Financial Aid

Financial Aid Program

Saint Mary’s College, through its Financial Aid Office, is committed to helping students and families obtain the needed assistance, both monetary and advisory, to make attendance possible. Saint Mary’s Financial Aid staff partner with students and their families to help make college affordable. We know that many families can’t provide for all the resources to fund a college education. That’s why our Financial Aid staff are available to help you navigate the financial aid process, and explain the types of aid and options to help you meet your college expenses. Here at Saint Mary’s, we believe that we have partnership with the students and their parents to prepare and plan for a student’s college experience. Students who matriculate as First Years are eligible for Saint Mary’s aid for a maximum of four years only. It is important that students plan their academic schedules accordingly to ensure graduation within four years to maximize their financial aid. In addition, applicants for financial aid must:

1. Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or an eligible non-citizen* (verification of eligible non-citizen status may be required) 

2. Be accepted for admissions as a degree-seeking student in a Federal Student Aid (FSA) eligible program of study. 

3. If applying to receive Federal Direct Loans, be enrolled at least half-time. 

4. Certify that FSA will only be used for educational purposes.

5. Have completed high school or the recognized equivalent (GED, etc.)

6. Have copies of transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions on file.

7. Have a valid social security number. 

8. Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress once approved for funding.

9. Not currently enrolled in secondary school. 

10. Not currently enrolled solely in remedial coursework. 

11. Not in default on a Federal Student Loan or owe an overpayment on an FSA grant or loan. 

12. Not have borrowed in excess of the annual or aggregate loan limits for FSA.  

*If you are ineligible to complete a FAFSA application based on the criteria above, you may be eligible to file a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) at www.dream.csac.ca.gov/

Course Load Requirements

All aid awarded is subject to enrollment status. Changes in registration status may result in an adjustment or cancellation of financial aid awards.  ALL UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS MUST BE ENROLLED FULL-TIME IN ORDER TO RECEIVE SAINT MARY’S COLLEGE OF CALIFORNIA SCHOLARSHIPS OR GRANTS. To qualify for certain federal assistance, students must be registered for six credits or more.  Recipients of state scholarships must be full-time students, registered for twelve credit hours or more.  

Applying for Aid

New Students

1. Complete an application for admission to Saint Mary’s College and arrange to have test scores and high school/college transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions before January 15.
2. Depending on eligibility, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)  by April 2nd. Be sure to enter “Saint Mary’s College of California (Federal School Code 001302)” as the recipient of the form.
3. California residents should complete the GPA Verification Form no later than April 2 to be considered for the state grant programs. Forms are available in high school and college counseling centers, online at www.mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/, or from the Financial Aid Office.

Continuing Students

Students wishing to renew their aid for a subsequent year should file the FAFSA by April 2.

Verification Policy

To apply for federal financial aid, a student submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov. Some students may be selected for a process called verification. It does not mean you did something wrong. The Department of Education selects a certain percentage of students for this process.

Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) has established and uses written policies and procedures for verifying an applicant’s FAFSA information. These policies and procedures include-

1. The time period within which an applicant must provide any documentation requested by SMC;

2. The consequences of an applicant’s failure to provide the requested documentation within the specified time period;

3. The method by which the College notifies an applicant of the results of its verification if, as a result of verification, the applicant’s SAI changes and results in a change in the amount of the applicant’s assistance under the Financial Aid (Title IV), Higher Education Assistance (HEA) programs;

4. The procedures SMC will follow itself or the procedures the College will require an applicant to follow to correct FAFSA information determined to be in error; and

5. The procedures the College will follow for making referrals to the Office of Inspector General in the event of a possible fraudulent act.

Institutional Responsibility: SMC must require an applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification to submit supporting documentation to verify specified data elements of their FAFSA, unless the applicant, spouse or parent (if applicable) qualifies for a federal exclusion. (See Exclusions from Verification.)

Applicant Responsibility: If the College requests documents or information from an applicant under this Subpart E, the applicant must provide the specified documents or information.

