Student Financial Services - Traditional

Expenses

Since economic conditions do fluctuate, Belhaven reserves the right to change its fee charges at the beginning of any semester if such a change is necessary in the judgment of the board of trustees. The support of Presbyterian churches, the earnings from endowment investments, and the gifts of alumni and other friends provide funds that enable the University to charge fees which are considerably less than the actual cost of instruction and other services provided.

Traditional Tuition - https://www.belhaven.edu/admission/undergrad/aid/

General Fees

Special Fees (In addition to tuition)

Payment Policy

All registration charges are due on the first day of each course. Outstanding balances are considered Past Due on the 10^th day of the first course of the semester unless the students have a satisfactory payment arrangement on file with Student Financial Services.

Students whose accounts are past due may subject to late fees of at least $100.00, Schedule changes, semester grades, transcripts, and registration for future semesters may be denied for students with past due accounts.

Institutional Refund/Withdrawal Policy

Cancellation prior to Course Start Date:

• If a student withdraws from the University, prior to beginning courses, they are entitled to cancellation of all institutional charges other than books and supplies charged to their student account.

Withdrawal after Course Start Date:

• If the student never attends the course, all tuition charges will be cancelled and credits will be returned to the source of the payment made on account.
• Tuition charges* shall be refunded as follows:
  • 3 Week courses
    • Before the 8th day:            100%
    • After the seventh day:          0%
  • 7 Week Courses
    • Before the 8^th day:             100%
    • Before the 15^th day:             50%
    • Before the 22^nd day:            25%
    • After the twenty-first day:    0%
  • 15-16 Week courses
    • Before the 8^th day:             100%
    • Before the 15^th day:             75%
    • Before the 22^nd day:            50%
    • Before the 29^th day:             25%
    • After the twenty-eighth day: 0%
• Fees will also be refunded at 100% should the student drops during the Add/Drop period.

* Some charges, such as student insurance or non-refundable deposits, may not be refunded after the student attends class.

Students receiving federal student aid (including loans): When a student withdraws from a course it may result in a portion or all of financial aid funds being returned to the Department of Education. A complete withdrawal from the semester or your program may require a portion of all federal awards to be returned. The return of these funds may result in the student owing a balance to the University and/or the federal government which must be repaid before attending future courses.

Federal student aid is returned in the following order in accordance to Higher Education Amendments of 1998:

1. Federal unsubsidized Direct Loan
2. Federal subsidized Direct Loan
3. Federal Perkins Loan
4. Federal PLUS Loan
5. Federal Pell Grant
6. Federal SEOG

The federal Title IV written refund policy and method of calculation is available on BlazeNet on the Financial Aid page.

All balances owed for the entire semester or summer session or shorter period of enrollment are to be paid at the time that classes begin unless a payment plan has been established. Students who are admitted to the University accept as contractual all the terms and regulations set forth in this catalogue and are liable for the payment of all charges and fees incurred during their stay at the University. Belhaven University assumes that when a dependent student enters college, the student’s parents or guardians accept as contractual all the terms and regulations set forth in this catalogue.

Students who withdraw voluntarily or administratively and have an unpaid balance, for which satisfactory payment arrangements have not been made, will have their account sent to an outside collection agency for collections. Should this action be taken by the University, the student will be responsible for the balance and any additional collection charges and fees related to the collection of the debt. The outstanding balance will also be reported to the credit bureau. All transcripts and diplomas will be held until the balance is paid in full.

A currently enrolled student who has not made satisfactory payment arrangements with Student Financial Services Office may be administratively withdrawn from Belhaven University for non-payment of tuition and fees. This may result in the student being administratively withdrawn from classes and enrollment before the semester concludes, and in turn the student would not earn academic credit for courses attempted during that semester.

Following the national college and university standard, Belhaven’s registrar is not permitted to transfer credits or issue a transcript until all indebtedness to the University is paid.

Financial Aid

Belhaven University believes that no eligible student should be denied an education because of financial need. Therefore, through a program of scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment, and payment plans, Belhaven University provides a comprehensive plan to assist students who establish a definite financial need.

Students each year should complete the following application procedures.

