Undergraduate Financial Aid

www.ashland.edu/financial-aid

Ashland University provides financial assistance to qualified, eligible undergraduate students who have been accepted for admission to the University, are not on disciplinary probation, and meet the standards of the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy provided in this catalog. Financial assistance is awarded annually based on academic and talent-based accomplish­ments and/or financial need determined by a combination of federal, state, and University sources. Students must reapply for financial aid each year and meet the necessary criteria required for renewal.

When accepting a financial aid offer, students are certifying that they understand and agree to the financial aid terms of agreement provided on our website at ashland.edu/financial-aid/rightsandresponsibilities and on the main page of the student's Self-Service Financial Aid portal.

Federal regulations require that institutions receiving Title IV funding provide specific consumer information about the school to students. Visit ashland.edu/consumer-information for more details and web links.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Applications for financial aid are processed on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to those applications submitted by March 15. Students should complete the following steps to apply for financial aid:

1. Apply for admission to Ashland University.

2. Create an FSA ID (username and password) at studentaid.gov/fsa-id if you plan to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A parent of a dependent student must create their own FSA ID to sign their child's FAFSA electronically.

3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov/fafsa.

4. Review your Ashland University financial aid offer letter. An email will be sent to the student when their offer letter is available on Self-Service Financial Aid. The email will be sent to the student either to their ashland.edu email address (if an email was assigned following a paid deposit) or to the preferred email provided on the student's admissions application.

5. Visit ashland.edu/student-loans to determine what required loan processes may need completed. All first-time federal loan borrowers must complete loan entrance counseling and a master promissory note prior to the disbursement of federal loan funds.

Consortium Agreements and Study Abroad

Occasionally students may enroll simultaneously at Ashland University and another college/university, and the hours at both schools need to be combined for financial aid purposes. There are also times when students need to enroll at another college/university only (not at AU) for a particular semester. In both situations, a consortium agreement may be necessary.

Students may be eligible to use federal, state, and/or institutional aid toward a study abroad experience, and a consortium agreement may be necessary. Ashland University grants and/or scholarships can only be used for study abroad during the fall or spring semesters if the student is paying AU’s comprehensive tuition rate. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information about consortium agreements and/or study abroad.

Types of Financial Aid

It is the responsibility of the student to secure the funds necessary to pay for all direct and indirect expenses incurred at Ashland University. Financial assistance such as grants, scholarships, student employment, or loans may be available to those who qualify.

• Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid that does not re­quire repayment. AU grants and scholarships listed on the following pages are available to full-time, traditional undergradu­ate students billed the comprehensive rate of tuition while pursuing their first Bachelor’s degree. This excludes RN to BSN, Accelerated Nursing, Bachelor’s Plus, and Adult and Online undergradu­ate degree-completion programs. AU grants and scholarships are only available during the fall and spring semesters.

• Student employment is considered self-help assistance. Stu­dents may secure an on-campus job to earn funds to help with college expenses. If federal work study eligibility is included on the offer letter, students may earn up to the amount listed through a position on campus. The actual amount earned is based on hours worked. Job opportunities, the Student Employment Handbook, and other resources are available at ashland.edu/student-employment.

• Student and parent loans are considered self-help aid that requires repay­ment after graduation or upon ceasing at least half-time enrollment. Students may be eligible for Federal Direct loans through the FAFSA, and parents of dependent, undergraduate students can apply for the Federal Parent Plus loan at studentaid.gov to help their child finance their education. Students and parents can also apply for private loans, but a student may need a credit-worthy cosigner to obtain loan approval.

Half-time enrollment is required to borrow Federal Direct Loans. However, undergraduate students attending less than half time may qualify for federal and state grants and/or work-study employment.

