How To Apply & Timeline

Applying for Financial Aid

Eligibility
FAFSA Information
Financial Aid Notification
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Verification Process
Satisfactory Academic Progress
Transferring Students
How and When Aid is Disbursed
Timeline when applying

Eligibility

To receive most types of aid, the student must meet the following criteria:

Degree Seeking
The student must be regularly admitted to, or enrolled in, either a degree-granting program or University College.

Citizen/Eligible Non citizen
The student must be one of the following to receive federal student aid:

U.S. Citizen
U.S. national (includes natives of American Samoa or Swain’s Island)
U.S. permanent resident who has an I-151, I-551, or I551C (Alien Registration Receipt Card)

If the student is not in one of these categories, he or she must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) showing one of the following designations in order to be eligible:

“Refugee”
“Asylum Granted”
“Indefinite Parole” and/or “Humanitarian Parole”
“Cuban-Haitian Entrant, Status Pending”
“Conditional Entrant” (valid only if issued before April 1, 1980)

If the student has only a Notice of Approval to Apply for Permanent Residence (I-171 or I464), he or she is not eligible for federal student aid.

If the student is in the United States on an F1 or F2 student visa only, or on a J1 or J2 exchange visitor visa only, then he or she can't get federal student aid. Also, students with G series visas (pertaining to international organizations) are not eligible for federal student aid.

Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau are eligible only for Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), or Federal Work-Study.

Enrollment
For most types of scholarships and financial aid, the student must be enrolled half-time. Half-time status for undergraduate students is:

at least 6 credit hours for fall semester
at least 6 credit hours for spring semester
at least 6 credit hours for summer I semester
at least 6 credit hours for summer II semester or
a combined total of at least 6 credit hours for summer I AND summer II semesters

Satisfactory Academic Progress and Duration of Eligibility
Students must maintain satisfactory academic performance and progress to assure completion of his or her degree objectives. The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid monitors the student's academic progress based on guidelines established by the federal government. A student must successfully complete 75% of his or her coursework, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, and complete a bachelor’s degree in no more than 160 credit hours or an associate’s degree in no more than 80 credit hours.

Selective Service
If required by law, the student must register, or arrange to register, with the Selective Service to receive federal student aid. The requirement to register applies to males who were born on or after January, 1, 1960, are at least 18 years old, and are not currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces (Citizens of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, or Palau are exempt from registering).

Not be in “Default”
The student must not be in default on a student loan. Default is the failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to when the student signs a promissory note. Default also may result from failure to submit requests for deferment or cancellation on time. The consequences of default are severe.

If the student is in default on a student loan, his or her school, the lender or agency that holds the loan, the state, and the federal government may all take action to recover the money, including notifying national credit bureaus of the student's default. This affects the student's credit rating.

In addition, if the student is in default, the agency holding the loan may ask a student's employer to deduct payments from his or her paycheck. Also, the student is liable for expenses incurred in collecting the loan. If the student decides to return to school, he or she is not entitled to receive any more federal student aid. The U.S. Department of Education may ask the Internal Revenue Service to withhold the student's income tax refund and apply it toward the amount owed.

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FAFSA Information

What is the FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for grants, loans, and work-study. In addition, it is used by SSACI for consideration of their grants and awards. The student may file the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or he or she may submit a paper copy to the processor. To award financial aid to students, IUPUC must receive the student's FAFSA data. IUPUC’s school code is E01033. Please note that the information is received by IUPUC quicker if the student applies electronically (online). This method also decreases the number of errors that might occur.

Once the FASFA is processed, the information is electronically sent to the school(s) listed on the FAFSA. In addition to the information being sent to the school(s), a paper copy of this information is sent to the student. The form the student will receive is called a Student Aid Report (SAR). The student should receive his or her SAR within 4 weeks from the time the FASFA was submitted. When the student receives the SAR he or she should review the information to make sure it is correct. If the student needs to make corrections he or she should submit the changes to the federal processor.

Completing the FAFSA and applying for student financial aid is FREE. Students should be wary of mailings or web sites that offer to submit their application or to find money for school if the student pays them a fee. Generally, any information or service paid for can be obtained for free from IUPUC or from the U.S. Department of Education.

