FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Rights and Responsibilities of Applicants
All students who feel they or their parents cannot adequately meet the full cost of education are encouraged to apply for student financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid is located in May Hall, room 209.
Who May Apply
Students applying for federal aid must meet the following criteria:
The Department of Education or Dickinson State University may require students, through a process called verification, to document the information provided on their application. If the applicant does not provide the requested documentation, Title IV funds will not be disbursed.
How to Apply
Each year students must complete and sign a need analysis application. This may be by either a paper or an electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Returning students may complete and sign a paper or an electronic Renewal Application. The electronic FAFSA is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The paper FASFA forms are available at the Office of Financial Aid.
Students applying for summer aid must complete a Summer Financial Aid application. These become available as soon as the summer session schedule for a given year is released. Effective Summer 2005, students must be enrolled in six or more credit hours to be eligible for federal student loans.
When completing the application, students must indicate Dickinson State University as a college they plan to attend. The code for Dickinson State is 002989.
How Financial Aid is Determined
After completion of the FAFSA, students will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) and the school whose code is listed will receive an Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR). The SAR/ISIR contains an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) number, which is needed to determine eligibility. The Office of Financial Aid uses the cost of education (tuition, fees, room, board, books, and other related expenses) less the EFC number and other resources to determine the student’s financial need.
Upon request, childcare may also be added to the cost of education (up to $150 per month).
By completing the need analysis application, the student will automatically be considered for the federal, state, and campus-based financial aid programs.
CAUTION: Students completing the FAFSA incorrectly or omitting necessary information may be required to resubmit the SAR.
When to Apply
Priority consideration for the State Grant and campus-based aid (FWS, SEOG, Perkins, and NSL) is given to those whose FAFSA’s are received by the Central Processor by March 15th. In order to meet this deadline, it is recommended that the FAFSA be mailed by February 15th or submitted electronically by March 1st. To insure full access to all available financial aid programs, students should submit the need analysis application as soon as the family income tax returns have been completed. (If a tax return will not be filed, students may apply any time after January 1.) The FAFSA or renewal FAFSA application must be completed each year.
Applications for financial aid will be accepted after March 15; however, funding may be limited to the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Family Educational Loan Program.
Notification of Financial Aid
Students will be notified of their financial aid by an award notice. Those who qualify may be eligible for grants, loans, and or federal work/study. Student’s must sign their award notice and return it to the Office of Financial Aid before disbursement will be made.
Types of Financial Assistance
Dickinson State University provides five types of financial aid: grants, loans, foundation scholarships, awards, and student employment.
Grants are gifts of money that do not have to be repaid. Loans MUST be repaid. Scholarships are gifts recognizing students on the basis of academic achievement, special skills, or other criteria. Employment allows a student to work and earn money to offset educational expenses.
Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree. The amount of the grant is based on the EFC number, the student’s need, the estimated cost of attendance, the student’s enrollment status, and the money appropriated by the Federal Government.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is available to undergraduate students who are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant. FSEOG is a campus-based program; therefore, students must complete the FAFSA and meet the priority deadline of March 15.
North Dakota State Student Incentive Grant Program (SSIG or State Grant) provides aid to undergraduate students who are United States citizens, residents of North Dakota engaged in full-time study, and enrolled in a program of at least one academic year. The grants, which are need-based, and are dependent upon the availability of funds. The State Grant award may vary, but has averaged $600 per academic year. Students apply by completing the FAFSA prior to March 15. Additional information may be obtained from North Dakota University System, State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard, Bismarck, ND 58505-0230.
Federal Family Educational Loan Programs include the Federal Stafford Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and the Federal PLUS. To obtain the first Stafford Loan, the student must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN). The MPN will be sent to the student either electronically (via e-mail) or through the mail. The MPN must be completed and returned to the lender before funds will be released. The student may not need to complete a new MPN the following year (unless the student went through loan consolidation). To calculate your estimated payment, students may go to the following website: http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments.phtml.
Federal Stafford Loan must be repaid within 10 years. Loans disbursed prior to 07/01/06 will have a variable rate of interest. Loans disbursed on or after 07/01/06 will have a fixed rate of interest. If eligible, a student may borrow up to $2,625 per year as a freshman, $3,500 as a sophomore, and $5,500 as a junior or senior. Effective 07/01/07, a freshman may borrow up to $3,500 and a sophomore may borrow up to $4,500. The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $23,000. Students must be enrolled at least half time. Local financial institutions provide funds for the Federal Stafford Loan Program, and there is an origination/insurance fee of zero to three percent. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is a non-need based program for those ineligible for (any or all of) the Federal Stafford Loan. The student is responsible for interest payments. The annual and aggregate loan limits for dependent undergraduate students equal the Federal Stafford Loan limits (less the amount of any Federal Stafford loans). The annual and aggregate loan limits for independent undergraduate students (or students whose parents are unable to obtain Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) are increased by $4,000 a year for the first and second years of study, and by $5,000 for the third and fourth years of study. Repayment begins six months after graduation or if the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.
