Student Financial Services

Financial Aid and Student Accounts

All tuition and fees are payable by the due date in advance of each enrollment period. Students with outstanding obligations will not be permitted to pre-register for an upcoming semester unless financial arrangements have been made with the Office of Student Financial Services prior to pre-registration. Alvernia University reserves the right to change tuition, fees, and other charges from one academic semester to the next as deemed necessary by the university to meet its financial commitments and to fulfill its role and mission.

Tuition for 2025-2026

Traditional Day Undergraduate Programs

Room and Board for 2025-2026

Housing - (out of season): $125/week

See the student handbook for details regarding meal plan requirements.

*Bonus Dollars may be used to purchase food at all food service locations. Meals and dollars must be used during the semester of purchase.

Housing Deposit:  

Incoming Residential Students:  

• Housing deposits ($300) are required for all first-year students to secure a student’s spot in our residential facilities. This housing deposit will be applied to the students first semester charges. If a student chooses to cancel their enrollment prior to May 1, the housing deposit will be refunded to the student. If a student chooses to cancel their enrollment after May 1, the housing deposit is forfeited.  

Commuter Students:  

• A housing deposit will be required of any non-residential students (commuter/off-campus) who wish to apply for housing at any point. Commuter/off-campus students who desire on-campus housing must first pay a $300 housing deposit online at Self-Service/Finances/Payment Portal (www.alvernia.edu/logins) in order to complete a housing application in the Alvernia Residential Communities Portal. A commuter/off-campus student will be assigned housing only after room selection for current resident students is complete and pending space availability. In the event there is lack of room availability, housing deposits will be refunded. If a student requests placement on a housing waiting list, the deposit will not be refunded or applied to current debt until removal from the housing waiting list is requested. After a commuter/off-campus student is assigned housing, if a student chooses to cancel their housing request prior to May 1, the housing deposit will be refunded to the student. If a student chooses to cancel their enrollment after May 1, the housing deposit is forfeited. If the commuter/off-campus student is offered housing, the deposit will be applied to the students first semester charges.   

The Student acknowledges that the University, in its sole and exclusive discretion, may elect to suspend, limit, restrict, or terminate in-person classes and/or substitute in-person classes with virtual, online or remote educational sessions or classes for reasons or circumstances or conditions beyond the University’s reasonable control including, without limitation, war or other violence (whether declared or not), invasion, act of a foreign enemy, civil war, riot, rebellion, insurrection, civil commotion or disorder, act of civil disobedience, act of terrorism, plague, epidemic, pandemic, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, including quarantine or other health restrictions, act of authority, whether lawful or unlawful, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or directive, curfew restriction, act of God or natural disaster, or general labor disturbance such as boycott or strike. In the event the University elects to suspend, limit, restrict and/or terminate in-person classes and/or to substitute in-person classes with virtual, online, or remote educational classes or sessions, the University will not be responsible or liable to refund, reimburse or credit the student for any tuition, aid, or award paid or remitted in connection with such classes.

Fees for 2025-2026

Academic Fees

Art

Artificial Intelligence

Athletic Training

Addictions and Mental Health Treatment

MSAT Program Fee

Biology/Chemistry

Business

Criminal Justice

Communication

Computer Science

Cybersecurity

Data Science

Doctorate Physical Therapy (DPT)

Education

Engineering

Healthcare Science

MACC

Nursing

Occupational Therapy

Physician Associate MMS post-baccalaureate

Check program Web page

Physical Education

Psychology

Physics

Science

Social Work

Special Education

Private Music Instruction

Registrar’s Office

Other Fees

Billing Procedures and Payment Information

Students are billed each semester. The Student Invoice is available on Self-Service on the Alvernia website (www.alvernia.edu) approximately 30 days prior to the start of the upcoming semester for every student who has pre- registered. Go to: Self-Service/Finances/Payment Portal.

Payment is due one month prior to the start of the semester and payment must be received on or before that date. Students registering after the due date are required to obtain a Student Invoice from the Office of Student Financial Services at the time of registration with payment due immediately.

Students adding a course(s) during the add/drop period are required to obtain an invoice and settle any financial obligations at that time. The amount due on the Student Invoice is the total amount of unpaid charges less any anticipated financial aid. Anticipated financial aid includes scholarships, grants, or loans for which a student is eligible but has not yet been received by the university. See the Office of Student Financial Services for details regarding financial aid awards and eligibility.

Note: The University reserves the right to cancel a schedule and require a repeat of registration for any student who does not pay his or her invoice by the due date.

For additional information call the Office of Student Financial Services at 610- 796-8201, email sfs@alvernia.edu or visit Bernardine Hall 114.

Payments

Checks or money orders should be made payable to “Alvernia University.” If sent by mail, they should be addressed to: Alvernia University, Attn: Student Financial Services, 400 Saint Bernardine St., Reading, PA 19607. Payment may also be made via Self-Service. Electronic payments from bank accounts (e- checks) can be made with no additional charge. Convenience fees will apply when utilizing our accepted credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) for payment.

Payment Plan

The tuition payment plan is a service provided by CashNet on behalf of Alvernia University. Students may pay all or part of tuition on a monthly basis and interest-free. Students will be assessed a $30 per semester enrollment fee. Students will enroll via their Self-Service portal.

Late Charges

A $200 charge will be assessed on any balance due if not paid by the due date.

Past Due Obligations

Past due obligations include, but are not limited to, billing amounts past due for any semester, unpaid room damage charges, library materials, health center, athletics, or parking fines. Students are not permitted to register, receive a transcript, grade report, or diploma until past due obligations are paid. In addition, the university reserves the right to submit past due accounts to its collection agent. Collection costs, which amount to approximately 33 1/3% of the outstanding balance, plus past and future monthly service charges as defined above, are added to any past due balances.

Returned Checks

The return of a check for any reason constitutes non-payment. A $40 fee is assessed for all checks returned unpaid by the bank.

Errors or Disputes

Inquiries concerning schedules should be referred to the Registrar’s Office. Inquiries concerning charges should be referred to the Student Financial Services Office prior to the due date of the invoice.

Refund Policy

During the first week of classes (the add/drop period) a student may drop a course and receive full tuition credit if applicable. Any course-affiliated fees and/or comprehensive fees are adjusted accordingly. Students withdrawing from class(es) any time after the add/drop period are not entitled to a refund. See Registration Changes in this catalog.

Withdrawal from the University

A student who voluntarily withdraws from the university must notify the appropriate individual, as identified below, of his/her intent to withdraw. Communication may be written or oral. If the communication is oral, the person providing the information must be able to verify his/her identity as the student or approved representative of the student by providing requested identifying information such as, but not limited to student ID, social security number, date of birth, email and/or mailing address. The university reserves the right to refuse accepting oral information if it is incomplete or cannot be verified and may require the request to be provided in writing. Full-time undergraduate students should contact the Office of Student Financial Services; Reading Campus and online graduate or adult undergraduate students should contact the School of Graduate and Adult Education; and Schuylkill Center or Philadelphia Center students should contact their respective Centers’ directors or designees. If a student notifies a faculty or staff member or department other than one of those listed above, the individual notified should make every effort to immediately notify the appropriate individual or department, as listed above, of the student’s notification and provide documentation if available and as appropriate.

The university reserves the right to require the withdrawal of any student whose scholarship is unsatisfactory or whose conduct renders them undesirable as a member of the university community.

Student Refund

Students who withdraw or are approved for medical leave are entitled to tuition refunds in accordance with the refund schedule below. The medical leave policy and procedures are outlined in a separate section of the Student Handbook.

Questions regarding medical leave should be submitted to the Director of Health Services.

