Office of Financial Aid

University West, Suite 110
3007 N Ben Wilson, Victoria, Texas 77901
361.570.4131 Fax: 361.570.4132
Email: finaid@uhv.edu

Applying for Financial Aid

UH-Victoria administers a wide range of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment for students who qualify. It is to the student’s advantage to complete a 2006-2007 UHV Scholarship Application and a 2006-2007 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as early as possible since limited funds require that priority be given to the earliest applicants. Students are required to reapply and submit new applications annually because regulations governing financial aid change each year.  The forms are available in the UHV Office of Financial Aid, UH System at Sugar Land, UH System at Cinco Ranch, and on the UHV Financial Aid web page, www.uhv.edu/ofa and www.fafsa.ed.gov .  Additional forms and documents may be requested based on the information that is gathered from the financial aid applications and the Office of Admissions.

Students must check their UHV student e-mail account for emails titled “Financial Aid Announcement” periodically.  This e-mail will provide them a link to UHV Awards By Web®.  UHV Awards By Web® will inform the students of his or her financial aid status, for example, Incomplete for Packaging or Awarded.  Students should review their financial aid data and complete the tasks listed on the Task Tab.  The student’s file is complete ONLY when no tasks are listed on the Task Tab.

Students must meet these minimum requirements for need-based aid:  be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. permanent resident; be unconditionally admitted to UHV; be degree seeking; making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree or certification; not be defaulted on any educational loan or owe a refund on a federal or state grant; be registered with the Selective Service, if male; and not be convicted of possessing and/or selling illegal drugs. Transient and visiting students who are non-degree seeking at UHV are not eligible for financial aid.

Awarding Process

The most common type of financial aid is a “package’’ which is awarded in the following order:  grants, scholarships, employment, and/or loans.  Prior to awarding federal, state, and institutional financial aid, a student’s eligibility is reviewed.  Financial Aid awarded prior to the semester beginning will be based on the students anticipated enrollment and aid awarded after the semester begins will be based on the student’s current enrollment status.  Financial aid will not be awarded until all requested documents have been received and reviewed.   Students who have incomplete files should be prepared to pay for their tuition, fees, books and supplies by the date posted on the bill. 

An email will be sent to the student's UHV e-mail address informing them that they need to review their financial aid offered on the web link and complete the tasks requested such as accept or decline the awards.  If applicable, the student must accept, modify or decline all Federal loans offered on the Loans By Web® link in Awards By Web®.

If students are planning to receive financial aid as co-enrolled students, they must complete Consortium Agreement forms each semester the student co-enrolls. UHV currently has consortium agreements with Austin Community College, Coastal Bend College, Houston Community College Southwest, Houston Community College Northwest, UH-Downtown, The Victoria College and Wharton County Junior College. Federal regulations do not allow students to receive financial aid from two institutions simultaneously or for classes that will not transfer to the student’s UHV degree plan.

Federal Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling is required for all first-time loan borrowers at UHV.  Federal Stafford Loan Exit Counseling is required for all loan recipients each time they complete a degree, drop below half-time, or withdraw from the semester.  The web site available for loan counseling is: www.mapping-your-future.org.  If loan borrowers need to defer payments or request a forbearance on his or her Federal Stafford loan(s) while in repayment, forms are available at www.tgslc.org

Due to the wide range of financial aid available, the specific processes for applying, and the constant change in available funding, students are encouraged to contact UHV financial aid personnel early in the process and to keep them informed of any changes that may occur which would effect his/her ability to pay for educational expenses.

UH-Victoria Programs of Financial Assistance

*Academic Competitiveness Grant
Hinson-Hazlewood Loans
Federal College Work-Study Program
Federal Family Educational Loan Programs (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Program
*Federal Pell Grant Program
*Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students
*Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
Leveraging Educational Assistance Program/SSIG
*National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
Special Leveraging Educational Assistance Program Grant
State College Work-Study Program
State Scholarships (5th Year Accounting, License Plate, etc.)
*Teach for Texas Grant
*Texas B-On-Time Loan Program
*TEXAS Grant
Texas Public Education Grants (Resident or Nonresident)
Tuition Offset Grants
UHV Scholarships

* For Undergraduate Students Only

For a brief description of the criteria of the programs listed above, contact the Office of Financial Aid or log on to www.uhv.edu/ofa.

