10 Points to Remember

1. Reviewing Your Award

After reading the following information, please review your online Financial Aid Award carefully. Please notify the Office of Financial Assistance if your award does not reflect your enrollment or housing plans for the year. If you wish to decline some portion of your award, so indicate.

2. Enrollment and Charges

You must enroll in 12 credits or more per semester to be considered full-time for institutional financial aid purposes. There is no institutional gift or institutional loan eligibility for less than full-time enrollment.

Students enrolled in 12-17 credits per semester will be charged one full time rate. Students enrolled in fewer than 12 hours per semester will be charged at a per credit hour rate. As long as a full-time student enrolls in either the fall or spring semester, or both, there are no additional tuition or room and board charges for interim enrollment. Additional charges could include those assessed for enrollment exceeding 17 credit hours per semester, for a single rather than a double room, suite living, or for private music lessons. A full outline of possible charges may be obtained from the Buena Vista University Business Office.

Twelve or more credits per semester will be considered full time for federal, state or institutional aid eligibility; three-quarter time, 9-11 credits, and half-time, 6-8 credits. Students who repeat previously passed courses should know that if they repeat a course for which academic credit was previously earned, that course cannot be completed a third time and be counted toward enrollment status for purposes of financial aid eligibility. Passed courses (D- or better) can only count in enrollment status for one additional attempt.

A student living on campus will have room and board charges in addition to tuition charges; these are your direct costs. For a student living in campus housing, an average room and board charge will be used when creating a student's cost of attendance.  Upon request, an actual room and board charge can replace the average that was used in the cost of attendance calculation.  Students are allowed to choose a food plan that will match eating needs. Once a food plan has been chosen, students will be allowed to change it only once within the first two weeks of each semester. A student's billing invoice will show the actual charges for room and board.

In addition to the estimated charges shown on your award notification (direct costs), it is estimated that a student living on campus will also have approximately $3,309 in expenses for books, supplies, transportation, clothing, laundry, phone, entertainment, loan fees, etc.; students living with parents $5,234, which includes a housing allowance. These estimated expenses were included when calculating your Financial Aid Award.  A student can request that additional expenses be added to the cost of attendance, with appropriate documentation.

3. Awarding and Billing

All scholarships, grants, and loans which you receive are deducted from your bill by the semester. If your enrollment plans or living arrangements change after you’ve been awarded, your aid could change. If you qualify for Federal College Work-Study or an Academic Assistantship, your earnings will be paid to you by check from the Business Office every two weeks. Do not figure this as a credit toward your bill unless you have made arrangements to apply your earnings to your balance.

Before the beginning of each semester, you will receive a bill for your remaining charges. Payment is normally due in August for the first semester and in January for the second semester. If you will have difficulty in paying the balance owed by the beginning of the semester, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance for counseling. Buena Vista University offers a convenient interest-free payment plan for those who prefer to pay on an installment basis. Additional information about this plan is available from the Business Office.

If you have been awarded a Mabel E. Sherman or McElroy Loan, you must sign a promissory note and other disclosure statements at the Business Office before credit will be granted. You will receive disclosures concerning your rights and responsibilities regarding these loans at that time.

If you plan to enroll in summer classes and wish to use any federal aid eligibility you may have, please notify the Office of Financial Assistance. There is no institutional gift aid available for summer courses.

If you plan to travel abroad during the school year, please contact the Director of International Travel. You may normally use any federal or state aid you are eligible to receive for an approved travel opportunity. In addition, aid awarded to you from BVU may also be available. You may find additional information about consortium agreements at bvu.edu/financialaid.

4. Types of Assistance

The many types of aid fall into three categories: gift, loan and work.