Exclusions from Verification: Federal regulations stipulate that the College need not verify an applicant’s FAFSA information if-

1. the applicant dies;

2. the applicant does not receive assistance under the title IV, HEA programs for reasons other than failure to verify FAFSA information;

3. the applicant is eligible to receive only unsubsidized student financial assistance; or

4. the applicant was selected for verification after ceasing to be enrolled at the College and all (including late) disbursements were made

Further, unless the College has reason to believe that the information reported by a dependent student is incorrect, it does not need to verify the applicant’s parents’ FAFSA information if-

1. the parents are residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication;

2. both parents or the parent who provided most support has died;

3. the parents cannot be located because their contact information is unknown and cannot obtained by the applicant; or

4. both of the applicant’s parents are mentally incapacitated.

Lastly, unless the institution has reason to believe that the information reported by an independent student is incorrect, it does not need to verify the applicant’s spouse’s information if-

1. the spouse is deceased;

2. the spouse is mentally incapacitated;

3. the spouse is residing in a country other than the United States and cannot be contacted by normal means of communication; or

4. the spouse cannot be located because their contact information is unknown and cannot be obtained by the applicant.

►Saint Mary’s College of California policy regarding federal exclusions: Verification requirements will be waived for the federal exclusions listed above provided the College receives supporting documentation pertaining to the applicable exclusion by our published verification deadlines.

Notification

A student whose FAFSA information is selected for verification will be notified of one’s selected status as follows:

1. CPS will notify the student on their  FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). Next to the SAI will be an asterisk referring to a comment in the student section of the FSS that tells the applicant that they will be asked by the College to provide documentation to complete the verification process; and

2. SMC will send bi-weekly email notifications to a student selected for verification, and will continue until either the student has submitted all documents required for verification or the deadline for submission has been reached. 

College email notifications sent to a student whose FAFSA information is selected for verification will include:

1. Links directly to the documentation required to complete verification; and

2. the student’s responsibilities with respect to the verification of FAFSA information, and instructions for the submission process.

Acceptable Documentation

The documentation required for verification varies according to the specific FAFSA information being verified. A student selected for verification will need to submit the following acceptable documentation to the College to complete the verification process. If a student is unable to submit any of the required documents, he/she should contact the SMC Financial Aid Office to discuss possible alternative acceptable documentation.

*Family Size: The number of household members for dependent students must now include both of a dependent student’s legal (biological or adoptive) parents if the parents live together, regardless of the marital status or gender of the parents.

**IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX): The IRS DDX is the fastest, easiest and most secure method of meeting verification requirements. To verify tax data, the U.S. Department of Education and the College encourage students and parents to use the IRS DRT to import data from their tax return directly to the FAFSA, either at the initial FAFSA filing or through the FAFSA correction process. For the retrieved data to be acceptable documentation of tax data, it is necessary that neither the student nor the parents change the data after it is transferred from the IRS.

Under the following conditions the IRS DDX is NOT available (all apply to both students and parents):

1. the person did not indicate on the FAFSA that the tax return has been completed;

2. the applicant or applicant’s parents had a change in marital status after the end of the IRS tax year on December 31st ;

3. the first three digits of the SSN are 666;

4. the person has been a victim of identity theft (See Victim of Identity Theft below.);

5. the tax return was amended (See Filing an Amended Return below.);

6. the person filed a tax filing extension with the IRS (See Tax Filing Extensions below.);

7. the person filed a Puerto Rican or foreign tax return (See Foreign Tax Filers below.);

8. the person is married and filed the tax return either as head of household or married filing separately;

9. in all instances, when the dependent student’s legal parents are unmarried and living together;

10. neither married parent entered a valid SSN on the FAFSA;

11. a non-married parent or both married parents entered all zeros for the SSN on the FAFSA; or

12. the person filed the tax return as married and has now separated, divorced, married someone else, or been widowed.

***IRS Tax Return Transcript: If a student or parent cannot or will not use the IRS DDX, they must provide a transcript obtained from the IRS that lists tax account information of the tax filer for the tax year.

►Requesting a Tax Return Transcript: A student or parent may request an IRS Tax Return Transcript from the IRS, free of charge, in one of the following ways:

1. online by downloading an immediate PDF at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript;

2. by mail after submitting an online request at http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript;

3. by submitting a telephone request by calling 1-800-908-9946

4. by mail after submitting a paper request form (IRS Form 4506T-EZ or IRS Form 4506-T)

►Tax Filing Extensions: A student or parent who has been granted a tax filing extension must provide a copy of IRS Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. The tax filer must also provide copies of all IRS W-2 Forms and a signed draft copy of the federal tax return to the Financial Aid Office by April 15th. SMC may also require submission of a copy of the completed (and signed) tax return before aid is disbursed to the student’s account.

