2011-2012 Expenses/Fees
Expenses include in-state tuition, out-of-state tuition, student services fees and other special fees. All fees are due and payable at the time of registration, and registration is not complete until all fees have been paid.
Cash, checks, and money orders drawn on U.S. banks and payable in U.S. dollars are accepted. Electronic checks and credit cards will only be accepted on the web. Payment by credit card will incur an additional convenience fee charged by a third party credit card processor.
The University reserves and intends to exercise the right to withhold copies of transcripts and other student education records and/or to withdraw students who have unpaid or past due fee balances.
Students are required to pay in-state tuition and, when applicable, out-of-state tuition, for enrollment in all courses even if no credit is earned.
All tuition charges or other charges are subject to change at the end of any academic term.
In-State Tuition
Graduate students enrolled for less than twelve semester hours are considered part-time students for fee schedule purposes and are charged an in-state tuition of $250.00 for each credit hour of course work. The total in-state tuition for full-time students (those registered for 12 credit hours or more) is $3,000.00.
Out-of-State Tuition
Graduate students who are not residents of Georgia and who register for 12 or more credit hours are required to pay an out-of-state tuition fee of $10,836.00 per semester in addition to all other regular fees. Nonresident students registered for fewer than 12 credit hours are required to pay an out-of-state tuition fee of $903.00 per credit hour in addition to all other regular fees.
Mandatory Student Fees
- Technology Fee: $50
- Transportation Fee: $60
- Health Clinic: $51
- Student Activity Fee: $72
- Intercollegiate Athletic Fee: $144
- International Fee: $14
- Student Recreation and Wellness Center: $43
- Land Acquisition Fee: $75
- Institutional Fees: $265
Motor Vehicle Parking Fee
A $70.00 parking permit fee is assessed separately and is optional if you are a student who does not drive to campus and has no need for a parking space. To opt-out of the parking permit fee, bring the hangtag or decal to Card Services. All vehicles used on campus must display a valid KSU parking decal. Vehicles without a valid decal will be ticketed and/or booted.
Each student is issued one parking decal that is transferable from car to car.
New decals are issued annually to campus residential students. All other parking decals are valid for the duration of your official status with KSU. The Card Center will notify campus via the KSU furnished e-mail when decals are available to new students and employees for in-person pickup. The parking decal is registered to a student who is responsible for any use of this decal until it has been reported lost and/or stolen.
Replacement parking decals are available and are usually subject to fees. One day passes are available as appropriate at the Card Services Center in the Carmichael Student Center, Suite 219.
It is the responsibility of all KSU students to review and abide by Kennesaw State University Parking Policies and Procedures available online at http://www.kennesaw.edu/police/frames.html. Questions concerning parking regulations should be directed to the Parking and Security Division of Public Safety, located in the Office Annex, Building #14, Room #111 or phone (770) 423-6206. Questions related to your parking decal can be answered by the Card Services Center. Students may report lost/stolen decal information to either office.
Student Health Fees
A mandatory insurance plan is in effect for the following student categories:
- All graduate students receiving a tuition waiver as a result of a GRA, GTA, or GSA assistantship award.
- All undergraduate, graduate, and ESL international students holding F or J visas.
- All undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in programs that require proof of health insurance.
- All graduate students receiving fellowships that fully fund their tuition.
Students will be billed at the time of registration. The fee for the 2011-2012 academic year is $499 for fall semester and $662 for spring and summer semesters.
A waiver of the health insurance fee may be applied for directly with the insurer. This plan is optional for all other students.
