Student Aid Rights and Responsibilities

Student Financial Services

Understanding Student Aid Rights and Responsibilities

Students and families who meet certain eligibility requirements have a right to receive financial aid. With those rights, however, come certain policies and responsibilities. The following information is provided to help students understand these various aspects of financial aid. If you have any questions regarding information provided here, please contact Student Financial Services.

Applying for, Accepting, and Renewing Aid

Merit scholarships are offered at the point of admission, and the admission application is the only form required for consideration of merit scholarships. In subsequent years, undergraduate students may be considered for endowed scholarship support in late June provided they have filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (using UD's school code of 001431). University scholarships do not require repayment and students do not need to do anything to accept these funds. Scholarships automatically pay to the students' accounts around the start of the semester.

The FAFSA is the only financial aid application required for students to be considered for University and federal need-based financial aid (grants and loans). Students who have file the FAFSA by April 15 each year will have financial aid notices available on My Finances in early July (August for graduate students) and are notified as part of the initial billing email notification. Grants do not require repayment, and these funds are automatically accepted on behalf of the students and pay to student accounts around the start of the semester. Student loans require repayment, and students accept these loans through the completion of the FAFSA and any other loan requirements, e.g., Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling. Assuming these requirements are completed in a timely manner, loans will pay to the student account around the start of the semester as well.

Continuing students must reapply for financial aid each academic year by completing a new FAFSA yearly. Student Financial Services emails reminders to students each spring. Students who file their FAFSAs by the recommended deadline of April 15 will have financial aid notices available for review on My Finances in early July after official tuition/fee rates are announced (early August for graduate students). Students can expect to have similar financial aid packages each academic year at UD provided the following:

Aid is not limited to one year. (see My Finances for aid conditions.)
Financial situation of the family stays consistent. (Changes in income, marital status, number of family members, or a change in the number of siblings enrolled in college will affect aid eligibility.)
Federal, institutional, and state financial aid programs remain similar.
Required application deadlines are met.
Students report accurate information, including income and assets, on the FAFSA.
Students continue to meet the enrollment level and Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements (see below for additional details).

Students are encouraged to review the financial aid terms and conditions below for additional information related to financial aid eligibility.

Student Financial Responsibility Terms & Conditions

UD course enrollment and financial aid have certain terms and conditions that must be met in order to keep the student account current and for financial aid to be offered and maintained. The following information is offered to assist students in understanding these. By enrolling in courses and/or accepting financial aid offers at UD, you agree to the following terms and conditions. Please review them carefully.

I understand that University of Delaware makes available student account and financial aid terms and conditions for my review at any time.
I understand that federally-required disclosures can be found on the University's Consumer Information page.
I also understand funding from alternative sources, such as University endowments and or federal/state/private sources of financial aid, could reduce or fully replace previously offered merit and/or need-based aid.

I understand when I register for any class at University of Delaware or receive any service from University of Delaware, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. I further understand and agree my registration and acceptance of these terms constitutes a contractual agreement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which University of Delaware is providing me educational services, deferring some or all of my payment obligation for those services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees, and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.
I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register after the last date to add or drop courses (as noted in the Academic Calendar), I will be responsible for paying all tuition, fees, and associated costs. I further understand that my failure to attend class or receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.
In the event of a natural disaster, public health emergency, epidemic, pandemic, extreme weather, acts or threatened acts of terrorism or war, or any act(s) or event(s) beyond University of Delaware's control (including an executive order forbidding in-person instruction, as occurred during Spring 2020), University of Delaware may suspend, reduce, terminate, and/or modify its operations, in whole or in part, which may or may not include offering online or other alternative learning options. In any such event, University of Delaware is under no obligation to refund or credit any portion of tuition, fees, or other charges paid or owed.

I understand that my financial aid, once eligibility is determined, is available on My Finances for my viewing at any time and that terms and conditions of the funds I receive can be found on the financial aid notice.
I understand aid described as "estimated" or "pending" on my financial aid notice or on My Finances does not represent actual or guaranteed payment, but is an estimate of the aid I may receive if I meet all requirements stipulated by that aid program.
I understand that my financial aid is contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. If I drop any class before completion, I understand that my financial aid eligibility may decrease and some or all of the financial aid offered to me may be revoked.
If some or all of my financial aid is revoked because I dropped or failed to attend class or changed registration status (e.g. full-time to part-time), I agree to repay all revoked aid that was disbursed to my account resulting in a credit balance that was refunded to me.