Financial Aid opportunities are provided on the following pages under these section headings:

A.   Ashland University-Funded Grants and Scholarships

B.   Federal and State Grants and Scholarships

C.   Outside Scholarships

D. Student and Parent Loans

E.   Student Employment

A.    ASHLAND UNIVERSITY-FUNDED GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS 

Ashland University grants and scholarships are reviewed annu­ally, and criteria is subject to change for returning and incoming students in future years. Students who meet eligibility criteria may qualify for multiple grants/scholarships from the University, but the total amount of institutional funds available to any one student will be lim­ited to the full-time cost of tuition for the fall and spring semesters.

Students receiving Ashland University gift aid may not receive gift aid from federal, state, outside, and institutional sources that exceed the direct cost of full-time attendance at AU. The direct cost of attendance for students living on campus includes tuition (12-19 credits per semester), housing, meals, activity fee, and campus access fee. The direct cost of attendance for students living off campus includes tuition, activity fee, and campus access fee. Institutional aid will be reduced to prevent the above from occurring.

FIRST-TIME FRESHMAN

AU Academic Scholarships for First-Time Freshman

First-time freshmen are eligible for the following scholarships based on their cumulative high school GPA. Academic scholarships can be revised up to August 1 prior to the fall semester or December 1 for spring semester. Students accepted after August 1 will have their Ashland University Offer based on their academic scores at the time of admission. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $11,000. A minimum 2.5 or higher high school GPA is required. Students may use the Net Price Calculator located at ashland.edu/npc to estimate their academic and need-based aid. Funding for these scholarships may come from endowed scholarships or restricted funds. Students are not eligible for more than one scholarship from the following levels:

• Presidential Scholarship – renewable with 3.00 cum GPA

• Provost Scholarship – renewable with 3.00 cum GPA

• Director Scholarship – renewable with 2.75 cum GPA

• Ambassador Scholarship – renewable with 2.75 cum GPA

• Trustees Scholarship - renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

• Founders Scholarship – renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

• Rising Eagle Scholarship – renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

Test Achievement Grant

First-time freshmen with a composite ACT score of 25 or more at the time of admission are awarded an additional $1,000 test achievement grant. SAT and CLT tests are accepted with equivalent ACT scores established at each academic scholarship level.

Ashland University Need-Based Grant

First-time freshman with an EFC between $0 and $34,999 on their FAFSA may be eligible for a need-based grant ranging from $1,000 to $4,000. Renewal is based on need in subsequent years and the student maintaining satisfactory academic progress at Ashland University.

Honors Program Scholarship

First-time freshmen who have been accepted into the Honors Program will be considered for an honors scholarship (currently $1,000 to $1,500 per year), renewable for four years. Scholarship renewal requires the student to continue as a member of the Honors Program and meet certain AU GPA requirements.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Alpha Beta Gamma National Business Honor Society Scholarship

Incoming transfer students may be eligible for a $500 scholarship with a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA and an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or Canadian-equivalent degree. An Alpha Beta Gamma designation is required on the student’s transcript. This scholarship is renewable with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

Incoming transfer students may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship with a minimum 3.0 transfer GPA and an A.A., A.S., A.A.S., or Canadian-equivalent degree. A Phi Theta Kappa designation is required on the student's transcript. This scholarship is renewable with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.

AU Academic Scholarships for Transfer Students

Incoming transfer students are eligible for the following scholarships based on their transfer GPA if they earned 12 or more non-remedial credits from a college or university after high school graduation. A 2.70 GPA or higher in college coursework is required. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $8,000 and are renewable with the cumulative GPAs listed below. Readmit transfer students are not eligible.

• Transfer Level 1 – renewable with 3.00 cum AU GPA

• Transfer Level 2 – renewable with 2.75 cum AU GPA

• Transfer Levels 3, 4, and 5 – renewable with 2.00 cum AU GPA

Ashland University Transfer Need-Based Grant

Incoming transfers with an EFC between $0 and $10,000 on their FAFSA may be eligible for a need-based grant ranging from $500 to $2,000. Renewal is based on need in subsequent years and students maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

AU Academic Scholarships for First-Time International Freshman

First-time international freshman who have attained a cumulative 2.50 or higher high school GPA are eligible for an academic scholarship. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $11,500 and is renewable with the cumulative GPAs listed below. The International Admissions Office identifies eligible students and notifies the Financial Aid Office.