Gift Aid

Gift Assistance from the Federal Government

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS vary based on financial need with the maximum for a full-year, full-time award expected to be $6,195 in 2019-2020. Individual awards are determined based on federal formula. Payment is calculated for full-time enrollment (12 or more credits per semester), three-quarter-time enrollment (9-11 credits per semester), or half-time enrollment (6-8 credits per semester). Students enrolled less than half-time may also be eligible. To be considered for a Federal Pell Grant, the results of your valid aid application (FAFSA) must be received while you are still enrolled and you must complete all verification requirements within deadlines. Students enrolled in summer courses may be entitled to Federal Pell Grant funds. Students with a baccalaureate degree are not eligible

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS (FSEOG) are available to students who show exceptional financial need and, normally, who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. These grants are partially federally funded, but awarding is controlled by the University. Because funding is limited, priority is given to students who complete the FAFSA by June 1, list Buena Vista University, and have exceptional financial need. The selection policy is available from the Office of Financial Assistance.

TEACH GRANTS of up to $4,000 may be awarded to students who intend to teach and who have been accepted into an eligible program. Recipients must serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field, in a school serving low-income students for at least four years within eight years of graduation. Students who don’t complete their teaching obligation as indicated will be required to repay any funds received under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan program, with interest accruing from the time the grant was disbursed. A CGPA of 3.25 is required for renewal. Interested students should contact the Office of Financial Assistance for additional guidance, including cancellation options.

Gift Assistance from the State of Iowa

These gift sources are available to Iowa residents. If any of these resources are listed on your Financial Aid Award, they should not be viewed as official awards until your eligibility has been approved by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission. To renew any of the gift sources listed, you must normally apply by the state’s deadline, currently July 1, and meet other eligibility requirements. In the event that available state funds are insufficient to pay the full amount of each approved grant, the Iowa College Student Aid Commission has the authority to administratively reduce the maximum award to an amount less than the statutory maximum.

IOWA TUITION GRANTS are available, based on financial need, for full-time undergraduate study and for less than full-time enrollment. The full-time award was  $5,650 for 2018-19 (subject to change for 2019-20). The grant may be renewable for a total of eight full-time semesters of study and may be used for tuition only.

IOWA NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS are available to Iowa residents who are members of an Iowa Army or Air National Guard unit while enrolled in higher education. The individual award amount will not exceed the average tuition rate for full-time students at Iowa Regent Universities. The grant was $7,725 for full-time enrollment in 2018-19.

Other gift aid programs, such as the IOWA EDUCATION & TRAINING VOUCHER GRANT, and the ALL IOWA OPPORTUNITY SCHOLARSHIP are available from the State of Iowa in limited amounts. Some awards are renewable and others are not. Go to www.iowacollegeaid.gov for more information.

Students from states other than Iowa should check with the proper agency in their state to receive information on availability of state-sponsored scholarships or grants.

Gift assistance from Buena Vista University

Academic Merit Awards

THE TRUSTEE SCHOLARSHIP is Buena Vista University’s most prestigious scholarship offered through competition. Recipients prior to the 2017-18 year must enroll full-time and may renew a Trustee Scholarship by maintaining a 3.25 CGPA and full-time status. Renewal for recipients in 2017-18 forward requires a 2.5 CGPA and full-time status.  Financial need is not required, but recipients are encouraged to submit a FAFSA. If a Trustee Scholarship recipient is eligible for federal or state gift funds, the amount available may be subtracted from the Trustee Scholarship. The total of all gift aid will never be less than the BVU tuition charge. An individual’s financial need and direct charges may limit total gift aid (which would include outside scholarships) received.

MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIPS, are awarded through competition. Recipients will be eligible to renew a Multicultural Scholarship by meeting criteria established through the selection process, full-time status and a 2.5 CGPA. FAFSA completion is encouraged. Any federal or state gift funds a Multicultural Scholarship recipient receives may be subtracted from the Multicultural Scholarship. The total of all gift aid will be limited to direct costs.

EDUCATION FOR SERVICE SCHOLARSHIPS are full-tuition scholarships awarded up to 10 students each year. Eligible applicants will be from Buena Vista County, will have earned a 3.0 or better high school CGPA, and will be a first generation college student. Eligible student must also demonstrate considerable  financial need and must be Federal Pell Grant and Iowa Tuition Grant eligible. Recipients will serve as Iowa College AmeriCorps volunteers in Buena Vista County communities to build on valuable personal, leadership, and professional skills. The total of all gift aid will be limited to direct costs.

MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS/GRANTS of $2,000-$22,000 per year would have been awarded for a student’s first year at BVU based on meeting certain academic requirements. If a student is eligible to earn scholarships through BVU's RaiseMe program, they can utilize the platform to track their progress toward their merit award from BVU. Students can see their minimum guaranteed amount of scholarships from BVU on RaiseMe, and may ultimately receive more money upon applying and being admitted to BVU. Students enrolled full-time are eligible to renew their individual merit award, based on the renewal requirements presented at the time the award was made (normally requires a 2.5 CGPA). For more information on the renewal requirements for a specific award, please contact the Office of Financial Assistance. There is no limit on the number of renewal awards available, but only students awarded a merit award as a new student are eligible to be considered for renewal of that award subsequent years.

Living arrangements will affect the amount of the award.

BUENA VISTA TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS are awarded based on the student’s college grade point average. There is no limit to the number of awards available. Continued full-time enrollment is required. The number of renewal years will be dependent on hours accepted into the program. Please check with the Office of Financial Assistance on individual award renewal requirements.

All students are given two semesters before a CGPA will be reviewed to determine if renewal requirements have been met for a merit award. Students will be allowed one additional probationary semester if the renewal CGPA isn’t met. On a case-by-case basis, students who aren’t able to renew an award may be considered for need-based funding to partially replace the merit-based award, or they may be awarded a lower value merit award.  Full time attendance is required for all institutional gift aid.

Other Awards

FINE & MEDIA ARTS AWARDS were available in various amounts to recognize and reward students who demonstrate talent and wish to participate in these areas while in college. Awarded full-time students are eligible to renew the awards by meeting participation criteria provided to them when selected.

THE FOUNDERS AWARD is available to new students who visited campus by a yearly deadline. Only students who previously qualified are eligible for renewal.

Some students who compete for a Trustee or Multicultural Scholarship, but are not selected, had the opportunity to receive a Fisher or Halverson Scholarship.  These scholarship are renewable for those students awarded as a new student.

SIBLING GRANTS are available to any student who has a sibling enrolled. Students will receive a $500 grant for each year of simultaneous enrollment on the Storm Lake campus. The number of awards available is not limited. Financial need is not required.

NATIONAL PRESBYTERIAN SCHOLARSHIPS of up to $1,500 per year are available to students who show need and apply to the National Presbyterian Church by the yearly deadline. The student’s first year award may be renewed provided the student continues to show financial need and maintains the required CGPA. The number of awards available is limited.

BUENA VISTA GRANTS are issued to some full-time students. Financial need and the total of other BVU gift aid awarded will determine if an award is made. Students must continue to make satisfactory academic progress to renew the award. The number of available awards is limited.

In addition, gifts from friends of BVU, organizations and special endowments are used to fully or partially fund the scholarship or grant funds awarded. We will provide students with more information about the people and funds behind our grants/scholarships at a later date. Recipients will be asked to write a letter of thanks to the donor responsible for funding the various scholarships/grants received.

Enrollment or living arrangement changes could affect institutional aid eligibility.

Institutional gift aid is not available for summer school, for part-time enrollment or for students with a baccalaureate degree. Institutional gift aid may also not be available in some consortium agreements with other institutions. All BVU funds will be renewable for a maximum of four years, unless otherwise noted.

Loans

Loans provide students with an opportunity to defer part of the cost of the education by borrowing now and repaying later at a reduced rate of interest. However, before deciding whether to accept or pursue a loan, carefully read the following section. We urge students not to take a loan for an amount larger than necessary. We also encourage consideration of both part-time employment and cutting down on expenses as ways of keeping aggregate loan debt to a minimum. Students should keep track of the aggregate total of their loans.

FEDERAL DIRECT LOANS are available to students enrolled at least half-time (six hours). The federal government offers loans with an interest subsidy, if you show financial need, and loans without an interest subsidy. If eligible for the interest subsidy, the government will pay the interest on this loan until a student graduates, withdraws or drops below half-time status, and during the 6 month grace period.  If eligible for an unsubsidized loan, you will be responsible for the interest charge upon receipt of the loan, but payment may be deferred. Be advised that the grace period "interest subsidy" was eliminated for Federal Direct Subsidized Loans made on or after July 1, 2012 and before July 1, 2014.