►Foreign Tax Filers: A student or parent who filed an income tax return other than an IRS form, such as a foreign or Puerto Rican tax form, must use the income and tax information (converted to U.S. dollars) from the lines of that form that correspond most closely to the income information reported on a

19. income tax return to complete the FAFSA. Foreign tax filers cannot use the IRS DRT process and, therefore, must submit signed copies of their foreign tax returns translated into English with U.S. dollar equivalencies to the Financial Aid Office.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Verification of non-filing from the IRS (or other relevant tax authority, if applicable) dated on or after October 1, 2023 must be provided for (1) independent students (and spouses, if applicable) and parents of dependent students who did not file and are not required to file a 2022 tax return.

Submission Process

The documentation required to complete verification can be submitted in a variety of ways including:
 

Via mail

1928 Saint Mary’s Road

PMB 4530

Moraga, CA 94575

Via fax

925-376-2965

Via email

finaid@stmarys-ca.edu

In-person

Brother Jerome West Hall, 1st floor

8:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday

Please note that we may require in-person submission to confirm the authenticity of certain documents.

Deadlines and Failure to Submit Documentation

A student whose FAFSA information has been selected for verification must submit all documentation required to the Financial Aid Office within 60 days of being notified by the institution. 

If the student does not provide the verification documentation by the deadline, the College may cancel their federal aid for the award year.

If the student then provides the documentation after the deadline, the College will reevaluate the student’s eligibility for federal aid and will award aid based on their eligibility of funds at the time of documentation submission.

Updating FAFSA Information

►Generally, a student cannot update FAFSA information that was correct as of the date the application was signed because the FAFSA is considered to be a “snapshot” of the family’s financial situation as of that date. For example, if a student’s family sold some stock after signing the FAFSA and spent the proceeds on an automobile or home improvement, the student cannot update the FAFSA to reflect a change in assets. After the FAFSA is signed, only certain items can be updated under the conditions listed below.

1. Dependency Status Change: If a student’s dependency status changes at any time during  the award year, the student must update FAFSA information, except when the update is due to a change in the student’s marital status.

2. Verification of Family Size: An applicant whose FAFSA information is selected for verification of family size must update those items to be correct as of the date of verification, except when the update is due to a change in the student’s marital status.

3. Marital Status Change: The College may require a student to update FAFSA information under paragraph (1) or (2) of this section for a change in the student’s marital status if the College determines that the update is necessary to address an inequity or to reflect more accurately the student’s current financial situation. 

Correcting Errors on FAFSA Information

►Although a student cannot update FAFSA information that was filed correctly, except under limited conditions as listed above, errors made on the original FAFSA must be corrected.

As stated previously, to apply for federal aid a student submits a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Central Processing System (CPS). Generally, the FAFSA is submitted through the online process and the student receives from the CPS an electronic summary of their processed FAFSA known as the FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS).

Upon receipt of the FSS, the student should review all information listed on the FSS and submit for processing any errors reported on the original FAFSA.

An electronic summary of a student’s original FAFSA and any corrected FAFSA information will be sent from the CPS to the College. Once received, all FAFSA data, Saint Mary’s College of California Verification Worksheets, and any supplemental verification documents will then be reviewed by the Financial Aid Department to verify the accuracy of the student’s FAFSA information and to calculate their eligibility for need- based financial aid.

►If a student’s FAFSA information changes as a result of the College’s verification process, the College will:

1. submit for processing changes to the FAFSA information determined to be in error*;

2. recalculate the student’s Federal Pell Grant on the basis of the recalculated SAI;

3. adjust the student’s financial aid package on the basis of the recalculated SAI; and

4. notify the student in writing (by U.S. mail or email) of any change to their financial aid package.

*Note: Although the College will be able to submit most changes to FAFSA information, on occasion it may be necessary for the student to submit changes directly to the CPS. In such cases, the College will notify the student in writing (by U.S. mail or email) as to which data items must be corrected by the student and submitted for processing to the CPS.

Referral of Fraud Cases

Students and parents are advised that the College must and will refer to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) any credible information indicating that an applicant for Federal Student Aid may have engaged in fraud or other criminal misconduct in connection with FAFSA applications. Common misconduct includes false claims of independent status, false claims of citizenship, use of false identities, forgery of signatures of certifications, and false statements of income. Note that fraud is the intent to deceive as opposed to a mistake on an application.