*Proration of tuition charges is applicable to students enrolled in a single module, enrolled in modules one, three or five if they also drop any subsequent module-based classes within the same semester, or withdraw from all classes in the second module session of each semester - modules two, four, or six and only if the student fully withdraws from the module session.

Note: In the case of a financial aid recipient, the portion refunded may include monies that must be returned to Federal Title IV programs. The university uses the Title IV refund policy to determine the portion that must be repaid to the Title IV programs. Any refunds otherwise due to a withdrawing student will be reduced by such Title IV refunds. For a complete description of the Title IV Refund Policy please see the section titled Financial Aid Refund Policy of the financial aid section of the catalog.

Medical Leave

Students who are placed on medical leave during the first five weeks of class and do not return during the semester will receive tuition refunds in accordance with the previously described tuition refund schedule for “Withdrawal from the University.”

Board/Meal Refunds

Students withdrawing from the university or moving out of a university residence are entitled to a prorated refund (minus a one-week deposit).

Room/Housing Refunds

Students moving out of a university residence during the semester for any reason (including, but not limited to academic dismissals, withdrawals, community standards violations, releases from housing contract) are not entitled to a refund of room charges. Students should follow the room check procedure in the Student Handbook.  

Miscellaneous Fees/Other Charges

There will be no refund of miscellaneous fees or other charges. The Student acknowledges that the University, in its sole and exclusive discretion, may elect to suspend, limit, restrict, or terminate in-person classes and/or substitute in-person classes with virtual, online or remote educational sessions or classes for reasons or circumstances or conditions beyond the University’s reasonable control including, without limitation, war or other violence (whether declared or not), invasion, act of a foreign enemy, civil war, riot, rebellion, insurrection, civil commotion or disorder, act of civil disobedience, act of terrorism, plague, epidemic, pandemic, outbreaks of infectious disease or any other public health crisis, including quarantine or other health restrictions, act of authority, whether lawful or unlawful, compliance with any law or governmental order, rule, regulation or directive, curfew restriction, act of God or natural disaster, or general labor disturbance such as boycott or strike. In the event the University elects to suspend, limit, restrict and/or terminate in-person classes and/or to substitute in-person classes with virtual, online, or remote educational classes or sessions, the University will not be responsible or liable to refund, reimburse or credit the student.

Student Financial Services

Student Financial Services (SFS) is part of the Enrollment Management and Business Affairs teams organizationally. The team is comprised of financial aid and student account professionals who serve as part of your student services team. Student Accounts professionals work with student account receivables, invoices, collections, holds, and payments. Student Financial Aid professionals administer and disburse financial aid, package aid eligibility, reconcile funds with the Dept of Ed, and counsel students and families through the financial aid process. For more information and additional resources, please see the Student Financial Services Handbook online at https://www.alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/office-student-financial-services/financial-aid-consumer-information under ‘Financial Aid Information’ and ‘Rights and Responsibilities’.

Student Financial Services Contact Information

Office Physical Location: Bernardine Hall, suite 114

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Office and/or Zoom appointments available per request

Mailing Address: Alvernia University Student Financial Services 400 Saint Bernardine St, Reading, PA 19607

Websites:

• Public: https://www.alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/office-student-financial-services
• Current Student Portals: myAlvernia - Student Financial Services / Self Service - Finances

Phone: 610-796-8201

Fax: 610-796-8336

Email: sfs@alvernia.edu or studentbilling@alvernia.edu

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Each year SFS develops the student cost of attendance (COA), also called the student budget. This budget is used in conjunction with the Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine each student’s maximum financial aid eligibility. The COA consists of fixed/direct charges including tuition, fees, housing and food and indirect/estimated charges including books and supplies, transportation costs and personal expenses. Direct charges and the annual COA table may be found online at https://www.alvernia.edu/tuition-residential-costs.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The financial aid application process for the upcoming academic year begins each October for awarding of aid in the next academic year. The financial aid process starts with students and contributors creating a studentaid.gov account (FSA ID) at https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out . Once students and, if applicable, contributors, have a valid studentaid.gov account, information from the IRS is processed automatically with consent into the student’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), available to complete at www.studentaid.gov. The FAFSA determines federal, state, and institutional financial aid

eligibility per student per academic year. While the FAFSA should be completed as soon as possible, states have individual deadlines for their aid programs. Pennsylvania’s deadline to complete the FAFSA is May 1st. Aid eligibility is determined based on federal formulas, which starts with the Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial need (see sections below) and considers COA (see section above). The current academic year’s FAFSA is available for students to complete each year until June 30th of the current academic year.

Dependency Status

Students are considered either dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. Generally, students under the age of 24 living with parents are considered dependent. The Department of Education strictly defines dependency. Once a student is defined as dependent through the FAFSA, only the financial aid office of an institute of higher education may review and consider independent status. Dependent students must include parents/contributors as part of the overall household and therefore include both student and

parent/contributor financial information on the FAFSA. Independent students need to provide student and, if applicable, spousal, financial information on the FAFSA. Independent status does not necessarily benefit student financial aid eligibility.

Students seeking a dependency override must either meet the following criteria for independence, or must initiate a Professional Judgement process with SFS by providing supporting documentation regarding mitigating household information. Students seeking this status should visit:

https://www.alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/office-student-financial-services/fafsa-what-you-need-know/fafsa-professional-judgment-and-appeals for more information.

Independent students for 2025-2026 are at least one of the following:

• Born before January 1, 2002
• Married (and not separated)
• A graduate or professional student
• A veteran
• A member of the armed forces
• An orphan
• A ward of the court
• Someone with legal dependents other than a spouse
• An emancipated minor
• Someone who is unaccompanied and homeless or self-supporting and at risk of being homeless

Please see the following for further reading: https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/dependency.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is calculated by the Department of Education using the household information students and contributors provide on the FAFSA. A student’s household is defined by the dependency status of the student. The SAI is not a dollar amount of aid eligibility or what a student is expected to provide.

For a dependent student, the household includes:

• Yourself and your parent(s) (including stepparent) even if you do not live with your parents, and
• Your parents’ other children, if (a) your parents will provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, or (b) the children would be required to provide parental
• information when applying for Federal Student Aid, even if they do not live with your parent(s), and
• Other people if they now live with your parents and your parents provide more than half of their support and will continue to provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

For an independent student, the household includes:

• Yourself and, your spouse if you have one, and
• Your children, if you will provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, even if they do not live with you, and
• Other people if they now live with you and you provide more than half of their support and will continue to provide more than half of their support from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

The SAI will be provided to you upon completion of the FAFSA each year. Schools listed on your FAFSA will receive your SAI and FAFSA information through an import process via the Department of Education. Once received, schools will create a financial aid offer that includes merit, need-based, and non-need-based aid. Please see the next section for information on need.

Please see more information about how SAI is calculated here: https://studentaid.gov/help- center/answers/article/how-sai-calculated

Financial Need

SFS uses the information provided on the FAFSA and the formulas established by the Department of Education to determine financial need. Please see https://studentaid.gov/help-center/answers/article/how- calculate-financial-aid-amount for more information. The following equation demonstrates how financial need is determined:

Cost of Attendance (COA) - Student Aid Index (SAI) - Other Financial Assistance (OFA)* = Financial Need

*Please see the OFA section in ‘Types of Aid’ below

Need-based aid requires FAFSA completion and may be federal, state, or institutional aid. Need-based aid may be both grants (free money) or loans (money needed to be paid back). Non-need-based aid, like merit aid, or aid determined by academic status, is also included in a financial aid offer and is typically grant money.

