Student Financial Assistance

Undergraduate Financial Assistance

Application for Financial Assistance
To be considered for all types of assistance, students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 10 preceding the academic year for which aid is being requested. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to complete online at www.fafsa.gov. All required documentation requested by the University must be submitted to the Student Financial Assistance Office by June 14 for timely processing. Applications and files completed after prescribed deadlines (while the student is still enrolled in the required number of credit hours) will be considered on a funds-available basis throughout the academic year.

New Freshmen

To be eligible for federal student aid, all new freshmen must submit an eighth-semester high school transcript or General Education Development (GED) certificate to the USI Admission Office.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must have their academic transcripts from prior colleges evaluated by the USI Registrar’s Office before student loans can be processed. Transfer students with less than 30 credit hours of acceptable transfer credit also must submit an official high school transcript or GED certificate to the USI Admission Office.

Name, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth

Financial aid applicants must use the same name, Social Security number, and date of birth in all official government records. Name changes must be on file with the Social Security Administration before financial aid applications can be processed. Applicants must use their full legal name, correct Social Security number, and date of birth on the FAFSA. Note that other agencies such as Selective Service and Immigration will be checked to see if the student is in compliance with all federal regulations. Proof of draft registration compliance with Selective Service may be required for male students who have reached age 18. The Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, must verify the alien registration number of all immigrants who are not naturalized citizens. An incorrect name, Social Security number, date of birth, or alien registration number will cause significant delays in aid processing.

Enrollment Status/Credit Level

For undergraduate financial aid purposes, the following minimums apply in determining eligibility for assistance.

Undergraduate

NOTE: Assistance may be reduced or withdrawn for less than full-time enrollment. Only credits that are required for successful completion of the student’s degree program may be counted in the determination of enrollment status. Students who receive aid for courses not required for graduation will be directed to repay all or a portion of such aid. Some financial aid programs require continuous full-time enrollment. Scholarship recipients are responsible for knowing and complying with the rules specific to each scholarship program.

Financial Responsibility

Students must be prepared to pay that portion of their tuition and fees not covered by financial aid. The Bursar’s Office offers an installment payment plan that utilizes multiple payments during an extended time period. An additional processing fee is assessed.

Most types of aid will appear as a credit against tuition and fees on the bill sent prior to the start of classes. Some aid types, such as Work Study, require special procedures and will not appear on the tuition bill. Memo aid that appears on the bill, may be deducted from total tuition and fees. Students should contact their Student Financial Assistance counselor if they have questions about these procedures.

General Eligibility Requirements for Federal Student Aid

To receive Pell Grants, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Work Study, Direct (Student) Loans, and Direct (Parent) PLUS Loans, a student must meet the following general requirements and additional program-specific requirements.

Basic eligibility requirements:

• Demonstrate financial need (except for unsubsidized Direct loans and Direct PLUS loans)
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen (for most programs) with a valid Social Security number (SSN)
• Be working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program
• Have a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate
• Register (if you haven’t already) with the Selective Service, if you are a male between the ages 18 and 25
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on a Title IV or HEA student loan or owe a repayment of a Title IV or HEA grant received for attendance at any institution
• Complete and submit all requested forms/documents (such as Verification) to the Office of Student Financial Assistance; check your myUSI to see what forms/documents have been requested

Federal Financial Aid Programs

Federal Pell Grant. This is the largest federal student aid program for undergraduate students. It provides grants to the neediest students. These grants are gift aid and therefore do not have to be repaid. Pell Grants provide a foundation of financial aid to which other types of assistance may be added.

Students apply for Pell Grants by completing the FAFSA. As a result of applying for the Pell Grant, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR must be checked by the student for accuracy and any errors reported to the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. As with Pell Grants, the SEOG program is limited to undergraduate students. Students who have met requirements for a bachelor’s degree are not eligible for either program.

Supplemental Grants are available to exceptionally needy students who complete the FAFSA and submit all required documentation before the published deadline.
 

Federal Work Study (FWS). This program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who need financial aid. Students are paid at least minimum wage and work between five and 20 hours per week when school is in session. During periods of non-enrollment, eligible students may work full time, if funds are available. A portion of the earnings from non-enrollment periods is used to meet the student’s academic year expenses and, therefore, may reduce a student’s need for other assistance. Summer work study funding is limited by available federal aid.