Definitions

►Central Processing System (CPS): The primary business function of the CPS is student application processing and eligibility determination for federal student financial assistance for postsecondary education.

►Student Aid Index (SAI): A measure of how much the student and his/her family can be expected to contribute to the cost of the student’s education for the award year based on the federal need analysis formula. Note: The College determines a student’s eligibility for need-based federal aid based on a student’s SAI.

►Institutional Student Information Record (ISIR): One of two output documents created by the CPS after processing a student’s FAFSA. The ISIR is made available electronically to the institutions listed on the student’s FAFSA and their state agency.

►Federal subsidized student financial assistance programs: Title IV, HEA programs for which eligibility is determined on the basis of an applicant’s FAFSA SAI. These programs include the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), Federal Work-Study (FWS), and Direct Subsidized Loan programs.

►Federal unsubsidized student financial assistance programs: Title IV, HEA programs for which eligibility is not based on an applicant’s FAFSA SAI. For students attending Saint Mary’s College of California, these programs include the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Direct PLUS Loan programs.

►FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS): One of two output documents created by the CPS after processing a student’s FAFSA. The FSS is made available electronically to the student.

Selection Criteria

Saint Mary’s College uses a priority deadline of April 2 for all students for all financial aid programs administered by the College. All students who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment by their priority deadline, and who have filed the required financial aid documents by that date receive equal consideration for Saint Mary’s College scholarships, in relation to their financial need. Federal funds under the control of the College are limited, and generally are awarded only to students with considerable need. Students completing the application process after April 2 will be considered for institutional and limited federal financial aid only if funds are available. Financial aid offer letters for those who have met the priority deadline are mailed to new students and made available digitally on their Applicant Portal.

Financial aid offer letters for continuing students are made available digitally on their Self-Service GaelXpress 2.0 portal.

Packaging for Financial Aid

It is often not possible to meet all of a student’s financial need with scholarship or grant aid. In such cases, student loans or student employment may be included as a part of the financial aid package. If for any reason the student wishes to decline the loan portion of the aid package, they may do so without affecting scholarship or grant awards.

It should be noted, however, that refusal of a loan or campus job will not result in a larger scholarship award. If the student is eligible, the Cal Grant A or B and the federal Pell Grant will be included in the total award package. California residents are required to apply for a Cal Grant A and/or Cal Grant B from the California Student Aid Commission. If the Commission deadline (April 2nd) is missed, the student may still be considered for assistance from Saint Mary’s College, although the College may be unable to offer scholarships to replace Cal Grants that would have been received had an application been made on time.

Financial Aid from Saint Mary’s College

Saint Mary’s College Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded by Saint Mary’s College to full-time undergraduates who demonstrate academic ability, and financial need. The amount of each scholarship varies according to the financial need of the recipient and his/her family. (For further information see Saint Mary’s College Scholarship Policy Statement, available in the Financial Aid Office.) Priority deadline: April 2nd.

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)

SEOG awards of $500 (minimum) per year are federally funded grants administered by the College, and available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Normally, students must be enrolled full-time. The availability of these awards is based on federal funding. Priority deadline: April 2nd.

Saint Mary’s College Tuition Allowance

Families enrolling four or more children at Saint Mary’s College are granted a 50% tuition discount for each child after the third. No financial statement is required. Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is recommended if additional financial assistance is required. To apply, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Saint Mary’s College Athletic Grant

Full and partial grants-in-aid are offered to a limited number of student athletes in several sports. For further information concerning these awards, contact the school’s Athletic Department. 

Student Employment

Saint Mary’s College offers a wide variety of part-time, on-campus jobs in most College offices and departments. These student jobs are provided through two separate programs, the Federal College Work-Study (FWS) program, and the Saint Mary’s College Student Employment program. Availability for FWS jobs is based on federal funding.

Students who qualify for the Pell Grant may be offered Federal College Work-Study. The offer letter will list the funds reserved to pay the student during the academic year. Listings of work-study positions are available online (stmarys-ca.joinhandshake.com) through Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS).

Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS) also posts notices of general student employment opportunities both on- and off-campus. These jobs are open to any undergraduate or graduate student enrolled at least part-time at the College. In addition, the Career and Professional Development Services (CPDS) department offers career strategizing, résumé writing, interview workshops, internships, and career and graduate school exploration.

The bookstore, Sodexo Food Services, and janitorial services are independent of the College and do their own hiring.

The Human Resources Office, in the Filippi Administrative Building, is responsible for all wage and salary determination. All students who are hired for any on-campus job must complete the necessary tax and I-9 documentation before employment can begin.

Financial Aid From State and Federal Agencies

Cal Grant A

Awarded by the California Student Aid Commission, the Cal Grant A is based on academic achievement (as measured by high school or college grades), and financial need. Eligibility is limited to California residents for a maximum of four undergraduate years. Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and the GPA Verification Form (available from high school counseling offices or college offices of financial aid). Deadline: April 2nd.

Cal Grant B

The Cal Grant B is awarded by the California Student Aid Commission primarily to students from low-income backgrounds. Eligibility is limited to California residents for a maximum of four undergraduate years. Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and the GPA Verification Form (available from high school counseling offices or college offices of financial aid). Deadline: April 2nd.

Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to graduate students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential. Undergraduates in certain 4+1 programs may become eligible for the program once they reach 3rd or 4th year standing. Applicants may review eligibility requirements and apply at www.gstg.csac.ca.gov/  Deadline: April 1st.

Federal Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federal grant program which offers assistance to low- and middle-income undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who demonstrate financial need. (Need is defined according to a federal eligibility formula.) Application for the Pell Grant may be made by means of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Forms are available online at www.studentaid.gov.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loans

Federal Direct loans are loans of $3,500 - $5,500 (depending on the student’s grade level) for students’ educational costs. Students who demonstrate financial need up to the requested loan amount will have the interest on the loan paid (subsidized) during their enrollment on at least a half-time basis. Interest rates are determined annually.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans

Unsubsidized federal Direct Loans are available for students who do not qualify, in whole or in part, for the need-based subsidized federal Direct Loan. Borrowers may receive both subsidized and unsubsidized federal loans totaling up to the applicable loan limit, if they do not qualify for the full amount permitted under the subsidized Direct Loan program. The terms for the unsubsidized loan are the same as the terms for the subsidized loans, except that the interest is accruing for the life of the loan. Interest rates are determined annually.

Undergraduate dependent students may borrow an unsubsidized loan of $2,000. For independent students and for students whose parents are unable to secure loans through the federal Parent PLUS program, the unsubsidized loan maximum is $6,000 per year for first- and second-year students, and $7,000 per year for all other students.

Federal Plus Loans

PLUS loans are made to parents of undergraduate students by the federal government. The maximum loan cannot exceed the cost of education less any financial aid received by the student. Interest rates are determined annually.

Alternative Payment Methods

Gifts and Loans to Children

Parents are advised to take advantage of a number of federal tax benefits, including credits, deductions and savings incentives, to offset college costs.

Payment Plan

The school offers students and families a method of paying tuition, food and housing, and other direct expenses over a 10-month period, June through March. For further information concerning this plan, contact the Business Office at Saint Mary’s College, or visit our website here. 

College Refund Policy

Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Policy

Federal regulations require Title IV financial aid funds to be offered under the assumption that a student will attend the institution for the entire period in which federal assistance was offered. When a student withdraws from courses for any reason, including medical reasons, they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that they were originally scheduled to receive. Saint Mary’s College of California (SMC) students who receive federal financial aid and do not complete their classes during a semester or term could be responsible for repaying a portion of the aid they received. Students who do not begin attendance must repay all financial aid disbursed for the term.

General Requirements:

Federal aid is disbursed based on the assumption that a student will attend courses for the entire term and is therefore eligible for the entire amount of the disbursement. When you discontinue enrollment, the Financial Aid Office must calculate the amount of financial aid you have earned prior to the date the action was filed. Any aid received in excess of the earned amount is considered unearned. The unearned financial aid must be returned to the respective federal programs. If the student has not earned enough Title IV funds to cover all institutional charges, then the student may owe a balance directly to Saint Mary’s College. The R2T4 calculation is completed by the Financial Aid Office.

SMC has its own institutional refund policies, as set forth in the College Catalog under “Tuition Refund Policy”, which determine the charges that a student will owe after withdrawing; however, these policies are separate from and will not affect the amount of Title IV aid the student has earned under the Return of Title IV funds calculation.