I acknowledge I will receive financial aid for the standard fall/spring academic year in two installments (one half will disburse for fall semester; the second half for spring semester), unless otherwise noted. I understand disbursements will be made directly to my student account.
I agree to allow financial aid from my offer to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at University of Delaware, such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, parking permits, service fees, fines, bookstore charges, or any other amount, in accordance with the terms of the aid.
I understand that any federal Title IV financial aid I receive, except for Federal Work-Study wages, will first be applied to any outstanding balance on my account for tuition, fees, room and board. Title IV financial aid includes aid from Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Direct Loan, PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan, and TEACH Grant programs. I authorize University of Delaware to apply my Title IV financial aid to other charges assessed to my student account, such as student health insurance, parking permits, bookstore charges, service fees and fines, and any other education related charges. In addition, I authorize University to use my Title IV funds to pay other education-related charges from the prior year for a total of not more than $200. I further understand that this authorization will remain in effect until I rescind it, and that I may withdraw it at any time by contacting Student Financial Services
I understand that all prizes, awards, scholarships, and grants offered to me by University of Delaware will be credited to my student account and applied toward tuition and mandatory fees, unless specified otherwise. I further understand that my receipt of a prize, award, scholarship, or grant is considered a financial resource according to federal Title IV financial aid regulations and may, therefore, reduce my eligibility for other federal and/or state financial aid (i.e., loans, grants, federal work-study), which, if already disbursed to my student account, must be reversed and returned to the aid source.
I will be responsible for repaying any funds I receive that exceed my financial need or, if for any reason, I become ineligible for the financial aid. If I drop classes, withdraw, or make other academic changes, my financial aid may be adjusted and repayment may be required.

I must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to receive federal or state funds.
I understand that University of Delaware institutional funding is designed to offset tuition and mandatory fees charges, unless notified otherwise with the aid, and that institutional funding may be reduced if I receive outside funding also offered to cover tuition and mandatory fee costs.
I must be classified as a degree-seeking student at University of Delaware to be eligible for financial aid. I understand that limited graduate certificate programs may be eligible, and I should check with Student Financial Services (SFS) to determine if I would be eligible and to find out what limitations might exist. I also acknowledge that provisionally-admitted graduate students are not eligible for financial assistance.
My financial assistance is offered based on merit and/or calculated need as determined from the information provided on my admission and financial aid application forms. Further, my financial aid is subject to adjustments or cancellations due to changes in laws, regulations, appropriations, financial situation, verification, discovery of data errors, enrollment status, or residency status, to name a few examples where adjustments may be necessary.
If I am working toward a second bachelor’s degree, I may be eligible only for Federal Direct Loan(s).
I understand I am not eligible for aid restricted to undergraduate students, such as the Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG, if I have a bachelor’s degree or I am a graduate/professional student.
I understand that I must reapply for need-based aid each year by completing the FAFSA and demonstrate the same equivalent need (in addition to meeting other aid requirements) to have my financial aid renewed for the next year.

I must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours minimum as an undergraduate student for all semesters or 4.5 credit hours minimum as a graduate student for the fall and spring semesters; and 6 credit hours minimum for the summer session, with a few exceptions for our Graduate online programs) to be eligible for Federal Direct Loan(s). If I am a Pell Grant recipient, I may be allowed to receive Pell at a reduced rate if I enroll less than half time.
Undergraduates must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours per semester) to receive most types of financial aid. If I enroll less than full-time, my financial aid (including Federal Direct Loans, University of Delaware grants/scholarships, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)) will be reduced or cancelled.
I must only be enrolled in classes required to complete degree requirements in my specified program of study as specified in the University Catalog. I understand I should work with my academic advisor to determine that the coursework I am enrolled in is required to meet graduation requirements in my program.
I understand that classes taken for audit are not eligible for financial assistance and do not count toward enrollment for purposes of financial assistance. I also acknowledge that it can affect renewing of future aid/scholarships if I do not complete a full-time course load (12 credit hours in the fall/spring semesters).
If I stop attending classes without officially withdrawing (unofficial withdrawal), I understand my financial aid may be adjusted and repayment may be required.

