Financial Aid

C O N T E N T S

• External Sources of Financial Aid
• Application Procedure
• Applying for Financial Aid
• Duration of Eligibility
• Award Notification
• Budgets
• Change in Enrollment Status
• Confidentiality & Privacy of Financial Aid Information
• Declining Financial Aid
• Disclosure Authorization
• Eligibility
• Financial Aid Retention
• Part-time Students
• Rights & Responsibilties
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• School Code
• Special Circumstances & Appeals for Additional Aid
• State Grants
• Student Employment
• Student Loan Programs
• Terms & Conditions
• Types of Aid
• Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits
• Verification

External Sources of Financial Aid

External sources of financial aid, such as scholarships from outside agencies, can be an effective way to supplement family and aid resources to assist in paying for your education. Additional financial aid websites are listed below. Students are cautioned not to pay for financial aid information/applications

• www.pheaa.org - Pennsylvania State Grant Agency for PA Residents
• www.studentaid.gov - Federal Aid
• www.finaid.org - Helpful website on financial aid and list of resources
• www.fastweb.com - Scholarship search engine

Application Procedure

The only application form the University requires for students to be evaluated for need-based aid, is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To apply for federal, state, and institutional need-based financial aid

1. Submit the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov/.
2. Include the Federal School Code for UArts on the form - 003350.
3. Parents/Guardians and Students must utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool when completing the FAFSA.

A student cannot be considered for any type of need-based financial aid until an accurate, complete, and signed FAFSA has been received.

The Department of Education has provided an easy way to submit the FAFSA online at https://studentaid.gov. Students are encouraged to work with the Student Financial Services office if they have any questions, concerns, unusual circumstances, or problems completing their FAFSA.

Applying for Financial Aid

Deadlines

Deadlines are necessary to ensure that all students have equal opportunity to be considered for financial aid.  The University of the Arts’ priority deadline for submission of the FAFSA is January 1st.

The University must determine how to distribute available funds to the many students who wish to be considered for aid before those funds can be allocated. Deadlines are also in place to ensure that the University will receive and communicate the necessary information in time to allow students to make informed decisions regarding their enrollment and financial plans.

Students who miss the filing deadlines may receive less financial aid than students who apply on time. Late applicants may not be able to register for or attend classes if their late application results in outstanding balances.

All eligible students are considered for financial assistance regardless of filing date on a funds-available basis. University-administered funds will not be used to replace federal or state grants or loans for which a student may have been eligible for but failed to successfully apply.

All students who plan to attend the University during the fall or spring semesters must file the FAFSA by the January 1st deadline. After January 1st, incoming students are considered on a rolling basis provided funds are available..

Pennsylvania State Grant Deadline for Undergraduate Students

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency(PHEAA)’s deadline for receipt of the completed FAFSA application is May 1 for the following academic year. Applications received after that date may impact the student’s eligibility for PHEAA State Grants.

Duration of Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in coursework counting toward their degree completion for financial aid eligibility. Students are not permitted to delay graduation once degree requirements have been met in pursuit of additional coursework or in order to continue their eligibility for financial aid.

Students can exhaust their eligibility for financial aid by failing or withdrawing from courses, which may negatively impact progress toward degree completion and grade point average. Please see the Academic Progress Policy. Students are strongly encouraged to work with Academic Advising to create a graduation plan in order to successfully complete their degree ontime.

Graduate Students

Graduate students may receive financial aid for the published length of the program as listed in this catalog, or until the first master’s degree or its equivalent has been earned. Continued eligibility is based on prior aid received.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may continue to receive institutional financial aid for eight semesters, or until the first baccalaureate degree or its equivalent has been earned. Federal aid may not be extended beyond 150% of the total program length. For example, a student in a program with a length of 8 semesters (4 years) may not be eligible for federal funds if their length of study exceeds 12 semesters (or 6 years). Students who transfer to the University may continue to receive Institutional financial aid for a prorated number of semesters based on credits transferred to the University.

Students may not receive undergraduate grants to complete minors, double degrees, or teacher certification programs that extend beyond eight semesters if the other requirements for the completion of the undergraduate degree have been met.

Award Notification

Offer letters will be sent to new students beginning in January and to returning students beginning in February. The Student Financial Services staff will be available to counsel students at any time during the application process. Students should be aware that some aid is conditional on the availability of funds to the University, and if these funds are reduced, the University may reduce aid accordingly.

If an award is estimated, that means some additional steps must be taken by the student before the student can receive those funds, such as completing verification, an entrance interview, or other required documents.

The award notice is subject to revision under the following circumstances

• If government funding levels to the University are modified (up or down), individual awards will be adjusted accordingly.
• Verification: The Office of Student Financial Services is required by federal regulation to resolve any discrepancies in information submitted per verification with that already in a student’s file. Once the discrepancies are resolved, the student’s aid amounts and/or types may be revised based on the changes.
• If at any point in the year the University becomes aware of information that conflicts with other documentation in the student’s file, we will resolve the discrepancy and revise the award accordingly, if necessary.
• Per federal regulation, a student is not permitted to be “over awarded.” That is, a student’s total amount of scholarships, grants, loans, and work study may not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. If a student is over awarded due to an outside scholarship or other award, we are required to adjust other elements of the aid package to eliminate the over award. We encourage students to seek outside scholarships, and will adjust institutional aid only if absolutely necessary.
• The University may substitute other aid funds of equal amount and type at any point in the year at its discretion and without any notice.
• If the student changes enrollment, housing or meal plan status.
• If the University is required to adjust the student’s award for any other reason.

Additional steps are required to claim these forms of financial aid

Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study is a need based work-study program. Eligibility for the program is based upon need as determined by the FAFSA and availability of funds on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students are permitted to work up to 17.5 hours per week during classes. Wage levels start at minimum wage and vary on the position. Hours can often be arranged to accommodate the student’s class schedule. Positions are available both on- and off-campus.