Summary of Expenses 2011-2012
Students taking 12 hours or more |
Per semester |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
In-state Tuition |
$3,000.00 |
N.A. |
Out-of State Tuition |
N.A. |
$10,836.00 |
Technology Fee |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
Transportation Fee |
$60.00 |
$60.00 |
Student Health Clinic Fee |
$51.00 |
$51.00 |
Student Activity Fee |
$72.00 |
$72.00 |
Intercollegiate Athletic Fee |
$144.00 |
$144.00 |
International Fee |
$14.00 |
$14.00 |
Student Recreation & Wellness Center |
$43.00 |
$43.00 |
Land Acquisition Fee |
$75.00 |
$75.00 |
Parking Permit Fee |
$70.00 |
$70.00 |
Institutional Fee |
$265.00 |
$265.00 |
Students taking fewer than 12 hours |
Per semester |
Resident |
Non-Resident |
In-state Tuition |
$250.00 |
N.A. |
Out-of State Tuition |
N.A. |
$903.00 |
Technology Fee |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
Transportation Fee |
$60.00 |
$60.00 |
Student Health Clinic Fee |
$51.00 |
$51.00 |
Student Activity Fee |
$72.00 |
$72.00 |
Intercollegiate Athletic Fee |
$144.00 |
$144.00 |
International Fee |
$14.00 |
$14.00 |
Student Recreation & Wellness Center |
$43.00 |
$43.00 |
Land Acquisition Fee |
$75.00 |
$75.00 |
Parking Permit |
$70.00 |
$70.00 |
International Fee |
$265.00 |
$265.00 |
Housing Fees
Housing at Kennesaw State University is privately owned and managed, and all leasing and financial matters are handled by the KSU Foundation Housing Management, LLC. Housing fees for 2011-2012 range from $410-$630 per month depending on the community and housing unit selected, paid in twelve monthly installments. For more specific information, please go to http://www.ksuhousing.com or call (770) 426-0668.
Coles Doctor of Business Administration Program Fees
The cost for the 3-year program is $83,475. This fee includes a nonrefundable deposit of $2,500 which is due upon acceptance to the program to reserve a seat in the class. The remaining $80,975 is prorated over each semester. Meals, textbooks, and course software (for Windows Operating Systems only) are included. This does not include travel and lodging to KSU for the residencies/weekend sessions or to meet with faculty.
In addition, there is a non-refundable $100 application fee, a non-refundable $100 workshop fee (if invited to attend), and any institutional fees outside the program tuition and fees. Finally, students provide a laptop computer, with regular access to the Internet, to aid in their participation in the on-line and virtual components of the program, to support their research, and to use in class.
Coles MBA Fees
Program Fees: Students pay a fee of $100.00 each semester independent of the number of credit hours taken. This fee is for services offered exclusively to CGMBA students.
Course Fees: Some courses are subject to additional fees for materials and services relevant to a particular course.
Off Campus Course Fees: Students taking courses at the Cobb Galleria are charged an additional fee per course to cover facility rental.
NOTE: These fees will be listed in the Schedule of Credit Courses and are subject to change without notice.
Master of Accounting Fees
Program Fees: Students pay a fee of $100.00 each semester independent of the number of credit hours taken. This fee is for services offered exclusively to MAcc students.
Course Fees: Some courses are subject to additional fees for materials and services relevant to a particular course.
Off Campus Course Fees: Students taking courses at the Cobb Galleria are charged an additional fee per course to cover facility rental.
NOTE: These fees will be listed in the Schedule of Credit Courses and are subject to change without notice.
Coles Executive MBA Program Fees
The cost for the 18-month program is $52,500. This fee includes a nonrefundable deposit of $500 which is due upon acceptance to the program. The remaining $52,000 is prorated over the length of the program. Included in the cost of the EMBA Program are: textbooks and course materials, meals on class weekends and meals and lodging for Opening Residency and International Residency.
Georgia WebMBA
The cost of the Georgia WebMBA is $20,100, which includes tuition for ten courses and a one-credit hour mandatory two-day orientation. This does not include books or travel and lodging for the orientation. All costs are subject to change without notice.
The Master of Science in Conflict Management Program Fees
The cost of the program is $25,225, which includes tuition, fees, books and class materials, meals on class weekends, travel to an international conference, membership in a professional organization and a subscription to an ADR journal. The cost includes a non-refundable reservation fee of $500 which is due upon official notification of acceptance in order to reserve a place in the program.