• Presidential Scholarship – renewable with 3.00 cum GPA

• Provost Scholarship – renewable with 2.75 cum GPA

• Director Scholarship – renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

• Ambassador Scholarship – renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

• Rising Eagle Scholarship – renewable with 2.00 cum GPA

AU Academic Scholarships for International Transfer Students

Incoming international transfer students are eligible for the following scholarships based on their transfer GPA if they earned 12 or more non-remedial credits from a college or university after high school graduation. A 2.70 GPA or higher in college coursework is required. Scholarships range from $3,000 to $8,000 and are renewable with the cumulative GPAs listed below.

• International Transfer Level 1 – renewable with 3.00 cum AU GPA

• International Transfer Level 2 – renewable with 2.75 cum AU GPA

• International Transfer Levels 3, 4, and 5 – renewable with 2.00 cum AU GPA
  

ADDITIONAL AU SCHOLARSHIPS

Art and Music Scholarships

Art and Music scholarships are awarded by those specific departments based on talent. Students are required to participate in an on-campus interview: an audition for the theatre and music scholarships and a portfolio submission for the art scholarship. Scholarships are renewable by fulfilling certain departmental criteria.

Ashbrook Scholarship

Students accepted into the Ashbrook Scholars program will be awarded an annual scholarship, renewable each year based on merit. Scholarship amounts vary and are determined by the Ashbrook Program and then communicated to the Financial Aid Office. Scholarship applications are available through the Ashbrook Center.

Athletic Scholarships

Men’s and women’s varsity sports offer scholarships to selected athletes. The coaches, under the leadership of the athletic director and in coordination with the Financial Aid Office, determine standards of distribution that follow the guidelines set by the athletic conference and the NCAA Division II. The coach determines the amount of the athletic and non-exempt aid awarded to the student athlete. Athletic scholarships are added to the student's AU Offer letter upon receiving official notification from the coach.

Brethren Grant

Students who are members of the Ashland-based Brethren Church are eligible for a $1,000 grant. A letter from the student’s minister verifying membership must be sent to the Director of Admissions. This grant is renewable by maintaining satisfactory academic progress.

Diversity Scholarship

The diversity scholarship is a $2,000 renewable scholarship offered to incoming students through the Office of Diversity. The scholarship requires a 3.2 high school cumulative GPA and requires the student to actively participate in the Diversity Scholars Program by attending the Pathways Pre-Orientation Workshop, three University events per semester and/or join a student organization, and meet regularly with an assigned student mentor during the first year at Ashland University. Students will receive a scholarship letter if eligible and must sign and return the scholarship letter to the Financial Aid Office by no later than May 1. Students receiving an athletic scholarship are not eligible for the diversity scholarship.

Endowed Scholarships

The University is blessed to have the support of donors who have funded endowed scholarships. If you are a traditional student who qualifies for an Ashland University academic scholarship, a portion of that scholarship may be funded from endowed scholarships. Endowed scholarship recipients are selected by the Financial Aid Office, and notification may be communicated after students receive their first offer letter.

Legacy Grant

Children and grandchildren of Ashland University alumni are eligible for this $1,000 grant. An alumnus is defined as a parent or grandparent who has earned at least 32 undergraduate credits or an undergraduate or graduate degree from Ashland University. This grant is renewable by maintaining satisfactory academic progress.  

Mathematics and Computer Science Department Scholarships

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science offers the scholarships below to students who achieve certain results on the noted tests. Contact the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science for more information.

