Financial Aid Policies

Students applying for financial aid are expected to be enrolled full time (12 units or more) each semester during the academic year. Students enrolled less than full time must notify Student Financial Services. Institutional aid is reserved for full-time students only. Federal and state aid may be received by students enrolled less than full time but will be prorated according to the actual enrollment status.

If you withdraw from the University of Redlands during a semester, a calculation of “earned” versus “unearned” federal aid must be determined. This federal policy assumes you earn your aid based on how much time has elapsed in the term. If you receive federal financial aid, that aid may be reduced as a result of your withdrawal. There are three steps that the University of Redlands must complete to comply with the federal policy:

1. Determine the withdrawal date
2. Determine the amount of earned federal aid.
3. Return unearned federal funds to the appropriate program(s).

You must withdraw officially by contacting the Office of Student Life at 909-748-8053.

The withdrawal date is the date you begin the withdrawal process. If you fail to withdraw officially, the withdrawal date will become the midpoint of the term, unless the University can document a later date. In certain circumstances, if an earlier date of last academic activity is determined, this date may be used in the calculation of “earned” federal aid. If you withdraw before completing 60 percent of the term, you “earn” federal funds in direct proportion to the length of time you were enrolled. The percentage of earned aid is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days enrolled by the total number of calendar days in the term. If you complete 60 percent of the term, you earn all federal financial aid for the term. The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the institution (University of Redlands) and the student. The institution’s share is the lesser of unearned aid or unearned institutional charges. The institution’s share must be repaid to the federal aid programs in the following order before the student’s share is considered:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan
2. Subsidized Direct Loan
3. Direct PLUS Loan
4. Pell Grant 
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
6. Other Title IV assistance

If you are required to repay a portion of your loan through the student’s share calculation, you will not be expected to return those funds immediately, but rather when repayment begins according to the terms and conditions of the promissory note. If your share includes grant funds, federal rules allow the grant to be reduced by 50 percent, and the University of Redlands will repay these grant programs on your behalf. You will then be responsible for repaying this money back to the University.

If you wish to withdraw from your program, or from classes within the program, you must contact your Student Services Manager. If you withdraw during a payment period Student Financial Services must perform a calculation of "earned" versus "unearned" federal aid. This federal policy assumes you earn your aid based on how much time has elapsed in your payment period. If you receive federal financial aid, that aid may be reduced as a result of your withdrawal. There are three steps that the University of Redlands must complete to comply with federal policy:

1. Determine the withdrawal date.

2. Determine the amount of earned federal aid.

3. Return the unearned federal funds to the appropriate program(s).

The withdrawal date is the date you begin the withdrawal process. If you fail to withdraw officially, the withdrawal date will become the midpoint of the term, unless the University can document a later date. In certain circumstances, if an earlier date of last academic activity is determined, this date may be used in the calculation of "earned" federal aid. If you withdraw before completing 60 percent of the term, you "earn" federal funds in direct proportion to the length of time you were enrolled. The percentage of aid is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days enrolled by the total number of calendar days in the term. If you complete 60 percent of the term, you earn all federal aid for the term.

The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the institution (University of Redlands) and the student. The institution's share is the lesser of unearned aid or unearned charges and must be repaid to the federal aid programs in the following order, before the student's share is considered:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan

2. Subsidized Direct Loan

3. PLUS Loan

4. Pell Grant

5. Academic Competitiveness Grant

6. TEACH Grant

7. Other Title IV Assistance

If you are required to repay a portion of your loan through the student's share calculation, you will not be expected to return those funds immediately, but rather when repayment begins according to the terms and conditions of your promissory note. If your share includes grant funds, federal rules allow the grant to be reduced by 50 percent, and the University of Redlands will repay these grant programs on your behalf. You will be responsible for repaying the University directly for any student account balance remaining after funds have been paid to the federal government on your behalf.

All students enrolled in an undergraduate degree completion program or graduate program through the College of Arts and Sciences must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy as determined by the University of Redlands in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education. Students will be evaluated at the end of each payment period. SAP is evaluated both on quantitative and qualitative measurements. See below for an explanation of both measurements.

Quantitative measure. As a full-time student, you must complete a minimum of 12 credits per semester (24 credits per year). If enrolled less than full time, you must complete the prorated equivalent of 12 credits per semester based upon your enrollment status (e.g., three-quarter time students must complete nine credits in a semester).