1. Apply formally for admission through the office of admission if not currently enrolled.
2. Complete any applications for the state of Mississippi financial assistance (if a legal resident of the state). Available at www.mississippi.edu/riseupms/
3. Apply for federal student financial aid EACH YEAR by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on the Internet at www.fafsa.gov . IMPORTANT: Be sure to list Belhaven University as one of the colleges to receive the results of your evaluation. Our code number is 002397.

Financial aid applications received by Belhaven University on or before March 1 will be given priority for those funds that may be limited and/or until those funds run out.

Merit-Based Scholarships (Traditional Program)

Entering Freshman
The foundation of Belhaven’s scholarship program is based on a review of several factors including:

• ACT scores (or SAT equivalent)
• Grade point average
• Student’s mission fit

These scholarships are “open” to all students who qualify and are seeking a first bachelor’s degree as they enter Belhaven University’s traditional undergraduate programs. Merit-based scholarships may not be awarded in combination with tuition discounts, waivers or sponsorships.

Merit-based scholarships are renewable up to four years (or eight semesters) contingent upon maintaining full time enrollment status and satisfactory academic progress. Based upon administrative approval some scholarships may be consider for full or prorated renewal during a fifth year under certain circumstances.

Transfer Students
Belhaven gladly welcomes transfer students and works with them to assist in meeting the financial obligation to Belhaven University. Merit-based awards are offered to any student transferring 30 or more hours to Belhaven University’s traditional undergraduate programs based upon the following:

• Previous academic record at all prior institutions
• Phi Theta Kappa membership

Transfer student scholarships are renewed for up to three years depending upon grade level, maintaining full time enrollment and satisfactory academic progress. These scholarships are not awarded in combination with other merit-based scholarships, tuition discounts, waivers and/or sponsorships.

Cultural Arts and Supplemental Scholarships (Traditional program)

The following scholarships are awarded based upon audition and portfolio in the cultural arts. Arts scholarships are specifically related to arts program in which the student is enrolled. Supplemental and arts scholarships may not be awarded in combination with some institutional scholarships as well as tuition discounts, waivers and sponsorships.

Need-Based Grants (Traditional program)

For students with exceptional need, Belhaven offers further assistance to ensure continued affordability for our students. However, these grants require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and all requested documentation to be reviewed annually to determine renewal eligibility and amount.

Other Scholarship and Grant considerations

All students enrolled in the traditional program are encouraged to live on campus to fully experience the diversity of Belhaven’s Christian worldview. The university has structured the scholarship program to offset a considerable percentage of costs associated with living in campus housing. Therefore, students electing to live off campus may have a percentage of their aid package reduced.

Students on scholarship who leave Belhaven University and then return to the University must reapply to determine scholarship eligibility.

Federal Student Aid
We encourage students to apply to the University and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible so that an accurate and complete award package can be offered in a timely fashion. Some federal grant programs are limited so apply early to receive the best offer.

Need-based Financial Assistance
Federal Pell Grant: Eligibility and amount of award determined by U.S. Department of Education.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Based on need with preference to Pell Grant recipients.
Federal Work Study Program: Average 10-12 hours work per week on campus or in community service at minimum wage.
Federal Direct Loan: Varying interest rates; repayment begins six months after leaving school.
Federal Parent Loan: Varying interest rates; parent is the borrower.

Student Employment

Belhaven students have an opportunity for on-campus and off-campus employment. Within the Jackson metropolitan area there are many job opportunities for qualified students. The center for Career Calling maintains an online job board available to students and matches students with potential jobs to meet their skills and calling.

Students must apply and be placed in an approved position to earn awarded funds under the Federal Work Study program. The Federal Work Study award may be adjusted during the award period in accordance to federal student aid policies and requirements. Any hours worked in excess of contractual approval may not be considered for payment.

Wages are paid monthly by check directly to the student based on the number of hours worked for that month. The student may sign a work study authorization form for the wages to be directly credited to the student account.

Return of Federal Title IV Student Aid When a Student Withdraws

If a student withdraws from all courses during a semester, regardless of the reason, federal regulations require Belhaven University to determine the amount of Title IV Federal aid the student has earned. The Title IV aid programs that are covered by this law are: Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG), all Federal Student Loans, all PLUS Loans, TEACH Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants. The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from the Belhaven refund policy.

