The following provides general KCU financial aid information and summarizes key portions of the University’s financial aid processes, guidelines and policies. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at [email protected] or visit our website for more information.
Financial Aid Disclosure Policy
All information about individual student financial aid is confidential and can only be used to determine and administer the student’s financial aid. Persons with legitimate audit responsibilities are permitted access to individual information. The selection of student information is random.
Schools are limited by federal law in how FAFSA information can be used. Schools may share a student’s FAFSA information with scholarship-granting or tribal organizations only with the student’s written consent. However, KCU may be prohibited from sharing FAFSA data with other third-party organizations, even where the student has given written consent.
Communications
Email is the standard means of communication from the Student Financial Aid Office. Important notices such as missing information notices, offer notifications, disbursement notifications and all other information from Financial Aid will be sent to a student’s KCU email. For incoming students, the notification will be sent to the admissions email address. Students are expected to check their email regularly to ensure important information is not overlooked.
Cost of Attendance
A comprehensive student expense budget, or cost of attendance (COA), has been designed to cover tuition, educational costs and reasonable living expenses for each academic year. The COA is designed for the student only and is not intended to cover family living expenses or to cover debt incurred prior to attendance at KCU.
The Financial Aid Office takes seriously its responsibility to provide a reasonable COA and to monitor long-term student debt. Based upon these principles, all financial aid awarded, which includes federal, state and private programs, will be determined within federal financial aid guidelines and the limits of the student COA.
Each year KCU’s Financial Aid Office builds a COA that includes the following:
- Tuition and fees
- Room and board (or a housing and food allowance)
- Books and supplies
- Transportation
- Loan fees
- Miscellaneous and personal expense
- COMLEX exam fees (DO only)
- Costs for Licensure, Certification or First Professional Credential - Cost must be incurred during the student’s period of enrollment
Other expenses that may be added to a student’s cost of attendance through a budget adjustment process can include:
- One-time purchase of a personal computer
- Costs related to a disability
- Reasonable costs for eligible study-abroad programs or faculty-led trips for students in the Global Medicine Honors track
- Child/dependent care
- Medically necessary medical and dental expenses not covered by insurance
- Car repairs for one primary vehicle
- UMSLE exam fees
- BETH Tuition
For more information on this process, please review the Budget Adjustments section.
Consumer Information
In compliance with federal student aid regulations, KCU’s consumer information is available for prospective and current students to review online.
General Financial Aid Policies
Financial Aid Eligibility
Financial aid, typically consisting of federal loans, is available for a student’s direct educational costs and living expenses while enrolled at KCU. The primary federal sources for aid at KCU are the Federal Direct Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loan programs. The unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans accrue interest from disbursement. Refer to Loan Programs & Sources for All Students for additional information about the loan programs.
To be eligible for federal assistance, a student must:
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program that leads to gainful employment and be in good standing, making satisfactory progress.
- Not be in default on any loan from a student loan fund or on a loan guaranteed or insured under the Federal Student Loan Program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen with U.S. national status, or have a green card, an Arrival/Departure Record (1-94), battered immigrant-qualified alien status or a T visa or a parent with a T-1 visa.
- Have a valid Social Security Number.
For more information regarding eligibility, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Financial Aid Application Process
Step 1: FAFSA Application
Each year, students must complete the Department of Education’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) posted online at www.fafsa.gov.
- KCU’s Title IV school code is G02474.
- Opens on December 31st for the upcoming award year.
- Parental information is not required on FAFSA.
- Students and spouses (contributors) need to provide their consent to provide their Federal Tax Information (FTI) in the new Consent to Retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information section of the FAFSA for federal student aid eligibility.
Step 2: Review Student Budget (Cost of Attendance)
This budget information is provided to assist in estimating your monthly budget and managing your available financial resources (e.g., employment earnings, financial aid, assistance from family members) for the upcoming academic year. Budget information can be found online:
COB Programs - Tuition & Budget Information
CDM - Tuition & Budget Information
DO - Tuition & Budget Information
Step 3: KCU Onboarding
The KCU Student Financial Aid office requires completion of Workday onboarding questionnaires to complete the financial aid process.