Students may apply for the FWS program by completing the FAFSA and indicating Work Study as a type of aid requested. A Federal Work Study resume is also required.  Paper resumes are available in the Office of Student Financial Assistance or may also be found at www.usi.edu/finaid/sfaforms.asp.  Preferred filing deadlines should be observed to ensure consideration of the student for these limited funds.

Direct (Student) Loan. These are low-interest loans made to students through the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Direct Loans are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. Repayment begins six months after the borrower graduates, withdraws from USI, or drops below half-time status. All students must complete the FAFSA before the Direct Loan is offered by the University. Students should accept/ decline/reduce the amount of their Direct loan on myUSI on or after July 1. First-time Direct Loan recipients will be required to complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note prior to disbursement.

Direct (Parent) PLUS Loan. Direct PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent studentsthrough the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program. Interest is fixed but may vary annually. Repayment begins within 60 days after the loan has been fully disbursed of the second disbursement. For a full year loan, repayment will begin in the spring. The loan can be deferred until six months after the student graduates, leaves school, or drops enrollment below half-time status. The parent borrower may request this deferment option by contacting Direct Loans at 800-848-0979. Parents may apply for a Direct PLUS Loan online at www.studentloans.gov. Paper applications are available in the Office of Student Financial Assistance or the form may be downloaded at www.usi.edu/finaid/sfaforms.asp.

State of Indiana Student Aid Eligibility

General Eligibility Requirements:

• the student and parent(s), if the student is dependent, must have been legal residents of Indiana by December 31 of the year prior to the academic year for which aid is requested and remain residents during the academic year;
• a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen;
• a high school graduate of an approved secondary institution or hold a GED;
• a qualified Indiana resident who has not been convicted of a felony, illegal use of force or violence during a public demonstration, or a crime involving narcotics or dangerous drugs;
• a full-time student (12 or more credit hours) through the end of the tuition-refund period, earning credits toward the first undergraduate degree;
• most Indiana programs require that the FAFSA be filed early enough to be received by March 10 each year;
• may not be in default or in overpayment of a federal grant or loan and
• must show financial need according to program rules.

Note: Edit letters from the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE) regarding FAFSA problems must be responded to by May 15.

State of Indiana Financial Aid Programs

For a complete listing of Indiana Awards and Scholarships, visit www.in.gov/sfa/.  The state’s site will also include complete details and renewal requirements for the programs below.

Higher Education Award. Part of the Frank O’Bannon Grant Program, HEAs are awarded on the basis of need and are restricted to payment of academic year tuition. Full-time enrollment is required. An eligible Indiana institution’s school code, such as USI (001808), must be listed on the FAFSA. The FAFSA is filed online at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA must be received by the processor on or before March 10 annually.  All FAFSA corrections must be made by May 15.

Twenty-First Century Scholarship.The 21st Century Scholarship is a needs- and performance-based program that provides students the opportunity to earn up to a four-year tuition scholarship for undergraduate study at an Indiana college or university. Students would have had to enroll into the program during their 7th- or 8th-grade year of middle school and fulfill the 21st Century Scholars pledge.  Full-time enrollment is required.  The FAFSA must be received by the processor on or before March 10 annually.

Indiana National Guard Supplemental Grant. A grant that guarantees up to 100% of certain tuition costs will be met by the State of Indiana for eligible members of the Indiana Air and Army National Guard; the National Guard Supplemental Grant (NGSG) covers only certain tuition charges and does not cover other expenses such as room and board or textbooks. It is subject to available funds and restricted to fall and spring terms. Students must be enrolled at least part-time (taking at least 3 credit hours) in order to receive the NGSG. To be eligible an applicant must met the eligibility requirements of both the Indiana National Guard (ING), the Division of Student Financial Aid (SFA) and attend a state funded college or university. The FAFSA is required.  The FAFSA is filed online at www.fafsa.gov. The FAFSA must be received by the processor on or before March 10 annually.  All FAFSA corrections must be resolved by May 15th.

