Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid
Financial Responsibility
Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University. It is the student's responsibility to be aware of their account balance and financial aid information, and maintain current valid contact information at all times to ensure receipt of all University correspondence in a timely manner. All major correspondences are sent using the University's official gmail account. Students are responsible for checking their Santa Clara gmail for important information and updates.
Financial Terms and Conditions
Students are required to accept the financial terms and conditions outlined by the University in order to continue their enrollment at SCU. Students will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions, on an annual basis, upon their login to eCampus. Students will not have access to their Student Center until they have read and agreed to the information contained on the page(s) prompted. By accepting SCU's financial terms and conditions, students are agreeing to pay and to abide by all policies and procedures as published.
Tuition
The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the President and the Provost, sets the annual academic year tuition rate and the summer sessions tuition rate for the undergraduate program. The full-time quarterly tuition rate for fall, winter, and spring terms is set at one-third of the annual tuition rate. The part-time, per-unit tuition rate for fall, winter, and spring terms is set at one-twelfth of the quarterly tuition rate. The summer sessions tuition rate is set at a percentage of the per-unit tuition rate for the preceding academic year. The Young Scholars tuition rate is set at one-fourth of the applicable per-unit tuition rate. See www.scu.edu/bursar/tuition for details.
Santa Clara University Campus Programs
Students enrolled during the academic year or summer sessions on the Santa Clara University campus are charged tuition based on the standard undergraduate tuition rates approved by the Board of Trustees.
Academic Year
Santa Clara University Degree Students
Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University enrolled during the academic year are charged tuition in accordance with the following:
Students enrolled for 12 or more units in a term are charged the quarterly full-time tuition rate.
Students enrolled for less than 12 units in a term are charged the per-unit tuition rate for one to 11 units.
Students admitted to degree status are not charged a separate course audit fee for auditing a course.
Santa Clara University Alumni
Santa Clara University alumni enrolled during the academic year are charged the applicable tuition associated with their enrollment status (i.e., enrollment for credit or auditing).
University Employees
University employees enrolled during the academic year who are admitted to degree status at the University or who are students in good standing at another accredited college or university are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate associated with their enrollment status (i.e., enrollment for credit or auditing). Employees are eligible for tuition remission in accordance with Policy 609 (Education Benefits) in the Staff Policy Manual.
Non-Degree Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Students from other colleges and universities enrolled at Santa Clara University during the academic year are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate associated with their enrollment status (i.e., full-time or part-time status). Students from other colleges and universities are not eligible to audit courses at the University.
Young Scholars
High school students enrolled under the Young Scholars program during the summer are charged tuition at the Young Scholars tuition rate.
Tuition Status and Adjustments
The tuition status of a student is determined as of the end of the late registration period. Students enrolled for 12 or more units at the end of the late registration period are charged the quarterly tuition rate. Students enrolled for fewer than 12 units at the end of the late registration period are charged the per-unit tuition rate.
No adjustment is made to the tuition charges for changes to enrollment after the end of the late registration period unless the student withdraws from the University. If a student is enrolled for 12 or more units at the end of the late registration period and subsequently drops below 12 units, no adjustment is made in the tuition charges for that term unless the student withdraws from the University within the refund deadlines. If a student is enrolled for fewer than 12 units at the end of the late registration period and subsequently drops a course, no adjustment is made in the tuition charges for that term unless the student withdraws from the University within the refund deadlines. See www.scu.edu/bursar/refund for details.
Tuition Refunds
Students who withdraw from the University are eligible for a refund of tuition charges in accordance with the policies outlined below. No refunds are made for registration fees or course audit fees.
Students who wish to withdraw from the University are responsible for meeting with a University advisor in the Drahmann Center, for submitting the applicable withdrawal form with the Office of the Registrar, and for completing all other withdrawal requirements. The effective date used for the determination of any refund of tuition is the date on which notification of withdrawal is received by the Office of the Registrar, not the last date of attendance by the student. Neither dropping all courses via eCampus nor 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 notification to the Office of the Registrar.
Students who withdraw from the University during fall, winter, or spring term will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:
Students who withdraw from the University by the end of the first week of classes will receive a full refund of tuition for the term, less the applicable registration cancellation fee.
Students who withdraw from the University by the end of the second week of classes will receive a 50 percent refund of tuition for the term.
