Financial Aid Policies

As active institutional members of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Professionals (NASFAA), the Financial Aid employees at Salisbury University have historically prescribed to the NASFAA Code of Conduct. The Code is intended to help guide financial aid professionals in carrying out their obligations, particularly with regard to ensuring transparency in the administration of the student financial aid programs, and to avoid the harm that may arise from actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 legislated requirements which prohibits a conflict of interest with the responsibilities of an officer, employee, or agent of the school regarding Title IV loans.

The term “employees” refers to any of the school’s officers, employees and agents who are employed in the financial aid office or who have responsibilities with respect to student loans or who have responsibilities with respect to student loans related to Title IV education loans or private loans for educational purposes.

The Code of Conduct establishes that

• Employees shall not enter into any revenue-sharing arrangement with any lender where the lender provides or issues a Title IV loan to the student or student’s family in exchange for the school recommending the lender or the lender’s loan products in exchange for a fee or material benefit including profit or revenue sharing that benefits the school or a school’s employee or agent.

• Employees shall not solicit or accept any gift in the form of a gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, service, transportation, lodging, meals, reimbursement, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis (nominal) amount from a lender, guarantor, or servicer.
• Employees must not accept any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including the opportunity to purchase stock) from a lender as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender.
• The school shall not request or accept funds from any lender for private education loans including funds for an opportunity pool loan to it students in exchange for the school providing promises of a specified loan number or volume or a preferred lender arrangement for educational loans.
• Employees shall not accept or request any assistance with call center or financial aid office staffing from any lender except as allowed by law.
• Employees who serve on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, shall be prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, group of lenders or guarantors. However, the employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in serving on the advisory board, commission, or group.

Institutions must refer applicants who are suspected of having engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with Title IV programs to the Department of Education's (ED's) Office of Inspector General (OIG). The regulations require only that the institution refer the suspected case for investigation, not that it reach a firm conclusion about the propriety of the applicant's conduct.

As stewards of Title IV funds, SU is obligated to assure that processes are developed to protect against fraud by either applicants or staff. All financial aid staff are responsible for detecting and reporting fraud. If, in the financial counselor's judgment, the applicant and his/her family has provided a fraudulent application or documentation, it must be reported immediately to a supervisor.

The Financial Aid Office must identify and resolve discrepancies in the information received from different sources with respect to a student's application for Title IV aid. Some of these areas include but are not limited to:

All student aid applications (e.g., federal, state, institutional, etc.)

• Need analysis documents (FAFSA)
• Copies of federal income tax returns
• Information regarding a student's citizenship
• Previous educational experience (e.g., school credentials such as a high school diploma)
• Documentation of the student's Social Security Number (SSN)
• Other factors relating to the student's eligibility for funds under Title IV aid programs (e.g., compliance with the Selective Service registration requirement)

In the context of the financial aid office, fraud is the willful misrepresentation or falsification of information for the purpose of securing financial aid that the individual is not eligible for or not eligible to the extent received. Title IV fraud can take many forms, including, but not limited to the following

• Falsified documents or forged signatures on an application, verification documents, or loan promissory notes
• False statements of income
• False statements of citizenship
• Use of false or fictitious names or aliases, addresses, or SSNs, including the deliberate use of multiple SSNs
• False claims of independent status
• Patterns of misreported information from one year to the next
• Referrals to the Office of Inspector General (OIG)

If the school suspects that a student, employee, or other individual has misreported information and/or altered documentation to increase student aid eligibility or to fraudulently obtain federal funds, it must report those suspicions and provide any evidence to the Department of Education's Office of Inspector General (OIG).

Rights - You have the right to know

• What financial aid programs are available both need based and non-need based federal financial aid
• How you apply for aid
• The deadline for submitting applications for each of the programs
• How financial need is determined in general
• The requirements for continued eligibility
• The cost of attending SU (once official figures are available)
• The resources considered in calculating the individual financial need
• SU’s Title IV refund policy - for a student who formally withdraws or unofficially withdraws (drop-out)
• The financial aid disbursement procedures
• The terms and conditions of employment in the FWS program
• The instructional, laboratory, and other physical plant facilities associated with the academic programs
• A list of the faculty and other instructional personnel
• The availability of FSA program funds for study abroad programs
• What portion of the financial aid received must be repaid and what portion is grant aid
• Source and amount of each type of aid that is offered
• The details regarding any loan offered
• Certain statistics, policies, and a description of programs that promote campus safety
• The satisfactory academic progress requirements and procedures for aid recipients
• Salisbury University’s graduation rates, completion and transfer out rates
• Information about the student’s rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Responsibilities - It is your responsibility to:

• Inform the Financial Aid Office of any change in enrollment status, residency or grade level changes
• Read and understand the contents in the current Financial Aid Award Notification Guide
• Notify the Financial Aid Office of any non-university aid that you receive
• Notify the Financial Aid Office of aid you are receiving that is not indicated on your award notification (excluding aid from the Maryland State Scholarship Administration)
• Meet satisfactory academic progress requirements
• Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time
• Provide correct information (misreporting information on financial aid forms is a violation of the law and may be considered a criminal offense)
• Use financial aid funds solely for educational purposes
• Promptly return all additional documentation, verification, corrections, and new information requested by the Financial Aid Office
• Update your Bio/Demo information through your GullNet account
• Read, understand, and keep copies of all forms that you are asked to sign
• Understand that you are not permitted to receive federal/state financial aid at two different institutions simultaneously
• Repay all loans according to the terms agreed upon at the time the loan was accepted and the promissory note signed
• Complete and submit the Course Load Change form if you are not going to attend SU as a fulltime student each semester
• Read and fully understand the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
• Check your "To Do List" daily
• Read your SU email frequently - our MAIN form of communication
• Be aware that you are not permitted to receive federal/state financial aid at two different institutions simultaneously

Repeats - Federal regulations specify that students may receive federal financial aid funding for one repetition of a previously passed course. The regulation limits the number of times a student can receive financial aid for repeating coursework.

Examples of repeated coursework that MAY count towards a student's enrollment status for purposes of determining federal financial aid eligibility are listed below:

• Repeated coursework may be included if the student withdrew (W) or received a failing grade (F,NP). A student may repeat a failed course until it is passed.
• Repeated coursework may be included when determining enrollment status in a term-based program if a student needs to meet an academic standard for a particular passed course, such as a minimum grade. Ex: Student received a "D" in a course which requires a minimum grade of "C" for his/her major.

Examples of repeated coursework that MAY NOT count towards a student's enrollment status for the purpose of determining federal financial aid eligibility are listed below:

• Retaking a passed course more than once. If a student receives a "C" in a course and decides to repeat the course to improve his/her GPA, he/she may repeat this passed course ONE time. However, if the student wants to repeat it a second time, the course would not count towards the student's enrollment status.

Consider the following example:

• Fall 2017 - A student takes a class and receives a grade of "C" (course is eligible for aid).
• Spring 2018 - The student repeats the same class (course is eligible for aid).
• Fall 2018 - The student registers for the same course once again to try for a better grade (course is INELIGIBLE for aid).

In this example, if the student registered for 12 credit hours for fall 2018 and three of those credits represented an ineligible repeated course, then the student's financial aid eligibility would be based on nine credits for that term. This is true regardless of the reason (want or need) for repeating the course. Please note that the student would be billed as full-time.

NOTES:

• All repeated courses affect financial aid satisfactory academic progress calculations, regardless of whether the student received financial aid or not, all repeated coursework must be counted as attempted credits.
• Certain course descriptions listed in the Salisbury University Catalog may state that a specific course "must be repeated for degree" or "may be repeated for credit if content differs" (a student may receive financial aid for these courses, regardless if a passing grade has been received, as long as the course content is different).
• This regulation applies whether or not the student received aid for the earlier enrollments in the course.

Audits - Audited courses are not counted toward your degree requirements and because of that are not counted when determining financial aid eligibility. It is extremely important that you speak with our office before changing course grading options to audit. Your awards may be canceled or reduced if you fail to maintain required enrollment minimums.

For example: If you enroll in 12 credits but 4 of those credits are audited, your financial aid will be based on 8 credits, not 12 credits. Please note that you would be billed as a full-time student in this example.

How Dropping or Withdrawing Affects Your Financial Aid

Tips to Manage Your Financial Aid

1. Plan Ahead: Minimize your financial risk by selecting classes carefully, balancing your most difficult classes against your other courses and family and work demands.
2. Understand the Rules for Your Award: Review financial aid policies to understand what is expected of you to maintain your eligibility and keep your financial aid.
3. Know the Consequences: Be sure that you understand what will happen if you drop, withdraw, or fail to complete your classes. A financial aid counselor can help determine your financial liability.
4. Consider Your Options Before You Drop or Withdraw: Talk to the faculty member teaching your class to see if there is anything you can do to complete the class. Make sure you have explored all options for assistance.