A work study award is not a guarantee of a job and cannot be applied directly to tuition. Payment for work completed is made directly to employed students via direct deposit to a personal bank account or by a paycheck.

If you are not eligible for Federal Work Study, you may be able to work under the Institutional Work Study Program on a funds-available basis. Students are hired based on their work experience and not solely on need.

Finding a Work Study Job

Both on- and off-campus job listings are posted via the Student Employment page on the Portal. We recommend students work with Career Services to get assistance with their resume and learn more about interviewing for jobs prior to applying.

Accessing the job board

• Log on to mycampus.uarts.edu
• On the top, click on Offices and Services
• Select Student Financial Services and then Student Employment

Accepting Employment

Once you find a job and are hired by a supervisor, your full packet of employment paperwork must be completed and a Work Study work permit obtained before you can begin working. When you drop off your paperwork in Student Financial Services, you must bring:

• Photo ID
• Proof of Citizenship (eg Birth certificate, Social Security card)
• A valid passport works for both forms of ID needed.

Starting Work

Once you have your work permit from Student Financial Services, notify your supervisor and meet with them to setup your schedule and begin training. You must complete a bi-weekly time card in order to be paid for hours worked. Students must take one half-hour break for every 5 hours worked. For a schedule of pay periods, time card due dates, and more visit uarts.edu/studentemployment

Federal Pell Grant

After submitting a FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) via email. This document will notify a student as to Federal Pell Grant eligibility. All of the information on the SAR must be correct and complete in order for Pell to be correctly awarded.

The award letter will list the Pell Grant amount. Changes to the FAFSA information may affect the student’s Pell Grant eligibility. Students are encouraged to contact Student Financial Services with concerns over changes in the amount of their Pell Grant.

Federal Direct Stafford and Federal Direct PLUS Loans

These loans must be applied for through the U.S. Department of Education website for student loans at www.studentaid.gov. Students must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for each loan in order to have a decision made on your eligibility. If you are a new Federal Direct Stafford loan borrower, you will need to complete an entrance interview prior to your award being credited to your account. Both the entrance interview and MPN can be completed at http://www.studentaid.gov These loans are disbursed to the University electronically.

Budgets

Educational costs include not only the direct cost of tuition and fees, university housing and meal plans, but also the indirect costs of out-of-pocket expenses such as off-campus housing, food, books, supplies, and personal expenses, including but not limited to clothing, medical expenses, personal items and transportation. Direct costs reflect the actual amount a student will be billed by the University. Indirect costs are what a typical student might expect for out-of-pocket expenses over a nine-month period.

These direct and indirect expenses are used in formulating a student’s budget and determining financial need. The Office of Student Financial Services will assign each student a budget depending on the information provided on the FAFSA. If the budgets shown below differ significantly from the expenses you expect to incur, please inform the Office of Student Financial Services.

Individual habits and personal spending patterns will dramatically influence the scale of the indirect costs. Therefore, the budgets that follow are estimates only.

Estimated Expenses for 2022-2023

UPDATED BUDGETS WILL BE POSTED SUMMER 2022

Budget for Off-Campus Students (not living at home/commuting) 

Budget for Commuter Students (living with parents or relatives)

Budget for Student Living On-Campus

Budget for Graduate Students

*Does Not Include: Certificate in Devised Performance, MFAs in Dance, or MFA Studio Art

Definitions

Commuters: Students who live within a reasonable commuting distance of the University and reside with parents or relatives.

Resident/Off-campus: Students who reside in University-owned housing or who reside in housing that is owned by neither the University nor their parents or relatives. Students who live within commuting distance of the University will not be funded as resident students, or as off-campus students.

Graduate Students: Most graduate students maintain their own homes and have correspondingly higher living expenses. Graduate students who live with parents or relatives will be assigned a commuter budget.

Part-time Students: Budgets for part-time students are determined on an individual basis.

Change in Enrollment Status

Graduate Students

Unless specifically designated otherwise, all awards are issued based upon the student’s anticipated enrollment as a full-time graduate (completing 9 credits or more per semester, in a degree-granting program). Students who become less than full time or who enroll as “non-degree” may lose their eligibility for aid in full or in part.

The Office of Student Financial Services periodically reviews all student accounts and immediately removes any aid credited to the account of a student who has failed to satisfy progress or enrollment requirements as stated above.

Students who are considering withdrawing (either from the University or from individual classes) are urged to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss the impact of the withdrawal on their eligibility for aid.

Students are reminded that withdrawing from their courses (either in full or in part) may cause them to lose their eligibility for aid in current and future semesters.

To avoid unexpected balances, students must contact the Office of Student Financial Services with any questions pertaining to this subject.

Part-time Students

• Part-time students who are enrolled in degree programs may be eligible for Federal Pell, University, and PHEAA grants, as well as Federal Direct Loans.
• Part-time students are subject to all requirements governing the Federal financial aid programs, except that they be enrolled on a full-time basis.
• Part-time students are not automatically eligible for institutional aid. Part-time students can apply for institutional aid consideration by completing the Part-time Aid Application.
• Students should review enrollment policies as contained in the Catalog section on the Enrollment & Attendance  page.

Undergraduate Students

Unless specifically designated otherwise, all awards are issued based upon the student’s anticipated enrollment as a full-time undergraduate (completing 12 credits or more per semester, in a degree-granting program). Students who become less than full time or who enroll as “non-degree” may lose their eligibility for aid in full or in part.

The Office of Student Financial Services periodically reviews all student accounts and immediately removes any aid credited to the account of a student who has failed to satisfy progress or enrollment requirements as stated above.

Students who are considering withdrawing (either from the University or from individual classes) are urged to meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss the impact of their eligibility for aid in current and future semesters.

To avoid unexpected balances, students must contact the Office of Student Financial Services with any questions pertaining to this subject.

Confidentiality and Privacy of Financial Aid Information

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)

Under FERPA, educational privacy and access rights apply to any student when she/he turns 18 OR enrolls in a post-secondary institution. The University of the Arts is a post-secondary institution. Persons who have applied to but who have not attended the University as an enrolled student are not covered under FERPA. Under institutional policy, applicants are extended the same privacy and access rights to their financial aid information as students.