Federal PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students) enable parents to borrow money to help pay for their children’s education. Parents may borrow on behalf of a dependent student. The maximum loan amount that a parent may borrow for each dependent student is the difference between the cost of attendance and any other financial assistance. The loan requires a separate application. If the period of enrollment is more than one semester, there will be multiple disbursements. Generally, repayment must be made within 60 days of the loan disbursement.
Entrance/Exit Loan Counseling
Federal Regulations require all institutions of Higher Education to conduct Student Loan and Debt Management Counseling for the first time recipients of a Federal Stafford Loan or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan prior to the release of the first disbursement. An exit interview is required at the time a student graduates, drops below half-time status or terminates enrollment at Dickinson State University.
The counseling sessions may be completed on-line at http://www.mapping-your-future.org/services/oslcidx.htm. Click on “Loan Counseling.” Students will receive confirmation after completion of the session and the Office of Financial Aid will be notified by email.
Federal Perkins Loan is a five percent interest loan with a $4,000 per year limit (maximum $20,000). Federal Perkins is a campus-based loan; therefore, priority is given to students whose FAFSAs are received by the Central Processor by March 15. Repayment begins nine months after borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. If eligible for this loan at Dickinson State University, the minimum amount is $400.
Nursing Student Loan is a five percent interest loan with up to $2,500 per year for the first two years, and $4,000 per year for subsequent years (maximum $13,000). Priority is given to students whose FAFSAs are received by the Central Processor by March 15. Repayment begins nine months after the borrower ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. If eligible for this loan at Dickinson State University, the minimum amount is $400.
Nursing Education Loan is need-based, and the applicant must be accepted or enrolled in a nursing program approved by the North Dakota Board of Nursing. The loan amounts are up to $1,000 for each year of the nursing Associate in science in Practical Nursing and baccalaureate completion programs. Repayment is by nursing employment in North Dakota after graduation and/or by monetary repayments. Applications are available through North Dakota Board of Nursing: 919 South 7th Street, Suite 504, Bismarck, ND 58504-5881. The deadline is July 1.
Short-term Emergency Loans may be obtained under certain circumstances. Short term advances, up to $600, for educational related expenses will only be granted to those awaiting Financial Aid. The aid must be sufficient to repay the loan. A second emergency loan will not be granted to a student who has an unpaid Short Term Emergency Loan. There is a $10 service charge. Applications for short-term emergency loans can be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
Promissory Note
Loan information is transmitted to the guarantee agency which guarantees the loan and mails or emails a Master Promissory Note to the student. This promissory note must be completed and returned to the lender before loan funds will be disbursed. Once a Master Promissory Note (MPN) has been signed, students will not have to sign another one while at DSU, unless the lender requests a new signature, the student consolidates their loans or the student changes lenders.
Forbearance, Deferment and Cancellation of Loan information can be found on the Master Promissory Note or by contacting the lender.
Electronic Fund Transfer
Loan funds that are received electronically are credited directly to the student’s account. Loan funds that arrive in the form of a check must be endorsed by the student and then will be credited to the student’s account. Any funds in excess of the amount owed the University at the time of disbursement are considered “excess aid” and may be disbursed to the student in the form of a check or direct deposit transaction. Disbursement could be delayed if students have not attended Entrance Loan Counseling, are not enrolled at least half-time, or have a “hold” on their file.
Dickinson State University Foundation Scholarship/Awards are supported by gifts from friends and alumni of the University. Students complete a scholarship application available from a high school counselor or the University. The priority deadline to apply is December 1. Dickinson State University Foundation scholarships and awards will be disbursed in two equal allotments for the fall and spring semesters. Contact the Office of Alumni and Foundation for current listings and disbursements.
Cultural Diversity Tuition Awards are for students who are United States citizens or permanent residents who can contribute to the cultural diversity of the University. Applications can be obtained from the Office of Student Recruitment.
Global Awareness Tuition Awards are designed to assist international students in obtaining a degree at Dickinson State. Students from a foreign country are encouraged to apply for the Global Awareness Tuition Award by contacting the Office of Student Recruitment or apply on-line at www.dickinsonstate.edu/international_form.asp.
Veterans, National Guard, and Veteran Tuition Waiver recipients need to contact the nearest Veterans Service Office or the Dickinson State University Veteran’s Certifying Official in the Office of Academic Records. Any dependent (child, spouse, widow, widower) of a resident veteran killed in action, totally disabled, deceased from service-connected causes, or declared missing in action, may be granted a waiver of tuition.
Native American Assistance application forms are available from a Tribal Agency or from the Office of Financial Aid at Dickinson State University.
Rehabilitation Consulting & Services assists students with physical limitations or health problems. Students who wish to apply must contact their local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Office at Bismarck, Dickinson, Jamestown, Fargo, Minot, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, or Williston.
North Dakota Job Service may have funds available through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) for economically disadvantaged students in need of vocational training or retraining. Contact the nearest Job Service office.
Student Employment provides eligible students an opportunity to earn money to help pay their educational costs. Students are paid an hourly wage, and time sheets are submitted on a bi-weekly basis. Paychecks may be claimed at the office of Business Affairs on the 15th and last day of each month.