Dependent freshmen will be eligible for up to $5,500 a year ($3,500 subsidized maximum), sophomores $6,500 a year ($4,500 subsidized maximum), and all other students $7,500 a year ($5,500 subsidized maximum). The totals represent the maximum that a dependent student can borrow in a combination of the subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

There is an aggregate Direct Subsidized Loan maximum of $23,000 for dependent undergraduate students and $31,000 in aggregate maximum for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans.

Dependent first or second year student whose parents are denied a Direct PLUS Loan my be eligible to apply for up to $4,000 in additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan funds per year. Those students beyond the sophomore level may be eligible for an additional $5,000 per year.

Independent freshmen will be eligible for up to $9,500 a year, sophomores $10,500 per year, and all other students $12,500 per year (see the maximum subsidized amounts per grade level above). The totals represent the maximum that an independent student can borrow in a combination of the subsidized and unsubsidized loans. There is an aggregate maximum of $23,000 for subsidized direct loans and $57,500 total for a combination of subsidized and unsubsidized loans for independent undergraduate students.

A student’s individual eligibility will be shown on the award letter

If a Direct Loan is included in your financial aid award and you have indicated that you would like to take advantage of this aid source, you will be asked to sign a Master Promissory Note during your first semester of borrowing. If the promissory note has been returned and approved, the funds will be available to you at the beginning of each semester. After signing the Master Promissory Note the first time, a new note will normally not be required for subsequent borrowing. Students are encouraged to keep track of aggregate federal student loan funds borrowed at www.nslds.ed.gov.

The amount of your disbursement will equal the amount you request minus an origination fee. The origination fee will be 1.062% as of October 1, 2018 (subject to change October 1, 2019). The loan will also normally be divided into two disbursements for students enrolled for a full year. All first-time borrowers are required to receive entrance counseling before loan funds will be disbursed.

BVU must receive the results of a FAFSA and a Direct Loan must be originated while the student is still enrolled in the enrollment period for which the loan is intended.

FEDERAL DIRECT PARENT LOANS (PLUS) are available to parents who have a dependent child in college; parent must be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. These loans are guaranteed by the federal government. Individual eligibility is determined by subtracting other financial aid from the cost of education and credit analysis. There will be an origination fee, currently 4.248%, subtracted from the disbursement(s). Financial need is not a prerequisite. Monthly repayment, with a 7.6 percent interest rate (subject to change), begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. A parent borrower may request a forbearance while the student is enrolled at least half-time. The borrower may usually take 10 years to repay the loan. For additional information, contact our Office of Financial Assistance or go to www.bvu.edu/loans.

Loan terms are subject to change.

ALTERNATIVE LOANS are available to students, or parents of students, attending BVU on at least a half-time basis. Loan eligibility is determined by the borrower’s credit worthiness and out-of-pocket expenses. The interest rates vary by program. The borrower may take up to 20 years to repay. Principal payments may be deferred, in most cases, while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Financial need is not a prerequisite. For more information on loan options and our preferred lender process, please contact our Office of Financial Assistance or go to www.bvu.edu/loans.

In addition, a MABEL E. SHERMAN LOAN or a McELROY LOAN may supplement or partially replace the loan options mentioned earlier. If such a loan is offered to you, please check with the Business Office regarding the interest rate and repayment terms. The number of loans available is limited.

Work Opportunities

Work opportunities allow eligible students to earn the amount shown on their Financial Aid Award at a part-time job provided on or off campus. Paychecks are issued every two weeks and are not deducted from a student’s bill unless arrangements have been made.

FEDERAL COLLEGE WORK-STUDY is the need-based program, funded by both the federal government and the University, which provides most of the available part-time jobs. Priority is given to those students who complete the FAFSA by June 1. Funding is limited. The amount indicated on your award offer is the maximum that may be earned. The award could change if your enrollment status or living arrangements change. Every effort will be made to match your abilities, experience and class schedule with an appropriate position that will provide career-related experience.

