Financial Information

Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrolling at Santa Clara University. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of their account balance, financial deadlines, refund policies, and financial aid information and to maintain current valid contact information at all times to ensure receipt of all University correspondence in a timely manner. All major correspondence is sent to the student’s SCU Gmail account, which is the official email system used by the University. Students are responsible for regularly checking their Santa Clara email for important information and updates.

Financial Terms and Conditions

Students must accept the financial terms and conditions outlined by the University to continue their enrollment at SCU. Students will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions annually upon their login to the Workday portal and completion of the Fall Registration Checklist. Students cannot access class registration until they read and agree to the prompted pages' information. By accepting SCU’sAnnual Online Agreement, students agree to pay and abide by all policies and procedures as published.

Tuition and Fees

The Board of Trustees, upon the President's recommendation and the Provost's recommendation, sets the annual academic year tuition rate and the summer session tuition rate for all programs. Tuition and fees are reviewed and updated before the next academic year starts. Students are charged tuition based on the rates approved by the Board of Trustees. Refer to: www.scu.edu/about/tuition.cfm for details. Tuition and fee rate differences found in other publications will not be honored.

  • Evening MBA/MSIS tuition, per quarter unit……$1,277
  • Evening MBA/MSIS course audit fee, per quarter unit (for alums only)……$766
  • M.S. in Finance & Analytics and Online MSFA Programs tuition, per quarter unit……$1,406
  • M.S. in Business Analytics and Online MSBA Programs tuition, per quarter unit……$1,406
  • Online M.S. in Marketing…..$1,186
  • Executive MBA tuition per quarter tuition  (continuing cohort)……$23,013
  • Executive MBA tuition, per quarter tuition  (incoming cohort)……$23,818
  • Late registration fee……$100
  • Late payment fee (per monthly payment deadline )……$100
  • Course drop/swap fee (per course)……$50
  • Graduate Business Student Association Fee* (per quarter)……$50

*This fee is payable each quarter of registration regardless of the number of units for which the student is registered.

Mandatory Health Insurance

Annual Graduate Student Health Insurance 

Santa Clara University requires all degree-seeking students enrolled at least half-time in their school or college to have health insurance (excluding certificate and online programs). This requirement helps to protect against unexpected high medical costs and provides access to quality health care.

Students may purchase the university-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan but are not required to if they can provide proof of other insurance coverage comparable to the Student Health Insurance Plan outlined in our website's benefit and waiver requirements.  The premium for the 2023-2024 Student Health Insurance Plan is updated on our website. Students with comparable health insurance must complete the Online Waiver Form to provide us with their insurance information. For details and deadlines on completing the waiver or online insurance enrollment option, go to www.scu.edu/cowell/insurance/.  The waiver can be completed on your MySCU Portal by clicking the Gallagher tile.

Attention: F-1 and J-1 International Students

F-1 VISA STUDENTS

All F-1 visa international students, regardless of the number of units, must be enrolled in the SCU-sponsored health insurance plan unless the student meets the waiver exception below.  Please see Cowell's website at www.scu.edu/cowell/insurance for detailed information.

  • Currently an enrolled dependent on a spouse/parent/partner or employee US-based and Affordable Care Act-compliant plan.

J-1 VISA STUDENTS

All J-1 visa international students, regardless of the number of units, will be automatically enrolled into the SCU-sponsored health insurance plan. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Annual 2023-2024 Waiver Deadlines

All students will be subject to the waiver and insurance billing process outlined below:

  • By July 22, 2023 – Health Insurance Waiver must be completed to avoid having your student account charged the annual premium on July 27, 2023.
  • After July 27, 2023 – Online Health Insurance Waiver form must be completed by the waiver deadline of September 22, 2023, in order to have the health insurance charge reversed from your student account within 3-5 business days.
  • By August 21, 2023 – If the health insurance credit is not posted to your student account and financial arrangements to cover the health insurance charges are not completed, then a late payment fee will be charged, and a hold will be placed on your student account.
  • By September 22, 2023 – The Online Health Insurance Waiver must be completed in order to have the health insurance charge reversed within 3-5 business days.
  • After September 22, 2023 – The health insurance charge will remain on your student account.  THIS CHARGE WILL NOT BE REVERSED AND MUST BE PAID.

