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    Saybrook University
   
 
  Dec 12, 2024
 
2016-2017 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum 
    
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2016-2017 Academic Catalog and Student Handbook with Spring Addendum [Archived Catalog]

Financial Aid and Payment Policies



Saybrook University Standard Tuition and Fees

Current tuition and fees for all programs, the cost of Residential Conferences and Residential Orientation may be found on the Saybrook University website  All fees are reviewed annually and may be subject to change by Saybrook at any time.

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 agreed-upon 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, receive transcripts, or 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

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.

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)

If you obtain a loan to pay for your education, you will have to repay the full amount of the loan plus interest, less the amount of any refund.

Available Payment Plans

Payment in Full: due by the start of the semester
Installment Plan: 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, contacts the Student Accounts Office:

Student Accounts
Studentaccounts@saybrook.edu

Refund and Withdrawl

Student Refund Policy

Tuition charges may be eligible to be prorated based on the following conditions:

Notice of withdrawal must be made in writing to the Registrar’s Office.
The date of receipt of written notice of withdrawal by the Registrar’s Office determines the amount of tuition charges potentially eligible for a prorated refund.

Tuition refunds will be calculated on a pro-rated basis based on the day of withdrawal and applies to students withdrawing voluntarily, as well as students who are dismissed from the University for academic, disciplinary, financial reasons or for non-attendance according to the attendance policy. The pro rata refund shall be no less than the total amount owed by the student for the portion of the educational program the student attended regardless of the fund source the student is using to pay for tuition. The pro-rata refund will be determined by the number of calendar days a student completes in the semester/term, divided by the total calendar days of the semester/term. If this amount is less than or equal to 60%, then the student is due a prorated refund equal to the difference of 100% of total tuition charged and the total percentage completed. Pro-rated refunds pertain to the semester/term tuition charges only. No tuition charge reversals are made after the 60% point in the semester or term (payment period). Not registering for courses or ceasing to attend current courses is not considered a notification of withdrawal and may result in tuition and fees owed to the University.

New Students will receive a 100% reversal of tuition, less the Residential Orientation fee, if they notify the Registrar’s Office in writing that they are withdrawing from the program prior to the end of the Add/Drop period.

If a student notifies the Registrar’s Office that they will not be attending the RC more than 30 days before the start of the RC, they are entitled to a full reversal of the Residential Conference (RC) fee. Within 30 days of the start of the RC, the RC fee will be reversed and the RC late cancellation fee of $225 will be invoiced. Once the RC has begun, the RC fee must be paid in full

Students receiving Title IV funds are subject to the Return of Federal Funds policy regarding withdrawal and refunds. Any amount in excess of the aid “earned” for the time period the student was enrolled 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 Student Accounts Office to arrange payment for any balance owed. If the student is due a refund, all checks and/or direct deposits will be automatically issued.

Enrollment Status

Saybrook University has established minimum credit hour thresholds for determining full-time and half-time enrollment status.  A student enrolled in at least six (6) credits per semester is classified as a full-time student, and a student enrolled in at least three (3) credits per semester is classified as a half-time student.  Furthermore, a student enrolled in dissertation will be reported at a full-time enrollment status. 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 their Designated School Official (DSO).

Financial Aid Refunds

Once loans have been disbursed to Saybrook University, and the student is enrolled in the minimum number of credits to maintain financial aid eligibility, the Student Accounts Office will apply them to the tuition and fees balance owed.

Any amount in excess of the balance owed 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.

Refund disbursements are available via direct deposit to a designated bank account by submitting a completed Direct Deposit Authorization Form with a voided check to the Student Account Office. 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.

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 (Unsubsidized Stafford Loans and Federal GradPlus Loans). However, all applicants must file a FAFSA.
  • Be making satisfactory academic progress toward completion of the degree program as defined by Saybrook standards and practices**
  • Not be in default on a federal student loan
  • Not have borrowed in excess of the aggregate loan limits allowed for the federal loan programs unless the excess amount has been repaid or a satisfactory payment arrangement has been made
  • Not owe a refund on a Pell or SEOG grant at any institution attended
  • Be registered for the Selective Service (if a male born after January 1, 1960)
  • Cannot have been convicted for the possession or sale of illegal drugs for an offense that occurred while you were receiving Federal Student Aid
  • Certify that you will use Federal Student Loans/Federal Direct Stafford Loans only for educational purposes.