Determination of Withdrawal Date

Official Withdrawals: Withdrawal from all courses becomes official only after a Request to Withdraw From the College Form is processed by the Office of the Registrar. The withdrawal date used in the R2T4 calculation of a student’s federal financial aid is the actual date indicated on the official withdrawal record. The submission date will be the date used for the “last date of attendance”.   

• Students who drop classes within the first week of the semester will be dropped from the course and no record of the course will appear on the transcript.

• Students who officially withdraw from a course after the second week but prior to the last day of the tenth week of the semester will receive a “W” on the transcript indicating withdrawal from the course.

• Students who withdraw after the tenth week but before the end of the fourteenth week of the semester will receive a W or F grade as determined by the instructor.

• Withdrawals are not permitted after the fourteenth week.

• Students who initially attend class but, due to poor attendance and/or participation, are not making satisfactory progress, may be recommended for withdrawal by the instructor after the third week. Students recommended for withdrawal are notified by the Office of the Registrar and receive a “W” on the transcript.   

Unofficial Withdrawals:

The withdrawal date used in the R2T4 calculation of a student’s federal financial aid is the actual date indicated on the unofficial withdrawal record. If a student stops attending classes without notifying SMC, the withdrawal date will be the midpoint of the semester or the last date of academic activity determined by the Office of the Registrar.

Calculating Return of Title IV (R2T4) Amount

Students who receive federal financial aid must ‘earn’ the aid they receive by staying enrolled in classes. The amount of federal financial aid assistance the student earns is on a prorated basis. Students who withdraw or do not complete all registered classes during the semester may be required to return some of the financial aid they were awarded based on the Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation. Once more than 60% of the term is completed, a student is considered to have earned all of their financial aid and will not be required to return any federal funds.

The following formula is used to determine the percentage of unearned aid that has to be returned to the federal government:

• The percentage earned is equal to the number of calendar days completed up to the withdrawal date, divided by the total calendar days in the payment period (less any scheduled breaks that are at least 5 days long).

• The payment period for most students is the entire term.

• The percentage unearned is equal to 100 percent minus the percent earned.

Post-Withdrawal Disbursement (PWD)

In compliance with federal regulations, an evaluation will be done to determine if all eligible aid had been disbursed as of the withdrawal date. If not, and the student meets the federal criteria for a PWD, the student will be notified of their eligibility within 30 days of determining the student’s date of withdrawal. After being notified of PWD eligibility, students must reply if they wish to accept the post withdrawal disbursement. A PWD would first be used toward any outstanding charges before any funds are returned to you. If no response is received within approximately two weeks of notification, the financial offer will be canceled.

Order of Return to Federal Aid Programs

In accordance with federal regulations, unearned aid will be returned to the federal programs in the following order:

• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan

• Federal Direct Subsidized Loan

• Federal Direct Grad PLUS (Graduate students only)

• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan (Undergraduate students only)

• Federal Pell Grant

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

• TEACH Grant

Student Notification of Repayment

A notification letter outlining the amount returned to the federal and institutional program(s), along with the federal government’s repayment worksheet, will be mailed/emailed to the student’s address. Saint Mary’s College will return funds on the student’s behalf to the appropriate federal and institutional aid program(s) and subsequently will bill the student’s bursar account. A statement reflecting these charges will be sent to the student. The student is responsible for all charges and overpayments resulting from a Return of Title IV Calculation.

Repayment of the Student’s Loans

Any loan amounts that are owed to the Department of Education after the return of funds by the school must be repaid to the loan services according to the terms of the borrower’s promissory note.

Return of Grant Funds by the Student

Any grant overpayment identified in the R2T4 calculation must be repaid by the student within 45 days of receiving notification from the Financial Aid Office. If the grant overpayment cannot be paid in full, a repayment plan may be arranged with the Business Office. If a student does not repay the grant funds or make a satisfactory payment arrangement within 45 days, the account will be turned over to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as an overpayment of federal funds.

Students who owe an overpayment of Title IV funds are ineligible for further disbursements from federal financial aid programs at any institution until the overpayment is paid in full.

How a Withdrawal Affects Future Financial Aid Eligibility

Refer to the Office of Financial Aid Services’ Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy to determine how a withdrawal will impact future financial aid eligibility.  