Part-Time Grant Program. The Part-Time Grant program is designed to encourage part-time undergraduates to start and complete their Associate or Baccalaureate degrees or Certificates by subsidizing part-time tuition costs. It is specifically designed to help those undergraduates who are taking at least 6 but less than 12 credit hours per term at an eligible institution. The students must meet State residency requirements, have filed a FAFSA and otherwise qualify for state aid. The Part-Time grant is a need-based award.

Minority Teacher Scholarship. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding black or Hispanic students majoring in education Recipients must file a FAFSA and be Indiana residents who are enrolled or will enroll full-time and completing their first undergraduate degree. Applications and scholarship requirements are available online at www.in.gov/sfa.

Vocational Rehabilitation Education Assistance. Indiana Rehabilitation Services provide educational assistance to eligible Indiana residents through the Vocational Rehabilitation Division. The Student Financial Assistance office will coordinate this assistance with other types of aid that may be available.

Students should contact the Vocational Rehabilitation Division Office in their region if they think they might qualify for rehabilitative services. Vocational Rehabilitation is listed under Family and Social Services in the State Offices section of the phone directory.

Child of Veteran and Public Safety Officer Supplemental Grant Program. The CVO Program provides tuition and fee assistance at public colleges for eligible children (and spouses, if applicable) of disabled Indiana veterans, certain members of the Indiana National Guard killed while on active duty, certain Indiana public safety officers killed in the line of duty. As a supplement to other state financial aid, the grant pays 100% of tuition and regularly assessed fees; it does not cover other fees such as room and board. Applications and complete program requirements are available online at www.in.gov/sfa/2338.htm. The application and supporting documentation must be certified by the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs in Indianapolis. The FAFSA is required each year.  Students may be covered under one of the five areas below:

• Children of Veteran – covers eligible children of veterans who are Purple Heart Recipients, wounded, deceased, disabled, or Prisoner of War/Person Missing in Action (POW/MIA).
• Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home - covers students who are former students and/or graduates of Mortion Memorial High School or who are former residents of the Indiana Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home (ISSCH)
• Children and Spouse of Indiana National Guard Member - covers students who are the child or spouse of a member of the Indiana National Guard who suffered a service connected death while serving on state active duty
• Children and Spouse of Public Safety Officer - covers eligible children and spouses of certain Indiana public safety officers (PSO) killed in the line of duty or permanently disabled state troopers
• Indiana Purple Heart Recipient Veteran

University Scholarships, Grants, and Employment

New students are encouraged to apply for admission no later than March 1 prior to their initial fall semester to ensure consideration for all scholarships. Many scholarships also require completion of the FAFSA by March 10 each year. Some scholarships require a separate application. They are noted in the following listing.

David L. Rice Merit Scholarship
The primary scholarship offered by the University of Southern Indiana. To qualify, students residing in Indiana or selected counties in Kentucky must rank in the top 25 percent of their high school class or have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and be enrolled in the Indiana Academic Honors or Kentucky Pre-college Curriculum. This scholarship ranges in value and individual award amounts are based on a student’s SAT or ACT scores and cumulative grade point average. A separate application in not required; the USI Undergraduate Application for Admission serves as the application for the David L. Rice Merit Scholarship.

Deans Scholarship. Deans Scholarships are available to students nationwide. The scholarship is renewable for four years and is valued at $2,000 annually. To qualify, initially matriculating freshmen must earn a minimum SAT score of 1100 (without writing component) or 1700 (with writing component) or a composite ACT score of 25 and meet one of the following criteria: be a National Merit Semifinalist or Scholar, meet all the application requirements for the USI Presidential Scholarship, or rank in the top five percent of the high school graduation class. The number of Deans Scholarships each year is subject to the availability of funding.

Baccalaureate/Doctor of Medicine Scholarship. Through a competitive interview process, the University of Southern Indiana provides a full tuition scholarship for four years of undergraduate study as well as provisional acceptance into the Indiana University Medical School. Qualifications include a minimum 3.5/4.0 high school grade point average and an SAT score of 1200 (without writing component) or 1800 (with writing component), or an ACT composite score of 27. The B/MD application, including related admission materials and most recent high school transcript, must be submitted by January 15.