How to Determine Need

Calculating the Amount you Borrow

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

Living Expenses

Your award letter will indicate the maximum amount of funds that you may be eligible to borrow. It is important that you determine the amount(s) you will need to pay for school and to assist with living expenses, if needed. You can then request up to the maximum amount 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 expected family contribution.

Once the financial need is determined, the student’s financial aid package is produced; your package might include Federal Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, and/or Saybrook Scholarships or tuition assistance.

We encourage all students to apply for non-institutional scholarships and benefits. We will accept any outside resources. To get some ideas for resources, visit Other Scholarship Sources.

Help With FAFSA

Over $100 billion in grants and loans for higher education are available through the federal government - but can only be accessed through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Completing your FAFSA is free, and you MUST complete it to be considered for student aid of almost any kind.

The FAFSA can be completed online, at your convenience.

Visit www.FAFSA.ed.gov
Enter the information requested. This will include:
name
Date of birth
Social security number
Information from your recent tax returns about your income.

Add Saybrook’s school code to your FAFSA application. Saybrook’s school code is G21206.

A “student aid report” will be sent via email and should be reviewed for accuracy. the FAFSA online can be accessed to make adjustments if needed.

Need help filling out the FAFSA?

Our downloadable tip sheet is available on our Financial Aid Forms page.

Need more help?

Call the Federal Department of Education at 1-800-4fed-aid

Financial Aid Forms

Forms- All Financial Aid forms can be found at: http://www.saybrook.edu/how-to-apply-for-financial-aid/

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Invest in Yourself

Deciding to attend graduate school is a big step.  It requires commitment, time, and life changes.  Saybrook is committed to helping you find ways to invest in yourself and in your future.

We can help you with:

Saybrook’s internal scholarships: All admitted students are eligible to be considered for a Saybrook scholarship ranging from $500 to $3,000 per semester. Students must apply by the priority deadline for each semester to be considered for the highest level of awards

Information about outside scholarships:  Multiple organizations offer grants and scholarships. Since Saybrook is a fully-accredited institution, you can apply those outside funds to your education here.

Applications for veterans’ benefits: Almost all Saybrook degree programs are already certified for veterans who wish to apply their GI education benefits.

Federal educational loan programs: Saybrook participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, in which borrowers obtain loan funds directly from the US Department of Education.

As with other types of financial aid, you may need to complete the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid first.  

Please contact admissions for additional information.

Saybrook Scholarships for Continuing Students

Rollo May Scholarship

Each year Saybrook University is able to award the Rollo May Scholarship of $5000 established as a result of the generosity of our donors.  This one-time scholarship is awarded to a Saybrook student whose graduate work explicitly applies and extends the existential-humanistic contributions of Rollo May.  Such student work may include scholarship in the areas of personality theory, psychotherapy, art and literature, cultural criticism, existential encounters, or other topics which the student clearly connects to the Rollo May tradition. To be eligible for consideration, students must be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing. The award is applied directly to the recipient’s student account in the semester after the scholarship is awarded. Students will be notified of submission deadline and guidelines in advance. 

Other Scholarship Sources

You can seek multiple private scholarships on your own.

Scholarship Search Services

You may want to start by using free scholarship search engines like those below.

CollegeView: http://www.collegeview.com/index.jsp

 fastweb: http://www.fastweb.com/

 FinAid: http://www.finaid.org/

PETERSON’S: https://www.petersons.com/

The Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com/

Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/

Disability Resources:  https://www.disability.gov/scholarships-specifically-students-disabilities/

Loans and Other Aid

The following information provides links to help prospective students learn about Federal Loans and Guidelines. Please utilize these sites and then call or email Saybrook’s Financial Aid Staff for further assistance: email finaid@saybrook.edu phone 888-253-5100 option 1.

Federal Loans

For an overview of federal loans, please go to http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/loans#what-types-of-federal-student-loans-are-available

Loans for International Students

Some privately funded student loans, such as those provided by eduPASS are available to non-US citizens provided there’s a co- signer who is a US citizen.

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

Tax Credits

For an overview of tax credits available, please go to http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Education-Credits

Veterans Benefits

Use your GI Bill Benefits at Saybrook

The Washington and California Councils have approved most of Saybrook’s schools and programs to administer educational benefits for eligible students through independent study provisions of the Veterans Administration. Programs delivered in both Oakland, CA and Seattle, WA qualify for Veteran’s Benefits.