Endowed scholarship funds are awarded on the basis of financial need and academic merit. To view the online listing of university scholarships, go to www.uhv.edu/ofa/forms/webscholarlist.pdf. In addition, the community and civic organizations award several scholarships to UHV students. Some of the organizations require you to complete their applications. Information on new student scholarships may also be obtained in the UHV Office of Student Recruitment. At times, UHV offers special scholarship incentive programs. If a student is recommended for one of the scholarships, the student must complete the UHV Special Initiatives Scholarship Application.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Higher Education Grant Program

The BIA Higher Education Grant provides supplemental financial aid to the eligible American Indian/Alaska Native student seeking a Bachelor’s degree. Students must be a member of, or at least one-quarter degree Indian blood descendent of a member of an American Indian tribe which is eligible for the special programs and services provided by the United States through the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Students must be accepted for admission to UHV; and demonstrate financial need. The grant application is available with the education officer of the Tribe in which the student is affiliated or possesses membership. If the student's tribe is not administering the grant program, they can direct you to the nearest Bureau of Indian Affairs, Education Line Officer for the application. Graduate students can contact the American Indian Graduate Center for an application at (505) 881-4584.
 

Tuition and Fee Exemptions

Fee exemptions and waivers are issued only for the period in which a student is currently enrolled; therefore, applications must be submitted no later than the official closing day of the semester or summer term being attended. Two examples are the Educational Aide Exemption and the Hazlewood Act Exemption. For a listing of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board exemptions, contact the Office of Financial Aid or the Bursar’s Office.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Texas Rehabilitation Commission offers assistance for tuition and required fees to students who have certain physical or emotional disabilities, provided the vocational objective selected by the disabled person has been approved by an appropriate representative of the Commission. Through this state agency, other rehabilitation services are available to assist disabled persons to become employable.

Application for this type of assistance should be made to the nearest rehabilitation office. Inquiries may be addressed to the Texas Rehabilitation Commission, 4102 N. Navarro, Victoria, Texas 77901.
 

Veterans’ Benefits

UH-Victoria is approved by the Texas Education Agency for VA educational benefits for veterans, children and spouses under Chapters 32 and 35, Title 38, U.S. Code. Student veterans may receive assistance in applying for benefits from the Office of Financial Aid. To expedite payments, veterans should contact the Office of Financial Aid at least 60 days prior to the first class day of each semester or term to complete all necessary paper work for that period of study. Co-enrolled students must inquire with the UHV VA Officer regarding additional documentation required for his/her file. The student files may be certified 10 days prior to the first class day of each semester.

Texas veterans who have no eligibility remaining under any program of the United States government may be eligible for exemption of tuition and certain fees under the provisions of the Hazlewood Act. Additional information on the Hazlewood Act can be found in the section of the catalog bearing that name.

The Montgomery G I Bill

The Montgomery G I Bill (Chapter 30) Active Duty Program provides up to 36 months of education benefits. Generally these benefits are payable up to 10 years following release from active duty.

The Montgomery G I Bill (Chapter 1606) Selected Reserve Program or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (Chapter 1607) may be available if the student is a member of Selected Reserve (Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard Reserve and the Air National Guard Reserve).

Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components. VA makes the payments to the student. The student may be entitled to receive up to 36 months of educational benefits. Benefit entitlements end 10 years from the date of the student's eligibility for the program or on the day he or she leaves the selected reserve.

Survivors and Dependents’ Education Assistance Program (DEA Chapter 35) offers up to 45 months of education benefits.

Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Program (Chapter 31) eligibility for the Veterans benefits is determined by the Vocational Rehabilitation Office in Houston, Texas.

Texas veterans who have no eligibility remaining under any program of the United States government may be eligible for exemption of tuition and certain fees under the provisions of the Hazlewood Act.