Non-Resident Top Scholar Award. This scholarship is designated for outstanding students residing outside the state of Indiana. Students must rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class or earn a 3.75/4.0 grade point average. In addition to GPA, or class rank, students must achieve a combined score of 1700 (with writing component) or 1100 (without writing component) on the SAT or earn an ACT composite score of 25. Recipients are provided an opportunity to attend the University of Southern Indiana while paying in-state tuition and fees. A separate application is not required; the USI Undergraduate Application for Admission serves as the application for the Non-Resident Top Scholar Award.

Presidential Scholarship. Indiana students ranked first or second in their senior class may qualify to compete for Presidential Scholarships which cover full tuition and housing; in addition, a yearly stipend for books and board is provided. Applicants must attend a state-commissioned high school in Indiana and earn an SAT score of 1200 (without writing component) or 1800 (with writing component), or an ACT composite score of 27. Qualifying students may receive a USI Presidential Scholarship application with initial acceptance. The USI Presidential Scholarship application, including related admission materials and most recent high school transcript, must be submitted by January 15th.

Academic Excellence Award. USI offers a number of Academic Excellence Awards (AEA) to attract and retain students who meet all requirements for the Presidential Scholarship but are not selected to receive the highly competitive Presidential Scholarship. The AEA covers 100 percent of the student’s instructional fees (tuition) and is renewable while maintaining academic excellence. To be considered for this award, scholars must complete all steps listed for the Presidential Scholarship application according to published deadlines.

Indiana-Kentucky Reciprocal Tuition Program. Permanent legal residents of Henderson, Daviess, Hancock, and Union counties in Kentucky may pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at USI and pay Indiana tuition rates. Students who begin their education under this program will be permitted to complete their degree with full program benefits as long they remain continually enrolled in all regular (fall/spring) terms.

Music Performance Scholarship. Music performance scholarships are available for members of USI Chamber Singers. Contact the director of USI Chamber Singers in the College of Liberal Arts at 812-464-1736 or email dcraig@usi.edu for audition information.

Theatre/Drama Scholarship. Individuals interested in assisting with the production of theatrical events may contact the director of theatre in the Department of Art, Music, and Theatre at 812-465-1614 for information concerning theatre/drama scholarships.

Athletic Scholarship. Women’s sports include basketball, softball, volleyball, soccer, cross country, golf, and tennis. Men’s sports include basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and cross country. Student athletes desiring information on athletic grant-in-aid scholarships may contact the director of Athletics at 812-464-1846.

USI Non-Resident Grant. A minimum of 2.5 (4.0 scale) cumulative high school grade point average is required. Transfer students must have a minimum 2.0 (4.0 scale) cumulative college grade point average. Eligible recipients will receive a scholarship which covers a significant portion of non-resident tuition. Students will pay net tuition equal to 150 percent of Indiana resident tuition. 

Recipients must enroll in the fall and spring terms following receipt of award notification. Students may be enrolled part-time or full-time and must successfully complete 67% of all USI attempted credit hours each academic year and 2.0 minimum cumulative GPA for renewal. Students must be residents of Kentucky or Illinois to receive this scholarship.

USI Regional Academic Scholarship. A minimum 2.75/4/0 cumulative high school grade point average is required. Transfer students must have a minimum 2.75/4.0 cumulative college grade point average. In addition to grade point average, a minimum SAT score of 1500 (with writing component) or 1000 (without writing component) or 21 composite ACT is required. Eligible recipients will receive a scholarship which covers a significant portion of non-resident tuition. Students will pay net tuition equal to 120 percent of Indiana resident tuition. Such students must reside in University-provided housing. Students must be residents of Kentucky or Illinois to receive this scholarship.

*Note: Students offered this award who choose not to live in University housing will receive the Non-Resident Grant.

One-Course Plan. Persons eligible for the One-Course Plan include retired individuals and spouses of eligible full-time USI students. Retired persons include anyone over the age of 60.  Spouses of full-time students are eligible if the full-time student has a minimum 2.0 cumulative USI grade point average. When the One-Course Plan is used in the fall or spring, the full-time student must be enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in the same term. For any summer session, the full-time student must have been enrolled in 12 or more credit hours in the preceding spring term or be pre-registered for 12 or more credit hours in the following fall term. An exception is made for graduate students who are defined as full-time when enrolled in nine or more credit hours.

