Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

Tuition and Fees

Office: Student Account Services
Location: Lucas Administrative Center 235
Telephone: 859-572-5204
Fax: 859-572-6087
Email Address: studentaccountservices@nku.edu
Web Address: http://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices
Director: Kim Graboskey
Other Key Personnel:

Associate Director: Ashley Jackson
Assistant Director: Brandon Billiter

The Office of Student Account Services is responsible for assessment and collection of student tuition and fees. Office hours are subject to change as necessary and are posted outside the office and on the Student Account Services website (http://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices).

Because the complete tuition rates are not officially approved until after the catalog is finalized for publication, it is not possible to include the tuition schedule in this catalog. The information is available at the Student Account Services website, and students should review it carefully. Students should be certain to note that there are different tuition classifications:

1. Resident and nonresident rates.
2. Rates for online majors.
3. Rates for full-time and part-time students.
4. Graduate and undergraduate rates.
5. The former undergraduate Metro rate (prior to Fall 2017 only) is being phased out over the next 6 years.  Effective Fall 2017 - New incoming full-time students who live in the following Ohio and Indiana counties may be charged the regular non-resident rate but qualify for the Tuition Incentive Program. Additional information can be found here: (http://admissions.nku.edu/tip.html). This applies to Ohio residents from certain counties (Adams, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clermont, Clinton, Cuyahoga, Darke, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Licking, Lorain, Pike, Preble, Madison, Miami, Montgomery, Pickaway, Ross, Scioto, Union, Warren) and Indiana (Clark, Hamilton, Marion).
6. A special rate (Indiana rate) for undergraduate, degree-seeking students from selected counties in Indiana (Dearborn, Franklin, Jefferson, Ohio, Ripley, and Switzerland).
7. A special rate (Ohio Reciprocity) for undergraduate students who are working on an initial bachelor’s degree and meet the following three conditions:
   1. Are a resident of certain Ohio counties (Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, or Warren).
   2. Have an associate degree from one of the following Ohio institutions: University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash College and UC Clermont College), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Clark State Community College, Miami University- Hamilton, Miami University- Middletown, or Southern State Community College.
   3. Have submitted all necessary credentials to the NKU Office of Undergraduate Admissions by appropriate deadlines (fall deadline is August 1, spring deadline is December 1, and summer deadline is May 1).
   4. The following programs are excluded from this tuition program: early childhood education (birth-kindergarten), and nursing.

Accelerated Online Major Students Only

Please refer to Accelerated Online Major Students Only FAQ’s website located at this web address: https://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices/faq/online-program.html There are billing related issues specifically for the AP online majors that are addressed on the website.

Registration Agreement

By registering for classes, you (the student) enter into a legally-binding contract to pay all tuition and fees, including any non-refundable fees.  Please refer to the NKU Registration Agreement - Terms and Conditions, which is acknowledged by acceptance upon class registration, at the following website: (http://studentaccountservices.nku.edu/agreement.html)

Fees

Like the tuition schedule, the official fee schedule is approved too late to be included in the catalog. Information about fees is included on the Student Account Services website (http://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices). Here is a list of some of the fees that students may encounter after enrolling at NKU:

1. Course fees - Information concerning specific class fees can be found by clicking the class fee list under the Course Fees section on the Tuition and Fees page (http://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices/tuition).
2. Late registration fee - Students registering as of the first day of the term will be assessed a late registration fee.
3. NKU installment plan enrollment fee - Students not paid in full by the original due date of the semester will automatically be enrolled in the NKU installment plan and charged a $50 payment plan enrollment fee for participating in the installment plan.
4. Account maintenance fees - Any outstanding balances at the end of each month will be assessed a 1.25 percent account maintenance fee.
5. Returned check fee - Students whose checks are returned to the Student Account Services Office as unpaid will be charged a fee.
6. Graduation fee - Students are charged a fee at the time they apply to graduate.
7. Campus recreation fee - All students are charged an additional, per credit hour student recreation center fee as approved by Student Government Association and NKU’s Board of Regents.

Account Statements

Account statements are sent ONLY to the student’s NKU email address. Account statements are not sent via the U.S. Postal Service. They are sent once a month. Students should be sure to regularly check their NKU email accounts. Failure to read the email statement does not relieve the student of the financial obligation to the university.

Payment Methods

1. Online via myNKU - Biller Direct Tab
   • E-check payments (no fee) and credit cards (VISA, Master Card, AMEX and Discover) accepted (2.5% service fee).
2. By Mail - Student Account Services, AC 235 Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY 41099.
3. In Person - The office is located on the second floor of the Lucas Administrative Center.