NOTE: Insurance premiums associated with insurance required by the University for all international students are not included in the cost of the program.
All MSCM applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid in the event of an emergency that could prevent fulfilling their commitment to the program.
See the Master of Science in Conflict Management section of this catalog for further details on deadlines and fees.
WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program Fees
The premium price tuition for the 2011/2012 cohort of students in the WellStar Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Program is $3,390.00 per semester for in-state students and $9,920.00 per semester for out-of-state students. Premium price tuition for the program is $13,560 for in-state students and $39,680 for out-of state students.
In addition to the premium price tuition, Board of Regents mandated fees for the 2011/12 academic year equal $844.00 per semester. These fees may be less in the summer. Fees may increase for the 2012/13 academic year (4th semester of the program).
Program enhancements in the premium price includes an iPad and appropriate software, an otoscope/opthalmoscope kit, certification exam review course, one year student membership in the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, and customized program advisement and clinical placement.
NOTE: Books, clinical lab fees, and mandatory graduate student health insurance are not included in the tuition and fee costs listed above. All costs are subject to change without notice, and additional fees may apply.
Special Fees and Expenses
Diploma Fee: A diploma fee of $35.00 is required of all degree candidates and is payable at the time a petition to graduate is presented to the registrar. The fee is nontransferable and nonrefundable. It entitles the student to one diploma.
Diploma Replacement Fee: When a request is received to reorder a diploma (lost in fire, move, etc., a fee of $30.00 will be assessed.
Fax Fee: Priority fee for electronic transmission (fax) of unofficial transcripts or certifications forms/letters of $10.00 per document.
Late Payment Fee: A $50 late payment fee will be assessed for tuition and fee payments received after the end of late registration and drop/add. This fee may apply at other times as well. For specifics, contact the Bursar’s Office.
Late Registration Fee: Students requesting a late registration or drop/add after all official registration periods have ended will pay a late hand-registration fee of $30.00 per transaction.
Penalty Fee for Returned Check: A penalty fee of $25 will be assessed for each check returned by the bank.
Registration Fee Waiver for Senior Citizens
Pursuant to the provisions of an amendment to the Georgia Constitution, legal residents of Georgia who are 62 years of age or older at the time of registration for courses may have their standard tuition and fees waived (with the exception of supplies, laboratory fees, special course or major fees, premium program fees and online tuition). A driver’s license or birth certificate must be presented to the Office of Graduate Admissions at the time of application for admission or to the Registrar’s Office once the individual turns 62 to qualify for this waiver of registration fees.
Individuals 62 and over wishing to enroll in one of Kennesaw State’s Executive Programs (the Coles Doctor of Business Administration, the Coles Executive MBA, the Master of Science in Conflict Management, the Master of Science in Applied Computer Science or the Georgia WebMBA) will be required to pay all costs of these programs in excess of standard graduate program tuition and fees.
Withdrawal/Refund of Student Fees
To withdraw from one or more classes, students must complete an official withdrawal form in the Office of the Registrar. Students withdrawing from classes before the end of late registration and drop/add registration will receive a 100% refund. These withdrawal/refund policies do not apply to KSU‘s Executive Programs.
KSU Institutional Refund Policy:
The refund amount for students withdrawing from the institution shall be based on a pro rata percentage determined by dividing the number of calendar days in the semester that the student completed by the total calendar days in the semester. The total calendar days in a semester includes weekends, but excludes scheduled breaks of five or more days and days that a student was on an approved leave of absence. The unearned portion shall be refunded up to the point in time that the amount earned equals 60%.
Students that withdraw from the institution when the calculated percentage of completion is greater than 60% are not entitled to a refund of any portion of institutional charges.
Students enrolled summer term who withdraw from second-session courses on the first day of those classes will receive a 100% refund. After the first day, no refunds will be processed.
Students should refer to the Schedule of Credit Courses for specific dates of each refund period
Students who do not formally withdraw, those suspended for disciplinary reasons, and those who leave the university when disciplinary action is pending are not eligible for a refund on any portion of any fee.