When should a student submit the FAFSA?
The FAFSA must be submitted EACH year the student is applying for financial aid. The form is available January 1st of each year. For priority consideration, the student must file the form by March 1st of each year. If a student files after the priority deadline, he or she will still be considered for federal aid, which may include grants, loans, and work-study employment.

What is the Renewal FAFSA?
If the student applied for federal student aid last year, he or she may qualify to use a Renewal FAFSA. The Renewal FAFSA is usually mailed in November or December. The Renewal FAFSA has fewer questions to answer. Most of the information on the form will be filled in already and will be the same as the information the student gave the previous year.

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Financial Aid Notification (FAN)

What is a financial aid notification(FAN)?
Students will receive a Financial Aid Award Notification (FAN) after they are packaged with aid for the academic year. Incoming freshmen packaged with aid will receive a paper notification by mail. Continuing students will receive an email FAN notification at their IU email address. Changes made to awards after the initial FAN will be reflected on the student’s OneStart account.

What to do with it?

Read the FAN thoroughly.
Review the student’s rights and responsibilities with regard to this FAN.
Review and take any needed action for any award message codes.
Awards will be adjusted or cancelled if enrollment eligibility requirements are not met.
Awards are listed showing amounts for each semester.
The total amount of the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI) awards (Frank O’Bannon Award, 21st Century Scholarship, Child of Veteran and Public Safety Officers Supplemental Grant Program), Vocational Rehabilitation and any other tuition and or fee remissions will not exceed tuition and mandatory fees for the semester.
Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a Federal Stafford Loan.
Students will need to sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) if they are awarded a Federal Stafford loan. Students will receive an email at their IU address from Sallie Mae (the loan guarantor) in early June of academic year. This email will contain the link to the online promissory note. Students should plan to complete the promissory note information as soon as possible but no later than August 1st.
If a student was awarded a Federal Perkins or Health Profession Loan he or she will receive a notice after June 15, from Student Loan Administration with instructions on how to sign the Promissory Note.

That notice will contain the internet address where the entrance interview and promissory note information can be accessed when it becomes available. Students should plan to complete the promissory information before August 1st.
If students have any questions concerning this process they may contact Student Loan Administration at 1-866-IULOANS or 812-855-4511.

To reduce or reject an award, student should request the change via their OneStart Account. As an alternative, students can send an email request from their IU email account with the name of the award(s), the requested action (reject or reduced amount) and list their University ID to financialaidiupuc.edu.
Students should check their email account and OneStart account (To Do items) on a regular basis (at least weekly) for notifications that require their attention and action.
To change home address, visit OneStart or contact the Office of the Registrar.

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Student Rights and Responsibilities

Current law requires each eligible institution participating in Title IV financial aid programs to provide student financial assistance and other institutional information. Following is information available from Student Financial Services and other offices on campus.

The student has the right:

To know all the federal, state, institutional and private student financial assistance programs available, including both need-based and non-need-based programs.
To know the procedures, forms, deadlines, and eligibility requirements to apply for assistance; the criteria for selecting aid recipients and determining the amount of aid awarded.
To know the procedures, forms, deadlines, and eligibility requirements for a program of Study Abroad.
To know the cost of attending the University, how those costs are determined, and how the student's estimated expenses are developed.
To know what resources we have considered in calculating the student's financial need, how the Expected Family Contribution was determined, and how much of the student's financial need has been met.
To know the standards required for maintaining satisfactory academic progress for financial aid eligibility.
To know how and when disbursement of financial aid is made, the University's refund policy for costs paid to the University, and any refund due to Title IV student assistance programs.
To know the terms and conditions of any loans, employment, scholarships, or grant aid the student receives.
To know the policies and procedures used to maintain confidentiality of financial aid records. Only those individuals who directly handle the application have a right to know or access the information. IUPUC complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
To know whom to contact and how to contact financial aid personnel regarding information on student financial assistance.
To know the academic programs of the University, the facilities available, and the faculty and instructional personnel.
To know the names of bodies that accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs and how their documents may be reviewed.
To know the completion or graduation rate of students.
To know statistics on the receipt of athletic-related student aid.
To know campus security policies and crime statistics.
To know what facilities and services are available to students with disabilities.

