for eligible students. To determine eligibility you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, a master promissory note must be completed and returned with the official award notification letter.

Federal Additional Unsubsidized Direct Student Loan
A long-term, no-need loan for independent students. To apply you must first determine eligibility for the Federal Direct loans by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). In addition, a master promissory note must be completed and returned with the official award notification letter.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

A long-term, no-need loan for graduate students.  To apply you must complete a promissory note.

Work Opportunities

Off-campus Employment
The Center for Student Success at Friends University assists students in finding full- and part-time employment. Many businesses and industrial employers list jobs with the Center for Student Success throughout the year. Students can access these jobs by visiting the Center or on line at www.ecampusrecruiter.com/friends.

On-campus Employment
Friends University provides a variety of oncampus employment opportunities for students with or without federal work study. On-campus positions are posted at the Center for Student Success or on line at www.ecampusrecruiter.com/friends.

Federal Work Study Program
Eligibility for the federal work study program is based on financial need. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For additional information, contact:

Friends University
Financial Aid Office
2100 W. University Ave.
Wichita, KS 67213
316-295-5200
apply4$@friends.edu

 

 

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