Types of Aid and Enrollment

Federal student financial aid is awarded under the assumption you will be enrolled full-time for the semester. Any time you change your enrollment, SU’s Financial Aid Office must review your record and recalculate your aid. Federal (Title IV) aid includes the following programs:

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
• Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans
• Federal Perkins Loans
• Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Enrollment changes can also affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress, which ultimately affects your aid eligibility. Learn more about Satisfactory Academic Progress.

NOTE: Students who are withdrawn completely from classes during the tuition refund period will have their scholarship and institutional aid (which also includes tuition waivers for Non-Resident Nursing Students, Foster Care Recipients, and Unaccompanied Homeless Youth) prorated based on the tuition proration schedule.

For Maryland State Financial Aid, if a student drops a class before the census date, then they are considered to not have been enrolled in that class. If their enrollment does not meet the minimum number of required credits for their award without that class, then they are ineligible for that award. Below is additional guidance pertaining to student eligibility regarding withdrawal(s) from coursework for Maryland State Financial Aid:

1. If a student withdraws from a class after the institution’s census date, and is charged tuition for that class, then they may keep the award if they meet all other credit and program requirements.
2. If a student withdraws from all classes after the census date, but is still charged full- time tuition (or the tuition required to receive the funds), then they may keep the award.
3. If a student withdraws from all classes and the student is no longer charged full-time tuition (or tuition required to receive the funds), then they are no longer eligible for their MHEC award.

How Enrollment Changes Affect Your Aid

• If you drop or withdraw from classes (officially or unofficially-drop out), you may jeopardize future eligibility for student aid (including loans). Learn more about drop and withdrawal.
• If your enrollment drops below half-time, your financial aid awards may be adjusted, and the grace period before repayment of loans will begin.
• If you withdraw (officially or unofficially-drop out) and didn’t complete more than 60 percent of the semester, you may have to repay financial aid according to the Return of Title IV Funds policy.

Withdrawal Policy for Courses Taken in Sessions

Effective July 1, 2011 federal regulations aim to provide for consistent and equitable treatment of students who withdraw from a program measured in credit hours, regardless of whether courses in the program span the entire term or consist of shorter sessions.

Definitions:

• Payment period – the total number of calendar days that a student is scheduled to complete prior to ceasing attendance, including breaks in enrollment for less than five days.
• Session – course that does not span the entire payment period.
• Withdrawal – a student is considered to have withdrawn if the student does not complete all the days in the payment period that the student was scheduled to complete prior to ceasing attendance.
• Payment period completed – the total number of calendar days within the payment period that a student completed prior to ceasing attendance, including breaks in enrollment of less than five days.
• Percentage of the payment period completed – “payment period completed” divided by “payment period.”
• Academically-related activity – an exam, tutorial, on-line (not just logging on), submitting an assignment, or attending a study group assigned by the SU. Academic counseling and academic advising are not considered academically-related activities.

Program Integrity Principles:

• Title IV funds are awarded to a student to attend an entire payment period or period of enrollment, and the funds are intended to cover the student’s educational and living expenses for the entire period.
• Federal law specifies that a student earns Title IV funds on a pro-rated basis through 60 percent of a period based on the actual days completed in the semester (less any scheduled break of five or more days).

A Session is any class that does not span the full length of the semester or term. For example:

• A student would be considered to have enrolled in sessions if they enroll in the fall term with two sessions that are offered sequentially, are both 7 weeks long, and they have the option to enroll in either session or both sessions.
• A student would be considered to have enrolled in sessions if they enroll in courses that span the entire payment period AND have also enrolled in courses that don’t span the entire length of the payment period.

For all classes offered in sessions, a student will be considered to have withdrawn if they did not complete all of the days in which they were scheduled for the payment period.

A student will still be considered enrolled for the Session II if, at the time they withdraw from Session I, they provide Salisbury University with written confirmation stating they plan on attending a course later in the same period.

• If they answer No, the drop will be reviewed to determine if a Return of Title IV calculation should be performed.
• If they answer Yes, the student is providing written confirmation of their intent to return, and a return of funds calculation will not be done at that time.
• If a student confirms his or her intent to return to Session II and does not actually return, the Return of Title IV Funds policy will be calculated using the actual date the student stopped attending or the date the session II was dropped.