Incoming KCU students
Students must complete the on-boarding questionnaires upon acceptance to KCU and payment of the accept fee or matriculation deposit for the program.
- Financial Aid Electronic Release
- Students may be notified at their admission application email address to login to Workday if they have outstanding action items to complete for the award process
- In June incoming students will be asked to complete the additional Financial Aid Information questionnaire.
- Students who are new borrowers to Federal Direct Loans must complete the Federal Entrance Counseling session in order to receive federal loan funds.
- Students who accept federal loans must have a valid Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and a Direct Grad PLUS loan MPN completed online. The Financial Aid Office will contact the student via email if these documents need to be completed before funds can be disbursed.
Continuing KCU students
Must complete on boarding questionnaires in May prior to the start of the fall term in Workday.
- Financial Aid Information questionnaire.
- Students will be notified by email at their KCU email account from Workday if they have any outstanding action items to complete for the award process.
Determination of Financial Aid Offer
Once the student has submitted all required documents and completed forms as listed on the application for financial aid, the Financial Aid Office determines the student’s aid eligibility at KCU. Offering of financial aid is done when the file becomes complete for packaging.
All financial aid offers, which includes federal, state and private programs, will be determined within federal financial aid guidelines. The calculation to determine financial aid eligibility is: cost of attendance (KCU student budget) minus Student Aid Index (for need-based aid) and outside resources (scholarships, etc.) equals eligibility.
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The comprehensive student budget has been designed to cover tuition, educational costs and reasonable living expenses for each academic year. Budgets are designed for the student only and are NOT intended to cover family living expenses or to cover debt incurred prior to attendance at KCU.
Notification of Financial Aid Offer
Students will be notified, via email, to log in to Workday to view the aid and accept/decline/reduce the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan offered. The offer notification in Workday shows the cost of attendance (student budget).
- Per the student’s program/class.
- Total annual financial aid the student may receive from all sources for the academic year.
- Please note, the Grad PLUS loan cannot be accepted within Workday. The student must complete a separate Grad Plus loan application by logging into https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/grad/landing. This application will be sent to KCU and linked to the student’s Workday account.
Beyond the sources of assistance indicated on the offer notification, a student may seek out private scholarships to offset education related costs.
Student Loan Disbursements
- Financial aid money disburses in equal payments. Please note that vacation periods do not count as a class or rotation for financial aid refund purposes.
- CDM students will have financial aid disbursements in fall and spring for the first year. For second year CDM students and beyond, aid will be disbursed in summer, fall, and spring.
- For all other programs, the first payment is disbursed prior to the start of fall classes and the second payment is disbursed after the start of spring term classes.
- Financial aid (loans and scholarships) will automatically be applied to the tuition and required fees posted to the student’s account. If the financial aid funds exceed the amount due on the billing statement, the student will have a credit balance on the account.
- The student will receive the credit balance of excess financial aid funds from the Finance Office via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The EFT will be delivered to the bank account on file that the student selected during the direct deposit account setup.
- Credit balance refunds are typically available seven to ten business days from the disbursement date. However, the refund process may take up to 14 days to complete.
- To ensure timely receipt of student account refunds, KCU strongly encourages all students to sign up for direct deposit.
- Paper checks will not be issued for refunds of less than $100.
- The student can check the disbursement schedule at the beginning of the academic year. The schedule is available to view here.
Conflicting Information
If a review of student financial information reveals discrepancies or shows conflicting information, no federal, state or other financial aid will be released until the discrepancy or conflicting information is resolved. The following guidelines concerning discrepancies are in effect:
- Students who fall into this category may be school-selected for verification. Verification information will be emailed to the student by the Financial Aid Office.
- The student will be given every opportunity to provide an explanation or documentation to resolve the conflict.
- If the Financial Aid Office gives an adverse decision, the student may submit a written request for appeal to the director of Financial Aid.