A refund of all tuition and other mandatory fees shall be made in the event of the death of a student at any time during any academic semester.
Refunds will be disbursed by the university’s internet bank partner. Students may use their KSU Debit Card to select a refund payment method: electronic fund transfer or paper check. Details are available at:
http://www.ksuone.com
Military Service Refunds and Re-enrollment
Subject to institutional policies, full refunds of tuition and mandatory fees and pro rata refunds of electives fees are hereby authorized for students who are:
- military reservists (including members of the National Guard) and who receive emergency orders to active duty after having enrolled in a University System institution and paid tuition and fees;
- active duty military personnel and who receive an emergency reassignment after having enrolled in a University System institution and paid tuition and fees;
- those persons unusually and detrimentally affected by the emergency activation of members of the reserve components or the emergency deployment of active duty personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States and who demonstrate a need for exceptional equitable relief.
- students who are members of the Georgia National Guard or other reserve components of the U.S. Armed Forces who are re-enrolling after having been summoned to active duty in an emergency situation are to be accorded special consideration regarding class registration, financial aid processing, payment of fees, etc., so as to expedite their re-enrollment.
- military personnel on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces who, before the end of their present station assignment, receive emergency orders for a temporary or permanent change of duty location who later wish to resume their education are to be accorded special consideration regarding class registration, financial aid processing, payment of fees, etc., so as to expedite their re-enrollment.
Definition of Legal Residents
IIndividuals who enter the institution as out-of-state students but who wish to later qualify as legal residents must fill out a Petition for Georgia Residence Classification form, which can be obtained in the Office of the Registrar, online at https://financialservices.kennesaw.edu/international/georgia_residency, or by contacting the Residency Officer for Kennesaw State University at 770-499-3536. A student’s resident status is not changed automatically, and the burden of proof that the student qualifies as a legal resident under the regulations of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia rests with the student. A student is responsible for registering under the proper residency classification. A student classified as out-of-state who believes that he or she is entitled to be reclassified as a legal resident may petition the Residence Committee for a change in status. The petition must be filed no later than 60 days after the semester begins in order for the student to be considered for reclassification for that semester. If the petition is granted, reclassification will not be retroactive to prior semesters.
If there is any question in the mind of the student concerning his/her resident status, application for clarification should be made immediately or not later than two weeks prior to the registration date in order to avoid delay and inconvenience of registration.
Applications should be addressed to Kennesaw State University Attn: Residency Committee, 1000 Chastain Road, Mailbox #9110, Kennesaw, Georgia 30144.
Regents’ Policies Governing the Classification of Students for Tuition Purposes
The following policies have been adopted by the Board of Regents for the purpose of determining the tuition status of students:
403.02 CLASSIFICATION OF STUDENTS FOR TUITION PURPOSES
- United States Citizens
- An independent student who has established and maintained a domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term shall be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes. It is presumed that no student shall have gained or acquired in-state classification while attending any post-secondary educational institution in this state without clear evidence of having established domicile in Georgia for purposes other than attending a post secondary educational institution in this state.
- A dependent student shall be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes if either i) the dependent student’s parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term and the student has graduated from a Georgia high school or ii) the dependent student’s parent has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term and the parent claimed the student as a dependent on the parent’s most recent federal income tax return.
- A dependent student shall be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes if a U.S. court-appointed legal guardian has established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term, provided that appointment was not made to avoid payment of out-of-state tuition and the U.S. court-appointed legal guardian can provide clear evidence of having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for a period of at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term.
- If an independent student classified as “in-state” relocates temporarily but returns to the State of Georgia within 12 months, the student shall be entitled to retain in-state tuition classification.