The following three questions will be used to determine whether a student in a program offered in sessions is a withdrawal and if the Return of Title IV Funds requirements apply:

Question 1: After beginning attendance in the payment period, did the student cease to attend or fail to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend?

If the answer is no, this is not a withdrawal. If the answer is yes, go to question 2.

Question 2: When the student ceased to attend or failed to begin attendance in a course he or she was scheduled to attend, was the student still attending any other courses?

If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal; however other regulatory provisions concerning aid recalculation may apply. If the answer is no, go to question 3.

Question 3: Did the student confirm attendance in a later session (Session II)? If the answer is yes, this is not a withdrawal, unless the student does not return.

If the answer is no, this is a withdrawal and the Return of Title IV Funds requirements apply.

These rules may impact a student if they enrolled in sessions and withdraw from one or more sessions in the term, even if they have already completed some credits. The calculation to determine the percentage completed is now based on the calendar days scheduled to be completed prior to withdrawing REGARDLESS of any courses completed that are less than the length of the term. The percentage of completion will depend greatly on the timing of when you drop the courses which may determine whether this will be considered a withdrawal or require a recalculation of your awards.

For example, you enroll in two sessions for a total of 7 credits.

• You complete Session I for four credits but drop the Session II classes while still enrolled in Session I (August 28 and October 16, 2017). No Title IV Return of Funds calculation is required; However your Federal aid would need to be adjusted to less than half-time; no Direct Loan funds could be received after dropping below half-time, and the cost of attendance (COA) will be recalculated to exclude periods of non-attendance, so your financial aid previously awarded may be reduced and you would need to return those funds.
• You complete Session I for four credits but drop or withdraw from Session II after Session I ended (on or after October 17, 2017). Return of Title IV funds calculation is required; so your financial aid previously awarded may be reduced and you would need to return those funds.

Students planning to attend the Summer term in 2024 may request a review of their financial aid loan eligibility by submitting a “ Summer 2024 – Financial Aid Request Form” to the Office of Financial Aid. Upon completing our review, we’ll email you accordingly with information regarding your eligibility for aid during the Summer 2024 semester. Eligibility for Pell Grants is determined automatically by the Office of Financial Aid. We will begin to process summer aid request in early April.

What are the steps to apply for Direct loans and Pell Grants for the Summer 2024 semester?

1. Review the eligibility criteria below for both Direct loans and Pell Grants.
   • PLEASE NOTE: If for some reason you have not completed the 23-24 FAFSA or have not completed the federal verification process, please do so as soon as possible.
2. If you have an adverse SAP status (termination or probation) your Summer 2024 eligibility will be determined at the end of the spring 2024 semester.
3. Upon completing your award eligibility review, we will notify you through SU e-mail to view/confirm your award via GullNet.
4. If you change your summer enrollment after you receive your initial Summer award notification, it can reduce or cancel your aid and increase or create a debit balance on your account.
   • IMPORTANT: You are responsible for contacting the Office of Financial Aid, immediately, with all enrollment changes. Please complete the Enrollment Change Form to ensure immediate action.

Important Reminders:

• The Return of Title IV funds policy still applies to students who withdraw from summer courses.
• If your summer aid package exceeds your charges the Cashier's Office will process a refund.
• You are not permitted to receive federal financial aid at different institutions simultaneously.
• Graduate students are not eligible to receive a Pell grant.
• The last day to accept Summer loan(s) is the last day of the Summer session.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress or SAP status is reviewed at the end of each payment period (Fall, Spring and Summer). If you are placed on ‘probation’ at the end of the spring semester you will remain eligible to receive federal student aid; however if you do not make progress at the end of the summer term you will not be eligible for federal student aid in the Fall term pending any potential SAP appeal.

When will my financial aid post to my account for the Summer 2024 semester?

Bills are generated by the Cashier’s Office prior to the start of the semester (May 2024). Directly following the creation of the bill, the Office of Financial Aid will post eligible financial aid to student accounts. Each of these steps occur prior to the start of the semester.

Pell Grants & the Summer 2024 Semester

Pell Grants are now available year-round for eligible undergraduate students. Beginning in late April, the Financial Aid office will automatically determine student eligibility for year-round Pell funding based on your summer enrollment. Students will be notified of this award (if applicable) via their campus email.

What are the eligibility requirements for Summer Pell Grants?

