Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Financial Services


Financial Aid, Student Accounts and the Registrar’s Office provides information and assists students and their families in meeting college expenses. The office informs students of application procedures and deadlines, types of aid available, eligibility requirements, and other important information.

As a state university, our tuition is substantially lower than many other colleges and universities. However, the combination of college expenses still requires financial aid for many students. While we help in any way we can, the basic financial responsibility for a college education continues to rest with each student and his or her family.

Matriculation at Mansfield University is by semester. Students are expected to meet the expenses of the upcoming term without assistance unless such aid has been previously arranged and confirmed. Mansfield University participates in federal and state financial aid programs. There are three forms of aid: grants, loans, and college work study (part-time employment). Grants include the Federal Pell grant, the Pennsylvania State grant (PHEAA), the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and TEACH Grant, as well as institutional and private grants. Loans include the Federal Direct Loan and the Federal PLUS loan for parents of undergraduate students. In addition, students may borrow additional funds through the alternative loan program. Federal work-study (part-time campus employment) is awarded to students with demonstrated financial need. If a student has no financial need, he or she may be awarded institutional work-study.

We emphasize the following points:

  1. Plan to file your financial aid application after October 1 of the year prior to the year you will be entering the University.
  2. To apply for aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  3. Identify Mansfield University (003324) as an institution of choice on the FAFSA application.
  4. The important deadlines for financial aid are February 15 for new students and April 15 for currently enrolled students. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) has a deadline date of May 1 for the PA state grant program.
  5. Students are considered sophomores with 30-59 credits, juniors with 60-89 credits and seniors with 90 or more credits. Your completed credits will be used to determine your loan amounts.

Students and parents may call the Office of Financial Aid at (570) 662-4129 with questions at any time.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for Federal Financial Aid Recipients

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended by Congress, mandates that institutions of higher education establish minimum standards of “satisfactory academic progress” (SAP) for students receiving federal financial aid. These standards apply to all Federal Title IV aid programs including:

● Federal Pell Grant
● Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
● TEACH Grant
● Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
● Federal Direct PLUS Loans
● Federal WorkStudy

The Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards apply to all students seeking federal Title IV financial aid, regardless of whether a student has received Title IV financial aid in the past.

Process of Determining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP):
Each student will be measured for satisfactory academic progress at the end of every semester. This evaluation will determine if the student has sufficient progress to be eligible for future Title IV funding. Students who have not met the minimum SAP requirements will be notified that they are not eligible for financial aid.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Measurement

● Qualitative Measure (cumulative Mansfield University GPA):

        ○ Undergraduate students must achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.

● Quantitative Measure

1. Completion Rate/Pace: Pace is calculated by dividing the cumulative hours the student successfully completed by the cumulative hours the student has scheduled. This calculation includes all attempted credits, both at Mansfield University and those accepted in transfer; courses for which a student receives academic credit, withdraws, receives incomplete or repeat grades and/or fails are counted in the calculation of the completion rate/pace.

a. Undergraduate students must successfully complete 67% of the total cumulative scheduled credits.

2. Maximum Timeframe (completing program of study within 150% of program length)

a. Undergraduate students may receive aid for up to 180 cumulative credits attempted (includes both Mansfield University credits scheduled and those accepted in transfer).

Students who change majors are responsible for completing the degree requirements within the timeframe specified above.

Readmitted Students
If a student is readmitted to the University, satisfactory academic progress will be based on the student’s previous attendance at Mansfield University and credits accepted in transfer. All readmits will be reviewed as that are readmitted.

Special Grades and Their Use in Satisfactory Academic Progress Determination:

  • I - Incomplete: Student will receive no credit for an “I” grade, although the “I” is counted as attempted credit(s). If, however, the incomplete grade is resolved and a passing grade is received, the credits will be counted.
  • W - Withdrawal: No credit received; however, counted as attempted credit.
  • AU - Audit: No credits received.
  • P/F: This refers to the pass/fail option. P means the student receives credit(s) but GPA is not affected. A grade of “F” will impact the GPA.

Repeat of Course
The most recent grade earned is used in calculating the GPA. If the student failed the course the first time but passes it the second time, the appropriate number of credits will be earned after the second attempt. If, however, the student passed the course the first time, repeats it in an attempt to improve the grade but receives a failing grade, the appropriate number of credits will be deducted from the cumulative credits earned total. Maximum hours earned for any course cannot exceed the number of credits listed for that course in the catalog.

Regaining Eligibility
If a student fails to meet the satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards, but meets the standards at a later term, the student may once again be eligible to receive federal Title IV aid. In such cases, financial aid eligibility will begin with the academic semester after which the student reestablishes progress.

Progress will be calculated each semester on all registered students.