Applicants, students, and parents should be aware of the following institutional Financial Aid Privacy policies.

Staff in the Office of Student Financial Services is permitted to discuss or otherwise disclose a student’s financial aid information to the following parties

• The student.
• The student’s parent(s) whose information appears on the FAFSA.
• Other University officials having a legitimate educational reason to know the student’s financial aid information (e.g. staff in Student Financial Services so that they can manage the student’s account).
• External agencies and organizations such as guarantors, lenders, state grant agencies, and auditors that have a legitimate reason to know the student’s financial aid information (i.e. staff at such agencies authorized to process loans and grants for the student).
• External federal agencies granted such rights under FERPA (e.g. DOE, INS, CSPCA, etc.). Under FERPA, institutions are required to disclose a student’s information (sometimes without notification to the student) in response to commands from the courts (typically subpoenas) and demands from specific federal agencies. The Student Financial Services staff will comply with all lawfully issued demands for information from the entities identified in the FERPA regulations and will (or will not) notify the student as required.

Students and parents should be aware that their signatures on the FAFSA and other financial aid documents (e.g. loan applications) authorize the release of their information to certain federal and state agencies. Please read the FAFSA and other financial aid documents for more information.

Depending upon the scope of the information requested by the student or other authorized parties, the Office of Student Financial Services may require time to present the records requested. When the information requested cannot be produced immediately the Office of Student Financial Services may require such time as is permitted under the University’s FERPA policy to retrieve and present the records requested.

The Office of Student Financial Services staff is not permitted to discuss or otherwise disclose a student’s financial aid information to others including but not limited to

• The student’s parent(s) or stepparent(s) whose information does not appear on the FAFSA (the non-filing parent) without written permission from the student and the filing parent.
• The student’s parent(s) or stepparent(s) whose information does appear on the FAFSA when the parents have separated or divorced and the other parent has been identified as the custodial parent, without written permission from the student and the custodial parent.
• High school guidance counselors and teachers.
• The student’s spouse.
• Interested relatives, neighbors, and friends.

Student Financial Services staff is not permitted to discuss or otherwise disclose academic information (which includes but is not limited to scholarship eligibility, financial aid eligibility, grades, grade point average, or academic standing) to anyone (except the federal and state agencies responsible for processing the student’s financial aid or having authority under FERPA to access such information) other than the student (whether or not the student is dependent, whether or not the parent pays the invoice) without the student’s written authorization.

Declining Financial Aid

A student may choose to decline a portion of their financial aid by using the My Awards tab on student self service, sending an email from their university email to finaid@uarts.edu, or sending a letter to the Office of Student Financial Services noting the award, semester or year, and amount of aid the student is declining.

If a student declines his/her entire offer of financial aid or admission, the University will rescind all offers of financial assistance (scholarships, grants, loans, and work study). If that student decides at a later time to enroll at the University for the upcoming academic year, he/she will be reconsidered for assistance at that point. Eligibility for financial assistance will be affected by the timing of the student’s decision to enroll, and availability of funds at the time the student communicates their decision to enroll.

If the student decides to seek financial aid for a subsequent academic year, the student must re-apply for financial aid by completing a new FAFSA in accordance with the published deadlines and processes in place at that time.

Disclosure Authorization

When extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent the student from accessing and understanding financial aid and student billing information, the Student Financial Services staff will normally discuss confidential information with the individual(s) that the student designates on the disclosure authorization form. Students may request a disclosure authorization form from the Office of Student Financial Services. Students must complete and sign the disclosure authorization form in the Office of Student Financial Services in the presence of a Student Financial Services staff member. Students can rescind the disclosure authorization at any time. Due to the highly sensitive nature of financial aid, student billing, and academic information facsimiles, photocopies or mailed disclosure authorization forms will not be accepted.

Eligibility

Bachelor’s Degree Holders

Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and who enroll as undergraduates are eligible to apply for Federal Direct Loans, unless they have previously borrowed the undergraduate maximum under the  Federal Direct Loan Program. In some cases these students may also be eligible for University aid. Students are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grants, PHEAA Grants, FSEOG, or Federal Perkins Loans.

Continuing Studies Students

Students who enroll through the Continuing Education program are eligible for a very limited selection of loan programs. Continuing Education students are not eligible for any other type of financial aid. Contact the Continuing Education Office for additional information.

Graduate Students

The University offers a variety of financial aid programs to assist graduate students in meeting their educational goals. Aid may be offered in the form of grants, loans, or employment, and is funded through federal, state, institutional and private organizations.

The University recognizes and rewards students of exceptional talent through many merit-based scholarship awards. No additional application is necessary. Awards are available for all degree programs except: MM Music Education; MEd Educational Technology, and MEd Educational Programming.

All students who are US Citizens or eligible non-citizens and are enrolled in an eligible degree program are encouraged to apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students who are eligible to file a FAFSA are eligible to apply for  Federal Direct and Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans and should refer to the section on student loans for further information. Graduate students must have a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 72 credits of undergraduate coursework completed in order to be eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.

Graduate students are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to receive financial aid as specified in this catalog.

Students who have attained a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent are not eligible to receive Federal Pell, PHEAA, FSEOG, FWS, Perkins, and most other forms of financial aid including need-based institutional grants.

Graduate students who are in default on a federal student loan are not eligible to receive assistance of any type while enrolled at the University.

To qualify for financial aid a graduate student must

• Be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen per federal regulations.
• Be admitted to the University.
• Have received a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• Not have received a master’s degree or its equivalent.
• Not have received aid for the maximum number of allowable semesters.
• Not have defaulted on a previous federal loan.
• Be matriculated in a program that terminates in a degree.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student. A full-time graduate student must be enrolled for at least 9 credits per semester. The University offers some types of financial aid to part-time students. For graduate students, part time is defined as less than 9 credits. Some forms of aid are offered to less than full-time students as specifically noted under “Part-time Students.”
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University.
• Apply for financial aid by the indicated deadline using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the analysis of the (FAFSA).

