Federal Aid Resource Documents
Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid:
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Eligibility Requirements and Procedures
To be eligible to apply initially for financial aid, students must meet the following criteria:
- Be matriculated (formally admitted to the University).
- Be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of study.
- Be enrolled at least part time.
Once students are studying at Salisbury University and wish to reapply for
financial aid, they must meet the qualifications below:
- Remain matriculated.
- Remain enrolled in a degree-seeking program of study.
- Continue making satisfactory academic progress.
All students must reapply every year for continuation of financial aid, and
are required to report to the Financial Aid Office any new scholarships, loans,
grants and earnings from employment not recorded on the original, initial
financial aid application. This information is used to reassess students'
financial needs and if needs are reduced, aid will be reduced accordingly. When
aid must be reduced, the Financial Aid Office attempts to adjust the amount
students will receive for the upcoming semester in that semester. But in cases
where such adjustments cannot be made in time and students receive aid in excess
of assessed need, the University bills students in the amount of the over award.
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Application Procedures for University Financial Aid Programs
Students who wish to apply for financial aid must complete a Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) indicating that Salisbury University (Title IV
Code 002091) is to receive the information. They may be asked to submit signed
and dated copies of students' and parents' income tax forms from the previous
year, as well as any other relevant information required by the Financial Aid
Office. No application will be considered official until all of these forms are
received by Financial Aid Office.
The University's priority funding deadline is March 1st
for the following academic year. Students may apply as early as
January 1st but no later than two weeks in advance of
the deadline data. This allows time for the government to process the FAFSA and
have the results forwarded to the Financial Aid Office. Although incoming
freshmen and transfer students are not offered financial aid until they have
been formally admitted to the University, they must meet the same application
deadline. Applications received after the priority deadline are processed
on a rolling basis. Because we work with limited funds in the campus-based
federal and university programs, all of the need-based grant aid will go to
eligible students who meet the priority deadline.
Financial Aid Offer and Acceptance
Students who receive financial aid are notified in an award notice and must,
in turn, respond on-line to the offer.
Transfer Students
Most college-administered financial aid programs do not transfer from one college
to another. This, however, does not apply to the Federal Pell Grant and some
state scholarships. Students planning to transfer should
anticipate the move by contacting their institution's Financial
Aid Office before leaving college.
The Salisbury University Financial Aid Office requires that entering transfers
observe the normal application process. Midyear transfers
anticipating their move should follow the regular process noting
that aid will be needed only for the particular semester they
enter.
Independent Students
The federal government defines an independent student as one who meets one
or more of the following criteria for the 2009-2010 academic year:
- Born before January 1, 1986
- Working on a graduate master's degree
- Married student
- Have legal dependents (other than a spouse)
receiving more than half of their support from you
- Since you turned 13, both were parents deceased,
you were in foster care or dependent or ward of the court?
- Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- You are or were an emancipated minor as
determined by a court in your state of legal residency
- You are or were in legal guardianship as
determined by a court in your state of legal residency
- At any time on or after July 1, 2008, your high
school or school district homeless liaison determed that you were an
unaccompanied youth who was homeless
- At any time on or after July 1, 2008, a director
of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the US
Department of Housing and Urban Development determined you were an
unaccompanied youth who was homeless
- At any time on or after July 1, 2008, a director
of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living
program determined that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless
or were self supporting and at risk of being homeless
If you do not meet at least one of the above definitions, you are considered
a dependent student by federal regulations.
Enrolled at Two Institutions Simultaneously
You are not permitted to receive federal/state financial aid at two different institutions
simultaneously.
Foreign Students
Federal financial aid programs are reserved for U.S. citizens or eligible
non-citizens.
Male Students
All male students between the ages of 18 and 25 are required to register
with the Selective Service. Those who fail to register are ineligible for
student financial aid from the Title IV federal programs (Pell grant, ACG and
SMART grants, SEOG, Carl Perkins Loan, Federal College Work Study, Federal
Direct Student Loan programs). You may register on-line at:
www.sss.gov.
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Financial Aid Programs
Federal Grants and Loans:
Federal Pell Grant --
The Federal Pell Grant is an "entitlement" program for; first-time
bachelor's degree candidates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Degree
seeking students are eligible to apply for the grants ranging from $609 to
$5,350 depending on the federal formula. The grant is awarded by the federal
government, not Salisbury University. All students applying
for financial aid from SU are required to apply for the Federal Pell Grant. The
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be used to apply for the
Maryland State Scholarships, campus-based aid and the Federal Pell Grant.
Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) --
is available to first or second year students with less than
59 credits, Pell grant eligible, and have completed
a rigorous secondary school program (as defined by the Department of Education).