If I receive any financial assistance from an outside source (e.g., a private scholarship) that is not processed through Student Financial Services, I must inform SFS.
I agree to notify SFS if I have been offered financial aid for a semester in which I do not plan to enroll.
I certify that any federal student aid funds received during the academic year will be used solely for educational expenses related to attendance during the year.
I agree to repay to UD any financial aid funds disbursed to me in error. If a mistake was made, whether by myself, SFS or another agency, I understand that federal regulations require that the mistake be corrected and funds be billed back as necessary.
I agree that to allow financial aid I receive to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at University of Delaware, such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, parking permits, service fees, fines, bookstore charges, or any other amount in accordance with the terms of the aid. If I wish to limit aid to pay only tuition, fees, and on-campus housing charges, I understand I must notify SFS in writing.
If requested, I agree to provide documents to verify the accuracy of information reported on the FAFSA before financial aid can be offered or disbursed.
I agree to respond promptly to all requests from SFS for additional information. If I do not respond, I understand I may be billed for a portion or all of the financial aid disbursed to me.
I understand I must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
I acknowledge that I must work in a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position to earn the FWS amount shown on my financial aid notice, as FWS funds are not disbursed into my University student account. Rather, I will receive a pay check every two weeks, just as in any other form of employment.
I agree to contact Student Financial Services prior to dropping or withdrawing from the University, as it may impact my current or future aid eligibility.
If I have been previously incarcerated, am currently incarcerated or might be incarcerated during my current term of attendance, I must identify myself to Student Financial Services to determine my financial aid eligibility.

Tuition & Fees

I understand when I register for any class at University of Delaware or receive any service from University of Delaware, I accept full responsibility to pay all tuition, fees, and other associated costs assessed as a result of my registration and/or receipt of services. I further understand and agree my registration and acceptance of these terms constitutes a contractual agreement (i.e., a financial obligation in the form of an educational loan as defined by the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(8)) in which University of Delaware is providing me educational services, deferring some or all of my payment obligation for those services, and I promise to pay for all assessed tuition, fees, and other associated costs by the published or assigned due date.
I understand and agree that if I drop or withdraw from some or all of the classes for which I register after the last date to add or drop courses (as noted in the Academic Calendar), I will be responsible for paying all tuition, fees, and associated costs. I further understand that my failure to attend class or receive a bill does not absolve me of my financial responsibility as described above.
In the event of a natural disaster, public health emergency, epidemic, pandemic, extreme weather, acts or threatened acts of terrorism or war, or any act(s) or event(s) beyond University of Delaware's control (including an executive order forbidding in-person instruction, as occurred during Spring 2020), University of Delaware may suspend, reduce, terminate, and/or modify its operations, in whole or in part, which may or may not include offering online or other alternative learning options. In any such event, University of Delaware is under no obligation to refund or credit any portion of tuition, fees, or other charges paid or owed.

Financial Aid

I understand that my financial aid, once eligibility is determined, is available on My Finances for my viewing at any time and that terms and conditions of the funds I receive can be found on the financial aid notice.
I understand aid described as "estimated" or "pending" on my financial aid notice or on My Finances does not represent actual or guaranteed payment, but is an estimate of the aid I may receive if I meet all requirements stipulated by that aid program.
I understand that my financial aid is contingent upon my continued enrollment and attendance in each class upon which my financial aid eligibility was calculated. If I drop any class before completion, I understand that my financial aid eligibility may decrease and some or all of the financial aid offered to me may be revoked.
If some or all of my financial aid is revoked because I dropped or failed to attend class or changed registration status (e.g. full-time to part-time), I agree to repay all revoked aid that was disbursed to my account resulting in a credit balance that was refunded to me.

Aid Paying to Student Account

I acknowledge I will receive financial aid for the standard fall/spring academic year in two installments (one half will disburse for fall semester; the second half for spring semester), unless otherwise noted. I understand disbursements will be made directly to my student account.
I agree to allow financial aid from my offer to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at University of Delaware, such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, parking permits, service fees, fines, bookstore charges, or any other amount, in accordance with the terms of the aid.
I understand that any federal Title IV financial aid I receive, except for Federal Work-Study wages, will first be applied to any outstanding balance on my account for tuition, fees, room and board. Title IV financial aid includes aid from Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Direct Loan, PLUS Loan, Perkins Loan, and TEACH Grant programs. I authorize University of Delaware to apply my Title IV financial aid to other charges assessed to my student account, such as student health insurance, parking permits, bookstore charges, service fees and fines, and any other education related charges. In addition, I authorize University to use my Title IV funds to pay other education-related charges from the prior year for a total of not more than $200. I further understand that this authorization will remain in effect until I rescind it, and that I may withdraw it at any time by contacting Student Financial Services
I understand that all prizes, awards, scholarships, and grants offered to me by University of Delaware will be credited to my student account and applied toward tuition and mandatory fees, unless specified otherwise. I further understand that my receipt of a prize, award, scholarship, or grant is considered a financial resource according to federal Title IV financial aid regulations and may, therefore, reduce my eligibility for other federal and/or state financial aid (i.e., loans, grants, federal work-study), which, if already disbursed to my student account, must be reversed and returned to the aid source.
I will be responsible for repaying any funds I receive that exceed my financial need or, if for any reason, I become ineligible for the financial aid. If I drop classes, withdraw, or make other academic changes, my financial aid may be adjusted and repayment may be required.