Transfer Students

Undergraduate transfer students are eligible for aid and should apply following the same application procedures as other undergraduates (with exceptions listed below).

Transfer students who have borrowed the undergraduate maximum under the Federal Direct Loan Program are not eligible for continued federal assistance while enrolled at the University.

Transfer students who enroll for the spring semester should be aware that financial aid received for enrollment during the fall semester at another institution is not transferable. Students must reapply for most forms of need-based aid at the University by completing a FAFSA.

Undergraduate Students

To qualify for financial aid an undergraduate student must

• Be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non-citizen per federal regulations.
• Be admitted to the University in an approved degree or certificate bearing program.
• Not have received a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent – some forms of aid, however are offered to post-undergraduate students as specifically noted under the section titled “Bachelor’s Degree Holders.”
• Not have received aid for the maximum number of allowable semesters (eight).
• Not have defaulted on a previous federal loan.
• Be matriculated in a program that terminates in a degree or certificate.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student. (A full-time undergraduate student is one who is registered for at least 12 credits per semester. The University offers some types of financial aid to part-time students. For undergraduates, part-time is defined as less than 12 credits. Some forms of aid are offered to less than full-time students as specifically noted under “Part-time Students.”)
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University.
• Apply for financial aid by the indicated deadline using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the analysis of the (FAFSA).

Financial Aid Retention

Federal Title IV Program Funds

Students should understand that withdrawing from the University may cause them to owe more money than if they had remained to complete the term.

Withdrawing students who have been awarded Title IV Program aid funds are permitted to retain a pro-rata portion of these funds prior to completion of 60 percent of any term or summer session. After the 60-percent mark, all such aid is treated as 100 percent earned. Title IV Program or Federal funds would include Pell and SEOG grants, and Perkins, Direct, and Direct PLUS Loans.

That portion of Federal Title IV aid that will be returned to the issuer must be repaid in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Federal Direct Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG Aid
7. Any other Title IV program aid
8. Other federal, state, or private student financial assistance

University Scholarship, Grants, and Awards

Withdrawing students who have received University scholarships, grants, and awards are permitted to retain a portion of these funds based on the duration of attendance. For those students not receiving any Title IV program aid, the portion retained is the same as the tuition charged under the general refund policy.

If a withdrawing student received Title IV Program aid in addition to University scholarships and awards, the total amount of aid retained from both sources is calculated using the Federal Title IV rules.

Rights and Responsibilities

The receipt of financial aid is a privilege, which creates both rights and responsibilities.

Students have the right to know the method used to determine their need; the right to have access to information and records used in determining need; and the right to be awarded aid as equitably as funds permit.

Students applying for financial aid are responsible for accurately portraying financial resources and circumstances and notifying the Office of Student Financial Services of any changes in status; for applying in a timely manner; and for maintaining satisfactory academic progress and good standing.

Students who fail to maintain adequate progress may be placed on academic notice. Failure to correct academic deficiency will result in the loss of financial aid until the required credits and grade point average have been earned.

Students or parents who knowingly provide false information on any financial aid form (financial aid forms include but are not limited to the FAFSA, verification forms, work study time cards and loan applications) will be denied financial aid and will be refused for all subsequent years without the possibility of appeal. Additionally, students so identified will be billed for all aid disbursed and may face prosecution by the Department of Education, which may result in fine, imprisonment, or both.

While the Student Financial Services staff is available to assist students through the application process, it is the student’s responsibility to see to the correctness and completeness of his or her application. If a student receives notification that his/her FAFSA or loan application is incomplete, the student must determine what is necessary to complete the application(s) and submit the required information.

An application for financial aid will have no effect on the decision concerning admission. The admission decision is made without access to financial aid data.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students receiving financial assistance are required by federal regulation to be making satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to receive financial assistance while enrolled at the University of the Arts.

Federal regulations require that an institution establish, publish, and apply reasonable standards for measuring whether a student, who is otherwise eligible for assistance, is maintaining satisfactory academic progress in his or her program of study. The standards must be the same or stricter than the institution’s standards for a student enrolled in the same academic program who is not receiving financial assistance. Listed below is the complete statement of minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress for financial assistance recipients.

This policy is separate from the University of the Arts Merit Aid Terms and Conditions and from any policies that individual colleges or programs may have.

Minimum Standards for Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Assistance

Students must complete at least 24 credits per year when full time, or a pro-rated number of credits when enrolled for a portion of the year as calculated below under Quantitative Standards.

Students must complete 66.67 percent of all credits they are registered for on the last day of the registration period as calculated below under Quantitative Standards.

Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 as calculated below under Qualitative Standards.

Students may submit an appeal to the Student Financial Services Office if they fail to meet the University’s satisfactory academic progress policy for student financial assistance.

Maximum Time Frames for Completing Degree Requirements

• Students are expected to complete their program of study (degree, certificate or diploma) in the number of semesters indicated in this catalog. Transfer students and students changing programs are placed by their academic chair/director in an appropriate semester on the basis of the number and type of credits transferred. Such students are expected to complete their degree according to the remaining semesters in their program plus one additional semester to allow for scheduling difficulties. Students are strongly advised to review their degree audit and program requirements with their advisor to ensure that their remaining requirements and graduation plan are understood.
• The maximum time allotted for completion of the baccalaureate degree requirements is six years for full-time students and twelve years for part-time students. Transfer credits earned at other institutions that are applicable to the student’s program of study will be considered in determining the student’s maximum time frame for the program.
• The maximum time frame for completing graduate degree requirements is three years for full-time students and six years for part-time students.
• The maximum time frame for completing certificate or diploma requirements is three years for full-time students and six years for part-time students.
• University-based financial assistance is only available for eight semesters for undergraduate students and four semesters for graduate, certificate or diploma students.
• Students must make quantitative and qualitative progress toward their educational goals each academic year to receive assistance. The academic year consists of two regular semesters and the summer sessions.