Veterans interested in using their benefits are encouraged to begin the application process at least three months before enrollment.

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.

VA Benefits Enrollment Verification

Saybrook University’s Registrar’s office 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 will provide 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 via VONAPP. Students that have previously used VA Educational Benefits at a previous school must complete form 1995 online via VONAPP
  • Step 2: Forward a copy of Certificate of Eligibility to the Office of the Registrar at registrar@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.

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).

Federal Loans

Federal Aid Programs

Saybrook University participates in the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program, in which borrowers obtain loan funds directly from the US Department of Education. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loans both fall under this program. The Department of Education acts as the lender and loan funds are delivered directly to students’ accounts through the Student Accounts Office. For more information, please go to: http://www.direct.ed.gov/

Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans are no longer available for graduate and professional students effective July 1, 2012. The Budget Control Act of 2011 passed by Congress and signed by President Obama eliminated the subsidy for graduate and professional students and moved this funding to Pell Grants for undergraduate students. As a result, graduate and professional students will be awarded Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans. The annual limit, however, remains unchanged at $20,500 and the aggregate loan limit for graduate students remains at $138,500.

Termination of Direct Loan Borrower Repayment Incentives

Effective, July 1, 2012, the up-front rebate that has been provided to Direct Loan borrowers at the time of their loan disbursement will no longer be offered.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Direct unsubsidized loans accrue interest while you are enrolled as long as you are enrolled at least half time status. You can choose to pay the interest each month while in school, or allow the interest to accumulate. The interest rate is fixed at 5.31%. Interest accrues from the time of disbursement and is added to the principal one-time upon commencement of repayment. The payment of interest can be deferred until the end of the grace period. The Unsubsidized Direct Loan has a 6-month grace period. To apply for an unsubsidized
loan go to: www.studentloans.gov.

Federal Grad PLUS Loans

The Grad PLUS Loan is designed to help graduate students meet their educational costs. Graduate students may borrow up to the cost of education minus any other financial received. Grad PLUS Loans are available to borrowers who do not have adverse credit histories. The interest rate is fixed at 5.31% and repayment begins 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed. Graduate students do not enter repayment while enrolled at least half time status. To apply for an unsubsidized loan go to: www.studentloans.gov.

Understanding Credit

Your credit history is the most important factor used in determining your eligibility for a loan. Your lender reviews the credit report to determine if there are any indications of bad credit. If you have adverse credit, even a credit-worthy cosigner may not be sufficient in securing a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan or an Alternative Private Loan. We recommend that you obtain a copy of your credit report as soon as possible to get a full understanding of your credit-worthiness and have time to correct any errors. To receive a free copy of your credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call them at (877)322-8228. You may receive a free credit report from each of the three major reporting agencies: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, once every 12 months.

Federal Direct Entrance Interview

The US Department of Education requires first-time borrowers in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program to complete an online loan entrance counseling session before loan funds will be credited to your account. The session provides you with useful tips and tools to develop a budget for managing educational expenses and understand loan responsibilities. Students are required to complete an entrance interview for the Federal Direct Stafford Loan and one for the Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan. The session takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete. The website address is: www.studentloans.gov

Private/Alternative Loans

Students are always encouraged to fully utilize all federal student loan programs first as they offer better consumer protection for borrowers. If you choose not to apply for federal aid, there are programs that offer alternate loan resources. Students who are receiving financial aid can also utilize these programs to finance all or part of their calculated expected family contribution (EFC). Borrowers must be credit-worthy to participate in these programs. However, a credit worthy co-signer can be used for students who are not credit- worthy by program guidelines.

Under recent revisions to the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), a lender will be required to provide you with disclosures at several points during loan application and consummation. You will also be required to submit to the lender Private Loan Self-Certification Form as part of the application (which will be provided in the lenders’ material).

Saybrook University does not have a Preferred Alternative Loan Lender Relationship with any private/alternative loan program. You have the right to choose any lender you want who provides private/alternative student loans. Saybrook University legally cannot recommend any one lender to students.

Other Federal Benefit Programs

Additionally, some students may be eligible for education benefits from the following federal programs:

Tax Credits
Stafford Loans

Please contact Financial Aid with any questions.