General Eligibility

I must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen to receive federal or state funds.
I understand that University of Delaware institutional funding is designed to offset tuition and mandatory fees charges, unless notified otherwise with the aid, and that institutional funding may be reduced if I receive outside funding also offered to cover tuition and mandatory fee costs.
I must be classified as a degree-seeking student at University of Delaware to be eligible for financial aid. I understand that limited graduate certificate programs may be eligible, and I should check with Student Financial Services (SFS) to determine if I would be eligible and to find out what limitations might exist. I also acknowledge that provisionally-admitted graduate students are not eligible for financial assistance.
My financial assistance is offered based on merit and/or calculated need as determined from the information provided on my admission and financial aid application forms. Further, my financial aid is subject to adjustments or cancellations due to changes in laws, regulations, appropriations, financial situation, verification, discovery of data errors, enrollment status, or residency status, to name a few examples where adjustments may be necessary.
If I am working toward a second bachelor’s degree, I may be eligible only for Federal Direct Loan(s).
I understand I am not eligible for aid restricted to undergraduate students, such as the Federal Pell Grant or Federal SEOG, if I have a bachelor’s degree or I am a graduate/professional student.
I understand that I must reapply for need-based aid each year by completing the FAFSA and demonstrate the same equivalent need (in addition to meeting other aid requirements) to have my financial aid renewed for the next year.

Enrollment Requirements

I must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credit hours minimum as an undergraduate student for all semesters or 4.5 credit hours minimum as a graduate student for the fall and spring semesters; and 6 credit hours minimum for the summer session, with a few exceptions for our Graduate online programs) to be eligible for Federal Direct Loan(s). If I am a Pell Grant recipient, I may be allowed to receive Pell at a reduced rate if I enroll less than half time.
Undergraduates must be enrolled full-time (12 credit hours per semester) to receive most types of financial aid. If I enroll less than full-time, my financial aid (including Federal Direct Loans, University of Delaware grants/scholarships, Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)) will be reduced or cancelled.
I must only be enrolled in classes required to complete degree requirements in my specified program of study as specified in the University Catalog. I understand I should work with my academic advisor to determine that the coursework I am enrolled in is required to meet graduation requirements in my program.
I understand that classes taken for audit are not eligible for financial assistance and do not count toward enrollment for purposes of financial assistance. I also acknowledge that it can affect renewing of future aid/scholarships if I do not complete a full-time course load (12 credit hours in the fall/spring semesters).
If I stop attending classes without officially withdrawing (unofficial withdrawal), I understand my financial aid may be adjusted and repayment may be required.

Student Responsibilities

If I receive any financial assistance from an outside source (e.g., a private scholarship) that is not processed through Student Financial Services, I must inform SFS.
I agree to notify SFS if I have been offered financial aid for a semester in which I do not plan to enroll.
I certify that any federal student aid funds received during the academic year will be used solely for educational expenses related to attendance during the year.
I agree to repay to UD any financial aid funds disbursed to me in error. If a mistake was made, whether by myself, SFS or another agency, I understand that federal regulations require that the mistake be corrected and funds be billed back as necessary.
I agree that to allow financial aid I receive to pay any and all charges assessed to my account at University of Delaware, such as tuition, fees, campus housing and meal plans, student health insurance, parking permits, service fees, fines, bookstore charges, or any other amount in accordance with the terms of the aid. If I wish to limit aid to pay only tuition, fees, and on-campus housing charges, I understand I must notify SFS in writing.
If requested, I agree to provide documents to verify the accuracy of information reported on the FAFSA before financial aid can be offered or disbursed.
I agree to respond promptly to all requests from SFS for additional information. If I do not respond, I understand I may be billed for a portion or all of the financial aid disbursed to me.
I understand I must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
I acknowledge that I must work in a Federal Work-Study (FWS) position to earn the FWS amount shown on my financial aid notice, as FWS funds are not disbursed into my University student account. Rather, I will receive a pay check every two weeks, just as in any other form of employment.
I agree to contact Student Financial Services prior to dropping or withdrawing from the University, as it may impact my current or future aid eligibility.
If I have been previously incarcerated, am currently incarcerated or might be incarcerated during my current term of attendance, I must identify myself to Student Financial Services to determine my financial aid eligibility.

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

University of Delaware is required by federal debt collection and consumer protection laws to be transparent with student financial policies, procedures, and requirements. To ensure the consumer/student is aware of University policies and student responsibilities, University of Delaware requires that all students accept the Student Financial Responsibility Agreement (SFRA) on an annual basis. Through the SFRA, students acknowledge their obligations and understanding of the financial policies of the University. The SFRA informs students of the financial responsibilities associated with course enrollment, the student account, and financial aid, and it explains the potential consequences for students who fail to meet those obligations.

