Financial Aid

This document contains information about the following topics:

• Service
• Need-Based Financial Aid
• Application Process
• Undergraduate Students
• Academic Eligibility
• Financial Aid Policy

Springfield College offers a comprehensive financing program to students who have matriculated in an eligible degree or certificate program. We know that financing a Springfield College education is a challenging task. Our staff is prepared to assist and advise students and family members involved in the financing process on the variety of financing options and application procedures.

All information in the student financial aid application file is considered confidential. Disclosure of family financial information is governed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The financial aid staff cannot discuss details of the students application with persons other than the student and/or responsible parent. If other individuals acting on behalf of the student are to have access to this information, a confidential release form, available upon request, must be on file with Office of Financial Aid. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid at any time during the year to discuss concerns, questions, or changes in family finances.

The Office of Financial Aid is a resource for educational financing options beyond the need-based financial aid programs. Students and family members involved in the financing process are encouraged to contact financial aid staff for information and application procedures. Financial aid staff work closely with the bursar in the management of student accounts and are authorized to develop payment plans with students and/or parents.

Springfield College awards College grant funds primarily on the basis of financial need. Academic achievement, cocurricular/community activities, and leadership potential are also considered when making award decisions. State and federal funds are awarded and disbursed subject to the program regulations from the awarding agency.

All students who have been accepted into a degree or eligible certificate program may apply for assistance.

Unless otherwise indicated, aid is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment (undergraduate, twelve credit hours per semester; graduate, nine credit hours per semester). Awards are subject to adjustment and/or cancellation if enrollment is less than full time. Students enrolled less than half time are not eligible for Springfield College grants, federal loans, and most state aid programs. Some students enrolled less than half time may be eligible for a small portion of their Federal Pell Grant eligibility. Springfield College grants are based on full-time enrollment.

Students must be in good academic standing. See the section on “Financial Aid.”

Each year a determination of the family contribution to educational expenses is developed in the financial aid application process. Students are expected to take responsibility for the financial aid application process which must be completed for each year assistance is needed.

All applicants for need-based financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA is available in paper format from the Office of Financial Aid or can be completed on the Web (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Verification of data on the application forms is done by collecting appropriate year-end federal tax returns.

Application information is sent to all applicants for admission. Firstyear students and transfer undergraduate students who wish consideration for Springfield College grant and scholarship funds are expected to file the College Financial Service PROFILE application. The priority application date for first-year students is March 15, transfers May 1. Late applications may reduce access to financial aid.

Returning undergraduate students who are expected to return the following year are sent the Springfield College financial aid application/information in January prior to the start of the upcoming academic year. The priority application date for returning students is May 1. Late applications may reduce access to financial aid.

Recipients of financial aid (including most loan programs) must make satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees. Satisfactory progress is defined by the College and is reviewed each semester. The evaluation consists of a review of quantitative progress (semester hours earned per year) and qualitative achievement (cumulative GPA), (see Academic Progress Policy, page 14). The Office of Financial Aid will place a student on financial aid suspension for failure to meet the standard. While on financial aid suspension, a student loses all eligibility for College, federal, and state assistance, including student/parent loans.

The Office of Financial Aid may grant a semester of financial aid probation if there are documented circumstances affecting the students ability to maintain good academic standing. Requests for financial aid probation must be made in writing to the director of financial aid.

The College makes admissions decisions without regard for ability to pay educational expenses. All information in a student’s financial aid file is treated in accordance with the Federal Family Rights and Privacy Act. Unless otherwise indicated, aid is awarded on the basis of full-time enrollment (minimum of twelve credit hours per semester). Aid awards are subject to adjustment and/or cancellation if the student does not enroll full time.

The total financial assistance one can receive cannot exceed need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Students are required to advise the Office of Financial Aid of outside scholarship aid. If there is a gap between calculated need and the amount of aid in the students financial aid package, the outside scholarship is allowed to fill that unmet need. If need has been met, outside aid reduces the loan component of the financial aid package first.

Students must make satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees to continue to receive financial aid (see section on “Academic Eligibility”). An award can be canceled during the academic year for failure to meet the academic requirements of the award, for failure to submit required documentation, for conduct inconsistent with the standards of the College, for failure to enroll, or if incorrect information was provided in the application process.

Students must complete the financial aid application process for each academic year in which assistance is needed. Renewal of awards is contingent upon the continued demonstration of financial need and availability of funds. Students who have received Springfield College funds in the prior academic year are given preference in the renewal process. Springfield College cannot guarantee the availability of College funds to all needy students.

Students are responsible for filing properly completed forms by the published deadline dates. Failure to complete the process in the required time may jeopardize eligibility for assistance. Students must also provide all documentation requested by the Colleges Office of Financial Aid. Failure to comply may result in a denial of assistance. All applicants should apply to their home state scholarship program. Aid is awarded on the basis of financial need and academic standing and is subject to federal, state, and College policies. Any change in a students enrollment, financial, marital, or residential status must be reported promptly to the Office of Financial Aid. The financial aid award shall be void if and when incorrect or inconsistent information is revealed on forms or other documentation submitted in the application process. All awards are subject to verification. Cases of fraud are reported to the appropriate authorities. Students accounts are credited when all documentation has been submitted and verification is complete. Students receiving tuition remission are not eligible for Springfield College grants or scholarships.