Students who withdraw from the University by the end of the third week of classes will receive a 25 percent refund of tuition for the term.
Students who withdraw from the University after the third week of classes will receive no tuition refund for the term.
Students who withdraw from the University due to an illness, injury, or psychological/emotional condition are eligible for a tuition refund in accordance with the schedule above. Tuition insurance www.scu.edu/bursar/tuitionprotection/) may be purchased prior to the beginning of the academic quarter to cover tuition charges for medically related withdrawals that occur after the first week of the term.
Santa Clara 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, or loss of job of the parent or guardian of a dependent student; (2) loss of job by an independent student; (3) medical or other emergency involving a dependent of an independent student; and (4) deployment for active military duty of a student. 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.
No tuition refunds are made because of curtailment of services resulting from strikes, acts of God, civil insurrection, riots or threats thereof, or other causes beyond the control of the University.
Summer Sessions
Santa Clara University Degree Students
Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University enrolled during summer sessions are charged the summer sessions tuition rate.
Santa Clara University Alumni
Santa Clara University alumni enrolled during summer sessions are charged the applicable tuition rate associated with their enrollment status (i.e., enrollment for credit or auditing).
University Employees
University employees enrolled during summer sessions at Santa Clara University who are admitted to degree status at the University or who are students in good standing at another accredited college or university are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate associated with their enrollment status (i.e., enrollment for credit or auditing). Employees are eligible for tuition remission in accordance with Policy 609 (Education Benefits) in the Staff Policy Manual.
Non-Degree Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Students from other colleges and universities enrolled at Santa Clara University during summer sessions are charged tuition at the summer sessions tuition rate and the summer sessions application fee. Students from other colleges and universities are not eligible to audit courses at the University. International students enrolling in summer sessions may be subject to additional requirements and limitations. Students should refer to the Global Engagement Office website for more information: www.scu.edu/globalengagement/.
Young Scholars
High school students enrolled under the Young Scholars program are charged tuition and an application fee at the Young Scholars rates.
Tuition Refunds
Students who drop a course(s) during summer sessions are eligible for a refund of tuition charges in accordance with the policies outlined below. No refunds are made for registration fees or course audit fees.
Students who wish to drop a course during summer sessions are responsible for initiating the drop through eCampus or by submitting the applicable form to the Office of the Registrar. The effective date used for the determination of any refund of tuition is the date on which the student submits the intent to drop the course to the Office of the Registrar, not the last date of attendance by the student. The official date of dropping the course cannot be backdated prior to the date on which the student submits the applicable form or notification to the Office of the Registrar.
Students who drop a course during summer sessions will receive a tuition refund in accordance with the following:
Students who drop a course by the end of the second day of classes will receive a full refund of tuition for the course.
Students who drop a course by end of the third day of classes will receive a 50 percent refund of tuition for the course.
Students who drop a course after the end of the third day of classes will receive no tuition refund for the course.
Students who drop a course 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 prior to the beginning of the summer sessions to cover tuition charges for medically related withdrawals after the second day of classes.
Students who are administratively withdrawn from all courses during summer sessions by the vice provost for student life or designee may be eligible for an allocation from the student hardship fund.
No tuition refunds are made because of curtailment of services resulting from strikes, acts of God, civil insurrection, riots or threats thereof, or other causes beyond the control of the University.
Students must submit a request for reconsideration of tuition charges or for an allocation from the student hardship fund not later than 90 days from the end of that term.
Study Abroad and Domestic Study Programs
Students enrolled in study abroad and domestic study programs during the academic year or summer sessions operated by or affiliated with the University are charged a tuition rate consistent with the standard undergraduate tuition rates approved by the Board of Trustees. Current fees are available online at [www.scu.edu/bursar/tuition]{.underline}.
Academic Year
Santa Clara University Degree Students
Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University enrolled in study abroad and domestic study programs during the academic year are charged the applicable per term Santa Clara tuition rate.
Non-Degree Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Students from other colleges and universities enrolled in a Santa Clara-operated study abroad program are charged the applicable Santa Clara tuition rate.
Tuition Refunds
Tuition refunds for students in study abroad and domestic study programs are governed by the applicable tuition refund schedule and any agreements governing SCU-operated, affiliated, and exchange programs.
Summer Terms
Santa Clara University Degree Students
Students admitted to degree status at Santa Clara University enrolled in study abroad and domestic study programs during summer terms are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate.