To help students understand the costs of their education and the financial policies associated with their enrollment at University of Delaware, the SFRA, in conjunction with the SFS website, e-bill account information, letters, and other documentation, helps explain the University's expectations for payment, and allows University of Delaware to clearly inform students of its policies related to billing, late payment, contact methods, etc.

SFRA >

Merit scholarship Terms & COnditions

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Guidelines

The following guidelines govern institutional scholarships offered to undergraduate matriculated (degree-seeking) students at the University of Delaware (UD):

To receive a university scholarship, a student must be degree-seeking and continuously earning at least 12 credit hours per semester. Scholarships are only applied to tuition and mandatory fees, unless notified otherwise with the offer.
Students must review their financial aid notices to confirm the specific criteria of aid they have been offered. In general, for renewability each year, students must earn at least 12 credits each consecutive Fall and Spring Semester (passing grades are defined as D- and better or P for Pass/Fail courses). Recipients must also maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA). Students who meet the minimum requirements will have their scholarships automatically renewed for the following school year.
Any student who enrolls at another undergraduate institution and subsequently transfers to the University of Delaware will not be eligible for the institutional scholarship(s) originally offered.
Students receiving any type of music scholarship who do not participate in a departmental large ensemble will be in jeopardy of losing the funding. Students who declare a change of major from music to non-music will have the option to appeal with the School of Music Executive Committee, but appeals are not guaranteed.
Scholarships are available for up to eight consecutive, full-time undergraduate semesters. Students who complete their undergraduate program in fewer than eight semesters forfeit the balance of their scholarship. Students who complete undergraduate programs in more than eight semesters will not receive scholarship assistance beyond the eighth semester.
Scholarships are available for payment during the Fall and Spring Semesters. One-half of the yearly scholarship amount will be applied automatically to a student’s account each semester. Scholarships are generally not available for Winter and Summer Sessions.
Scholarships and grants are offered based on information, e.g., state of residency, self-reported academic record, and other variables, available at the time of the offer. The Scholarship Committee may adjust aid offered at any time should a student’s information change and impact the aid amount or eligibility. Please note merit scholarships may be replaced at the University’s discretion, but the value will remain the same if you continue to meet the guidelines included in this letter. Reduction or cancelation of a scholarship may occur if you receive outside funding designed to offset tuition.
Students who receive other scholarships/grants (such as, but not limited to, tuition remission, Tuition Exchange Program, athletics, veterans benefits, or state grants) not known at the time UD funds are offered may have their scholarships reduced or canceled.
Students who enroll in a UD Study Abroad program for the Fall and/or Spring Semester may receive their scholarships during that semester provided the program is sponsored by the UD and the student is paying UD tuition for the courses being earned. Under normal circumstances, scholarship payments are not made during any term in which a student enrolls in a co-op/internship program or consortium.
Scholarships for specific dollar amounts will not be adjusted in subsequent years as the result of any tuition increase, with the exception of full-tuition scholarships.
The University of Delaware reserves the right to replace merit or need-based funding with alternative sources of gift aid, including UD endowments or federal/state funds.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Printer Friendly PDF of SAP Policy

In order for students to receive federal financial aid (including grants and loans), regulations require they maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) toward a degree, or, more simply put, be on track to complete their degrees in a reasonable time period with acceptable grades.

Student Financial Services monitors the SAP process for UD and advises students on SAP policies and procedures. The types of federal aid affected by SAP include the following:

Requirements for Maintaining SAP

SAP includes both qualitative and quantitative measures of the student's progress.

The qualitative measure establishes a minimum grade point index (Grade Point Average, or GPA) standard of 2.0.
The quantitative measure establishes
- a maximum time frame for students to complete their programs of 6 years for undergraduates with no more than 180 earned credits (graduate students may differ, and
- a minimum number of credits a student must satisfactorily complete each year equal to 67% of all attempted coursework.

Student Financial Services reviews each student's academic record at the end of every spring term. The academic record is then compared against the following qualitative and quantitative requirements of the University of Delaware's SAP Standards.

Qualitative

A student must have a cumulative grade point average of a 'C' (a 2.0 grade point index) at the end of the second year of study (defined as 60 credit hours attempted). A student may be placed on probation or dismissed for academic deficiency when the index for any semester is less than 1.23 or the quality-point deficit is more than 12.99 points. Graduate students must maintain good standing as defined in the Graduate Catalog.

For financial aid purposes, satisfactory grades are defined as A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, P, and S. Unsatisfactory grades are defined as F, L, LW, N, X, W, WF, I, and U.