• AMC-12 Scholarship – $2,000 per year

• OCTM State Mathematics Contest – $2,000 per year

Ministerial Grant

This grant is offered to children of ministers, missionaries, and staff ordained/licensed and actively serving full-time within the Ashland-based Brethren Church or who have retired from full-time service for reasons of age or health. Students who qualify will receive total AU gift aid equal to 65% of tuition. The grant is renewable with a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Science Scholarship

The University offers science awards to students who receive a superior rating at the Mohican District Science Fair hosted by Ashland University or the Ohio Junior Academy of Sciences. The amount of the scholarship is $1,000 at the district level and $2,000 for students receiving superior ratings at the state level.

B.    FEDERAL AND STATE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Below are the most common federal and state grants. Visit studentaid.gov for more information about available federal grants and ohiohighered.org for more information about available state grants offer by the State of Ohio.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students displaying high financial need. Amounts vary based on the Pell Grant Payment and Disbursement Schedules released annually by the Department of Education as well as the results from the FAFSA.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

This federal grant is awarded to stu­dents displaying exceptional financial need. Students must file a FAFSA and be Federal Pell grant eligible for consideration. Amounts vary.

Federal TEACH Grant

The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides grant funding to students completing or planning to complete coursework needed to begin a ca­reer in teaching. Enrollment in an eligible degree program is required. Students must sign an Agreement to Serve in a high-need field at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational ser­vice agency that serves students from low-income families for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which the grant was re­ceived. If the required service obligation is not completed, then all TEACH grant funds will convert to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan that must be repaid with interest charged from the date the TEACH grant was disbursed. Visit studentaid.gov/teach-grant-program for more information and to apply.

Ohio College Opportunity Grant

This need-based grant is offered by the State of Ohio to eligible students who are residents of Ohio. A student must file the FAFSA to apply. Grant amounts are finalized by the state every July for the upcoming year.

Ohio National Guard Tuition Grant

This grant is offered to eligible members of the National Guard for undergraduate studies. The grant pays the average state-assisted university’s tuition costs at private institutions recognized by the Ohio Student Aid Commission. Contact a local Ohio National Guard Armory for further information and an application.

Ohio War Orphan Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to students whose parent served at least 90 days of active duty during a declared war or conflict and is severely disabled or deceased as a result of service. Applications are available from high school guidance counselors or veterans' offices.

Pennsylvania State Grant

This grant is available to eligible full-time students who are residents of Pennsylvania. Students can apply for this grant by filing a FAFSA.

C.     OUTSIDE GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Students may benefit from grants or scholarships received from outside, private sources and must inform the Financial Aid Office in writing if received. A copy of the donor letter is preferred, but if not available, the student/family should send an email to the Financial Aid Office that includes the scholarship name, donor’s name, and the amount of the grant or scholarship. Funds will be added to the student’s financial aid package based on the stimulations of the donor. Financial aid previously packaged for the student may need reevaluated and/or reduced. If federal need or cost of attendance are exceeded, federal work-study or student loans will be adjusted first.

D.     STUDENT AND PARENT LOANS

The cost of a college education ought to be viewed as a valuable investment in one’s future. It is necessary for most families to borrow loans to supplement other financial aid to pay for a student’s educa­tion. Students are wise to borrow the least amount possible during their college career. Repayment normally begins upon graduation, withdrawal from college, or when a student drops below half-time enrollment. Students who default on student loan payments will damage their credit ratings and thus their ability to make credit pur­chases in the future. Students who will receive aid in excess of their university charges due to receipt of loan funds may request a refund after attending their first class or later by contacting the Student Accounts Office.

Federal Direct Loans

Students must submit a FAFSA to be considered for Federal Direct Loans. The maximum amount an undergraduate student can borrow each year ranges from $5,500 to $12,500 per year, depending on their year in college and their dependency status. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours or more) to borrow Federal Direct Loans. Direct Loan interest rates can be found at studentaid.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates. More information about Federal Direct loans is available at studentaid.ed.gov/loans.

