Student Accounts and Financial Aid Policies

Saybrook University Standard Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees for all programs, may be found on the Saybrook University website at http://www.saybrook.edu/tuition-and-fees, and incorporated into the Academic Catalog by this reference. All fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change by Saybrook at any time. A Cost Calculator to help determine estimated costs of enrollment can be found on the Saybrook University website at https://www.saybrook.edu/admissions/cost-calculator/.

Additional Fees

Students should be prepared to meet additional costs of their degree program. These can include travel, accommodations, food, textbooks, learning guides, course readers, conference call charges, dissertation editors, computer software and hardware, courses at other institutions, commercial database searches, professional meetings, conferences, and workshops. Learning consultants or other editors are the sole responsibility of the students using their services. Explanation of additional fees may be found on our website.

Tuition Payment Policies

Payment Obligations

Students are expected to meet their payment obligations by ensuring that all balances are paid by the Friday of the first week of the term. Payment plans may be available by contacting the Student Accounts Office, but all semester tuition and fees must be paid in full by the last date of the semester. Late payment fees are charged monthly to students who fail to meet deadlines for any payment. Students will not receive monthly bills and are responsible for keeping track of their payment due dates. All student financial information is available online through the student Gateway.

Administrative Hold

Students whose payments have not been received in accordance with the terms outlined above will have a temporary administrative hold placed on their account until payment is received. Students on administrative hold are ineligible to enroll in courses or receive final diplomas until the hold is resolved and removed. Late payment notices will be sent to the student's official school email address.

Financial Aid

Financial aid is funding in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, and/or student employment that is used to pay tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other school-related expenses. Saybrook University is a participating institution approved by the US Department of Education to offer Title IV Federal Student Aid. 

A course is eligible for financial aid only if it meets a degree requirement as published in the Academic Catalog. Individual courses and graduate certificates completed outside of an academic degree program are ineligible for federal aid. 

The Office of Financial Aid’s policies and procedures are subject to change based on federal regulations and guidelines or interpretations thereof. Changes will be published in the academic catalog. It is the student’s responsibility to remain informed of all changes. The Office of Financial Aid adheres to the guidelines of ethical conduct developed by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

Students relying on federal or private loans for tuition payment must have completed all necessary loan arrangements so that such loans are approved and on file with the Financial Aid Office by the first payment due date each semester.  If the financial aid deadline is not met, students are required to make payment arrangements with the office of Student Accounts, until the loan money becomes available.

Loan Repayment

If a student obtains a loan to pay for an educational program, the student will have the responsibility to pay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund. If a student is eligible for a loan guaranteed by the federal or state government and the student defaults on the loan, both of the following may occur:

1. The federal or state government or a loan guarantee agency may take action against the student, including applying any income tax refund to which the person is entitled to reduce the balance owed on the loan.
2. The student may not be eligible for any other federal student financial aid at another institution or other government assistance until the loan is in good standing.

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit www.wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.

Payment Options

Available Payment Methods

Approved Student Loans
Check: made payable to Saybrook University
Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, or Discover
Online ACH/check (available on the student Gateway only)
Wire Transfer (fee will be charged)

Available Payment Plans

Payment in Full: Friday of the first week of the term
Installment Plan: 3-4 monthly installments spanning the length of the semester. Unless otherwise informed, students are subject to the standard Saybrook fee structure.
For all tuition, balance, or payment plan questions, contact the Student Accounts Office:

Studentaccounts@saybrook.edu

Refunds and Withdrawal

Tuition Refund Policies

A course dropped during the Add/Drop period of the corresponding term/semester will be refunded 100% of tuition and course fees. A course dropped after the Add/Drop deadline will be subject to a partial refund of tuition only, according to the refund schedule below. Adding or dropping a course may change the student’s enrollment status, which could result in changes to financial aid eligibility.  Notices of Withdrawal must be made in accordance with Saybrook’s Official Withdrawal Policy. The date of receipt of written notice of withdrawal or course drops by the Registrar’s Office determines the amount of tuition charges potentially eligible for a refund based on the week it is submitted.

Students receiving Title IV funds are subject to the Return of Federal Funds policy regarding withdrawal and refunds. Any amount more than the aid “earned” for the period the student was enrolled in must be returned to the federal aid program. Students who remain enrolled through at least 60% of the payment period are considered to have earned 100% of the aid they received. Returning Title IV funds could result in a balance owed to the University by the student.

