Financial Aid

Edgewood University does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.

Student Eligibility

In order to receive financial aid, students must:

1. Have graduated and received a diploma from a recognized high school or the equivalent.
   1. A recognized high school is one with either (a) is accredited by a regional accrediting association or state university or (b) is recognized or accredited by a state department of public instruction or its equivalent.
   2. An applicant who has not graduated from a recognized high school must provide evidence of satisfactory completion of the requirements for a high school equivalency certificate or a diploma from a recognized high school, school system, or state department of public instruction based on the GED examination, the Wisconsin High School Equivalency Examination, or other established criteria. 
2. Be a U.S. Citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. and/or its territories (eligible non-citizens will be asked to provide proof of residency.
3. Have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
4. Successfully completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and it has been received by Edgewood University.
5. Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe money on a federal student grant.
6. Be accepted for admission to an eligible “degree” or “license seeking” program.  Institutional Certificate programs are NOT eligible for financial aid.
7. Register and be enrolled at least half-time each semester at Edgewood University.  Percentage time is a minimum of:
   1. Six (6) credits for undergraduate, post baccalaureate, and graduate/doctoral license students.
   2. Three (3) credits for graduate and doctoral students.
   3. Two (2) credits for doctoral students.
8. Maintain satisfactory academic progress as described later in this section.

To be an eligible non-citizen, you must be:

A U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swains Island), U.S. permanent resident (who has an I-151, I-551 or I-551C [Permanent Resident Card]), or an individual who has an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) showing one of the following designations:

• “Refugee”
• “Asylum Granted”
• “Cuban-Haitian Entrant (Status Pending)”
• “Conditional Entrant” (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)
• Victims of human trafficking, T-visa (T-2, T-3, or T-4, etc.) holder
• “Parolee” (You must be paroled into the United States for at least one year and you must be able to provide evidence from the USCIS that you are in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and that you intend to become a U.S. citizen or permanent resident).

U.S. Citizen Students with Non-Citizen Parent(s)/Spouse

Your parents’ or spouse’s citizenship or immigration status does not affect your eligibility for federal student aid.  In fact, the FAFSA does not even ask about your parents’ or spouse’s status.  Learn about completing the FAFSA application at www.studentaid.gov.

Undocumented Student and Eligibility for Aid

Undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, are not eligible for federal student aid but are eligible for institutional academic scholarships and some specialty awards that require a separate application.  For additional information on institutional scholarships and specialty awards, visit www.edgewood.edu and https://www.edgewood.edu/student-life/student-equity-and-diversity/.

Cutting Edge Students – Degree Seeking

Students with intellectual disabilities are eligible to receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work Study programs.

Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Acceptance and enrollment in the Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood University.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Department of Education determines that the student is eligible for funds.
• Student maintains satisfactory academic progress as described later in this section.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible to receive financial aid.  SAP standards apply to all periods of enrollment and applies to all Title IV and non-Title IV recipients.  This policy is separate from Edgewood College’s Academic Standing Policy and is monitored at the end of each period of enrollment (semester). SAP requirements are measured using both semester and cumulative results.

Edgewood University measures the quality of a student’s work with letter grades and grade points.  The scale is:

Edgewood University will treat all students within all enrollment categories (full-time, part-time, and different programs of study, etc.) the same in measuring cumulative GPA, Completion Rate, as well as the Maximum Time Frame of 150% as outlined by the Department of Education.

Requirements

• Minimum Cumulative GPA
  • 2.0 for Undergraduate and Post Baccalaureate students
  • 3.0 for Graduate and Doctoral students
• Minimum 70% Completion Rate
  • Cumulative completed credits at Edgewood University divided by the total credits attempted
• Maximum Time Frame of 150% of published program length
  • 180 credits for Undergraduate and Post Baccalaureate students
  • 54 credits for Graduate and Doctoral students

At the end of each period of enrollment (summer, fall, spring) the number of cumulative credits successfully completed is reviewed.  This number is compared to the number of cumulative credits attempted (based on the # of credits enrolled at the 100% add/drop date).  If the student successfully earned at least 70% of the credits attempted and meets the minimum GPA of 2.0, no further action is necessary and the student remains in good standing.

• Good Standing
  • Cumulative GPA at 2.0
  • Completion rate was at least 70%
  • Student is under the maximum of 180 credits (undergrad/post back) or 54 credits (graduate/doctoral) within their program of study
• Warning
  • First violation of SAP.  The student is placed on warning but will continue to be eligible for aid.  Students who are placed on a financial aid warning, will be notified via Edgewood Email.  The student must complete the warning term in good standing to avoid Financial Aid Suspension for the subsequent term.
• Financial Aid Suspension
  • The second consecutive time a student does not meet SAP requirements, a student is suspended from financial aid eligibility.

