Financial Information

A student who wishes to attend Saint Francis University should not hesitate to apply for admission because of cost. Saint Francis University believes that every qualified person who desires higher education has the right to pursue it, regardless of financial status. While the primary responsibility for financing an education belongs to the student and their family, the University provides awards to supplement the family’s funds whenever possible and aggressively seeks financial aid for those demonstrating valid need.

Saint Francis University, a private institution, awards more scholarship and grant aid than public institutions which makes the University financially competitive. Actual education costs at Saint Francis University are partially covered by tuition. The difference is provided by the services contributed to the University by the Franciscan Friars and through donations and gifts from alumni and friends.

Expenses

Full-Time Student

During the fall or spring semester, any undergraduate student taking 12 or more credits is considered a full-time student.

Terms of Payment

As a student at Saint Francis University, you are responsible and obligated to Saint Francis University for the timely payment of tuition, fees and other charges incurred by you or on your behalf while at Saint Francis University (collectively, your “student financial obligation”), regardless of your expected reliance on third-party resources such as financial aid, family gifts, employer reimbursement, government assistance or other similar sources. Your student financial obligation is due and payable prior to the start of each semester. All financial arrangements must be completed before the first day of the semester. All student financial obligations older than 30 days will be assessed a late fee of 1.25% per month or the highest rate permitted by applicable law on the unpaid balance. Each student will receive an on-line billing statement approximately 45 days prior to the start of fall and spring semesters. This billing statement will include all tuition, room, board and fees associated with the student’s enrollment at this time. Another on-line billing statement will be produced within the first 30 days of each semester for any additional charges due to changes during the University’s drop/add period. A summer semester on-line billing statement will be produced as soon as practical but within 30 days after the start of a course. A monthly billing statement will be produced at the end of each month for any outstanding charges on the student’s billing account. A student’s billing activity is available at My.Francis.edu under the “Current Students” section. As soon as payment is received, the student will be officially placed on the active student roster.

Payments may be made with cash or check in person or by mailing to the attention of the Business Office. Credit card payments (Mastercard, Visa, Discover or American Express) are accepted through CASHnet. CASHnet may be accessed within the student’s online My.Francis.edu account or by a third-party link https://commerce.cashnet.com/francispay.  A convenience fee of 2.75% will be assessed for processing a credit card transaction. Electronic funds transfer (ACH Drafts) from a bank checking or savings account through CASHnet does not occur any processing fee.

If a student has an outstanding balance owed, Saint Francis University may place a financial hold on your student’s account that may prevent the student from registering for courses in the future, the issuance of any report of grades, and the receipt of academic transcripts, diploma or other records of academic achievement.

Your agreement to the terms of your student financial obligation to Saint Francis University will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Saint Francis University may pursue any rights and remedies that are available to it at law or equity in order to collect the portion of your student financial obligation which is past due. If you fail to timely pay any portion of your student financial obligation in full by the date it is due, as part of exercising its rights, Saint Francis University may, at its option, place the portion of your student financial obligation which is past due in the hands of an attorney or other third party (such as a collection agency) for collection and, in such case you will also be obligated to pay, in addition to your unpaid student financial obligation and interest, all reasonable costs and expenses of collection, including, without limitation, reasonable court costs and attorneys’ fees and/or collection agency fees and charges. Saint Francis University may also disclose to credit bureau organizations that you have defaulted on your student financial obligation to Saint Francis University.

Budget/Payment Plans

CashNet Payment Plans

CashNet offers families monthly payment options to help make education expenses more affordable. The Interest-Free Monthly Payment Option enables families to spread all or part of the semester expenses over equal, monthly payments. There are no interest charges, only a small fee to enroll.

Billing Problems

Contact the appropriate office indicated for explanation or correction concerning these matters.

1. Balance Forward, Credits, Payments, Deposits and Employer Billing - Business Office 814-472-3006
2. Financial Aid Award Notices, Guaranteed Student Loans and Scholarships - Financial Aid Office 814-472-3010
3. Housing Reservations and Housing Charges - Office of Residence Life 814-472-3029

Insurance

Accident & Sickness

A Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan is available to all students. Students are covered 24 hours a day for an entire calendar year. Complete coverage is in effect at the University, at home and while traveling.

All students must participate in this insurance plan unless proof can be furnished that other similar insurance is carried by the students which provides adequate coverage while they are students at Saint Francis University or in the United States. If a student does not provide adequate insurance within the time frame given, the student will be automatically enrolled in the University health plan and the student will be responsible for the premium charged.