First year students can be awarded up to $750 per year and second year students can
be awarded up to $1,300 per year. In addition, second year students must
maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Grade level classifications
effective July 1, 2009.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART) --
is available to third (60-89 credits) and fourth (90+) year undergraduate students,
who are Pell grant eligible. Students must be in one of the
following majors: Physical, Life, or Computer Sciences, Mathematics, Technology, Engineering, or
in a foreign language determined critical to national security. Students must
maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Students may only receive one award at each grade level for
up to $4,000 over two semesters. Grade level classifications
effective July 1, 2009.
TEACH Grant Program --
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created
the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant
Program that provides grants to students who intend to teach full-time,
as a
highly qualified teacher, in a
high-need subject, in a school that
serves low-income students. Click
here to learn more about this program.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs --
Salisbury University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct
Student Loan Programs (Direct Loan). NOTE: Salisbury University only
participates in PLUS and Stafford Loans from the Federal Government (William D.
Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs). We do not accept applications from
the FFELP.
The Direct Loan enables degree-seeking students enrolled in at
least six credit hours to borrow money directly from the federal
government rather than private lending institutions (i.e. banks,
credit unions). Loans can easily and quickly be obtained by
submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
and completing an Electronic Promissory Note on-line.
Undergraduate students can borrow up to $5,500 for the
freshman year, $6,500 for the sophomore year and $7,500 for
the third through fifth year. Graduate Master's Degree seeking students
can borrow up to $8,500 per annum in the base loan and up to $12,000
in the additional unsubsidized loan program. The repayment begins six
months after recipients leave the institution or drops below
half-time.
Parents, of dependent students, also may borrow through the William D. Ford
Federal Direct PLUS program (provided the parents do not have adverse credit
history) by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and
completing an Electronic Promissory Note on-line. Parents may borrow up to the
cost of attendance at the institution minus other estimated financial assistance
for the student. The interest rate is capped at 7.90
percent. Parents may choose to defer payments until 6 months after the date the
student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Accruing interest could
either be paid by the borrower monthly or quarterly, or be capitalized
quarterly.
Information on the William D. Ford Federal Direct Student Loan Programs is
available in the Financial Aid Office.
Direct Loan Servicing System Web Site
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) --
These are outright grants of up to $1,000 for undergraduate, first
degree-candidates with exceptional financial need. These grants do not have to
repaid.
Federal Carl Perkins Loan (FCPL) --
This program provides up to $3,000 on a loan basis to undergraduate
students who are enrolled fulltime and have demonstrated exceptional
financial need. There is no interest charge on this loan as long as the
borrower continues in at least a halftime student status. Repayment
begins nine months after graduation or withdrawal from school. Students
may be allowed up to 10 years to repay the loan, based on the amount
borrowed. The interest rate is 5 percent per annum on the unpaid
balance. Repayment may be deferred while students are enrolled on at
least a half-time basis or serving in the military, Peace Corps or
VISTA. Special education teachers and teachers in designated
economically deprived areas may receive up to 100 percent cancellation
for teaching over a period of five years. A borrower who is temporarily
disabled, or whose spouse is temporarily totally disabled and requires
the borrower's care, may defer payments for up to three years.
Federal College Work Study (FCWS) --
The Federal College Work Study Program provides jobs on and off
campus to full time, degree-seeking, undergraduate students with
demonstrated financial need. These jobs are usually assigned as part of
the financial aid package. If possible, students are employed in
positions related to their academic major or special interest. Students
receive at least minimum wage and are paid every two weeks for hours
worked.
University Aid Program:
Salisbury University Fund --
The Salisbury University Fund is for full-time degree-seeking undergraduate
students who have established financial need by completing the Free Application for
Federal Student Financial Aid. These grants are awarded in combination with other
financial aid awards, considering academic performance and financial
need. The grant is a one-year award and is subject to change if additional aid resources
are secured or if demonstrated financial need is reduced.
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Disbursement of Financial Aid
Confirmed aid recipients who pre-register (thereby generating an early bill)
will receive financial aid credit directly on the statement of fees. Any balance
still due the student after all charges have been deducted will be disbursed to
the student as a refund check during the first week of the classes each
semester.
Recipients who must register in person (thereby generating a bill at
the time of registration) will receive any refund amount due
after all charges have been deducted. (allow 10-15 days).
Adjustments require additional time.