Please note, for your safety and ours, effective January 1, 2018 cash payments* on student accounts at our office will be limited to $5,000 per semester.  NKU encourages all students to pay electronically via E-check from their domestic bank of choice.  E-check payments are free and easy to do via the student’s myNKU payment portal account.  Detailed directions can be found on the Student Account Services website:  (https://inside.nku.edu/studentaccountservices)

*Additional monetary instruments considered as cash payments include:

1. Cashier’s Check
2. Money Order
3. Traveler’s Check

****Personal checks will be accepted without limitation****

NKU Installment Plan

Students who do not pay their bill in full by the original tuition due date will automatically be placed into the NKU installment plan. Students entering the installment plan will be charged a payment plan enrollment fee of $50 and will be assessed a 1.25 percent account maintenance fee each month. Payments are due according to the following schedule:

1. 50 percent of the full balance is due on the original tuition due date.
2. An additional 25 percent is due 30 days after the start of the semester, bringing the total paid to 75 percent of the bill.
3. The balance is due 60 days after the initial due date. Accounts must be paid in full by the close of business on that day.

Cancellation of Classes for Nonpayment

Students enrolled in the NKU installment plan who do not pay 50 percent of their total charges will be at risk for cancellation of their classes for nonpayment. Minimum payment criteria must be met by the due dates to avoid course cancellation for nonpayment. Students who have their classes cancelled as a result of nonpayment remain responsible for 100 percent of their original bill.

Students who register and later change their plans for attendance should not rely on the cancellation for nonpayment or cancellation for nonattendance processes to complete administrative drops for them. Those who no longer wish to be enrolled must drop their courses via myNKU and officially withdraw for accurate determination of any financial obligation to the university.

Past Due Notices

Any student whose bill is not paid before the end of the month will be sent a past-due notice to his or her NKU email address. Any student who continues to remain unpaid by the fourth notice will receive the final warning letter at the student’s standard address on file with the university registrar as well as at his or her NKU email address. This is the final warning to a student before the account is turned over to a professional collection agency. Students should make necessary financial arrangements with the Student Account Services Office before an account is turned over to a collection agency because additional fees are incurred once the account is turned over for collection.

Collections

The student is responsible for all outstanding debts and contracts with the University, including but not limited to institutional charges for tuition & fees, room & board, parking citations and registration, library fines, course books, insurance, class resource materials etc. The University reserves the right to assess financial penalties on any indebtedness. By accepting the Registration Agreement, the student agrees to reimburse NKU the fees of any collections agency (regional or state), which may be based on a percentage at a maximum of 33.3% of the debt; all fees, costs and expenses, including attorney’s fees that NKU may incur in such collection efforts on my behalf.  Any past due accounts may be referred to an outside collection agency which could result in such fees for collection.  Any accounts sent to collection are assessed a collection fee on their full unpaid balance and are reported as a delinquent account to the credit bureaus. If the account remains unpaid at the collection agency, the account will be sent to the Kentucky Department of Revenue for collection.

Refunds

7-Day Hold

All refunds are subject to a 7-day hold before disbursement. This period is used to ensure that funds have been received by the university, allow for adjustments, and ensure accuracy of the refund being disbursed. Students who fail to receive a refund within seven days should call the Student Account Services Office at 859-572-5204.

Refund Calculations

Any refund is subject to the last day to cancel classes and receive tuition refunds for each term as published on the NKU academic calendar on the Office of the University Registrar website. A reimbursement of some or all tuition depends on when a student drops a class, or several classes, and whether the student adds other classes. Refunds are calculated based on the number of financially equivalent hours, not academic hours. This means that a student who drops and adds the same number of credits does not necessarily end up with the same tuition bill as he or she would have gotten for the initial set of courses. For example, if a student originally had 15 credit hours and dropped 5 credit hours during the 50 percent tuition adjustment period, the student would be charged for 12.5 hours (15 credits less half of 5 credits = 12.5 credits). If the student added five credits at the same time, the student would be charged for 17.5 hours. The formula to determine financial equivalent hours follows:

Previous academic hours - (dropped hours * tuition adjustment percent) + added hours = financial equivalent hours charged.

To determine refund eligibility, calculate:

New tuition charge - previous tuition charge = difference.

If the difference is negative, the student is due a refund; if the difference is positive, the student owes money to the university.