Personal Property

Saint Francis University cannot carry insurance on the personal belongings of the students. The University will not assume responsibility in the event of loss in any of its buildings. Therefore, students are urged to take out an insurance policy to protect their personal items or to have their parents provide coverage through their insurance policy. Students with parents having homeowner’s insurance may have protection on their belongings at the University. The University recommends that parents and students check coverage with their insurance agent. The University can provide an insurance company for students by contacting the Business Office.

Refunds

Campus Programs (campus based):

Withdrawal from class: No financial refund can be made for withdrawal from a course occurring after the first four scheduled sessions of the course.

Withdrawal from the University: In the event of complete withdrawal from the University after the scheduled opening of classes, no part of the student’s payment representing deposits for room, board, and tuition, or payments for registration fees, will be refunded. Tuition and room and board payments, subject to the deductions noted above, will be refunded according to the following schedule:

In the event of dismissal, no refund can be made.

If students with Title IV funding discontinue their studies, a percentage of the aid must be returned to the Title IV funds according to the institutional formula which is on file in the Financial Aid Office.

Distance Education Programs (on-line based):

The University’s Refund Policy for Distance Education applies to students who are enrolled in distance education programs or courses. All withdrawals and requests for refunds must be made in writing to the program director and will be calculated according to the date of the email or postmark it was received. If the course has been cancelled by the University, the student will receive a full refund. In the event of dismissal, no refunds will be issued. Non-attendance will not constitute notice of withdrawal.

Withdrawal from a course: In case of withdrawal from a course during the first week, 100% tuition will be refunded. No financial refund can be made for withdrawal from a course occurring after the first week after the start of the course. A week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday. For courses scheduled for five weeks or less, no financial refund can be made for withdrawl occurring after the first day of class.

Withdrawal from the University: In the event of complete withdrawal from the University after the opening of classes, tuition will be refunded according to the schedule below. A University Withdrawal constitutes a drop from all courses. The student will also be dropped from his/her degree program and must be readmitted before any future credits or grades will apply to the degree. It is recommended that the student speak with the program director about the impact to his/her degree, academic requirements, and readmittance policies before withdrawal.

7-Week Session

15-Week Session

In the case of withdrawal after the first week of class, a grade of “W” will be recorded on the transcript. Withdrawal after the third week (7-week course) or 49th day (15-week course) subjects a student to an “F” grade.

If students with Title IV funding discontinue their studies, a percentage of the aid must be returned to the Title IV funds according to the institutional formula which is available through the Financial Aid Office.

Refunds are made within 60 days from the date of withdrawl or termination.

State Refund Policies: Distance education students residing in a state listed below are subject to the terms of that particular state’s refund policy.

Maryland: The Maryland State Refund Policy applies to students residing in Maryland who are enrolled in Saint Francis University distance education programs. The minimum refund that shall be paid to a Maryland student who withdraws or is terminated after completing only a portion of a course, program, or term within the applicable billing period is as follows:

Oregon: An Oregon student who withdraws from a course is eligible for a partial refund through the middle week of the term in accordance with OAR § 583-030-0035(18)(c). Refunds shall be based on unused instructional time and shall be prorated on a weekly basis for schools using a semester, quarter or nontraditional calendar.

Check Cashing Service

A student may cash a check up to a maximum of $100.00 at the cashier's window at the Business Office on the third floor of Scotus Hall between 9:30 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, with a validated ID Card for the current semester.

It is the policy of the University to charge bad checks to the student who cashes them regardless of the maker. A $30.00 service charge will be assessed on checks that are returned from a bank for lack of funds.

Financial Aid

Saint Francis University, aware that it is increasingly difficult for students and their families to meet the rising costs of higher education, has a comprehensive program of awards to offset costs. Some academic awards and scholarships are given for academic achievement and potential; other academic awards are based on academic achievement, potential, and financial need. Most federal, state, and institutional aid awards are based on financial need. Financial need is the difference between the expected family contribution, as determined by the federal aid application, and college cost of attendance, which include tuition, fees, room and board, transportation, and personal expenses. A student will usually be eligible for more aid at a private college such as Saint Francis than at a public institution.

For the 2018-2019 Academic Year:

• more than 90% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of financial aid, and
• more than 90% of full-time undergraduate students received some form of grant assistance from Saint Francis University funds.

The application process requires that all applicants submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Non-Pennsylvania resident students should apply for their respective state grants. All students accepted for admission to Saint Francis University who have the required academic criteria will be considered for academic awards. Most Saint Francis University academic scholarships do not require a separate application. If a scholarship application is required, the materials will automatically be sent to the student.