Qualitative measure. You must achieve a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA (or its equivalent for Johnston students). Please note that merit and talent scholarships carry higher GPA requirements (typically 3.0).

Evaluation periods. Student Financial Services monitors SAP twice a year (after each term). Your entire academic history is considered when determining SAP status—not just semesters in which you receive financial aid.

Maximum time frame for completion (time limits). Although the 12 credit hour requirement for full-time students is the acceptable minimum standard to receive financial aid, you must complete an average of 16 academic units per term in order to graduate within a four-year period. Institutional financial aid is limited to eight semesters. For transfer students only, every 16 credits accepted for transfer credit reduces eligibility from the maximum time frames by one semester (see chart below). 

Repeated courses. If academic credit has already been earned for a course, a repeated course will NOT count towards quantitative minimum requirements or full-time enrollment status (the minimum 12 credits required per term). For GPA purposes, only the repeated course will count in the cumulative GPA.

Incompletes. For the purpose of evaluating SAP, credits for an incomplete course are considered as attempted but not completed. Incomplete coursework is not included in GPA calculations until the incomplete grade changes to a passing or failing grade.

Withdrawals. If you withdraw from all courses during a semester, you still use eligibility towards the maximum time frames for completion.

Financial aid warning. If you fail to meet SAP standards for any term, you will be placed on an initial financial aid warning during the following term. A student on an initial financial aid warning will retain eligibility to receive financial assistance through the entire period of the warning.

Financial aid suspension. If you fail to meet SAP standards after your warning term, you will be placed on financial aid suspension and lose eligibility to receive financial assistance for the subsequent term. Additionally, if you are academically dismissed (disqualified) by the Dean’s Office, you will automatically be placed on financial aid suspension. Even if you successfully petition for reinstatement to the University, you must also appeal for reinstatement of financial aid eligibility.

SAP appeals. If you are placed on financial aid suspension, you may request reinstatement of financial aid eligibility by completing a SAP appeal form, available at js5.sydotnet.net/faforms. Appeal requests must provide an explanation of the circumstances that contributed to your inability to meet the minimum SAP standards along with a realistic plan for academic improvement. You must meet with your academic advisor to obtain approval of your proposed academic plans before submitting the written appeal.

Financial aid reinstatement. If the financial aid committee approves your appeal, you will be reinstated on financial aid probation for one semester. The financial aid committee may require that specific benchmarks be reached in order to retain eligibility beyond the end of the semester or year. In all cases, if you successfully complete a semester while on financial aid suspension AND meet both quantitative and qualitative SAP standards at the end of the semester, you will regain full eligibility for financial aid beginning with the subsequent semester (maximum time limits still apply).

All students enrolled in an undergraduate degree completion program or graduate program through the School of Business & Society and School of Education must meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy as determined by the University of Redlands in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education. Students will be evaluated at the end of each year, or if their program is less than one year, after each payment period. SAP is evaluated both on quantitative (percentage of credits earned) and qualitative (cumulative GPA) measurements. See below for an explanation of both measurements.

Quantitative SAP: All students must complete at least 67% of their attempted units in each academic year. For example, a student whose program is 24 units for the year must complete a minimum of 17 units to be compliant.

Qualitative SAP: All students must maintain a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.0 in undergraduate programs and 3.0 in graduate programs.

Students who do not maintain the SAP requirements will be placed on financial aid suspension, and ineligible for financial aid. Students will be notified, and receive information on submitting an appeal to reinstate their financial aid if unusual or other considerable circumstances occurred. Otherwise, students may regain eligibility by meeting the GPA and unit completion requirements.

Withdrawal Policy

If you wish to withdraw from your program, or from classes within the program, you must contact your Student Services Manager. If you withdraw during a payment period Student Financial Services must perform a calculation of "earned" versus "unearned" federal aid. This federal policy assumes you earn your aid based on how much time has elapsed in your payment period. If you receive federal financial aid, that aid may be reduced as a result of your withdrawal. There are three steps that the University of Redlands must complete to comply with federal policy:

1. Determine the withdrawal date.

2. Determine the amount of earned federal aid.

3. Return the unearned federal funds to the appropriate program(s).

The withdrawal date is the date you begin the withdrawal process. If you fail to withdraw officially, the withdrawal date will become the midpoint of the term, unless the University can document a later date. In certain circumstances, if an earlier date of last academic activity is determined, this date may be used in the calculation of "earned" federal aid. If you withdraw before completing 60 percent of the term, you "earn" federal funds in direct proportion to the length of time you were enrolled. The percentage of aid is determined by dividing the total number of calendar days enrolled by the total number of calendar days in the term. If you complete 60 percent of the term, you earn all federal aid for the term.