Non-Degree Students from Other Colleges and Universities
Students from other colleges and universities enrolled in a Santa Clara-operated study abroad program during summer terms are charged tuition at the applicable tuition rate and application fee.
Tuition Refunds
Tuition refunds for students in study abroad and domestic study programs are governed by the applicable tuition refund schedule and any agreements governing affiliated and exchange programs.
Room and Board Charges
The Board of Trustees, upon the recommendation of the President and the Vice President for Administration and Finance, sets room and board charges for undergraduate student housing. Rates for specific types of accommodations and meal plans are available from the Housing Office. Students sign a University Housing Contract for a full academic year or, if entering housing mid-year, for the remainder of the academic year. A student who moves from, is evicted from, or otherwise does not reside in a University residence for the full term of their contract will be assessed room and board charges consistent with the terms of the University Housing Contract.
Room and board charges for study abroad and domestic study programs are assessed at the rate established by the University for each program.
Financial Aid
Santa Clara University offers a broad range of financial assistance to undergraduate students administered through the Financial Aid Office. The University realizes that the quality of education offered at Santa Clara requires a serious commitment from the student and his or her family. As a partner in this endeavor, the University makes every effort to offer assistance to deserving students. The University makes financial aid awards to entering students based on an analysis of financial need and other relevant factors consistent with applicable federal, state, and University regulations. Depending on the student's eligibility, a financial aid package may include any combination of grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans.
Santa Clara Scholarships and Grants
Presidential Scholarship at Entry
The Presidential Scholarship at Entry provides a full tuition scholarship to first-year students who demonstrate other qualities identified and emphasized by the President as critical to the University's mission. All Presidential Scholarship at Entry recipients are notified at the time of admission. The scholarship is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters, or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). The scholarship must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University and a 3.5 cumulative minimum grade point average to retain this scholarship. Note: This scholarship may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this scholarship.
Provost Scholarship
The Provost Scholarship provides a half-tuition scholarship to first-year students who have assumed leadership roles in their schools and their communities. All Provost Scholarship recipients are notified at the time of admission. The scholarship is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters, or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). The scholarship must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University and a cumulative 3.0 minimum grade point average to retain this scholarship. Note: This scholarship may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this scholarship.
Santa Clara University Dean's Scholarship
The Santa Clara University Dean's Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship awarded to first-year students. Award amounts vary depending on the number of recipients and available funds. The scholarship is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters, or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). This scholarship must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. The Santa Clara University Dean's Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University and a cumulative 3.0 grade point average to retain this scholarship. Note: This scholarship may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this scholarship.
Jesuit Ignatian Award
The Jesuit Ignatian Award is offered to academically outstanding students who have graduated from a Jesuit high school. Award amounts vary depending on the number of qualified students and availability of funds. The award is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters, or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). The scholarship must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. The Jesuit Ignatian Award is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the award will not increase annually. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University and a cumulative 2.0 grade point average to retain this award, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note: This award may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this award.
Santa Clara University Need-Based Grant
The Santa Clara University Need-based Grant is an award offered to students who demonstrate financial need. Award amounts vary depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The Santa Clara University Need-based Grant is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters, or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). The grant must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. The Santa Clara University Need-based Grant is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the grant will not increase annually. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University, a cumulative 2.0 grade point average, and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Note: This grant may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this grant.
Santa Clara University Incentive Grant
The Santa Clara University Incentive Grant is a personal recognition award. It is neither an academic merit award nor a need-based award. It is awarded to those select individuals who will improve the characteristics of the entering class by virtue of the degree to which we are able to foster a stronger spirit of inclusive excellence among our students as measured by geographic, gender, economic, and ethnic diversity of first-year students. Award amounts vary depending on the number of qualified students and availability of funds. The award is renewable for 12 consecutive academic quarters or until degree requirements are met (if sooner). This grant must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received. The Santa Clara University Incentive Grant is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Santa Clara University and a cumulative 2.0 grade point average to retain this grant. Note: This grant may not exceed the amount of tuition; part-time attendance may cause a reduction to this grant.
Alumni Family Scholar
A limited number of need-based scholarships are awarded each year to children and grandchildren of Santa Clara University undergraduate alumni. Candidates are identified from information contained in the application for admission and decisions are made by the Alumni Family Committee. Criteria include financial need, academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership ability. Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified with an award letter from the Financial Aid Office. Award amounts vary depending on the number of qualified students and availability of funds.