Additional information regarding Veterans Benefits may be obtained by visiting the VA Website www.gibill.va.gov .

For Additional Information:
Veteran’s Administration Regional Office
P. O. Box 8888
Muskogee OK 74402
1-888-442-4551  

Hazlewood Act Exemption

The Hazlewood Act passed by the Texas legislature provides for a waiver of tuition and certain fees for Texas veterans. Criteria require that veterans:

1. Were Texas residents upon entering the Armed Services.
2. Be Texas residents and eligible for resident tuition by residing in Texas for at least 12 months prior to registration at University of Houston Victoria.
3. Have exhausted all G. I. educational benefits.
4. Were on active duty for at least 181 consecutive days not including the 180 days of training.
5. Have an honorable discharge or separation from the military service.
6. Must not be in default on an educational federal or state loan.
7. Beginning with the 1995 fall semester, recipients are limited to 150 credit hours of Hazlewood benefits.

Hazlewood Act Exemption applicants must submit all requested documentation to the UHV Office of Financial Aid. First time Hazlewood Benefit applicants, both veterans and eligible dependents, must:

Veterans

• Submit a current State of Texas application as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the semester in which benefits are being requested.
• Submit a copy of military separation papers, DD214 member 4, which must state the separation date, time served, character of service or discharge, and the home of record at the time of entry. If the home of record is not on the DD214, a copy of the enlistment papers which shows the home record will be required.
• Submit a letter from the Veterans Administration Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma stating they have exhausted their educational benefits or have no educational entitlement.
• Submit documentation proving that they were a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into military service.

Eligible Dependents

• Submit a current State of Texas application as determined by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board for the semester in which benefits are being requested.
• Eligible dependents must submit a copy of the DD1300 if the parent died while in the military. If the parent died after discharge from injury or illness sustained while in the military, the dependent must submit a letter from the Veterans Administration Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma. In addition, dependents must prove that they were dependents at the time of the military personnel’s death, i.e. tax return or birth certificate that correlates with dependency and death dates.
• Eligible dependents must not be in default on a federal or state educational loan.
• Eligible dependents must submit a letter from the Veterans Administration Office in Muskogee, Oklahoma stating that they have exhausted their federal dependent educational benefits or have no educational entitlement.
• Submit documentation proving that the military person was a citizen of the United States at the time of entry into military service.

Renewal Hazlewood Benefits applicants must:

• Submit the State of Texas Hazlewood Benefit application as determined the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) for the semester for which they are renewing their benefits.
• If determination of benefits was initially made by a school other than the University of Houston Victoria, applicants must submit a letter from the first school stating eligibility and hours used under the Hazlewood Act (UHV will verify information) until such time as the THECB makes the reporting database available to school personnel and veterans for verification of eligibility and hours

Military personnel who have served only in the Reserve or National Guard and whose units have never been called upon to serve as active duty for a minimum of 181 days do not qualify for the Hazlewood exemption of tuition and certain fees.

Disbursement of Financial Aid

Financial aid can be disbursed as early as 10 days prior to the first day of class to the student's account. Each semester enrollment and eligibility reviews are conducted prior to authorizing the release of aid. Eligibility and enrollment reviews are also conducted after the census date. Aid will be adjusted accordingly if necessary. If the aid results in a credit on the student’s account, a refund check will be mailed to the student.
 

Revisions of Financial Aid Awards

Financial aid eligibility will be reviewed between the 1st through 12th class day. If a student adds or drops courses, all financial aid awards will be reevaluated.

WITHDRAWALS PRIOR TO THE 1ST CLASS DAY: If a student withdraws prior to the 1st class day, 100% percent of his or her grant(s) and scholarship(s) disbursed to the student account will be returned to the fund(s). If the student received a refund check, the student is responsible for returning 100% of the grant and scholarship refund amount to the school. UHV will return 100% of the loan funds used to pay tuition and fees to the lender. The student’s lender will be notified of the student’s withdrawal. The lender will notify the student that the total amount of loan funds disbursed have gone into immediate repayment status. If not repaid to the lender in a timely manner, usually 30 days, the lender may put the loan in a defaulted status. The student is responsible for returning to the lender the loan funds that UHV disbursed to the student in the form of a refund check.

