This document contains information about the following topics:
Springfield College offers a comprehensive financing program to students
who have matriculated in an eligible degree or certificate program. We
know that financing a Springfield College education is a challenging task.
Our staff is prepared to assist and advise students and family members
involved in the financing process on the variety of financing options and
application procedures.
All information in the student financial aid application file is considered
confidential. Disclosure of family financial information is governed by the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The financial aid staff cannot
discuss details of the student’s application with persons other than the
student and/or responsible parent. If other individuals acting on behalf of
the student are to have access to this information, a confidential release
form, available upon request, must be on file with Office of Financial Aid.
Students and parents are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial
Aid at any time during the year to discuss concerns, questions, or major changes
in family finances.
The Office of Financial Aid is a resource for educational financing
options beyond the need-based financial aid programs. Students and
family members involved in the financing process are encouraged to
contact financial aid staff for information and application procedures.
Financial aid staff work closely with the bursar in the management of
student accounts and are authorized to develop payment plans with
students and/or parents.
Need-Based Financial Aid
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Springfield College awards College grant funds primarily on the basis of
financial need. Academic achievement, cocurricular/community activities,
and leadership potential are also considered when making award decisions.
State and federal funds are awarded and disbursed subject to the program
regulations from the awarding agency.
All students who have been accepted into a degree or eligible certificate
program may apply for assistance.
Unless otherwise indicated, aid is awarded on the basis of full-time
enrollment (undergraduate, twelve credit hours per semester; graduate,
nine credit hours per semester). Awards are subject to adjustment and/or
cancellation if enrollment is less than full time. Students enrolled less
than half time are not eligible for Springfield College grants, federal
loans, and most state aid programs. Some students enrolled less than half
time may be eligible for a small portion of their Federal Pell Grant eligibility.
Springfield College grants are based on full-time enrollment.
Students must be in good academic standing. See the section on “Financial
Aid.”
Application Process
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As a result of the completion of the financial aid process, each year an expected
family contribution is calculated. Students
are expected to take responsibility for the financial aid application process
which must be completed for each year assistance is needed.
All applicants for need-based financial aid must file the Free Application
for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The FAFSA can be completed on the
Web (www.fafsa.ed.gov). Verification of data on the application forms is
done by collecting appropriate year-end federal tax returns and W-2's.
Undergraduate Students
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Application information is sent to all applicants for admission. First year
undergraduate students and transfer undergraduate students who wish consideration for
Springfield College grant and scholarship funds are expected to file the
Springfield College financial aid application. The priority application
date for first-year students is March 15, transfers May 1. Late applications
may reduce access to financial aid. The web site for the Springfield College financial
aid application is
www.spfldcol.edu/home.nsf/admissions/financialaid
Returning undergraduate students who are expected to return the following
year are sent the Springfield College financial aid application/information
in January prior to the start of the upcoming academic year. The
priority application date for returning students is May 1. Late applications
may reduce access to financial aid.
Academic Eligibility
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Recipients of financial aid (including most loan programs) must make
satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees. Satisfactory progress
is defined by the College and is reviewed each semester. The evaluation
consists of a review of quantitative progress (semester hours earned per
year) and qualitative achievement (cumulative GPA), (see Academic
Progress Policy). The Office of Financial Aid will place a student
on financial aid suspension for failure to meet the standard. While on
financial aid suspension, a student loses all eligibility for College, federal,
and state assistance, including student/parent loans.
The Office of Financial Aid may grant a semester of financial aid probation
if there are documented circumstances affecting the student’s ability
to maintain good academic standing. Requests for financial aid probation
must be made in writing to the director of financial aid. The complete policy
of satisfactory academic progress as it applies to financial aid may be found
in the publication
"Financing Your Springfield College Education."
Financial Aid Policy
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The College makes admissions decisions without regard for ability to pay
educational expenses. All information in a student’s financial aid file
is
treated in accordance with the Federal Family Rights and Privacy Act.
Unless otherwise indicated, aid is awarded on the basis of full-time
enrollment (minimum of twelve credit hours per semester). Aid awards
are subject to adjustment and/or cancellation if the student does not
enroll full time.
The total financial assistance one can receive cannot exceed need as
determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Students are required to advise
the Office of Financial Aid of outside scholarship aid. If there is a gap
between calculated need and the amount of aid in the student’s financial
aid package, the outside scholarship is allowed to fill that unmet need. If
need has been met, outside aid reduces the loan component of the financial
aid package first.
Students must make satisfactory academic progress toward their degrees
to continue to receive financial aid (see section on “Academic Eligibility”).
An award can be canceled during the academic year for failure to meet
the academic requirements of the award, for failure to submit required
documentation, for conduct inconsistent with the standards of the
College, for failure to enroll, or if incorrect information was provided in
the application process.
Students must complete the financial aid application process for each
academic year in which assistance is needed. Renewal of awards is
contingent upon the continued demonstration of financial need and
availability of funds. Students who have received Springfield College
funds in the prior academic year are given preference in the renewal
process. Springfield College cannot guarantee the availability of College
funds to all needy students.
Students are responsible for filing properly completed forms by the
published deadline dates. Failure to complete the process in the required
time may jeopardize eligibility for assistance. Students must also provide
all documentation requested by the College’s Office of Financial Aid.
Failure to comply may result in a denial of assistance. All applicants
should apply to their home state scholarship program. Aid is awarded on
the basis of financial need and academic standing and is subject to federal,
state, and College policies. Any change in a student’s enrollment, financial,
marital, or residential status must be reported promptly to the Office
of Financial Aid. The financial aid award shall be void if and when incorrect
or inconsistent information is revealed on forms or other documentation
submitted in the application process. All awards are subject to
verification. Cases of fraud are reported to the appropriate authorities.
Students’ accounts are credited when all documentation has been submitted
and verification is complete. Students receiving tuition remission are
not eligible for Springfield College grants or scholarships.
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