Financial Policies
The following includes important information about financial deadlines, refunds, and other pertinent policies. If you have questions, please contact the Center for Adult and Professional Studies.
Refund Policy
Azusa Pacific University wishes to provide a flexible and fair refund policy while adhering to federal student financial aid regulations. When determining an individual student's aid eligibility, the offered financial aid package is based on the assumption that the student will complete the entire term for which he or she is registered (and the corresponding number of units required to complete the term). If an unexpected situation arises and the student must take an "incomplete" (I) for some units in the term, the student will be charged for the entire term, and will be given the corresponding aid eligibility for the entire term. However, the student will be put on aid probation for the next term of attendance, and if the incomplete units are not made up during the term, the student will not be eligible for further aid (aid suspension) until the units are completed.
If the student must withdraw completely at some point during the term, but wishes to receive credit for any units he or she has completed, the student must complete the withdrawal procedure in writing, and will be charged for the units completed. The student's aid package will also be adjusted to reflect the units attempted. Please note: the student's loan eligibility will be reduced if the student fails to register for all units required for completion of the term.
The institutional policy for students withdrawing is, in keeping with federal policy guidelines concerning refunds and withdrawals, as follows:
In the event a student withdraws or drops from all units within a term, institutional charges, financial aid, and refunds will be calculated on a per diem basis. If this calculates to 60 percent or greater of the term, then NO adjustments will be made.
NOTE: Tuition deposits and application fees are not refunded under any circumstances.
Financial Agreement
A student may not participate in graduation ceremonies, register for further sessions, or receive any diploma, certificate, transcripts, or Degree Verification Letter until all financial obligations (excluding NDSL/Perkins Loan) have been satisfied with a zero balance. Any diploma, certificate, transcripts, or letter of recommendation shall be retained by the university as a security interest until all such obligations are satisfied. Release of any such security interest prior, or subsequent to, any default by the debtors shall not be considered a binding precedent or modification of this policy.
The university reserves the right to make any changes in costs, payment plans, and refund policies without notice.
Satisfactory Progress
Students who wish to receive financial assistance must be in good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree or certificate program, in addition to meeting other eligibility criteria.
Quality of Progress – "Good Academic Standing"
- Students requesting aid must maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 grade-point average.
- Grade-point averages are reviewed at the end of each term.
- Students who fail to maintain the minimum grade-point average will be given one term of "aid probation" in which they must earn a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average, or they will be suspended from aid programs.
- Transfer students entering with less than a 2.0 grade-point average will not be eligible for aid until a 2.0 cumulative grade-point average is attained.
Quantity of Progress – "Unit Completion Requirement"
- CAPS students must complete at least two-thirds (67%) of all units in which they originally enroll from the time of first attendance at APU. Thus, a first-term CAPS student who originally enrolls in 9 units, withdraws from 3 units, and successfully completes the remaining 6 units, would be meeting the quantitative measure requirement since the student passed at least two-thirds (67%) of the units in which he or she originally enrolled.
- Students requesting aid must make progress toward their degrees as follows: Full time: 12 units/semester; 3/4 time: 9 units/semester; 1/2 time: 6 units/semester
- Unit completion is reviewed at the end of each term.
- The following grades are considered to demonstrate satisfactory course completion: A, B, C, D, and Pass. These grades do not demonstrate course completion: F, In-Progress, Incomplete, No Pass, and Withdrawal.
- Remedial course work may be considered if it is specifically prescribed by the student's academic advisor.
- Students failing to complete the required number of units per term will be given one semester of "aid probation" in which they must complete the deficit units or they will be suspended from all aid programs. Students may petition their satisfactory progress status by submitting an APU General Petition form to the CAPS Office of Student Financial Services.
Quantity of Progress – "Maximum Time Frame"
- Students requesting aid are expected to complete an academic program within a reasonable amount of time. A student may petition for extended time by using an APU General Petition form and submitting it to the CAPS Office of Student Financial Services. The student would be expected to work with the associate director of the center to work out a plan for completing required units.
- Students may not attempt more than 189 units prior to completing their undergraduate degree.
Financial Aid Packaging
Azusa Pacific University offers financial aid in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. In order to serve the large number of students needing financial assistance, the university coordinates various elements of each student's financial aid program. This "packaging" approach may include assistance from two or more sources of financial aid. The university's goal is to award all applicants the maximum scholarship, grant, and loan for which they qualify, given restrictions in availability of funds, institutional policies, and state and federal guidelines.
A student's budget, as determined by APU using federal calculations, could reduce the total aid package. A student must be completely admitted before all aid can be transferred to a student's account.
Release of Records
It is understood that by applying for financial aid, the student grants the Office of Student Financial Services the right to release the student's grades and enrollment records to scholarship, state, federal, and loan agencies as needed.
Keeping in Touch
The university will attempt to inform students about deadlines and procedures, but the final responsibility for the timely filing of the FAFSA and related documents is the student's. The student must notify the Office of Student Financial Services regarding changes in financial situation, marriage, loss of a job, change in class load, withdrawal from school, or change of address. In order to contact the Office of Student Financial Services, a student may write, call, or come in person.
Outside Aid Resources
Students are required to report all resources known or expected to be available to them during the period for which they seek financial assistance. These resources include, but are not limited to: veterans' benefits, scholarships, fellowships, stipends, and unemployment earnings (including spouse's, where applicable). Failure to report these resources can result in delays in receiving aid funds for which the student may be eligible, cancellation of the award, or even the return of funds already received.
Should any new resources become available, the student is required to report this fact. Withholding or concealing information about these resources may constitute fraud, as the student would be receiving financial aid to which he or she is not entitled.
Overawards
Each year a number of financial aid recipients are distressed to learn that their aid package is being reduced due to an overaward. As required, students must inform the Office of Student Financial Services of any outside aid awards or changes in their class load. This will save the frustration and inconvenience that may result from an overaward.
A student's budget, as determined by APU using federal calculations, could reduce the total aid package.
Availability of all aid is subject to federal, state, institutional, and private funding.
Non-Discrimination
The Office of Student Financial Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.
International students: Please refer to the International Center website, or call (626) 812-3055 for specific details regarding international admissions requirements, financial information, and other general policies.