Appeal of Financial Aid Suspension

Note that an academic suspension appeal is a separate process.  Students who have also been academically suspended must be academically reinstated prior to submitting a financial aid appeal.  If a student is reinstated academically, it does not guarantee a financial aid reinstatement.

Instructions for Submitting an Appeal

• Explain in detail the circumstance(s) that prevented you from making satisfactory academic progress. The appeal must be based on extenuating circumstances that were beyond your control.  Examples may include death of a family member or significant person, injury or illness of the student, pregnancy or birth of a child, homelessness, etc.  Lack of awareness of withdrawal policies, requirements for satisfactory academic progress, or unpreparedness for university coursework will not be accepted as reasons for the purpose of an appeal.
• Specifically outline your plan to improve your academic progress and explain what has changed that will allow you to meet the requirements in the future.  Be specific, such as seeking tutoring, working less hours, taking fewer credits, personal/health problems have been resolved and how, etc.  A specific plan of action is required and you must adhere to that plan.
• Include an 3^rd party documentation to verify and/or add strength to your appeal (a letter from your advisor, faculty, doctor, counselor, clergy, employer, medical bills, etc).
• If you are appealing due to exceeding the 150% maximum attempted credit hour limit, you must include a program evaluation from the Registrar’s Office or your advisor that outlines what courses you have remaining and when you plan to complete your degree.  Only remaining courses required for degree completion will be allowed.
• All requests are reviewed by the Financial Aid Appeals Committee and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  Students are information via their Edgewood University email of the results of an appeal, whether granted or denied.

Conditions of Successful Appeals

Each student’s situation is unique depending on the reason for suspension.  Based upon the circumstances of an approved appeal, the Appeals Committee reserves the right to stipulate conditions which the student must meet in order to be considered for financial aid on a probationary basis for subsequent semesters.  For example, if the student’s GPA was below a 2.0, the student may be required to repeat a failed course(s) within a certain timeframe.  If a student did not meet the 70% completion rate, the student may be required to pass all courses with no withdrawals or failures.  If there is a learning disability, a student may be required to meet with the Office of Disability and Accessibility Services.  If the appeal was of a personal nature, such as illness or death in the family, they may be referred to the Personal Counseling Services Office. 

If an appeal is granted, there is a probation period of no more than one term.  All specific requirements will be detailed in the Terms of Probation that will be included in an electronic notification sent via Edgewood Email. The student must sign and return a copy of the Terms of Probation, before financial aid eligibility will be reinstated.

If a student meets the terms of probation but is still deficient in one or more of the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, a student will be placed on an Academic Plan.  The stipulations of the Academic Plan will be outlined and required that the student sign, agreeing to the plan.  The academic record of a student who is on an Academic Plan is reviewed at the end of each term to ensure satisfactory completion of the requirements of the Academic Plan. 

A copy of the terms of an Academic Plan is provided to the advisor.  In all cases, the student is referred to their academic advisor for advice on course selection.

Notification of Unsuccessful Appeals

If the financial aid appeal is denied, the student will be informed through their Edgewood Email that in order to regain eligibility, a student would do either of the following:

1. Make up any deficient hours by raising their overall completion rate to at least 70% and/or bring their GPA to a 2.0 without the use of financial aid or through grade changes. Or,
2. Complete a semester at full-time with a 2.0 GPA without the use of financial aid.  A student may complete multiple part-time terms with a 2.0 GPA to total the full-time equivalency in credit hours.

Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility

Students who have lost their financial aid eligibility, but have subsequently met all three standards of progress, will have their aid eligibility reinstated.  Reinstatement will be considered effective with the next semester they are enrolled.  Students should contact the Edgewood Central Office once they have completed coursework that would bring them back into good standing.

Definition of Terms and Conditions

Maximum Length of Time to Receive Aid – Federal regulations set the maximum time frame a student may take to complete their education program at 150% of the published length.  *180 credits for undergraduate/post baccalaureate and 54 for graduate/doctoral*

Transfer Credits – All credits earned from other colleges and universities that are accepted by Edgewood University are included in the Maximum Time Frame calculation (150%).  However, transfer credits are not included in a student’s Cumulative GPA calculation, only credits taken at Edgewood University are used in that calculation.

Successful Completion – Grades of “A” through “D” or “P” are considered to be successful completion.  Any other grade is NOT considered a successful completion.

Incompletes and Non-Reported Grades – An incomplete “I” or a non-reported grade “NR” will not meet satisfactory academic progress.  When a student successfully completes the course or the grade is reported, they should notify Edgewood Central for re-evaluation of their progress.

Withdrawn Grades – Grades of “W” will be counted in the number of attempted credits but will not be counted as successfully completed. 

Repeated Courses – If a student repeats a course, credits will be added to their attempted/earned credit totals.  However, only the most recent grade received in the course will be used in the calculation of their cumulative GPA.

