Student Financial Services

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Chris Pesotski
cpesotski@uarts.edu
Director of Student Financial Services
Second Floor, Dorrance Hamilton Hall
215-717-6170

 

The University of the Arts offers a variety of financial aid programs to assist students in meeting their educational goals. Aid may be offered in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, or employment and is funded through federal, state, institutional, or private organizations. Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid and need not be repaid. Loans, which must be repaid, are usually offered at a low interest rate and have an extended repayment period.

Financial need is defined as the difference between the cost of education and the family’s federally calculated contribution to these costs: the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Where need exists, the University assists in meeting costs within the resources available to the institution.

Nearly 80 percent of the University’s students enrolled on a full-time basis are eligible for some type of need-based aid. All undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply.

Information on application procedures, types of aid, program requirements, educational costs as determined by the University, and the students’ rights and responsibilities are detailed in this section. Most general questions will be answered below. Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for assistance with any specific questions you may have.

In order 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.
• 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 6-11.5 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).

In order 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.
• 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 4.5-8.5 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).

Deadlines

Deadlines are necessary to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to be considered for financial aid.  It should be noted that 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 the students to make informed decisions regarding their enrollment and related 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, depending upon availability of funds. However, University-administered funds will not be used to replace federal or state grants or loans for which a student may have been eligible but for which he/she failed to apply successfully.

All Students

The University of the Arts’ postmark deadline for submission of the FAFSA is March 1.

All students who plan to attend the University during the fall or spring semesters must file the FAFSA by the above deadline. Incoming students are considered on a rolling, funds-available basis after the March 1 deadline. Applicants are advised to submit all application materials by March 1 or as soon as possible. Some sources of funding (as above) are limited and will not be available to otherwise eligible but late applicants.

Pennsylvania Undergraduate Students
 

PHEAA (Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency) State Grant Deadline

PHEAA’s deadline for receipt of the completed FAFSA application is May 1 for the following year. Applications received after that date may render a student ineligible for PHEAA Grants as well as the other types of aid specified above.

Duration of Eligibility

Students are not permitted to delay graduation once degree requirements have been met in pursuit of additional coursework or to continue their eligibility for financial aid.

Students can exhaust their eligibility for financial aid by failing or withdrawing from courses due to the impact of such actions on adequate progress towards completion of the degree, or the student’s GPA. Students are strongly encouraged to work with their academic advisor to plan a program that will encourage their continued academic success in a timely manner and to contact the Student Financial Services Office with any questions regarding their status.

Undergraduate Students
Under federal and University guidelines, undergraduate students may continue to receive financial aid for only eight semesters, or until the first baccalaureate degree or its equivalent has been earned.

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.

Graduate Students
Under federal and University guidelines, graduate students may continue to receive financial aid for only the published length of the program as listed in this catalog, or until the first master’s degree or its equivalent has been earned.

All students who wish to be considered for financial aid must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The information must be released to the U.S. Department of Education and to the University.

A student cannot be considered for any type of financial aid until a correct and complete FAFSA has been processed.

The University does not require the CSS, ACT, FAF, Profile, or other financial aid applications to be considered for financial assistance.

The Department of Education has provided an easy way to apply electronically for aid through filing the FAFSA .

School Code
 

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

Please note:
To be considered for financial aid, students must be accepted for admission to the University or be currently enrolled and making satisfactory academic progress as defined by the University.

Declining Financial Aid
 

If a student declines his/her 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 later in that year 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 effected by the timing of the student’s decision to enroll, and availability of funds at the time when 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.

A student may choose to decline a portion of his/her financial aid award by sending a letter to the Student Financial Services Office noting the type and amount of aid the student is declining.

State Grant Information

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, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, 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 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 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 prevented by their state from using their state grants in Pennsylvania.

Verification

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

The purpose of verification is to find and correct common mistakes made during the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Verification:
 

• Why was I selected for verification? – The federal government randomly selects FAFSA applicants for verification. Students may also be flagged for verification if conflicting or confusing information is reported on the FAFSA.
• When will I be notified if I am selected for verification? – You will be notified of your selection for verification approximately 7-10 days after your FAFSA results have been received by UArts. (The result of your FAFSA is referred to as a Student Aid Report (SAR)).
• What will I need to provide if I am selected for verification? – If your application is selected for further review, you will be asked to submit signed statements confirming information you reported when completing the FAFSA. The Student Financial Services Office will send an e-mail requesting the needed documentation. Examples of documentation include copy of tax forms and the verification worksheets.

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. The Presidential, Promising Artist, and Artist Grant are types of University scholarships.

