Financial Aid Policies

Refunds

A refundable credit balance may result on your student account because of loan disbursements, overpayments, changes in registration and/or account adjustments. 

In cases of federal student aid credit balances, which occur when federal financial aid exceeds billed charges for a semester, students will be issued a refund within 14 days from the date of the credit balance or the start of the term, whichever is later.  Federal student aid credit balances are processed continually during the semester as aid is credited to student accounts. 

All other refunds will be processed upon request or within 20 business days from the date of the credit balance or the end of the University’s drop/add period, whichever is later.  Overpayments made with a credit card will be credited to the cardholder’s account. 

Students or parents who were mailed a refund check and have not received it within two weeks can complete the Request for Refund Check Replacement Form (see link above) and send it to the Enrollment Services office on campus for processing.

Student refund checks are mailed to the student’s permanent address on record. To insure receipt of your refund check, it is important to keep your address updated in your MyLIU account at all times.  Parent Loan refund checks are mailed to the parent borrower’s address listed on the initial PLUS Master Promissory Note.  To insure receipt of your refund check, it is important to notify the Enrollment Services Office in writing or email of any change to your address so that it can be updated in our system of record. 

If you withdraw from the University or lose eligibility for financial aid due to a change in enrollment, your refund check (proceeds) need to be returned to Long Island University immediately so that these funds can be returned to their appropriate financial aid programs.  Failure to return these refund proceeds may result in an open balance due to Long Island University which may be referred to a collection agency and subject to collection fees.

Return of Federal Funds

Students receiving Federal Title IV aid that wish to withdraw from classes at Long Island University should refer to the Official and Unofficial Withdrawal Policy and complete an Application for Withdrawal Form. 

For students receiving Federal aid who withdraw completely before attending 60 percent of the semester, the University is required to calculate how much of Federal student aid funds must be returned. Those receiving Federal aid who withdraw completely may be billed for remaining balances resulting from the mandatory return of funds to the US Department of Education. The amount of Federal aid "earned" is determined by the withdrawal date and a calculation based upon the Federal formula. Generally, Federal assistance is earned on a pro-rata basis. A student's official withdrawal date is calculated based on the date the withdrawal form is submitted; students who unofficially withdraw are calculated as having attended through the 50 percent point of the term.  The portion of Federal aid that was not earned by a student will be returned from the appropriate Federal student aid program(s) in the following order, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, Federal Parent PLUS Loan, Federal Pell Grant, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).

REFUND FOR CREDIT BALANCE

If the receipt of your Federal Title IV aid (Pell Grants, SEOG, Direct Loans, PLUS Loans, etc.) results in a credit balance, a refund check in your name will automatically be mailed to you. If your account is paid partly by a Parent Plus Loan and results in a credit balance, the check will be drawn to the borrower to the extent of the PLUS loan proceeds. Institutional aid will be applied to past due balances prior to a refund being generated for the current term.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Federal regulations require students to make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward the completion of a degree or certificate program in order to receive Title IV financial aid, which includes Federal Pell and SEOG Grants, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loans and the Federal Direct Loan Program.  Satisfactory academic progress is measured qualitatively and quantitatively by two components: a student's cumulative grade point average (GPA) and the amount of credits they have earned relative to their year in school and enrollment status.

Satisfactory academic progress is measured annually, at the end of the Spring semester, after all grades have been submitted. Students failing to meet the above criteria are eligible to appeal this decision if extenuating circumstances played a factor in their academics.  Examples of such circumstances could include an illness, accident, separation or divorce, or the death of a relative.  An appeal must be made in writing to the University and include an explanation of the circumstance(s) that may have adversely affected the student's ability to meet the academic requirements, and the changes that have occurred which will allow them to make SAP in the future.  All appeals must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a letter from a doctor or attorney.  If an appeal is granted, the student will either A) be placed on probationary status for one semester after which the student must meet SAP guidelines, or B) must be successfully adhering to an individualized academic plan that was developed for them as part of their appeal.  Failure to meet these criteria will result in loss of eligibility for Title IV funds.

Students wishing to receive Title IV financial aid for summer semesters may have these awards evaluated and offered prior to a determination of SAP.  All students receiving summer aid will have their SAP evaluated after all spring grades have been submitted.  Students not making progress will have their summer aid cancelled, and the student will be liable for all assessed charges unless an appeal is filed and granted as outlined above.

The criteria below outlines the progress that is required for a full time undergraduate (non-professional) student to be considered in good standing:

SAP Completion Requirements

SAP GPA Requirements

GRADUATE CRITERIA

The criteria below outline the progress that is required for a full time graduate (non-professional) student to be considered in good standing:

Completion Rate Requirement

• All students must earn at least 67 percent of their attempted hours.  The maximum time frame to complete each degree varies by Department and is outlined in the bulletin under the specific degree program.