Remedial Credits – Remedial credits are included in the calculation of both attempted and earned hours in determining if SAP GPA requirements were met.

Changing Majors – If a student changes majors or adds a minor, the credits they earn under all majors will be included in the GPA calculation, maximum time of 150%, and the calculation of credits attempted and earned.

Degrees – An extension of the maximum attempted credits requirement may be requested if the student is enrolled in a dual degree program, seeking a second undergraduate or graduate degree, or changing majors.  Requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Withdraw and Return of Federal Title IV Financial Aid (R2T4)

The Department of Education requires that Edgewood University determines the amount of Federal Title IV aid earned by a student who withdraws or fails to complete a period of enrollment or payment period.  Federal Title IV aid includes Pell Grant, Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Direct Student Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized), PLUS Loan for Parents, and Graduate PLUS Loans.

The amount of aid earned is determined on a prorated basis.  The percent earned is equal to the number of calendar days completed up to the withdraw date, divided by the total calendar days in the payment period (minus any scheduled breaks that are at least 5 days long).  The payment period is an entire semester.  For example, if a student completes 30% of a payment period (a semester), the student earns 30% of their Federal Title IV aid.  Edgewood University is then required to return 70% of Federal Title IV aid that has not been earned.  Once a student completes more than 60% of a payment period (a semester), no proration is required and the student has earned 100% of their Federal Title IV aid.

Unearned Federal Title IV Financial Aid

Any and all Federal Title IV financial aid funds will be returned to the Department of Education in the following order:

1. Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Direct PLUS Loan/Graduate PLUS Loan
4. Pell Grant
5. Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

Time Frame for Return of Federal Title IV Funds

Federal regulations require Edgewood University to return the unearned portions of Federal Title IV funds as soon as possible, but no later than 45 days after the date Edgewood University determines that the student withdrew.

Should the result of a withdraw and a return of Federal Title IV funds create a credit balance on the student’s account, Edgewood University will disburse the credit to the student as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days after the calculation of the R2T4. 

The return of any and all unearned portions of Federal Title IV funds is completed by Edgewood University which may reflect in an unpaid balance to the university.  It is the student’s responsibility to pay any balance due to Edgewood University that occurs when a return of Federal Title IV funds has been completed.  Any unpaid balance due to Edgewood University will result in a Registration Hold which will prevent the student from enrolling in any additional courses until resolved. 

Official Withdrawal

When a student completes a withdrawal form (Add/Drop Form) or provides notification to the university of their intent to withdraw, a student is withdrawn as of the date they begin the withdrawal process or the date the student provides notification of their intent to withdraw, whichever is earlier.

Unofficial Withdrawals

If a student does not provide notification of withdraw either due to circumstances beyond their control or other, they are considered to have unofficially withdrawn.  In these cases, a student’s withdraw date is the midpoint (50%) of the payment period (semester) if the last date of attendance cannot be determined.  If a last date of attendance can be determined, that date will be used.

Students with F Grades

If a student receives a grade of “F” at the end of a payment period (semester), Edgewood University will determine if the student has unofficially withdrawn.  If a student who began attendance and has not officially withdrawn fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course taken, Edgewood University must assume, for Federal Title IV purposes, that the student has unofficially withdrawn unless Edgewood University can document that the student completed at least 60% of the payment period (semester).

Post-Withdraw Disbursements

If a student did not receive all of the funds they earned, the student may be due a post-withdraw disbursement.  If the post-withdraw disbursement includes Direct Loan funds, and the student has not accepted per a signed award offer, Edgewood University must get an award letter reflecting the student’s acceptance.  Grants must be disbursed within 45 days.  Loans must be offered to the student within 30 days, allowing the student at least 14 days to respond to accept or decline the funds. Edgewood University will use all or a portion of a student’s post-withdraw disbursement of grant and/or scholarship funds, as well as, Direct Loan funds for tuition and housing and meal charges (as contracted with Edgewood College).  Edgewood University will need a student’s permission to use the post-withdraw disbursement for all other charges.

Overaward and Overpayments

An overaward/overpayment occurs when a student receives more Federal Title IV grant aid than they were eligible to receive.  An overaward/overpayment can occur when a student withdraws.  Regulations limit the amount of Federal Title IV grant funds a student must repay to one-half of the grant fund the student received or could have received during a payment period (semester).  Within 30 days of determining that a student who withdrew must repay all or part of their Federal Title IV grant funds, Edgewood University will notify the student that they must repay the overaward/overpayment or make satisfactory arrangements to repay it.  A student’s eligibility for additional Federal Title IV funds will end if action in one of the following ways is not taken:

1. The student must repay the over award in full to Edgewood University, or
2. The student signs a repayment agreement with the Department of Education.