Verification of Student Financial Information
Federal verification is a process that requires institutions to verify the accuracy of information provided on a student’s FAFSA if randomly selected by the Department of Education in an effort to assure federal aid is distributed to those who are eligible.
Schools may be required to verify all or any of the following criteria:
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
- U.S. income tax paid
- Education credits
- Untaxed IRA distributions
- Untaxed pensions
- IRA deductions and payments
- Tax-exempt interest
- Income earned from work
- Family size
- Identity/statement of educational purpose
Documentation Requirements
KCU students selected for verification will be contacted via email with information indicating what documents are needed to complete the process. All requested documentation should be submitted to the Financial Aid Office within 30 days of request. Failure to do so will place the student’s file in a pending status and the student will not be awarded aid until requested documents are submitted.
University Scholarships
KCU scholarships can be awarded on the basis of academic achievement, merit, leadership, financial need, geographical location and/or community service. All KCU scholarships will be applied toward tuition. The following scholarships are available at KCU:
College of Dental Medicine
Admissions: Awarded by the Office of Admissions for incoming CDM students only. A list of admissions scholarships and award amounts is available on the KCU website.
College of Biosciences Scholarships
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Merit: Awarded by the Office of Admissions for incoming PsyD students only. There are three merit-based scholarships available for incoming PsyD students. A list of scholarships and award amounts is available on the KCU website.
- The KCU-PSYD Core Value Scholarship is awarded to one new incoming PsyD student.
MS in Biomedical Sciences - Research Track
- Research Track: Students in the research track are eligible for a scholarship in their second year. Students must have a minimum 3.00 GPA to qualify for the scholarship. Eligible students will be notified via email when the application is available.
College of Medicine Scholarships
Admissions: Awarded by the Office of Admissions for incoming DO students only. A list of admissions scholarships and award amounts is available on the KCU website.
Physicians Hall of Sponsors: Awarded by the Financial Aid Scholarship Committee. Students must apply each year using the Academic Works application for the fall of the upcoming academic year. These awards are endowed scholarship funds for second-, third- and fourth-year medical students. Students will be notified via email when the application is available. Fund amounts vary from $500 to $3000.
Outside Scholarships
In addition to the scholarships listed, students are encouraged to apply for outside/private scholarships. These are several popular search engines.
Students should be vigilant when applying for outside/private scholarship and know how to spot a scholarship scam. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Scholarship scams frequently involve one or more of the following:
- Scholarship fees - Do not spend money in order to apply for scholarships.
- Requests for financial information - Do not share bank account and/or credit card information.
- Guaranteeing scholarship money.
Students must inform the KCU Financial Aid office of any scholarships and awards received from sources outside of KCU. Students can notify the office by emailing the name and amount of the scholarship or award to [email protected]. These scholarships and awards will be added to your financial aid package and could impact your aid eligibility.
For COM and CDM students: The Financial Aid Office may notify eligible students via email if there are scholarships available and note any additional materials or applications required for these award funds. Fund amounts can vary from award source.
Impact of Scholarships on Financial Aid
Please be aware that all scholarships, KCU and external, are treated as a financial aid resource. They count toward your total cost of attendance. If a student receives a late scholarship notification, the awarded loans can be reduced to make room for the scholarship.
Students at KCU can only receive institutional scholarships up to the cost of tuition. Students who are receiving full tuition scholarships (e.g., Health Professions Scholarship Program, KCU Fellowship Programs, National Health Service Corps) are not eligible to receive additional institutional scholarships.
Loan Programs & Sources for All Students
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan - Department of Education Title IV
- This loan program is non-need based. Students can borrow a base of $20,500 per academic year. Interest accrues from the date of disbursement; the student is responsible for interest during all periods. The Department of Education is the lender. Payment is owed to the Department of Education but serviced by a company contracted with ED. Unpaid interest will capitalize at repayment.
- Current interest rate and origination information can be found on the Federal Student Aid website. An origination fee is charged and deducted from the loan proceeds.
- Direct loans offer a six-month grace period after you graduate or drop below half-time enrollment.
- The cumulative maximum direct loan limit for graduate students is $138,500.