• Completed 2023-2024 FAFSA;
• Determined Pell Grant eligible;
• Enrolled in Summer classes, see below for credit hour requirements;
• Meeting Financial Aid’s Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) metric; and
• Have remaining Pell lifetime eligibility

Please keep in mind:

• Most Pell students who take at least 6 summer credits are eligible for summer Pell Grants.
  • If you take less than 6 Summer credits, you will only be eligible for a Summer Pell Grant if you have remaining eligibility from the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semesters because you didn't enroll full-time for either semester.
• Pell Grants do not cover the full cost of attending classes in the summer semester;
• Many students utilize their full loan eligibility during the fall & spring semesters and may not have remaining eligibility available for the summer semester;
• The maximum time frame that students may receive federal Pell Grants is 12 semesters with full-time enrollment. One semester of Pell Grants equals 50%, i.e. 50% x 12 semesters is equal to 600%.

What if I didn’t use my entire Pell Grant Award in the Fall and Spring semesters?

Eligible students who attended the fall and/or spring semester(s) at less than full-time (12 credits) enrollment and who are otherwise eligible will be offered their remaining Pell Grant amount based on their summer enrollment.

Provided below are a few scenarios describing how a student’s remaining Pell Grant eligibility is determined for a student with a zero Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) on their Student Aid Report (SAR):

 

How does the Year-Round Pell Grant Program Work?

Pell-eligible students attending year-round can be awarded up to 3 full-time semesters (150%) of Pell Grants per award year, including summer. Students who attend full-time (12 credits) for the fall (50% of annual award) and spring (50% of annual award) semesters may be eligible for an additional 50% of their annual award if enrolled full-time during the summer semester. Summer enrollment can include program applicable courses taken during the summer session 1 (5 weeks), summer session 2 (5 weeks) and/or the full summer session (10 weeks). However, if the student is enrolled in less than 6 credits and/or drops a course during the summer sessions this could make them ineligible for the additional Year-Round Pell award.

Below are scenarios describing how Year-Round Pell eligibility is determined for a zero EFC:

 

Important Note: The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by a federal law to be 600% (equivalent of 12 full-time semesters). Once a student's Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) reaches 600 %, the student can no longer receive Pell Grant funding. The federal government allows for no exceptions to this cap.

How is Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU) calculated?

 

Students can log on to National Student Loan Data System to view their Pell Grant LEU. The LEU will be found on the Financial Aid Review page.

Direct Loans & the Summer 2024 Semester

What are the eligibility requirements for Summer Direct loans?

• Completed 2023-2024 FAFSA;
• Enrolled at least half-time (6 credits for undergraduates and 5 credit for graduates)
• Loan eligibility is calculated based on any unused Stafford loans that are remaining from the 2023-2024 academic year.
• PLEASE NOTE: SU will automatically offer the maximum amount you are eligible to receive upon receipt of your Summer Aid Request Form.
• Parents – If interested in a Parent PLUS loan, your undergraduate student must be enrolled in 6 credits.
  • Copy of the PLUS Loan Request Form
• Graduate Students – If interested in a Grad PLUS loan, you must be enrolled in 5 credits.

What if I decide to drop a class or withdrawal from a Summer 2024 session?

Changes in enrollment can have a significant impact on your eligibility for Summer financial aid. Your eligibility for summer aid is based on both the number of credits you are enrolled for and the timeframe (5 or 10 weeks) for which you are enrolled.

The recalculation of summer aid is based on several factors, such as the timing of the withdrawal, whether you are dropping out of a Summer session entirely or whether you are dropping one Summer session but adding or keeping another Summer session in your summer term.

If enrollment changes occur after the start of the semester this may create a debit balance, i.e. a bill on your student account.

Here are a few scenarios denoting the impact of enrollment changes:

• Scenario 1 – You’re enrolled for 3 credits in the first 5 week Summer session and 6 credits in the second 5 week Summer session. If you drop your first 5 week Summer session class before the session begins (or during the drop/add period), but retain at least 6 credits of enrollment in the second Summer 5 week session, the financial aid office will ask for active confirmation of your intent to remain enrolled in the second 5 week session. If you plan to attend the second 5 week session, your aid budget for the summer will be reduced from 10 weeks to 5 weeks and will encompass costs for 6 credits instead of 9 credits.
• Scenario 2 – You’re enrolled for 3 credits in the first 5 week Summer session and 3 credits in the second Summer 5 week session. If you withdraw (after the drop/add period is over) from your first 5 week Summer session class, but remain enrolled in the second Summer 5 week session that has not yet begun, the financial aid office will ask for active confirmation of your intent to remain enrolled in the second Summer 5 week session. If you plan to attend the second Summer 5 week session, your aid will not change. However if you do not attend the second Summer 5 week session, your aid budget for the summer will be reduced from 10 weeks to 5 weeks and a Title IV aid pro-ration will be performed to determine the amount of aid you are entitled to keep for the amount of time you were enrolled in the first 5 week Summer session.
• Scenario 3 – You’re enrolled for 3 credits in the first 5 week Summer session and 4 credits in the second Summer 5 week session. You complete the first 5 week Summer session class, but decide to drop the second Summer 5 week session course during the break between the two 5 week summer sessions. Your financial aid budget will remain at 10 weeks. If you are receiving Pell Grant funding, the Pell Grant will be reduced to the amount you were entitled to receive for your first 5 week Summer session enrollment only. The financial aid office will then perform a Title IV aid pro-ration calculation to determine the amount of aid you are entitled to keep for the period of time you were actually enrolled.

If I withdrawal from a session (5 week or 10 week) how will I know if my funding is subject to the U.S. Department of Education’s return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation?

Here’s a decision tree to illustrate when R2T4 is applicable for federal student aid recipients:

• STEP A: Once the session or semester started, did the student stop attending the classes they were enrolled in?
  • This is not a withdrawal.
  • Go to Step B.
• STEP B: If a student was enrolled in multiple classes, did they stop attending one class or all of their classes?
  • One class. This is not a withdrawal; however, an award recalculation may be applicable.
  • All classes. Go to Step C.
• STEP C: Did the student confirm attendance in another session beginning later in the Summer semester?
  • This is not a withdrawal unless the student does not return to classes in the later Summer session.
  • This is a withdrawal and the Return of Title IV Funds requirements apply.

The information above does not cover every unique scenario, therefore if you have questions please contact the Office of Financial Aid prior to making any enrollment changes.

Loan Proration for Graduating Borrowers

Federal regulations require that when an undergraduate student is enrolled in a program that is one academic year or more in length, but is in a remaining period of study that is shorter than a full academic year, their Federal Direct Loan amount must be prorated.

Students who graduate in Summer Session or Fall term will have their Federal Direct Loans prorated during their final semester. The loan limit proration determines the maximum loan amount that a student may borrow for the final term of study based on the degree they are earning.

It is important to notify the student financial aid office if you are graduating in the summer or fall terms. Your loans could be adjusted after disbursement which could result in a bill with the university.

Use the chart below to determine your eligibility.

Bachelor's Degree Dependent Student

 

Independent Student

Due to the additional financial challenges that foster & homeless youth face, there are resources available in the form of financial aid that can help. This page provides assistance for foster care and homeless youth in answering the FAFSA questions appropriately based on their situation, as well as highlights federal, state, university, and private resources that may help to make college more accessible.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid is free. The first step to apply for federal financial aid funds is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If you are not eligible to file a FAFSA because you are an undocumented or DACA student, you may be eligible to file the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (If applicable) MSFAA Log In. Additional information about MSFAA eligibility requirements and who should complete this can be found here MSFAA FAQ's. The MSFAA is available to students who are ineligible to receive federal student aid using the FAFSA. The MSFAA allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition to apply and be considered for certain types of MD state need-based financial aid. Refer to the section below “State Grants” for more information on state financial aid programs and eligibility.

You must complete a new or renewal FAFSA or MSFAA for each academic year for which you will be enrolled. When completing the FAFSA, students must include Salisbury University in the list of schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent. Salisbury University’s Federal School Code is 00209100.

FAFSA Definition of Foster Youth

FAFSA Question: At any time since you turned age 13, were both your parents deceased, were you in foster care or were you a dependent or ward of the court?

• The term "ward" means "dependent" of the court. Being a dependent child of the county (or state) is the same as being a ward of the court.

• You can still be a ward of the court if you have a legal guardian or foster parents but check with the court for your current status. You should answer yes if at any time since you turned age 13 you were in foster care or a dependent or ward of the court, even if that is no longer your situation.

• Note: If you are eligible to answer yes to this FAFSA Question, you are considered to be an independent student. Neither legal guardians nor foster parents are considered parents when completing the FAFSA.

• Grandparents may be court-appointed, legal guardians, but they are not considered parents when completing the FAFSA.