Individuals in the One-Course Plan who are new to the University may enroll in the first USI course for total instructional fees of $25 plus applicable incidental fees. Incidental fees may include lab fees, refundable breakage deposits, distance education material charges, and parking fees. When institutional and/or state programs provide for payment of the same fees (e.g. tuition), such aid will be coordinated to ensure that the aid does not exceed actual charges. There are no cash refunds of tuition specific aid.  Course enrollment is on a space available basis.

Students enrolled in the One-Course Plan are limited to one course in the semester or summer session in which they participate in this plan. The plan may be used only once and may not be repeated.
 

Student Employment. In addition to Federal Work Study, the University employs students as part-time employees. Contact the Career Services and Placement Office in the Orr Center for information about non-Work Study student employment both on and off campus.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Statement of Purpose - Students who apply for federal and state financial assistance (including student and/or parent loans) are required by federal regulations to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of their degree or certificate program. Failure to meet the minimum standards outlined in this policy will result in a loss of financial aid eligibility.

Minimum Requirements

• Cumulative Grade Point Average - Cumulative grade point average is calculated by the Registrar at the end of Fall, Spring, and Summer terms using all credits attempted at USI in which a letter grade of A through F is earned. Students must meet the following GPA requirements for the degree level at which they are classified:

Note: students who are academically dismissed are ineligible for financial assistance

• Successful Completion Rate – Completion rate reflects the pace at which students must progress to ensure they are able to complete their degree/certificate program within the maximum timeframe allowed. It is calculated by taking the total number of credit hours a student successfully completes (passes) divided by the total number of credit hours a student has attempted. All students must earn at least 67% of all hours attempted. This cumulative calculation includes all hours that a student is enrolled in at the end of the 100% refund period (census date). Hours added after census date will be included in the number of financial assistance attempted hours for the term. Note that for completion rate purposes, attempted and earned hours used in the calculation also include transfer hours that have been accepted by USI from other institutions. 

Note: A student who applies for financial assistance and fails to earn any academic credit for a term will have aid eligibility suspended at the end of the term. This includes students who withdraw from a term after applying for financial assistance.

• Maximum Timeframe for Completion of Degree/Certificate – The maximum timeframe for a student to complete their degree/certificate and receive federal aid cannot exceed 150% of the published length of their academic program. Note: Indiana State grant programs are an exception to the 150% rule. State grant programs are limited to four years or eight semesters of full-time enrollment. All prior enrollment periods are considered including those in which students did not receive federal or state financial assistance. Normal standards for maximum timeframe attempted hour limits are:

• For programs that deviate from normal standards, see appropriate program information listed in Bulletin.
• An evaluation will be required for students seeking BA/BS degrees once they have reached 160 attempted hours to ensure degree completion.
• Students working on their second undergraduate degree/certificate or teacher certification are limited to 150% of their remaining required coursework, not to exceed 231 attempted credit hours including all previously attempted credit hours. 
• Maximum timeframe limits for graduate students are calculated by taking 150% of the published length of your program.  Students pursuing subsequent graduate degrees are limited to 120 attempted hours including hours attempted for prior graduate studies.

Additional Information You Need To Know

• Incompletes Grades – At the time of evaluation, incompletes (grade(s) of “IN”) do not influence a student’s cumulative GPA, but do count as credit hours attempted for both Completion Rate and Maximum Timeframe calculations. Incomplete grades do not count as earned. Students are responsible for notifying the Student Financial Assistance Office of any grade changes, including the receipt of a grade for a previous incomplete grade.
• Repeated Coursework - Students are allowed to repeat a previously passed course and have it count toward their enrollment status for financial aid eligibility only once. There is no limit on the number of times a student may retake a course that has not been successfully completed, however, regardless of whether the student received financial aid or not, all occurrences of a repeated course must be counted as attempted credits for completion rate and maximum timeframe calculations.
• Enrollment in Degree or Certificate Program - Financial aid recipients may only receive financial aid for courses that apply to their degree/certificate program. An exception is made for non-credit developmental courses that are recommended or required by USI. Courses which are audited and credits which are earned through CLEP testing do not count toward students’ enrollment status for financial assistance. After earning 60 or more cumulative hours (including transfer credits), students must have a declared major and be admitted to the appropriate college at USI. Please note that while students may choose to work towards two degrees, only one degree will be considered in the maximum attempted hours component. Students may choose to change majors before completing the original degree; however, it will not change the formula for calculating compliance. Compliance with this policy will be checked at the end of the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Note: Graduate students enrolled in prerequisite undergraduate courses may qualify for financial aid at the senior class, undergraduate level Direct loan limit for a maximum of 12 months. Undergraduate courses must be approved by the student’s graduate advisor and a copy of the approval be submitted to Student Financial Assistance.