- The cumulative maximum direct loan limit for medical students is $224,000.
- All student loan borrowers at KCU will be required to complete entrance counseling prior to their first loan disbursement and exit counseling upon leaving KCU. Students should review information on the kansascity.edu website here.
- Repayment information for this loan program is available on the Dept. of Education Federal Student Aid website. Students may log in to the repayment estimator to view current federal loan balances and see estimates for future monthly payment plans.
Additional Unsubsidized Loan for Medical/PsyD Students
- This program allows CDM, DO, PsyD students an additional amount:
- CDM students are eligible for $20,000 (nine-month academic year) up to $26,667 (12-month academic year) per year.
- DO students are eligible for $20,000 (nine-month academic year) up to $26,667 (12-month academic year) per year.
- PSYD students are eligible for $12,500 (nine-month academic year) up to $16,667 (12-month academic year) per year.
Federal Direct Graduate PLUS (GradPLUS) Loan Department of Education Title IV
Please note that students must complete a Grad PLUS application at https://studentaid.gov/plus-app/grad/landing each time they need PLUS funding. The Grad PLUS loan cannot be accepted in Workday.
- This loan program is non-need based. A GradPLUS loan is a federally guaranteed credit-based loan. A credit check is required.
- The Federal Grad PLUS program requires good credit. The Federal Direct Loan program reviews the student’s credit to determine approval or denial of the loan. If denied, the student may appeal the denial or apply with an endorser (co-signer). Students who are unable to obtain the loan will need to rely on personal resources to finance the balance of their educational costs. Students can contact the loan origination center at 800.557.7394, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. with questions about the credit denial and endorser process.
- The Grad PLUS loan has a higher interest rate than the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.
- The Grad PLUS loan does not have an aggregate limit.
- The Grad PLUS enters repayment immediately after it is fully disbursed, at which time it is placed in an in-school deferment while the student continues in school.
- The loan enters a six-month post-enrollment deferment at the time the student is no longer enrolled. The same deferment and forbearance options apply as with federal direct loans.
- Repayment information for this loan program is available on the Dept. of Education Federal Student Aid website. Students may log in to the repayment estimator to view current federal loan balances and see estimates for future monthly payment plans.
Private/Alternative Loans - Varies
A student may choose to borrow a private loan after receiving counseling in regard to the advantages of federal loans versus private loans. In accordance with Sec. 128(e)(3) of the Truth in Lending Act (15 U.S.C. 1638(e)(3), a Self-Certification Form is available upon request from the Financial Aid Office although the form is routinely provided to the student by the private loan lender during the application process. Upon request, the Financial Aid Office will assist the student in the completion of the form if needed.
KCU has a historical list of private loan lenders other students have used in past years. Information about private loan lenders can be found here.
Service Obligation Scholarships for COM/CDM Students
The National Health Service Corps
The National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship Program was created to address the shortage of health professionals in certain areas in the United States. Scholarship recipients receive 12 monthly stipends, a single payment to cover books, supplies, and equipment, and payment to the medical school for tuition and required fees. The scholarship may be renewed through graduation.
For each year of support, participants owe one year of future service providing primary care services in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) as assigned by the NHSC. The minimum obligation is two years. These assignments are most often as salaried civilian employees of community-based systems of primary health care.
Students interested in pursuing primary care in an underserved area should consider the programs offered by the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), including the National Health Service Scholarship, Students to Service, and loan repayment. Students should review each program to fully understand the service commitment owed for receipt of scholarship.
National Health Service Corps
Health Resources and Services Administration
Bureau of Primary Health Care
Division of Scholarships and Loan Repayments
Website
800.221.9393
Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
This program is only available for PsyD and DO students. To be eligible for the military scholarship, a student must be a U.S. citizen. Recipients are provided with full tuition, fees, books, equipment and a monthly stipend. For each year of scholarship support, the student must serve one year in the designated service branch. The minimum obligation is two years. KCU traditionally has a high number of students receiving military scholarships. The HPSP provides support that covers most of the expenses for a student, therefore students receiving HPSP generally do not qualify for federal financial aid.