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.

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. These scholarships are not renewed annually.

University Grant

University grants are generally need-based and are awarded by the Student Financial Services Office 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 must be enrolled for at least nine credits to be considered for such assistance.

Federal/State Grants
 

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federally funded program that awards individual grants in amounts ranging from $831 to $5500 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.

Eligibility is determined by the federal government and notification is sent directly to the student in the form of a Student Aid Report (SAR). The student should expect to receive the SAR approximately four weeks after the FAFSA has been filed. The SAR 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 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.

NOTE: 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 to Pell Grant recipients who have met the filing deadlines on a funds-available basis.

Outside Scholarships

The University encourages students to explore all options for outside scholarship assistance. Local businesses, foundations, churches, unions, civic organizations, etc., often sponsor scholarships that can be used toward educational costs.

A good place to begin the search for outside scholarships is on the University’s online Scholarship Bulletin Board.

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

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

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 Direct Loans web page for general information on Direct Loans and for instructions to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN).

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 understand 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 an Entrance Interview 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 Direct Loans Web page. 

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 Direct Loan Program. 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 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 Direct Loan Program.

Direct Student Loan

• Subsidized Direct Loan Eligibility up to $8,500
• Unsubsidized Direct Loan Eligibility up to $12,000
• Total graduate maximum Direct Loan eligibility per academic year $20,500

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

The federally-sponsored Parent PLUS Loan is a low interest student loan for parents of undergraduate, dependent students. With a 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 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 PLUS Loan 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. The PLUS Loan interest rate is fixed. Approval for the PLUS Loan is based upon credit history

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.
 

Graduate PLUS Loan

The 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 direct loans before Graduate PLUS Loans to take advantage of lower interest rates. The interest rate is fixed. An entrance interview is 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.

Federal Perkins Loan

Perkins is a need-based federal loan program awarded by the University. The Federal Perkins Loan is currently offered at a fixed five percent interest rate and is repayable to the University over a maximum 10-year period. Repayment begins nine months after graduation separation or cessation of at least half-time enrollment at an eligible institution in an approved program of study.

Because Perkins loan funds are limited, this loan is offered to the earliest applicants whose Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is lowest. Perkins loans are usually awarded to Freshman and Sophomore students (Junior and Senior students have greater eligibility for direct loans). Notification of eligibility for this loan is included in the award letter.

To claim these funds the student must endorse a Perkins promissory note in the Student Financial Services Office. Funds cannot be credited until a complete, correct note is negotiated.

Disbursement Amounts

The lender may deduct origination and insurance fees from Direct, PLUS, and other alternative loans before they are disbursed. These fees can total up to four 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.

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 Student Financial Services Office 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. Work study awards are not applied against the invoice. Payment is made directly to employed students by a University payroll check.

Eligible students are permitted to work up to 20 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, 2010, and June 30, 2011.

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.

Non-federal Work Study (NFWS)

Students who do not qualify to work under the Federal Work Study program may work on campus under the NFWS program.

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, disciplinary action, expulsion, and/or loss of all financial aid.

Award letters will be sent to new students beginning in February and to returning students beginning in May. The Student Financial Services Office staff will be available to counsel students at any point 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.

Additional steps are required to claim these forms of financial aid:

Federal Work Study

In order to claim a FWS award the student must locate an eligible job. Once hired, the student must come to the Student Financial Services Office to complete the necessary payroll paperwork. Students cannot work, nor can they be paid, until this paperwork is submitted and proper identification is documented. FWS cannot be deducted from the tuition invoice.
 

Pell Grant

Approximately four weeks after the FAFSA is filed, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). This document will notify a student as to Pell Grant eligibility. All of the information on the SAR must be correct and complete.

The award letter will list the Pell Grant amount. Changes to the FAFSA information may affect the student’s Pell Grant eligibility.
 

Perkins Loan

To claim these funds the student must endorse a Perkins promissory note in the Student Financial Services Office. Funds cannot be credited until a complete, correct note is negotiated.

Direct and Direct PLUS Loans

These loans must be applied for through the student’s lender. Proceeds from these loans are disbursed to the University. Most direct loans will be disbursed to the University electronically and will not require the student’s signature. If a student loan is disbursed by check, it cannot be credited to his/her account until he/she signs the check. (Direct loan checks will be available in the Student Financial Services Office for signature; PLUS checks will be mailed to the parent borrower.)

