2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Costs and Financial Aid

Costs

Tuition is based on the classification of the student and the course: undergraduate or graduate, lower or upper division, resident or nonresident of Michigan.

Tuition rates and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. The rates listed here are for the 2024-2025 academic year and can also be found online at gvsu.edu/tuition. A per credit hour or per course surcharge will be assessed for certain classes to offset higher costs. For more information about special course charges, go to gvsu.edu/tuitionExt.htm.

Tuition for lower division (0-54 earned credits) undergraduate students who are Michigan residents taking anywhere from 12 to 15 credit hours is $7,314 per semester. Tuition is $614 per credit hour for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 15. Tuition for upper division (55 or more earned credits) undergraduate students who are Michigan residents taking anywhere from 12 to 15 credit hours is $7,664 per semester. Tuition is $644 per credit hour for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 15.

For lower division (0-54 earned credits) nonresident undergraduate students, tuition is $10,410 total per semester for anywhere from 12 to 15 credits and $874 per credit for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 15. For upper division (55 or more earned credits) nonresident undergraduate students, tuition is $10,744 total per semester for anywhere from 12 to 15 credits and $903 per credit for fewer than 12 credits and for each credit over 15.

Master's-level tuition ranges from $762-$834 per credit hour. Doctoral-level tuition ranges from $934-$963 per credit hour. Rates are based on academic program and there are no separate rates based on residency status. Visit gvsu.edu/tuition for a listing of graduate and doctoral program tuition rates.

The previously listed tuition rates apply to all students registering for credit courses, including guests, visitors, and all categories of students who are not pursuing a degree at Grand Valley State University. Rates for noncredit courses in special programs apart from the regular university curriculum are published with the announcements of such programs.

Rates of tuition and fees are those in effect at the time of publication of the Grand Valley State University Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog. They are subject to change at any time by Grand Valley's Board of Trustees.

Fees

Late registration (allowed only in the first five days of the semester) requires a $50 late fee. Fees for resident and nonresident are the same.

Schedule revision, or drop/add, is held concurrently with all registrations. A student may drop or add any course for which prerequisites have been met and capacity permits. Additional tuition charges are due when a student adds a credit. Under exceptional circumstances, a student may be allowed to add a course after the deadline. The completed transaction, accompanied by support from the instructor, department chair, and collegial dean, must include a $25 late add fee and any additional tuition. Specific dates and times for all registrations are set by the registrar and listed in the schedule of courses. For more information on financial regulations regarding late registration and dropping or withdrawing from classes, click on the Policies section on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website at gvsu.edu/financialaid.

Parking

Students wishing to park on either the Allendale or Grand Rapids campuses must purchase a parking permit. Permits can be ordered electronically at gvsu.edu/parking. The permit costs range from $210 to $240 per semester, depending on the student's choice of parking permit. The permit charge will be billed directly to the student account and the charge will be based on the credit hours enrolled per semester.

Residency

Because students normally come to Grand Valley State University for the primary or sole purpose of attending the institution, rather than establishing a domicile in Michigan, those who enroll as nonresident students will continue to be classified as such throughout their attendance unless they demonstrate that they have permanently abandoned their previous home and permanently established Michigan residency. See section on Michigan Residence Requirements for Grand Valley's policy for determining residency.

Tuition and Fees Refund Policy

Students who reduce their number of credit hours or withdraw from Grand Valley may be eligible, upon application to the office of the registrar, to receive a refund of tuition. The amount of refund will be based on the following schedule:

1. Students withdrawing before the start of the semester and during the first week of classes are eligible for a full 100-percent refund of the applicable credit hours assessed. All financial aid awarded to the student will be reduced based on the required federal Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation. Students should expect to have a portion of their financial aid returned. (See Financial Aid and Complete Enrollment Withdrawal section.)

2. Students withdrawing during the second week of classes in a shortened session (spring or summer) and in the second, third, and fourth weeks of classes in a full session are eligible for a 75-percent tuition refund of the applicable credit hours assessed.

3. Students withdrawing after the second week of classes in a shortened session (spring or summer) and the fourth week of classes in a full session are not eligible for a tuition refund.

4. Students who withdraw completely and are eligible for a 100-percent refund of tuition will be eligible for a full refund of their assessed credit hours and other mandatory fees. Students withdrawing completely during the 75-percent refund period will be eligible for a 75-percent refund of their assessed credit hours and other mandatory fees. There will be no refund of these fees after the last date for a 75-percent refund as stated in the Annual Class Schedule online.

Students who have financial aid should talk to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships before dropping/withdrawing from classes to understand how their aid will be affected.

A specific schedule of refunds, with qualifying dates, is published each semester in Grand Valley's official Annual Class Schedule.

The refund is based on the date of receipt of the completed class drop or withdrawal form in the office of the registrar. If a course does not begin during the first week of the start of the semester, refunds will be based on the date of the first class meeting.

When Grand Valley State University cancels a course or when it is determined that a student has registered for a course they were not eligible to take, a full refund will be made regardless of the date.

In cases in which financial aid was used to pay for all or part of tuition, the refund will be used to repay the sponsor first and then the student, when appropriate. Refer to the Repayment of Unearned Federal Student Aid section of this catalog for details of this procedure.