Review of Financial Need

The FAFSA requires tax information from the prior-prior year (for example, the 2025-2026 FAFSA requires 2023 federal tax information). If a household’s financial situation differs from the information provided on the FAFSA, institutes of higher education may review a student’s current financial situation by collecting supportive documentation. Once reviewed, the financial aid office may use the Professional Judgement process in the form of a Special Circumstance Review to update the FAFSA information to reflect the current financial situation. Because the process involves changing a federal document, written and submitted documents are required and may vary based on each student’s household information. While there may be a change in the information originally submitted on the FAFSA, the review (whether it be from significant or extenuating circumstances) may not result in an adjustment to your financial aid. More information and next steps is on our website at: https://www.alvernia.edu/admissions-aid/office- student-financial-services/fafsa-what-you-need-know/fafsa-professional-judgment-and-appeals.

Standard Academic Year

Alvernia’s definition of an academic year is a minimum of 30 weeks. An academic year may consist of two 15-week semesters. To be considered full- time, a student must be enrolled for at least 12 credits per semester. Students eligible for financial aid in a standard award year may not be eligible for financial aid during the summer term. Please see the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

Borrower-Based Award Year (BBAY)

Alvernia’s definition of an academic year is a minimum of 30 weeks. For Adult Education and Graduate students an academic year consists of two semesters and can include the summer semester as one of the two semesters; therefore, aid is awarded in a BBAY (borrower-based award year) rather than the Standard Award Year.

How to Apply

To apply for financial aid, follow these steps:

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year by going online to https://studentaid.gov/ This form is available beginning October 1 each year and should be completed prior to May 1 to meet both the Alvernia and the Pennsylvania State Grant deadlines. By submitting a FAFSA, a student is applying for all forms of institutional, state, and federal financial aid. A FAFSA must be filed each year in order to renew your financial aid eligibility.
2. Submit requested missing financial aid documentation in a timely manner. Missing documents are listed on students’ financial aid offers and listed in Self Service - Financial Aid. Financial aid cannot be disbursed until missing documents are received and reviewed.
3. Complete federal student loan documents. New student borrowers must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling online at https://studentaid.gov/. Returning students who want to reapply for Direct Loans need to only file the FAFSA annually.

Merit Scholarships and Awards

Minimum Eligibility Requirements - Alvernia Institutional Aid

To be eligible to receive Alvernia grants, scholarships and awards, a student must:

• Matriculate and enroll full-time (at least 12 credits per semester) in the day academic division
• Be seeking a first bachelor’s degree
• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • International students attending Alvernia on an approved student visa are only eligible for non-need based institutional merit aid
• Not be in default on any student loan or owe a refund on any previous grant award
• Be making satisfactory academic progress according to the Office of Student Financial Services’ requirements for financial eligibility
• Institutional aid funds awarded by Alvernia may only be applied toward tuition charges; these funds are not applied toward fees or housing and meal charges.

Full-time undergraduate day students who are charged the full-time day tuition rate may be eligible for institutional aid. Alvernia-awarded aid for eligible students is renewed for up to eight semesters based on full time day enrollment each term, academic merit, academic progress, and/or financial need as defined by the FAFSA. Financial aid beyond eight semesters is reviewed on a case-by-case process through an appeals process. Institutional funds are only awarded for the fall and spring semesters. Institutional aid is typically not awarded in the summer or winter terms.

Merit Scholarships

The following scholarships are awarded by Admissions on a competitive basis to first-time first year undergraduate students based upon review of high school transcript and other information. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of attendance. A 2.0 is the minimum cumulative grade point requirement for all merit scholarships.

• Shirley and Joseph Boscov Scholars Program: This scholarship is the premier award for outstanding Berks County high school graduates who thrive in the classroom and outside it, through volunteer and community involvement. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and a minimum SAT score of 1100. This award recognizes the student’s academic promise as well as a solid record of strong leadership skills and community involvement. Students must complete a separate application for consideration.
• Presidential Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of the outstanding leadership from each of Alvernia’s six presidents and recognizes the student’s academic promise.
• Trustees’ Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of our Board of Trustees, which serves as the governing board of Alvernia.
• Veronica Founder’s Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of Mother Veronica, the foundress of the Bernardine Franciscan Sisters, the sponsoring congregation of Alvernia.
• Achievement Award: This award is given to acknowledge the potential academic achievements of incoming Alvernia University students. For renewal of this award, students must maintain academic progress as defined at the end of this financial aid section.
• Heritage Award: This award honors our institution’s heritage and is given to incoming Alvernia students who show promise. For renewal of this award students must maintain academic progress as defined at the end of this financial aid section.

Transfer Scholarships

The following are awarded to first-time, full-time transfer students accepted in the day program who meet the specific scholarship requirements listed below. These awards are renewable for up to four years of attendance at Alvernia. Students must file the FAFSA to determine eligibility for other need- based funding. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average to renew the scholarship.

• Provost Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of the academic leadership from our Provost and recognizes the student’s academic promise.
• Bernardine Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of the Bernardine Sisters, who founded Alvernia in 1958.
• Deans Scholarship: This scholarship is in honor of the Deans who have served the institution.
• Transfer Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students transferring to Alvernia and who do not qualify for one of the top three merit scholarships.
• Alvernia Connects with Transfers Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to students who have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher from all previous institutions AND apply to Alvernia for admission and submit their FAFSA prior to June 1, 2025, to begin classes in the Fall 2025 semester.

Students wishing to begin attending Alvernia classes in the Spring of 2026 must meet the same GPA requirement, apply for admission, and submit their FAFSA by January 1, 2026.

Affiliation Awards

Alvernia offers the following tuition scholarships, awards, and discounts. Students receiving the Senior Citizen, Tuition Exchange, or other full tuition awards are not eligible to receive Alvernia grants, awards, or scholarships. Students may only receive one award per period of enrollment. Federal Pell Grants, PA State Grant awards, and other outside scholarships and grants will be applied to tuition first and remaining charges will be awarded through eligible progress.

Adult Transfer Award

• ​​Awarded to transfer students enrolling in the Adult Education Division with a final minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and who enroll in at least half-time continuous enrollment.

Alumni Discount

• Students who have earned a bachelor’s degree from Alvernia and return to complete a second undergraduate degree in the day academic division are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount, alumni who enroll in a graduate program are eligible to receive a 25% tuition discount, alumni who enroll in the PhD Leadership program are eligible to receive a 20% tuition discount. There may be other exceptions to the award, for more information please contact the Graduate Division or Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

Catholic School Scholarship

This award will be offered to first-time, full-time first-year undergraduates accepted in the day program who graduated from a Catholic high school. Students must remain enrolled full time in the day program and maintain academic progress as defined by Alvernia.

Discount Partnerships

• Students who are employed by or hold memberships with approved employers, organizations, or Alvernia University may be eligible for a tuition discount or a reduced tuition rate. Students may only use one discount award per semester. If the student is eligible for more than one discount award, the higher award will be offered. Students may be enrolled as a cohort or required to provide a form verifying eligibility. Verification may be required to be provided each semester enrolled to receive the award. For more information, students should contact the Graduate and Adult Ed Department or Office of Student Financial Services.

Dual Admission Scholarship

• Awarded to dual admissions students who enroll in the adult education division at half-time or full-time enrollment, as a one-time award for their first year (or first two consecutive semesters). For more information please contact the Graduate and Adult Education Division or the Office of Student Financial Services.