Quantitative Standards

• Undergraduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 66.67 percent of all credits attempted to be making satisfactory progress and maintain financial aid eligibility.
• Full-time undergraduate students must successfully complete a minimum of 24 credit hours each academic year. Students admitted in January must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credits during their first spring semester. Please note that undergraduate students without transfer credits, who only complete 12 credits a semester, will not be able to complete their degree requirements within the eight semesters allotted for financial assistance. Such students will not only lose University-based assistance after eight semesters, but will also incur substantial out-of-pocket costs for all remaining semesters. The same policy and caution applies to transfer students, although the number of semesters is prorated in accordance with the transfer credits awarded. Students are strongly advised to follow the degree plan published in the catalog and established by their advisor.
• Undergraduate students enrolled on a three-quarter-time basis (9-11 credits per semester) must successfully complete a minimum of 18 credit hours each academic year.
• Undergraduate students enrolled on a half-time basis (6-8 credits per semester) must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit hours each academic year.
• Undergraduate students enrolled on a less than half-time basis (less than 6 credits per semester) must successfully complete all credit hours they attempt each academic year.
• Graduate students must complete 75 percent of all credits attempted in an academic year.
• Although 12 credits is the minimum per-semester credit accumulation to maintain eligibility for financial assistance, a student completing only this minimum WILL NOT be on track to graduate in four years at this rate. In addition, D grades will cause a student to fail the qualitative (GPA) progress standard.

Qualitative Standards

• Undergraduate students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 calculated at the end of the academic semester in order to be considered a student in good standing.
• Post-baccalaureate and graduate students must maintain a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 calculated at the end of the academic semester in order to be considered a student in good standing.
• Required classes that are repeated as a result of a failed or inadequate grade will only be counted once towards the calculation of credits completed, while all attempts will be included in the calculation of “credits attempted.”
• The highest grade of any classes repeated will be counted in the GPA calculation.
• Other Standards.

The maximum number of remedial credits for which a student may receive financial aid is one year’s worth of noncredit remedial course work. The University of the Arts has established 12 credits as one year’s worth of noncredit remedial course work. The need for remedial coursework does not increase the maximum numbers of University assistance available to a student.

If the student is dismissed or suspended from the University, a College, or a program for any reason, the student is automatically ineligible for financial assistance.

Students may petition the Student Financial Services Office to re-establish their eligibility for assistance, which may be granted on a permanent or probationary status.

Measurement of Academic Progress Requirements

• Academic progress will be measured at the conclusion of every fall and spring semester. Students who were enrolled during the fall and/or spring semesters and failed to meet the qualitative and/or quantitative requirements for academic progress can attempt to complete additional credits and bring up their GPA during the summer sessions. Please note that only those credits earned at The University of The Arts will affect the GPA. Credits taken at another college or university post to the UArts transcript as transfer credits only (no grades are posted), and will only affect the number of total credits earned, not the semester or cumulative GPA. Upon completion of the additional credits, a new determination of academic progress will be made.
• Students who transfer to the University for the spring semester, and are required to take summer Foundation classes in the summer semester, are evaluated for adequate progress towards degree after the end of the summer Foundation semester.
• Students enrolled in the MFA in Studio Art program must complete their coursework exactly as described in the University’s course catalog.
• All students seeking financial assistance are subject to the satisfactory academic standards regardless of whether or not they received financial assistance previously.
• Failures and withdrawals are counted as courses attempted, not completed. Incompletes are not counted toward credits completed until after the course work is successfully completed and grades are posted by the Registrar. Required classes that are repeated as a result of a failed or inadequate grade will only be counted once towards the calculation of credits completed, while all attempts will be included in the calculation of “credits attempted.”

When Minimum Standards of Academic Progress Are Not Achieved – Appeals for Reinstatement of Financial Assistance

A student who does not make satisfactory academic progress for two semesters in a row will be placed on Financial Assistance Suspension until the requirements for satisfactory academic progress are met. The student will be notified in writing of the financial assistance suspension. In such cases, the student can appeal the decision to the Office of Student Financial Services. The appeal must be submitted in writing within two weeks of being placed on financial assistance suspension and contain the following:

• A specific explanation of the extenuating circumstances which prevented the student from achieving satisfactory academic progress including exact dates and details as appropriate.
• A success plan for the future that addresses the prior issues that prevented academic success and describes the changes that will be made by the student to ensure future success.
• At least one letter of academic support from an instructor that the student has had while at the University of the Arts, and/or the student’s academic advisor.
• Any appropriate documentation (medical records, death certificate, etc.)

The following types of mitigating circumstances may be considered when a student appeals: extended illness, recent diagnosis of documented learning disability, death in the family, and changes in educational objective. The Office of Student Financial Services may request additional documentation and/or require a personal interview with the student. After the review, the Office of Student Financial Services  will notify the student in writing of the action taken.

If the Office of Student Financial Services determines that the Academic Progress Standards can be waived for one semester, the student will be placed on Financial Assistance Probation. At the end of the probationary semester if academic requirements have been met, the probationary status will be removed. If academic requirements have not been met, the student will be placed on Financial Assistance Suspension.

Once financial assistance has been discontinued, it will be reinstated provided:

• The student has successfully achieved the required number of credits and grade point average;
• The student has requested reinstatement in writing; and
• Funds are still available.

Reinstatement is not automatic. The student is responsible for making certain that the grades and credits completed have been properly posted with the Registrar prior to requesting reinstatement of financial assistance. Students are encouraged to file all financial assistance application forms by the University of The Arts’ established deadline so that once reinstatement has been granted, he or she can be considered for assistance as quickly as possible.

A student who is denied assistance based on qualitative or quantitative standards will be considered for assistance when standards have been met. No aid may be awarded retroactively to the semester(s) in which standards were not met.