All students are welcome to visit the Cowell Center regardless of their insurance. Graduate students with medical insurance other than the university-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan may access health care services by paying a quarterly fee. Any fees associated with a student’s visit will be billed to their student account for payment. We DO NOT bill insurance companies. Students may request a receipt from the receptionist at the Cowell Center to file a claim form with their insurance company.

Immunization Requirements

All incoming students (undergraduates, graduates, transfers, and re-admits) are required to comply with the Santa Clara University immunization requirements.

New students are required to provide their full immunization records online through the Cowell Center My Student Health Portal from the MySCU Portal. An official immunization record from your doctor is required.  The deadline to submit your immunization for the Fall 2023 Quarter is August 1, 2023.

See the requirements below.

  • All students:
    Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
    – Varicella (Chickenpox)
    – Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap)
    – Hepatitis B vaccine (Hep B)
    – Meningococcal conjugate (Meningitis) Menactra or Menveo
    – COVID-19 (up to date, i.e., fully vaccinated and boosted when eligible)
  • Students living on-campus:
     Meningococcal B - Bexsero or Trumenba.
  • Students from outside the US (click here for a list of high-burden TB countries): Tuberculosis Screening (Blood Test): T-SPOT or Quantiferon Gold.

Detailed information on vaccination requirements can be found here.

Self-Reported Medical History Form

New students are required to complete their Medical History Form online through the Cowell Center, My Student Health Portal from the MySCU Portal.  The deadline to submit for the Fall 2023 Quarter is August 1, 2023.

How to Submit Immunization Record and Self-Reported Medical History Form

  1. An official immunization record from your doctor is required and can be uploaded through the COWELL CENTER, My Student Health Portal, at MySCU Portal.
  2. The required Medical History form is located within the COWELL CENTER, My Student Health Portal.
  3. Please follow the steps below to upload and complete both documents.
  4. You need your username and password to access the MY SCU Portal.
  5. Once inside the MY SCU Portal, please click the COWELL CENTER, My Student Health Portal.
  6. Once inside COWELL CENTER, My Student Health Portal, please confirm your date of birth.
  7. Once inside your portal, please follow the directions for the required documentation.

Other Fees

  • Non-refundable Application Fee: $158
  • Enrollment Deposit:
     – Evening MBA, MSIS:  $750
     – MSFA, MSBA:  $1,000
     – Executive MBA: $1,500
  • Parking permits are required for all users of University parking facilities. Permits can be purchased at Campus Safety Services in the parking garage. Parking per term may be arranged through Campus Safety Services.

Billing and Payment Procedures

Student Accounts and Billing

Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred from enrolling at Santa Clara University and agree to abide by applicable University policies and procedures. Students may designate a third party (e.g. spouse, parent, or family member) to be an Authorized Payer to review the student account and billing information and remit payment on their behalf. However, it is still the student’s responsibility to ensure the published deadlines complete all financial obligations. Students receive monthly bills electronically, which are accessible through the student’s Workday portal. A billing notification will be sent to the student’s assigned SCU Gmail account and the e-mail address of any Authorized Payer. Students may also forward their billing statements electronically to any third party they authorize for remitting payment.  In compliance with FERPA, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Santa Clara University is prohibited from providing your student financial and non-directory academic information to a third party including parents, spouse, guardian, etc., without a release. This information includes but is not limited to, all student billing items, awarded financial aid, enrollment status, 1098-T forms, and various student financial or academic information.  Students can complete the FERPA information in Workday. From the student’s Workday profile page, click Personal, then Additional Data, then Edit to add or edit FERPA Release information. 

Students are obligated to pay their applicable tuition and fees by the published term payment deadline. Students enrolling after the initial payment deadline may be required to pre-pay for tuition before enrollment is granted. Registered students who do not formally withdraw from the University are responsible for all tuition and fees assessed to their account, as well as any penalty charges incurred for nonpayment. Nonattendance does not relieve the student of their obligation to pay tuition and fees.

Additional information, including detailed instructions on Santa Clara University’s billing and payment procedures, is located at www.scu.edu/bursar.