Student employment on campus can either be in positions funded through Federal Work Study dollars or in positions funded through institutional dollars. If a student is eligible for a Federal Work Study position, that assistance in included in the Award Letter they receive. Eligible students will receive a Student Employment Form. Federal Work Study is a campus-based program, and priority in awarding these positions is given to students whose FAFSA is received by the Central Processor by March 15. Community service jobs such as reading tutors are available for students. Any non-federal work/study student may apply for an institutionally-funded position; information about institutionally-funded positions are available through the Office of Career Services.
TAXABILITY OF AID: The Tax Reform Act of 1986 contained provisions regarding the potential taxability of grant and scholarship aid. Total grant and scholarship dollars in excess of certain allowable educational expenses will have to be reported by the recipient as taxable income on his/her Federal Income Tax Return. For tax reporting purposes, the Office of Business Affairs sends 1098-T forms in January.
Study Abroad Programs
Students enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a study abroad program approved for credit by Dickinson State University are eligible to receive Title IV assistance. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for Study Abroad Financial Aid Contractual Agreement.
Consortium Agreements
Consortium agreements which can exist between eligible institutions, apply to all the financial aid programs. Under a written agreement, students may take courses at an institution other than the “home institution” and have those courses count toward the degree or certificate at the home institution. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
Disbursement of Funds
Students must meet admissions, attendance and satisfactory academic progress requirements prior to receiving financial aid. All loans, grants, scholarships, and work study awards are subject to change, depending on enrollment status, other resources, participation criteria and availability of funds. Scholarships, grants, and loans will be disbursed in two allotments if the period of enrollment is more than one semester. Disbursement of aid is done each semester on fee payment date and daily thereafter. Fee payment date information can be obtained at the Office of Financial Aid or Division of Business Affairs. The students’ account will be credited and proceeds will be disbursed by the Office of Business Affairs during fee payment.
Return of Title IV Funds
Federal regulations require all institutions to develop a policy which determines the amount of Title IV grant or loan assistance that a student has earned as of the student’s withdrawal date. A refund of institutional charges or the percentage of Title IV aid earned for a student, who withdraws from Dickinson State University is calculated through the sixty percent point in an enrollment period. Unearned funds must be returned in the order specified by law. A detailed refund schedule is available in the Office of Business Affairs.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Recipients of federal student aid are required to make Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students placed on probation or suspension will be notified by mail to the address available to Academic Records or the information is available for students to view under their Student Portal>Student Self Service>Personal Portfolio>Holds and To Dos>Holds.
Satisfactory Academic Progress will be measured in four separate ways. The four areas to be measured will be grade point average (GPA), credits attempted vs. credits completed, maximum credits allowed, and unofficial withdrawals (students with all F’s). The satisfactory academic progress for each student will be measured at the end of each semester of attendance (including summer). All credits, including transfer credits, will be used in calculating both the Quantitative and Qualitative components of Satisfactory Academic Progress. Following are the four areas measured:
Notification
Students who fail to meet the standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress will receive notification by mail.
Appeal Process
Students who have been placed on financial aid suspension may appeal by requesting an Appeal Form. Appeals are evaluated on an individual basis. If the Director of Financial Aid denies the appeal, the student may request further evaluation from the Appeals Committee. Action taken by the Appeals Committee will be considered final. The Financial Aid Suspension Appeal Form is available at the Office of Financial Aid or at the website: http://www.dickinsonstate.edu/financial_aid.asp.
Any part of this policy may be changed or revoked without notice.
Withdrawal from Institution
A student who finds it necessary to withdraw from the University must contact the Office of Financial Aid to receive the appropriate withdrawal card.
Armed Service Veterans Registration
The Veteran’s Administration provides programs of financial assistance for the education and training of eligible veterans having completed military service. These programs are designed to encourage self-improvement and offer financial help to such veterans in raising their education level.
The Veteran’s Administration and the State of North Dakota provide financial aid for the education of sons, daughters, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans who died or were permanently and totally disabled as a result of a service-connected disability arising out of active service in the Armed Forces, or who died from any cause while disability was in existence.
In processing an application for training, the Veteran’s Administration will determine the applicant’s eligibility for benefits. Evidence of eligibility will be provided to the applicant in the form of a Certificate of Eligibility and/or an Award Letter. For more information, contact your nearest Veterans Service office or the Office of Academic Records, Dickinson State University, Dickinson, North Dakota 58601.
In order to remain eligible to receive Veteran’s Administration Benefits, students must maintain satisfactory progress as set forth by University policy.
Students who fail to maintain the required academic progress for two consecutive terms will automatically be “suspended” by the institution from further pursuit of veteran’s educational benefits. A suspended student may obtain reinstatement of benefits by successfully appealing his/her case to the Veteran’s Certification Officer.
All students must meet the University’s established grade point average requirements as defined in the current Dickinson State University catalog.
Additional information covering eligibility and other Title IV requirements are available in the Office of Financial Aid. Financial aid information is available in alternate media, upon request. Contact the Office of Financial Aid in May Hall, room 209, or call: (701) 483-2371.
Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located in the Office of Financial Aid, May Hall 209 or call (701) 483-2371.