If a student is taking coursework at another institution to regain SAP eligibility, students should be aware that:

1. A Request to Transfer Credits form must be completed prior to taking any courses elsewhere if the credits are to be transferred back to Mansfield University. The credits must be accepted by Mansfield University to be used towards meeting SAP.
○ Undergraduate Form http://esd.mansfield.edu/registrar/upload/REQUESTTRANSFERCRFORMA23.pdf

2. Except in the case of visiting student status, only “credits” transfer to Mansfield University, actual “grades” do not. If the student’s deficiency is the cumulative GPA, taking new courses at another institution will not resolve that deficiency. However, successfully repeating coursework that had poor grades may increase your overall GPA.

Appeal Process
A student’s whose financial aid eligibility has been terminated may “appeal” that status if they have experienced extenuating circumstances that affected their ability to meet the academic progress standards. In general, extenuating circumstances can include, but are not limited to, illness, injury, death of relative or friend, difficulties with accommodations for students with disabilities, and adversity due to unforeseen events. Students interested in appealing their termination of financial aid eligibility may access the Academic Progress Appeal Form online at https://esd.mansfield.edu/forms-and-policies/forms-publications.cfm. The completed form and supporting documentation should be submitted to the Director of Financial Aid. Student’s must also address in the appeal why they failed to meet SAP, what has changed that will allow them to meet SAP in the next evaluation, and an academic plan for success. Students should submit the appeal prior to August 1 for fall semester consideration or prior to January 2 for spring semester consideration. Student’s will be notified of the decision via email. All appeal decisions are final.

Financial Aid Warning: Mansfield University evaluates academic progress at the end of each payment period (semester). Students on a “Financial Aid Warning” status may continue to receive Title IV aid for one payment period despite a determination that the student was not meeting SAP. A warning status is granted automatically and may be assigned without an appeal or other action by the student. Students are notified via their Mansfield University email account.

Financial Aid Probation: This status can be granted only after the student has appealed and has had eligibility reinstated based upon the appeal. A student on “financial aid probation” may receive Title IV funds for one payment period only. After the completion of the payment period, the student must meet SAP.

ALL NOTIFICATIONS, WARNINGS, AND APPEAL DECISIONS WILL BE PROVIDED TO STUDENTS IN WRITING VIA THEIR MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY EMAIL ACCOUNT.

State Grant Programs

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides state grants to help Pennsylvania residents with financial need attend approved institutions of higher education. PA State Grants are available to both full and part-time students.

Grant recipients are expected to work during the summer to assist in meeting expenses, and parents are expected to contribute according to their abilities. Grant size depends upon educational expenses, family size, and family resources.

PHEAA Grants are subject to annual review and may change from year-to-year. Renewal depends upon satisfactory academic progress, continued financial need, and the availability of funds. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid serves as the application and is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. For purposes of the PHEAA Grant program, the application deadline is May 1.

State Grant Academic Progress
Students are required to make satisfactory academic progress for receipt of State Grant aid. For each academic year (summer, fall, and/or spring term) during which State Grant aid is received, a student must successfully complete the minimum number of credits appropriate to the student’s enrollment status during the terms for which State Grant aid was received. Full-time students must complete 12 new credits per term and part-time students must complete a minimum of 6 new credits per term.

Examples

1. A student enrolled full-time for fall and spring semesters who received a PA State Grant for both terms would be required to complete 24 new credits during that time.

2. A student enrolled full-time fall and full-time spring received a PA State Grant for the spring only term. This student would be required to complete 12 credits during the spring term. Credits completed in the fall semester will not count towards academic progress.

3. A student enrolled full-time fall and half-time spring who received a PA State Grant for both terms would be required to complete 18 new credits during that time.

4. A student enrolled full-time summer and full-time academic year who received a PA State Grant for all three terms would be required to complete 36 new credits during that time.

Remedial Credits: The successful completion of a remedial class may not always count towards the PA State Grant academic progress requirement. Students receiving a PA State Grant who are taking remedial courses should consult with Enrollment Services.

ALL NOTIFICATIONS, WARNINGS, AND APPEAL DECISIONS WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE STUDENT IN WRITING VIA THE STUDENT’S MANSFIELD UNIVERSITY EMAIL ACCOUNT.

Veteran’s Benefits

Eligible students may qualify for Veterans Educational Benefits, as well as financial aid. The application procedure for financial aid is the same as that outlined for any regular student. Students may qualify for Veterans Educational Benefits through several different programs offered by the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Veterans Administration. These forms are available through the Veterans Certifying Official, Room 231, South Hall. In addition, Pennsylvania Veterans who are honorably discharged may be eligible for a PA State Grant for up to 80% of their annual tuition provided they apply by May 1 of each year.

Federal Grant Programs

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant is for students pursuing their first undergraduate degree. The award amounts can vary depending on eligibility and are subject to change annually. Students wishing to apply must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov each academic year.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. They must qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Funding is very limited in this program; therefore, March 15th is the suggested filing date for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

TEACH Grant

Eligible students must be accepted into the Undergraduate, Graduate Teacher Education or Teacher Certification programs at Mansfield University and agree to teach full-time in a high-need subject area for at least four years at a school that serves students from low-income families. Eligible students must sign an Agreement to Serve for each year of receiving a TEACH Grant.