PHEAA State Grant Appeals

The University has no authority to make exceptions to PHEAA state grant policies. Students wishing to appeal the loss of state grants must write a letter of appeal to PHEAA. Appeal letters must include documentation of those significant events (major illness, severe injury, or family upheaval such as divorce or death) that impacted the student’s academic performance. Students wishing to appeal the loss of state grant eligibility are urged to do so as soon as such information is known, as the state requires several weeks (typically 8-10) to respond to appeals.

School Code

The University of the Arts Federal Title IV school code is 003350.

Special Circumstances & Appeals for Additional Aid

Changes in a student’s family or academic circumstances may necessitate a review of the estimated family contribution and related financial aid awards. Such reviews are conducted in response to a written request (emailed from their University email) for an appeal from the student, in which the change in circumstances is described in detail, and submitted for consideration to the Office of Student Financial Services.

Income Reduction

The FAFSA collects information about a family’s income and assets based on 2 years prior. For many people this information is a good predictor of the current year’s income. If, however, a family’s income in the current year is significantly different (more than 10 percent) from a previous year’s, the family should notify the Office of Student Financial Services in writing, including all available documentation. Reductions in income that are caused by involuntary job loss, unusually high medical expenses, separation, divorce, death of a wage earner, or the like will be considered.

If a family’s circumstances meet these criteria, the University will calculate the financial aid award based upon the estimated current year or prior year figures for the fall semester. If current year estimated data is used, at the end of the fall semester the family will be required to provide documentation (such as final pay stub or an estimated tax return) for evaluation of the spring semester award.

Unfortunately, the University is not generally able to consider reductions in income due to voluntary job changes, back taxes owed, high consumer debt, multiple mortgages, employment bonuses received in the previous year, overtime, self-employment losses, fluctuations in income from commission sales, or discretionary purchases.

Divorce or Separation

When a married student or an enrolled student’s parent/guardian separates from or divorces his/her spouse subsequent to the filing of the financial aid application, the divorcing/separating student or custodial parent/guardian of the enrolled student should notify the Office of Student Financial Services in writing. In the case of a separation or divorce involving the parents/guardians of a student, the Office of Student Financial Services is permitted to discuss the student’s record only with the custodial parent.

Death

The University occasionally is called upon to assist a student whose parent or spouse has died subsequent to the filing of the financial aid application. Should this occur, the Office of Student Financial Services should be contacted immediately.

Dependency Override

The Office of Student Financial Services is occasionally asked to re-evaluate a student’s status due to the student’s assertion that he or she should be considered independent of parental support.

The guidelines for dependency are set by federal law, and thus each student must first be evaluated against them.

Any student who is listed on the federal or state income tax return of his or her parent or legal guardian or who receives more than half of his or her financial support from their parents or legal guardian is considered to be dependent.

An independent student must meet one of the following conditions

• Be born before January 1, 1998.
• Be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program (beyond a bachelor’s degree) at the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.
• Be married as of the day the student applies (or you’re separated but not divorced).
• Have children who receive more than half their support from the student.
• Have dependents (other than their children or spouse) who live with the student and who receive more than half their support from the student at the time the student applies and through June 30, 2022.
• Both of the student’s parents are deceased, or the student is (or were until age 18) a ward or dependent of the court.
• Be currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training OR be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• A high school homeless liaison or director of a homeless shelter/transitional program has deemed the student homeless, or at a risk of homelessness.
• The student is or was in legal guardianship, or an emancipated minor, as determined by your state of legal residence.

Federal and institutional policy is that the first responsibility for college costs is the student’s and his/her family’s; thus appeals are rarely granted.

A student who wishes to be considered independent must complete a Dependency Override form and provide substantial documentation as well as a written explanation. The student will be required to document his/her means of support as well as other items. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services for additional information.

Other Appeals

The Office of Student Financial Services cannot consider proposals for a recalculation of financial aid eligibility based on any circumstances other than those listed above.

State Grants

The FAFSA serves as the state grant application for residents of Pennsylvania (per PHEAA’s guidelines), and will be used to evaluate the student’s eligibility for a PHEAA Grant. The PHEAA deadline for filing of the FAFSA is May 1. Residents of Alaska, Delaware, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Ohio, Vermont, or West Virginia, may be eligible to receive a state grant at UArts and should contact the higher education assistance agency in their state of residence for deadline information.

Students who are residents of these states and are currently receiving a state grant MUST file the FAFSA by the state’s filing deadline. A separate state grant application form may also need to be submitted to the higher education assistance agency in the student’s home state.

If the state grant can be used in Pennsylvania, it is “portable.” Portable state grants may be less at UArts than if used at a college in a student’s home state.

Residents of states not listed above are generally prevented by their state from using their state grants in Pennsylvania.

Student Employment

Federal Work Study (FWS)

FWS is a federally funded program administered by the University. Eligibility for this program is based upon the availability of funds to the University and the student’s EFC.

The Office of Student Financial Services will make a determination of the student’s eligibility to earn money through the FWS Program. Notification of eligibility will be included in the award letter.

An FWS award is not an offer or a guarantee of a job; it is the amount a student is eligible to earn should she or he secure a job. Federal Work study awards are not applied against the student’s bill. Payment is made directly to employed students by University payroll based on the hours worked.

Eligible students are permitted to work up to 17.5 hours weekly when classes are in session. Students are paid at least minimum wage and hours may be arranged to accommodate the class schedule. The FWS award can be used between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022.

Jobs are usually available throughout the University in academic departments, Public Safety, University offices, the University Libraries, etc. Positions require various levels of skill and experience. Additional positions with approved off-campus, non-profit organizations provide students the opportunity to be employed in community service positions and receive payment through the FWS program.

Institutional Work Study

Students who do not qualify to work under the Federal Work Study program may be able to find work on campus under the Institutional program which is fully funded by the University.

Information about job availability and placement is as listed in the Federal Work Study section of the UArts portal.