Scenarios

*If a student drops a class, but remains enrolled in at least one course, no R2T4 is required)

Leave of Absence/Withdrawal (scenario):

• If a student submits a leave of absence/withdrawal form prior to the start of their first class, it will be a status of “X” on their classes (never attended)

  • No R2T4 calculation is required from Financial Aid

• If a student submits a leave of absence/withdrawal during the drop/add period, it will be a status “W” on the course, but not a “W” grade.

  • A Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation is done on every Leave of Absence/Withdrawal (if applicable) and it is calculated based on the documented last date of attendance or last academic activity

• If a student submits a leave of absence/withdrawal after the drop/add period, it will be a status “W” on the course and a “W” grade.

  • R2T4 calculation is made based on the documented last date of attendance or academic activity

Never Attended (notified by Census):

• If the Office of the Registrar is notified by Census that a student never attended all their courses, it will be a status “X” on the course(s) and the Office of the Registrar will reach out to the student and request either a Leave of Absence be submitted or a Withdrawal from the College form. If they do not submit either of these forms, the student will be administratively withdrawn from the College.

  • Given this scenario that the student never attended and it is properly and clearly documented, no R2T4 calculation is required.

Never Attended (notified after Census):

• If the Office of the Registrar is notified after Census that the student never attended all their courses and we have no pending requests for a leave/withdrawal, the Office of the Registrar will administratively withdraw the student from the College according to the date we were notified and administer “W” grades. As well as notate in comments “never attended and date notified”.

  • R2T4 calculation is made based on the date the school is notified.

Walk Away within the Term:

• If a student walks away within the term, the last date of attendance on record will be used for the “W” status for all their courses and “W” grades will be administered (If after the drop/add period). The student will also be administratively withdrawn from the College according to the last date of attendance or academic activity on record. 

  • R2T4 calculation is made based on the last recorded date of attendance or academic activity.

Disbursement of Awards

Financial aid offers normally cover a full academic year. Notification of Financial Aid Offer letters are sent to the students via mail/email. Any change of financial aid eligibility the student will be notified in the same manner. Funds are disbursed in two equal installments at the time of registration for the fall and spring terms, or based on the expected enrollment of the student.

Veterans Benefits

Saint Mary’s College participates in the Veteran Affairs Yellow Ribbon Program. Education Benefit Program applications for members of the armed services should be referred to the School Certifying Official on campus. Questions about the program can be directed to Kindra Stewart at kcs14va@stmarys-ca.edu or at 925-631-8382. You can also visit our website.

Saint Mary’s College of California is approved for the training of veterans and their eligible dependents under the various public laws that come under the direction of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Details and procedures are available from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Regional Office, P.O. Box 8888, Muskogee, OK 74402-8888 or 1(800) 827-1000 or (888) 442-4551, or visit benefits.va.gov/gibill.

As part of the Forever GI Bill - Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, Saint Mary’s College offers priority registration for classes to all veterans and veteran dependents. If you are currently a recipient of VA educational benefits, you will automatically be entered into the system to receive priority registration before the general student population. 

Information for students Using Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) (CH31) or Post- 9/11 G.I. Bill® (CH33)

A student using Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits (CH31) or Post-9/11 G.I. Bill® (CH33) will be allowed to enroll in and attend courses and access campus facilities while the campus awaits payment for tuition and fees from the VA. While awaiting receipt of funds from the VA, Saint Mary’s College of California will not impose any penalty, charge late fees or require an eligible student to borrow additional funds to cover tuition or fees. This waiting period begins the date the student provides appropriate documentation and continues either until funds are received from the VA or until 90 days after the School Certifying Official has certified the student’s enrollment for tuition and fees.

To demonstrate current eligibility and intent to use Chapter 31 or 33 benefits, a student must provide the following documents:

• VA Form 28-1905 (Authorization and Certification of Entrance or Reentrance into Veteran Readiness and Employment program (CH31)); or
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or Education Enrollment Status form (printed from the VA website).
• A written request to use either VA Vocational Rehabilitation or Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® benefits; and
• All additional information requested by the School Certifying Official to properly certify enrollment to the VA.
• DD-214.