CHANGE IN COURSE LOAD BETWEEN THE 1ST AND 12TH CLASS DAY (MAINTAINING AT LEAST HALF-TIME ENROLLMENT STATUS): Financial aid eligibility will be reviewed between the 1st through 12th class day. If a student adds or drops courses, all financial aid awards will be reevaluated. Downward financial aid adjustments may result in the student repaying a portion of any financial aid received. The tuition refund may be sent to the lender or returned to the state or institutional fund(s). Courses dropped after the 12th class day will not cause a reevaluation of aid awarded. Dropped courses will be taken into consideration during the review of the student's satisfactory academic progress.

Pending fund availability, some financial aid awards will be increased if the student added additional courses. Dropped courses will be taken into consideration during the review of the student’s satisfactory academic progress.

DROPPING BELOW HALF-TIME PRIOR TO THE 13TH CLASS DAY: Loan recipients who drop below half-time prior to the 13th class day may have the tuition refund sent to the lender by UHV. The student’s lender will be notified of the student’s enrollment status change which will cause his or her grace period to begin. Students must return the remaining amount of the loan according to the terms of the loan. Student Returning the funds may result in a student account balance due to UHV.

All grant and scholarship awards will be adjusted accordingly which may result in the student repaying a portion of any financial aid disbursed in the form of a refund check. The student must pay UHV for tuition and fees, if applicable, for continued enrollment in courses in a less than half-time status.

WITHDRAWALS BETWEEN 1ST AND 12TH CLASS DAY: Students who withdraw prior to the 13th class day will have the Return to Title IV calculation computed for all Federal aid disbursed. A portion of the student’s federal aid will be adjusted downward which may result in the student repaying a portion of federal aid disbursed.

One hundred percent of all institutional and state financial aid will be returned to the funds. Financial aid adjustments may result in the student repaying a portion of any financial aid disbursed.
 

For additional information, contact the University of Houston-Victoria Office of Financial Aid:
Suite 110, University West Building
3007 N Ben Wilson, Victoria TX 77901
Phone: (361) 570-4131
Fax: (361) 570-4132
 

Satisfactory Academic Progress for
Financial Assistance Policy
 

Students admitted into a course of study leading to a degree, and who receive federal, state, institutional or veterans’ financial assistance will have their academic progress reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid. Financial aid recipients must meet several aspects of satisfactory academic progress to maintain their aid eligibility. Federal guidelines state that all periods of attendance will be counted toward the students’ academic progress review, regardless of whether the student received financial aid. Students must meet the following qualitative and quantitative standards to maintain financial aid eligibility at the University of Houston-Victoria.

Qualitative Measures of Academic Progress

New undergraduate transfer students to the University of Houston-Victoria will be eligible to apply for financial assistance if they have been admitted to the university.

Undergraduates and postbaccalaureate students must maintain at least a 2.00 cumulative G.P.A., based on a 4.0 grading scale at the University of Houston-Victoria.

First-time, first-year graduate students will be eligible to apply for financial assistance if they have been admitted to the university.

Graduate students are required to maintain at least a 3.00 cumulative grade point average, based on a 4.00 grading scale at the UH-Victoria.

The minimum cumulative grade point averages are consistent with the university’s requirements for graduation.

Quantitative Measures of Academic Progress

Undergraduate and post baccalaureate students receiving financial assistance must complete at least 62% of the cumulative credit hours attempted at the University of Houston-Victoria only in order to maintain eligibility. This is considered the minimum hour completion increment.

All graduate students receiving financial assistance must complete at least 67% of the cumulative credit hours attempted at the University of Houston-Victoria in order to maintain eligibility. This is considered the minimum hour completion increment.