It is the student's responsibility:

To read and consider all information about the University before the student enrolls.
To complete all University application forms thoroughly and accurately and submit them to the appropriate office(s) by required deadlines.
To accurately and honestly complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Errors can result in delays. False or misleading information is a criminal offense and is subject to a $10,000 fine, imprisonment, or both.
To use any federal, state-appropriated, or institutional financial aid received during the award year solely for expenses related to attendance at IUPUC.
To comply with the Quality Assurance Program requirements (if the student is selected), provide verification or additional information as requested by the University, and submit corrections or new information, as appropriate.
To read, understand, and accept responsibility for all forms or agreements the student signs. We recommend the student keeps copies for his or her records.
To notify the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid if the student attends two schools at the same time. The student can only receive federal or state aid at one school at a time.
To report to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid if the student is in default on a student loan or if the student owes a refund or repayment on any educational grant received from any school.
To notify the student's loan lender of changes in the student's name, address, and school status.
To perform the work agreed upon when the student accepts a work-study award.
To know and to comply with the following University policies and procedures as they relate to financial aid: enrollment status for aid disbursement, satisfactory academic progress, withdrawal, refund/repayment, and debt management.
To keep the student's address and phone number current with the Registrar.

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Verification

Verification Process
Based on criteria established by internal and federal guidelines, some students may need to complete a process called "verification". If the student is selected he or she will receive a letter explaining this process. The student will be asked to complete a verification form and provide appropriate documentation. Typically, the documentation will consist of current year Federal Tax Returns and all W2 forms.

The IUPUC Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will compare the verification form and documentation to the data submitted on the FAFSA. If changes are required, updates will be made to the FAFSA information electronically. Anytime a change is made to a student’s FAFSA data a new student aid report will be generated and sent to him or her.

If selected for verification, the student's financial aid will be placed on "hold" (this means we will not process any student loans, or credits toward the student's bursar account, and the student cannot begin any work-study jobs) until the verification form is completed. It is possible that the student's initial financial aid awards will change due to the revised FAFSA data. If this occurs, the student will receive a new financial aid notification with the revised awards listed.

Since the student's financial aid will be on hold pending verification, it is important to respond to requests for information as quickly as possible.

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Satisfactory Academic Progress

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress?
Satisfactory Academic Progress is an evaluative process required by federal regulations. Institutions are required to develop academic progress standards and review student records to assure that they are complying with the standards in making good progress toward their degree objective. Students who do not meet these standards are ineligible for financial aid for upcoming enrollment periods.

How often is my academic progress reviewed?
At least once a year your academic progress is reviewed. We evaluate all previous semesters (including any semesters in which you completely withdrew), all attempted course work, and all transfer hours, regardless of your receipt of financial aid for those enrollment period.

What are the requirements to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards?

Undergraduate students are expected to have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above.
Undergraduate students should have completed at least 75% of attempted coursework.
Undergraduate students should complete their degrees in no more than 160 credit hours of enrollment. Associate degree students should complete their degrees in no more than 80 credit hours of enrollment.
Teacher certification students must provide a statement of status from the School of Education verifying the duration of their enrollment in the program. Teacher certification is a specific exception for aid eligibility under federal regulations with aid award amounts at undergraduate levels.
Students who are in a second undergraduate degree program may be required to complete a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal to describe their academic plans. If approved, special arrangements will me made to monitor their progress.

What if I don’t meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards?
If your receive a financial aid checklist item on OneStart that indicates you do not meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, you must complete the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal available through our web site. Return the completed appeal form with supporting documentation to the address or fax number listed on the appeal form. Incomplete appeals will be returned to the applicant. Completed appeals forms must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to the end of the enrollment period. Incomplete or late submission of an appeal may jeopardize your financial aid.

Our Appeal Committee reviews each appeal to determine student eligibility for continued financial aid. The most common reasons for appeal approval are (1) a learning disability, (2) a severe injury or extended illness, (3) the illness of death of a family member. Documentation of circumstances is required. Review by the graduate program director is required for graduate students.

Where can I go for help with my academic plan or degree objective? Contact your academic advisor or use Onestart Self Service tab for academic advice.