Withdrawal often results in a balance due to Saybrook University. Students should contact the Office of Student Accounts to arrange payment for any balance owed. If the student is due a refund, all checks and/or direct deposits will be automatically issued.

Refund Schedule

The refund schedule week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, of the first week of a term/semester.

15 or 12-Week Semester Drop/Withdrawal Refund Schedule - 4 week model 

8-Week Term/Semester - current model

Drop/Withdrawal Refund Schedule

*See Academic Calendar for Add/Drop Dates

Military Refund Policy

U.S. Military personnel, U.S. Military Reservists, or National Guard members who are called into service and, as a result, are unable meet academic requirements prior to the completion of the term/semester will be entitled to receive a full refund of tuition and fees. This policy applies whether the call to service is voluntarily or involuntarily, but it does include active service for training. This same consideration may be available to spouses and dependents of active-duty military personnel. A student who is drafted and must report for active duty during a term/semester is entitled to receive a full refund of tuition and fees. All refunds are subject to the presentation of official documentation. In the event a student receives any Title IV Federal Aid for education expenses, the institution will return those funds to the Department of Education. In those instances, if the student received funds in addition to those for tuition and fees, the student will be subject to the repayment of those funds. A student who volunteers for military service will be subject to the school’s standard Refund Schedule. 

Returning Unearned Tuition Assistance (TA) Funds

Saybrook returns unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the term/semester for which the funds were awarded. TA funds are earned proportionally during a term/semester, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending school.

State-Specific Refund Policies

Tuition refunds for students who reside in Kansas, Maryland, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, or Wisconsin will be issued in accordance with the policies required by the laws and regulations of those states. However, if the school’s refund policy is more beneficial to those students, it will follow its refund policy and provide for refunds of tuition as provided in that policy. The date of receipt of written notice of withdrawal or course drops by the Registrar’s Office determines the amount of tuition charges potentially eligible for a prorated refund for the states outlined in this policy.

Kansas Refund Policy

1. As required by the Kansas Board of Regents, the minimum refund that Saybrook will pay to a Kansas student who withdraws or is terminated after completing only a portion of a course, program, or term within the applicable billing period is as follows:

2. A refund due to a Kansas student will be based on the date of withdrawal or termination and paid within 60 days from the date of withdrawal or termination.
3. This refund policy must be disclosed to students upon enrollment, and documentation verifying student refunds in accordance with this policy must be maintained.

Maryland Refund Policy

1. As required by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the minimum refund that Saybrook will pay to a Maryland student who withdraws or is terminated after completing only a portion of a course, program, or term within the applicable billing period is as follows:

2. A refund due to a Maryland student will be based on the date of withdrawal or termination and paid within 60 days from the date of withdrawal or termination.
3. This refund policy must be disclosed to students upon enrollment, and documentation verifying student refunds in accordance with this policy must be maintained

New Mexico Refund Policy

1. Cooling off period. A student is entitled to a three-day cooling off period after making an initial deposit or payment toward tuition and fees. During the cooling-off period all payments shall be refunded. Evidence of personal appearance at the institution or deposit of a written statement of withdrawal for delivery by mail or other means shall be deemed as meeting the terms of the cooling off period.
2. Registration charges. A student may withdraw after beginning instruction or submitting lesson materials, effective upon appearance at the institution or deposit of a written statement of withdrawal for delivery by mail or other means. Saybrook will retain, as registration charges, no more than $100 or 5% of tuition and fees, whichever is less.
3. Tuition and fees. Saybrook will retain tuition and fees earned and state gross receipts taxes at a pro-rata amount according to the following schedule:

4. Tuition/fee refunds must be made within 30 calendar days of the institution receiving written notice of a student’s withdrawal or of the institution terminating enrollment of the student, whichever is earlier.
5. Upon request by a student or the department, the institution shall provide an accounting for such amounts retained under this standard within five workdays.

Oregon Refund Policy

Courses dropped during the Add/Drop period will be refunded 100% of tuition and course fees.  Oregon students who withdraw from a course after the Add/Drop period are eligible for a partial refund through the middle week of the applicable term/semester.

Refunds are based on unused instructional time and are prorated on a weekly basis as detailed below.

8 Weeks

Drop/Withdrawal Refund Schedule

Wisconsin Refund Policy

A Wisconsin student enrolled in a program with the Online Campus will receive a full refund of all money paid if:

1. The student cancels enrollment within the three-business day cancellation period under EAB 6.04;
2. The student accepted, was unqualified, and the school did not secure a disclaimer under EAB 9.04;
3. The school procured the student’s enrollment as the result of any false representations in the written materials used by the school or in oral representations made by or on behalf of the school.