Endowment Awards

• These awards are funded by outside donors and often have specific criteria that must be met in order to qualify for the funds. Students must be enrolled as a full-time day student in good academic standing and should demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services through the completion of the FAFSA, unless otherwise noted by the award. Students are awarded scholarship funds on a competitive basis and this award may reduce or replace Alvernia Grant funding. Recipients of the scholarship are asked to write a thank you note to the donor and may be invited to meet with the scholarship donor. Many of these scholarships are renewable each year for a maximum of four years. For more information, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

​Fostering Independence Tuition (FIT) Award

• The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is partnering with the PA Departments of Education (PDE), Human Services (DHS), and Labor & Industry (L&I) in the administration of this program. The program seeks to remove barriers in accessing postsecondary education for youth who are or have been in foster care. Eligible students will be identified by PHEAA and are eligible to have all institutional charges for tuition and mandatory fee balance remaining after all federal or state grants, or other scholarships and grants have been applied for eligible students. Students must be enrolled at least half-time and are eligible for the waive for five (5) academic years or ten (10) semesters including summer.

PHI Theta Kappa Scholarship

• Awarded to Adult Education Division students holding current membership in PTK for continuous, full-time enrollment for up to 4 semesters and requires maintaining a 2.0 GPA. For more information please contact the Graduate and Adult Education Division or the Office of Student Financial Services.

Reading Collegiate Scholars Program

• These limited competitive awards are offered to residents of Berks County who have filed a FAFSA for the upcoming award year and have the greatest amount of financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services. The award is renewable for up to four years for first time, full-time undergraduate traditional day students and for up to two years for full-time students transferring in with an associate degree from Reading Area Community College. Award amounts may vary from year to year based on changes in a student’s financial eligibility. Students must meet all standards for academic progress and maintain continuous full-time enrollment. See scholarship agreement for more details.

Senior Citizen Discount

• A tuition discount of 100% is given to students who are at least 65 years of age and are enrolled in undergraduate coursework at Alvernia. Fees are charged separately and are the responsibility of the student. All degree-seeking students are required to file a FAFSA. The discount will be reduced by any eligible federal and/or state grant funds.

Legacy Award (Formerly Sibling Award)

• When two dependent siblings are enrolled full-time in the day academic division simultaneously, a tuition award of $1000 will be given to each sibling. Students may be eligible for additional funding from Alvernia. Both siblings are required to meet satisfactory academic progress to be eligible. The relationship between the Alvernia alumnus and the student is not limited to just family, but also extended to friends. The alumnus must submit the referral application via this online form. Students are required to meet satisfactory academic progress to be eligible.

Theatre Award

• First-year students who enroll and continue in the Alvernia University Theatre major will be awarded annually. Students are required to meet satisfactory academic progress and remain a Theatre major to be eligible.

Tuition Exchange

• Tuition Exchange is available for students whose parents are employed by a higher education institution that participates in the Tuition Exchange Program. This discount covers up to 100% of tuition minus any federal and state or outside funding. Students are required to pay for all other expenses including but not limited to books, fees, room, and board. Tuition exchange students attending Alvernia are required to file a FAFSA each year. Tuition Exchange awards do not cover summer, winter, or overload charges. Contact the Human Resources Office for details.

*Students eligible for the adult education division affiliation awards may only combine qualifying award if the student is enrolled full-time.  An adult education student will ALSO qualify for the Dual Admissions Scholarship IF the student declares Dual Admission with Alvernia before completing no more than 45 college-level credits from all colleges/universities attended.

**If an adult education student is eligible for a discount partnership, the student is not eligible for additional scholarship/award funding.  In addition, students enrolled in programs at a reduced tuition rate will not be eligible for scholarship/award funding, including discount partnerships awards.

International Student Scholarships

Alvernia University offers a limited number of international scholarships to full-time first-year undergraduates or full-time transfer day undergraduate student.

Full-time first-year undergraduates or full-time transfer undergraduate student on Alvernia’s main Reading campus. Merit scholarships are renewable for four years (up to eight semesters) in the same amount. An international student scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarship, including a government scholarship. Please refer to the International Student Handbook for the details of the Merit Scholarship available.

• Undergraduate, full-time, degree-seeking students.
• Minimum 3.00 overall cumulative GPA by application deadline on August 1.
• Meet the institution’s English proficiency and financial requirements.

No Application is required, students must submit unofficial grade report by the application deadline.

Selection process: documents will be reviewed and evaluated.

To continue your scholarship during your studies, be enrolled each semester full-time, which is minimum of 12 credits, and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0 or higher. If an international scholarship is received, it will be deducted from the yearly tuition.

There are no full tuition scholarship opportunities for international students. However, they can apply to outside scholarship opportunities as well.

Need-Based Grants

Because need-based grant eligibility is determined by a student’s SAI in conjunction with COA and OFA, students must file the FAFSA to be eligible for need-based financial aid. These grants are considered “free money” and do not have to be repaid. Students must maintain academic progress for renewal and are subject to change based on eligibility.

Federal and State Aid

Full-time (minimum of 12 credits per semester)

To be eligible to receive Title IV Federal grants, loans, and employment programs, as well as the Pennsylvania State Grant, a student must:

• be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen
• matriculate into a degree program
• not be in default on any student loan or owe a refund on previous grant be making satisfactory progress according to the Office of Student Financial Services requirements and according to PHEAA for the Pennsylvania State Grant
• not be convicted for possession or sale of drugs while receiving federal Title IV funding. (Federal programs only)
• be seeking a first degree, either associate or bachelor’s

Part-time (minimum of 6 credits per semester)

• students are eligible to receive Federal grants, Federal Direct loans, and Pennsylvania grants.

Need-based grants are awarded to accepted students with financial need and these grants do not have to be repaid. Alvernia’s financial aid progress standards apply for renewal. Awards are renewable for four years of attendance.

• Alvernia Grant: Awarded to students on the basis of financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Students must be enrolled full-time in the day academic program. Eligibility is reviewed and renewed each academic year. Grant funding may be reduced or canceled in proportion to decreased financial need. Changes in residential status may also affect eligibility.
• Federal Pell Grant: The Federal government funds this grant program and students must demonstrate financial need according to a Federal formula. Notification of eligibility is provided on the FAFSA Submission Summary. For adult education students who are eligible for Pell grants, modules 1 & 2 are considered the fall semester, modules 3 & 4 are considered the spring semester, and modules 5 & 6 are considered the summer semester. Students may be eligible for Pell Grant funds for an individual module and over the summer semester. Please see the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG): Students must be enrolled at least half-time and be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant to be eligible for this award. This is a campus- based program funded by the federal government and award amounts are based upon exceptional financial need and dependent upon federal funding availability.
• Pennsylvania State Grant: The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers grants to undergraduates (over 18) who are enrolled at least half-time and have established residency for at least 12 months prior to the date of application. Parents must meet domicile requirements for students under 18. The state grant deadline is May 1 for the following academic year. Full-time students must complete the state requirement of completing and earning passing grades in a minimum of 24 credits from the prior year of state grant eligibility to maintain academic progress (part time: 12 credits). Repeated courses do not count toward academic progress. Exceptions to the progress requirement can only be granted by PHEAA and appeals must be made directly to PHEAA. State grant eligibility is limited to four semesters for an associate degree and eight semesters for bachelor’s degree programs. Questions concerning the state grant program can be directed to PHEAA at 1-800-692-7392. For adult education students with PA state grants, modules 1 & 2 are considered the fall semester and modules 3 & 4 are considered the spring semester. Students may also be eligible for summer state grant funds. A separate application is required by PHEAA to apply for the summer term. Applications are available online at www.pheaa.org in the spring semester preceding the applicable summer term. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.
• Other State Grants: Contact the higher education assistance agency in your state for additional information on eligibility criteria and the application procedures to determine if your state grant award may be applied in PA.