Tuition Refund Appeals

Student applications for refund of tuition are reviewed weekly by the Tuition Refund Appeals Committee. The applicant is notified in writing following the meeting. Approved refunds will follow the normal refund process returning federal and institutional funds as dictated by policy. More information can be found at gvsu.edu/registrar/tuition-refund-appeal-committee-128.htm.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Complete Enrollment Withdrawal from University/Repayment of Unearned Federal Student Aid

For any student who officially withdraws, federal regulations require that any unearned funds be returned based on the withdrawal Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation as soon as possible but no later than 45 days after being notified of your complete withdrawal. This federal calculation must be completed within 30 days of the official withdrawal and will determine the amount of unearned federal financial aid funds that must be returned to the Department of Education. The statute makes clear that federal funds are awarded to a student under the assumption that the student will attend for the entire period for which the assistance is awarded. When a student ceases academic attendance before the end of that period, the student has not earned all of the federal financial aid and therefore may not be eligible for the full amount of the federal funds awarded. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must determine that the student began attendance in the courses for which they were paid Title IV aid. Examples of academic activity or engagement which show that the student commenced attendance include attending class, completing an assignment, participating in an online discussion, etc. The amount of federal funds earned by the student is determined by multiplying the percentage of the enrollment period completed by the total amount of federal loans and grants disbursed. If a student completely withdraws before 60 percent of the semester is completed, the student may be required to repay a portion of the federal financial aid. If the percentage of the enrollment period completed is more than 60 percent, the student has earned 100 percent of the aid. Students who completely withdraw will be billed for any institutional charges that remain as well as the amount of the unearned federal student aid that has been given to them.

If the student officially withdraws during the drop/add (100-percent refund) period, Grand Valley will return all financial aid funds prior to releasing any refund of tuition. A student may contact our office to request an R2T4 calculation for the purposes of receiving earned Title IV aid up to the date of withdrawal. This request must be made in time for us to perform the calculation before the 30th day following official notification of withdrawal. For each applicable course, the student must submit written documentation confirming that academic activity began. In cases where a student owes a balance, we will complete the calculation, if requested, and apply any earned aid toward their semester balance if applicable.

Students who stop attending all courses but do not officially go through withdrawal procedures are considered to have unofficially withdrawn. If an unofficial withdrawal is determined to have taken place, federal regulation requires that we complete a federal Return of Title IV (R2T4) calculation to determine the amount of unearned federal financial aid funds that must be returned to the Department of Education. The calculation will be completed within 30 days of identifying the unofficial complete withdrawal. In many cases, this would be the end of the semester after grades have been reported by faculty and are published. Grand Valley faculty report a last date of academic activity or engagement (LDAA) for all students who completely withdraw. Our office will use the LDAA to calculate the amount of unearned aid.

Receiving Financial Aid for Repeated Courses

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is required to monitor and adjust a student's enrollment level for federal student aid if, or when, they repeat coursework for credit that they have already earned.

A student may receive aid when repeating a course for the first time.
A student may receive aid when repeating a course that was previously failed, regardless of the number of times the course was attempted and failed.
A student may receive aid to repeat a previously passed course one additional time. For this purpose, a passing grade is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as D- or better.
If a student retakes a course that is not aid eligible, the credit hours will be excluded from the total enrollment for the semester.
Students will receive an e-mail notification from our office if they are enrolled in a course that would need to be excluded from their eligible enrollment.

Financial Aid for Students

Grand Valley State University is a great place for students to invest in their futures. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you maximize your investment by working with you to determine how to most effectively meet your unique needs. Even though Grand Valley believes that the responsibility for financing a college education rests with students and their families, large amounts of aid are available. A student who receives a scholarship or grant may need to be willing to borrow and work to cover the remainder of his or her educational costs. In fact, because no one aid program can cover all college expenses, aid programs are usually combined in "packages" suited to the student's needs. This means that students receive aid in a variety of forms. Rarely would a student receive all one type of aid, such as a grant. Instead, they may receive a combination of types of aid in the form of grants, scholarships, student employment, and loans.

To be considered for aid, students must be admitted as degree-seeking students. The financial aid students receive is based on their enrollment status each semester. Financial aid awards will be adjusted based on the number of enrolled credits. The majority of financial aid programs require at least half-time enrollment (six credits per semester for undergraduate students and four and one-half credits per semester for graduate students).

To maintain and renew aid, students must maintain satisfactory academic progress. For most federal, state aid, and institutional aid, need must be demonstrated by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged to visit studentaid.gov to file the FAFSA online and utilize the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import their tax information. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you need assistance in accessing or completing this application.

Application Procedure

All financial aid is awarded for the academic year beginning with the fall semester. Students must reapply for financial aid every year.

We encourage students to file the FAFSA for the following academic year by the Grand Valley State University priority deadline of March 1. Students who file after March 1 may not receive full grant funds (see application dates in the next section). An individual must be a degree-seeking student to be eligible to receive financial assistance. Most aid is awarded to students attending at least half-time (six or more credit hours for undergraduate students), although students attending less than half-time may be considered for the Federal Pell Grant program. Continuing education students (part-time, nondegree-seeking students) are not eligible for federal financial aid; however, they may apply for and receive some types of alternative loan programs. These students, and all others, can also utilize the Grand Valley State University tuition payment plan offered by the Student Accounts office. For additional information on alternative loan programs, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Financial aid for international students is limited based on federal guidelines.

Additional aid may be awarded for the spring/summer session depending on the availability of funds. If you are seeking a spring/summer award, you must complete the spring/summer application, which is available on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website each February at gvsu.edu/financialaid/summer.

If you wish to be considered for financial aid, please refer to the deadline dates listed and follow the four basic steps outlined here.

1. If you are a new student, you must submit application forms for admission to Grand Valley. It is recommended that you submit a complete application for admission by March 1 for the fall semester.

2. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form must be completed by you and/or your parents and/or your spouse. Applications must be submitted online at studentaid.gov. For us to receive your FAFSA, you must list Grand Valley State University among your choice of schools. Our federal school code is 002268. The FAFSA is the only application for aid that Grand Valley requires.

3. In some cases, you or your parent may be required to submit additional information to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to verify the accuracy of your financial aid application. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships may request additional information if, upon reviewing data you have presented, we believe further clarification of your financial situation is needed. Such additional information may include information about your household size, assets, or income.

4. Award notifications for new students will be delivered electronically beginning in mid-January. Returning students will receive their award notification in May.