Financial aid is individualized at Saint Francis University. Aid awards are based on student needs and abilities, unique family situations, specific government regulations, and institutional awarding policies. Students who apply for financial aid before the filing deadline of May 1 will receive an award notice of the programs and amounts for which they qualify. A financial aid package consists of gift aid (which does not have to be repaid) and self-help (loans and work).

Saint Francis University financial aid awards to full-time students from 2017-2018 ranged from $1,000 to full tuition. Financial aid may be used for other costs of education such as books, transportation, and personal expenses. These costs vary according to the student’s program of study, the distance from home, and personal spending habits. These costs are estimated to be an average of $2,000 for books and supplies and $4,100 for miscellaneous expenses.

Financial aid is renewable each year provided the student applies within the deadline, still shows financial need, has completed income verification requirements, and is making satisfactory academic progress. Saint Francis University has a strong commitment to assist all students in their efforts to finance their education. Students are encouraged to visit or telephone the Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

Federal Verification

Verification is a process that all universities receiving federal aid are required to complete. The purpose of verification is not to find fraudulent FAFSA applicants, but to find and correct common mistakes made during the filing of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All need-based aid packaging must be put on hold until a student provides the necessary information requested through the verification process. If the verification process is not completed, a student will not be considered for need-based financial aid. Thus, it is important to return the information and requested documentation as soon as possible. The federal government randomly selects FAFSA applicants for verification. Though a random process, students may also be flagged for verification if conflicting information is reported on the FAFSA. If randomly selected for verification, a student must complete the process within the semester selected.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require that students receiving federal aid make satisfactory academic progress. Title IV federal programs which this affects include: Pell Grant, SEOG, Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, Work Study.

In order to comply with federal guidelines, students must meet the following requirements:

Time Frame: Undergraduate students attending SFU full-time have 10 semesters to do so. Part-time students have 10 full-time, 13 three-quarter time (9-11 credits), 20 halftime (6-8 credits), or 40 less than half-time (1-5 credits) semesters to complete graduation requirements. Federal Pell Grant is limited to 600% or 12 semesters of full-time eligibility.

“Academic Year” is defined as two consecutive semesters, receiving Title IV aid.

Qualitative Standards: Students must be in good academic standing according to the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog (Please refer to the Academic Policy section). Those students placed on academic probation may continue to receive federal financial aid. Students who have been dismissed may not receive federal aid unless they have submitted a successful appeal to remain enrolled. Dismissed students must demonstrate they have completed necessary credits to regain good academic standing to receive federal aid if readmitted at a later time.

Quantitative Standards: To meet the quantitative standards for renewal of financial assistance, full-time students must successfully complete, with a passing grade, a minimum of 24 credits for each academic year. Part-time students are required to successfully complete 66% of all work attempted to be considered as progressing satisfactorily. Students that have earned 60+ credits must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA to remain federal aid eligible.

Probationary Status: Students enrolled in baccalaureate and associate degree programs (as well as PA Teacher Certification programs) who are unable to successfully complete the required annual credit limit (by 12 credits or less) will be given a one-time probationary period to establish progress while still receiving their student aid. At the end of the probationary period of one academic year, students must have successfully completed a minimum of 24 credits for full-time students or all attempted credits for part-time students.

Those not making progress will be dropped to unsatisfactory status and denied student aid for any upcoming enrollment periods until a minimum of 12 credits at a 2.00 grade point average (GPA) or higher have been successfully completed without failing, dropping, canceling or withdrawing credits or withdrawing from semester(s).

* In order for a course to be considered in the credit load toward academic progress, a course can be repeated once, unless the initial grade in that course were an “F” (failed) or “W” (withdrawn), as reported to the Registrar’s Office.

Procedures: The Office of Financial Aid will review all students’ progress annually and notify the students in writing those who did not make satisfactory academic progress.

Students are encouraged to contact the office to discuss the loss of aid and make arrangements to regain good standing. Options include a successful appeal and/or paying for make-up classes.

The probationary period for graduate students who are unable to successfully complete the required credits is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Appeal: If students fail to make satisfactory academic progress and feel that such failure is due to unusual circumstances (such as illness), students may send a written appeal to the Financial Aid Director describing such circumstances and supporting documentation. If the appeal is approved, the student must make satisfactory academic progress during subsequent semesters in addition to any other requirements prescribed by the financial aid office.

Deadlines for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

At Saint Francis, the Office of Financial Aid processes applications for Federal Student Aid on a “rolling basis.” There is no set deadline for processing the FAFSA; applications will be processed when received. However, the preferred filing date is April 1 prior to the fall semester. The deadline for students to be considered for the Pennsylvania State Grant is May 1.  The FAFSA application opens October 1st of each year.