Some students choose to work less than their allotted amount, but most find that their work hours do not affect the time needed for studying. Work-study positions are also available at various sites off-campus. The BVU selection policy is available from the Office of Financial Assistance.

ACADEMIC ASSISTANTSHIPS are awarded to full-time students without regard to financial need and are designed to provide academic experience outside of the classroom. If you have been selected for one of these positions, you will receive valuable experience working closely with faculty on teaching or research projects. A 3.2 CGPA is required for consideration.

Institutional Work-Study is a non-need based enrollment program offered through BVU.  Funding is limited.

Students eligible for employment through BVU will be provided with a contract that specifies the terms and conditions of employment, prior to employment.

5. Reporting Other Financial Aid

Any financial aid which you may receive from sources not listed on your aid award, such as a scholarship or loan from a local or private organization, military benefits, or Vocational Rehabilitation benefits, must be reported to the BVU Office of Financial Assistance. Financial assistance which has been awarded through the University is subject to change upon receipt of other assistance. The receipt of aid/benefits that pay all or a large portion of a student’s charges will affect institutional gift aid previously awarded. When notifying the Office of Financial Assistance of any outside aid, please list the name and total amount of the award, and the anticipated disbursement date(s).

6. Verifying Family Financial Information

If a question arises concerning information reported on your confidential application for financial aid or your application is selected for verification by the Department of Education, BVU reserves the right to verify such information. Your financial aid award is subject to change if verification procedures result in a different calculation of need or if other conditions exist which change your aid eligibility. No aid will be disbursed until the required documentation is received.

For all federal funds, we must have the results of your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with an official expected family contribution (EFC) that shows the application data was processed at least once while enrolled.

In addition, for campus-based and Federal Direct  Loan funds, recipients must submit required documentation no later than 30 days after the last day of enrollment or the last day allowed by law if that date occurs first. For Federal Pell Grant funds, all documents must be received, and any changes made, before the last day  allowed by law. Earlier deadlines may apply to specific aid programs as detailed below. Late disbursement rules will be followed when necessary.

If the deadline is met and changes in the information reported are needed, we will send those changes to the Department of Education and the student will receive a revised Student Aid Report (SAR) which will reflect the changes made. If eligibility for aid should change, a revised award will be sent. For a student whose application is being verified, if we receive a corrected valid SAR/ISIR after the last day of enrollment, BVU must award and pay Pell Grant on the higher EFC calculated.

A student will not be allowed to begin employment in the federal work study program until requested documents are received nor will credit be given for any aid. For Federal Direct Stafford Loan or Federal Direct PLUS consideration, verification requirements must be met before we can make a loan disbursement and the loan must be certified on or before the last day of attendance.

If a student’s application is selected after federal aid has been disbursed, the student is entitled to keep any work study payments made (but the student will be asked to cease working until requested materials are received) and any Federal Direct Loan funds disbursed. All other federal or state aid will be removed from the student’s account until the verification process is completed.

For funds from the State of Iowa, verification requirements must be met before payment rosters are due. Please contact us if you question a date.

A student will forfeit eligibility for federal and state aid if the verification process isn’t completed by these deadlines.

7. Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations mandate that colleges and universities determine whether a student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress each term before he or she can receive federally-funded (Title IV) financial aid. Each institution has developed its own guidelines and BVU’s guidelines can be found below (the policy can also be found on our web site). These conditions also apply to state aid and aid provided through Buena Vista University.

The Standards

Financial assistance satisfactory academic progress will be measured by the student’s cumulative grade point average (cgpa) and the percentage of hours earned in relation to those attempted (pace).

1. Cumulative grade point average

Because the transition to university learning is challenging, first and second year students are allowed time to build their CGPA to a 2.0 as they accumulate credits. A student is considered to be making financial assistance satisfactory academic progress by earning a cgpa above the ranges detailed below. A student’s cgpa will include those grades associated with BVU credits only; grades earned at other institutions are not included.  The second and any subsequent grade(s) for repeated coursework will be used in the CGPA computation.  Only the first grade will be omitted from the grade point average.