Application Dates to Remember

October 1

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) becomes available at studentaid.gov.
Grand Valley scholarship cycle begins. To apply for Grand Valley endowed and department scholarships, visit gvsu.edu/myscholarships.

January

Entering freshman students and transfer students receive notification of their financial aid award.

February

The Spring/Summer Financial Aid Application becomes available to all students interested in receiving aid for the spring/summer semester. The online form is available at gvsu.edu/financialaid/summer.

March 1

Incoming freshman applicants must submit a completed admission application by this date to be considered for the major scholarship programs offered by Grand Valley.
Incoming community college transfer applicants for spring/summer admission must submit a completed admission application by March 1 to be considered for Grand Valley incoming transfer merit scholarships.
This is the priority deadline for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All students who want to receive federal financial aid must file this application and list Grand Valley as a college choice. Our federal school code is 002268.

May

Returning upperclass and graduate students receive notification of their financial aid award through myBanner.

July 1

Incoming community college transfer applicants for fall admission must submit a completed admission application by July 1 to be considered for Grand Valley incoming transfer merit scholarships.

November 1

Incoming community college transfer applicants for winter admission must submit a completed admission application by November 1 to be considered for Grand Valley incoming transfer merit scholarships.

Cost of Attendance and Student Budgets

Before applying for financial aid, students and parents should assess all costs associated with attending Grand Valley. The following tables estimate the typical nine-month (two-semester) academic year expenses for single residents (living anywhere on or off campus except with parents or relatives) and commuting undergraduate students (living with parents or relatives). Some of the following expenses are discretionary (personal and miscellaneous, transportation, books, and supplies), therefore an average is used to determine the costs associated for such expenses. For more information regarding costs for graduate and doctoral level students, please visit gvsu.edu/financialaid/budgets.

Residential Students	On-Campus	Off-Campus
Tuition and fees* (Michigan resident)	$15,406	$15,406
Books and supplies	$804	$804
Personal and miscellaneous	$2,558	$2,558
Housing and food*	$11,550	$9,090
Total	$30,318	$27,858

Commuting Students
Tuition and fees*	$15,406
Books and supplies	$804
Personal and miscellaneous	$2,558
Housing and food*	$2,520
Total	$21,288

Out-of-State Students	On-campus	Off-campus
Tuition and fees* (Non-Michigan resident)	$21,788	$21,788
Books and supplies	$804	$804
Personal and miscellaneous	$2,558	$2,558
Housing and food*	$11,550	$9,090
Total	$36,700	$34,240

*Estimated tuition and fees and housing and food charges. Actual charges are determined by the Grand Valley State University Board of Trustees. The rates listed here may change for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Financial aid is available to assist in financing the cost of approved study abroad programs. Study abroad programs are approved by the Padnos International Center. Students may receive assistance for Grand Valley summer programs, as well as full-year and one-semester programs through exchanges and other individualized programs.

Students participating in study abroad programs receive financial aid in the amount they normally would receive if remaining on campus; however, students are generally able to borrow loan funds to assist in covering the additional costs. Limited scholarships and grants are available for some study abroad programs. Meeting with a financial aid counselor to discuss potential aid availability is highly encouraged. This helps facilitate discussions to ensure your study abroad is fully covered.

Students interested in a study abroad experience must contact the Padnos International Center (gvsu.edu/studyabroad) regarding available program options and are encouraged to apply early for financial aid.

Financial Aid Programs

At Grand Valley, financial aid includes scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment. This aid is usually combined in a "package" to offer the student flexibility in meeting their educational costs. This package may include a combination of the various types of aid, such as loans, jobs, scholarships, and grants put together for an award rather than just one of these sources. If you wish to apply for or renew financial assistance, you should review the following information on the types of available financial aid.

1. Programs not based on need. Each program requires different application procedures. Eligibility is determined jointly by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and the agency or department funding the program.

2. Programs based on need. These programs require students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

3. Special programs. These require students to apply directly to the agency or department responsible for determining eligibility and funding.

Scholarships (Not Need-based)

Incoming Merit Scholarships

Scholarship eligibility criteria indicated as follows are for freshmen or transfer students entering in the 2024-2025 academic year. Scholarship information for future academic years may be found on our scholarship webpages at gvsu.edu/scholarships. Grand Valley offers a merit-based scholarship program. We determine initial eligibility for these scholarships at the time of admission, although final award decisions and the amount of some scholarships are made by the scholarship committee after the student has completed all required application materials. To be considered for the incoming freshmen scholarships, the Admissions and Recruitment Office must receive the student's completed admissions application and all supporting documents by March 1 for fall admission. For incoming transfer student scholarships, completed admissions application and all supporting documents must be received by March 1 for spring/summer admission, by July 1 for fall admission and by November 1 for winter admission (unless otherwise noted).

Complete applications consist of an application for admission, official transcripts, official results of the ACT or SAT test, and a $30 application fee. The merit-based scholarships are described as follows.

Incoming Freshmen Merit Scholarships

1. Awards of Distinction. This group of scholarships includes Grand Valley's highest merit-based scholarships, ones that many students aspire to receive. They generally require high academic achievement and top scores on the ACT or SAT. Additional amounts of up to $2,000 are awarded to students who are National Merit Finalists.

a. Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $11,000. You must be a graduate of a high school in Michigan and Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive a presidential scholarship must have a 3.8 high school cumulative grade point average and a minimum 32 composite ACT score or a score of 1430 or higher on the SAT combined Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Award for Excellence, Faculty, or Laker scholarships.

b. Out-of-State Presidential Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $11,000 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after high school graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.8 high school cumulative grade point average, a minimum 32 composite ACT score or a score of 1430 or higher on the SAT combined Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship cannot be combined with Award for Excellence, Faculty, or Laker scholarships.

c. Faculty Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $8,000. You must be a graduate of a high school in Michigan and Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive a faculty scholarship must have a 3.6 high school grade point average, a minimum 30 composite ACT score or a score of 1370 or higher on the SAT combined Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Award for Excellence, Presidential, or Laker scholarships.

d. Out-of-State Faculty Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $8,000 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after high school graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.6 high school cumulative grade point average, a minimum 30 composite ACT score or a score of 1370 or higher on the SAT combined Evidence-based Reading and Writing and Math. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Award for Excellence, Presidential, or Laker scholarships.