Though your aid is usually posted to your account early in each payment period, the funds are earned as you complete class time. If you withdraw during the semester, the amount of Title IV aid earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. The withdraw date used in the formula is the last date of attendance for courses for which attendance taking is required. For courses for which attendance is not required, the date of official notification of intent to withdraw or, if later, the last date of academically related activity as determined by Belhaven is used as your withdrawal date. If you withdraw without utilizing the official withdrawal process, the last date of academically related activity will be used if it can be determined. If such a date cannot be established, the midpoint date of the payment period will be used in the calculation.

Students who do not begin attendance in classes are not eligible for federal financial aid and must repay all federal assistance originally received for that semester.

Federal regulations require a recalculation of financial aid eligibility if a student:

• officially withdraws from all courses for the semester;
• stops attending before the semester ends without officially withdrawing;
• does not complete all the sessions for which they were originally registered for in a period of enrollment.

The R2T4 calculation may result in the student and/or parents being responsible for directly returning previously refunded dollars to the U.S. Department of Education.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that must be returned is called an overpayment. Arrangements can be made through Belhaven or the U.S. Department of Education to return the unearned grant funds. Belhaven will notify the student within 45 days of the date of the withdrawal determination, the amount being returned and options for payment reconciliation.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement of Federal Title IV Aid Funds

If a student does not receive all of the funds earned, the student may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. Prior to disbursal of a post-withdrawal disbursement, the student must provide Belhaven with permission to do so. The student may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that no additional debt is incurred. Belhaven is entitled to use all or a portion of the student’s post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges.

Satisfactory Academic Progress
The Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish minimum standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). In order to comply with these requirements [Department of Education Federal Regulations 668.16(e), 668.32(f), and 668.34], Belhaven University has established the following definition or standard of Satisfactory Academic Progress for undergraduate students. A student not making SAP, as deemed by the following conditions, will lose his or her financial aid eligibility [668.329(a)(7)].

Financial aid will be defined as Title IV HEA federal grants, loans, and work-study, and state grants.
Institutional aid will be defined as scholarships offered by Belhaven University.

Financial aid and institutional aid policies are not directly related to policies for academic admission. The Registrar’s Office sets and monitors academic admission policies such as academic suspension and academic dismissal. Reinstatement to Belhaven University after an academic suspension or dismissal does not ensure that financial aid will also be reinstated.

A student’s SAP will be evaluated at the end of each semester [668.34(a) (3)]. To maintain SAP, a student must meet the following standards.

1. An undergraduate student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better and a graduate student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.
   1. Transfer students - Belhaven University does not transfer grades from previous schools (credits toward a degree are accepted, but grades are not accepted). Cumulative GPA will be calculated based only on the student’s work at Belhaven.
   2. Some financial aid programs require a higher GPA than what is required to maintain SAP. A student could meet the requirements for SAP, but still lose eligibility for one or more financial aid programs. Some examples are Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant (MTAG), Mississippi Emanate Scholars Grant (MESG), and TEACH Grant. This is not an exhaustive list. A student should be aware of the requirements necessary to maintain eligibility for all of his or her financial aid programs.
   3. A student receiving an institutional academic scholarship (Belhaven University Scholarship, Transfer Academic Scholarship, or a PTK Scholarship) from Belhaven University must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better to keep his or her institutional scholarship.
2. A student must successfully complete at least 67% of his or her cumulative course work attempted [668.34(a)(5)]. This is calculated by the number of hours earned divided by the number of hours attempted.
   1. All courses attempted at Belhaven University and those taken elsewhere, which are recognized by the Registrar’s Office as part of the student’s current program of study, with the exception of remedial courses, are counted as hours attempted. Remedial courses are not considered part of the student’s attempted hours.
   2. Classes from which a student withdraws (W) is counted as hours attempted. Classes with a grade of W is not considered part of a student’s GPA calculation.
   3. Credit hours earned by testing or other non-standard means are counted in the SAP calculations as both hours attempted and hours earned. This includes hours earned from exams, AP courses, CLEP, PEP, DANTES, and military credits.
   4. Repeated classes are considered part of the hours attempted. A student can receive financial aid for repeating a class as long as he or she earned an “F” in the class. A student can receive financial aid once for repeating a class that he or she has passed.
   5. A course with a grade of incomplete will be counted as hours attempted [668.34(a)(6)], but not earned. A student may request his or her SAP be reevaluated once a final grade has been posted.
3. A student who exceeds 150% of the required hours for his or her program is not making SAP. Once a student, pursuing a 124-hour degree, attempts 186 hours (150% X 124 hours) he or she will no longer be making SAP. Hours used in determining whether a student has reached 150% are defined as hours attempted in #2.
   