Billing Dates and Deadlines - Please Refer to the Academic Calendar

FALL……………………...

Billing available August 1…………………

Payment due August 21

WINTER…………………

Billing available December 1……………...

Payment due December 21

SPRING…………………..

Billing available March 1………………….

Payment due March 21

SUMMER………………...

Billing available May 1…………………….

Payment due May 21

Payment Methods

Santa Clara University offers a variety of payment methods to assist students with their financial obligations. Please visit our Bursar’s office website for additional payment information: https://www.scu.edu/bursar/paymentoptions/.

Payment by Electronic Check

A student or Authorized Payer can make online payments by processing a fund transfer directly from their checking or savings account through our third-party vendor’s website, accessible via the student’s Workday Make A Payment link. Please note that a bank may reject a fund transfer if it exceeds a specific amount. Check with your bank about daily limits to prevent returned payment transactions. Payers can make electronic check payments online without incurring a transaction fee.

Payment by Mail

Payment for student account charges can be mailed to the University’s PO Box. Please enclose a copy of the billing statement with your paper check or Cashier’s Check made payable to Santa Clara University and mail both items to SCU Payment Processing, PO Box 550, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0550.

Payment In Person

Payments for student account charges may be made in person by personal/Cashier’s Check or money order at the OneStop Office in the Schott Admissions & Enrollment Services Building. There are computer kiosks located in the One Stop Office for the convenience of students and payers to make online payments. The University does not accept cash or debit/ credit card payments for student account charges.

International Payment by Wire Transfer

International students may submit payment quickly and securely through the student’s Workday portal. Authorized Payers and other third-party payers can make payments by accessing the following link: https://payment.flywire.com/pay/payment . Students are able to benefit from excellent exchange rates, and payment can usually be made in the student’s home currency.

Payment Plans

Currently enrolled students may be eligible to enroll in a monthly payment plan to assist with budgeting needs.  The online-only monthly payment plan can be accessed by logging into the student’s Workday portal. Each quarter has a $40 non-refundable enrollment fee, and students must have a US bank account to enroll in the term plan. The first payment and the enrollment fee are due upon enrollment, and all subsequent payments will be processed automatically each month thereafter. Plans are subject to rebalancing based on enrollment and/or financial aid changes. Participants must enroll each quarter; there is no automatic re-enrollment.  Information about these plans is available on the Bursar’s Office website: https://www.scu.edu/bursar/paymentoptions/

Delinquent Payments

If all charges on a student’s account are not cleared by payment, enrollment in the payment plan, financial aid, or loan disbursement by the payment deadline, a late payment fee will be assessed to the student’s account and a hold will be placed on the student’s record. A hold on a student’s record prevents the release of diplomas and certifications, prevents access to any registration services, and may limit access to other University services. Students who have unpaid accounts at the University or who defer payment without approval are subject to dismissal from the University. All unpaid balances will accrue 10 percent interest per annum on the balance remaining from the date of default, in accordance with California state law.

Delinquent student accounts may be reported to one or more of the major credit bureaus and may be forwarded to an outside collection agency or an attorney for assistance in recovering the debt owed to the University. The student is responsible for all costs incurred to collect outstanding debt, including but not limited to accrued interest, late fees, court costs, collection fees, and attorney fees. All outstanding bills and costs of collection incurred by the University must be paid in full prior to a student re-enrolling at the University.

Refunds for Credit Balances

Refunds will be granted only for student accounts reflecting a credit balance. A refund will not be granted based on anticipated aid. All financial aid must be disbursed on to a student’s account before a refund is processed. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure all necessary documentation is complete and submitted to the Financial Aid Office so that aid can be disbursed properly and in a timely fashion. Payment received by personal check will have a 14 calendar day hold before a refund can be issued; electronic check payments require a 7 calendar day hold. Additional information related to refund policies can be found on the Bursar’s website:  www.scu.edu/bursar/refund 

Billing Disputes

If a student wishes to dispute any charges on their billing statement, a written explanation should be forwarded to: Santa Clara University, Bursar’s Office, 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053-0615. The Bursar’s Office must receive written correspondence within 60 days from the billing statement date on which the item in question appeared. Communication can be made by telephone, but doing so will not preserve the student’s rights.