2. Award for Excellence

a. Award for Excellence Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $3,500. You must be a graduate of a high school in Michigan and Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.5 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Presidential, Faculty, or Laker scholarships.

b. Out-of-State Award for Excellence. This scholarship provides awards of $3,500 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after high school graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.5 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Presidential, Faculty, or Laker scholarships.

3. Laker Scholarship

a. Laker Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,000. You must be a graduate of a high school in Michigan and Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.3 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Award for Excellence, Faculty, or Presidential scholarships.

b. Out-of-State Laker Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,000 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. Grand Valley must be the first college you attend after high school graduation. All admitted freshman students will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this award must have a 3.3 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with Award for Excellence, Faculty, or Presidential scholarships.

4. "Lakers Go Abroad!" Scholarship. This is a one-time $2,000 award that recipients may use toward the cost of an approved, for-credit study abroad program outside of the U.S. within four years after initial enrollment at Grand Valley. GVSU must be the first institution students attend after graduating from high school. All admitted freshman students will be prompted to write an essay to be considered for this scholarship in GVSU's scholarships portal (gvsu.edu/scholarships). Students must be meeting Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and be enrolled full-time during the semester they study abroad in order to use this scholarship.

5. Early Awareness Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship will have at least two years of participation in one of the following programs: The Detroit Compact, Wade H. McCree Jr. Incentive Scholarship, Introspect Youth Services Inc., Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc., TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Talent Search, GEAR UP, Midnight Golf Program, or Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars while in high school. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Urban Schools Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

a. Early Awareness Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $3,000. Students who receive this award must have a 3.0 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided the student maintains full-time attendance and meets Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

b. Out-of-State Early Awareness Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $3,000 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. Students who receive this award must have a 3.0 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided the student maintains full-time attendance and meets Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

6. Urban Schools Scholarship. This scholarship is for students graduating from select urban high schools. Please visit gvsu.edu/financialaid/urban for a list of qualifying schools. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Early Awareness Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

a. Urban Schools Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $3,000 to students graduating from one of the high schools previously listed. Students must have a 3.0 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided the student maintains full-time attendance and meets Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Early Awareness Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant.

b. Out-of-State Urban Schools Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $3,000 plus the difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition to students graduating from one of the high schools previously listed. Students must have a 3.0 or higher high school cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided the student maintains full-time attendance and meets Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Early Awareness Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant.

7. GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,000. Students must be a graduate from a GVSU charter high school, and this scholarship will be awarded at application review. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

*If you are awarded more than one scholarship listed here that covers the difference between resident and nonresident tuition, you will only receive this differential once.

The previously listed scholarships are only for use in fall and winter semesters. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will review each scholarship recipient at the end of winter semester for renewal for the next academic year. If a student fails to meet the renewal requirements, the scholarship will be canceled for the following academic year. A student can petition for reinstatement once they again meet the minimum requirements. The appeal for reinstatement form is available online at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website (gvsu.edu/financialaid).

Incoming Transfer Merit Scholarships

1. Award for Excellence Transfer Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $2,000. You must have completed 30 college credit hours at the time of application review. All admitted transfer students with a completed admission application by July 1 for fall admission and November 1 for winter admission will be considered for this scholarship. Students who receive this scholarship must have a 3.5 or higher college cumulative grade point average. This scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

2. Transfer Student Early Awareness Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship will have at least two years of participation in one of the following programs: The Detroit Compact, Wade H. McCree Jr. Incentive Scholarship, Introspect Youth Services Inc., Ada S. McKinley Community Services Inc., TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Talent Search, GEAR UP, Midnight Golf Program, or Detroit Regional Dollars for Scholars while in high school. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Transfer Student Urban Schools Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant.

This scholarship provides awards of $3,000. Transfer students must have at least two years of participation in one of the programs listed previously. Students who receive this award must have a 3.0 or higher college cumulative grade point average and completed 30 college credit hours at the time of application review. Students must have a completed admission application by July 1 for fall admission and November 1 for winter admission to be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

3. Transfer Student Urban Schools Scholarship.
This scholarship is for students graduating from select urban high schools. Please visit gvsu.edu/financialaid/urban for a list of qualifying schools. This scholarship cannot be combined with the Early Awareness Scholarship or a Native American Tuition Grant.

This scholarship provides awards of $3,000 to students graduating from one of the high schools previously listed. Students must have a 3.0 or higher college cumulative grade point average and completed 30 college credit hours at the time of application review. They must have a completed admission application by July 1 for fall admission and November 1 for winter admission to be considered for this scholarship. This scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

4. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Scholarships. New entering transfer students who are members of the PTK Honor Society are eligible to apply for this scholarship, up to $1,200. Applicants must possess a total cumulative community college grade point average of 3.5 or higher, be a member of the PTK Honor Society, be a graduate of an accredited community college and have earned an associate degree, be admitted to Grand Valley, and enroll as a full-time student. Applicants must have a completed application for admission by July 1.

Scholarship applications are submitted through the online scholarship portal at gvsu.edu/myscholarships. Applicants include a letter of application indicating their educational and career goals, a letter of recommendation from their PTK chapter advisor, and a resume. The scholarship is renewable for one additional consecutive year provided the student maintains full-time attendance and meets Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

5. GV Charter Schools Alumni Scholarship. This scholarship provides awards of $1,000. Students must be a graduate from a GVSU charter high school, and this scholarship will be awarded at application review. This award is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students receiving this scholarship are also encouraged to participate in one of the structured student success programs on campus.