For more information regarding this policy, contact your School Certifying Official, Kindra Stewart at (925)631-8382 or kcs14@stmarys-ca.edu. 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

California State Benefits for Veterans and Eligible Dependents

Applications and information may be obtained from the following office: California Department of Veterans Affairs, Division of Veterans Services,1227 O Street, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA 95814-5840 or visit www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

In keeping with federal and state regulations and Saint Mary’s College of California policy, financial aid recipients must make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) toward a degree in order to receive institutional, federal, and/or state aid. Progress is monitored at the end of the spring semester/quarter with the policy as outlined below. Please note that SAP policy is a Financial Aid Office policy, and is different from the SMC’s Academic Standing policy and/or Departmental Academic policy.

SAP Requirements: to maintain satisfactory academic progress for financial aid purposes, a student must meet the following requirements, dependent on academic level:

Traditional Undergraduate Students

Minimum Grade Point Average (Qualitative): Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0;
Pace (Quantitative): At minimum, completes 67% of cumulative attempted units.

Maximum Timeframe:  All program requirements must be completed within a maximum period of 1.5 times the normal program length, as measured in attempted units. For example, the program 120 units in length must be completed within 180 attempted units.

Professional Studies Students (Non-traditional Undergraduate)

Minimum Grade Point Average (Qualitative): Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0;

Pace (Quantitative): At minimum, completes 67% of cumulative attempted units.

Maximum Timeframe: All program requirements must be completed within a maximum period of 1.5 times the normal program length, as measured in attempted units. For example, the program 120 units in length must be completed within 180 attempted units.

Graduate Students

Minimum Grade Point Average (Qualitative): Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0;
Pace (Quantitative): At minimum, completes 67% of cumulative attempted units.
Maximum Timeframe: All program requirements must be completed within a maximum period of 1.5 times the normal program length, as measured in attempted units. For example, the program 12036 units in length must be completed within 18054 attempted units.

Other Considerations:

Non-passing Grades: Grades of W (Withdraw), I (Incomplete), P/NP (Pass/ No Pass) will be counted toward the number of units attempted.

Repeat Courses: Repeated units will be counted toward the number of units attempted. Repeats of previously unearned units are eligible for funding within reason. Students may receive funding for a previously passed course one time only.

SAP Status:

Satisfactory: SAP status assigned to a student who met SAP requirements.

SAP Suspension: SAP status assigned to a student who did not meet minimum SAP requirements.

SAP Probation: SAP status assigned to students who failed to meet minimum SAP requirements and who are successful in their appeal.

SAP Notifications:

The Financial Aid Office will notify all students who are placed on financial aid suspension after the spring semester/quarter. A student under financial aid suspension has the right to appeal.

SAP Appeal Process:

A student who is suspended from financial aid because of failure to maintain satisfactory academic progress may appeal the suspension. A successful appeal will be based on documented extenuating or special circumstances that caused lack of progress. An appeal consists of:

• Short Letter addressing why the student failed to make SAP, and what has changed that will now allow them to progress.
• Appropriate Documentation supporting the reason for the appeal and/or showing how the problem has been resolved. If a student feels it is not possible to document the extenuating circumstances, the letter of appeal must explain why.
• SAP Appeal Form completed by the student, their success coach, and academic advisor, showing how the student will meet SAP standards by a specific time or complete the program.

A committee reviews appeals, and students will be notified in writing of the results and of any conditions expected. The appeal will be Approved, Tabled, or Denied:

Approved Appeal: Students with an approved appeal are placed on Financial Aid Probation and are eligible to receive funding provided they continue to meet the conditions of the academic plan. 

• If the student now meets minimum SAP standards, Probation will be removed and the student is in satisfactory academic progress.
• If the student has met the terms, conditions of the appeal, and is following the Academic Plan of Study, but still does not meet minimum SAP standards they will continue on Probation.
• Failure to meet the terms and conditions of the appeal or failure to follow the Academic Plan of Study will result in financial aid suspension.

Tabled Appeal: Appeals may be tabled for additional documentation, further explanation, waiting for current grades to post, or any other appropriate materials.

Denied Appeal: Students will be informed of the reasons for the denial of their appeal and given an explanation of how they can restore Financial Aid Eligibility.

Reestablishing Aid Eligibility

Students who are not making satisfactory academic progress and whose appeal was denied may regain eligibility by:

1. Completing coursework without financial aid, either at SMC or other accredited colleges and universities to make up for SAP deficiencies.

SAP Questions and Inquiries

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at 925-631-4370 or finaid@stmarys-ca.edu.