Summary of FAFSA Questions and Answers for Foster Youth

 

FAFSA Definition of a Homeless Youth:

The U.S. Department of Education provides the following definitions for “homeless youth”

• At risk of being homeless – when a student’s housing may cease to be fixed, regular, and adequate, for example, a student who is being evicted and has been unable to find fixed, regular, and adequate housing
• Homeless – lacking fixed, regular, and adequate housing
• Self-supporting – when a student pays for his/her own living expenses, including fixed, regular, and adequate housing
• Unaccompanied – when a student is not living in the physical custody of a parent or guardian
• Fixed housing – stationary, permanent, and not subject to change
• Regular housing – used on a predictable, routine, or consistent basis
• Adequate housing – sufficient for meeting both the physical and psychological needs typically met in the home

FAFSA Questions: (as presented on the 2021-2022 FAFSA)

At any time on or after July 1, 2020,

• did your high school or school district homeless liaison determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
• did the director of an emergency shelter or transitional housing program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?
• did the director of a runaway or homeless youth basic center or transitional living program determine that you were an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless?

The U.S. Department of Education also gives a Financial Aid Office the authority to determine if a student meets the definition of “unaccompanied homeless youth” if they are unable to answer “yes” to one of the above questions. A student can be considered homeless if he/she lacks fixed, regular, and adequate housing. Examples of this may include living:

• with other people temporarily because he/she had nowhere else to go.
• in substandard housing (if it doesn’t meet local building codes or the utilities are turned off, it is generally not adequate).
• in emergency or transitional shelters, for example, trailers provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after disasters.
• in motels, campgrounds, cars, parts, abandoned buildings, bus or train stations, or any public or private place not designated for humans to live in.
• in the school dormitory IF the student would otherwise be homeless.

Summary of FAFSA Questions and Answers for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

 

Foster Care & Homeless Youth and Types of Aid

Your eligibility for aid depends on your expected family contribution (EFC), your year in school, your enrollment status, and the cost of attendance. See the table above for explanations about what "family" means for foster youth and wards of the court. EFC is a generic term. Do not let it deter you from applying for aid because of the "family" terminology.

Once you have filled out a FAFSA, our office will use your EFC and other information to determine the amount of financial aid for which you are eligible. Your financial aid package will be comprised of various types of aid. The initial award offer is based on full-time enrollment, which is 12 credits per semester for undergraduates. Awards may be adjusted for changes in enrollment, residency status, or over awards due to receipt of aid from other sources. Be sure to read the full explanation of financial aid policies and procedures when you receive e-mail notification of your award.

Grants: are "Gift" aid that are based on financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.

Federal Grants - Types of Federal Grants

1. Federal Pell Grant
2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
3. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
4. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

State Grants - MHEC State Financial Aid Programs

1. Need Based Grants – Guaranteed Access Grant, Rawlings Educational Assistance Grant and Campus Based Educational Assistance Grants.
2. Legislative Scholarships – Delegate and Senatorial
3. Career/Occupational Based Grants & Scholarships
4. Unique Populations

Program-Specific Grants

1. TRIO Student Support Services | Salisbury University , helps first generation and disabled students achieve their educational goals.
2. CAMP Grant , scroll down to Grants, then read more about CAMP Grant.

Scholarships: are "Gift" aid that are based on special considerations or qualifications. Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

SU Foundation Scholarships:

For more information on SU Foundation scholarships, please visit the SU Scholarship Website for additional information and eligibility requirements for the various scholarships offered through the SU Foundation. The SU Scholarship website opens each year on December 1st for scholarships that will be awarded for the next academic year. Application deadlines vary by scholarship so pay close attention to those dates.

SU Institutional Scholarships

SU provides its own institutional based scholarships and grants to eligible students. There is no separate application process to apply to these. You will automatically be considered for various merit and financial need-based scholarships and grants based on your admission application data provided as well as FAFSA data. You will be notified by email if you are awarded any additional scholarships from SU.

Non-University Scholarships

There are organizations dedicated to providing opportunities and resources for foster youth to pursue a college education. Students also may research private and community scholarships. See a list of Private Scholarship resources and websites.

Other Types of Financial Aid

• • Federal Work Study
  • Federal Loans
  • Private Educational Loans , scroll down to Loans, the scroll down to Private Educational Loans. These loans are obtained on your own from an outside bank or lender, usually with a co-signer required by the lender.

Financial Literacy

SU has partnered with Cash Course to help you learn financial skills that make sense in the real world. We encourage you to visit this site, register for a free account to find your assignments and other financial tools to help you make informed financial choices.