General Information About Student Employment

The Student Employment Handbook contains expanded information about FWS and NFWS job openings, and additional information for fall placement. The handbook is available on the UArts portal in late summer.

Students are reminded that falsifying time cards is a criminal offense, which can subject them to criminal prosecution, civil action, disciplinary action, expulsion, and/or loss of all financial aid.

The University emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to the student’s course of study. Work beyond this scope is strictly prohibited without prior approval from the Director of Student Financial Services.

Student Loan Programs

Federal Direct Student Loans are available to assist students in meeting both tuition and living expenses, with low interest rates, and extended repayment terms. Because loan indebtedness has serious implications, students should carefully consider the amount of their borrowing (both yearly and cumulative) and borrow the minimum necessary to reasonably meet those expenses that remain above the financial aid award.

All students, regardless of state of residency, should review the UArts Financial Aid web page for general information on Direct Loans and for instructions to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.

All loan applications are based on the FAFSA application; thus this application must be completed before the loan application is considered. While the loan application is an element of the financial aid application process, it is also a separate transaction between the student and the federal government. It is critical that the student understands that it is he or she alone who is responsible for repaying funds borrowed, and that for most students this will be the most serious long-term financial obligation yet undertaken.

All first-time borrowers are required to complete Entrance Counseling according to the Department of Education’s (DOE) instructions before the University is permitted to release loan funds.

Federal Direct Student Loans

A Direct Loan cannot be approved until a complete FAFSA has been processed.

Students wishing to use proceeds from the Direct Loan must submit a complete application by March 15. Students can apply for the Direct Loan electronically through the UArts Federal Direct Loans Web page or at www.studentloans.gov.

Under federal regulations, only one direct loan may be processed for each student each year.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students are required to register for at least six credits each semester in order to receive funding from the Federal Direct Loan Program. Maximum Federal Direct Loan eligibility is determined based upon the number of credits the undergraduate student has completed, according to the following schedule:

The above loan amounts may be subsidized or unsubsidized depending upon the student’s financial eligibility. If the loan is subsidized the federal government will pay the interest on the loan while the student is in school, in addition to the first six months after the student leaves school. If the loan is unsubsidized the student is responsible for the interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. The student can choose to pay the interest or allow it to accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal amount of the loan). Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount the student has to repay.

Undergraduate students who are independent and dependent students whose parents cannot qualify for the PLUS Loan are eligible for the following additional amounts under the Unsubsidized Direct Loan Program:

Most Federal Direct Loans will be disbursed to the University electronically and will not require the student’s signature.

Students receiving financial assistance - including Direct Loans -  are required by federal regulation to be making satisfactory academic progress in order to continue to receive financial assistance while enrolled at The University of The Arts.

Graduate Students

Graduate students are required to register for at least 4.5 credits each semester in order to receive funding from the Federal Direct Loan Program.

Federal Direct Student Loan

• Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan eligibility up to $20,500
• Total graduate maximum Federal Direct Loan eligibility per academic year $20,500

Federal Direct (Parent) PLUS Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

The federally-sponsored Federal Parent PLUS Loan is a low interest student loan for parents of undergraduate, dependent students. With a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, families can fund the entire cost of a child’s education (less other financial aid).

The parent of a dependent student may borrow up to the cost of education (which includes living expenses) minus any other financial aid the student is scheduled to receive. For Federal PLUS Loans made to parents that are first disbursed on or after July 1, 2008, the borrower has the option of beginning repayment on the Federal PLUS Loan 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. The PLUS Loan interest rate is fixed. Approval for the Federal PLUS Loan is based upon credit history. You must have a Federal pin number to apply. An application and MPN (Master Promissory Note) are required. Please remember to apply for the entire year, not only a single semester.

Typically the loan application process requires six to eight weeks. In order to deduct the anticipated proceeds from a PLUS Loan from the invoice, the loan must have been approved. The PLUS Loan cannot be certified until a complete FAFSA has been processed.

Federal Graduate PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a student loan for graduate and professional students who need additional funds to meet educational costs. Graduate students should utilize Federal Direct Loans before Federal Graduate PLUS Loans to take advantage of lower interest rates. The interest rate is fixed. An entrance interview and MPN are required.

Private Education Loans

Private education loans are privately funded loans which may be used to supplement students’ federal and University-based aid. When combined with all other forms of aid, alternative loans may not exceed the University’s cost of attendance. Approval for these loans is credit-based; the University encourages students to apply with credit-worthy co-borrowers whenever possible.

Disbursement Fee Amounts

The lender may deduct origination and insurance fees from Federal Direct, Federal PLUS, and other alternative loans before they are disbursed. These fees can total up to 4.292 percent (or more for some alternative loans) of the principal amount; thus, the amount available from the loan to pay educational costs may be less than the amount borrowed.

Terms and Conditions for Merit-Based Assistance

Presidential Scholarship • All International Scholarships •Trustee Scholarship • Sam S. McKeel Promising Artist Scholarship • Director’s Talent Scholarship • Artist Grant • Named and Endowed Scholarships • Dean’s Scholarship • Institutional Supplemental Grants

Any University merit-based award will be awarded and renewed under the following terms and conditions