Additional Grand Valley Scholarship Opportunities

1. Upperclass Honor Scholarships. A limited number of scholarships up to $2,000 are awarded annually to upperclass students not receiving other merit-based awards. Students must be full-time undergraduates, have at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average, and have completed at least 40 semester hours at Grand Valley, or if a transfer student, must have completed at least 15 credit hours at Grand Valley. Scholarship applications are submitted through the online scholarship portal at gvsu.edu/scholarships. Selection of upperclass honor award recipients is made by the Grand Valley Scholarship Committee. These scholarships may be renewed for one additional consecutive year for students who enroll full-time and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Students must have a completed application for admission by the March 1 deadline.

2. Athletic Scholarships. Scholarships are given to students participating in varsity sports. Awards are determined by the coaches. Athletic scholarships are awarded in all men's and women's varsity sports. Men: baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, swimming and diving, track, tennis, and wrestling. Women: basketball, cross-country, golf, lacrosse, softball, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track, and volleyball. If you think you would be eligible for athletic aid assistance, you should contact the appropriate Grand Valley coach for more information.

3. Music and Dance Scholarships. Talent awards are available to outstanding instrumentalists, pianists, singers, and dancers attending Grand Valley State University and participating in various performance groups, regardless of financial need. Contact the chair of the music department for more information.

4. Fine Arts Scholarships. These scholarships are for students majoring in the fine arts program at Grand Valley. Information and application forms for these scholarships are available from the departmental offices. Selection of scholarship winners is made by a committee of fine arts faculty members.

5. Detroit Promise Scholarships. The four-year Detroit Promise is last dollar funding provided to eligible students to cover the costs of tuition and fees. Detroit Promise funding is not competitive. To qualify, students must: reside in the city of Detroit from ninth grade through 12th grade; attend all four years and graduate from any Detroit high school (DPS, EAA, charter, private, parochial, home school, etc.); have a 3.0 cumulative GPA as of February 15 of their senior year; submit a FAFSA; and meet Grand Valley admission requirements. Students must complete an application form online at detroitpromise.com/apply. For more information, please contact the Detroit Chamber at (313) 596-0373.

6. International Scholarships. International students attending Grand Valley with an F-1 visa may qualify for scholarship funding. Students must submit applications to the Padnos International Center. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/istudents.

7. International In-State Tuition Scholarship. International undergraduate students with visa types B1, E2, F1, H4, K2, L2, R2, TN, and TD who have been admitted to Grand Valley for the Fall 2022 semester will receive a scholarship to cover the cost difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and non-resident tuition. The scholarship will automatically be applied to accounts after admittance to Grand valley. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

8. GVSU Out-of-State Scholarship: In-State Tuition for Chicago and Toledo Students. Undergraduate students from Chicago, Illinois, and Toledo, Ohio, admitted to Grand Valley by March 1 will receive a scholarship to cover the cost difference between full-time Michigan resident tuition and nonresident tuition. The scholarship will automatically be applied to accounts after admittance. Students must file a FAFSA to qualify. This scholarship is renewable for three additional consecutive years, provided you maintain full-time attendance and meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress standards.

9. Grand Valley Pledge. Undergraduate degree-seeking freshman (beginning with Fall 2022) who meet the following qualifications will be automatically awarded full undergraduate tuition of the block rate (12-15 credits) and course fees, renewable for up to four years in the form of institutional grants and/or scholarships. Students must be a Michigan resident. The FAFSA must show the following: family adjusted gross Income (AGI) of $0-$50,000 and family assets of $50,000 or less. The Grand Valley Pledge is renewable for an additional three years for incoming freshman as long as students maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, file a FAFSA annually, and continue to meet the family AGI and asset requirements as outlined previously. For more information and a list of frequently asked questions, please visit gvsu.edu/gvpledge.

10. LEADS Credit. The Grand Valley LEADS program will help you take control of your future and reach your goals. Earn a bachelor's degree PLUS an online certificate in one of five high-demand areas: business fundamentals, leadership, data analytics, project management, or intercultural communications. Take six-week classes with one rate for in-state or out-of-state students. Classes are three credits: $500 per credit. Complete one class and the second class is free. The bachelor's degree can be completed online with the option of two in-person, on-campus Saturday visits.

11. Other Grand Valley State University Scholarship Programs. Grand Valley offers an ever-increasing number of endowed, departmental, and annually funded scholarships. Please refer to our scholarship website at gvsu.edu/scholarships for more information or to apply through our online application database. The scholarship cycle begins October 1 and ends March 1 for most scholarships.

Grants (Need-based Aid)

Grant programs are considered "gift" assistance and do not require repayment.

1. Grand Valley Need-based Grant Programs. These grants are available to full-time undergraduate students with exceptional unmet need after all other financial aid has been awarded and are based on availability of funds. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA. Priority is given to students who file their FAFSA by March 1 each year.

2. Federal Pell Grant. This program is the main source of need-based federal financial aid grant funds. To apply for a Federal Pell Grant, you must submit your FAFSA to GVSU. The GVSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships in turn will notify you of the exact amount of the grant, which is determined by the U.S. Department of Education. No specific GPA is required for renewal; however, students must be making Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible.

3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG). These federal grants are awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional unmet financial need. No specific GPA is required for renewal; however, students must be making Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible. Priority is given to students who qualify for the Federal Pell Grant program.

4. Michigan Competitive Scholarship. This state scholarship program is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree. Students must demonstrate both financial need and merit. Eligible applicants must complete the FAFSA by May 1 for priority consideration. Students must achieve a qualifying score of at least 1200 on the SAT. Please visit michigan.gov/missg for all eligibility requirements. Awards from this program are subject to state funding. Funding amounts may not be known until after the start of the academic year.

5. Federal TEACH Grant. The federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in specified content areas in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for more information.