Student Employment Programs

Federal Work-Study (FWS): Federal Work-Study is a federal government program whereby schools apply for, and are allocated, federal funds to spend each academic year in the form of FWS financial aid awards. These awards are given to eligible students who demonstrate financial need. Financial need is determined using a standard formula to evaluate the financial information reported on the student’s FAFSA. Students earn these awards by working part-time on or off campus and earning a paycheck, which can be used to pay for educational or living expenses. Employment for Federal Work-Study is available as funding allows and is not guaranteed. Students apply and interview for positions per department. Actual hours worked and pay level are dependent upon federal funding levels, job responsibilities, and number of years of employment while attending Alvernia.

Institutional Work-Study: Institutional work-study is non-need based and is funded entirely by Alvernia. Funds for institutional work-study are limited to certain departments based upon specific needs and job skills. Employment for institutional work-study is available as funding allows and is not guaranteed. Students apply and interview for positions that are available across campus.

State Work-Study: Pennsylvania State Work-Study is a PHEAA sponsored program whose purpose is to provide students with an opportunity to gain career-related work experience and at the same time, earn funds to assist them in paying for college education. To qualify, a student must be a Pennsylvania resident, be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits or more), be a state grant recipient and not owe a state grant refund or have defaulted on any student loan. Employment for state work-study is available as funding allows and is not guaranteed.

Students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for any student employment program. Students must be full-time undergraduate degree seeking students throughout the academic year and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the Student Financial Services Office.

Education Loan Programs

“Student Loan” is commonly used to describe loans funds borrowed to pay for a college education. Different types of student loans include Federal Direct Subsidized, Federal Direct Unsubsidized, Federal Parent PLUS, Federal Graduate PLUS, and private or alternative student loans. Education loans are disbursed directly to the school, not the student, and credit the student’s account. Typically education loans have deferment options, meaning repayment starts after graduation of a program. Interest rates may be fixed (remain unchanged each year) or variable (may change during a set timeframe or year) and are based on federal program regulations and/or credit checks on the borrower. Repayment of loans is important to understand as are all terms of a loan. All borrowers are required to understand terms and conditions of a loan before the school receives certification.

Education loans need to be certified by the receiving school before disbursement of funds. Certification involves the school confirming the student’s enrollment and graduation date. Once certified, lenders will disburse program or credit-approved loan amounts to the school based on disbursement dates set up in certification. Changes to loans may typically be made by students within the term approved, but students should understand program requirements and/or credit check expiration dates.

Loans are funds that will need to be repaid. All education loans must be repaid in accordance with the repayment schedules established for each type of loan program. Sample loan re- payment schedules are available for federal loan programs  per individual federal loan servicer. For private or alternative lenders see the specific lender’s terms and conditions, and students’ individual loan documents. Entrance and exit counseling are required to be completed online at  https://studentaid.gov for receipt of Federal Direct loan funds. Federal Exit Counseling should be completed upon separation from Alvernia University. Students may complete Federal Exit Counseling online at  https://studentaid.gov or in person at the Student Financial Services Office or via Zoom. 

Consumer Loan Disclosure: Schools that enter into an agreement with a potential student, student, or parent of a student regarding a Title IV, HEA loans are required to inform the student or parent that the loan will be submitted to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS), and will be accessible by guaranty agencies, lenders, and schools determined to be authorized users of the data system. Students and/or parents may access this information by logging in at www.studetaid.gov.

Federal Direct Loans:

Federal Direct Stafford Loans are federally regulated funds borrowed from the U.S. Department of Education. A student’s academic level determines the maximum eligibility for the Direct Stafford Loan each year. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. Renewal of the loans requires the FAFSA to be completed each year. In addition, the student must be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester). Annual loan terms for Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized student loans are based on a minimum of two semesters per year. The interest rate on the Federal Loans is determined by federal law. The rate established each year is a fixed rate for the life of the loan. However, each year by July 1 a new rate is determined. This rate may be the same, higher, or lower than the prior year. Annual rates are published at  https://studentaid.gov. The rate does cap at 6.8%.

Direct Subsidized Loans: are for students with financial need as determined by the completion of the FAFSA. Students are not charged interest while attending school at least half-time. Interest will begin to accrue on the loan once the student ceases to be enrolled at least half- time.

Direct Unsubsidized Loan: Students are not required to demonstrate financial need to receive this loan. Interest accrues on an unsubsidized loan from the time the first disbursement has been paid to the institution. Students may pay the interest while in school, during grace periods, deferment periods and/or forbearance periods. Students who choose not to pay interest may allow it to accrue and capitalize (that is, added to the principal amount of the loan). If a student chooses not to pay the interest as it accrues, this will increase the total amount of debt to repay because the student will be charged interest on a higher principal amount.

Both Direct Loans are subject to a 1-2% origination fee, deducted from the loan prior to disbursement to the institution. It is important for undergraduate students to understand borrowing maximums and aggregate (lifetime) limits.

The total Federal Direct Loan borrowing cannot exceed the following maximums:

Note: These annual loan limit amounts are the maximum yearly amounts students may borrow in both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Students may have one type of loan or a combination of both. Because students are not eligible to borrow more than the annual cost of attendance minus any other financial aid, a student may receive less than the annual maximum amounts. Also, the annual loan limits assume the program of study is at least a full academic year. The maximum annual and total loan limits include any Stafford Loans students may receive under the FFEL Program. Information provided per https://studentaid.gov.

If the student is independent, according to federal requirements, the student may be eligible to borrow an additional Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. First-year undergraduates and sophomore students may borrow an additional $4,000/year and junior and senior students may borrow an additional $5,000/year. For more details on dependent/independent and undergraduate eligibility, please visit https://studentaid.gov.

Direct Parent PLUS Loan: Through this loan program, a parent of a dependent undergraduate student may borrow up to the total cost of education (less any financial aid received) from the U.S. Department of Education. The interest rate on the Federal Loans is determined by federal law. The rate established each year is a fixed rate for the life of the loan. However, each year by July 1 a new rate is determined. This rate may be the same, higher, or lower than the prior year rate. The rate does cap at 9.5% and the interest may be tax deductible. The loan is subject to a 4-5% origination fee deducted from the loan prior to disbursement to the institution. The student for whom the parent is borrowing must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits per semester) and be making satisfactory academic progress to be eligible for this loan. A credit check of the borrower is required for approval of the PLUS loan. If the parent is denied for a PLUS loan, the dependent student may borrow an additional Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan in the student’s own name.

Direct Graduate PLUS Loan: Graduate and professional degree students may borrow through the Direct Graduate PLUS loan program. The maximum a student may borrow per academic year is the cost of education minus financial aid. Applicants for this loan are required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Direct Graduate PLUS loans are only available to students after they have applied for their annual loan limits through the Direct Student Loan program. A credit check of the borrower is required for approval. Federal law determines the interest rate on Federal Loans. The rate established each year is a fixed rate for the life of the loan. However, each year by July 1 a new rate is determined. This rate may be the same, higher, or lower than the prior year rate. The rate does cap at 10.5%.

Private or Alternative Loan Programs: Alternative loans are administered by non-federal banks and lending organizations. Loan approval is generally based on credit qualifications. The primary borrower for many alternative loans is the student; however, most dependent students require a credit-qualified co-signer. Co-signers do not have to be the parent of the dependent student and many lenders have co-signer releases after the student makes scheduled payments. There are also private education loans for parents of students. Interest rates on alternative loans may be variable or fixed depending on the lender and the cosigner’s qualifications. Interest accrues on alternative loans while the student is enrolled. Most lenders have options for deferment of principal and interest while the student is enrolled. As with any loan, careful consideration should be given to determine a lender. Terms and conditions should be reviewed carefully and compared with other lenders. SFS’s recommended lender list is offered at www.elmselect.com.