Communication should include the student’s name, SCU identification number, the amount in question, and a brief explanation. Payment for the amount in question is not required while the investigation is in progress; all other items not in question must be paid by the due date. If the amount in question is found to be correct, payment must be submitted to the Bursar’s Office immediately upon notification.

Tuition Refund Policy

Students who formally withdraw from the University or drop courses are eligible for tuition refunds in accordance with the policies outlined below. No refunds are made for any fees. Certain graduate programs do not follow the Bursar’s Refund Policy. Please be sure to refer to your academic calendar or contact the Record’s office for additional information.  The effective date used to determine any tuition refund is the date on which notification of withdrawal is received by the student’s respective Records Office or the date on which the student drops their course online–not the last date of attendance. Students who fail to drop a course, even if they do not attend, or fail to notify the University of their intent to withdraw, regardless of the reason, will be responsible for paying all tuition and fee charges.

Not informing an individual faculty member, an academic department, or the Dean’s Office constitutes an official withdrawal from the University. The official date of withdrawal from the University cannot be backdated prior to the date on which the student submits the applicable withdrawal form or the Records Office receives notification.

4 Unit Courses

Students who drop a 4 unit course or withdraw from the University will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:

  • By the end of the first week of classes – full tuition refund for the term, less any applicable fees
  • By the end of the second week of classes – a 50 percent tuition refund for the term, less any applicable fees
  • By the end of the third week of classes – a 25 percent tuition refund for the term, less any applicable fees
  • After the third week of classes – no tuition refund for the term

Please note: Students may drop courses online until 11:59 p.m., P.T., on the Sunday immediately following the beginning of the term and still receive a 100 percent refund. However, this is only valid if a student has no registration holds and does not require assistance from a staff member. All other transactions must be completed by 12pm on the first Friday of the term.

2 Unit Courses

Students who drop 2 unit courses or withdraw from the University will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:

  • Prior to the second class meeting - a full tuition refund, less any applicable fees
  • No tuition refund as of the second class meeting and thereafter

Saturday Courses

Students enrolled in a weekend course in which the first class meeting is after the first week of the term must provide written notification to their respective Records Office of their intent to withdraw or drop any weekend/off cycle course(s). Failure to comply with this process will result in an irreversible forfeit of tuition.

The following refund schedule applies:

  • Students will receive a full tuition refund, less any applicable fees, if written notification is received by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday immediately following the first class meeting.
  • Students will receive a 50 percent tuition refund, less any applicable fees, if written notification is received by 5 p.m. on the Tuesday immediately following the second class meeting.

1 Unit Courses

Students enrolled in a 1 unit course must provide written notification to their respective Records Office of their intent to withdraw or drop any course(s). Failure to comply with this process will result in an irreversible forfeit of tuition.

The following refund schedule applies:

  • Students will receive a full tuition refund, less any applicable fees, if written notification is received within two business days prior to the first class meeting.
  • Students will receive 50 percent tuition refund, less any applicable fees, after the first class meeting and prior to the second meeting. 
  • If the course has only one session, no refund will be granted.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA tuition is a flat rate tuition amount, and charged in equal amounts over the respective quarters of the program. Registration is processed by the program office each quarter, which generates the quarterly charge.  

The following refund and withdrawal policies apply:

  • Students will receive a full tuition refund of the first quarter charge, less any applicable fees, if written notification to the Office of Graduate Programs is received within one business day prior to the first day of classes.
  • Students will receive a full tuition refund of the first quarter charge, less a $3,000 charge, and any applicable fees, if written notification to the Office of Graduate Programs is received within one business day prior to the first day of fall classes on campus.
  • The EMBA program is cohort-based, and continuous enrollment is required.  Students who wish to withdraw in subsequent quarters must notify the Office of Graduate Programs in writing within two business days prior to the first day of classes in order to avoid the quarterly tuition charge and any applicable fees.
  • Students are prohibited from dropping individual classes within a quarter. There are no partial refunds for dropped courses within the term.