• Fresh Start Program - Financial assistance is not available to students currently in the Fresh Start Program. A student may submit an appeal to request reinstatement of financial aid eligibility upon successful completion of the Fresh Start Program. ALL hours, even those taken prior to the student’s Fresh Start participation WILL count in the number of attempted hours used in the financial aid maximum timeframe and completion rate calculations.

Evaluation and Notification of Eligibility - Satisfactory progress is evaluated at the end of each fall and spring term and at the end of the combined summer period. Students who do not meet the above standards will be placed on financial aid warning status for one term. Failure to be in compliance with this policy by the end of the warning term will result in financial aid suspension. Students’ eligibility status is posted on their myUSI accounts and those with a warning or suspension/terminated status are sent a letter notifying them of their status.

Regaining Financial Aid Eligibility – Students may make up a deficiency in earned hours and/or GPA at their own expense. Transfer coursework accepted into a student’s USI programs can be used to make up completion rate deficits; however, cumulative GPA deficits can only be made up by taking USI coursework. After students have made up deficiencies, they are responsible for submitting an appeal form for a review of their compliance with this policy, it is not automatic (see the next section for deadlines for appealing).

Appealing The Loss of Financial Aid Eligibility - If a student’s failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress is a result of illness, family circumstances, or other mitigating conditions beyond the student’s control, students may appeal to the Financial Assistance Appeals Committee for a waiver of this policy. The appeal is to be submitted to Student Financial Assistance, Attn: Appeals Committee, 8600 University Blvd, Evansville, IN 47712 and must include the appeal form (available at www.usi.edu/finaid/sfaforms.asp), a typewritten letter explaining the circumstances that prevented the student from meeting SAP requirements and all documentation supporting the claims in the letter. The appeal must address the following: 1) what the problem was; 2) when did the problem occur; 3) how long did the problem last; 4) how did this affect his/her ability to complete coursework and; 5) the steps taken to ensure your academic plan is successful and will meet minimum standards at the next evaluation. All appeals must be submitted before sixty percent (60%) of the term has elapsed. For fall and spring terms the end of the ninth week marks the 60% point of the semester. Appeals received after the 60% point will be evaluated for the following term of enrollment. Appeals will NOT be considered for a term that has already ended. Students will receive a written response to their appeal within 45 days. If your appeal is approved, you may be placed on financial aid probation. During your probation period, you are eligible to receive financial aid provided you meet the terms of the academic plan during your probationary period. If your appeal is not approved, students may request at the time of appeal that their full class schedule (in term following suspension of aid eligibility) be canceled at the 100 percent refund rate.

Return of Title IV Federal Funds Institutional Refund Policy

This policy applies to students who withdraw from the semester, either officially or unofficially, or are administratively dismissed and received Title IV Federal Funds as defined below. Tuition and fee refunds for these students are determined according to the following policy:

1. The term “Title IV Funds” refers to the federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and at USI includes the following programs: unsubsidized Direct (Student) loans, subsidized Direct loans, Direct (Parent) PLUS loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal (FSEOG) Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants.
2. A student’s withdrawal date is the earlier of:

• the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process (as described in the University bulletin) or officially notified the University’s registrar of intent to withdraw; or
• the midpoint of the period for a student who leaves without notifying the institution; or
• the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity.

Note: Medical Withdrawals and the Return of Title IV Funds - Students who are granted medical withdrawal are treated in the same manner as students who withdraw from the college.