Other Financial Assistance (OFA)

Aid awarded directly to students or aid not already awarded to a student’s account via FAFSA or institutional processes are considered OFA and count towards a student’s need calculation. OFA must be reported to SFS. When notifying SFS of an outside award, please email sfs@alvernia.edu and list the name of the award and the donor/organization, the amount of the award, if the award is for one semester or the full academic year, and whether or not the award is renewable. Upon receipt of OFA, a student’s aid package is reviewed and subject to change. Loans and/or unused work study aid are reduced before reviewing any grant aid. Outside scholarships are not awarded by Alvernia University and are instead administered by corporations, nonprofit organizations, civic groups and/or educational groups. Students are encouraged to contact businesses and organizations within their communities for possible scholarship funds. Check out our Scholarship Universe search on the Alvernia University website for more scholarship opportunities, or www.alvernia.edu/FAFSA under Resources for additional links. Outside scholarships will be credited to student invoices upon receipt of funds.

Veterans Administration Benefits

The Office of Student Financial Services welcomes all veterans, eligible dependents, members of the Guard and Reserves, and Active-Duty personnel to Alvernia University. Your Veterans Affairs, Federal, and state education benefits are part of your compensation for the time you devote to or spent serving your country. They are designed to help you afford a college education - an education that can be a valuable tool in building a successful future. Alvernia University is a participating institution in the Yellow Ribbon program and has been recognized nationally as a Military Friendly School.

For more information pertaining to Veteran Benefits, please contact the Veteran Affairs Certifying Official who resides in the Office of Student Financial Services in Bernardine Hall (Room 111404) or by calling (610) 796-8201, or email sfs@alvernia.edu.356. You may also contact the Veterans Affairs Administration at 1-888-442-4551.888-GIBILL-1 (888-442-4551).

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and Blindness and Visual Services

The Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and Blindness and Visual Services (BVS) may provide educational funding to students with disabilities. To receive additional information, contact the office nearest your home. The OVR office closest to Alvernia is located at 3602 Kutztown Road, Suite 200 Reading, PA 19605 and can be reached at 610-621-5800 or 1-800- 442-0949. The BVS office for Berks County can be reached at 1-570-826-2361.

Financial Aid Policies

Disbursement of Financial Aid

All financial aid appears as “anticipated” on student invoices until aid has been received and credited to a student’s account. Federal, state and university grants, scholarships and awards for each semester are posted approximately 1-2 weeks after the add/drop period of each semester as long as the student has complied with all financial aid requirements set by the Office of Student Financial Services. Students making changes to their schedule or who have had changes made due to cancellation of class should immediately contact the Office of Student Financial Services to be sure there is no change in their financial eligibility. Work Study awards are not credited to the bill but paid directly to the student in the form of a paycheck. Students are encouraged to use these earnings for spending money related to educational expenses whenever possible.

Direct Loan/Direct PLUS recipients should deduct lender fees (if applicable) from loan approval amounts. Direct Loan/Direct PLUS proceeds are sent by electronic funds transfer (EFT) to Alvernia. Students are notified when loans have been credited and have the option to cancel all or a portion of those loans during the academic year.

Students with outside scholarships payable or co-payable to Alvernia University should notify the Office of Student Financial Services by sending a copy of the award letter to the office. The amount must be included as a financial aid resource and may affect the student’s eligibility for previously awarded aid.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Students who withdraw completely from Alvernia should refer to the information earlier in this section of the catalog for additional information. Students who have received Federal Title IV financial aid, and have withdrawn completely from Alvernia, which includes students on an approved medical leave of absence, the following refund policy is the return of funds policy in accordance with the 1998 Code of Federal Regulations 668.22. For a complete copy of the refund policy and the allocation of refunds, contact the Office of Student Financial Services.

The Office of Student Financial Services is required by federal statute to determine how much financial aid was earned by students who withdraw, drop out, are dismissed, or take a leave of absence, including approved medical leave of absence, prior to completing 60% of a payment period or term. For a student who withdraws after the 60% point-in-time, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds. The calculation is based on the percentage of earned aid using the following Federal Return of Title IV funds formula:

Percentage of payment period or term completed = the number of days completed up to the withdrawal date divided by the total days in the payment period or term. (Any break of 5 consecutive days or more is not counted as part of the days in the term.) This percentage equals the percentage of earned aid. Funds are returned to the appropriate federal program based on the percentage of unearned aid using the following formula:

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

If a student earned less aid than was disbursed, the institution would be required to return a portion of the funds and the student may also be required to return a portion of the funds. Keep in mind that when Title IV funds are returned, the student borrower may owe an outstanding balance to Alvernia.

If a student earned more aid than was disbursed to them, the institution would owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement which must be paid within 180 days of the student’s withdrawal. Permission from the student may be required in order to issue the post-withdrawal disbursement. Written notification will be provided to the student and must be signed and returned within a specified period of time in order to credit the funds to a student’s account. Alvernia must return the amount of Title IV funds for which it is responsible no later than 45 days after the date of the determination of the date of the student’s withdrawal.

Refunds are allocated in the following order:

• Unsubsidized Direct Student Loans (other than PLUS loans)
• Direct Subsidized Student Loans
• Direct PLUS Loans
• Federal Pell Grants for which a return of funds is required
• Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants for which a return of funds is required
• Other assistance under this title for which a return of funds is required (e.g., LEAP)

Changes in Financial Aid

The university reserves the right to change any award package throughout the academic year. Adjustments may result from (but are not limited to) one or more of the following: change in income reported; change in enrollment status; change in housing status; change in financial need; not maintaining satisfactory academic progress, or receipt of outside assistance. Most federal, state and some institutional aid programs prohibit a student from receiving aid in excess of his or her financial need. If necessary, Alvernia will reduce loan funds before reducing grant funds.

Undergraduate Students

An undergraduate is a student who is enrolled in an undergraduate course of study and who has not earned a baccalaureate degree. An undergraduate course of study is one which usually does not exceed four academic years, or which is a program of four to five academic years designed to lead to a first degree. In a program of any other length, students may be considered undergraduates for only the first four years. (See https://www.nasfaa.org/Part_668_General_Provisions#suba6682b).

Alvernia University students enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program attending during the day are considered traditional day undergraduate students. For financial aid, students enrolled in 12-18 credits are considered full time. 12 credits or more per term are considered ‘overload’ credits. Students enrolled in over 18 credits within a term are charged the day per-credit rate per overloaded credit.

Financial aid regulations stipulate that for an undergraduate student to be eligible for full time institutional, federal, and state aid, the student must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate credits per term. Full time undergraduate aid includes Alvernia merit scholarships and affiliation awards, Alvernia need-based aid, federal Pell grants, and PA State Grants. When curriculums include graduate courses, those graduate courses must also be explicitly described as also counting towards the completion of an undergraduate degree. Any deviation from the updated curriculums that state these new course assignments such as academic progress issues (course withdraw and/or failing), approved leaves, term or university withdraw, curriculum changes, could affect aid eligibility. 

Students are charged based on student degree status so that until a student has earned a conferred undergraduate degree, only undergraduate charges will apply. In general, any undergraduate student considering taking a graduate course or courses and is not already enrolled in a curriculum that has approved stated stipulations for graduate coursework should contact their advisors and will be reviewed by Student Financial Services for aid eligibility.

Graduate Students

A graduate student is a student who has a bachelor’s degree conferred either at Alvernia University, or at another instruction. It is Alvernia’s policy that students enrolled in a master’s degree program will be considered half-time for any term in which their enrollment is at least six credit hours. Nine credit hours is considered full-time enrollment. Therefore, students will be eligible for federal loans for terms in which their enrollment is at least half- time (6 credits). Students enrolled in a doctoral degree program are considered half time at 3 credits, and full time at 6 credits.