Leave of Absence

A leave of absence request must be made in writing to the Graduate Business Programs Office. Students approved must return the following year and join the next EMBA cohort at the quarter when the leave was granted. Students are limited to one leave of absence during the duration of the program and are not charged during the leave period, as registration generates billing.

Financial Hardship

Students who withdraw from the University or drop courses due to an illness, injury, or psychological/emotional condition are eligible for a tuition refund in accordance with the schedule above. Tuition insurance may be purchased to cover tuition charges for diagnosed medical or mental health-related withdrawals that occur after the first week of the term.

Santa Clara University degree students who withdraw from the University or who are administratively withdrawn from the University after the third week of the term due to a qualifying financial hardship may be eligible for an allocation from the student hardship fund for 25 percent of the tuition charges for that term. Qualifying financial hardships include: (1) death, disabling injury, medical emergency, (2) loss of job by an independent student, (3) medical or other emergency involving a dependent of an independent student, and (4) student deployment for active military duty. The Vice Provost for Student Life or designee, in consultation with the Financial Aid Office, will determine qualifying financial hardships and any allocation from the student hardship fund. Students must submit a request for an allocation from the student hardship fund by the end of the applicable term.

Santa Clara University reserves the right to change tuition, room and board, fees, or other costs, to modify its services, or change its programs at any time. In addition, no refunds of tuition, room and board, fees, or other costs will be made because of curtailed services resulting from strikes, acts of God, civil insurrection, riots or threats thereof, changed economic conditions, national emergency, or other causes beyond the control of Santa Clara University.

Tuition Insurance Protection

Students and families may protect themselves against financial loss due to an unexpected withdrawal from the University by purchasing tuition insurance coverage. The University has partnered with A.W.G. Dewar, Inc., to offer this low-cost plan to protect from loss of funds paid for tuition should it be necessary to completely withdraw from the University during the term for diagnosed medical or mental health reasons. Plan enrollment is available annually or quarterly, including the summer term. Enrollment must be completed prior to the first day of the quarter. Information on the tuition insurance plan is available on the Dewars’ website at: www.collegerefund.com or the Bursar’s Office website at: www.scu.edu/bursar/tuitionprotection.

Financial Aid

Financial assistance for Graduate Business Program students is available. The Financial Aid Office administers federal and state grants, student employment, and student loan programs.  Contact the OneStop Office at 408-551-1000 or visit the Financial Aid website. Partial scholarships are available for admitted students through the Leavey School of Business. The Office of the Registrar administers veterans’ Assistance. Their phone number is (408)554-7831.

Financial Scholarships

For those students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, the Graduate Business School provides limited student aid in the form of merit scholarships that cover partial tuition. These funds are awarded at the time of admission by the Graduate Business Admissions Office and disbursed by the Financial Aid Office. No additional application is required. The merit-based scholarships are based on previous outstanding accomplishments such as community service, professional accomplishments, and outstanding academic achievement. Decisions are made at the discretion of the Graduate Business Admissions Office, and scholarships can only be granted once.  All financial aid recipients must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree.

Federal Work-Study

Federal Work-Study allows graduate students to earn money to help cover non-billable educational expenses by working at Santa Clara University or authorized nonprofit organizations. For more information, view our Federal Work-Study Employment Information Guide.

  • Need-based
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • FAFSA required
  • Must meet satisfactory academic progress standards

Federal Direct Loans

Federal loans are available to MBA/M.S. students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

The unsubsidized William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan is a federally funded low-interest student loan administered by the United States Department of Education. Under the Federal Direct Loan program, a student may borrow funds for education-related expenses. Loan information:

  • Non-need-based
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • Federal Loan rates determined yearly  
  • FAFSA required annually
  • Must complete Entrance Counseling & a Master Promissory Note
  • Must meet satisfactory academic progress standards
  • Repayment begins six months after enrollment drops below half time
  • Subject to federal change

Additional information may be obtained from the OneStop Office located in the Schott Admissions & Enrollment Services Building, by calling 408-551-1000 or emailing them at onestop@scu.edu. You may also visit the Financial Aid website.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans

Graduate students may need to borrow beyond the unsubsidized loan to pay for their education. The William D. Ford Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program is designed to provide additional federal assistance to students. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans are not based on financial need but require credit approval.