The award notice is subject to revision under the following circumstances:

1. If government funding levels to the University are reduced, individual awards will be adjusted accordingly.
2. Verification – The Student Financial Services Office 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.
3. As above, 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.
4. Outside Scholarships – 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 calculated need. If a student would be over awarded due to an outside scholarship, we are required to adjust the 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.
5. 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.
6. If the student changes enrollment status.
7. If the University is required to adjust the student’s award for any other reason.

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

Income Reduction

The FAFSA collects information about a family’s income and assets from the previous year (2009). For most people this information is a good predictor of the current year’s (2010) income, since most people do not experience wide swings in income from year to year.

If, however, a family’s income in the current year will be significantly different (more than 10 percent) from last year’s, the family should notify the Student Financial Services Office 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 (2010) figures for the fall semester. At the end of the fall semester the family will be required to provide documentation (such as final pay stub or an estimated 2010 return) for evaluation of the spring semester’s 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 Student Financial Services Office in writing. In the case of a separation or divorce involving the parents/guardians of a student, the Student Financial Services Office is permitted to discuss the student’s record only with the custodial parent.

Death

Sadly, 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 Student Financial Services Office should be contacted immediately, and it will offer every assistance possible.

Dependency Override

The Student Financial Services Office 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. A dependent student is someone who is younger than 24, is not a veteran, is not a graduate or professional student, is not married, is not an orphan or ward of the court, or does not have legal dependents.

An independent student is someone who is older than 24, a veteran, currently serving on active military duty, a graduate or professional student, married, or has legal dependents. (See the FAFSA.)

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 write a letter of appeal to the Student Financial Services Office. The letter must clearly state the reasons for appealing the dependency status. The student will be required to document his/her means of support as well as other items. Please contact the Student Financial Services Office for additional information.

Other Appeals

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

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Student Financial Assistance

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 drop/add 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 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 year 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 year 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 in May of each year. Measurement begins with the fall semester and ends with the last summer session. 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.

Transfer students are evaluated for academic progress in May, after the first spring semester attended at the University of The Arts. 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 low-residency MFA 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 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 Student Financial Services Office. 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 Student Financial Services Office may request additional documentation and/or require a personal interview with the student. After the review, the Student Financial Services Office will notify the student in writing of the action taken.

If the Student Financial Services Office 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.

Terms and Conditions for Merit-Based Assistance

A merit-based scholarship, grant or award, including Presidential, Director’s, Promising Artist, and Artist Grant will be renewed under the following terms and conditions:

1. The student must enroll as a full-time undergraduate at the University. Full time is defined as completing between 12 and 18 credits each semester. Students who complete fewer than 12 credits each semester may have their scholarship/grant revoked. The award will not be granted for more than eight semesters. The student must maintain satisfactory academic progress in accordance with University regulations.
2. The scholarship/grant will be revoked should the student withdraw from the University. The University reserves the right to terminate this scholarship/grant if the student’s enrollment is not continuous from the date of original entry. Students who take an approved leave of absence of no longer than two semesters will be eligible for scholarships/grants upon their return to the University.
3. Should the student be subject to disciplinary dismissal, academic probation or dismissal while enrolled at the University the scholarship/grant will be revoked.
4. The University reserves the right to reduce this scholarship/grant to eliminate any cash refund should the scholarship/grant when combined with other financial aid, outside scholarships, or benefits exceed tuition or the cost of attendance.
5. The 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.
6. PHEAA and/or other state grant recipients are subject to specific gift aid tests and may not receive grants and scholarships exceeding tuition, fees, and an allowance for books and supplies.
7. Should the student decline this scholarship/grant, the offer becomes void and is canceled. If the scholarship/grant is canceled, the student may reapply, but will be considered on a funds available basis and may not be awarded the same amount.
8. The scholarship/grant cannot be combined with tuition remission, the Legacy or Family Scholarship, alumni discount or the sibling discount. A sibling of a scholarship/grant recipient will, however, qualify for the sibling discount or Legacy or Family Scholarship.
9. Scholarship/grant recipients are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA. The University reserves the right to revoke the scholarship/grant in full or in part should the recipient’s cumulative GPA fall below 2.0.

 Named/endowed scholarships are generally not renewed.

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 Student Financial Services Office 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. Please read the information about refunds in the “Tuition and Expenses” section of this catalog.

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 Student Financial Services Office with any questions pertaining to this subject.

Graduate students are eligible to apply for Direct and Direct PLUS Loans and should refer to the section on student loans for further information. Graduate students may also be eligible for assistantships or fellowships through the department in which they are enrolled. Contact the departmental office for additional information and application instructions.