Resources and Support Links

The State of Maryland has a Foster Youth Ombudsman Program to assist foster youth and former foster youth and to advocate for their rights. Consult this Foster Youth Ombuds for what you may be entitled to receive and how to get help accessing it. The State of Maryland also offers Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP) to assist individuals and families facing a housing crisis.

For specific questions related to the Foster Care Tuition Waiver program at SU please contact Michael Elliott, Associate Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships. For questions related to the Homeless Youth Tuition Waiver program at SU please contact Susan Creager, Assistant Director of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Additional resources can be found by clicking the links listed below:

• SU Cares | Salisbury University – centralized website for some resource’s students may need to help them succeed at SU.
• Student Affairs at Salisbury | Salisbury University – Tiffany Arrington, SU Cares Program Manager.
• Build Your Foundation for a Successful Life After College | Salisbury University - SU Career Services
• Maryland Department of Human Resources Information for foster youth
• Are You in Need of Services? (maryland.gov) Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
• Homelessness Prevention Program - Maryland Department of Human Services
• Independent Living - Maryland Department of Human Services
• Ready By 21 - Maryland Department of Human Services

Students participating in dual enrollment programs are not eligible for federal, institutional or direct state financial aid. Credits earned through participation in dual enrollment, however, affect the length of time a student can continue to receive federal, institutional or state financial aid, the satisfactory academic progress evaluation, and the annual maximum award amounts for federal student loan programs. Students with questions about the effect dual enrollment credit programs may have on their financial eligibility should contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

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 each payment period ( fall, spring and summer).

Financial aid programs which are affected by the SAP Policy include: Federal Pell, Federal Carl Perkins Loan, Federal SEOG, Federal Work Study, Federal TEACH Grant, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Direct PLUS Loan, Salisbury University funding (grants and scholarships), TRIO Grant, 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:

 

Minimum Credit Requirement: All undergraduate students must have successfully completed at least 67% of all credits attempted.

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, NP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RC, RD, RF, X, Advanced Placement, CLEP, Departmental Challenge Exams, International Baccalaureate Exams, Military Education Credit, Study Abroad attempted credits, credits excluded in Academic Clemency and accepted Transfer Credits).

To calculate the percentage of credits you have completed, total all attempted credits and total all completed 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 warning 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 payment period in which they are enrolled or 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, NP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RC, RD, RF, XD, XF, Advanced Placement, CLEP, Departmental Challenge Exams, International Baccalaureate Exams and Military Education Credit, Study Abroad attempted credits, credits excluded in Academic Clemency and accepted Transfer Credits)

Ex. John has 30 transfer credits accepted by SU and had registered for 15 credits at SU for the fall 2016 semester but only obtained 12 credits at the conclusion of the fall 2016 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 warning, 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. This appeal must be received no later than October 1st for the fall semester and March 1st for the spring semester. Late appeal submissions will NOT be accepted.

Additional Information

Academic dismissal or disciplinary suspension from SU will result in the automatic cancellation of financial aid eligibility. Financial aid eligibility requires you to be a degree-seeking student.

Only matriculating students (formally admitted) can receive financial aid.

Our office is not permitted to exclude credits/grades for students granted Academic Clemency.

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.

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 each payment period ( fall, spring and summer).

Financial aid programs which are affected by the SAP Policy include the Federal Direct Stafford Loan, Federal TEACH Grant 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.

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, PS, AU, W, WF, WP, NP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RB+, RC, RC+, RD, RF, Departmental Challenge Exams, all Study Abroad and Transfer Credits accepted to your program).

To calculate the percentage of credits you have completed, total all attempted credits and total all completed 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 warning 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 payment period in which they are enrolled or 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, PS, AU, W, WF, WP, NP, NR, IP, RA, RB, RB+, RC, RC+, RD, RF, Departmental Challenge Exams, Study Abroad attempted credits 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 2016 semester but only obtained 6 credits at the conclusion of the fall 2016 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 warning, 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. This appeal must be received no later than October 1st for the fall semester and March 1st for the spring semester. Late appeal submissions will NOT be accepted.

Additional Information

Academic dismissal or disciplinary suspension from SU will result in the automatic cancellation of financial aid eligibility. Financial aid eligibility requires you to be a degree-seeking student.

Only matriculating students (formally admitted) can receive financial aid.

Our office is not permitted to exclude credits/grades for students granted Academic Clemency.

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.