3. Refunds and the Return of Federal Funds

• Refunds of tuition, campus service fees, parking fees, and special fees will be prorated on a weekly basis through the fourth week of the fall and spring semesters (eighth day of a summer session). There are no refunds of tuition and fees to students or to non-federal entities after that point in time.
• Refunds of room and board charges may or may not be prorated based on the date of withdrawal.  See the Residence Life contract for more detailed information regarding refunds.  See USI Dining Services regarding information on Meal plan refunds.   Notes: Residence Life may assess penalties and damage charges that could reduce the amount of the refund.
• Title IV federal aid is earned in a prorated manner on a per-diem basis based on the semester calendar up to the 60 percent point in the semester or summer as a whole. Title IV federal aid is viewed as 100 percent earned after that point in time.
• Students withdrawing by the close of business on the census date for a given term will receive a 100 percent refund minus room and board charges. In the fall and spring, the census date is the end of the first week of classes. Exceptions are made for classes that are shorter in length than the full semester.
• If a student is determined to be eligible for a post withdrawal disbursement of undisbursed Title IV funds the student will be notified and given 14 days to respond. The disbursement will be posted upon receipt of permission from the student.
• Refunds will be sent to students’ mailing (permanent) addresses following withdrawal. Adjusted bills will be sent to the students’ email addresses.
• There are no refunds for incomplete independent study or distance education courses.
• Room and board charges will be adjusted for students enrolled in approved academic off-campus activities such as study abroad, internships, co-op placement, and field placement.
• In accordance with federal regulations, when federal financial aid is involved, refunds are allocated in the following order: unsubsidized Direct Loans, subsidized Direct Loans; Direct PLUS loans; Federal Pell Grants; Federal SEOG; other Title IV federal assistance; other federal sources of aid; other state; private and institutional aid; and finally, the student. Note: Generally, all semester charges must have been paid in full at the time of withdrawal for a student to receive a refund.

4. The University’s responsibilities in regard to the return of Title IV funds include:

• providing each federal financial aid recipient with the information given in this policy;
• identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the Return of Title IV Federal Funds calculation for those students; and
• making required returns of Title IV federal funds that are due the Title IV programs.

5. The student’s responsibilities in regard to the return of Title IV funds include:

• notifying the University’s registrar of intent to withdraw (must provide proof of identity);
• following the University’s prescribed procedures for officially withdrawing from the semester; and
• returning to the Title IV federal programs any funds that were disbursed directly to the student for which the student was determined to be ineligible.

6. Schedule Changes

Refunds of tuition and instructional fees resulting from a change in enrollment status (for example, from full-time to half-time) will be returned to the financial aid program(s) which originally paid the tuition/fees. Other refunds will be made by check to the student or other payee through the fourth week of the semester or eighth day of a summer session. Note: Student accounts which are not paid in full at the time of withdrawal may not receive a refund or may receive only a partial refund.

7. Excluded Charges

Charges that are excluded from refund calculations under this policy include:

• unpaid charges for the current semester or summer session;
• institutional charges for prior terms;
• housing deposits;
• proprietary (Sodexo) declining balance food plans;
• lab breakage fees (and other refundable deposits);
• admission fees;
• matriculation (orientation) fees;
• charges for non-returnable supplies and equipment;
• penalty charges such as parking, library, and video fines; and
• late registration fees.

8. Non-Attendance Procedure

Students who receive financial aid and do not attend classes will be required to promptly repay all funds received. Non-attending recipients of student loans will have their loans cancelled and all disbursed loan amounts will be due and payable in full within 30 days. Failure to repay this debt will result in an adverse report on the student’s credit history and eligibility to enroll at USI will be revoked.

9. Other Refunds

The University reserves the right to apply any refund due a student to the repayment of institutional loans or book charges.
 

Any notification of a withdrawal or cancellation of class schedule should be in writing, signed, and addressed to the University’s registrar. Cancellation of admission applications (prior to enrollment in classes) should be in writing, signed, and addressed to the University’s director of Admission.

If you believe that your individual circumstances warrant that your charges or refund should be determined in a manner other than described in USI’s published policies, contact the Bursar’s Office in writing to explain your circumstances or justification for an exception. The outcomes of application of the institutional refund policy may be appealed in writing to the University’s Administrative Appeals Committee.

Disclaimer: The fees, procedures, and policies listed above supersede those published previously and are subject to change at any time when required by changes in federal regulations. This policy reflects the University’s good faith effort to interpret federal regulations that have a bearing on such matters.