Santa Clara University Third-Child Grant
The Santa Clara University Third-Child Grant is awarded to families with three or more dependent children simultaneously enrolled in undergraduate programs at Santa Clara University. A tuition grant of 50 percent will be awarded to the student who is farthest along in his or her studies. To apply, parents must submit a written request along with a copy of their most recent tax return that lists all three Santa Clara students as dependents and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The grant can be renewable for additional academic years provided that three or more dependent children remain simultaneously enrolled in an undergraduate program, and must be coordinated with federal, state, and University aid received.
National Merit Scholarship
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation in conjunction with the Financial Aid Office, awards four merit-based scholarships to selected academically talented high school seniors for undergraduate studies at Santa Clara University. Prospective Santa Clara University first-year students who have been selected as National Merit Finalists and who have listed Santa Clara University as their "first-choice" school on the National Merit Scholarship Application are eligible for consideration. Santa Clara University-sponsored National Merit Scholars will receive $2,000 per year, renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Athletic Scholarships
The Department of Athletics awards scholarships to student-athletes competing in intercollegiate sports sponsored by the University in accordance with the regulations of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the West Coast Conference. Depending on the sport and the student-athlete's eligibility, individual scholarships vary up to the full cost of attendance as defined by NCAA regulations. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate athletic scholarships with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Community Facilitator Grants
Students who are community facilitators in Residential Learning Communities receive a grant generally equivalent to the cost of room and board for their service in that role. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate community facilitator grants with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Faculty and Staff Tuition Remission
Santa Clara University Tuition Remission
The Tuition Remission program provides full tuition costs for Santa Clara University eligible employees and their dependents, provided the employee is working 30 hours or more per week. Employees working 20--29 hours per week will receive tuition remission for themselves only, on a prorated basis. Tuition remission does not include other costs, such as books, laboratory, application, service, and other fees. All charges other than tuition must be paid to the University in the same manner as required of other students. Please contact the Human Resources Department for additional eligibility requirements, such as years of service.
FACHEX
FACHEX is an acronym for Faculty, Administrators, and Staff Children Exchange. It is an undergraduate tuition remission program for children of full-time faculty and staff to apply the same benefit at participating Jesuit colleges and universities if selected by a participating college. Children of eligible employees may apply for undergraduate admission to one of the 27 participating Jesuit colleges and universities and, if accepted, are eligible for consideration of a full tuition scholarship subject to the terms and conditions set by the accepting institution. FACHEX scholarships are not a guaranteed award. They must be offered by the accepting institution. Each member institution is obligated to maintain a balance between students sent on the exchange (exports) and students received on the exchange (imports). FACHEX eligibility does not qualify a dependent child for admission, nor does an offer of admission to a participating Jesuit university guarantee a FACHEX Award. Full-time faculty and staff with at least three years of continuous service are eligible to apply for their dependent children.
Tuition Exchange Awards
The Tuition Exchange program is a national undergraduate scholarship exchange program for institutions of higher education. Children of eligible employees may apply for undergraduate admission to one of the participating institutions and, if accepted, are eligible for consideration of a tuition scholarship subject to the terms and conditions set by the accepting institution. Tuition Exchange, Inc. is a partnership of over 675 colleges and universities offering competitive tuition exchange scholarships. Tuition Exchange scholarships are not a guaranteed award. They must be offered by the accepting institution. Each member institution is obligated to maintain a balance between students sent on the exchange (exports) and students received on the exchange (imports). Eligible employees who have at least three years of continuous service with the University are eligible to apply for Tuition Exchange Awards for their dependent children.
Federal and California Grants
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant awarded to students in accordance with eligibility requirements set by the United States Department of Education. The maximum amount of a Federal Pell Grant is set in the funding legislation adopted by Congress. The Federal Pell Grant can be used for tuition, fees, and living expenses. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for a Federal Pell Grant. Note: The Federal Pell Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a need-based grant available to students with the most exceptional need who have not yet received a bachelor's degree. Priority is given to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and then to other undergraduate students with the greatest demonstrated need. Note: FSEOG, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 per academic year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25. If the student fails to complete the required service obligation, all amounts of TEACH grants received will be converted to an unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan. Note: The TEACH Grant, as with all federal grants, is subject to federal funding.