Quantitative

Degrees must be earned based on one of the following schedules:

Undergraduate – First bachelor's degree must be completed within 6 years of full-time attendance or its equivalent, regardless of whether student has received financial aid. In all cases, the bachelor's degree should be earned while attempting no more than 180 credit hours.
Graduate – Students must complete degrees within 5 years (10 semesters). During this 5-year period, students have 3 years of full-time attendance or its equivalent to complete required course work (does not include UNIV 868, 869, or 969). A 7-year limit is provided for doctoral students entering without a master's degree.

To meet the time limits defined above, all students must complete for credit 67% of total credit hours attempted. This completion rate is defined as the number of earned hours divided by the number of attempted hours, where earned hours are courses in which a student has received a grade of A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-. D+, D, D-, P, and S. Attempted hours include all satisfactory letter grades and unsatisfactory letter grades previously listed, including listener or audited classes, withdrawals and incompletes. Transfer credits are counted in both attempted hours and completed hours in this calculation. Repeated courses are also included in the calculation. If a class is repeated, all of the attempted hours are counted, but only the credit hours from the highest grade for the repeated course are counted as completed. Grades for all repeated courses are counted in the grade point average calculation.

Academic dismissal will result in automatic suspension of all types of financial aid.

SAP Monitoring & Appeals

SFS reviews academic progress for all students at the end of the Spring Semester. Students who have not met all SAP requirements (regardless of whether they received financial aid) will be notified in writing that they have lost eligibility for financial aid.

A student may appeal eligibility decisions if there were extenuating circumstances which may have affected the ability to meet academic requirements. Examples of extenuating circumstances include personal or family critical illness (physical or mental), natural disaster impacts on student or family home, assault, and other circumstances outside student's control. Students looking to appeal will log in to My SFS Docs using UDelNetID and password, then complete the appeal form, explaining the situations, documenting circumstances, and developing an Academic Recovery Plan with an academic advisor. SFS will review appeals to determine whether SAP exceptions can be made.

SAP Probation

Students whose SAP appeals are approved will be placed on SAP financial aid probation.

Those students will be allowed one semester to meet SAP requirements and remain eligible for financial aid (unless otherwise specified in the Academic Recovery Plan). Students should contact SFS prior to the start of the following semester after grades have been posted to be considered for the following term. Students will be reviewed term-by-term until SAP requirements are met to ensure progress according to the Academic Recovery Plan. In the meantime, students on financial aid probation may continue to receive aid.

In addition to the Academic Recovery Plan, undergraduate students on probation are required to achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 or above, not receive an "I" in any coursework, and receive a "P" in each Pass/Fail course. (For graduate-level students, the minimum GPA requirement is determined by the academic unit.)

Students will be removed from SAP financial aid probation once successfully completing the Academic Recovery Plan. This is demonstrated by obtaining a GPA consistent with the minimum requirement for the relevant academic level and in completing an aggregate of 67 percent or more of all attempted credit hours.

Students who are placed on academic probation by their Schools or Colleges are also considered to be on financial aid probation under SAP. Students are expected to comply with the requirements of both the college or department and Student Financial Services. See note below regarding academic holds.

Failure to Meet SAP Probation Requirements

Students who do not meet the terms of financial aid probation are not eligible for aid in any subsequent semester. A written notification is sent to all students who fail to comply with the terms of the probation.

Regaining Aid Eligibility

A student can regain eligibility by doing the following and notifying Student Financial Services once the following have been accomplished:

Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours or 8 credit hours for graduate students at the University of Delaware (or as specified in the Academic Recovery Plan) without the benefit of financial aid. Students may take the credits at another institution of higher education if approved by their academic advisor; and
Achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduates (for graduate students, the GPA requirements of their academic unit); and
Complete 100 percent of attempted credit hours.

Note: A student who has lost eligibility cannot regain it by paying out-of-pocket for the enrolled classes or sitting out (not attending) for a semester.

Special Circumstance Affecting SAP Status

Students who feel SAP status and aid eligibility were affected by special circumstances can appeal through My SFS Docs with proper documentation of those circumstances (i.e,. doctor's notice, letter from academic advisor, etc.). Students filing appeals may be required to work with the academic advisor to develop a plan for achieving good academic standing.

Incomplete Courses, Poor Grades, and Withdrawal

Grades

For financial aid purposes, satisfactory grades are defined as A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, P, and S. Unsatisfactory grades are defined as F, L, LW, N, X, W, WF, I, and U. Students who fail to complete at least 67% of attempted credit hours because of incomplete grades or who withdraw from all classes will have financial aid terminated. A student may receive financial assistance for a course that was repeated.