   * Students deemed not making SAP and taking classes during the summer can have their SAP reevaluated with their summer work included. It is the student’s responsibility to request a reevaluation.

A student’s SAP status will fall into one of four categories.

Good Standing - eligible to receive financial aid

A status assigned to a student that is meeting all the SAP requirements.

Financial Aid Warning - eligible to receive financial aid

A status assigned to a student who fails to meet standard #1 and/or #2 at the end the semester. A financial aid warning letter will be emailed to the student reminding him or her that failing to meet all the SAP standards will result in Financial Aid Suspension. A student does not lose financial aid as a result of being on financial aid warning. A student can lose financial aid because he or she was not making SAP without receiving a financial aid warning [668.32(a)(8)(i)].

Financial Aid Suspension - not eligible to receive financial aid

A status assigned to a student who following a semester on Financial Aid Warning fails to make SAP. The student’s appeal was not granted. A student will remain on Financial Aid Suspension until he or she meets all of the SAP standards or has a successful appeal.

Financial Aid Probation - eligible to receive financial aid

The status assigned to the student who successfully appeals and is eligible for financial aid on a probationary status until the student can meet all of the SAP standards. The student’s progress is evaluated at the end of the next payment period to determine if he/she is meeting the requirements of their academic plan. If the requirements are being met, the student is eligible to receive federal student aid as long as the student continues to meet the requirements and is reviewed according to the academic plan. See “Instructions for Preparing a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal” for more guidance concerning an appeal.

Appeal Process - See “Instructions for Preparing a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeal” on the Financial Aid page in BlazeNet for more details.

Appeal - A process by which a student who is not meeting the institution’s satisfactory academic progress (SAP) standards petitions the institution for reconsideration of his or her eligibility for student financial aid.

A student placed on Financial Aid Suspension has the option to appeal prior to the deadline. Students attending the traditional programs must have submitted completed appeal documents two weeks prior to the start date of the semester they wish to use financial aid. Online students and students attending any adult campus must have a completed appeal application and all required documents in the Office of Financial Aid one week after the start of the semester they wish to use financial aid. The student must submit an official appeal to the Student Financial Services - Financial Aid Office at Belhaven University explaining, in detail, any extenuating circumstances (death of a relative, an injury or illness, or other special circumstances) that led to the student’s Financial Aid Suspension [668.32(a)(9)(ii)]. Any documentation supporting the student’s case is welcomed [668.32(a)(9)(iii)]. The appeal should also consist of a comprehensive academic plan detailing how and when the student plans to able to meet all of the SAP standards. The appeal and any documentation will be presented to the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee. If the appeal is approved, the student will have his/her financial aid based on conditions outlined in the academic plan. The student must meet any specific requirements as determined by the committee. [668.32(a)(8)(ii)] [668.32(a)(9)].

Following an appeal, the student will be sent a letter and an email with the ruling of the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Committee. If the appeal is granted, the letter will explain any specific requirements the committee will require the student to fulfill. Failure to comply will result in the immediate suspension of financial aid. Financial aid disbursed based on the committee’s decision may have to be returned. [668.32(a)(11)].

A successful appeal to the Registrar’s Office concerning an academic suspension or dismissal does not imply a successful Financial Aid appeal. A student will have to submit a separate appeal to the Financial Aid Office to have his or her SAP status reconsidered.

Reestablishing Financial Aid

For a student to reestablish his or her financial aid, the student must bring his or her cumulative GPA to a 2.0 or better (see #1) and successfully complete at least 67% of his or her cumulative course work attempted (see #2) [668.32(a)(9)(i)] [668.32(a)(10)]. Students who have exceeded the maximum timeframe will not have their financial aid reestablished without a successful appeal.

Other Financial Aid Programs

State Student Financial Aid Programs

MTAG: For legal residents of Mississippi who are enrolled at least 15 credit hours and meet all other requirements. Access information and application at www.ihl.state.ms.us. or call Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning at 601-432-6663 or 1800-327-2980.