When can I expect a response to my appeal?
Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeals are reviewed within 15 working days. No deferments of IUPUC charges will be granted during the review timeframe. You may check your appeal status by accessing the self service tab on Onestart.

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Transferring Students

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
If the student is transferring to IUPUC and plans to earn their degree from IUPUC, than he or she may qualify for financial aid. If the student is attending IUPUC and is pursuing a degree from another university, he or she does not qualify for financial at IUPUC.

If a Student will be an IUPUC Degree-Seeking Student
There are several steps involved in transferring financial aid from one campus or university to another. We suggest the student begin this process immediately to avoid delays in receiving financial aid.

Contact the Financial Aid Office at the university the student is transferring from and tell them he or she is transferring to IUPUC. If the student has financial aid at that university, the aid must be canceled in order to receive financial aid.
To receive financial aid, we must have the results of the student's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. If the student has a Student Aid Report (SAR), he or she may contact the federal processor at (800) 433-3243 and request that IUPUC be added to their FAFSA. IUPUC's school code is E01033. If the student does not have a SAR, contact the same number and request a duplicate SAR.
If the student is a recipient of a State of Indiana Higher Education Award from the State Student Assistance Commission of Indiana (SSACI), visit the SSACI eStudent website at www.in.gov/ssaci. Request the student's awards be transferred from his or her current university to IUPUC. Allow 3-4 weeks for this process. When IUPUC receives notification, we will credit the amount to the student's IUPUC Bursar account. Remember, the student must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours to receive most SSACI awards.
If the student is a recipient of the CDV award and is transferring from another IU campus or from another university, he or she must complete a new Application For Remission of Fees for a Child of Disabled Indiana Veteran or a POW/MIA form. Submit this certification to the IUPUC Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, so we can process the student's award. The student will also need to add IUPUC’s school code to his or her FAFSA. IUPUC’s school code is E01033.
If the student has been given scholarships from private donors, contact that organization and tell them of his or her change in enrollment plans. They can let the student know what steps need to be taken for their awards to be transferred to IUPUC.

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How and When Aid is Disbursed

We tell our students that applying for financial aid is a simple matter of getting the right application to the right place at the right time. At IUPUC, the only form you need to complete for initial consideration for financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Start with the FAFSA, follow the steps below, and you'll be on your way toward full consideration for grants, scholarships, loans, and employment opportunities.

1.	Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) It's the only form you will need to complete for initial consideration for financial aid at IUPUC. Submit your FAFSA to the federal processor as soon after January 1 as possible, and definitely in time to be received by March 1. IUPUC's federal school code is E01033. Be sure to enter this code for one of your college choices on the FAFSA so that we receive the results of your application once it has been processed.
2.	Apply for admission to IUPUC. It's equally important that you apply to IUPUC by February 1 of your senior year so your application can be processed before the March 1 FAFSA priority date. Late applications to IU translate into delays in financial aid processing and may limit the aid you receive.
3.	Explore your options. In addition to the aid programs covered by the FAFSA, IUPUC awards students based on their individual achievement. For many of these programs, your application for admission serves as your application for the scholarship award. Others require a separate scholarship application. Review our listing of IUPUC Scholarships for more details.

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Timeline when applying

November 1	Apply for admission to IUPUC by this priority date to receive maximum consideration for many merit-based scholarships.
January 1	FAFSA for next academic year are now available at www.fafsa.ed.gov (IUPUC school code: E01033)
March 1	Apply for admission to IUPUC by this priority date to receive maximum consideration for many merit-based scholarships.
March 10	Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the federal processor in time to be received and processed by March 10th. We recommend that you complete it as soon after January 1 as possible. The March 10th deadline is to qualify for State Grants and Twenty-First Century Scholars. The FAFSA has to be completed every year.
April - June	Fall semester financial aid awards are announced for admitted freshmen who filed the FAFSA by March 1.
June 10	All corrections must be made to FAFSA’s before June 10th to be considered for State aid. These corrections are made at www.fafsa.ed.gov and www.in.gov/ssaci
July	Fall semester financial aid awards are announced for returning, transfer, and graduate students.

For complete information on scholarships and financial aid, email Financial Aid at financialaid

iupuc.edu.