GPA Requirement

• Students who have earned fewer than 13 credits must maintain a 2.5 GPA; students who have earned 13 credits or more must maintain a 3.0 GPA

The criteria below describe the progress that is required for a full time professional Pharm.D. student to be considered in good standing:

SAP Completion Requirements

SAP GPA Requirements

DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE CRITERIA

The criteria below outline the progress that is required for a full time DVM student to be considered in good standing:

Completion Rate Requirement

• All students must earn at least 67 percent of their attempted hours. The maximum time frame to complete the degree is six years.

GPA Requirement

• Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Progress standards for part-time students are prorated based upon the criteria above.
• Qualifying transfer credits are counted as both attempted and earned credits but have no effect on the GPA.
• Grades of W (Withdrawal), UW (Unofficial Withdrawal), INC (Incomplete), and IF (Incomplete Fail) are counted as credits attempted but not completed, and do not affect the GPA.
• Repeated classes will count only once towards credits completed. A student may receive aid for a repeated class that has been successfully completed once.
• Students may not receive Federal aid for classwork that exceeds 150 percent of their degree requirements.
• Any departmental requirements that exceed these standards must be adhered to for the purposes of evaluating SAP. 

To receive financial aid awards from New York State, including undergraduate Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA) funding, students must meet the academic standing requirements as defined by the New York State Education Department. These requirements are different than those set forth by the Federal government, and are applicable only to New York State awards.

The basic measures for good academic standing for TAP Awards include the following:

• Pursuit of Program: A student must receive a passing or failing grade (A-F) in a certain percentage of courses each term.
• Satisfactory Academic Progress: A student must accumulate a specified number of credits and achieve a specified cumulative grade point average (GPA).

The requirements for meeting these standards increase as the student progresses, and is based upon the number of State awards that the student has already received.  Students failing to meet the required criteria are eligible to request a one-time waiver of the academic and/or "C" average requirement(s) if extenuating circumstances played a factor in their academics.  Examples of such circumstances could include an illness, accident, separation or divorce, or the death of a relative.  An appeal must be made in writing to the University and include an explanation of the circumstance(s) that may have adversely affected the student's ability to meet the academic requirements, and the changes that have occurred which will allow them to make SAP in the future.  All appeals must be accompanied by supporting documentation, such as a letter from a doctor or attorney.  If a waiver is granted, the student will be eligible for the State award for the semester for which they were granted the waiver.  The student must be meeting the academic progress and pursuit of program requirements to receive further awards.

The charts below outline the progress that is required for an undergraduate student to be considered in good standing:

Baccalaureate Semester Based Program Chart (2010 Standards)

Applies to nonremedial students first receiving aid in 2010-11 and thereafter.

Before being certified for payment of federal funds:

Additional Information

• All students must be registered for a minimum of 12 credits per semester.
• A student may not receive a NY State award for repeating a class that they have already successfully completed (i.e. the credits for a repeated class for which the student has already received a satisfactory grade will not count towards the full-time requirement).
• The standards that a student must meet are dependent upon when a student first received an award from NY State, as well as their remedial status.
• A student is placed on the chart above based upon their total TAP points received, including any award(s) received at a previous institution(s).
• To continue to receive TAP funding, a minimum number of credits must be completed each term, as well as on a cumulative basis.
• A student must maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) prior to being certified for a TAP payment.  This average increases as the student progresses in payment points.
• All students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (a "C" average) or better after accumulating 24 or more payment points (e.g., 4 full time semesters).
• A student who is not making progress, and/or is not meeting the "C" average requirement may request a one-time waiver if extenuating circumstances affected their academic performance.  A student may only receive this waiver once for NY state awards.

Enhanced Tuition Awards (ETA)

Award recipients must meet the following criteria to remain eligible for ETA awards.  Failure to meet these requirements will also result in the conversion of the state portion of your grant into a loan. 

• Must meet annual income requirements ($100,000 or below for Fall 2017, $110,000 or below for 2018, and $125,000 or below for 2019).
• Must earn a passing grade in your coursework.
• Must be registered full time and earn at least 30 credits over the course of the year.
• Must continue to meet New York State residency requirements.
• Students in an undergraduate program of study normally requiring five years (HEOP) are eligible to receive the award for five years. Students with disabilities under the ADA are allowed to attend on a part-time basis and their awards will be prorated.

Scholarship Renewal Policy

This policy explains the scholarship renewal process by providing you with information about meeting the renewal criteria, how to handle changes to your status and options you have should you run into academic trouble that puts you at risk of losing your scholarship.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The scholarship renewal guide is specifically for the awards listed in the table below.