2. Pace

Adequate progress towards degree completion is measured by an appropriate ratio of credit hours earned in relationship with credit hours attempted. Students must complete 67% of the hours attempted to be making satisfactory academic progress. Withdrawing from courses, earning NC (no credit) and/or failing courses may ultimately result in not achieving the necessary completion rate which would allow a student to graduate in the time allowed (see Maximum Timeframe for Financial Assistance below). A student is considered to be making adequate pace towards degree completion if the 67% is met.

Upon admission, transfer students are assumed to be making satisfactory academic progress. Courses successfully completed at another institution that fulfill degree requirements at BVU will be included in pace calculations.

All courses completed at BVU are included in the analysis of academic standing. BVU does not use incompletes as a grading option. If a course is repeated, the repeat(s) will count in attempted hours for pace calculation purposes.

8. Withdrawing from BVU

Withdrawal process

This policy will assist students who feel the need to completely withdraw from the university after a semester has begun but before its conclusion. For a student who officially withdraws, the withdrawal date will be the earlier of the following (unless a later date can be documented):

• The date the student begins the official process mentioned below, or
• The date the student officially notifies the institution of intent to withdraw

If a student triggers both definitions above of official withdrawal on different dates, the university will use the earlier date, unless a later academically related activity can be documented. An academically related activity is defined as one that has been confirmed by an employee of BVU, such as taking an exam, actively logging into the coursework, turning in a class assignment, attending a study group, etc. Occupying a room in the residence halls or eating in the cafeteria are NOT considered academically related activities and can have no bearing in withdrawal date determination.

Official notification can come in written form, via telephone, in person, or through e-mail and should be made with the Office of Student Success. Once initial contact is made, the Office of Student Success will ask the student to complete a withdrawal form. The student will also be asked to visit certain offices on campus to complete processes with each. This process must also be followed for withdrawal from online courses.

The Office of Student Success will then contact each affected office to provide the official withdrawal date. This date will then be used in the refund calculation. (See Return of Title IV Funds Policy in the college catalog for more information.) No refund will be required for a withdrawal that occurs after sixty percent of the enrollment period. (The Interim enrollment period will be added to the spring semester when appropriate).

If a student begins but does not complete semester coursework, but does not officially withdraw as described above, they will be considered to have unofficially withdrawn. One example of a student who unofficially withdraws could be one who receives only failing grades for a semester. The withdrawal date for a federal aid recipient who doesn’t complete any courses, and doesn't official withdrawal, will be the midpoint of the payment period unless a later last day of academically related activity can be documented. No refund of federal aid will be required for a withdrawal that occurs after sixty percent of the payment period has passed.

If a student unofficially withdraws, he/she will be fully charged for tuition. In addition, any resident student who unofficially withdraws will receive no refund of that semester’s room and board charges. If a student left without notification because of circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as those mentioned below, BVU might determine a withdrawal date related to those circumstances. In addition, a withdrawal date determination can be appealed for extenuating circumstances such as:

• Illness.
• Accident.
• Grievous personal loss.
• Or other circumstances beyond the student’s control.

The appeal request should be made through, and will be approved by, the Office of Student Success. The student or an interested party can initiate this process.

A student can rescind a withdrawal by providing a written request to the Office of Student Success.

Students who cease to be academically engaged may also be administratively withdrawn. Administrative withdrawals will be treated as an unofficial withdrawal for federal aid consideration. The full administrative withdrawal policy can be found under the academic program policies & particulars section of the catalog.

If disciplinary action results in the loss of any college or college-contracted service for the student, there will be no refund of charges. Federal aid will be returned based on the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.

If a student wishes to request a leave of absence instead of withdrawing, he/she should contact the Office of Student Affairs to begin that process. Under this policy, a leave of absence will be treated as an official withdrawal.

The Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Financial Assistance can be contacted with questions concerning the withdrawal process. The Office of Financial Assistance and/or the Business Office can be contacted concerning the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.

Institutional Charges and the Return of Institutional and State Aid Policy for Withdrawals

Students who withdraw completely from Buena Vista University will have their tuition, and applicable room and board reduced on a percentage basis up to four (4) weeks into the semester. Correspondingly, adjustments to a student’s institutional and state aid will be made based on their official date of withdrawal and the same percentage. The Business Office will notify the student of their final billing information after all of the appropriate adjustments have been made. Any additional fees a student accrues, will not be adjusted and the student will be fully charged for the fee.