Undergraduate students are expected to complete their degree or certification within a maximum of 170 attempted credit hours. If a student changes majors, he or she must still get his or her bachelor’s degree or certification within a maximum of 170 attempted credit hours. No limit is set to the number of times a student may change his or her major.

Postbaccalaureate students are allowed a maximum of 100 attempted credit hours beyond their first bachelor’s degree.

Graduate students are expected to complete their degree or certification within a maximum of 72 attempted credit hours. If a student changes majors, he or she must still get his or her master’s degree within the 72 attempted credit hour limitation. No limit is set to the number of times a student may change his or her major.

Only credit hours transferred to the University of Houston-Victoria will be figured into the maximum credit hour limitation.

Incompletes (I), withdrawals (W), or unsatisfactory (U) grades are not figured into a student’s grade point average or counted in the calculation of maximum credit hours completed. Incompletes, withdrawals, and unsatisfactory grades are considered attempted hours and are figured into the attempted vs. completed minimum credit hour completion increment. When a student informs the Office of Financial Aid that an
incomplete grade has changed to a passing grade, the student’s academic progress will be reassessed at that time. If the student does not inform the office, the grade change will not be reflected until the next regular review of satisfactory academic progress.

Repeat courses are figured into the maximum completed credit hour limitation and the most recent grade will be used to calculate the student’s grade point average. Students taking a remedial class(es) will not have the hours added to the maximum credit hour limitation.

Monitoring of Academic Progress

The cumulative grade point average and maximum credit hour limitation are monitored each semester. The minimum hour completion increment will be monitored annually at the end of each spring semester. If a student fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress, the student will be placed on financial aid suspension. Students on financial aid suspension will not be eligible to receive any form of financial assistance. Records used to monitor satisfactory academic progress will be filed in the student’s financial aid folder.

Appeal Process

All students not meeting the satisfactory academic requirements will be notified by mail stating that they have been placed on financial aid suspension. A copy of the policy and the SAP Appeal form will be included in the letter. Students who have questions or concerns about the situation are welcome to speak with the Financial Aid Counselor who monitors SAP or they may appeal the suspension.

Students who have mitigating circumstances may submit a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form along with pertinent documentation within two months of receiving the letter of suspension. The appeal should be mailed to the University of Houston-Victoria’s Financial Aid Appeals Committee; University of Houston-Victoria; 3007 N. Ben Wilson; Victoria, TX 77901-5731. Examples of mitigating circumstances are a death of a relative or an illness or injury to the student. The committee consists of a Financial Aid Counselor who monitors SAP, the Vice President for Administration and Finance and the Provost, or their designees. The appeals committee will meet within two weeks of receiving the appeal.

The student must provide the following information:

1. The circumstances which caused their suspension (i.e., reasons for low GPA or for withdrawing from classes)

2. The student’s plan to correct the circumstances (i.e., planned usage of the Academic Center)

3. Your intended future enrollment plan including the number of hours remaining before receiving degree

4. A current copy of academic transcript(s)

5. Any other pertinent documentation regarding mitigating circumstances (i.e., letter from physician).

If the student receives a favorable decision from the UHV Financial Aid Appeals Committee, the student will be placed on Financial Aid probation. Financial aid eligibility will be granted for the probationary period. Probationary status is normally granted for two semesters only. A letter will be sent to the student notifying him or her of the results of the appeal. A copy of the letter will also be filed in the student’s folder. If the student is concerned about the outcome of the committee’s appeal, the student can make an appointment to visit with the Financial Aid Director.

At the end of the semester in which the academic progress is monitored, students on financial aid suspension or probation may regain eligibility by meeting all qualitative and quantitative aspects of satisfactory academic progress. A student may receive grants, scholarships, and work study for the payment period in which the student regains eligibility. For Federal Stafford Loans, a student who does not meet satisfactory academic progress standards at the beginning of a period of enrollment but who meets the standards later in that period is eligible for the entire period of enrollment in which he or she met the satisfactory academic progress standards.