For military programs, students should contact their recruiter or the recruiter on the list that follows:
U.S. Army
U.S. Army Health Care Recruiter
7500 College Blvd., Ste. 720
Overland Park, KS 66210
Website
913.469.1702
U.S. Navy
U.S. Navy Medical Officer Programs Recruiter
Navy Operations Support Center
3100 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64130
Website
314.750.1834
U.S. Air Force
Air Force Recruiting Office
4600 SE 29th St., Ste. 356
Del City, OK 73115
Website
405.672.1253
Veterans Benefits
KCU has approval from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to certify benefits for both campuses. Students may be eligible to receive VA educational benefits, such as:
- Chapter 1606 Montgomery GI Bill® Reservists
- Chapter 1607 Montgomery GI Bill® Reserve Educational Assistance Program
- Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill®
- Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation
- Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®
- Chapter 35 Dependent Educational Assistance
To determine eligibility, contact the VA and apply for education benefits (VA Form 22-1990) or request a change of program or place of training (VA Form 22-1995) if you have previously used your benefits at another institution. Once you are notified by the VA of your eligibility to receive educational benefits, submit the Certificate of Eligibility to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at KCU. The form can be emailed to [email protected].
Once you are notified by the VA of your eligibility to receive educational benefits, submit the Certificate of Eligibility to the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at KCU. The form can be emailed to [email protected].
Consistent with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of title 38, United States Code, Section 103, KCU will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a Chapter 31 or Chapter 33 recipient borrow additional funds to cover the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of a payment by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Matters pertaining to the VA should be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Additional information on how to apply for benefits is available on the VA website.
Yellow Ribbon
KCU participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for Veterans or Dependents of Veterans. A provision of the Post-9/11 GI Bill®, the Yellow Ribbon Program provides partial funding for veterans (and their spouses or dependents) who have 100 percent eligibility to cover the cost of tuition at participating private colleges and universities. KCU provides a matching school contribution of $2,500 for up to 10 students per campus annually. Funds are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis determined by the date of receipt of all completed VA required documents from the student. Additional information regarding the Yellow Ribbon Program is available on the VA website.
Section 1018 of Public Law 116-315, Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, adds new requirements for educational institutions participating in the educational assistance programs of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These new provisions became effective June 15, 2021 and apply to Institutions of Higher Learning and Non-College Degree institutions beginning August 1, 2021. Many of the requirements are consistent with the requirements of the Principles of Excellence, currently in Executive Order 13607; however, there are requirements in addition to those embodied in the Principles of Excellence which schools must also satisfy to maintain approval for GI Bill® participation.
Universities will provide financial information to students using benefits under chapter 30, 31, 32, 33, or 35 of title 38, U.S.C.,or chapter 1606 of title 10, U.S.C. with a College Financing Plan (personalized shopping sheet).
VA Health Professions Scholarship Program
To be eligible for the scholarship, a student must be a U.S. citizen. Recipients are provided full tuition, authorized required fees, an annual education expense payment, and a monthly stipend amount. Upon completing their educational program and licensure/certification, participants work as permanent, full-time VA employees in the occupations for which the scholarship was awarded.
- Participant service obligation: full-time student - 2 to 4.5 years; part-time student - 1 to 3 years.
- Service obligation will vary depending on occupation and length of support.
- Physician - 18-month service obligation for each year of support.
- Participants sign a Mobility Agreement to relocate at their own expense if required to fulfill their service obligation.
Information about this application can be found at https://va-ams-info.intelliworxit.com/hpsp/about-hpsp/.
Budget Adjustments
Financial aid, as awarded or borrowed under federal or private programs, cannot exceed the KCU student budget. The University attempts to make adequate financial assistance available to all students within the limits of the student budget and the availability of loans and scholarships.
Federal regulations allow schools to adjust a student’s cost of attendance for certain circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
- KCU can increase a student’s cost of attendance for other reasonable education-related expenses that exceed a student’s budget. See a list below for some expenses that can be covered.
- KCU has a no-cash policy for budget adjustments.