• You must be admitted to The University of the Arts.
• You must not have received a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
• With the exception of the International scholarships , Promising Artist Award and Artist Grant you must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen.
• You must enroll as a full-time undergraduate at The University of the Arts. Full-time is defined as completing between 12 and 18 credits each semester. If you complete fewer than 12 credits each semester, your merit award may be revoked.
• Merit-based scholarships will not be granted for more than eight (8) semesters. If you transfer to The University of the Arts, your scholarship will be prorated based on the number of semesters you have remaining to complete your degree after your transfer credits are evaluated.
• You must maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with University regulations.
• Your merit award may be revoked should you withdraw from or take a leave of absence from The University of the Arts. The University reserves the right to terminate this merit award if your enrollment is not continuous from the date of your original entry.
• Should you be subject to disciplinary action, academic noticee or dismissal while enrolled at The University of the Arts, your merit award may be revoked.
• The University of the Arts reserves the right to reduce this merit award to eliminate any cash refund to you should your merit award, when combined with other financial aid, outside scholarships, or benefits, exceed tuition and/or the cost of attendance.
• The merit award is a tuition scholarship, which cannot be combined with other University sponsored grants, scholarships, or benefits (which include, but are not limited to, tuition remission, tuition exchange, or tuition discounts) to be used toward dormitory fees or other non-tuition expenses.
• Should you decline a merit award, the offer becomes void and is canceled. If your merit award is canceled, you may reapply, but you will then be considered on a funds-available basis and may not be awarded the same amount.
• The merit award cannot be combined with tuition remission, the alumni discount or the sibling discount.
• Merit award recipients are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA (both semester and cumulative). We reserve the right to revoke the merit award in full or in part should the recipient’s GPA fall below 2.0.
• The majority of Named and Endowed Scholarships are non-renewable from year to year.

Types of Aid

Each student who completes a FAFSA will be considered for all of the following types of aid. Parental higher education enrollment cannot be considered when eligibility for aid is calculated.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

University Scholarships

University scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated talent. University scholarships are awarded when students are admitted.

To assist students and their families with financial planning for their enrollment, scholarship amounts are fixed and renewable so long as the student makes satisfactory academic progress and complies with the terms of the award(s).

Named/Endowed Scholarships

The University offers a number of scholarships that have been donated by individuals, families or groups to help support promising artists. These named scholarships are awarded based on specific criteria, which may include need and/or merit. The majority of these scholarships are not renewed annually. These scholarships cannot be combined with Tuition Remission, Tuition Exchange, or Tuition Discounts, unless otherwise specified.

University Grant

University grants are generally need-based and are awarded by the Office of Student Financial Services to supplement all other financial aid assistance. Undergraduate students must be enrolled for at least twelve credits in order to receive institutional aid that is merit or need-based. Graduate Students are not eligible for need-based grant assistance.

Federal/State Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program that awards individual grants to students who have not received a bachelor’s degree, nor have been aided for the maximum number of semesters allowed and meet all other eligibility criteria. The amounts of the grants are determined by the federal government.

Eligibility is determined by the federal government and notification is sent directly to the student in the form of a Institutional Student Information Record(ISIR). The student should expect to receive the ISIR within 24 hours of filing a complete FAFSA. The ISIR should be reviewed for accuracy and corrected if necessary. A copy of the corrected SAR should be retained by the student as confirmation of receipt of the FAFSA. Students must enroll for at least three credits in order to be eligible for the Pell Grant.

PHEAA’s Pennsylvania State Grant

Awards are made to Pennsylvania residents who are seeking a first bachelor’s degree and who have not yet completed the maximum number of semesters allowed (eight).

Eligible students must demonstrate sufficient financial need as determined by PHEAA, Pennsylvania residency, and be enrolled for at least twelve credits. To continue to be eligible for state grant assistance, a full-time student must complete a minimum of 24 credits per academic year. An award letter may indicate an estimated state grant amount; however, eligibility is determined by the state and official notification is sent directly to the student beginning in May.

Students must meet state residency requirements in accordance with PHEAA guidelines. PHEAA’s filing deadline is May 1.

Other states have scholarship programs for their residents. Information and applications are available from the respective states.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a federally-funded, University-administered program. These grants are awarded to students who demonstrate significant financial need and are seeking a first bachelor’s degree, and who have not yet completed the maximum number of semesters allowed (eight). Typically, FSEOG grants are first awarded on a funds-available basis to returning students who are Pell Grant recipients with significant financial need.  Students must also meet the filing deadlines.

Outside Scholarships

The University encourages students to explore all options for outside scholarship assistance. Scholarships from local businesses, boosters, foundations, churches, unions, etc., can be used as payment towards a student’s educational costs. These scholarships are applied on top of a student’s existing financial aid to meet their costs.

A good place to begin the search for outside scholarships is at www.fastweb.com.

The University of the Arts advises students to never pay for financial aid information or for scholarship searches.

The University has a scholarship Board near the Office of Student Financial Services.  Binders are also available.

Students who receive outside awards or scholarships are required by federal regulation to notify the Office of Student Financial Services. In some cases, outside scholarships may cause the revision or reduction of other types of aid.

Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits

The University of the Arts is approved to certify students for educational benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We provide benefits for eligible veterans or their dependants who are matriculated into approved UArts programs. Additionally, the University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

The Office of the Registrar serves as the certifying office and can be contacted for assistance:

• Jackie Manni, Assistant Registrar · jmanni@uarts.edu · 215.717.6420
• Lakiesha Sanders, Assistant Registrar · lsanders@uarts.edu · 215.717.6420

To begin the process of receiving VA benefits, please submit your Certificate of Eligibility to Lakiesha Sanders in the Office of the Registrar. We also require students to complete a VA Certification Request each semester, available on the portal under Forms and Requests, and provide their Chapter and Payee number.

GI Bill® (Chapter 33) and VR&E (Chapter 31) beneficiaries are allowed to attend UArts for up to 90 days from the date the beneficiary provides a certificate of eligibility or valid VAF 28-1905 to the Office of the Registrar. UArts will not impose a penalty or require the beneficiary to borrow additional funds to cover tuition and fees due to late payments from VA.

Students with balances that exceed the anticipated funding from the VA are required to make payment, apply for federal or outside loans or have a payment plan in order, by the due date for the semester or risk having a late fee applied or cancelation of classes.

GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. 

Verification

The federal government selects FAFSA applicants for a process called Verification. Students may be flagged for verification if unusual or conflicting information is reported on the FAFSA or if information varies from year to year.

The purpose of verification is to find and correct common mistakes made during the filing of the FAFSA. A student whose application is under verification must provide the necessary information to complete the verification process before need-based financial aid can be awarded. If the verification process is not completed, a student will not be considered for any need-based financial aid. Thus, it is important to return the information and requested documentation as soon as possible.