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 Pell, PHEAA, FSEOG, FWS, Perkins, and most other forms of financial aid including 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.

Low-residency MFA Students

Students who enroll at least half-time (4.5 credits) in the Low-residency MFA program may borrow under the Direct Loan and Direct PLUS Loan Programs.

Students who matriculated as of June 2000 and follow the 12, 4.5, 4.5 credit pattern are permitted to borrow during all semesters of enrollments and qualify for deferments; these students may borrow up to $20,500.

Students who matriculated prior to June 2000 and follow the 10, 3, 3 credit pattern are not permitted to borrow during the fall and spring semesters. Summer MFA students who are enrolled less than half-time are not permitted to borrow and do not qualify for deferments.

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 Direct Loan Program are not eligible for continued federal assistance while enrolled at the University.

Any transfer student who is in default on a federal loan or otherwise ineligible for federal aid, is ineligible for financial aid of any type 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 aid at the University. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for additional information and instructions.

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

Part-time students who are enrolled in degree programs may be eligible for Pell, University, and PHEAA grants, as well as Direct Loans.

Part-time students are subject to all requirements governing the financial aid programs, except that they be enrolled on a full-time basis.

Part-time students are not eligible for merit-based aid.

Part-time students should follow application procedures as detailed in this catalog.

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 Student Financial Services Office for additional information.

Students who are neither U.S. citizens, nor eligible non-citizens (as confirmed by the federal government), are not eligible to receive any form of Federal Title IV financial aid while enrolled at the University of the Arts.

International students will be reviewed for scholarships when offered admission to the University. Those students who demonstrate exceptional academic and artistic ability will be considered for the University’s Scholarship Program.

International students may be eligible to borrow money through a very limited selection of loan programs. International students must have a U.S. citizen serve as the co-signer on the loan. Contact the Student Financial Services Office for additional information.

Study abroad, domestic mobility, and exchange opportunities are available through programs hosted or coordinated through regionally accredited U.S. institutions or through direct application to a foreign institution. The selection of a program should be made carefully, as it may have implications for financial aid, transferability of credits, progress in the major and the completion of degree requirements.

Students who have submitted an approved Petition for Off-campus Study remain active degree candidates at UArts. Please note that in cases where the student prefers to register and pay tuition at the overseas host institution the student must request a Leave of Absence or withdraw from UArts. In most cases, it will be to the student’s advantage to remain an active UArts student through the Off-campus Study process; the student can thus register and pay tuition at UArts.

Below is an outline of the three different options available to students who wish to study off-campus.

Off-campus Study through an Exchange, Mobility or Affiliated Study-Abroad, or Domestic Off-campus Study Program

Note: This option is recommended for students who wish to study at an affiliated institution whose tuition is similar to or higher than the tuition charged by UArts.

• Student registers for a minimum of 12 credits off campus study.
• Students who normally receive Financial Aid remain eligible for federal, state, institutional and most merit-based aid while engaged in off-campus study and upon their return to UArts, presuming that the student continues to meet the academic requirements of their aid package. Please note that some named institutional scholarships may not be applied toward off-campus study.
• The student will be billed for tuition and fees by UArts. UArts will then pay the student’s tuition at the institution where the student will study. Students will not be billed or refunded for any differences in the two schools’ tuitions.

Attending an Unaffiliated Foreign or Domestic Institution While Registered for Off-campus Study

Note: This option is recommended for students who wish to study at an unaffiliated institution whose tuition is similar to or higher than the tuition charged by UArts.

• Student registers for a minimum of 12 credits off campus study.
• Students who normally receive Financial Aid remain eligible for federal, state, institutional and merit-based aid while engaged in off-campus study and upon their return to UArts, presuming that the student continues to meet the academic requirements of their aid package. Please note that some named scholarships may not be applied toward off-campus study.
• Student pays tuition to UArts. UArts pays tuition at institution where student will study. Student is responsible to the host school for tuition or fees that exceed UArts tuition and fees, and should expect to be billed directly by the host school. Please note that if the tuition and fees for the host school is less expensive than UArts tuition, no refunds will be issued to the student, and financial aid for the semester of study off-campus may be reduced.

Attending an Unaffiliated Institution

Note: Students who are interested in studying at an unaffiliated institution whose tuition is significantly lower than the UArts tuition may be interested in this option.

• Student takes a Leave of Absence (see link for LOA) for the duration of the off-campus semester.
• The student will, as a result of taking the Leave of Absence, be ineligible for any financial aid through UArts during the leave of absence.
• Upon the student’s return to UArts, the student will be eligible for reinstatement of their aid (both need and most merit-based), depending upon their academic record and financial status at the time of return.
• The student will be responsible for all costs and payments related to study at the unaffiliated institution.