Part Time Students

• Day undergraduate students enrolled for less than full time (under 12 credits) are ineligible for any institutional aid including merit scholarships, affiliation awards, campus-based federal programs, and need-based grants. Students already eligible for a federal Pell grant will be awarded a prorated amount based on less than full time credits. PA State grant recipients may be eligible for a part time award and must still adhere to applicable state grant academic progress rules. Federal Direct Loans and Parent PLUS loans (for dependent students) require at least part-time (6 credits) attendance.
• Adult Students enrolled for less than full time (under 12 credits) and already eligible for a federal Pell grant will be awarded a prorated amount based on less than full time credits. PA State grant recipients may be eligible for a part time award and must still adhere to applicable state grant academic progress rules. Federal Direct Loans and Parent PLUS loans (for dependents students) require at least part-time (6 credits) attendance. Discounts are prorated based on enrollment.
• Graduate Students enrolled for less than full time (under 9 credits) and already eligible for Federal Direct Loans and/or Grad PLUS (for dependents students) require at least part-time (6 credits) attendance. Discounts are prorated based on enrollment.

Off-Campus Programs

Financial aid (including Federal Title IV assistance) may be available for students who enroll in study abroad or The Washington Center programs. Students should make an appointment with the Office of Student Financial Services to determine individual funding availability. Students interested in studying abroad should see the Holleran Center for Community and Global Engagement for more information.

Summer Term

The summer term is considered a trailer semester, following the prior fall and spring. The current academic year’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be used to determine federal, state, and/or federal loan eligibility. Institutional aid is not available during the summer. The summer term consists of semester courses, and mod 5 and mod 6 courses. The PA Summer State Grant requires a separate summer application. Please see www.pheaa.org for more information. Contact the Office of Student Financial Services for details on individual eligibility during the summer.

Rights and Responsibilities of Receiving Financial Aid

Rights as a student receiving financial aid at Alvernia University:

• You have the right to know that the information you give to the Student Financial Services Office will be treated confidentially as mandated by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• You have the right to seek financial aid counseling.
• You have the right to know what financial assistance is available, including all federal, state, and institutional aid programs.
• You have the right to know the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each financial aid program (including federal, state, and institutional aidprograms).
• You have the right to know how your financial aid awards were calculated, the criteria to receive each award, and how the funds will be distributed or disbursed.
• You have the right to accept or decline any of your financial aid award(s)
• You have the right to know the terms of any employment program you participate in.
• If you are offered an educational loan, you have the right to know the lender, interest rate, the total amount to be repaid, deferment options, repayment procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment begins.
• You have the right to submit a Special Circumstances Application, requesting reconsideration of your financial aid eligibility if you or your family’s circumstances change.
• You have the right to submit a request for a dependency over-ride, requesting to be considered independent and not required to provide parent information on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• You have the right to submit an Academic Progress Appeal if you do not meet the Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You have the right to know Alvernia University’s refund policy and the federal Return to Title IV policy.

Responsibilities as a student receiving financial aid at Alvernia University:

• You are responsible for providing accurate information to the Office of Student Financial Services.
• You are responsible for reapplying for financial aid each and every year.
• You are responsible for completing applications correctly and on time.
• You are responsible for reading and understanding all materials sent to you from the Office of Student Financial Services and all forms you are asked to submit or sign.

You are responsible for requesting personal assistance if you have questions or don’t understand the information provided to you.

• You are responsible for submitting documentation and information requested by the Office of Student Financial Services in a timely manner and keeping copies for your own records.
• You are responsible for notifying the University of any name or address changes.
• You are responsible for knowing and complying with the rules governing your financial aid awards.
• You are responsible for attending classes and completing the requirements for each course in which you enroll.
• You are responsible for compliance with Alvernia University’s refund policy and Federal Return to Title IV Aid policy, should you withdraw from the University (either officially or unofficially).
• You are responsible for notifying the Student Financial Services Office of any financial awards you
• receive from outside resources (including scholarships, grants, Veteran’s Benefits, tuition waivers, or other educational/tuition assistance) not already listed on your Financial Aid Award Offer or your student account.
• If you borrow a student loan, you are responsible for completing loan master promissory note, entrance and exit counseling.
• You are responsible for the repayment of all loans in accordance with the terms of your promissory note. You are responsible for notifying your lender if any of the following occurs before your loan is repaid: change of address, graduation, withdrawal from Alvernia University or less than half-time attendance, name change, or transfer to another institution.
• You are responsible for maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• You are responsible for using financial aid for educational expenses incurred while attending Alvernia University.
• You are responsible for the repayment of any over award of financial aid.

Professional Judgement

Professional Judgment is the process in which a student’s financial aid eligibility as originally completed on the FAFSA is reevaluated based on supporting documentation. Applicable reevaluation situations include:

• Dependency Override (DO) is an Unusual Circumstance referring to conditions of a student’s unique situation such as human trafficking, refugee or asylum status, parental abuse, parental abandonment, or incarceration
• Student Aid Index (SAI) is the number the school uses to determine if a student is eligible for need-based financial aid and is considered a Special Circumstance referring to a financial situation such as loss of income
• Cost of Attendance (COA) is a Special Circumstance referring to a financial situation such as loss of income

Students filling a professional judgement review as an Unusual Circumstance or a Special Circumstance should fill out an applicable form found on student’s myAlvernia - Student Financial Services page.

Unusual circumstances are when a student is unable to contact a parent or where contact with the parent poses a risk to the student. Examples include human trafficking, legally granted refugee or asylum status, parental abandonment or estrangement, and student or parental incarceration. Under

HEA Sec. 480(d)(9), the FAFSA Simplification Act incorporated unusual circumstances to consider when a student is unable to contact a parent or where contact with parents poses a risk to the student. These include:

• Human trafficking, as described in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7101 et seq.)
• Legally granted refugee or asylum status
• Parental abandonment or estrangement
• Student or parental incarceration

In such cases, an override might be warranted based on the student’s individual circumstances. These conditions would also not disqualify a student from being a homeless unaccompanied youth or self- supporting and at risk of homelessness. However, none of the conditions listed below, singly or in combination, qualify as unusual circumstances meriting a dependency override. Reviews will be conducted on a case-by-case basis and may require multiple requests for documentation.

Special circumstances are used to personalize current financial circumstances based on unusual situations. The Special Circumstance process is for changes in income or cost of attendance after filling the current year’s FAFSA. Reviews will be conducted on a case-by-case basis and may require multiple requests for documentation. Special Circumstance cases will be reviewed after students receive a complete financial aid offer. Special Circumstances may include:

• Unusually high childcare or dependent care expenses
• Unusually high medical or dental expenses
• Changes in a family’s reported income
• Death or disability of a wage earner
• Separation/divorce of the student’s parents
• One-time taxable income

Special Circumstances do not include:

• Vacation expenses
• Tithing expenses
• Standard living expenses (e.g., utilities, credit card expenses, children’s allowances, etc.)
• Mortgage payments
• Car payments
• Lawn care/HOA fees
• Credit card or other personal debt problems
• All other discretionary expenses

Financial Aid Standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Basic Requirement

Federal regulations require students applying for or receiving federal financial aid to maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree. These standards are applied to Alvernia institutional aid recipients as well.

Academic progress for academics may vary per department. Students should be familiar with Alvernia’s academic progress via the Student Handbook, or through the Dean’s office within their school of study. Please note as of 2025-2026, Alvernia University Provost Office uses the term ‘Academic Notice’ for institutional academic progress review. SFS will continue to use the federal terms below.