Students are notified of the SAP policy in the UHV Catalog online. In addition, copies are available as a handout in the OFA. SAP policy guidelines are available on Awards By Web to aid applicants on the FYI tab and they are on the UHV OFA web page.

Return of Title IV Funds Policy

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amounts of aid a student and school can retain when the student totally withdraws, stops attending, is expelled or takes a qualified leave of absence from all classes in a given semester. Students who withdraw from all classes prior to completing more than 60% of an enrollment period will have their eligibility for aid recalculated based on the percent of the period completed. For example, a student who withdraws completing only 30% of the term will have "earned" only 30% of any Title IV aid received. The remaining 70% must be returned by the school and/or the student. Aid adjustments may cause the student to repay a portion of any financial aid received. Students will be notified of any indebtedness to UHV. Students who withdraw after completing 60% of the term will be considered to have “earned” 100% of the aid. If a student is thinking about withdrawing from all classes PRIOR to completing 60% of the semester, he or she should contact the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) to see how the withdrawal of classes would affect his or her financial aid.

Official and Unofficial Withdrawals

This policy shall apply to all students who officially or unofficially withdraw from the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV), and receive financial aid from Title IV funds:

The term "Title IV Funds" refers to the Federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (as amended) and includes the following programs: unsubsidized FFEL loans, subsidized FFEL loans, FFEL PLUS loans, Federal Pell Grants, Federal SEOG, and Leveraging Educational Assistance Partnership Grants (LEAP). The calculation does not include the Federal College Work-Study program.
 

A student’s withdrawal date is: the date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of the intent to withdraw. This can be done by calling the Voice Information Processing (VIP) telephone number, logging on to the UHV Web site and completing a drop/add form, or by completing the drop/add form at the Office of Admissions and Records or by faxing a drop/add form.  For a student who leaves without notifying the institution, the withdrawal date will be determined by the midpoint of the period or the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically-related activity (examples of academically-related activity include an exam, a tutorial, computer assisted instruction, academic counseling, academic advisement, class assignments completed, or a study group meeting).  If special circumstances exist that prevent a student from beginning the withdrawal process, the Director of Financial Aid will consider these matters on a case by case basis.

Drop/add slips and enrollment reports are reviewed to determine who has withdrawn and when.  The Office of Financial Aid also receives an “All F” report at the end of each semester from the Office of Admissions & Records.  Students who receive a letter grade of “F” in all courses registered for a term will be subject to the Return of Title IV Funds calculation once a withdrawal date is determined.  Professors are contacted for determining the student’s last academic related activity.

Tuition and Fee Refund Policy for All Students

Refunds on all institutional charges, including tuition and fees, will be calculated in accordance with Section 54.006 of the Texas Higher Education Code refund policy when a student drops a class or withdraws from UHV. The UHV Institutional Refund policy is available at:

http://www.uhv.edu/oar/fee_payment_refunds_more.htm

Return of Title IV Funds Calculation

Title IV aid is earned in a prorated manner on a per diem basis up to and including the 60% point in the semester. Title IV aid and all other aid is viewed as 100% earned after that point in time. A copy of the “Return of Title IV Funds” worksheet used for this calculation can be obtained from UHV Office of Financial Aid.

Earned Aid = The percentage of Title IV aid earned shall be calculated as follows: # of days completed by student/Total # of days in term

The percent of term completed shall be the percentage of Title IV aid earned by the student.

The total number of calendar days in a term of enrollment shall exclude any scheduled breaks of more than five days.

Unearned Aid = The percentage of Title IV aid unearned (i.e., to be returned to the appropriate program) shall be: 100% minus the percent earned.

First the school (UHV) shall return the unearned aid to the federal programs or lender by debiting the student’s account. The calculation is as follows:
 

Total required institutional charges X percent of unearned aid = amount returned to program(s) by UHV
 

Second, the student shall return the unearned aid to the federal programs or lender as follows:
 

Total unearned aid less the institution’s share = amount returned to the program by the student

 

Distribution of Title IV Funds

Unearned Title IV aid shall be returned to the following programs in the following order:

                1. Unsubsidized Stafford Loan

                2.  Subsidized Stafford Loan

                3.  Graduate PLUS Loan

                4.  Parent PLUS Loan

                5.  Federal Pell Grant

                6.  Academic Competitiveness Grant

                7.  National SMART Grant

                8.  Federal SEOG

Exception: no program can receive a refund if the student did not receive aid from that program. 