Cal Grants (for California residents only)
Cal Grants are administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). The Cal Grant program provides state-funded awards to California residents based on both academic achievement and financial need. Cal Grant A provides funds for partial tuition and fees. Cal Grant B recipients receive a subsistence award the first year and receive a subsistence award and tuition award in subsequent years. Note: Cal Grants, as with all state grants, are subject to state funding.
Other Grants and Scholarships
Army ROTC Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to undergraduate students through the Army Reserve Officers Training Program (ROTC). Two-year, three-year, and four-year scholarships are awarded under the program to eligible ROTC students. The ROTC scholarships may cover full tuition from funds provided by the Army and may cover standard on-campus room and board charges from a University grant. Recipients may also receive a tax-free stipend during the academic year and an allowance for books and other educational items. Students who accept Army ROTC scholarships incur a military obligation that can be fulfilled by serving part-time in the Army National Guard or Army Reserve, or by serving full time on Army active duty.
Private Scholarships
Students receiving private scholarships must notify the Financial Aid Office if they are receiving any other form of financial aid. Private scholarship checks should be sent by the awarding organization to the Financial Aid Office to ensure appropriate and timely processing. The Financial Aid Office will coordinate private scholarships with other financial aid awards in accordance with applicable federal, state, and University regulations.
Student Employment
Campus Employment
Part-time jobs for undergraduate students are available in many offices and departments on campus. Campus job listings are maintained by the Student Employment Office.
Students earn an hourly wage at least at the current minimum wage rate for the state of California and may be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of work or skills required.
Federal Work-Study Program
The Federal Work-Study Program is a need-based student employment program under which students can work up to 19 hours per week on campus or through an approved off-campus site. Students earn an hourly wage at least at the current minimum wage rate for the state of California and may be paid at a higher rate depending on the type of work or skills required. Students receive a paycheck each period and can use the money for educational or living expenses. Earnings under the program are taxable.
Loans
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans are federally funded low-interest loans provided to undergraduate students and administered by the United States Department of Education. Under the Federal Direct Loan program, a student may borrow funds for educationally related expenses and defer repayment until six months after graduation or when the enrollment status drops below half-time (e.g., less than 6 units). If an undergraduate is an independent student or a dependent student whose parents were denied for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, the student can borrow additional funds through the Federal Direct Loan program based on their academic grade level. To receive a subsidized Federal Direct Loan, a student must have financial need. Interest is not charged on a subsidized Federal Direct Loan while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Eligibility for unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans is determined after eligibility for subsidized Federal Direct Loans is decided. Interest accrues on unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans during all periods, including while the student is enrolled in school and during any grace or deferment periods.
Federal Direct PLUS Loan
A parent or stepparent of a dependent student may apply for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan program to help cover the cost of educational expenses. To be eligible for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan, a student must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and must be enrolled at least half-time. A parent may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus all other financial aid for each undergraduate child. An origination fee is deducted from the disbursement of the loan.
Financial Aid Eligibility
Enrollment Status and Financial Aid Eligibility
Undergraduate 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 generally must be enrolled as full-time students in a minimum of 12 units each quarter in which aid is received, must be making satisfactory progress toward a degree, and must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Financial aid awards to students who drop below full-time status (e.g., less than 12 units) will be adjusted unless certification for continuing eligibility is granted by the Financial Aid Office. Eligibility for institutional financial aid is limited to a maximum of 12 consecutive academic quarters of undergraduate study. Financial aid awards will cease after the 12 quarters of enrollment in a postsecondary institution unless certification for continuing eligibility is granted by the Financial Aid Office. Specific financial aid awards may have additional requirements for continuing eligibility.
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. A student must "be enrolled in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree or certificate." Students cannot be awarded aid for classes that do not count toward their degree, certificate, or other recognized credential. In short, students are only eligible for federal, state, and University-funded aid when taking classes that are required to complete a degree (either major or minor). Once those degree requirements have been met and a student is eligible to graduate, he or she is no longer entitled to receive aid. This holds true even if the student has been here fewer than 12 academic quarters.
Students who are able to graduate because they have completed all of their degree requirements but decide to enroll for an additional term are not eligible to receive federal, state, or University-funded aid for the additional term. Students who believe that they may be impacted by the U.S Department of Education regulations should reach out to a financial aid counselor to discuss their particular circumstances. The University has developed responses to some frequently asked questions.