The responsibility to repay unearned aid is shared by the institution (University of Redlands) and the student. The institution's share is the lesser of unearned aid or unearned charges and must be repaid to the federal aid programs in the following order, before the student's share is considered:

1. Unsubsidized Direct Loan

2. Subsidized Direct Loan

3. PLUS Loan

4. Pell Grant

5. Academic Competitiveness Grant

6. TEACH Grant

7. Other Title IV Assistance

If you are required to repay a portion of your loan through the student's share calculation, you will not be expected to return those funds immediately, but rather when repayment begins according to the terms and conditions of your promissory note. If your share includes grant funds, federal rules allow the grant to be reduced by 50 percent, and the University of Redlands will repay these grant programs on your behalf. You will be responsible for repaying the University directly for any student account balance remaining after funds have been paid to the federal government on your behalf.

Consent to Conduct Business Electronically

You agree to conduct business electronically and that electronic records will be used in lieu of paper records. You agree to use electronic signatures and your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your handwritten signature for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility. You understand that your consent to use electronic signatures applies to this transaction specifically and you must provide your consent for each transaction you sign electronically.

If you do not consent to sign this form electronically, you may conduct the transaction on paper. Forms that may be signed with a handwritten signature can be found at js5.sydotnet.net/faforms.

Revocation of Consent

You understand and agree you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time. You may withdraw your consent by ceasing completion of this document prior to typing your electronic signature, or by contacting Student Financial Services at sfs@sydotnet.net or (909) 748-8047 to withdraw your consent. You understand that withdrawing your consent may result in a delay of processing your financial aid or a revocation of already processed financial aid.

Paper Versions of Electronic Documents

You acknowledge and agree that you may request a paper version of any financial aid or student account documents free of charge. To request a paper copy, contact Student Financial Services at sfs@sydotnet.net or (909) 748-8047.

Hardware, Software, and Operating System

You are responsible for installation, maintenance, and operation of your computer, browser and software. Your signature indicates that you have access to the Internet, a web browser, and an email account capable of receiving communication from University of Redlands.

Contact Information

If the information required to contact you electronically changes, please notify Student Financial Services at sfs@sydotnet.net or (909) 748-8047 as soon as possible.

Definitions

• Document or Record: Information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
• Electronic: Technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic, or similar capabilities.
• Electronic Signature: An electronic symbol or process attached to, or logically associated with, a record and used by a person with the intent to sign the record.
• Electronic Record: A record created, generated, sent, communicated, received, and/or stored by electronic means.

Approximately a third of FAFSAs are selected for verification by the Department of Education, which requires submitting additional documents to support the information entered on the form. If your FAFSA is selected, Student Financial Services will let you know what documentation needs to be submitted. The most accurate and preferred way to update your FAFSA is to use the Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange. Please be aware that not all parents and students are eligible to use the Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange, and you may be required to provide copies of your IRS tax return transcript.

Completing the verification process will assist us in accurately determining your financial aid eligibility. Failure to complete the required verification process will result in the postponement or cancellation of all non-merit financial assistance. If verification is not completed by the beginning of the school year, students must arrange for alternative means to pay for full semester charges until the verification process can be completed and full eligibility has been determined.

The verification worksheets can be found here, and students will be notified via Redlands email or U.S. mail what verification items are needed.

The official verification policy can be found in the current catalog. 

Tentative Awards

Entering freshman who meet the March 2 FAFSA deadline will receive a financial aid award letter before the deposit deadline of May 1. If you have been selected for verification, your initial financial aid offer will be tentative (e.g., the award is subject to change pending verification of your financial aid file). Once Student Financial Services has received all documentation needed to complete the verification process, your file will be reviewed and your tentative award will either be finalized or adjusted.