Private Educational Alternative Loans for Students

Students can apply for a loan through a private lender, but may need a credit-worthy cosigner to be approved. Funding may be secured up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received by the student. Interest rates and loan term and conditions vary. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

Federal Parent PLUS Loan

Parents of dependent students may borrow this loan to help pay for educational expenses up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received by the student. The Parent PLUS Loan interest rate can be found at studentaid.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates. Repayment begins two months after the date of full disbursement, but may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half time. The parent can choose to defer the loan as a part of the application process.

Private Educational Alternative Loan for Parents

Parents and, in some cases, other interested parties can apply for loans through a private lender to assist students in financing their education. These loans are credit-based and offer rates that are competitive with the Federal Parent PLUS Loan. Individuals can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial assistance received by the student.

Ashland University provides a Private Loan Comparison List at ashland.edu/student-loans. This is not a full list of potential lenders, but is a good place to start your search. If you apply with a lender not on the comparison list, the lender must send their School Certification form to Ashland University's Financial Aid Office for completion.

E.      STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

AU’s Work-Study and Regular Student Employment programs employ hundreds of students per year. On-campus employment consideration is first given to those who qualify for the Federal Work-Study program. Jobs may relate to a student’s major or simply be a way to earn cash for educational expenses. Students are paid every two weeks for hours worked, and most positions pay minimum wage. To apply for jobs, go to ashland.edu/career and click on the Handshake icon to register!

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study is funded partially by the federal government and partially by the University. The majority of on-campus jobs are available through the Federal Work-Study program, and eligible students may earn up to $3,600 per year. Federal Work-Study is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA.

Regular Student Employment

Regular student employment is funded solely by Ashland University, available to all AU students enrolled at least half time, and not dependent on financial need. To apply for jobs, go to ashland.edu/career and click on the Handshake icon to register! 

Resident Assistant

Students selected as a resident assistant receive free housing and a stipend. Various duties focus on the development of a floor and hall community. Responsi­bilities include organizing social and educational floor events, participating in conflict resolution activities, responding to crises, serving as a referral source, and assisting with the adjustment for students. Applications are available to upper-class students from the Office of Residence Life, and the selection process is highly competitive.

Financial Aid Refund Repayment Policy

Refer to the refund policy in the Finance & Administration section of this catalog. Financial aid questions related to the policy may be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Undergraduates

INTRODUCTION

Federal regulations require that an institution develop and enforce a satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy for all Ashland University students. This policy is administered by the Financial Aid Office and pertains to all undergraduate students enrolled at Ashland University, unless otherwise notated.

This is a separate policy and appeal process from the academic policy administered by the Academic Standards and Graduation Committee. Therefore, students may be permitted to enroll at Ashland University, but may not be financial aid eligible due to not meeting the standards in the SAP policy.

STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENT

Ashland University is required to monitor academic progress based upon the qualitative and quantitative standards in this SAP policy. It is the recipient's responsibility to ensure they are meeting these standards to maintain financial aid eligibility. Annual reviews take place at the conclusion of the spring semester.

Qualitative Requirements

Grade Point Average (GPA) – Students must achieve a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students who do not meet GPA standards will immediately lose financial aid eligibility.

Institutional Merit-Based Aid – Additional GPA standards must be met by students eligible to receive certain institutional scholarships. The minimum cumulative GPA required to retain these scholarships varies depending on when the student started at AU. Renewal eligibility is reviewed annually after the spring semester. Scholarships awarded by other departments may have additional GPA standards for renewal.

Quantitative Requirements

Pace of Completion – Students must successfully complete at least 66.67% of their cumulative attempted credits. Attempted credits are determined by the number of credits a student is registered for at the end of the drop date for any registered course. This percentage will be calculated by taking the number of completed credits divided by the number of attempted credits. Students who do not meet this standard at the time of review will immediately be ineligible for financial aid. Reinstatement of aid may occur through the appeal process or once the student attains the required percentage of completed credits at Ashland University, provided the student meets all other policy standards.