6. Native American Tuition Benefit. Students who are certified by the Michigan Intertribal Council to be a member of a federally recognized tribe and a Michigan resident are eligible for a tuition benefit equal to their tuition costs. Students who believe they are eligible Native Americans can contact the Michigan Intertribal Council at (800) 562-4957 for an application and additional information. Students must be meeting institutional eligibility requirements to qualify.

7. Michigan Achievement Scholarship. This state scholarship program is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degree. Students who qualify can receive up to $5,500 per year, for up to five years. Eligible applicants must complete a FAFSA and meet specific financial need requirements. Please visit michigan.gov/missg for all eligibility requirements.

Student Loans (Need-based)

Student loans are a resource available to those who qualify to provide financial support for earning a college degree. Student loans require repayment for the amount borrowed plus interest.

1. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. Interest does not accrue on these loans while students maintain an enrollment status of at least half-time or greater and during the grace period. Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and are eligible will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. For more information regarding student eligibility, interest rates, origination fees, repayment, loan limits, and other requirements for borrowing subsidized loans please visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized.

2. Federal Nursing Loan. These federal loans are to assist with educational expenses for undergraduate and graduate students who are admitted to the Kirkhof College of Nursing at Grand Valley, have financial need, are U.S. citizens, meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements, and are not in default on previous federal loan programs. The interest rate is fixed at five percent and does not accrue while the student is enrolled at least half-time in most institutions of higher education. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Grand Valley Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify eligible students.

Student Loans (Not Need-based)

1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Unsubsidized loans are not awarded based on financial need. Interest accrues immediately following disbursement regardless of a student's enrollment status or grace period. Eligibility is determined by taking the cost of attendance and subtracting all need-based aid awarded. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and list Grand Valley as a college choice. For more information regarding student eligibility, interest rates, origination fees, repayment, loan limits, and other requirements for borrowing unsubsidized loans, please visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized.

2. Federal Direct Parent PLUS/Grad PLUS Loan. PLUS loans are not based on student's financial need. PLUS loans are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students or graduate or professional students can use to help pay for college or career school. Interest accrues immediately following disbursement regardless of a student's enrollment status or grace period. Students must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify. For more information regarding student eligibility, interest rates, origination fees, repayment, loan limits, and other requirements for borrowing PLUS loans, please visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/plus.

3. Alternative Loan Programs. Alternative loans are nonfederal loans to supplement financial aid for students and their families. A student, parent, or sponsor may borrow a loan up to the cost of attendance minus other financial aid awarded. Fixed and variable interest rates are subject to a credit check, and the repayment plan and grace periods are at the discretion of the lender. Students have the option to pay on the loan and interest while in school to help reduce loan debt or to defer repayment until after graduation.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or visit us at gvsu.edu/financialaid/altloans for more information.

Student Employment

Student Employment assists students in obtaining employment that will help finance their education and develop valuable work skills for their future career choice. Student Employment works with all university departments and the community to create part-time and summer employment opportunities for students. The Student Employment Office is part of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and administers the Federal Work-Study Program at Grand Valley.

Federal Work-Study Program:

Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that is awarded to students based on demonstrating financial need by filing the FAFSA. Students awarded Federal Work-Study must apply and be hired for Federal Work-Study positions through Handshake. If a student does not have Federal Work-Study on their financial aid award, they can still apply for jobs on campus. Many jobs do not require Federal Work-Study. All student employees receive biweekly paychecks. Federal Work-Study awards do not pay toward a student's bill.

Students considering on-campus jobs should search and apply for jobs under on-campus student employment in Workday. To learn more, visit gvsu.edu/studentjobs or contact Student Employment at (616) 331-3238 or by email at [email protected]. Visit us at 104a Arend D. and Nancy Lubbers Student Services Center.

MoneySmart Lakers

MoneySmart Lakers is a financial education program on campus specifically focused on educating students about financial skills for their future. This program provides students with the tools and resources to help them understand their personal finances and to help them develop their money management skills. MoneySmart Lakers provides on-demand presentations, interactive events, and individual appointments to address the financial literacy needs of the community.

Topics addressed by MoneySmart Lakers include:

Creating a spending plan/budget
Learning how to build and maintain good credit
Understanding loans
Financing your education
Building wealth

For more information, please visit the MoneySmart Lakers website at gvsu.edu/moneysmart, email [email protected], or call the office at (616) 331-3234.

Payment Options

The Student Accounts Office is responsible for all student accounts, billing, collections, and Perkins Loan repayment. Payment options are as follows:

Credit card (1% fee on the total credit card transaction)
Electronic check (no fee)
Check or money order

Additional Payment Options

Grand Valley Deferment Plan. The deferment plan covers all current semester charges on the student account after financial aid has been applied. Past due balance cannot be included in the deferment plan and must be paid on or before the payment due date. There is a $40 nonrefundable fee to utilize the deferment plan. Students can enroll in myBanner under Student Account. Contact the Student Accounts Office for more information at (616) 331-2209 or toll-free at (800) 789-1923.
Company Deferment Plan. This plan is for students who qualify for their employer's tuition reimbursement program and allows the amount of tuition and fees paid for by the employer to be deferred until the end of the semester. Any amount of tuition, fees, and other charges (including parking permits) not paid for by the employer must be received by the tuition deadline and included with an application for enrollment in the deferment plan. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/studentaccounts.
Coverna Payments for international Students. This payment option allows students to pay their student account balance in the currency of their choice and provides a simple and reliable way of initiating payments electronically. For payment support, contact Converna Business Solutions at (402) 884-3041 or [email protected].

Guardian/Family Access (Proxy)

Students can grant proxy access to allow secure payments through Guardian/Family Access. If someone other than the student typically makes a payment on the student account, we highly recommend they set up proxy access so the proxy can make a payment with their own login and password. For more information, please visit gvsu.edu/registrar/family.

Emergency Student Options

Grand Valley Short-term Loans. For a small service fee, short-term loans of up to $500 are available for books and other emergencies. Repayment dates are determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the time of application but do not exceed 60 days or the end of the semester (whichever comes first). Students need to be in good standing with the institution to apply for this loan. Applications and general policies regarding short-term loans are available at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Special Programs

Michigan Works!