Financial Aid:
888-253-5100 option 1 Finaid@saybrook.edu
Financial Aid Fax: 855-245-9408

Mailing Address:
Financial Aid Office
350 N. Orleans St. Suite 1050
Chicago, IL 60654

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. Eligible students may apply for any open work-study positions. For more information on available positions, email saybrookworkstudy@saybrook.edu.

Financial Aid Assistance

Budgeting your Money and Understanding your credit

Saltmoney.org

  • Student loan advice from expert counselors
  • Scholarship, internship, and job searches
  • Tools to take control of your finances
  • Tips on building smart financial habits

Scholarships

Psychology Scholarships

Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology Psi Chi
American Psychological Association (APA)

Outside Resources

Direct Stafford/Grad Plus Loan Counseling (entrance and exit) - studentloans.gov

Check the status of your loan(s) - studentloans.gov
Federal Student Aid History: NSLDS - nslds.ed.gov
Loan Repayment information/Debt Counseling usafunds.org
nelnet.com mygreatlakes.org studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans
Consolidation/IBR Information - studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/consolidation

Health and Safety

Campus Crime Report and Fire Safety - ope.ed.gov/campussafety/

Student Outcomes

Graduation Rates and Retention Rates can be found at:

 https://www.saybrook.edu/academic-affairs/accreditation/student-achievement

Constitution Day

http://www.constitutionday.com/

The Saybrook University Guide to Student Consumer Information is produced by the Financial Aid Office
1-888-253-5100
FinAid@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 school or 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 schools 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 Stafford 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: http://www.direct.ed.gov/pubs/dlrights.pdf

Financial Appeals Committee Process and Guidelines

When students enroll at Saybrook University, they are aware of the costs they will incur and the financial aid available to them. Before enrolling, students should understand their financial obligations for the duration of their degree program.

A student who can document that extenuating life circumstances or changes adversely affected the ability to pay tuition for a specific academic year can file a financial appeal with the Financial Appeals Committee. The appeal letter outlining your circumstances including the Appeal Form and appropriate additional documentation, must be submitted via email to financialappeals@saybrook.edu. If no supporting documentation is provided or the form is incomplete, an appeal will not be reviewed.

Students may only submit one appeal per academic year. No appeals will be reviewed from students who have submitted appeals within the current academic year. Currently enrolled students may not submit an appeal for a semester prior to the current academic year. Appeals are based on the following extenuating / unforeseen circumstances:

  • Death of an immediate family member which demonstrably impacts a student’s ability to pay tuition
  • Student required to take care of ill or disabled family member (student must provide documentation of illness or disability and need for continuing care)
  • Medical conditions that prevent the student from meeting financial obligation to the school
  • Involuntary change in employment or income beyond the student’s control  
  •  Natural disaster (request supported by documentation)

Tuition appeals will NOT be approved in the following instances:

  • Lack of knowledge or misinterpretation of Saybrook policies and procedures as published in the Catalogue and on the Saybrook website
  • Student’s errors in judgment or irresponsibility involving availability of finances, academic ability, or time management
  • Dissatisfaction with course content or delivery of instruction
  • Dissatisfaction with academic progress in course
  • Appeals of non-refundable fees
  • Loss of financial aid, grants or scholarships due to lack of satisfactory academic progress (SAP). Please refer to the SAP guidelines for appeal.
  • Non-receipt of mail or email due to obsolete address on file with the registrar or financial aid
  • Student errors resulting in the delay of administrative processes relative to registration or delivery of financial aid funds
  • Awarded up to Financial Aid cost of attendance (please check with the financial aid office if you are unsure)

Domestic Students: Currently enrolled domestic students should contact the financial aid office to determine if they have any additional financial aid eligibility.

International Students: International students wishing to appeal for institutional aid should consult with the Vice President of Enrollment for the appropriate course of action. Institutional aid for international students is fully allocated each year at the time of admission; therefore, only very limited additional resources are made available to meet extraordinary circumstances. Serious consideration is only given when there has been a significant life-changing event. See above for appeal circumstances.

Process to Submit an Appeal

When an appeal is submitted, the Financial Appeals Committee conducts a review. The committee meets at a minimum of once per month. Appeals must be emailed to financialappeals@saybrook.edu .  A response will be provided within 15 business days of receipt of the appeal. The decision of the Financial Appeals Committee is final in all cases.

The Financial Appeals Committee is chaired by the VP of Enrollment Management and includes the Director for Student Success and the Assistant Provost.