To measure progress, the Office of Student Financial Services evaluates a student’s academic record at the completion of each semester, reviewing both quantitative (the maximum timeframe and completion rate) and qualitative (cumulative grade point average) standards as a student pursues his/her degree. Failure to meet these standards will result in either a warning status, or in the suspension of federal, state and/or institutional aid eligibility.

Quantitative Standards

Maximum timeframe for program completion is defined as 150% of the credits required to complete the degree program as defined by Alvernia. For example: Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice = 123 credits x 150% = 184 credits. 184 credits is the maximum that can be attempted with financial aid.

Students must maintain a minimum course completion for progress each semester of at least 67%. This is calculated by dividing the number of credits earned by the credits attempted. Credits transferred from another institution count toward attempted and earned credits.

Repeated Coursework

Students may repeat a previously passed course one time and maintain financial eligibility, assuming all other academic progress requirements have been met. Repeated coursework counts toward the 150% completion time frame. Repeated coursework may affect eligibility for future PA state grant funding. Please contact the Office of Student Financial Services, or PHEAA at 800-692- 7392 for more information.

Qualitative Standards

The qualitative requirement establishes a minimum cumulative grade point average for all students to reasonably progress through their program of study. The following chart identifies the minimum standards required for students to achieve and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Grade Level Progression

Consequences of not maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

The following statuses refer to Financial Aid Warning and Probation, not academic probation.

Financial Aid Warning

The first time a student fails to meet the SAP standards as defined above, they will be placed on financial aid warning. The student will remain eligible for financial aid during the warning period.

Financial Aid Suspension

If, after being placed on financial aid warning status, the student fails to maintain the standards of SAP as defined above, the student will be placed in a suspension status and will immediately lose financial aid eligibility for the subsequent academic term.

Maximum Timeframe Suspension

If the student fails to meet the maximum time frame standards as defined above, the student will be placed in a suspension status and will immediately lose financial aid eligibility.

Students who have their financial aid canceled due to a failure to maintain SAP standards will remain ineligible until such time as they are able to meet the quantitative and/or qualitative standards as defined above. Students ineligible for financial aid will be responsible for payment on their own of all tuition, housing, and meal plan fees and charges assessed by Alvernia.

SAP Appeal Process

A student may appeal financial aid suspension status if extenuating or mitigating circumstances exist. SAP Appeals will be considered year-round and must be in written format submitted to sfs@alvernia.edu as a Word or PDF document attached (Google docs will not be accepted) and include the following information:

• Name, student ID, and program of study
• Details of the situation resulting in the financial aid suspension. Students should address not only the suspended term, but also the warning term.
• Documentation supporting the details of any mitigating circumstances, if applicable (e.g. death certificate, doctor’s note, hospital bill, police report, offer from academic advisor or 3rd party).
• Plans for academic success for the next term of enrollment. Students are encouraged to meet with their Navigation (undergraduate day) or Student Success (graduate & adult) teams.

SAP Appeals are evaluated by the Financial Aid Appeal Committee and will be notified of the Committee’s decision in writing. The decision of the Committee is final.

Note: Failure of academic progress does not exempt students from covering invoice balances by invoice due dates. Students should make payment arrangements based on anticipated aid while the academic progress process is in progress.

Financial Aid Probation

Students who have had an appeal approved will be placed on probation for one semester and will have their financial aid reinstated for the probation semester. If the student fails to maintain SAP standards at the end of this semester, they will lose financial aid eligibility until SAP standards are met.

Students who are mathematically unable to achieve good academic standing (for quantitative and/or qualitative standards) may be placed on an academic improvement plan during the probation semester and following terms, if necessary. Students who meet the minimum requirements of the plan but not SAP standards will be financial aid eligible until such time they are in good academic standing.

Academic Improvement Plan

If a student is unable to mathematically meet all SAP requirements within one semester, an academic plan will be developed.

The academic plan may outline grade and course requirements that will allow the student to successfully meet SAP. If necessary, the academic plan may extend beyond the current academic year. If SAP failure was based on the quantitative measure only, it is not necessary to establish an academic plan. If SAP failure was based on the maximum timeframe measure, the student must complete all credits required for degree completion by the end of the last semester of the academic plan.

Under an academic plan, a student’s progress will be monitored at the end of each semester to ensure that the student is progressing according to the requirements of the plan. As long as the student is progressing accordingly, the student will remain eligible for financial aid. If the student is not meeting the requirements of the plan, the student will be placed on suspension and will not be eligible to receive financial aid until all components of SAP have been met.

Reinstatement of Eligibility

Financial aid eligibility may be reinstated after a student meets the SAP standards, quantitative and qualitative, as defined above. Students who regain eligibility by completing required coursework must notify the Office of Student Financial Services to have their progress reevaluated, and financial aid reinstated.

Summer Semester

Credit hours attempted during the summer semester will be included in the calculation of SAP standards just as any other period of enrollment.

Returning Students (including those on approved LOA or Medical LOA)

Returning students are evaluated on a continuing basis from acceptance (if out for more than a year) or enrollment. If SAP standards have not been met as detailed above, the student may be placed on warning (first SAP violation) or suspension (subsequent violation). Students on suspension may appeal and must follow the appeal requirements as detailed above. A returning student’s SAP will be assessed under the current SAP policies as detailed above.

Reentry Students

Returning students’ SAP is evaluated on a continuing basis from acceptance (if out for more than a year) or enrollment. If SAP standards have not been met as detailed above, the student may be placed on a financial aid academic progress status and must follow the appeal requirements as detailed above. A returning student’s SAP will be assessed under the current academic year’s SAP policies as detailed above.

Full Time Students Attending Beyond Eight Semesters

Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program attending full time should complete in 8 semesters. Students needing to attend beyond eight semesters must appeal to the Student Financial Services office for their aid eligibility for a ninth semester or fifth year. Students should be mindful of federal and state aid aggregate grant and lending limits. Students appealing should email appeal letters as a Word/PDF document to  sfs@alvernia.edu with ‘Appeal Letter’ in the subject line.

Student Athlete

Students who are participating in intercollegiate athletics must maintain full-time enrollment (defined as a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester). The SAP standards listed above are specific to continued financial aid eligibility. Please refer to the student athlete handbook for NCAA academic standards to ensure eligibility is maintained.

Scholarship Recipients

Students who are recipients of merit-based scholarships must maintain full-time enrollment and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average by the end of each spring semester to maintain award eligibility. Please be aware that some endowment funds have specific cumulative grade point average requirements for scholarship renewal.

Partnership and Institutional Aid Recipients

Students who are recipients of partnership and/or institutional aid must maintain full-time enrollment and SAP standards as detailed above to maintain award eligibility.

Grades and their effects on SAP Standards:

*Students have four weeks from the final exam period if a semester course or three weeks from the final exam period if a MOD course to make up any approved assignments. Incomplete grades that have not been updated within this time period will be changed to “F.”

Financial Literacy

Financial education helps individuals plan for their futures and contribute to a sustainable, vibrant lifestyle. Alvernia University is committed to making sure all students understand the basic skills and knowledge needed to remain financially empowered. Below are listed some helpful tools in regard to financial literacy:

National Financial Aid Awareness Month (February)

• SFS sponsors information and fun activities and events during this month. Stay tuned to Alvernia News for more information each year.

National Financial Literacy Month (April)

• Throughout April, organizations across the country conduct events and initiatives designed to boost financial literacy, particularly among the nation’s youth.

Financial Aid Day (3rd Wednesday in October)

• Celebrated each year on the third Wednesday in October, Financial Aid Day (FAD) is a special day set aside to celebrate and recognize the contribution of all financial aid professionals across the United States for helping students make their college-going dreams a reality. On FAD colleagues are encouraged to do something special - have an office party, a potluck, a toast, etc. - to celebrate financial aid administrators’ contributions to the profession.