Direct Deposit

Students are encouraged to use their existing checking account to sign up for direct deposit to receive refunds. They have a choice of checking account and can change it at any time.  There is no preselection option of account.  At myNKU, go to Biller Direct Tab, then select Manage Bank Accounts, Add Account, Enter Bank Account Details, Check Box for Account to Refund, Click Review and Click Confirm. Full, detailed instructions are available on the Student Account Services website. Direct deposit refunds are sent daily.  If you choose not to set up an account, you will be mailed a check within 14 days.

Form 1098-T

NKU now electronically provides students with the Internal Revenue Service required 1098-T Tuition Statement form. The electronic 1098-T form may be used for all income tax purposes and is sanctioned by the Internal Revenue Service. By eliminating hard copies of this paper tax document and providing an electronic copy through myNKU’s web system, the risk of identity theft associated with postal delivery is reduced. The 1098-T form will be available for viewing and printing from NKU’s On-Line portal system on or before January 31st of the year following the tax year reported. All future 1098-T forms will be furnished electronically. You will receive an e-mail each January notifying you when your electronic 1098-T form is available. Electronic delivery will remain in effect each year unless you opt out and specifically request a hard copy by emailing studentaccountservices@nku.edu. 

Financial Audit

All student account activity is subject to financial audit at any time. If the result of an audit indicates a change is needed, it may include an administrative adjustment. This could result in the student owing the university more money, or it may result in the student receiving a refund, depending on the outcome of the audit.

Financial Assistance

Approved financial assistance is applied directly to a student’s account. If the assistance is not showing, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 859-572-5143 or toll free at 888-225-4499.

Students receiving financial aid may obtain a temporary deferment of their financial obligation if the financial aid process is complete (that is, estimated aid is viewable on the student’s account and covers the entire account balance owed). At the time financial aid is disbursed to the student account, the Student Account Services Office will deduct any balance due the university. Students who fail to have their financial aid in estimate status and viewable on the student’s myNKU account when the semester begins will be responsible for paying their bill and will later receive their financial aid as a reimbursement.

Third-Party Billing

Students who have a tuition sponsor (such as an embassy, government program, or any other agency/business outside Northern Kentucky University) billed on behalf of or for all their tuition and fees must provide an official authorization.

The official authorization:

• Must be on agency letterhead
• Must have an official signature
• Must include the billing address of the sponsor
• Contain the name and phone number of a contact person
• Specify the length of the sponsorship
• Specify what fees or portion of fees the sponsor will pay

Once the documentation is provided, the student account will be credited and the sponsor will be billed directly.

If authorization is not received, the student will be required to make the full payment by the published due date.

Note: Changes to the student’s schedule may affect the authorized payment amount. A student should contact the Student Account Services Office immediately if changes to the schedule affect the tuition and fees charged.

Tuition Reimbursement for Employed Students

In order to comply with federal regulations surrounding Truth-in-Lending disclosures, Northern Kentucky University does not have an Employer Reimbursement Plan.  If a student is receiving tuition reimbursement from their employer, the student will initially be responsible for paying the first semester up front through a variety of options (i.e. government loans by filing the FAFSA, alternative loans, savings, etc.) or any combination of these and other financial resources. Once they complete their first semester, they can use the reimbursement that they receive from their employer to pay for the next semester, and continue this process for subsequent semesters until the final employer reimbursement is made, at which time those funds can go to pay off any loans that were taken out and/or replenish any savings that were depleted to fund the first semester.  At the end of each semester, the employer will usually ask for a copy of an account statement indicating the balance has been paid and by what means.  The student may print off their account statement via their myNKU account under the Biller Direct tab and the Pay Your Bill link.  To avoid any additional fees, the balance will need to be paid in full by the tuition due date each semester.  Students are automatically enrolled in the NKU Installment Plan if they have not paid their account balance by the tuition due date.

Veterans’ Benefits

Students eligible for veterans’ educational benefits should contact the Veteran’s Resource Station in University Center, Room 131 or at 859-572-7867 prior to registration.

Official Withdrawal from the University

When a student determines that he or she will NOT be attending NKU for the upcoming semester, the student must drop all of his or her classes through the myNKU portal adhering to all academic calendar deadlines. IF THE STUDENT DOES NOT OFFICIALLY WITHDRAW FROM THE UNIVERSITY, THE STUDENT MAY BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TUITION AND FEES AND MAY ALSO RECEIVE FAILING GRADES FOR COURSES IN WHICH THE STUDENT IS CURRENTLY REGISTERED.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Location: Lucas Administrative Center 301
Telephone: 859-572-5143
Fax: 859-572-6997
Email Address: ofa@nku.edu
Web Address: http://financialaid.nku.edu
Director: Leah Stewart
Other Key Personnel:

Associate Director: Trenee Johnson

The Office of Student Financial Assistance creates clear pathways for students and parents to apply for and receive financial aid. Staff will employ creative and innovative approaches to provide personalized service to both current and prospective students as financial aid options are explored. The office staff continually strives to exceed the expectations of those they serve.