Refunds will be made within 10 business days of cancellation.
 
A Wisconsin student who withdraws or is dismissed after attending at least one class, but before completing 60% of the instruction in the current enrollment period, is entitled to a pro rata refund, as calculated below:

As part of this policy, the school may retain a one-time application fee of no more than $100.  The school will make every effort to refund prepaid amounts for books, supplies, and other charges.  A student will receive the refund within 40 days of the termination date.  If a student withdraws after completing 60% of the instruction, Saybrook may refund a pro rata amount if the withdrawal is due to mitigating circumstances beyond the student’s control.  

Enrollment Status for Financial Aid Eligibility

Saybrook University has established minimum credit hour thresholds for determining full-time and half-time enrollment status.  Students must maintain a minimum half-time status to be eligible for financial aid. The reported enrollment status for the three enrollment periods (fall, spring and summer) is determined as follows: 

Furthermore, a student enrolled in one of the following courses found here  will be reported as indicated.

Students sponsored in F-1 status must maintain full-time enrollment in order to maintain non-immigrant status. To maintain non-immigrant status, International students should discuss any less-than full-time enrollment plans with their Designated School Official (DSO).

Maximum Course Load

In an effort to support student success, Saybrook University limits all students to a maximum course load of 15 credits per 15-week semester and 9 credits per 7- 8- or 12-week term.

Students seeking to enroll in more than the above-listed credit totals must submit a Maximum Credit Load Increase to the Office of the Registrar. Appeals will be reviewed by the Registrar, Department Chair and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.

Students are encouraged to first discuss their intended course load and schedule with their Department Chair and Academic Advisor.

*Students enrolled in the PhD in Clinical Psychology Program are limited to 12 credits per semester unless approved by the Department Chair

Minimum Course Load

Saybrook University is committed to supporting students and ensuring they graduate in a timely manner which requires that students register for a minimum number of credits each semester. In order to achieve degree completion in a reasonable timeframe Saybrook requires all degree-seeking students, with the exception of students in the PhD Clinical Psychology program, to enroll in a minimum of 6 credits during both the Fall and Spring semesters. The only stated exception to this policy is the summer term where students can take fewer credits without written approval.

Clinical psychology (CP) students are expected to maintain an average of nine credits per semester.

• Students can self-enroll in nine to twelve credits.
• Consultation with and approval from the Program Chair is required to enroll in less than nine or more than twelve credits per semester.

Reduced Course Load

Under certain specific circumstances (e.g. severe health circumstances, satisfying final degree requirement, etc.), a student can obtain approval for a reduced course load by written petition. Petitions for a reduced course load must be submitted in writing to the Registrar’s Office prior to the start of the semester and, if approved, the reduction in course load is valid for that upcoming semester only.

Financial Aid Refunds

Loan disbursements will be applied to a student’s account to offset owed tuition and fees for all students verified to be enrolled at least half-time and have been accepted and awarded financial aid.

Any aid amount in excess of the balance owed (credit balance) will be refunded to the student. In accordance with federal regulation, these refunds will be sent automatically to the student within 14 days of the credit balance appearing on the student’s account.

Student refunds are made available via direct deposit to a designated bank account determined by the student after submitting a completed Direct Deposit Authorization Form, found on the Student Gateway. If no direct deposit information is provided, refund checks will be mailed to the student’s address currently on file. To expedite this process, please make sure all information is current at least two weeks before the start of the semester.

Financial Aid Eligibility

To be eligible for State or Federal assistance under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, a student must satisfy all of the following criteria:

• Be enrolled as a regular student
• Have a High School Diploma or GED and a bachelor’s Degree
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree program at Saybrook University
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Have demonstrated financial need as determined through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to being awarded need-based financial aid.
• No need must be shown to receive non-need based financial aid (Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Federal Grad Plus Loans). However, all applicants must file a FAFSA.
• Maintain minimum satisfactory academic progress requirements toward completion of the degree program as defined by Saybrook standards and practices**
• Cannot be in default with any federal student loan
• Have not borrowed an excess of the aggregate loan limits allowed for the federal loan programs Cannot owe a refund on a federal grant at any institution attended
• Certify that you will use Federal Student Loans for educational purposes only.