Academic Awards

Saint Francis University has a comprehensive program of academic awards designed to reward outstanding academic achievement, to attract a high caliber student, and to reduce the financial burden of a quality education.

Most of these scholarships are awarded for academic accomplishment. Some are based on service to the University or on other criteria determined by the donors. Although determined by the academic and other criteria, the award amount is part of the student’s financial aid package.

First-time freshman students who qualify for any of our merit-based or leadership awards will be notified of their eligibility upon acceptance to the University. All recipients are expected to make satisfactory academic progress and to perform some type of service to the University community.

Terms and Conditions

Eligibility for any Academic Scholarship will continue for a period not to exceed a total of four years or eight semesters of undergraduate study providing you:

1. Maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA)
2. Maintain full-time status (12 or more credits per semester)
3. Reside on campus in a residence hall for all four years if you do not commute from home

Students who do not continually meet the required GPA will be notified in writing, and their scholarships will be discontinued at the end of the academic year. After attainment of the required GPA, and after submitting a written request to the Director of Financial Aid, students may regain eligibility.

Saint Francis University scholarship recipients (including but not limited to merit aid and institutional grants) are awarded to incoming students on the basis of the information contained in their application for admission. Awards are given to students in accordance with all terms and conditions set forth in the Saint Francis University Course Catalog, website, Scholarship Terms and Conditions, and accompanying contracts that were in effect at the time of the student’s initial matriculation at Saint Francis University. By enrolling at the University, a student agrees to all the terms set forth and understands that additional scholarships will not be awarded. All financial aid is limited to the completion of the first bachelor’s degree or a total of eight (8) academic semesters, whichever comes first. Students must maintain satisfactory academic standing and adhere to the Saint Francis University Code of Conduct included in the Student Handbook.        

Special Notes Concerning Institutional Aid:

1. All Scholarships are awarded in the fall and spring semesters at an amount of one half the total yearly award.
2. Only credits earned during the fall and spring semesters are covered by this award.
3. Scholarships can only be applied to tuition costs.  Students receiving tuition remission or other full tuition scholarships or benefits will follow university policy regarding Tuition Remission awarding paradigm.
4. All Scholarships are renewable for up to four years (eight semesters).
5. Aid is only available to those pursuing their first baccalaureate degree.
6. Scholarships will not be prorated for students anticipating early graduation.
7. Scholarships awarded to students participating in the 3-2 Engineering, 2/3-3 LECOM Pharmacy Program, or other accelerated programs are applicable only while enrolled and attending classes at Saint Francis University.
8. Transfer Scholarships are only available to students seeking their first baccalaureate degree.
9. Although you have been awarded a scholarship, you will still be personally responsible for the cost of credits, room & board and other fees beyond the annual amount of the award. Other types of financial aid may be available to cover these and other costs.
10. Saint Francis University strongly encourages all Founders’, Presidential, Assisi, Dorothy Day Scholarship, and McGuire Scholarship Recipients to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by May 1 of each year. Please realize that by filing the FAFSA, you may be eligible for additional aid.

ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS

FOUNDERS AWARD
Amount: Up to $16,000 each year for all four years undergraduate years
To be considered for a Founders Award students must have the following:

• Complete application on file and be admitted to Saint Francis University by March 1, 2018
• 3.0 GPA at Saint Francis University and good standing maintains this yearly award.

PRESIDENTIAL AWARD
Amount: Up to $14,000 each year for all four undergraduate years
To be considered for the Presidential Award students must have the following:

• Complete application on file and be admitted to Saint Francis University by March 1, 2018
• 3.0 GPA at Saint Francis University and good standing maintains this yearly award.

ASSISI AWARD
Amount: Up to $12,000 each year for all four undergraduate years
To be considered for the Assisi Award students must have the following:

• Complete application on file and be admitted to Saint Francis University by March 1, 2018.  
• 3.0 GPA at Saint Francis University and good standing maintains this yearly award.

DOROTHY DAY SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: Up to $10,000 each year for all four undergraduate years
To be considered for a Dorothy Day Scholasrhip students must have the following:

• Complete application on file and be admitted to Saint Francis University by March 1, 2018. 
• 2.5 GPA at Saint Francis University and good standing maintains this yearly award.

MCGUIRE SCHOLARSHIP
Amount: Up to $8,000 each year for all four undergraduate years
To be considered for a Dorothy Day Scholasrhip students must have the following:

• Complete application on file and be admitted to Saint Francis University by March 1, 2018. 

FRANCISCAN AWARD
Amount: $8,000 ($2,000 each year for four years)
Available to graduates of a Catholic high school.