Financial Aid Application (FAFSA)

Students apply for federal, state, and institutional aid programs by completing the FAFSA (http://fafsa.gov). Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA online. The FAFSA is available October 1 of every year.

To be considered for aid for the academic year or for fall semester only, the FAFSA should be submitted by February 1. Applications submitted after the priority date will be considered if funds are available.

FAFSA Priority Dates

*Students who wish to apply for a summer term should contact the NKU Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic excellence or artistic talent. Freshman students who wish to be considered for scholarships must complete the admissions application requirements by February 15. The scholarship application deadline for current/transfer students is March 15 for the next academic year.

NKU provides scholarships to new freshmen and transfer students as well as current students. For a complete listing of all undergraduate scholarships, view the online scholarship listing (http://scholarships.nku.edu).

Many scholarships are renewable for additional years provided students meet specific requirements. Students should refer to the web for renewal requirements and for a full scholarship listing.

Donovan Scholars

The Herman L. Donovan Fellowship for Older Adults program allows Kentucky residents 65 years of age or older to pursue credit-bearing coursework at NKU for a degree or for personal enrichment without payment of the following fees: application/confirmation/orientation, tuition, campus recreation or course fees. Donovan scholars are responsible for books, supplies, course fees, parking, and applicable taxes. Noncredit courses are not included in this benefit. Upon applying for admission, students must submit proof of age. The tuition award is posted to the student’s account by the Office of Student Financial Assistance. Prospective Donovan scholars should follow the requirements and due dates for freshmen or transfer students, depending upon whether they are just beginning their college career or have transfer credit.

Financial Aid Eligibility

To receive financial aid, a student must be enrolled in a program leading to a degree. Transient or non-degree student enrollment does not qualify for financial aid consideration.

During any semester, a student must be enrolled for at least 6 semester credit hours to receive a student loan and 12 semester credit hours to be considered a full-time student.

In order to determine eligibility, students must be fully admitted to NKU, and they must annually complete the FAFSA if they are applying for federal or state financial aid or for other special programs that indicate the FAFSA is required. Students will not be awarded federal, state, or institutional aid until their financial aid file is complete. Students must also be maintaining progress according to NKU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy and must meet all federal, state, and institutional eligibility requirements. All estimated aid is awarded based on the number of enrolled hours.

International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. International students may be eligible for university-sponsored scholarships listed on the Office of Student Financial Assistance website. Please note any citizenship or residency requirements. International students may also be eligible for alternative loans.

Award Notification

Students who submit application materials for federal aid according to the instructions and before February 1 for fall aid will receive notices from three different sources: the federal government, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (Kentucky residents only), and NKU.

Students will receive notice with instructions to view their myNKU account online to accept or decline the financial aid offer(s). This notice will include financial aid for which the student is eligible (that is, grants, student employment, scholarships, and student loans). Upon acceptance of loans, students need to complete the required loan entrance counseling and master promissory note. These requirements can be completed online (http://studentloans.gov).

It is important for students to understand that all financial aid awards are dependent upon institutional, private, state, or federal funding. Although the Office of Student Financial Assistance fully intends to adequately fund any commitments made to the student, circumstances can change. Notification of any change to financial aid awards will be sent to the student via his or her NKU email address or via U.S. mail.

Types of Financial Aid

There are various types of financial aid that can be viewed on the financial aid website. For additional information concerning the financial aid process, prospective and current students should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance or visit the website (http://financialaid.nku.edu). The chart below lists various types of aid that are in addition to the scholarship opportunities listed elsewhere in this section.

Note: The information in this chart is current as of the date of this publication. Information could be subject to change based on federal, state or institutional adjustments.

Financial Support Options Specifically for Transfer Students

Transfer students who meet certain criteria may be eligible for awards or benefits to assist with covering their educational costs at NKU.

KCTCS Scholars Award

This scholarship is only for students transferring from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. To be considered for the KCTCS Scholar Award that pays $2,500 annually ($1,250 per fall and $1,250 per spring semester), a student must:

1. Be a legal Kentucky resident.
2. Meet the deadline for the scholarship application. The website ( https://www.nku.edu/admissions/transfer.html ) provides access to the scholarship application and gives the deadline date for application.
3. Have completed a minimum of 36 semester credit hours at a KCTCS school.
4. Have attended a KCTCS institution as the last school attended.
5. Have earned a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
6. Be eligible for regular admission to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program at NKU with no further remediation required.
7. Be academically eligible to return to the prior institution.
8. Remain in good academic standing at NKU as defined by the satisfactory academic progress guidelines used for financial aid eligibility.
9. Not have been enrolled previously as a degree-seeking student at NKU.
10. Transfer into fall or spring semester of school year.
11. Enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours in the fall and spring semesters.
12. Are not in an Online Accelerated program.