Repeated and Not-for-Credit Courses

A student repeating a course may receive aid for that course, and both instances of the course will count toward attempted hours, though only the instance receiving the better grade will count toward completed hours. Not-for-credit courses are not eligible for financial aid so students should be sure that repeated courses are not designated as not-for-credit. Any aid disbursed toward a not-for-credit course may require repayment.

Terms with All Failing Grades

Students will be asked to verify attendance during a term in which all grades received are unacceptable (as defined above). Failure to verify attendance in each class will result in cancellation of all aid for the term.

Academic Holds and Financial Aid

The University has a range of holds, including financial, that prevent future registration by students who need to resolve various issues. SFS will not determine financial aid eligibility or release funds of students with an academic hold until that hold is removed by the School or College. Students can refer to UDSIS for additional information on any holds on their accounts.

Financial Aid Appeals

The vast majority of funding the University offers is provided to first-time, full-time fall undergraduate admits at the point of admission. Once students accept the admission offer, they must meet the aid requirements to have it renewed in subsequent semesters/years. Students who have experienced extenuating circumstances which impacted progress or financial aid eligibility may submit appeals to have eligibility reviewed. These hardship appeals require a valid FAFSA, and the University reviews the appeals primarily to see if additional federal resources can be made available to the student and family.

The types of appeals are as follows:

Satisfactory Academic Progress
Financial Hardship (Professional Judgment, SAI, or FAFSA Appeal)
Scholarship Renewal

Demonstrating financial hardship or challenges impacting academic success does not guarantee additional funding will be made available. Student Financial Services will review appeals and notify students of the results. Review times may vary based on time of year the appeal is submitted. Students are responsible for keeping current with any University billing while awaiting appeal results.

Withdrawals / Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Printer Friendly PDF of Withdrawal Policy

Students who receive financial aid must successfully complete the term(s) for which financial aid is received. Withdrawals can affect students’ current and future financial aid eligibility, as well as students’ personal finances.

The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 defines withdrawal as failure to complete the period of attendance on which federal aid eligibility was based. Therefore, this policy affects not only those individuals who complete the formal withdrawal notification process, but also those students who simply stop attending classes.

Note: With the approval of academic advising and the instructor, a student may change a registered course to audit rather than withdrawing. These courses will not appear on the student’s records. Some financial aid may be adjusted as a result of this registration change. A student may also fall out of good academic standing if the audit course causes the student to not have full-time enrollment for the semester.

Student should review the following information in advance of deciding to withdraw from the University.

Types of Withdrawals

For financial aid purposes, there are two types of withdrawals: Official and Unofficial.

Official withdrawal involves leaving the University by dropping all classes for the term.

Unofficial withdrawals occur when a student receives all failing (F) grades or a combination of fail (F) and withdraw (W) grades for the term.

Determination of Withdrawal Date

When determining the withdrawal date for an unofficial withdrawal, the last date of an academic related activity might be used. Examples of UD academic-related activities include, but are not limited to, physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students. Following are some examples of what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable academic related activities:

Acceptable

Exams, quizzes, or tutorials
Computer-assisted instruction
Completion of an academic assignment, paper or project
Participating in an online discussion about academic matters
Initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course
Required study group where attendance is taken

Not Acceptable

Student's self-certification of attendance that is not supported by school documentation
Verification of Enrollment form issued by the Registrar's Office
Living in UD housing
Participating in the school’s meal plan
Participating in academic counseling or advising

University Withdrawal Policy

Students are responsible for all tuition and fee charges for classes not dropped before the end of the free drop/add period. Students withdrawing for medical reasons may be entitled to a partial tuition rebate, depending on the number of weeks completed in the term. Medical withdrawals require approval by the Dean of Students Office. Please visit the Academic Catalog for additional information on UD's withdrawal policy and procedures.

Students who withdraw from classes are not eligible for University scholarships and grants, and those will be removed from students’ accounts. Students who return to UD after withdrawing from a semester may not be eligible for automatic renewal of University grants and scholarship aid but may have to appeal to have it reinstated.

Return of Federal Title IV Financial Aid

Special refund provisions apply for students who withdraw after receiving financial aid for a specific term of enrollment from any of the following Title IV programs:

Changes to enrollment, including termination through official withdrawal, can cause adjustments to the above Title IV federal financial aid funds. Federal regulations mandate that the Title IV aid of students who withdraw be reviewed for any possible adjustments. If the University determines students did not earn all of their financial aid, the University is required to return the unearned portion back to the federal aid programs.

