While the primary responsibility for financing a college education rests with the student, financial assistance is awarded to supplement the student’s contribution when the student’s funds are not sufficient to cover educational costs. The University attempts to meet a student’s established financial need through a combination of self-help (loans and employment). The Director of Financial Aid is responsible for coordination of the total financial aid programs.
Determination of Need-Based Financial Aid Eligibility
Rockhurst University utilizes the need analysis information from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to establish financial need. All students applying for financial aid based on need must complete the FAFSA need analysis form each year and designate Rockhurst University to receive the processed application. Need is determined by subtracting the family contribution as calculated on the FAFSA from the cost of education. The cost of education includes tuition, and allowances for books, room and board, transportation, personal expenses and loan fees. The student’s need for assistance can be met with loans and employment, either singly or in combination.
Application Process
Students who wish to be considered for financial assistance at Rockhurst should:
- Apply for admission to the University
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov; list the Rockhurst University Title IV code: 002499;
- Be degree seeking or certificate seeking
Students may apply for financial assistance anytime during the academic year. Programs must be reapplied for each year. Federal aid applications may not be filed until after January 1.
Coordination of Financial Aid
Any financial aid awarded is subject to review in light of assistance received from outside organizations or agencies. Funds received from outside sources that exceed the limits of gift and need based aid will be coordinated to first reduce the loans and/or work funds. Each award will be evaluated and adjustments made within University and program guidelines.
Monitoring SAP- Requirements for Federal Title IV/State Eligibility
At the end of each semester, the student’s academic record will be reviewed for Satisfactory Academic Progress. If a student does not complete the 67% of what was attempted or have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the end of any semester, that student shall be put on academic progress warning. The student will have one semester (this could mean the summer semester) to make up the deficiency. If at the end of the warning semester the student does not make up the deficient hours or achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA, the student’s eligibility for Federal Title IV/state aid will be terminated immediately.
Appeal Process for Students Terminated from Title IV aid
A student terminated from receiving Federal Title IV aid for failure to meet SAP requirements may appeal the termination. Students may appeal for reinstatement based on mitigating circumstances, which are supported by documentation. Appeals must be made in writing to the Director of Financial Aid, Massman #109 or by e-mail at financialaid@rockhurst.edu within 30 days of the notification letter. After 30 days, no appeal will be considered.
Changing Majors, Repeat Coursework, Incompletes and Withdrawals, and Second Degree Coursework
In the case where a student changes degree programs, courses taken that do not contribute to the new degree program do not count toward the 150% requirement.
Any non-credit coursework, repeat coursework or coursework for which a grade of incomplete or withdrawn is given counts toward both the quantitative and qualitative measures for calculating SAP.
Any student pursuing a second-degree program is subject to both the 150% timeframe and the 2.00 cumulative GPA requirements.
Notification
The university will notify the student of any deficiencies by sending a letter to the permanent address on file. Please ensure that your permanent mailing address is up to date, because a bad address does not negate the SAP rules.
Payment of Awards
In most cases, one-half of the aid award is applied to the student’s account for each semester. The billing statement from the University’s Business Office will reflect the student’s charges and financial aid. Earnings from campus employment are not credited toward that balance due, but are paid to the student as earned on a monthly basis.
Withdrawals and Refund
Students who withdraw prior to completion of a semester are subject to the University’s policy concerning withdrawals and refunds. See “Refund Policy ” in the Tuition and Fees section of this catalog. To secure a refund, students must complete the withdrawal process prescribed by the University. See “Changing Enrollment ” in the Enrollment Policies section of this catalog. For students receiving financial aid, the refund will first be repaid o the Title IV programs, state grants and institutional funds in accordance with existing federal regulations and institutional policy in effect on the date of withdrawal with respect to the various types of aid. If any additional refund is appropriate, the funds will be repaid to the student. It is possible that students who withdraw will still have an outstanding balance due to the University that must be paid.
Renewal and Adjustment of Aid
Financial aid must be renewed each year. In addition to specific requirements of the federal financial aid programs, students must apply each year by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or by notifying the Financial Aid Department that they do not intend to file the FAFSA. The aid processor makes Renewal FAFSA information available to all prior year applicants each year. The FAFSA should be filed as soon as possible after January 1, preferably when completed tax information for the preceding calendar year is available. Students may also apply online at www.fafsa.gov.
Students may apply for financial assistance anytime during the academic year. A completed financial aid file consists of a valid FAFSA need analysis and all required verification documentation. In addition, the student must also be registered for classes.
Each student must be able to document the information submitted on the need analysis (FAFSA) with income tax forms and /or other data required by the University or federal government prior to the receipt of Federal Title IV financial aid (Federal Perkins Loan or Federal Direct Stafford Loan). Documentation requested must be provided to the Financial Aid Office prior to the end of the semester for which it is requested; any additional deadlines established by the U.S. Department of Education shall also apply. Failure to complete verification will result in the withdrawal of all need based aid funds. Students whose application information must be corrected will be notified by the Financial Aid Office as to the corrections required.
Award adjustments may occur at any time during the year and result from such reasons as: adjustments to the financial need calculations due to a change in the student’s financial condition, errors by the student or University, additional funds available for award or reduction in funds from outside sources.
Right to Appeal
All students have the right to appeal or reject any aid awarded by the University and to appeal any award decisions to the Financial Aid Committee. Appeal of the financial aid award must be submitted in writing to the Director of Financial Aid.
The Financial Aid Committee will inform the student of their decision concerning the appeal within a reasonable time following its receipt. Send appeals to:
Director of Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
Rockhurst University
1100 Rockhurst Road
Kansas City, MO 64110-2561
Federal Aid Programs
Rockhurst graduate students who qualify may receive the following sources of federal financial aid:
Federal Perkins Loan
These low interest loans are available to graduate students who demonstrate need. Funding is limited. Preference is given to full-time students.
Federal Direct Stafford Loan
These low interest loans are available to graduate students. Graduate students qualify for unsubsidized Stafford Loans (interest begins accruing immediately). The federal government retains an origination fee, deducted proportionately from each disbursement. Interest rates on these loans are variable based on the 91-day Treasury Bill, but not higher than 8.25%. Interest rates are set July 1st for the upcoming school year. Loan amounts vary dependent upon the level of demonstrated financial need and previous loan history. Graduate students have a maximum eligibility of $20,500 per academic year.
Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loan
This loan is available to students with good credit histories for educational costs not covered by other aid. Repayment begins after graduation. Interest rates are variable.
Graduate Assistantships
Some graduate programs offer graduate assistantships to students enrolled in their programs. These assistantships allow graduate students to work in a variety of capacities. Please contact the program to which you are applying or to which you have been accepted to see if assistantships are available.
Employment Opportunities
Career Services is available to students and alumni in defining their talents and interests, identifying career goals, and exploring career opportunities. Professional staff is available to meet individually with students to refine the tools used during the application process and discuss career search strategies.
To help make employer connections, Career Services utilizes the latest in technology when interacting with top local, regional, and national employers. A web-based office management system allows students and alumni to electronically post a resume, view current vacancies, and schedule campus interviews. Also, various career development resources, employer profiles, and occupational information are available for review.
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