Note: Students seeking post baccalaureate credit hours or a second bachelor’s degree are not eligible.

Ohio Tuition Reciprocity

Ohio  Tuition Reciprocity

NKU has an undergraduate tuition reciprocity agreement with the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Southern State Community College, Miami University - Hamilton, Miami University - Middletown, and Clark State Community College. This agreement extends reciprocity tuition rates to residents of certain Ohio counties who meet the program/residency requirements. To qualify, students must:

1. Reside in Adams, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Fayette, Hamilton, Highland, or Warren County in Ohio.
2. Have earned an associate degree from the University of Cincinnati (including UC Blue Ash College, UC Clermont College), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Southern State Community College, , Miami University - Hamilton, Miami University - Middletown, or Clark State Community College.
3. Be working toward a first bachelor’s degree at NKU and not majoring in one of the ineligible programs (early childhood educationor nursing) .

Students who wish to be considered for this tuition reciprocity rate must submit a final transcript and all necessary credentials indicating that an associate degree has been earned by August 1 for fall semester, December 1 for spring semester, or May 1 for summer semester. This agreement and rate is subject to change or can be discontinued at any time.

Nonresident Transfer Award

This award is only for students transferring to NKU who live out of state, i.e., do not live in the state of Kentucky. To qualify for this $2,000 award ($1,000 per fall and spring semester only), a student must:

1. Be admitted to NKU by the following dates: August 1 for fall semester or December 1 for spring semester.
2. Receive a final transfer evaluation of at least 60 semester credit hours or 90 quarter hours; that is, equal to or greater than junior status from a regionally accredited institution(s).
3. Be academically eligible to return to the institution previously attended and have earned a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA.
4. Be admitted to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree program at NKU with no restrictions or academic deficiencies (a student is not eligible if the student has been previously enrolled at NKU as a non-degree, degree-seeking, or consortium student).
5. Enroll in a minimum of 12 semester credit hours in both fall and spring semesters.
6. Be a resident of any U.S. state except Kentucky or be an international student.

Students are not eligible for the nonresident transfer award if any of the following apply:

1. They are receiving Ohio tuition reciprocity or the Indiana tuition rate.
2. They are admitted to any online program.
3. They have already earned a bachelor’s degree.

An application is not required to receive this award. Awards are not tuition based and are awarded after tuition due dates.

KCTCS Nonresident Award

Effective Fall 2019: Out-of-state transfer students transferring directly from the Kentucky Community Technical College System (KCTCS) with an earned associate degree with a 2.0 GPA or greater will be eligible for in-state tuition rates. Students must be first-time transfer students to NKU and enroll full-time. 

Additional Scholarship Opportunities for Transfer Students

Other scholarship opportunities for transfer students are available online (http://financialaid.nku.edu/scholarships.html).

Student Employment

Students may elect to work to assist with meeting educational costs and living expenses.

NKU administers the federal work-study program and an institutional student employment program. NKU administers these programs in accordance with the laws, federal and state regulations, and instructions issued by or on behalf of the Department of Education as well as its own institutional policies. The federal work-study program provides funds for students with financial need as determined by the FAFSA. These funds are earned through part-time employment and assist in financing the cost of postsecondary education.

Student workers must be enrolled for at least six credit hours during the fall and spring semesters. U.S. citizens are allowed to work a maximum of 25 hours per week during the academic year and a maximum of 35 hours per week during the summer session. For summer employment, the student must have been enrolled in the previous spring or intend to enroll for the upcoming fall semester. International students are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and must be enrolled for 12 hours per semester.

Jobs.nku.edu

Cost of Attendance

The federal government requires that the Office of Student Financial Assistance establish an annual cost of attendance (COA). The COA includes tuition, room and board, books, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. The COA differs based on a student’s residency (Kentucky resident or nonresident). The COA also differs based on whether it is for an undergraduate, graduate, or law program. The COA can be prorated depending on the length of the term. Those with questions regarding a student’s COA should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

This policy will be used to determine eligibility for aid for the 2017-18 academic year. This policy is current as of the date of this publication and could be subject to change due to federal, state or institutional adjustments. Students should always review the policy on our website (http://financialaid.nku.edu) or contact our office for the most current information.