Eligibility is based on the cost of education for any individual semester (or special session) to which federal aid is applied, and it is contingent upon students completing that term. The actual percentage of aid students earn is based on the date of withdrawal divided by the total number of days in the session. Students who complete at least 60% of the calendar days in any given term will be determined to have earned 100% of their Title IV aid eligibility. Anything less than 60% may result in returning federal aid to the government.

Students are required to adhere to the University’s official withdrawal policy when terminating their enrollment prior to the end of a given term. Failure to officially withdraw can result in the cancellation of any federal financial aid funds previously offered that term.

Note that any federal aid returned to the government may result in balances due on the student accounts, and it is the student's responsibility to make sure the bill is addressed in a timely manner.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement

In compliance with federal regulations, an evaluation will be done to determine if all eligible aid had been disbursed (or paid) to the student’s accounts as of the withdrawal date. If not, and the students meet the federal criteria for a PWD, the students will be notified of eligibility within 30 days of determining dates of withdrawal. After being notified of PWD eligibility, students must reply if they wish to accept the post withdrawal disbursement. PWDs would first be used toward any outstanding charges before any funds are returned to students. If no responses are received within approximately two weeks of notification, the aid will be canceled.

Complaint and State Contact Information

University of Delaware is committed to assisting all qualified and eligible students, regardless of race, creed, religion, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any status protected by law. The University will maintain and follow a published process by which students can register complaints and have their concerns and questions considered by appropriate University officials.

University of Delaware has signed a participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education that allows its students to receive funding from federal student aid programs. Offering and disbursement of all aid is made in accordance with statutes, regulations, and policies promulgated by these governing agencies and the University. Students who feel they have been treated unfairly or not in accordance with published policies can submit a written complaint to the Executive Director of Student Financial Services for a University review.

Students dissatisfied with the decision reached by the University may contact the Department of Education or the appropriate agency for the complaint for an independent review. Students are encouraged to contact University of Delaware prior to filing a complaint with any agency.

Procedural Steps for Resolving Student Complaints for the Following Concerns

Policy, Regulation, and/or Procedure

Student meets with staff member.
If not satisfied, student meets with staff member's supervisor.
If still not satisfied, student meets with supervisor's area head.
If still not satisfied, student meets with the Vice President for Enrollment Management or designee.

Teaching Faculty (other than grade or instructional issue)

Student meets with faculty member, if feasible.
If not satisfied, student meets with department chair.
If still not satisfied, student meets with Dean or designee.
If still not satisfied, student meets with Provost or appropriate Vice President.
If still not satisfied, student meets with Provost or designee.

Non-Teaching Area

Student meets with staff member.
If not satisfied, student meets with staff member's supervisor.
If still not satisfied, student meets with supervisor's area head.
If still not satisfied, student meets with Provost or designee.

Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

Student files allegation with the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

If University of Delaware is unable to reasonably resolve a problem, students can contact one of the following agencies in Delaware.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
1007 North Orange Street
4th Floor, MB #166
Wilmington, DE 19801

Delaware Higher Education Office
Townsend Building
401 Federal Street, Suite 2
Dover, DE 19901-3639
(302) 735-4000

Delaware Attorney General
Consumer Protection Wilmington
820 North French Street, 5th Floor
Wilmington, DE 19801
(800) 220-5424

Students using funds administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may send a complaint directly to the VA.

Students residing outside of Delaware may contact the state agency that handles complaints for their location. Contacts where a student may file a complaint in each state are listed below.

Student Aid Rights and Responsibilities

Understanding Student Aid Rights and Responsibilities

Applying for, Accepting, and Renewing Aid

Student Financial Responsibility Terms & Conditions

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Aid Paying to Student Account

General Eligibility

Enrollment Requirements

Student Responsibilities

Student Financial Responsibility Agreement

SFRA >

Merit scholarship Terms & COnditions

Undergraduate Merit Scholarship Guidelines

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Printer Friendly PDF of SAP Policy

Requirements for Maintaining SAP

Qualitative

Quantitative

SAP Monitoring & Appeals

SAP Probation

Regaining Aid Eligibility

Special Circumstance Affecting SAP Status

Incomplete Courses, Poor Grades, and Withdrawal

Academic Holds and Financial Aid

Financial Aid Appeals

Withdrawals / Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4)

Printer Friendly PDF of Withdrawal Policy

Types of Withdrawals

Determination of Withdrawal Date

University Withdrawal Policy

Return of Federal Title IV Financial Aid

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement

Complaint and State Contact Information

Procedural Steps for Resolving Student Complaints for the Following Concerns

Policy, Regulation, and/or Procedure

Teaching Faculty (other than grade or instructional issue)

Non-Teaching Area

Discrimination or Sexual Harassment

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