- If the parent or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian of a dependent student currently classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes establishes domicile outside of Georgia after having established and maintained domicile in the State of Georgia, the student may retain in-state tuition classification as long as the student remains continuously enrolled in a public post secondary educational institution in the state, regardless of the domicile of the parent or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian
- Noncitizens
Noncitizens initially shall not be classified as “in-state” for tuition purposes unless there is evidence to warrant consideration of in-state classification. Lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or other eligible noncitizens as defined by federal Title IV regulations may be extended the same consideration as citizens of the United States in determining whether they qualify for in-state classification. International students who reside in the United States under nonimmigrant status conditioned at least in part upon intent not to abandon a foreign domicile are not eligible for in-state classification.
704.041 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION WAIVERS
An institution may award out-of-state tuition differential waivers and assess in-state tuition certain nonresidents of Georgia for the following reasons (under the following conditions):
- Academic Common Market. Students selected to participate in a program offered through the Academic Common Market.
- International and Superior Out-of-State Students. International students and superior out-of-state students selected by the institutional president or an authorized representative, provided that the number of such waivers in effect does not exceed two percent of the equivalent full-time students enrolled at the institution in the fall term immediately preceding the term for which the out-of-state tuition is to be waived.
- University System Employees and Dependents. Full-time employees of the University System, their spouses, and their dependent children.
- Medical/Dental Students and Interns. Medical and dental residents and medical and dental interns at the Medical College of Georgia. (BR, 1986-87, p. 340).
- Full-Time School Employees. Full-time employees in the public schools of Georgia or of the Technical College System of Georgia, their spouses, and their dependent children. Teachers employed full-time on military bases in Georgia shall also qualify for this waiver. (BR Minutes, 1988-89, p. 43).
- Career Consular Officials. Career consular officers, their spouses, and their dependent children who are citizens of the foreign nation that their consular office represents and who are stationed and living in Georgia under orders of their respective governments.
- Military Personnel. Military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children stationed in or assigned to Georgia and on active duty. The waiver can be retained by the military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children if (a. the military sponsor is reassigned outside of Georgia, and the student(s) remain(s) continuously enrolled and the military sponsor remains on active military status; (b. the military sponsor is reassigned out-of-state and the spouse and dependent children remain in Georgia and the sponsor remains on active military duty; (c. or active military personnel and their spouse and dependent children who are stationed in a state contiguous to the Georgia border and who live in Georgia. (BR Minutes, February 2009).
- Research University Graduate Students. Students attending the University of Georgia, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, and the Medical College of Georgia, which shall be authorized to waive the out-of-state tuition differential for a limited number of graduate students each year, with the understanding that the number of students at each of these institutions to whom such waivers are granted shall not exceed the number assigned below at any one point in time:
University of Georgia |
80 |
Georgia Institute of Technology |
60 |
Georgia State University |
80 |
Medical College of Georgia |
20 |
- Border County Residents. Students domiciled in an out‐of‐state county bordering Georgia, enrolling in a program offered at a location approved by the Board of Regents and for which the offering institution has been granted permission to award Border County waivers (BR Minutes, October 2008).
- Georgia National Guard and U.S. Military Reservists. Active members of the Georgia National Guard, stationed or assigned to Georgia or active members of a unit of the U.S. Military Reserves based in Georgia, and their spouses and their dependent children (BR Minutes, October 2008).
- Students enrolled in University System institutions as part of Competitive Economic Development Projects. Students who are certified by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade as being part of a competitive economic development project.
- Students in Georgia-Based Corporations. Students who are employees of Georgia-based corporations or organizations that have contracted with the Board of Regents through University System institutions to provide out-of-state tuition differential waivers.
- Students in ICAPP Advantage programs. Any student participating in an ICAAP Advantage program.
- International and Domestic Exchange Programs. Any student who enrolls in a University System institution as a participant in an international or domestic direct exchange program that provides reciprocal benefits to University System students (BR Minutes, October 2008).