- The Financial Aid Office must be able to substantiate your expenses for your file.
- Purchases should be made using a form of payment in your name like a credit or debit card.
- Budget adjustments are typically a reimbursement process.
May 1 is the deadline for submission of these forms, and there could be an earlier date for graduating fourth-year students who may have an earlier last date of attendance. No adjustments will be considered after the loan period has expired for that academic year. An exception may be made for medical/dental expenses for which an insurance claim has not been paid. If you have questions about this policy, please contact the Financial Aid Office at 816.654.7175 or [email protected].
Budget Adjustment Categories
Child/Dependent Care: If a student pays for a third party to watch their child/dependent while their spouse works (full-time), KCU can increase the student cost of attendance for these expenses. The increased cost will not exceed a reasonable cost for dependent care in the community based on KCU’s dependent care survey. Students must complete the Dependent Care Budget Adjustment Form and provide all required documentation that is specified on the form. Students can find this form on our Financial Aid 101 canvas course.
Students can complete the FA Budget Adjustment questionnaire in Workday for the following increase requests.
Computer Purchase/Electronic Purchase: All KCU students are required to have a laptop computer meeting KCU specifications. Only one increase is allowed per student’s academic program, unless there is a change in school policy requiring new computer specifications. The purchase can only include a laptop, printer, and/or other reasonable hardware/software required by KCU. Students are permitted to purchase the computer July 1, or other reasonable time, if starting in the fall term. The maximum allowance is $2,000. Students must complete the FA Budget Adjustment questionnaire in Workday. Students cannot request the adjustment in their final term of enrollment.
Medical/Dental Expenses: The student financial aid budget includes an allowance for medical/dental expenses and health insurance. It is KCU policy that all students provide proof of health insurance, and budget adjustments will be considered only for those students complying with that policy. A budget adjustment can be made for medically necessary procedures and medically necessary prescriptions for the amount that exceeds the budget allowances. A student’s out-of-pocket expenses cannot exceed $5,000 per academic year. Students must provide written verification of health insurance coverage (this is part of the Budget Adjustment Request Form). Prior year expenses will not be considered for an increase.
Tuition Adjustment: Students may receive a budget adjustment for tuition charges in excess of what is allowed in the Cost of Attendance. The Financial Aid Office will email eligible students a separate application for financial aid requests for the Bioethics dual degree program. In the FA Budget Adjustment questionnaire in Workday, this information should be included in the section called “other.”
Car/Vehicle Repairs: While a student’s financial aid budget includes an allowance for maintenance of a vehicle, an adjustment can be made for car repairs that exceed the budgeted amount.
- Financial aid budgets cannot be increased for the purchase of a vehicle.
- Expenses above the budgeted amount are covered on one primary vehicle per year. Once a student has submitted receipts for a vehicle, that vehicle becomes “primary” in terms of consideration for budget appeals.
- The budget adjustment increase will represent the difference between the actual repairs and budget allowance.
- Receipts must be submitted for any repairs for which the budget adjustment is being requested.
- The cost of attendance includes an allowance for comprehensive and collision car insurance, a budget adjustment for an accident will cover a reasonable deductible of $500. If the student has not purchased comprehensive and collision car insurance, the Financial Aid Office will not increase the budget to cover any expenses that would have been covered by insurance.
- A student’s out-of-pocket expenses cannot exceed $5,000 per academic year.
Other Expenses: Students having other extenuating circumstances should complete the appropriate section of the Budget Adjustment Request Form and make an appointment to meet with a staff member in the Financial Aid Office.
Non-Allowable Expenses: These expenses will not be considered for reimbursement.
- Vehicle purchase
- Household repairs (water heaters, furnaces, etc.)
- Expenses related to pet ownership
- Private student loan payments
- Car payments
- Credit card debt
- Moving costs and housing furnishings
- Vacation expenses
- Tithing expenses
- Child support
- Living expenses for spouses or children
Student Aid Revision Policy
In order to prevent or minimize over-awards, reduce student debt and comply with federal, state and private aid programs, the following policy is in effect. At the time a student receives other aid after the initial financial aid package is determined, the student’s aid will be re-evaluated to determine his/her new eligibility and whether an over-award will occur.