The workforce development system, Michigan Works!, provides financial assistance designed to prepare individuals for entry into the labor force. Go to michiganworks.org to find out more about these funding options and the steps necessary to receive this financial assistance.

Private Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available from private sources. Contact organizations in your community that may provide scholarships, especially those in which you and/or your parents are active. Your local high school guidance office is also a source of this information. Scholarships may have deadlines beginning as early as October 1 for the following year, so it is important to begin your search as early as possible.

Tribal Grants

Financial assistance may be available for Native American students who are affiliated with a tribe. For more information on requirements and application materials, contact your tribal higher education officer.

Veterans Benefits

Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 Penalty Waiver: Pursuant to the Servicemembers Improved Transition through Reforms for Ensuring Progress (SIT-REP) Act, any student who receives educational assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 through the Department of Veterans Affairs will not be assessed any late fees, denied of access to classes, libraries, or other instructional facilities, or be required to borrow additional funds because of the student's inability to meet their financial obligations to Grand Valley State University as a result of the delayed disbursement of any payment provided through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Michigan Public Act 245 provides partial tuition payment to students from Michigan who are children of veterans who died in service or were totally disabled because of service causes. You can request an application and review further information at michigan.gov/mistudentaid.

Veterans Administration Benefits: Information about education benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is available at the official U.S. government website: benefits.va.gov/gibill. The GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the VA.

Veterans Readjustment Benefits Act (GI Bill) provides educational benefits for servicemen and women who have served on active duty. You can obtain more information from the Veterans Administration office nearest your home or by visiting va.gov.

Vocational Rehabilitation

The Michigan Department of Education, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services, provides services and financial assistance to students with certain disabilities. You can obtain information by calling your local Bureau of Rehabilitation office or writing to Michigan Rehabilitation Services, Box 30010, Lansing, MI 48909 or calling (517) 373-3390. For a listing of district offices, call (800) 605-6722. To renew vocational rehabilitation assistance, you must submit the necessary financial aid forms each year and make arrangements for a review of your case with your vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Enrollment Requirements for Disbursement of Aid

Financial aid awards for undergraduate and doctoral students are generally based on full-time enrollment, regardless of the plans you indicated on the FAFSA. Specific funds, however, have enrollment requirements and will apply toward your bill and be backed off your bill as your enrollment changes (i.e., as you drop and add credits). Financial aid awards for master's students, with exceptions for certain programs, are generally based on half-time enrollment. For more information, visit gvsu.edu/financialaid/enrollment.

The following funds will pay on your bill as long as you are enrolled for at least one credit:

Some private (nonfederal) loans
Some private scholarships

The following funds will pay on your bill as long as you are enrolled at least half-time (six or more credits as an undergraduate; four and one-half credits or more as a graduate):

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans
Federal Direct PLUS Loans
Some private loans

The following funds will be prorated based on your enrollment:

Laker Lifetime Learning (L3) Credit
Michigan Competitive Scholarship
Federal Work-Study
Federal Pell Grant
Federal TEACH Grant
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The remaining funds require full-time enrollment of 12 or more credits to pay on your bill:

Federal nursing loan
Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Grand Valley grants
Grand Valley scholarships
Some private scholarships

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Federal regulations require institutions to monitor the academic progress of financial aid recipients. Grand Valley's Satisfactory Academic Progress policy is to provide financial aid to students capable of remaining in good academic standing and who make adequate progress toward a degree.

Students must meet the academic requirements as follows to remain eligible for financial aid.

Undergraduate Students

Maintain a minimum 1.5 cumulative GVSU grade point average for 0-24 credits completed
Maintain a minimum 1.8 cumulative GVSU grade point average for 25-54 credits completed
Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GVSU grade point average for 55+ credits completed
Complete and pass a minimum of two-thirds of all attempted credit hours (will include only credits enrolled in at the end of the 100-percent drop/add period each semester)
Complete all degree requirements within 150-percent of the minimum number of credit hours required to graduate (based on 120 credit hours required to graduate x 1.5 = 180 attempted cumulative credit hours)

Second Undergraduate Students

Maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative GVSU grade point average
Complete and pass a minimum of two-thirds of all attempted undergraduate credit hours (will include only credits enrolled in at the end of the 100-percent drop/add period each semester)
Complete all subsequent undergraduate degree requirements within 270 attempted cumulative credit hours. An additional 90 credits will be allowed for a subsequent undergraduate degree. First bachelor's degree students must not exceed 180 attempted cumulative credit hours, which is 150-percent of the minimum requirement to obtain an undergraduate degree.

Graduate Students

Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GVSU grade point average
Complete and pass a minimum of two-thirds of all attempted graduate credit hours (will include only credits enrolled in at the end of the 100-percent drop/add period each semester)
Complete all degree requirements within 150-percent of the minimum number of credit hours required to graduate (based on 60 credit hours required to graduate x 1.5 = 90 attempted cumulative credit hours)

Doctoral Students

Maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative GVSU grade point average
Complete and pass a minimum of two-thirds of all attempted credit hours (will include only credits enrolled in at the end of the 100-percent drop/add period each semester)
Complete all degree requirements within 150-percent of the minimum number of credit hours required to graduate (based on 120 credits required to graduate x 1.5 = 180 attempted cumulative credit hours)