Academic Standing and Satisfactory Progress Requirements
All financial aid recipients must maintain good academic standing and be making satisfactory progress toward a degree according to the University standards and applicable federal and state regulations. Students are evaluated for satisfactory academic progress each quarter.
Qualitatively
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Note: Some Santa Clara University aid programs require a higher cumulative grade point average than the federal minimum requirement.
Quantitatively
Students must maintain a cumulative 75 percent completion rate for all units attempted toward their academic programs.
Maximum Attempted Units Allowed
Students must complete the requirements for their academic programs within 150 percent of the minimum units required to complete their academic programs. Units attempted also include all units transferred into Santa Clara University from prior institutions that can be used to satisfy students' academic program requirements. 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.
Unit Requirements
All financial aid recipients must register for and maintain a full course load of 12 units or more per quarter, if the aid was awarded on this basis. Students who drop below 12 units may see their financial aid adjusted. Full-time and part-time status is defined as follows:
Full-time: 12 or more units
Three-fourths time: 9 to 11 units
Half-time: 6 to 8 units
Less than half-time: fewer than 6 units
Course Incompletes, Withdrawal, 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 that the student was enrolled, whether or not the student received financial aid.
Students who wish to withdraw from Santa Clara University during a quarter must complete a withdrawal form and an exit interview in the Drahmann Advising and Learning Resource Center. If the formal requirements for withdrawal are met, the student's registration will be canceled without academic penalty. A withdrawal notation (W) will be assigned for each course from which the student withdraws after the fourth week of the quarter. Students who leave Santa Clara University during a quarter without formally withdrawing are subject to failing grades in all courses in which they were registered and are ineligible for refund of fees.
IMPORTANT: Any student leaving Santa Clara University at the conclusion of any quarter should also complete the standard withdrawal process.
Repetition of Courses
Students may only repeat a course in which they have received a grade of less than C minus (C-). In such cases, the grades of both the original and the repeated course are included in the calculation of the student's grade point average, but units are awarded toward graduation only once for each course passed. Certain courses, such as special topics courses and performance courses, are repeatable, and students will receive a grade and units for each successful completion.
Evaluation
All students enrolled at Santa Clara University are evaluated for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each quarter after the Office of Registrar has released official grades.
Appeal Process
There may be extenuating circumstances encountered by a student that affect his/her 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 the student wishes to appeal the suspension from financial aid eligibility, a Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal form must be submitted to the Financial Aid Office. If the appeal is approved, s/he will be placed on financial aid probation (separate from academic probation). Students will be notified of the appeal results in writing.
Loss of Eligibility
A student who has 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 his/her 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. Re-admission decisions are separate from funding decisions.
Regaining Eligibility
Students who failed 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.
Other Program Eligibility
Study Abroad Programs
Santa Clara University students participating in study abroad and domestic public sector study programs operated by or affiliated with the University are eligible for Santa Clara University financial aid and tuition remission as well as federal and state aid consistent with the policies and practices applicable to students enrolled for on-campus classes. Tuition and room and board rates associated with the specific program will be factored into the determination of the financial aid award consistent with applicable policies and practices. The total amount of tuition remission for the academic year cannot exceed the annual tuition rate for that year. Students with private scholarships should contact the donor for prior approval to use funds for study abroad or domestic study programs. Students from other colleges and universities enrolled in Santa Clara University study abroad programs are not eligible for Santa Clara University financial aid.
Veterans and Veterans' Dependents Assistance
Santa Clara University has been 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), and Yellow Ribbon. Individuals interested in attending under any of the veteran assistance programs should contact the Veterans Administration and the University Office of the Registrar.
Cancellation of Financial Aid and Return of Funds
Students who withdraw from the University and who have federal financial aid are subject to the federal regulations applicable to the return of Title IV funds. These regulations assume that a student earns his or her financial aid based on the period of time he or she remains enrolled during a term. A student is obligated to return all unearned federal financial aid funds governed under Title IV other than those earned under the college work-study program.
Unearned financial aid is the amount of disbursed Title IV that exceeds the amount of Title IV aid earned in accordance with the federal guidelines. During the first 60 percent of the term, a student earns Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time he or she remains enrolled. That is, the percentage of time during the term that the student remains enrolled is the percentage of disbursable aid for that period that the student has earned. A student who withdraws after the 60 percent point of the enrollment term earns all Title IV aid disbursed for the period. The amount of tuition and other charges owed by the student plays no role in determining the amount of Title IV funds to which a withdrawn student is entitled.