The Financial Aid Office will take steps necessary to reduce or eliminate the over-award to the extent of his/her control. If an over-award occurs, the procedures listed below will be followed:
- KCU will determine if the student had any increased financial need that was not anticipated at the time of the aid application and/or award.
- If no increased need is demonstrated, and the student’s total aid still exceeds his/her need, and not all aid has been disbursed, then any undisbursed loans will be canceled to correct the over-award.
- After all efforts have been exercised by the Financial Aid Office to reduce/eliminate the over-award, per federal guidelines, a Direct Loan Unsubsidized/Graduate PLUS borrower who is over-awarded and all funds have been disbursed at the time of the additional aid notification the student will not be required to repay funds that were delivered in excess of need. However, if the over-award was caused by the student misreporting or withholding information, the loans will be reduced, and funds will be returned.
- In the event an over-award exists due solely to scholarships, vocational rehabilitation, etc., with no loans involved, the Financial Aid Office will contact the program’s administrator to coordinate the programs appropriately.
- If the additional resource is specifically being applied to tuition (as with scholarships or vocational rehabilitation), the resulting refund will be returned to the loan programs to reduce any over-award. In the event a personal check was given to pay any part of the tuition, it will be determined whether an equivalent amount of loan funds was delivered to the student creating the over-award. These funds will also be returned to the lender of the loan program to the extent of the loan funds delivered to the student.
- A revised award notification email will be sent to the student if aid is adjusted.
Financial Aid Implications of a Leave of Absence
For Title IV purposes, a leave of absence (LOA) may be designated as either unapproved or approved for financial aid purposes. An LOA that does not meet all of the financial aid regulation conditions for an approved LOA is designated as unapproved and considered a withdrawal. In this case, an R2T4 calculation is required, and the withdrawal date is the date the student begins the LOA.
Students should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to going on an approved leave of absence to determine what financial aid implications this will have on their federal financial aid eligibility.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Consideration
Federal regulations require schools to monitor the academic progress of Title IV financial aid recipients. KCU must certify that students are making satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of their KCU degree. KCU follows the regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of Education that students are meeting the three required measurements to determine SAP: qualitative (GPA), quantitative (progression) and time frame.
SAP policies differ for each program. Please review your program for detailed information.
Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid Consideration - DMD Program
Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid Consideration - MS in Biomedical Sciences Program
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid Consideration - DO Program & Bioethics Dual-Degree Program
Satisfactory Progress for Financial Aid Consideration - PsyD Program
Title IV Institutional Refund & Return to Title IV Policy
This policy applies to all students who have utilized federal Title IV funding and withdraw, stop attending all classes, go on an approved leave of absence, or are suspended, or dismissed from the University during a term.
Title IV funding includes any federal financial aid programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended. The following programs are considered Title IV funds: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct GradPLUS.
A student’s withdrawal date for return of Title IV funds (R2T4) purposes is one of the following:
- The date the student began the institution’s official withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of their intent to withdraw; or
- The official date of an approved leave of absence, withdrawal or dismissal from KCU as documented by the vice provost for Student Services; or
- The midpoint of the term for a student who leaves without notifying the institution; or
- The student’s last date of attendance at a documented academic-related activity in accordance with federal regulations.
KCU will determine if a student is considered a withdrawn for return to title IV purposes per federal regulation as of July 2021 and uses the withdrawal exemptions published in the September 2, 2020 Federal Register in making a withdrawal determination.
When a student who has received Title IV HEA funds leaves school for any reason prior to completing more than 60 percent of the payment period (the academic period of enrollment by which a student receives a disbursement of Title IV funds), the student will have all or a portion of their financial aid funds returned to the appropriate aid program(s) by the University.