When the total amount of unearned aid is greater than the amount returned by UHV from the student’s account, the student is responsible for returning unearned aid to the appropriate program(s) as follows:

                1.  Unsubsidized Stafford Loan*

                2.  Subsidized Stafford Loan*

                3.  Graduate PLUS Loan*

                4.  Parent PLUS Loan*

                5.  Federal Pell Grant**

                6.  Academic Competitiveness Grant**

                7.  National SMART Grant**

                8.  Federal SEOG**

*Loans amounts are returned with the terms of the promissory note.    

**Grant funds due to be returned would be the initial amount of grants for the student to return minus 50% of grant aid disbursed.  A student does not have to repay grant overpayments of $50 or less per program.

Time Line for Return of Title IV Funds

Refunds and adjusted bills will be sent to the student’s home address on file in the Office of Admissions and Records following withdrawal. Students are responsible for any portion of their institutional charges that are left outstanding after Title IV funds are returned.  The Bursar’s Office will send each student up to three collection notices, allowing outstanding balances to be paid within 90 days.  Delinquent accounts are assigned to an outside collection agency and are reported to the credit bureau.  Students who have an outstanding balance on their UHV student account will remain ineligible to register for courses in upcoming semesters until the account is paid in full.

Institutional and Student Responsibilities

UHV’s responsibilities in regard to the Return of Title IV funds include:  

• Providing each student with the information given in this policy (See the UHV Catalog);

• Identifying students who are affected by this policy and completing the Return of Title IV Funds calculation for those students within 45 days of determining the student withdrew; and

• Returning any Title IV funds that are due the Title IV programs within 45 days of determining the student withdrew.

• Contact a withdrawn student prior to making a Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of loan funds to explain loan obligations and confirm if the loan funds are still wanted by the student.  Documentation of the student’s decision and contact information must be filed in the student’s folder.

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

• Becoming familiar with the Return of Title IV policy and how complete withdrawal affects eligibility for Title IV aid; and

• Returning to the Title IV programs any funds that were disbursed directly to the student and which the student was determined to be ineligible for via the Return of Title IV Funds calculation.

Example

Michael withdrew after attending 11 days of a 110 day enrollment period.  He received a $1000 Pell Grant and a $2500 Federal Subsidized Loan.  His institutional costs were $1000.

                Days attended 11 / Days in Period  110 = Percentage completed 10%

                Total Title IV aid disbursed $3500 X % Completed 10% = Earned Aid $350

                Total disbursed aid $3500 – Total Earned Aid $350 = Unearned Aid $3150

                100% - % Completed 10% = % Unearned Aid 90%

                % Unearned Aid 90% X Institutional Charges $1000 = Uncoverable charges $900

                The lesser of: Unearned Aid to be Returned ($3150) or Uncoverable Charges = $900

                Unearned Aid $3150 – Institution’s Share $900 = Student’s Share $2250

The institution will return $900 to the Federal Subsidized Loan lender.  The student will return $1600 to the Federal Subsidized Loan lender according to the terms of the promissory note.

Initial amount of unearned aid due from the student $2250 – student’s repayment to the student’s loan $1600 = Initial amount of Title IV Grants for Student to Return $650

Grant aid disbursed $1000 X 50% = $500

$650 - $500 = Title IV Grant Funds for the Student to Return $150

If the student’s account has a balance after returning the financial aid, the student will be billed.

Appeals

Students may make a written appeal for an exception based on their individual circumstances.  The appeal should be made to the Financial Aid Director. An appeal would be, for example, if the student wanted to provide documentation to prove that he or she attended classes longer than the 50th percentage point in the semester.

The fees, procedures, and policies listed above supersede those published previously and are subject to change at any time.