All funds must be returned to federal programs before funds are returned to state or University financial aid programs or to the student. The return of funds allocation will be made in the following order for students who have received Federal Title IV assistance:
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans (other than Direct PLUS Loans)
Subsidized Federal Direct Loans
Federal Perkins Loans (if awarded)
Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Federal Pell Grants for which a return is required
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants for which a return is required
TEACH Grants for which a return is required
Iraq and Afghanistan Grants for which a return is required
Student 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 and their families submit as a basis for the award of aid. Each year, a percentage of students receiving federal financial aid funds are randomly selected for verification of the information on which their 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 and to verify the attendance of other children in college. 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.
Billing and Payment Procedures
Student Accounts and Billing
Students assume responsibility for all costs incurred as a result of enrollment at Santa Clara University and agree to abide by applicable University policies and procedures.
Students may designate a third party (e.g., parent, family member, spouse) to be an authorized user for the purpose of reviewing student account/billing information and remitting payments on the student's behalf. However, it is ultimately the student's responsibility to make sure all financial obligations are completed by the published deadlines.
Students receive monthly bills electronically via a third-party vendor that are accessible through University eCampus. Billing notification will be sent to the student's assigned SCU gmail account and to the email address of any authorized user. Students may also forward their billing statements electronically to any third party they authorize for remittance. Information on a student's account cannot be provided to any third party payer unless a completed Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) form authorizing its release by the student is on file with the University.
Students are obligated to pay the applicable tuition and fees associated with their enrollment status by the published term payment deadline. Students enrolling after the initial payment deadline may be required to prepay for their enrollment. Registered students who do not withdraw formally 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 his or her obligation to pay tuition and fees.
Payment Methods
Santa Clara University offers a variety of payment methods to students and their parents to assist with their financial obligations.
Payment by Electronic Check
A student or authorized user may make online payments by authorizing a fund transfer directly from their personal checking or savings account through a third-party website accessible via the University eCampus system. The payer is able to make electronic check payments online without incurring a transaction fee.
Payment by Mail
Payments for student account charges are accepted by mail utilizing the University's cash management service lockbox. The payer should download a copy of the student's billing statement, enclose it with a personal or cashier's check payable to "Santa Clara University," and mail both items to: SCU Payment Processing, P.O. Box 550, Santa Clara, CA 95052-0550.
Payment in Person
Payments for student account charges may be made in person by cash or check only at the Enrollment Services Center located in the Admissions and Enrollment Services Building. The Office is not able to accept any electronic form of payment, including debit or credit cards. However, there are computer kiosks located in the Admissions and Enrollment Services Building for the convenience of students and their payers who wish to make electronic payments.
Extended Payment Options
For students and their families wishing to spread payments over a period of time, the University offers term payment plans, which are available through the online billing system via eCampus. There is a modest, non refundable, fixed fee to enroll in these plans, but no interest is charged during the payment term. Information about these plans is available on the Bursar's Office website.
Delinquent Payments
If all charges on a student's account have not been cleared by payment, financial aid, or loan disbursement, 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 transcripts or diplomas, 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 and Payment Policies
Students may be eligible for a refund if they have a credit balance on their account. Refunds are processed after the add/drop period of each term/semester. Payment received by personal check will have a 14 calendar day hold before a refund can be issued; a seven calendar day hold for electronic check payments. Refunds will not be processed for any overpayment on the account unless the student has withdrawn or dropped units causing a credit balance.
Tuition Insurance Protection
It is highly recommended that students and their families protect themselves against financial loss due to an unexpected withdrawal from the University, for medical or mental health reasons, by purchasing tuition insurance coverage. The University has identified an insurance company, A.W.G. Dewar, Inc., to provide a low-cost, optional tuition insurance protection plan. This plan is designed to protect from loss of funds paid for tuition should it be necessary to withdraw completely from the University during the term for medical or mental health reasons. Information on the tuition insurance plan is available from the Bursar's Office and on its website.
Billing Disputes
If a student believes there is an error on his or her 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 error 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. An adjustment will be made on the student's account for any incorrect charges. If the amount in question is found to be valid, payment must be submitted to the Bursar's Office immediately upon notification.