Student Employment Programs

Federal College Work-Study is a federally funded program awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need. It pays minimum wage, and a student cannot work more than 20 hours per week. In fact, most students work an average of 6 hours per week. The employment opportunities on campus include administrative areas, student center, athletics, the library, academic areas, security, laboratory assistant, etc. Applicants must complete a FAFSA.

Institutional Work-Study is a Mansfield University-funded program. It differs from the Federal College Work-Study Program in that a student does not have to show a demonstrated financial need in order to work. The pay rate, once again, is minimum wage and students cannot exceed 20 hours of work a week. Applicants must complete a FAFSA.

Loan Programs

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan. These funds are made available to students who demonstrate financial need. The loan is interest free while the student attends school on at least a half-time basis. Mansfield University determines student eligibility after review of the

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Loans will be certified electronically, and students will need to complete and sign their Master Promissory Notes if they are first time borrowers. The Master Promissory Note is intended to be valid for 10 years; a student should be required to only sign one MPN.

Each eligible applicant must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) and meet financial need requirements. The maximum loan for an undergraduate ranges from $3,500 to $5,500 a year. The aggregate loan amount borrowed over a student’s entire undergraduate education may not exceed $23,000. The interest rate for 2018-2019 is is 5.05%.

Repayment normally begins six months after leaving school with up to 10 years to repay. The monthly repayment amount depends upon the size of the debt and ability to pay. In most cases repayment must be at least $50 per month unless circumstances agreed upon by the lending institution warrant a lesser amount.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan. This loan is similar to the Federal Subsidized Direct Loan program; however, students do not need to have demonstrated financial need. Interest does accrue on the loan while the student is in school. Students may pay the interest quarterly or capitalize the interest upon repayment. The total aggregate limit for dependent undergraduate students is $31,000, of which $23,000 may be subsidized. The total aggregate limit for independent students or dependent students whose parents cannot borrow a PLUS loan is $57,500, of which $23,000 may be subsidized. The interest rate is 5.05%.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). This program allows parents to borrow for their undergraduate students. A parent can borrow the difference between the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid received. The interest rate is 7.60%.

Parents have the option of the PLUS Master Promissory Note. Like the Direct Loan MPN, the note is good for 10 years; however, parents are required to sign a new note for each dependent student.

The parent usually begins repayment of interest and principal within 60 days of loan disbursement although various forbearance options are available.

All Federal Direct Loans are charged a loan fee at the time of disbursement. The fee for a Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized loan is 1.066% and the fee for a Parent Plus Loan is 4.264%.

Additional loan options. Credit-based alternative loans for educational expenses are also available. Various programs offer competitive interest rates, flexible repayment schedules and different co-signer requirements. Students interested in an alternative loan can contact the lender directly or the Office of Financial Aid.

Financial Aid Awards Grants

Approved Title IV aid is paid on a student’s account within the first four weeks of the semester. Aid will be paid bi-weekly thereafter. Loan checks are credited upon endorsement or when funds are electronically received.

Academic Year Definition

Mansfield University’s academic year is a period that contains 30 weeks of instructional time during which a full-time student is expected to complete at least 15 credit hours. The academic year is further described as a Scheduled Academic Year (SAY) that starts at the beginning of fall semester and ends on the last day of the spring semester. The summer sessions are designated as “trailer” terms which follow the SAY.

Return Title IV Federal Student Aid Policy

Mansfield University is required by federal statute to recalculate federal financial aid eligibility for students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or who take leaves prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. The federal Title IV financial aid programs must be recalculated in these situations.

If a student leaves the institution prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term (Fall term date November 2nd, 2018; Spring term date March 31st, 2019), the financial aid office recalculates eligibility for Title IV funds. Recalculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:

Percentage of payment period or term completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or term. (Any break of five days or more is not counted as part of the days in the term.) This percentage is also the percentage of earned aid.

Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

Aid to be returned = (100% of the aid that could be disbursed minus the percentage of earned aid) multiplied by the total amount of aid that could have been disbursed during the payment period or term.

If a student has earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution will be required to return a portion of the funds, and the student will be required to return a portion of the funds. The aid recipients must keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe a debit balance to the institution.

If a student has earned more aid than was disbursed to him or her, the institution will owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 120 days of the student’s withdrawal.

The institution must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible no later than 45 days after the date of determining when the student withdrew.

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

  • Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans (other than PLUS loans)
  • Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
  • Direct PLUS Loans
  • Federal Pell Grants
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
  • TEACH
  • Other assistance for which a return of funds is required (e.g. LEAP)

Refund Allocation Policy

Refunds allocated to a particular program will not exceed the aid originally awarded to a student in that particular program.

A release form must be signed to authorize the University to apply Title IV funds to charges beyond tuition and fees. The release may be rescinded at any time by submitting a written request to the Student Accounts Office. Rescinded authorizations are not retroactive.