Federal regulations mandate that all students make satisfactory, measurable academic progress toward completion of a degree in order to receive federal assistance through Title IV federal grant, work, and loan programs.

First time freshman, new transfer students and new post baccalaureate students are automatically considered to be making satisfactory academic progress during their first academic year. These students will be subject to the standards of satisfactory academic progress at the end of their first academic year and thereafter. An academic year is defined as August to May.

1. NKU’s SAP standards comply with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Education.
2. These are financial aid standards only and do not replace or override NKU academic policies.
3. Academic progress will be reviewed at the end of each spring semester. For current students, satisfactory academic progress is usually determined in early June. Students who are not meeting academic progress requirements will be notified by mail.
4. The academic progress of financial aid applicants will be reviewed as NKU receives FAFSA data.
5. It is the student’s responsibility to stay informed of the university’s SAP standards and policy.

The academic progress of students will be reviewed for

1. qualitative progress (GPA),
2. quantitative progress (pace of completion), and
3. maximum time frame for degree completion.

Students must maintain satisfactory progress in all three areas whether or not they have received financial aid in the past.

Qualitative Progress (GPA)

1. Students whose academic standing status is academic warning, academic probation, or suspension are not considered to be meeting the qualitative (GPA) standards of academic progress.
2. The following chart summarizes the minimum GPA required to be considered to be in good academic standing:

Quantitative Progress (Pace of Completion)

Students must earn at least 67 percent of the total number of cumulative credit hours they have attempted. This includes all NKU coursework, remedial courses and transfer credits. Examples are below:

This student has failed the quantitative (pace of completion) standard.

This student has passed the quantitative (pace of completion) standard.

Note: Percentages are not rounded up. For example, a student who has earned 66.66 percent of their hours attempted is not considered to be meeting the quantitative (pace of completion) standard of academic progress.

Maximum Time Frame for Degree Completion

1. Students are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree before
   1. 180 credit hours are attempted.
   2. 150 percent of the hours required for completion are exceeded, if the degree requires considerably more than 120 hours to complete, as described in the catalog.
2. Students are expected to earn an associate degree before 90 credit hours are attempted.
3. The allowed time frame does not increase if you change your major, pursue double majors, or pursue an additional degree. However, students may appeal if they have experienced unusual or mitigating circumstances that prohibited them from meeting these standards.

Important Notes

1. Classes for which students receive grades of T (audit), F, NR (grade not reported), X, I, I+ or W (withdrawal) are not counted as earned hours. Incomplete coursework and deferred grades are not considered earned hours.
2. Remedial courses are counted as hours attempted and earned but are not factored into the GPA component of satisfactory academic progress. Therefore, they are subject only to the quantitative (pace of completion) measure of SAP.
3. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are counted as hours attempted and earned as well as factored into the GPA component of SAP. Therefore they are subject to both quantitative (hours earned) and qualitative (GPA) measures of SAP.
4. Change of major and students who work toward an additional degree are subject to both the qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (pace of completion) measures of SAP.
5. Transfer hours are counted as both hours attempted and hours earned.
6. Hours included in academic renewal are counted as attempted hours.

Course Repetitions

1. When a student repeats a course, the last grade prevails and the original grade is removed from the GPA computation.
2. A repeated course may only count toward enrollment status if the student is receiving credit for that course. If it does not count toward enrollment status, the student will not receive financial aid for that course.
3. For financial aid purposes, a student may only repeat a course once if he/she has previously passed the course. If a student repeats a course more than once that he/she has previously passed, the student cannot receive aid for that course.

Re-establishing Financial Aid Eligibility

1. A student ineligible to receive financial aid for failure to meet the standards of satisfactory academic progress may re-establish his/her eligibility by enrolling at his or her own expense in a subsequent term and meeting the standards according to the qualitative (GPA) and quantitative (pace of completion) measures.
2. If a student was denied financial aid because he/she did not meet the minimum GPA standard but has taken courses to bring his/her GPA up to the minimum, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance. The student’s record will then be evaluated to determine if he/she is meeting the pace of completion requirement. If the student is meeting all three components of academic progress, the student’s aid may be reinstated.
3. If a student was denied financial aid because he/she did not earn at least 67 percent of the total hours attempted due to incomplete grades, and now grades have been recorded for those hours to meet the quantitative (pace of completion) progress standard, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to have his/her aid eligibility re-evaluated.
4. If a student initially failed to meet the standards of academic progress but is now meeting the standards due to grade changes or the granting of academic renewal, the student should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to have his/her aid eligibility re-evaluated.