The institutional charges & state/institutional aid reduction percentage schedule will be:

• 1st week of classes: 95% return of charges & state/institutional aid
• 2nd week of classes: 75% return of charges & state/institutional aid
• 3rd week of classes: 50% return of charges & state/institutional aid
• 4th week of classes: 25% return of charges & state/institutional aid

All students taking Summer-Term courses related to Summer Trips will be fully charged on the first day of classes.

9. Reapplying for Financial Aid

You must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Unless specifically awarded for more than one year, the financial aid which you receive is not automatically renewable. Because financial need depends on variable factors, such as college costs, family income, assets, etc., your aid award may fluctuate from year to year. However, the University does its part to help you in obtaining as much aid as possible each year. Eligibility for federal aid is exhausted when a student has completed all required coursework for his/her program of study.

10. Rights and Responsibilities

In addition to the information provided here and in our Undergraduate Academic Catalog and our web site, you may also ask for and receive information on any of the following by contacting the Office of Financial Assistance:

1. How your financial need was calculated and the percentage of your need that has been met with financial assistance
2. Each type and amount of assistance in your Financial Aid Award and how you were selected as a recipient
3. How to receive a review or reconsideration of your aid award if you feel an error has been made or if your financial situation changes

In addition to the policies you have found in this document, there are a variety of policies and reports available on our website at: www.bvu.edu/about/consumer_information. These reports will give you some additional insight into your BVU experience. In addition to those policies already mentioned, a partial list of what you will find is listed below:

• Academic Honesty/Copyright Infringement Policy
• Academic Programs
• Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data
• Completion/Graduation Rates
• Drug Awareness and Abuse Prevention Strategies
• Policy on Financial Aid Eligibility Following a Drug Conviction
• Family Rights and Privacy Act
• BVU Code of Conduct for Educational Loans
• Job Placement Information
• Campus Security and Crime Report
• Student Body Diversity Report
• Transfer of Credit Policy
• Book Voucher Policy
• BVU Retention Rate
• Special services and facilities for individuals with disabilities
• Accreditation of academic programs

As a student, you also have the following responsibilities:

1. Review and consider all information about Buena Vista University before you enroll
2. Pay special attention to your application for financial aid, being sure to complete it accurately and submit it on time and to the correct place
3. Know all the deadlines for applying or reapplying for aid and meet them
4. Provide all documentation, corrections and/or new information requested
5. Notify us of any changes in your original application information
6. Read, understand and keep copies of all forms you’re asked to sign
7. Repay any student loans you have: When you sign a promissory note, you are agreeing to repay the loan
8. Complete both an entrance and exit interview if you have a Federal Direct Loan, any institutional loan, or a TEACH Grant
9. Notify Buena Vista University of a change in your name, address or enrollment status
10. Understand the Buena Vista University Withdrawal and Institutional Charges Policies
11. Understand the BVU Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Eligibility Requirements

Federally Funded Programs

1. Demonstrate financial need*
2. Have a high school diploma, a G.E.D., or demonstrate an ability to benefit from the program
3. Be enrolled at least half-time* and as a regular student
4. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
5. Make satisfactory academic progress
6. Sign various educational statements and submit any required documentation
7. Be current on all previously borrowed educational loans
8. Release FAFSA data to BVU while still enrolled

State Funded Programs

1. Demonstrate financial need*
2. Meet Iowa residency standards and be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
3. Make satisfactory academic progress
4. Apply by the July 1 deadline*
5. Be current on all previously borrowed educational loans

*Unless otherwise noted in the program description.

Buena Vista University does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion or religious belief, citizenship status, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, military service or affiliation, genetic information, age, or any other basis protected by federal or state law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships and loan programs, athletic program, and all other University programs and activities, and does not tolerate such discrimination or harassment of and by its faculty, administration, staff, students, and visitors.

Sex discrimination is prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. It addresses all forms of sexual discrimination, including sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault and intimate partner violence. Buena Vista University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in conformance with Title IX.