If the financial aid amount credited (or refunded) includes a Federal Carl Perkins
Loan (FCPL), the recipient MUST sign the appropriate loan forms
in the Business and Finance Office during the first full week of
classes each semester. Recipients with FCPL credit who either
receive no refund or have a "0" balance also MUST sign the loan
forms before the end of the first full week of classes each
semester. Each loan disbursement/credit requires a signature as
receipt of the FCPL amount. Loan forms must be properly
completed and signed by the deadline or the FCPL credit will be
withdrawn and the recipient will be responsible for the FCPL
amount previously credited. Students who do not have their bills
cleared and finalized run the risk of having their classes
canceled and permission withdrawn for registering the following
semester.
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Return of Title IV Funds Policy for students who have withdrawn from SU
The federal government's policy states that if Title IV aid recipient (Direct
Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS loan, Carl Perkins Loan, Pell Grant, ACG, SMART,
TEACH and/or SEOG)
ceases attendance (officially withdraws or unofficially withdraws-drops out)
from the institution during a period of enrollment in which the recipient began
attendance, the institution must calculate the percentage and amount of Title IV
assistance the student did not earn and return those funds to the Title IV
programs. Once 60% of the enrollment period as elapsed, 100% of the aid is
determined to be earned and no calculation is required.
Download Calculation form
NOTE:
Maryland State Scholarship(s) will be adjusted according to the Maryland
State Scholarship Administration's Regulations. Call 1-800-974-1024 for further guidance.
Exception: Maryland Part-time Grant may be canceled entirely when a withdraw occurs.
Salisbury University's Academic Scholarships will be adjusted according to the Refund Policy
as defined in the SU Catalogue.
Access FAFSA (On-line Application)
Estimate your family contribution or search for outside scholarships/grants
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Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy for Undergraduate Students
Federal regulations require that institutions of higher education establish
minimum standards of "Satisfactory Academic Progress" for potential and current
financial aid recipients. Financial Aid Applicants must comply with the
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy as a condition of initial or
continued eligibility. Please note that your prior academic progress will be
measured to determine your eligibility. Our office will review SAP at the end of
the fall and spring semester.
Financial aid programs which are affected by the SAP Policy include:
Federal Pell, Federal Carl Perkins Loan, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal
ACG and SMART Grants, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Salisbury University Fund,
Partnership for Success Grant and State grants/scholarships.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for undergraduates is measured in three areas:
maintaining a satisfactory cumulative grade point average, successfully completing a
required percentage of attempted credits, and receiving a degree within a maximum timeframe.
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average
Undergraduate students must maintain the required cumulative grade point
average necessary for continued enrollment at Salisbury University (SU).
Therefore, they must maintain an academic standing consistent to the
Undergraduate Scholastic Standards as outlined below:
Credits Earned Toward a Degree Minimum SU Cumulative GPA
(Including transfer credits)
| Fewer than 30 |
1.400 |
| 30 - 35 |
1.500 |
| 36 - 41 |
1.600 |
| 42 - 47 |
1.700 |
| 48 - 53 |
1.800 |
| 54 - 59 |
1.900 |
| 60 or more |
2.000 |
Minimum Credit Requirement
All undergraduate students must have successfully completed at least 67%
of all credits attempted at SU.
How do I calculate my percentage completed?
An attempted credit includes graded courses (A, B, C, D, F,) and non graded
courses (I, PS, S, CS, AU, W, WF, WP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RC, RD, RF, X, Advanced
Placement, CLEP, Departmental Challenge Exams, International Baccalaureate Exams
and Military Education Credit).
To calculate the percentage of credits you have completed, total all
attempted SU credits and total all completed SU credits (See Repeat Course
section in the University Catalog for further information regarding
repeating of courses). Then, divide the number of completed credits by the
number of attempted credits.
Total Completed Credits / Total Attempted Credits = Percentage Completed
Students placed on probation after the first occurrence for one or both of
the above requirements (Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average/Minimum Credit
Requirement) must meet all SAP requirements after the next consecutive semester
or financial aid eligibility will be terminated.
Maximum Time Frame
Undergraduate students seeking their first bachelor's degree must earn their
degree, regardless of their program of study, within their first 180 attempted
credits. Students who have not earned a degree within their first 180 attempted
credits, whether they have previously received financial aid or not, will lose
their financial aid eligibility.
What Counts as Attempted Credits?
An attempted credit includes graded courses (A, B, C, D, F,), non graded
courses (I, PS, S, CS, AU, W, WF, WP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RC, RD, RF, XD, XF,
Advanced Placement, CLEP, Departmental Challenge Exams, International
Baccalaureate Exams and Military Education Credit); and all transfer credits
accepted by SU.
Ex. John has 30 transfer credits accepted by SU and had registered for 15
credits at SU for the fall 2007 semester but only obtained 12 credits at the
conclusion of the fall 2007 semester. His attempted credits are 45.