Students receiving a University grant or other federal and state financial assistance MUST reapply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA each year by March 2. Applications are available online after October 1 each year. It is the student’s responsibility to reapply on time each year, listing the University of Redlands school code (001322). Financial aid eligibility is reevaluated each year based on the family’s current financial circumstances. If financial circumstances remain the same, students can expect a similar level of grant assistance from the University. The following factors, however, can lead to a change in eligibility and, subsequently, a change to the financial aid award package:

• If you submit applications or requested documents after the published deadlines, sufficient funds may not be available to consider you for University financial aid.
• If there is a change in your family’s financial circumstances, including a change in the number of dependent siblings in college.
• If we discover information about your circumstances that was not taken into account in previous years.
• If there is a change in federal or state law or in University policy.
• If you fail to continue to meet all general eligibility requirements.

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily drop all courses in a term prior to attending will have tuition and fees refunded in full for that term. Certain fees may be non-refundable. Information regarding non-refundable fees can be found in the catalog. Once a student begins attendance in a term, all fees are non-refundable. 

College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students are required to maintain full-time enrollment status in a minimum of 12 units. If a student drops below 12 units, their tuition will not be prorated unless they have been approved by the Registrar's Office to attend in a part-time status. Tuition for part-time students is billed at the per-unit rate for that academic year. 

College of Arts and Science graduate students are billed on a per-unit basis. Tuition for courses dropped after the student begins attendance is refunded on a per diem basis starting with the first day through the first 60 percent of the semester.

College of Arts and Sciences students enrolled in the one-year MS Geographic Information Systems program are billed on a per-semester basis unless approved to enroll in a part-time status. Tuition for dropped classes will not be prorated. Tuition for part-time students is billed at the per-unit rate for that academic year. 

If an undergraduate or graduate student student withdraws or takes a leave of absence prior to the end of the term, the student must complete the official withdrawal or leave of absence process detailed in the course catalog to be eligible for a tuition refund. Tuition is refunded on a per diem basis starting with the first day through the first 60 percent of the semester.

The withdrawal date used to calculate the tuition refund for course drops, withdrawals, and leaves of absence is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

If a student withdraws or takes a leave of absence during a term, their financial aid may be refunded according to the federal refund guidelines. Financial aid is prorated based on the number of calendar days attended out of the total number of calendar days through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the financial proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Student Financial Services will determine the portion (if any) of your financial aid funds for the semester that you are eligible to keep. This determination is made using a standard calculation specified in the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations. If we determine that you must repay all or a portion of your aid funds, such funds will be immediately due. You will receive an email from Student Financial Services informing you of any balance due.

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily drop all courses in a term prior to attending will have tuition and fees refunded in full for that term. Certain fees may be non-refundable. Additional information regarding non-refundable fees can be found in the catalog. Once a student begins attendance in a course, all fees are non-refundable. 

If the student withdraws or takes a leave of absence prior to the end of the term, a student must complete the official withdrawal or leave of absence process detailed in their respective course catalog to be eligible for a tuition refund.

Tuition for courses dropped after the student begins attendance, withdraws, or takes a leave of absence is prorated based on the number of sessions attended out of the total number of scheduled sessions for the course through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the tuition proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Courses dropped after the student begins attendance, withdraws, or takes a leave of absence may result in a change in financial aid eligibility or a proration of financial aid.  

University of Redlands follows the federal refund policy for all financial aid refunds. Financial aid is prorated based on the number of calendar days attended out of the total number of calendar days in the term through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the financial proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Student Financial Services will determine the portion (if any) of your financial funds for the quarter that you are eligible to keep. This determination is made using a standard calculation specified in the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations. If we determine that you must repay all or a portion of your aid funds, such funds will be immediately due and payable. You will receive an email from Student Financial Services informing you of any balance due. 

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily drop all courses in a term prior to attending will have tuition and fees refunded in full for that term. Certain fees may be non-refundable. Information regarding non-refundable fees can be found in the catalog. Once a student begins attendance in a term, all fees are non-refundable.

If the student withdraws or takes a leave of absence prior to the end of the term, a student must complete the official withdrawal or leave of absence process detailed in their respective course catalog to receive a tuition refund.

Tuition for courses dropped prior to the add/drop date for the term will be refunded in full. Once the add/drop date has passed, tuition is prorated based on the number of sessions attended out of the total number of scheduled sessions through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the tuition proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity. 

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Courses dropped after the student begins attendance, withdraws, or takes a leave of absence may result in a change in financial aid eligibility or a proration of financial aid.  