How to Determine Need

Calculating the Amount to Borrow

Before you apply for financial aid, please read the following information.

Living Expenses

Your award letter will indicate the maximum amount of aid you are eligible for. It is important that you determine the amount you will need to cover tuition, fees and living expenses if needed. After assessing how much aid is needed, you can then determine to accept the full amount, adjust (reduce) to your desired amount, or decline the aid listed on your award letter. Please note that financial aid programs are not intended to maintain a lifestyle nor are they intended to fund mortgages or credit card debts.

Reasonable living expense allowances are based on housing status and include rent, food, and utilities. To estimate your monthly income and expenses, try the Budget Calculator at the direct loan website to create your in-school student budget: www.ed.gov/DirectLoan/calc.html

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The cost of education is the estimated amount you will need to cover costs related to attendance at Saybrook University for one academic year of study. The academic year is defined as two consecutive semesters of enrollment. The standard budget is constructed by using basic costs of living plus tuition and fees for your particular program of study.

Determining Your Financial Aid Package

The financial aid package is based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of both the student and spouse’s resources. This amount is determined by a financial needs assessment which looks at assets, income, family size, and number of family members in college. The student’s financial need is the difference between the costs of education minus the EFC.

Once financial need is determined, the student’s financial aid award letter is generated. Your award may include Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, and/or Saybrook Scholarships.

We encourage all students to apply for non-institutional scholarships and benefits.  Saybrook University accepts many outside resources. To get some ideas for resources, visit Other Scholarship Sources.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

To apply for federal aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.studentaid.gov  

Important Notes

Be sure to enter Saybrook University’s school code: G21206 on your FAFSA.

You must complete a new FASFA every calendar year. The new FAFSA is available in October.

We recommend that you complete your FAFSA at the time of Application to Saybrook and no later than 90 days prior to the beginning of the relevant semester of enrollment.

Upon review of your submitted FAFSA the Department of Education may require additional documentation. Should this be the case, The Financial Aid Office will contact and provided you with all the necessary details of how to resolve. 

Apply for a FSA ID

An FSA ID allows students to complete the following tasks:

• Electronically sign your FAFSA application
• Make online corrections to your FAFSA
• Access your Student Aid Report
• Access your federal student aid records online, including your student loan history information on the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) at www.nsldsfap.ed.gov.

Loan Types

The following information provides links to help prospective students learn about loans available to those who qualify. Please utilize these sites and contact Saybrook’s Financial Aid Staff for further assistance: email finaid@saybrook.edu or phone 888-253-5100 option 1.

Federal Loans

For an overview of federal loans, please visit www.studentaid.gov

Loans for International Students

Some privately funded student loans, such as those provided by eduPASS are available to non-US citizens provided there is a credit-worthy co-signer who is a US citizen or permanent resident.

Canadian students may use both the Canada and provincial loan programs to fund their education at Saybrook. For information on the Canada Loan program, please visit the International Student Loan website or the Student Aid website.

Work-Study

Federal Work-Study Program

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program subsidizes employment for students with financial need. The program encourages community service and work related to your course of study.

Your hourly wage is set by Saybrook as your employer; it may vary depending on the responsibilities of your position. Your total work-study award is based on financial need and available funding. Student employees are paid bi-monthly.

Students are not permitted to work more than 10 hours per week during periods of enrollment. Please note that international students and students who are not U.S. citizens may not be eligible for aid. Students must confer with the financial aid office to confirm eligibility prior to accepting a position.

To find out if you are eligible for federal work-study, please contact the financial aid office at finaid@saybrook.edu. For questions regarding job announcements and hiring forums, contact Joline Pruitt, Director of Business Operations, at jpruitt@saybrook.edu.

Rights and Responsibilities

When you obtain a federal student loan you have certain Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities.

Borrower’s Rights

You have the right:

1. To know what financial aid programs are available at your school.
2. To know the deadline for submitting applications for each available program.
3. To know how financial aid will be distributed, how decisions are made and the basis for these decisions.
4. To know how your financial need was determined. This includes how costs for tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, travel, personal and miscellaneous expenses, etc., are considered in your budget.
5. To know how much of your financial need had been met as determined by the financial aid advisor at the college. To know what resources (other financial aid, your assets, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your need.
6. To know what portion of the financial aid you received must be repaid, and what portion is grant aid. If the aid is a loan, you have the right to know what the interest rate is, the total amount that must be repaid, the repayment procedures, the length of time you have to repay the loan, and when repayment is to begin. Under the Federal Stafford Loan program if you cannot meet the repayment schedule, you may request that the loan payments be reduced for a specific period of time if it will assist you in avoiding default.
7. To know how the school determines whether you are making satisfactory progress and what happens if you are not. To request an explanation of the various programs in your student aid package.
8. To know campus security policies and crime statistics.