General Provisions and Information

Grand Valley must take into consideration all attempted credits, regardless of if financial aid was received for those credits.
Transfer credits accepted at GVSU are used to calculate the student's remaining eligibility under the maximum time frame and included in the completion rate calculation. Transfer credits accepted at GVSU are counted as both attempted and earned in the calculation of completion rate. Transfer courses are not used in the GVSU calculation of cumulative GPA.
Satisfactory academic progress will be determined at the end of each semester for all enrolled students regardless of whether or not financial aid was received that semester.
Repeat classes increase the total attempted hours, but do not increase the total number of credits completed.
All courses, including incomplete credits, repeated credits, and remedial credits are evaluated for completion rate.
For all students, grades of W, NC, F, X, or I will be considered as hours attempted, but not considered as successfully completed credits.
Credit hours earned by testing or other nonstandard means will be included in calculating the 150-percent required credit limit for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
All credit hours attempted through international programs and through concurrent enrollment agreements count in both attempted and earned calculations.
If a student notifies the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships that a grade from a prior-term course has been changed retroactively, we will conduct a review of the student's SAP status, in light of the updated grade information.
If a student elects to double major, complete more than one degree at a time, and/or start a degree and then change majors, all classes previously taken will still be used in the evaluation of SAP. Each time a degree is conferred, the student's SAP status resets and only classes taken from that point forward are included in SAP calculations.

Appeal Process and Definitions

Financial Aid Warning. Students who fail to meet the previously listed academic progress standards will be placed on SAP financial aid warning for one semester. Students receive a warning status after having been in a SAP eligible status. If a student is unable to regain eligibility by meeting the minimum SAP requirements after one semester (while on warning status), they will no longer be eligible for aid and have the option of completing the Satisfactory Academic Progress Appeal Form. All appeal forms should be turned in to the financial aid office by the last day of the fourth week of classes to allow the committee time to review the request prior to the end of the drop/add period of the semester which the appeal is being requested. The form is available on the financial aid website. Students must submit the form, an Academic Plan (myPath), and a statement explaining why the student failed to meet the requirements, what steps the student has taken to be successful, and the student's goals for the future. A student may be asked to submit a signed advising plan or an advisor statement of recommendation. A student may submit an appeal based on the death of a relative, an injury or illness of the student, or other special circumstance.

Financial Aid Probation. Students who were placed on SAP warning status who were unable to meet the minimum requirements will be given the option of appealing to the SAP Appeals Committee to request an exception to receive financial aid for one additional semester. While on probation, a student must meet the following requirements to maintain financial aid eligibility:

Undergraduate: Earn a 2.5 semester GPA or a 2.0 cumulative GPA
Graduate/Doctoral: Earn a 3.0 semester GPA or a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Successfully complete all credits the student is still registered for at the end of the drop/add period

Failure to meet the financial aid probationary GPA and/or credit completion requirement while on financial aid probation will result in the loss of eligibility for continued financial aid.

Financial Aid Academic Plan. Students who were unable to regain and meet overall SAP standards after having been on Warning and Probation status may be placed in an Academic Plan status. An Academic Plan is intended to support and encourage students to successfully progress toward earning their degree, and can be met by adhering to the following:

Undergraduate: Earn a 2.5 semester GPA or a 2.0 cumulative GPA
Graduate/Doctoral: Earn a 3.0 semester GPA or a 3.0 cumulative GPA
Successfully complete all credits the student is still registered for at the end of the drop/add period

Financial Aid Ineligible. If students were unable to meet overall eligibility or the minimum required of their Probation or Academic Plan, they will not be eligible to receive aid for subsequent semesters without an additional appeal, which may require a meeting with a financial aid administrator. Students may regain financial aid eligibility by achieving the minimum requirements at their own expense.

Note: Refer to the Academic Policies and Regulations for the Academic Review Policy. These are separate from and different than the financial aid satisfactory academic progress requirements discussed previously.

Terms and Conditions Governing Acceptance of Award

Grand Valley State University's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships makes every effort to provide timely and accurate information in your award notification. The university also reserves the right to change without notice any award due to federal, state, or university changes in policies, procedures, or regulations.

In accepting your financial aid award offer, you are stating that you have met and will continue to meet all the following conditions of acceptance set by federal regulations and Grand Valley policies:

The information submitted on your aid application is correct and complete.
You will notify Grand Valley's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you receive assistance not originally on your award notification (e.g., an outside scholarship). A reduction of other aid may be necessary even if funds have already been disbursed.
You will use the financial aid awarded to you only for payment of tuition, books, housing costs, transportation, and other educationally related expenses.
Financial aid disbursements will begin on the 10th day preceding the first day of classes of any given semester. After this day, semester financial aid disbursements will be applied to student accounts daily.
You agree that financial aid awarded to you may be used as a credit toward payment of all tuition, fees, room, board, and all other charges that may be due or past due on your student account.
You will maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress toward your degree according to the policy of the Grand Valley Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
You will maintain the minimum credit hour(s) that you have registered for after the 100-percent refund period each semester. Your award will be based on full time attendance and will be adjusted after the 100-percent tuition refund period each semester. If you drop below the number of credit hours upon which your award was based or withdraw completely from your courses, you may be expected to repay all or part of your award.
You will notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships if you do not plan to enroll in a semester for which you have been awarded aid.
You are not in default on educational loans (or are eligible due to the Fresh Start Initiative) and do not owe a balance as a result of returned aid for any federal funds received at GVSU or elsewhere.
You must meet all the requirements regarding your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be the recipient of federal Title IV funds.
You will respond promptly to any requests for additional information. Failure to do so may result in you being billed for a portion or all aid disbursed to you or will delay additional disbursements.
You will immediately notify the Grand Valley Registrar's Office if you withdraw from the University. You may be billed for part or all of your financial aid. The bill will depend on the date of your withdrawal and the percentage and amount of institutional refund to be received.
You agree to repay to GVSU any financial aid funds disbursed to you in error. If a mistake was made, whether by you, GVSU, or another agency, federal regulations require that the mistake be corrected and funds be billed back as necessary.
If you are incarcerated or become incarcerated while you are in attendance at GVSU and receiving financial aid, you must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. If your parent participates in the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program, and your parent is incarcerated or becomes incarcerated during an academic year in which he/she has borrowed the PLUS on your behalf, your parent must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments.

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