Appeals

1. If a student was denied their financial aid for failure to meet the academic progress standards, he/she may submit a written appeal if the student’s extraordinary circumstances have been resolved. Students should not and may not base their appeal on their need for financial aid or their lack of knowledge that their financial aid was in jeopardy.
2. Students may appeal once per academic year.
3. The appeal decision by the committee is final.
4. If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a cumulative GPA of at least 1.8 after one semester, a student’s appeal will automatically be denied.
   1. For undergraduates, this determination will be made based on the assumption of full-time enrollment (12 hours) and a 4.0 term GPA for one semester.
5. If it is mathematically impossible for a student to achieve a cumulative pace of completion of at least 67 percent after one academic year, the student’s appeal cannot be approved and will automatically be denied.
   1. This determination will be made based on the assumption of full-time enrollment (12 hours) for both fall and spring semester (total of 24 hours).
6. The Student Financial Aid Appeals Committee will review appeal requests and may grant approval for the following reasons:
   1. The death of a relative of the student.
   2. The personal injury or illness of the student.
   3. Special circumstances as determined by the institution.
7. The committee meets twice a month during June, July, and August and at least once a month during September, December, and January.
8. Appeals must include:
   1. A letter written by the student that clearly states the extraordinary circumstances that may have adversely impacted the student’s academic performance. The appeal must indicate why the student failed to make satisfactory academic progress and what has changed that will allow the student to make satisfactory progress at the next evaluation. Supporting documentation is also required. Appeals submitted without supporting documentation will not be accepted and will not be submitted to the appeals committee.
   2. Documentation to support all extenuating and/or unusual circumstance detailed in the letter. Note that documentation will not be returned; students must keep a copy for their records. NKU will not contact anyone to obtain information for an appeal.
   3. Examples of supporting documentation include copies of obituaries, documentation issued by a physician or hospital, police records, or other documentation provided by a third party professional.
   4. A student may submit a statement from his/her academic advisor, dean, or department chair, if the student feels it is appropriate.
   5. If a student is appealing due to maximum timeframe, the student must include the Maximum Timeframe Academic Plan Worksheet in addition to supporting documentation.
   6. Appeals may be approved or denied. Students will be notified of the results of their appeal. If a student’s appeal is approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation and will be required to follow an academic plan for the academic year (two semesters) based on the following:
      1. If an undergraduate student failed to make academic progress because he/she did not meet the minimum GPA, the student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 after completing two semesters. A student who does not have a cumulative GPA of at least 1.8 at the end of the first semester of financial aid probation cannot receive aid for the second semester.
      2. If a student failed to make academic progress because he/she did not meet the quantitative (pace of completion) standard, the student will be required to earn 67 percent of their hours attempted for each of the two semesters. If a student does not earn 67 percent of the credit hours attempted during the first semester of financial aid probation, he/she cannot receive aid for the second semester. Percentages are not rounded up.
      3. If a student failed to make academic progress because he/she is exceeding the maximum timeframe, the student must complete the number of hours required per semester, as indicated on the Maximum Timeframe Academic Plan worksheet. If the student fails to meet the academic plan as outlined, the student will no longer be eligible to receive federal financial aid. Students must meet the academic plan requirements each semester in order to continue to be eligible to receive federal aid.
      4. A student may not submit an appeal if he/she fails to meet the requirements of the academic plan.      
      5. If a student fails more than one standard and his/her appeal is approved the student will need to meet the academic plan requirements of each standard that he/she failed in order to receive aid for the second semester.
      6. Appeals must be received and reviewed before or during the term for which the student is requesting aid. Any appeal received after the last day of the term will be considered for the next term for which the student enrolls. Appeal decisions are not retroactive.
      7. Appeals decisions are applicable for one academic year only and do not carry over to a future academic year if the student does not enroll during the academic year for which their appeal was reviewed.

Summer Sessions

1. Financial aid recipients have a conditional period of the summer session after the spring semester. This allows students a chance to bring up their GPA or to meet the quantitative (pace of completion) progress standard. If a student previously not meeting the academic progress standards meets the academic progress standards after completing courses during the summer session, the student’s financial aid may be reinstated. Students should contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance to have his/her aid eligibility re-evaluated.
2. If a student submits an appeal for the summer session and the appeal is approved, the student must then be meeting the standards of academic progress at the conclusion of the summer session in order to be eligible for aid for future years. Students who appeal for the summer session are not able to be placed on an academic plan.

How Withdrawing from Classes Affects Financial Aid

Withdrawing from classes could result in loss of or return of a student’s financial assistance.