University of Redlands follows the federal refund policy for all financial aid refunds. Financial aid is prorated based on the number of calendar days attended out of the total number of calendar days in the term through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the financial proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Student Financial Services will determine the portion (if any) of your financial funds for the quarter that you are eligible to keep. This determination is made using a standard calculation specified in the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations. If we determine that you must repay all or a portion of your aid funds, such funds will be immediately due and payable. You will receive an email from Student Financial Services informing you of any balance due. 

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily drop all courses in a term prior to attending will have tuition and fees refunded in full for that term. Certain fees may be non-refundable. Additional information regarding non-refundable fees can be found in the catalog. Once a student begins attendance in a course, all fees are non-refundable. 

If the student withdraws or takes a leave of absence prior to the end of the term, a student must complete the official withdrawal or leave of absence process detailed in their respective course catalog to be eligible for a tuition refund.

Tuition for courses dropped after the student begins attendance, withdraws, or takes a leave of absence is prorated based on the number of sessions attended out of the total number of scheduled sessions for the course through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the tuition proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

To be eligible for a room and/or meal plan refund, a student must complete the official withdraw or leave of absence process. Students who wish to move out prior to the end of the semester but continue to attend are not eligible for a room and/or meal plan refund.

Room and Board (Meal Plans) are prorated based on the student’s last date in their residence hall. This means that the proration rate for Room and Board may be different than the proration rate for tuition and fees if a student moves out after their last date of attendance at an academically related activity. 

The proration is based on the number of calendar days the student lived in the residence hall out of the total number of calendar days through the first 60 percent of the semester. Any withdrawals or leaves of absence after 60 percent will be billed the full amount for Room and Board.  

The health and safety of our students and community are of the utmost importance to University of Redlands.  The University may adjust the housing availability, temporarily close, and/or place restrictions on use of housing facilities as necessary to preserve the health and safety of its students and the campus community. In the event of such temporary closures, restrictions, and/or adjustments to the housing services schedule, the University shall not be obligated to issue refunds or credits, whether partial or full, for such interruptions or adjustments beyond the first 60 percent of the term.

Credit balances occur when a student's financial aid and/or payments exceed the charges on the account. Refunds of credit balances are issued to the student. Exceptions are made for Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loans). Refunds of credit balances begin the first week of each term. Processing of refunds can take up to 14 days.

How can I get my Refund?

Credit balances are refunded via check or direct deposit. Check refunds will be sent to the student's on-campus mailbox or mailed to the address on file if no mailbox exists. 

Students who would like to enroll in direct deposit can do so via Web Advisor in their MyRedlands portal. Students enrolled in Direct Deposit will see their funds in their bank account within 2-3 business days of processing. 

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who voluntarily drop all courses in a term prior to attending will have tuition and fees refunded in full for that term. Certain fees may be non-refundable. Additional information regarding non-refundable fees can be found in the catalog. Once a student begins attendance in a course, all fees are non-refundable.

If the student withdraws or takes a leave of absence prior to the end of the term, a student must complete the official withdrawal or leave of absence process detailed in their respective course catalog to be eligible for a tuition refund.

Tuition for courses dropped after the student begins attendance is refunded on a per diem basis starting with the first day through the first 60 percent of the semester.

Financial Aid Refund Policy

Courses dropped after the student begins attendance, withdraws, or takes a leave of absence may result in a change in financial aid eligibility or a proration of financial aid.

University of Redlands follows the federal refund policy for all financial aid refunds. Financial aid is prorated based on the number of calendar days attended out of the total number of calendar days in the term through the first 60 percent of the semester. The withdrawal date used to calculate the financial proration is the last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

Student Financial Services will determine the portion (if any) of your financial funds for the quarter that you are eligible to keep. This determination is made using a standard calculation specified in the U.S. Department of Education’s regulations. If we determine that you must repay all or a portion of your aid funds, such funds will be immediately due and payable. You will receive an email from Student Financial Services informing you of any balance due.

Room Refund Policy

To be eligible for a housing refund, a student must complete the official withdraw or leave of absence process. Students who wish to move out prior to the end of the defined housing term, but continue to attend are not eligible for a housing refund.

Housing charges are prorated based on the student’s last date in housing. This means that the proration rate for housing may be different than the proration rate for tuition if a student moves out after their last date of attendance at an academically related activity.

The proration is based on the number of calendar days the student lived in the residence hall out of the total number of calendar days in the defined housing term through the first 60 percent of the semester. Any withdrawals or leaves of absence after 60 percent will be billed the full amount for housing.