TERM OF THE AWARD

Freshman Awards: Your institutional merit scholarship has been awarded for a total of eight consecutive semesters of eligibility, fall and spring, toward completion of your first undergraduate degree, provided you meet the following renewal criteria by the end of each spring semester.

Transfer Awards: Your institutional merit scholarship has been awarded for a total of six consecutive semesters of eligibility, fall and spring, toward completion of your first undergraduate degree, provided you meet the following renewal criteria by the end of each spring semester.

RENEWAL CRITERIA 

All new and continuing students must meet the GPA and credit requirements noted in the table below.  See semester criteria below for additional information. You must be continuously enrolled at the university in order to have your scholarship renewed for the next academic year. Any break in enrollment without an approved deferment on file with the scholarship office will result in a loss of your scholarship. Please see the leave of absence/deferment section below.

You must remain enrolled in LIU courses with the minimum of credit hours required each fall and spring semester in order for your scholarship to disburse.  If you enroll for fewer than the required LIU credit hours, you forfeit that semester’s award and that semester still counts against your maximum award terms of eligibility. However, your scholarship may still be renewed as long as you meet annual renewal criteria. Scholarships are awarded on a per semester (fall/spring) basis. If you complete your first undergraduate degree prior to your maximum award terms, you are only eligible to receive the one semester award for the term in which you graduate.

LIU students are expected to abide by the Student Code of Conduct. Violation(s) of the Student Code of Conduct resulting in a suspension, expulsion, or administrative withdrawal will result in loss of your scholarship. This decision may not be appealed.

CHANGES OF STATUS

Leave of absence/deferment

• If you require a leave of absence, check LIU’s current readmissions requirements and/or leave of absence policies. To retain your scholarship for use after your leave of absence, your deferment must be approved by the LIU Enrollment Services office on your campus before you leave.
• Acceptable deferment reasons are circumstances outside of your control or a unique learning experience related to your studies at LIU.
• Qualified deferments are permitted only after completing at least one successful semester at LIU.
• If you leave the university without an approved deferment on file, you will forfeit your scholarship.
• If you leave LIU to attend another post-secondary institution, you will forfeit your scholarship.

If you do not meet or exceed the renewal criteria by the end of each spring semester, consult with your advisor and seek help from your academic department.

• Start with your Promise coach or academic advisor: Your coach or advisor is here to help you understand your options and help you reach your academic goals. They can discuss with you the many steps you can take, such as focusing on earning strong grades in the spring and ensuring you are enrolled in the right courses in the fall.
• Enroll in an LIU summer session courses: If you need to increase your LIU cumulative GPA to meet renewal criteria, you can take summer classes to make up these deficiencies. If you do not meet renewal criteria after taking summer session courses, you may not file an appeal. It is your responsibility to work with your coach or advisor to determine the feasibility of the LIU summer enrollment option.
• Counseling Centers: Counseling and mental health services are available to all LIU students. Counseling staff have training and experience in issues facing university students and are committed to helping them adjust to campus life and meet their academic goals.

SCHOLARSHIP RENEWAL CRITERIA

Changes to qualifying information or revisions of federal, state, or institutional policy may result in updates to scholarship eligibility and adjustment of financial aid awards. Information is subject to change.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Waiver Policy

Among the requirements is the obligation of the student to maintain NYS’ definition of “good academic standing” as it relates to the following:

1. Pursuit of Program is defined as receiving an ‘A-F’ letter grade in a certain percentage of courses each semester depending on the number of TAP/State awards the student has received.
2. Satisfactory Academic Progress requires students to accumulate a specified number of credits and achieve a specified cumulative grade point average each term depending on the number of TAP/State award payments the student has received.

If a student becomes ineligible for a TAP award due to the failure to maintain good academic standing as the result of unforeseen or extraordinary circumstances, s/he may apply to the University for a TAP Waiver.  In certain cases, the requirements regarding Pursuit of Program or Satisfactory Academic Progress may be waived once during a student’s undergraduate enrollment.  Waivers are based on an undue hardship that has affected the student’s ability to maintain good academic standing during a particular semester. A waiver may be granted only when there is a reasonable expectation that the student will meet future State requirements. Waivers are based on documented evidence of:

1. A death or illness in the student’s family.
2. Serious illness of the student.
3. Other extenuating circumstances beyond the student’s control.

Waiver requests must be made in writing to the Office of Enrollment Services and include a letter from the student that includes:

• the reasons for his or her failure to meet academic requirements
• an explanation of how conditions have changed so that future academic progress will not be impeded
• pertinent documentation supporting the waiver application (e.g., physician’s written statement, death certificate, etc.)
• a written recommendation from the student’s Dean

• TAP Good Academic Standing Waiver Request
• TAP C-Average Waiver Request