Borrowers’ Responsibilities: You are obligated:

1. To complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time to the right place.
2. To provide correct information. In most instances, misreporting information on financial aid applications is a violation of law and may be considered a criminal offense.
3. To return all documentation, verification, corrections, and/or new information requested by either the Financial Aid Office or the agency to which you submitted your application.
4. If you borrow a federal loan, think about how much you’re borrowing.  Borrow wisely!
5. To use any federal, state-appropriated, or institutional financial aid received during the award year solely for expenses related to attendance at Saybrook University.
6. To read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign and to keep copies of them. To accept responsibility for all the arrangements that you sign.
7. Be enrolled at least halftime as a regular student. Students admitted on provisional or conditional status will be given a defined period of eligibility (usually one year) to achieve regular admission. Your Provisional and or Conditional Acceptance require that you adhere to the stipulations listed on your Saybrook University Admissions Acceptance Letter.
8. To perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study award before you receive payment. To be aware of your school’s refund procedures.
9. To repay your student loans, even if you don’t complete your education, can’t get a job, or aren’t happy with your education. To maintain up-to-date address and telephone information with the Registrar’s Office.

All schools must provide information to prospective students about the school’s programs and performance. You should consider this information carefully before deciding to attend a school. As a recipient of a Federal Direct Student Loan, you must notify the lender if any of the following occur before the loan is repaid: if you change your address, Graduate, withdraw from school or attend less than half-time status, change your name, and/or transfer to another school. Request a deferment or forbearance, or change repayment plans if you’re having trouble making your monthly payments.

The Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities Statement provides information about the terms and consideration of the loans you received under the accompanying Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Federal Direct Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Subsidized Loans) and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford/Ford Loans (Direct Unsubsidized Loans). You can view the document here: https://studentaid.gov/

Financial Aid Code of Conduct

The following Code of Conduct was last updated by a vote from NASFAA’s Board of Directors in November 2020, and published in January 2021. Subject to enforcement procedures that went into effect July 1, 2015, NASFAA institutional members of NASFAA will ensure that: 

1. No action will be taken by financial aid staff that is for their personal benefit or could be perceived to be a conflict of interest. 

1. Employees within the financial aid office will not award aid to themselves or their immediate family members. Staff will reserve this task to an institutionally designated person, to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. 
2. If a preferred lender list is provided, it will be compiled without prejudice and for the sole benefit of the students attending the institution. The information included about lenders and loan terms will be transparent, complete, and accurate. The complete process through which preferred lenders are selected will be fully and publicly disclosed. Borrowers will not be auto-assigned to any particular lender. 
3. A borrower’s choice of a lender will not be denied, impeded, or unnecessarily delayed by the institution, even if that lender is not included on the institution’s preferred lender list. 
4. No amount of cash, gift, or benefit in excess of a de minimis amount shall be accepted by a financial aid staff member from any financial aid applicant (or his/her family), or from any entity doing business with or seeking to do business with the institution (including service on advisory committees or boards beyond reimbursement for reasonable expenses directly associated with such service). 

2. Information provided by the financial aid office is accurate, unbiased, and does not reflect preference arising from actual or potential personal gain. 

3. Institutional financial aid offers and/or other institutionally provided materials shall include the following: 

• Breakdown of estimated individual Cost of Attendance components, including which are direct (billed by the institution) costs vs. indirect (not billed by the institution) costs 
• Clear identification and proper grouping of each type of aid offered indicating whether the aid is a grant/scholarship, loan, or work program 
• Estimated net price  
• Standard terminology and definitions, using NASFAA’s glossary of terms 
• Renewal requirements for each aid type being offered as well as next steps and financial aid office contact information 

4. All required consumer information is displayed in a prominent location on the institutional web site(s) and in any printed materials, easily identified and found, and labeled as “Consumer Information.” 

5. Financial aid professionals will disclose to their institution any involvement, interest in, or potential conflict of interest with any entity with which the institution has a business relationship. 