Loan information:

  • Non-need-based with credit approval
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time
  • Federal Loan rates determined yearly
  • FAFSA required annually
  • Unsubsidized
  • Must complete Entrance Counseling & a Master Promissory Note
  • Must meet satisfactory academic progress standards
  • Repayment begins 60 days after final disbursement

Additional information may be obtained from the OneStop Office located in the Schott Admissions & Enrollment Services Building, by calling 408-551-1000 or emailing them at onestop@scu.edu. You may also visit the Financial Aid website.

Private Alternative Loans

Private alternative educational loans are available from private lenders for students whose cost of attendance has not been met with other financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required to apply for a private alternative educational loan. Private alternative educational loan programs differ from the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program in several ways:

  • Annual and total loan limits are higher
  • Interest rates are normally variable rates that change on a quarterly basis
  • Loans and interest rates are based on credit approval and approval is not guaranteed
  • Loans are not federally guaranteed; therefore, do not have the same deferments, forbearance, cancellation, and consolidation benefits

The terms and conditions for private alternative educational loans vary greatly. Students are advised to compare loan programs before choosing a lender. Interest rates, fees, and other provisions of these programs are subject to change by the lender. Additional information may be obtained from the OneStop Office located in the Schott Admissions & Enrollment Services Building by calling 408-551-1000 or emailing them at onestop@scu.edu.

Private Scholarships

If you have been awarded a scholarship from an outside organization, please provide the donor with our contact information. All correspondence and scholarship checks should be sent to the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Enrollment Status and Financial Aid Eligibility

Graduate students receiving financial aid must meet general University eligibility requirements and any applicable eligibility criteria associated with specific federal, state, or University aid programs from which they are receiving support. Financial aid recipients must make satisfactory academic progress toward a degree and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

The U.S. Department of Education has basic eligibility requirements for financial aid, which must be met and maintained in order for a student to be eligible to receive aid. These requirements apply to all federal, state, and Santa Clara University–funded aid.

Academic Standing and Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements

All financial aid recipients must maintain good academic standing and be making satisfactory academic progress toward a degree according to the University standards and applicable federal and state regulations. Graduate students are evaluated for satisfactory academic progress at the completion of each academic year (end of spring term).

Qualitative Standard

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Quantitative Standard

Students must maintain a cumulative 67% completion rate for all units attempted toward their academic programs. Pace is determined by dividing the cumulative number of credits you have earned by the cumulative number of credits you have attempted.

Maximum Attempted Units Allowed

Students must complete the requirements for their academic programs within 150% of the minimum units required to complete their academic programs (varies by program). Students who have reached their maximum attempted units allowed are ineligible for additional financial aid. Students may appeal for financial aid probation status if they feel their circumstances warrant an exception to this standard.

Evaluation 

All graduate students enrolled at Santa Clara University are evaluated for satisfactory academic progress at the completion of each academic year (end of spring term).

Pass/No Pass

Courses with Pass grades will count toward your total hours for the cumulative completion rate for federal financial aid. However, Pass grades will not count in your GPA calculation. Courses that earn NP grades will count as attempted but not completed, and could impact your eligibility for federal aid. P/NP options may not be available in all graduate programs. Graduate students should refer to their program office for additional guidance.

Repetition of Courses

Graduate students should contact their program office to discuss options for repeating courses.

In most cases, if repeated courses are allowed, the repeated course is used in the calculation of the student's grade point average (This may not be the case for all programs. Please check with your program office).

Units are awarded toward graduation only once for each course passed.

Course Incompletes, Withdrawals, Failures, and/or Repetitions

Incompletes (I), Withdrawals (W), Failures (F), and/or repeated courses will adversely affect a student's completion rate. Students must complete the minimum number of units to fulfill federal, state, and University requirements. Completion rates are calculated cumulatively and will include all quarters/semesters that the student was enrolled, whether or not the student received financial aid.

Students who wish to withdraw from Santa Clara University must contact their graduate school advisor. Depending on your date of withdrawal, you may automatically be assigned a withdrawal grade (W) and may not be eligible for a tuition refund. Your program advisor will advise on what you can expect and /or what to be prepared for.