The federal regulations regarding R2T4 (34 CFR 668.22) require the school to calculate the total number of calendar days in the payment period, then the number of calendar days the student attended. The student’s “earned” and “unearned” percentages are determined. The “unearned” funds paid to the school must be returned to the appropriate Title IV programs within 45 days of the student’s date of withdrawal. The student will then be responsible for the payment of the remaining tuition balance due per the KCU refund policy. The student will be notified of these amounts via email from the Office of Finance.
The R2T4 calculation differs from the University’s Tuition & Fee Refund Policy .
If a student was not disbursed all of the funds that the student earned and is otherwise eligible, the student may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. The student’s eligibility for the post-withdrawal disbursement will be determined by the R2T4 calculation. The financial aid office will contact the student by email regarding post withdrawal loan eligibility. The student has 14 days from notice date of the additional loan offer to accept or decline some or all of the loan amount offered.
In accordance with federal regulations, refunds are allocated in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Direct GradPLUS.
Return of Title IV Funds Calculation
These steps are followed in calculating the amount KCU may have to return on your behalf when a student ceases attendance in all classes in the payment period:
- Determine the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the student.
- Days Attended in Payment Period ÷ Total Days in Payment Period = Percentage Completed
- If the calculated percentage is more than 60 percent, then the student has “earned” all Title IV aid for the payment period.
- Apply the percentage completed to the Title IV aid disbursed to determine the aid earned by the student based on their withdrawal date.
- Total Aid Disbursed X Percentage Completed = Earned Aid
- Determine the amount of unearned aid to be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program.
- Total Disbursed Aid - Earned Aid = Unearned Aid to be Returned
- One the of the following actions will apply to a student:
- If the aid already disbursed is greater than the earned aid, the difference must be returned to the appropriate Title IV aid program.
- If the aid already disbursed equals the earned aid, no further action is required.
- If a student was not disbursed all of the funds that the student earned and is otherwise eligible, the student may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. The student’s eligibility for the post-withdrawal disbursement will be determined by the return of Title IV calculation. The financial aid office will contact the student by email regarding post withdrawal loan eligibility. The student has 14 days from notice date of the additional loan offer to accept or decline some or all of the loan amount offered.
- Distribute the responsibility to return funds between the institution and the student.
- The student will receive a letter outlining the amount KCU must return on the student’s behalf.
- The student may be expected to repay an amount to KCU.
- Any amount that must be repaid to KCU is due immediately. No grace period applies to this amount.
- Any refund or repayment obligation will be clearly outlined for the student in writing and will also appear on their University bill.
- Return of Title IV aid, based on the type of aid disbursed, in the following order:
- Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- Federal Direct PLUS Loan
Borrowing Considerations & Default
Students must carefully consider the repayment implications of loan programs and avoid excessive borrowing. Students who ignore student loan repayment risk going into default. Default of a student loan is failure to repay the loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note. Default may result from failure to submit requests for deferment on time. A loan is considered to be in default if payments are not made for 270 days.
If a student defaults, the University, the organization that holds the loan, the state and the federal government can all take action to recover the money. The federal government and the loan agencies may deny a school’s participation in the student loan programs if the school’s default rate is too high. The University will withhold the transcript of any student who is in arrears or in default under any loan or loan program where such arrearage or default adversely affects the University in any way.
Financial Aid Fraud Misreporting & Misrepresentation
Any student found to have misreported information and/or altered documentation to increase his/her student aid eligibility or to fraudulently obtain federal funds may face any or all of the following disciplinary action(s):
- Subject to the Student Conduct policies;
- As per federal regulation 668.14(g), referral to the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Education, or, if more appropriate, to a state or local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction to investigate the matter.
- Loss of participation in federal financial aid programs for either the current academic year or the remaining years of enrollment.
In the event the director of Financial Aid finds evidence of willful misrepresentation and/or fraud, the student will meet with the director of Financial Aid and the campus dean of COM or the dean of COB. At that time, disciplinary action will be discussed with the student.
Code of Conduct for Institutional Financial Aid Professionals
The Financial Aid Office is a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). NASFAA developed an ethical set of standards related to the Financial Aid Code of Conduct. KCU’s Financial Code of Conduct can be found here.
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