Students may only receive one renewable award (Founders, Presidential, Assisi or Red Flash Co-Curricular Achievement Award) per year. These renewable awards are reserved for full-time, first year students. Students may only receive half of a yearly scholarship during one semester.

TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIPS

1. Transfer Award/$2000 to $10,000 This scholarship is offered to any transfer student who has a minimum cumulative GPA of a 3.0

Transfer Scholarships are available only to students who are seeking their first baccalaureate degree. The scholarships are renewable each year, given the student remains in good standing with Saint Francis University and maintains a 3.0 QPA.

Financial Aid Programs

FEDERAL PELL GRANTS are grants awarded by the federal Department of Education by completing the FAFSA at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Saint Francis University encourages all students to apply for this grant, which is available for first bachelor’s degrees only.

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY GRANTS are available to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The grants are limited by the amount of allocation from the federal government and are available for a first bachelor’s degree only.

SAINT FRANCIS GRANTS are funded by Saint Francis University and are available to students who demonstrate financial need. The amounts are determined by the extent of the financial need that cannot be met by other sources. These grants have certain residential requirements and are available for a first bachelor’s degree only.

FEDERAL WORK STUDY is intended to stimulate and promote the part-time employment of students who are in need of funds to help defray expenses. Most positions at Saint Francis University require 3-8 hours of work per week during the school year. Must be a full-time student.

CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT offers limited work opportunities for students who are not eligible for the Federal Work Study and wish to have a part-time job on campus. Availability of jobs is dependent on funding per department.

OTHER EXTERNAL SOURCES OF ASSISTANCE. Many forms of assistance are available outside the University. Many unions, fraternal organizations, parents’ employers, banks, and most states have some form of scholarship or loan program. We urge students and their parents to investigate carefully all sources of financial aid. Information may be obtained from the Office of Student Financial Aid concerning available aid. Many Saint Francis University students receive assistance from sources such as:

• Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grants
• Other state grant programs
• Federal Stafford Loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized)
• Internet websites such as www.fastweb.com, tuitionfundingsources.com, and http://www.francis.edu/external-scholarships/
• Federal PLUS (loans for parents)
• Veterans Education Assistance
• Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)
• UMWA/BCOA Training and Education Fund (for unemployed miners)
• National Health Service Corps Scholarship Program
• Alternative loan programs

Family Tuition Discount

If a family has two or more dependent students, or a parent and son or daughter, attending Saint Francis University simultaneously as full-time undergraduate students, each student will receive a $2,000 tuition reduction per academic year ($1,000 per semester). This reduction will continue as long as the student is in good standing. 

Direct Lending Statement

Saint Francis University counsel’s students and families on the process of obtaining Federal Stafford, Federal Grad PLUS and Federal Parent PLUS loans according to federal guidelines.  If you plan to borrow through one, or more, of these loan programs for the upcoming school year, you are required to complete a new Master Promissory Note (MPN) * and entrance counseling.

The University participates exclusively in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program, in which borrowers obtain loan funds directly from the US Department of Education.

What do I have to do to get my loan funds for next year?

As in prior years, you must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and provide any documents requested by our office. You will then have to complete Sub/Unsubsidized/PLUS* MPN and Entrance Counseling for the Direct Loan program before your funds will disburse into your student account.

You can complete your Direct Loan MPN and Entrance Counseling online at www.studentloans.gov. You will need the same FSA ID that you used for your FAFSA to electronically sign the note. If you do not have a FSA ID, you may obtain one via http://fsaid.ed.gov.  

*Note: If you will borrow from more than one loan (Federal Direct Stafford, Federal Direct Grad PLUS, Federal Direct Parent PLUS) you will need to complete a separate MPN for each loan program.

Graduating students must complete EXIT Counseling online at http://www.studentloans.gov

Housing Policy

In order to receive Saint Francis University Institutional Aid (Institutional merit aid, Athletic scholarship, University grants, Endowed University scholarships, etc.) full-time dependent (as determined by Federal guidelines) undergraduate students are required to do one of the following:

• Live in University owned or operated housing Includes Residence Halls; University owned apartments/houses/townhouses; University operated rentals.
• Commute from home of parent or legal guardian as long as the home is within a 40 mile radius of the campus.
• Be registered with the university as a dependent of a current Saint Francis University employee and receiving tuition remission benefits.

If a student chooses to live off-campus (private residence, apartment, etc.) they do so with the understanding that they will forfeit Saint Francis University institutional aid.  If a student fraudulently reports that they are commuting from home to the Office of Residence Life and are found to be living off-campus, the University reserves the right to revoke institutional aid and disciplinary action may be taken.  A Saint Francis University student housing contract is for two semesters.   http://www.francis.edu/housingpolicy.aspx.