Nonattendance Policy

Students who do not attend their classes are subject to being dropped by their instructors for nonattendance. As a result, these students may lose part or all of their financial assistance. Any remaining balance must be repaid before the student can receive further financial assistance.

Return of Funds Due to Withdrawal

If a student completely withdraws from the university either voluntarily or involuntarily during a semester, a portion of the federal Title IV aid disbursed to the student must be returned to the financial aid programs. The percentage of Title IV aid required to be returned is based on the percentage of time remaining in the semester as of the student’s date of withdrawal. This percentage is equal to the number of calendar days remaining in the semester divided by the total number of calendar days in the semester. Scheduled breaks of more than four consecutive days are excluded from this calculation.

Percent of aid to be returned =
Number of calendar days remaining in the semester
Total number of calendar days in the semester

Example: A student who remains enrolled for 10 percent of a semester will be eligible to keep 10 percent of the total Title IV aid disbursed to him or her. The balance (90 percent) must be returned to the Title IV program(s).
Note: No Title IV aid funds are required to be returned if the student remains enrolled for more than 60 percent of the semester.

The date of withdrawal is the date a student officially notifies the NKU Office of the University Registrar of his or her intent to completely withdraw from school. If a student unofficially withdraws from school, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will use the midpoint of the semester to establish the student’s date of withdrawal.

At the time a student withdraws, the Student Account Services office will automatically use all or a portion of the student’s “institutional refund” as payment toward the amount that must be returned to the Title IV programs. The student may also be required to repay a portion of the aid funds that were directly disbursed to him or her in the form of a residual check. The student will be notified and billed for any grant funds that must be repaid immediately.

Failure to pay will result in a HOLD being placed on the student’s account, and the student will not be allowed to register for classes, obtain grades, or obtain an academic transcript. Student loan funds are to be repaid in accordance with the terms of the loan.

Funds will be returned first to the Title IV loan programs and then the Title IV grant programs in the following order:

Funds are not required to be returned to the federal work-study program.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Title IV Aid: The Office of Student Financial Assistance will determine if a student is eligible to receive Title IV funds that were awarded but not yet disbursed to the student at the time of his or her withdrawal from school. If the student is eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will first apply these funds to the student’s outstanding university charges (if any). Any remaining amount of the post-withdrawal disbursements will be mailed directly to the student.

Worksheets used to determine the amount of refund or return of Title IV aid are available upon request from the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Return of Funds Due to Unofficial Withdrawal

Federal financial aid recipients who fail to receive any passing grades in a semester are subject to federal regulations titled Return of Title IV Funds. These students are considered unofficially withdrawn as of the midpoint of the semester. Without acceptable proof of attendance or participation in an academic related activity beyond the 60 percent point of the semester, the federal Title IV financial aid credited for the term is refunded to the aid program(s) from which it came at the rate of 50 percent of university charges. Loans are refunded before grants. For example, a student with a $3,500 Federal Direct Subsidized Loan and a $2,000 Pell Grant fails all of his or her classes for a semester. Assume the charges totaled $2,000. Federal regulations require that 50 percent ($2,000 x 50% = $1,000) be refunded to the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. The student’s loan debt decreases, but the student still owes NKU $1,000 (assuming the student’s account balance was $0).

Acceptable proof of attendance or participation in an academic related activity is a letter from a professor noting the last date of a student’s presence in class or involvement in an academic related activity. Examples of academic related activities include physically attending a class where there is an opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and students, submitting an academic assignment, taking an exam, an interactive tutorial or computer-assisted instruction, attending a study group that is assigned by the school, participating in an online discussion about academic matters, and initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course. Participating in academic advising is not considered an academically related activity. Financial aid recipients who fail to earn any passing grades for a given semester are notified by mail of the deadline for submitting documentation of class attendance or participation for the semester. Included in the student’s notification is a class attendance verification form that can be completed by the professor verifying attendance. Late verification of attendance is not accepted.

NKU is required to comply with Title IV federal regulations in this manner to ensure continued participation in federally funded aid programs.

Return of Funds for Modules (R2T4)

For all programs offered in modules (a course that does not span the entire length of the semester), a student is considered a withdrawal for Title IV purposes if the student ceases attendance at any point prior to completing the payment period or the period of enrollment, unless the school obtains written confirmation that he/she will attend a module that begins later in the same payment period or period of enrollment. To determine if a student who is enrolled in at least one course offered in modules is considered a withdrawal, the student must have begun attendance in the period of enrollment, ceased to attend a course and at the time he/she ceased to attend, he/she was no longer attending any other courses as well.