Undergraduates seeking their first bachelor's degree
A financial aid eligibility termination letter will be sent to those
students who have attempted more than 180 credits.
Undergraduates seeking their second bachelor's degree
A financial aid eligibility termination letter will be sent to those
students who have attempted (includes attempted credits/transfer credits from
first bachelor's degree) more than 270 credits.
Appeal Process
If a student is placed on probation, he or she does not need to appeal,
because financial aid eligibility has not been revoked. A student who has had
his/her financial aid eligibility terminated has the right to make a written
appeal if extenuating circumstances exist and can be documented.
Additional Information
Academic dismissal or disciplinary suspension from SU will result in the
automatic cancellation of financial aid eligibility.
Only matriculating students (formally admitted) can receive financial aid.
Students ceasing attendance at SU, either officially by withdrawing through
the Registrar's Office or unofficially by dropping out, will have their
financial aid adjusted in accordance with the Federal Return of Title IV Funds
Refund Policy.
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Financial Aid Satisfactory Progress Policy for Graduate Students
Federal regulations require that institutions of higher education establish
minimum standards of "Satisfactory Academic Progress" for potential and current
financial aid recipients. Financial Aid Applicants must comply with the
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy as a condition of initial or
continued eligibility. Please note that your prior academic progress will be
measured to determine your eligibility. Our office will review SAP at the end of
the fall and spring semester.
Financial aid programs which are affected by the SAP Policy include the
Federal Direct Stafford Loan and State grants/scholarships.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for graduates is measured in three areas:
maintaining a satisfactory cumulative grade point average,
successfully completing a required percentage of attempted credits,
and receiving a degree within a maximum timeframe.
Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average Requirement
Graduate students must maintain the required cumulative grade point average
of at least a 3.0.
Minimum Credit Requirement
All graduate students must have successfully completed at least
67% of all credits attempted at SU.
How do I calculate my percentage completed?
An attempted credit includes graded courses (A, B, B+, C, C+, D, F,) and non
graded courses (I, AU, W, WF, WP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RB+, RC, RC+, RD, RF, and
Departmental Challenge Exams)
To calculate the percentage of credits you have completed, total all
attempted SU credits and total all completed SU credits. (See Repeat Course
section in the University Catalog for further information regarding
repeating of courses). Then, divide the number of completed credits by the
number of attempted credits.
Total Completed Credits / Total Attempted Credits = Percentage Completed
Students placed on probation after the first occurrence for one or both of
the above requirements (Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average/Minimum Credit
Requirement) must meet all SAP requirements after the next consecutive semester
or financial aid eligibility will be terminated.
Maximum Time Frame Requirement
The federal government requires a graduate student to obtain his/her degree
within a given time frame to remain eligible to receive financial aid. A student
is allowed to have attempted up to 150% of the required credits for a graduate
degree and still receive financial aid. The published length for a student to
obtain his/her degree varies according to the degree sought. Refer to the SU
Catalogue to determine the published length required for the degree you are
seeking.
What Counts as Attempted Credits?
An attempted credit includes graded courses (A, B, B+, C, C+, D, F,), non
graded courses (I, AU, W, WF, WP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RB+, RC, RC+, RD, RF, and
Departmental Challenge Exams) and all transfer credits accepted by SU.
Ex. John has 3 transfer credits accepted by SU and had registered for 9
credits at SU for the fall 2007 semester but only obtained 6 credits at the
conclusion of the fall 2007 semester. His attempted credits are 12.
A financial aid eligibility termination letter will be sent to those students
of have attempted more than 150% of the required credits necessary to obtain a
degree.
Appeal Process
If a student is placed on probation, he or she does not need to appeal,
because financial aid eligibility has not been revoked. A student who has had
his/her financial aid eligibility terminated has the right to make a written
appeal if extenuating circumstances exist and can be documented.
Additional Information
Academic dismissal or disciplinary suspension from SU will result in the
automatic cancellation of financial aid eligibility.
Only matriculating (formally admitted) students can receive financial aid.
Students ceasing attendance at SU, either officially by withdrawing through
the Registrar's Office or unofficially by dropping out, will have their
financial aid adjusted in accordance with the Federal Return of Title IV Funds
Refund Policy.
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Veteran's Benefits
Financial aid is available for veterans and their dependents who are eligible
for GI benefits. These benefits are implemented by the Salisbury University
Office of
Veteran Affairs,
located in the Registrar's Office, 120 Holloway Hall, 410-543-6150.
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Work Experience
Campus employment is available through the Work Experience Office. Students
can apply for jobs without having to apply for financial aid and are hired based
on job availability and skills. Visit at
www.salisbury.edu/careerservices
or call 410-543-6216.
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