MESG: The Mississippi Eminent Scholars Grant Program is available to current legal residents of Mississippi applying as a “first-time-in-college” full-time student. The applicant must be: (1) recognized as a semifinalist or finalist by the National Merit Scholarship Program or the National Achievement Scholarship Program and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; OR (2) have a minimum score of 29 ACT (1280 SAT) and have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; OR (3) have completed a home-education program (9th-12th) and have a minimum score of 29 ACT (1280 SAT). The amount of the award is $2,500 per regular academic year and renewable for up to eight semesters with a minimum 3.5 GPA.

Class Participation Verification Policy

Prior to release of financial aid funds, the University must verify the student has participated in an academically related activity in each of the classes in which they are enrolled. Federal regulations define academic related activities as physically attending a class with direct interaction between the instructor and students, submitting an academic assignment, taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, participating in an online discussion about academic matters, etc. If participation cannot be verified by the last day to drop or add a course, all Title IV funds (Pell Grants, student loans, and other grants or scholarships) cannot be disbursed.

Student Loan Acceptance

Belhaven University participates in an active confirmation process in regards to all student loans. This means that Belhaven University will NOT accept student loans on the behalf of the student. It is the student’s responsibility to review their loan eligibility on Blazenet and determine the amount of the offered loan to accept or decline.

Students also need to complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (and PLUS loan Master Promissory Note if applicable) along with Direct Loan Entrance Counseling (and PLUS Loan Counseling if applicable) before we can disburse the loan funds.

Students will also need to read their entire Award Notification and ensure that they are aware of all the policies regarding their Financial Aid.

Student Loan Disbursement

Federal regulations require student loans to be disbursed equally throughout the student’s attendance pattern and that disbursements are made each semester. Disbursement dates are determined by the program or semester in which the student is enrolled.

• Traditional Students are assigned a Fall/Spring attendance pattern. This means the loan is split over the course of both award periods and disbursed accordingly.
• Adult and Online Students are assigned a Fall/Spring/Summer attendance pattern. This means the loan is split equally between the three award periods and disbursed accordingly.

Disbursement are transmitted after the drop/add period each semester. The student will be notified via email when their Financial Aid disburses onto their account. In accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), information regarding arrival of loan proceeds are not discussed over the phone.

After Financial Aid Disburses onto the student’s tuition account; the Student Financial Services office will have 14 calendar days to process any refund remaining.  Once the status on the “Account Activity” page through Blazenet shows as “In Progress” under the refund tab; the Business Office will begin their process which consists of transmitting the refund to the student’s bank account information on file. If there is no bank information on file, then they will process a check to be sent through the mail. 

Students who officially withdraw from a course or from the University may be entitled to credits/refunds of course tuition and fee charges, according to the following policies. Refunds/credits for tuition to the student’s account will be calculated based the date on that the student submits their intent to withdraw.

Employer Tuition Benefits Programs

Certain employers provide various tuition benefits for their employees and dependents who meet certain criteria. Students wishing to use their employer’s education benefits must complete the Certification Request available on BlazeNet each year. Additionally, a current statement of eligibility from your employer must be submitted each year. Most employer tuition benefit plans that pay based on enrollment certification will be considered for acceptable payment agreements. Most employer benefit plans will require satisfactory completion of courses prior to tuition reimbursement. Reimbursement plans will not be considered as a satisfactory payment arrangement; therefore, the student will be responsible for all tuition and fees on the first day of the course.

Veterans’ Benefits

Certain armed service veterans and dependents who qualify under federal laws administered by the Veterans Administration are eligible to receive educational benefits. Service members wishing to use their education benefits must complete the Certification Request available on BlazeNet each year. Additionally, a current Certificate of Eligibility must be submitted prior to first semester of attendance. Belhaven University participates in the VA Yellow Ribbon Program. Information about these programs may be obtained by accessing the state Veterans Administration web site at www.gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-442-4551.

Title 38 USC 3679(e) Compliance 

In accordance with Title 38 US Code 3679 subsection (e) of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Belhaven University will not impose a penalty on any student using veterans’ education benefits under Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) or Chapter 33 (Post 9/11 GI Bill®) because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement of funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits

Individuals with physical disabilities classified as vocational handicaps may receive financial aid from state departments of vocational rehabilitation. Student wishing to use vocational rehab benefits must complete a Certification Request available on BlazeNet each year. Detailed information is available through the departments of vocational rehabilitation in the student’s home state.