Maximum Timeframe – The maximum timeframe for undergraduate students to complete their program of study is 150% of the minimum degree/licensure requirements rounded up to the nearest full credit hour. After exceeding the 150% maximum timeframe restriction, the student is no longer eligible for financial aid. Classes withdrawn after the drop deadline for that semester will be considered attempted credits for maximum timeframe purposes.

• Associate’s Degree – In general, students enrolled in an Associate’s degree program need 60 credits to complete their degree and may attempt a maximum of 90 credits to complete this degree. Students who exceed this limit will be ineligible for aid.

•  Bachelor’s Degree – In general, students enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program need 120 credits to complete their degree and may attempt a maximum of 180 credits. Students exceeding this limit will be ineligible for aid.

• Accelerated Nursing Degree – Only coursework counting towards the Accelerated Nursing degree will be counted for maximum timeframe purposes. Students enrolled in this program need 96 credits to complete their degree and may attempt a maximum of 144 credits. Students exceeding this limit will be ineligible for aid.

Additionally, a student who cannot mathematically complete a degree within the allotted maximum credits is also ineligible for aid. Affected students who have reached or exceeded the credit hours allowed due to academic program changes, changes in major, transfer hours accepted from other schools, or pursuit of a second degree (e.g., a second bachelor’s degree) can have their status reviewed by submitting an appeal.

ADDITIONAL FACTORS IMPACTING SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Repeated Coursework – A student who repeats a failed course will receive financial aid for the repeated course each time it is attempted. A student who repeats a previously passed course in order to receive a higher grade can only receive financial aid for the repeated course one time. Repeat coursework will count towards the number of attempted hours for pace of completion and maximum timeframe purposes; however, only the highest grade will be used in the calculation of the student’s grade point average.

Transfer Credits – Transfer credits do not impact a student’s Ashland University GPA, and thus are not included when evaluating the grade point average (GPA) standard in this policy. In addition, the number of semesters attended at another school will not be considered when determining the minimum cumulative GPA required. Transfer credits will impact a student’s pace of completion and maximum timeframe calculation, regardless if courses are relevant or not to the student’s current major or program.

Incomplete Grades – A course assigned a grade of “I” is considered an “F” until the course is completed. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Financial Aid Office once the course has been assigned another grade.

S and U Grades – A course assigned a grade of “S” is assigned a 3.00 grade value and is factored into the cumulative GPA for satisfactory academic progress purposes only. A grade of “U” is not assigned a grade value and is not factored into the cumulative GPA.

Course Withdrawals – Financial aid eligibility may be affected if a student elects to remove a class from their schedule after the semester drop date and a “W” grade is assigned on their transcript. These courses will be considered attempted courses for pace of completion and maximum timeframe purposes.

THE APPEAL PROCESS

Students not meeting the minimum standards for satisfactory academic progress are ineligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid (e.g. grants, scholarships, work study, and loans). However, students may request reinstatement of their financial aid eligibility by submitting a written appeal to the Financial Aid Office. The appeal must explain the unusual or extenuating circumstances that prevented the student from meeting satisfactory academic progress standards. The committee will consider any unusual or extenuating circumstances, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Death of a relative

• Family difficulties, such as divorce or illness

• Injury or illness of the student

• Severe mental or emotional stress

• Physical or mental hardship

The Financial Aid Office will review appeals and make a final determination as to whether financial aid eligibility will be approved for another semester. The student will be notified of the committee’s decision in writing, and the decision will be notated in the student’s file.

