Student Financial Aid Rights
A Somerset Christian College Student has the right:

• To have complete information regarding fees, payment and refund policies made available to them.
• To have an explanation of the various programs in the student aid package.
• To have all personal and family financial information treated with confidentiality.
• To know what portion of financial aid must be repaid and what portion is grant aid.

Student Financial Aid Responsibilities
A Somerset Christian College student has the responsibility:

• To advise the Financial Aid Office if there are any changes in enrollment status or address. (Students who borrow through the Federal Stafford Loan program must also notify their lenders of these changes).
• To advise the Financial Aid Office of any additional aid received, including outside scholarships and tuition reimbursement (fax or mail a copy of the notification of award).
• To inform the Financial Aid Office of plans to withdraw or take a leave of absence. Students must also inform the Registrar.
• To submit to the Financial Aid Office any required documentation for the verification of financial aid and other relevant information pertaining to the financial aid application. All requested information must be received by the deadline stipulated on the request letter before any disbursement of funds will be made and before Federal Stafford Loan applications are certified and sent to the lender. Students who do not submit the required information will not receive aid.
• To submit completed, signed and dated applications for financial aid by the priority deadline date each year aid is desired (realizing that late filing will delay the processing of all aid).
• To submit completed, signed and dated renewal forms required for outside sources for each year aid is desired.
• To complete a Federal Stafford Loan Entrance Interview prior to any funds being disbursed.
• To complete a Federal Stafford Loan Exit Interview prior to graduation or ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) in person at the college.
• To read and understand all forms that they are asked to sign prior to signing them. Students are also responsible for all agreements that they sign.
• To keep copies of all financial aid related paperwork, especially loan applications, entrance and exit interview information and information from lenders regarding all loans.
• To maintain satisfactory academic standing and progress as defined by the College.
• To keep track of amounts of grants and scholarships received each year. The IRS requires that students who receive grants and scholarships that are in excess of tuition, books and fees must report excess as income on their federal income tax returns as well as on the FAFSA (Worksheet C).

Refund Checks

If your financial aid, including your Student Loan, exceeds your charges for the term, you will be issued the difference in the form of a refund check.  

However, to qualify for a refund, you must have taken all steps necessary to complete your aid. This means that you have completed a properly signed Promissory Note, as well as any and all other information we may have requested. When all documents have been received and reviewed, your financial aid is credited to your individual student account and, if you are entitled, a refund check is issued.

Refunds are generally available to those whose aid is complete. If your aid is credited to your account, refunds are usually available within three or four days of the completion date.

Probation and Suspension from
Financial Aid
All students receiving financial aid at Somerset Christian College are required to meet qualifying standards. Students are placed on probation from the financial aid program if qualifying standards of the financial aid program are not met. Suspension of financial aid will occur if standards are not met by the end of the probation period. Aid will also be suspended for the semester if credit hours attempted fall below the credit hour criteria.

Standards of Academic Progress
To receive financial aid students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of a 2.0, or “C”. 

Appeal Policy

If you have extenuating circumstances impacting your academic progress, or a situation you were unable to document when completing the FAFSA form, please request a Financial Aid Special Circumstance form from the Financial Aid Office.

Special Note of Caution: Scholarship Scams

Be careful when searching for information on student financial aid.  Make sure information and offers are legitimate.  Don’t fall prey to fraud.  The College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act enhances protection against fraud in student financial assistance.  For free information on how to avoid Scholarship Scams call 1-877-382-4357 or visit The Federal Trade Commissions (FTC) website www.ftc.gov/scholarshipscams.