Students who abandon their classes will receive a failing grade, impacting their qualitative and quantitative SAP requirements.

Students who withdraw from their program are still responsible for any financial commitment made to both the university and loan provider(s).

IMPORTANT: Any student leaving Santa Clara University at the conclusion of any quarter should also contact their graduate program.

Appeal Process

There could be extenuating circumstances encountered by students that may affect their ability to be academically successful during an enrollment period. These circumstances include personal injury or illness that occurs during an enrollment period; death of an immediate family member or legal guardian during an enrollment period; or other documented circumstances that were unexpected in nature and beyond control of the student. In these cases, cumulative grade point average or completion rate may decline resulting in the student not meeting the minimum qualitative and quantitative standards previously described. If you wish to appeal your financial aid suspension, a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. If the appeal is approved, the student will be placed on financial aid probation (separate from academic probation) and will be notified of the appeal results in writing.

Loss of Eligibility

Students who have lost eligibility to participate in federal, state, and University aid programs for reasons of academic progress, can regain that eligibility only by enrolling at Santa Clara University at their own expense. The mere passage of time will not restore eligibility to a student who has lost eligibility for failure to make satisfactory academic progress. Students who have been dismissed from Santa Clara University for academic reasons, but who are subsequently readmitted are not automatically eligible to participate in federal, state, or institutional aid programs and will be placed on financial aid warning/or suspension. Re-admission decisions are separate from funding decisions.

Regaining Eligibility

Students who fail to meet satisfactory academic progress and who choose to enroll without financial aid may request a review of their academic record after any term in which they are enrolled without the receipt of financial aid. If the standards are met at the time of review, eligibility may be regained for subsequent terms of enrollment in the academic year.

Deadlines

The Financial Aid Office has established deadlines for the programs it administers. All students requesting financial aid from the University should contact the OneStop Office at the earliest possible date and request specific deadline information and appropriate application materials. All financial aid deadlines are posted on the Financial Aid website. The OneStop Office and the Financial Aid Office communicate with students through SCU email addresses only.

Veterans and Veterans’ Dependents Assistance

Santa Clara University is certified by the Department of Veterans Affairs as qualified to enroll students under applicable federal legislation and regulations, including Chapter 35 (child of a deceased or 100 percent disabled veteran, widow of any person who died in the service or died of a service-connected disability, or wife of a veteran with a 100 percent service-connected disability), Chapter 31 (rehabilitation), Chapter 30/1606 (active duty Montgomery G.I. Bill), Chapter 33 (post 9/11 GI Bill®). Individuals interested in attending under any of the veterans’ assistance programs should contact the Veterans Administration and the University Office of the Registrar at 408-554-7831.

Return of Federal Title IV Funds

All students who withdraw completely from the University and who have federal financial aid, including federal student loans, are subject to the return of Title IV funds policy. Under this policy, it is assumed that a student earns their aid based on the period of time they remain enrolled. Unearned Title IV funds, other than federal work-study, must be returned to the federal aid programs. Unearned aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV aid that exceeds the amount of earned Title IV aid.

During the first 60 percent of the enrollment period, a student earns Title IV funds directly proportional to their enrollment length. That is, the percentage of time during the period that the student remained enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student earned. Institutional costs do not determine the amount of Title IV funds to which a withdrawn student is entitled.

A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point of the enrollment term earns all Title IV aid disbursed for the period.

All funds must be returned to federal programs before being returned to the state or institutional aid programs and/or the student. This return of funds allocation will be made in the following specific order and will be applied to all students who have received federal Title IV assistance:

  • Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans
  • Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loans
  • Other Federal, State, private or institutional assistance programs

Verification of Information

The United States Department of Education requires all institutions disbursing federal financial aid funds to verify the accuracy of the information students submit as a basis for aid awards. Each year, a percentage of students receiving federal financial aid funds are randomly selected to verify the information on which awards were based. Students selected for verification may be required to submit additional documents and verify information, such as household size and number of family members enrolled in college. The University reserves the right to request similar information for verification purposes for any student awarded aid. Information collected may result in changes to a financial aid award and, in some cases, the repayment of funds already received. Failure to comply with the request for this information will result in the cancellation of financial aid funds.