The Financial Aid Office may approve a student to receive aid for one additional semester under a Financial Aid Probation or for a longer period of time under an Academic Plan. The student's academic progress will be reevaluated each semester to determine if appeal conditions were met. Students who meet all appeal conditions for the semester will be approved to receive aid for the next semester. If SAP conditions are not met at the time of review, the student will become ineligible for financial aid in the next semester. Students can submit another financial aid appeal explaining why they were unable to meet appeal conditions. There is no limit to the number of appeals a student may submit, and appeals must be turned in by the published deadlines. New documentation supporting the extenuating circumstance must accompany subsequent appeal requests.

INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT

The Director of Financial Aid will have primary responsibility for the interpretation and enforcement of this policy. Unusual issues related to this policy may be directed to the Financial Aid Office.

APPENDIX FOR THE SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY

The following definitions apply to this financial aid SAP policy only. Please refer to other aspects of this academic catalog for the specific academic requirements for the University or your program of study.

1. Academic Plan: A guided plan of action assigned to students who are mathematically unable to meet SAP standards after one semester.

2. Enrollment Status: Based on the number of credits enrolled during a regular semester:

   Enrollment Status	Credits
   Full-time	12 or more
   Three-quarter time	9 - 11
   Half-time	6 - 8
   Less-than-half-time	1 - 5

3. Financial Aid: Title IV federal, state, and/or institutional aid. Institutional aid includes any grant, scholarship, or discounts including tuition waiver or tuition exchange.

4. Grade Point Average (GPA): A measure of a student’s academic achievement at an institution, calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credit hours completed.

5. Grade of Incomplete (I): A grade assigned by a professor allowing the student more time to complete course requirements.

6. Maximum Timeframe: An institution must establish a maximum timeframe in which a student is expected to complete degree requirements for each program of study. The maximum timeframe is 150% of the minimum degree/licensure requirements rounded up to the nearest full credit hour.

7. Preparatory Coursework: A student not enrolled in a degree program is eligible for Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans for up to one consecutive 12-month period beginning on the first day of the loan period if the coursework taken is necessary for enrollment in an eligible program. The courses must be part of an eligible program otherwise offered by the school, though the student does not have to be in that program.

8. Remedial Course: Classes taken to prepare a student for study at the postsecondary level. If acceptance into an eligible program is contingent on completing remedial work, a student cannot be considered enrolled in that program until he or she completes the remedial work. In this case, financial aid cannot be used to cover the cost. However, if the student is admitted into an eligible program and takes remedial coursework within that program, he or she can be considered a regular student, even if taking all remedial courses before taking any regular courses. In this case, students are eligible for federal aid for up to one academic year’s worth (30 credit hours) of these courses. Remedial coursework will count toward the qualitative and quantitative assessments of this SAP policy.

9. Repeated Course: Any courses a student has completed and is now enrolling in again either due to failure to meet program requirements or to obtain a better grade.

10. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP): There are minimum standards for GPA, pace of completion, and maximum timeframe that a student must meet in order to be eligible for financial aid as outlined in this SAP policy.

11. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Statuses

• Satisfactory – student is eligible to receive financial aid.

• Unsatisfactory – student is not eligible for financial aid since SAP standards are not met.

• Maximum Timeframe Exceeded – student is not eligible for financial aid since the 150% maximum timeframe restriction has been reached.

12. Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal Statuses: a student not meeting satisfactory academic progress standards can request the reinstatement of financial aid through an appeal process. Possible appeal results may include:

• Approved under a one-semester probation – the student has been granted one additional semester of financial aid eligibility to reach SAP standards.

• Approved under an academic plan – the student has been granted one or more semesters of financial aid eligibility to reach SAP standards.

• Approved maximum timeframe extension – the student can receive financial aid to complete their degree up to the number of semesters specified in their approved appeal.

• Denied – the student cannot receive financial aid based on the appeal submitted.

• Denied Forever – the student cannot receive financial aid and is not eligible to re-appeal.

13. Transfer Credits: Courses taken at another institution that are accepted by Ashland University. Transfer credits count toward the student’s pace of completion and maximum timeframe calculation.