Your Rights & Responsibilities

Students receiving federal and state financial aid must be aware of the following rights and responsibilities.

You Have the Right to Know

The financial aid programs that are available, and the eligibility requirements that pertain to each of these.
The deadlines for submitting application forms.
How financial aid awards are determined.
How the costs for tuition, room and board, books and supplies, travel, personal and miscellaneous expenses are considered in establishing the cost of education.
The data (parental income, parental assets, student income, student assets, household size, etc.) that were considered in determining your expected family contribution.
The college's refund policy.
What portion of the financial aid is grant aid, and what portion must be repaid.
How the college determines satisfactory academic progress, and the consequences for financial aid when the standards have not been satisfied.
The appeal process to follow, when you question a decision that has been made or wish to present an extenuating circumstance.

Completing applications and promissory notes and submitting them on time to the appropriate location.
Returning all additional documentation, verification, corrections and/or new information requested by the Financial Aid Office.
Providing accurate information. In most instances, misrepresenting information on financial aid application forms is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense that could result in indictment under the U.S. Criminal Codes.
Reading and keeping copies of all forms signed.
Notifying the Financial Aid Office of the following information:
- Changes in name
- Changes in factors used to determine financial aid eligibility, including residency, housing plans, marital status, number of dependents, and academic major
- Other sources of financial aid received during the period covered by the award letter
- Reduction in credit hours during a semester
- Withdrawal from the college after a semester is in session