Students who plan to study abroad should apply for financial aid adhering to normal deadlines and procedures. Additionally, such students must provide the University of the Arts Student Financial Services Office with the following:

1. Contact person at coordinating university or college including their address, telephone, and fax numbers.
2. Power of Attorney, duly executed (if documents will require your signature in your absence).
3. Consortium Agreement, completed (available from the Student Financial Services Office).
4. Contact the Student Financial Services Office before final departure. It will be necessary to maintain close contact with our office to assure aid is processed before you leave the country.

Reminders:

1. The study abroad program must be approved by both the academic dean and the University’s Office of the Registrar. Contact those offices for additional information and procedures.
2. Students must begin all paperwork at least six months prior to the semester abroad.
3. In most countries students will not be permitted to earn wages, so they should be prepared to have sufficient spending money.
4. Students may not use financial aid for unapproved programs abroad. In order to be eligible for financial aid, the student must enroll through a college or university that is approved for participation in the Federal Title IV programs.
5. Students may not use the extended payment plan (TMS) to pay for tuition.

Educational costs include not only the direct cost of tuition and fees, but also the indirect costs of out-of-pocket expenses such as 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 such as supplies, books, clothing, food, medical expenses, personal items, and transportation over a nine-month period.

These direct and indirect expenses are used in formulating a student’s budget and determining financial need. The Student Financial Services Office 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 Student Financial Services Office.

Naturally, 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 2010-2011

These figures are intended for your use in estimating your costs for the upcoming academic year.

Definitions

Commuters

Students who live within 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.

Tuition Tax Benefits

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), more parents and students will qualify over the next two years for a tax credit, the American Opportunity Credit, to pay for college expenses.

The American Opportunity Credit is not available on the 2008 returns taxpayers are filing during 2009. The new credit modifies the existing Hope Credit for tax years 2009 and 2010, making the Hope Credit available to a broader range of taxpayers, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials to the list of qualifying expenses and allows the credit to be claimed for four post-secondary education years instead of two. Many of those eligible will qualify for the maximum annual credit of $2,500 per student.

The full credit is available to individuals whose modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less, or $160,000 or less for married couples filing a joint return. The credit is phased out for taxpayers with incomes above these levels. These income limits are higher than under the existing Hope and Lifetime Learning Credits.

For specific information about how these tax credits may affect you, contact your tax professional.
 

FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974)

Under FERPA, educational privacy and access rights accrue to the 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.

The Student Financial Services Office staff is permitted to discuss or otherwise disclose a student’s financial aid information to the following parties:

1. The student.
2. The student’s parent(s) whose information appears on the FAFSA.
3. Other University officials having a legitimate educational reason to know the student’s financial aid information (e.g. staff in the billing office so that they can manage the student’s account).
4. 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).
5. 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 Student Financial Services Office may require time to present the records requested. When the information requested cannot be produced immediately the Student Financial Services Office may require such time as is permitted under the University’s FERPA policy to retrieve and present the records requested.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. High school guidance counselors and teachers.
4. The student’s spouse.
5. Interested relatives, neighbors, and friends.

The Student Financial Services Office 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, academic standing, or probationary status) 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.

Disclosure Authorization

When extraordinary circumstances exist that prevent the student from accessing and understanding Financial Aid information, the Student Financial Services staff will discuss normally confidential information with the individual(s) that the student designates on the disclosure authorization form. Students may request a disclosure authorization form from the Student Financial Services Office. Students must complete and sign the disclosure authorization form in the Student Financial Services Office 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 and academic information, facsimiles, photocopies or mailed disclosure authorization forms will not be accepted.

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 Student Financial Services Office 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 probation. 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 Office 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.

Additional Sources of Financial Aid

A helpful way to begin the search for additional financial assistance is on the University’s Scholarship Bulletin Board. Additional financial aid websites are listed below. Students are cautioned not to pay for financial aid information.

www.pheaa.org
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.finaid.org
www.fastweb.com
www.ed.gov

Listed below are numbers to call if a student receives an incomplete notification or does not receive notification within six weeks of application filing.

1-319-337-5665
1-800-4-FEDAID
www.fafsa.ed.gov

PHEAA Grant Line
1-800-692-7392
www.pheaa.org

The University of the Arts
1-800-616-ARTS
www.uarts.edu

Student Financial Services Office
1-215-717-6170
fax 1-215-717-6178
finaid@uarts.edu