Institutional Scholarships & Special Tuition Rates

Saybrook University offers scholarships and special tuition rates for new and continuing students based upon their program or alumni, military/veteran* status. A student enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program that qualifies for a scholarship or special tuition rate must register for each term required by the program and maintain full-time status in the fall and spring terms, typically at least six credit units, and half-time status in the summer, typically at least three credits. Courses from which a student withdraws do not count toward scholarship eligibility requirements.
 
If a student obtains a Leave of Absence, Withdrawal or falls below required program enrollment, the student will fall outside the eligibility requirements and will be billed the full program tuition rate going forward. A student moving from a special tuition rate or scholarship-eligible program to one without eligibility will also be billed the full program tuition rate. 
 
Information about individual scholarships is located on the scholarship page: https://www.saybrook.edu/scholarships-for-graduate-students/   

*This applies only to the special tuition rate Saybrook offers for Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, Reservist, National Guard Members, Spouses, and Qualifying Dependent Children. VA benefits are governed by the Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration. https://www.benefits.va.gov/BENEFITS/

Veterans Benefits

Use your GI Bill^® Benefits at Saybrook

Saybrook University is approved by the California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE). CSAAVE has approved most of Saybrook’s schools and programs to administer educational benefits for eligible students through independent study provisions of the Veterans Administration.

Veterans interested in using their benefits are encouraged to begin the application process at least three months before enrollment. Applying for Benefits - Veterans Benefits Administration (va.gov)

VA Benefits Eligibility

Veterans who have served at least 90 days of active duty service after September 10, 2001 and received an honorable discharge may qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill^®. For those who served on active duty after 9/10/2001, see the VA website for more information. Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

VA Benefits Enrollment Verification

Saybrook University’s School Certifying Official will verify your enrollment and submit the necessary enrollment certification provided that you have already registered for your courses.

Yellow Ribbon Program

Chapter 33 students with 100% entitlement are eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. This program is a supplement to the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® that helps veterans bridge the gap between the Post 9/11 tuition benefit and the actual cost of tuition and fees. Students currently on Active Duty are not eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

At Saybrook University, the Yellow Ribbon Program provides students up to $6,000 additional tuition dollars per year ($3,000 from Saybrook and $3,000 matching funds from VA). The exact amount of Yellow Ribbon dollars received is based on the student’s tuition and fees balance after Chapter 33 benefits and some institutional aid are applied.

Currently Saybrook provides Yellow Ribbon funds to an unlimited number of qualified students. The university will review its Yellow Ribbon commitment each year. Participation levels may vary in future years.

Yellow Ribbon Eligibility Requirements

Individuals entitled to the maximum benefit rate (based on service requirements) may receive this funding. You may be eligible if you:

• Have served an aggregate period of active duty after September 10, 2001, of at least 36 months;
• Were honorably discharged from active duty for a service connected disability and served 30 continuous days after September 10, 2001;
• Are a dependent eligible for Transfer of Entitlement under the Post - 9/11 GI Bill^® based on a veteran’s service under the eligibility criteria listed above.

There is no minimum number of credit hours required for participation and awards will continue in subsequent years in which the student maintains satisfactory progress, conduct and attendance.

Application Process

• Step 1: If eligible, students should apply for benefits under the Post - 9/11 GI Bill^® with the Department of Veteran Affairs online at Vets.gov. Students that have previously used VA Educational Benefits at a previous school must complete form 1995 online at Vets.gov
• Step 2: Forward a copy of Certificate of Eligibility and internal Yellow Ribbon Application (see Saybrook Military Benefits Coordinator for application) to the Saybrook Military Benefits Coordinator at saymilitarybenefits@saybrook.edu.

Saybrook University also works with veterans receiving benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill^®, Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP), Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), and Vocational Rehabilitation.

For additional information, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website or the Yellow Ribbon Program FAQ. Yellow Ribbon Program | Veterans Affairs (va.gov)

Students that have submitted a valid certificate of eligibility or VAF 28-1905 may attend courses for no less than 90 days after submission of the documentation while the VA processes payment. Furthermore, students will not be charged any late fees due to delays with VA payments provided the student remains eligible for benefits. Students who do not receive 100% entitlement for their benefits will need to secure an alternate method of payment. Students can be placed on a payment plan by contacting the School Certifying Official via email at saymilitarybenefits@saybrook.edu or via phone 888-253-5100, option 3.

Online Resources

The Montgomery GI Bill^® offers resources for veterans to assist with educational costs. Please go to http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply- for-benefits/ for more information or to have a form mailed to you. Or call 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551).

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Constitution Day

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