- Economic Advantage. As of the first day of classes for the term, an economic advantage waiver may be granted to a U.S. citizen or U.S. legal permanent resident who is a dependent or independent student and can provide clear evidence that the student or the student’s parent, spouse, or U.S. court appointed legal guardian has relocated to the State of Georgia to accept full‐time, self‐sustaining employment and has established domicile in the State of Georgia. Relocation to the state must be for reasons other than enrolling in an institution of higher education. For U.S. citizens or U.S. legal permanent residents, this waiver will expire 12 months from the date the waiver was granted (BR Minutes, October 2008). As of the first day of classes for the term, an economic advantage waiver may be granted to an independent non‐citizen possessing a valid employment‐related visa status who can provide clear evidence of having relocated to the State of Georgia to accept full‐time, self‐sustaining employment. Relocation to the state must be for employment reasons and not for the purpose of enrolling in an institution of higher education. These individuals would be required to show clear evidence of having taken legally permissible steps toward establishing legal permanent residence in the United States and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia. Independent non‐citizen students may continue to receive this waiver as long as they maintain a valid employment‐related visa status and can demonstrate continued efforts to establish U.S. legal permanent residence and legal domicile in the State of Georgia (BR Minutes, October 2008). A dependent non‐citizen student who can provide clear evidence that the student’s parent, spouse, or U.S. court‐appointed legal guardian possesses a valid employment‐related visa status and can provide clear evidence of having relocated to the State of Georgia to accept full‐time, self‐sustaining employment is also eligible to receive this waiver. Relocation to the state must be for employment reasons and not for the purpose of enrolling in an institution of higher education. These individuals must be able to show clear evidence of having taken legally permissible steps toward establishing legal permanent residence in the United States and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia. Non‐citizen students currently receiving a waiver who are dependents of a parent, spouse, or U.S. court‐appointed legal guardian possessing a valid employment‐related visa status may continue to receive this waiver as long as they can demonstrate that their parent, spouse, or U.S. court appointed legal guardian is maintaining full‐time, self‐sustaining employment in Georgia and is continuing efforts to pursue an adjustment of status to U.S. legal permanent resident and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia. (BR Minutes, October 2008.
- Recently Separated Military Service Personnel. Members of a uniformed military service of the United States who, within 12 months of separation from such service, enroll in an academic program and demonstrate an intent to become a permanent resident of Georgia. This waiver may also be granted to their spouses and dependent children. This waiver may be granted for not more than one year (BR Minutes, October 2008).
- Nonresident Student. As of the first day of classes for the term, a nonresident student can be considered for this waiver under the following conditions:
Students under the age of 24: If the parent, or U.S. court‐appointed legal guardian has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months and the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing the relationship to the parent or U.S. court‐appointed legal guardian has existed for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term. Under Georgia code legal guardianship must be established prior to the student’s 18th birthday (BR Minutes, October 2008); or If the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing a familial relationship to the spouse and the spouse has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least twelve (12) consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term. Students 24 years of age and older: If the student can provide clear and legal evidence showing a familial relationship to the spouse and the spouse has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes for the term. This waiver can remain in effect as long as the student remains continuously enrolled (BR Minutes, October 2008). If the parent, spouse, or U.S. court‐appointed legal guardian of a continuously enrolled nonresident student establishes domicile in another state after having maintained domicile in the State of Georgia for the required period, the nonresident student may continue to receive this waiver as long as the student remains continuously enrolled in a public post secondary educational institution in the state, regardless of the domicile of the parent, spouse or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian (BR Minutes, June 2006).
- Vocational Rehabilitation Waiver. Students enrolled in a University System of Georgia institution based on a referral by the Vocational Rehabilitation Program of the Georgia Department of Labor (BR Minutes, October 2008).
Institutions shall exercise the greatest care in selecting students who are to receive waivers of the tuition differential. Such non-resident graduate students shall pay all tuition and fees required of residents of Georgia.
Waiver forms must be filed within 60 days of the first day of class of the semester in order for the student to be considered for the waiver.
Kennesaw State University is committed to ensuring that a post secondary education is accessible to qualified graduate students. In order to accomplish this commitment, the financial aid office subscribes to the following goals to assist students in paying for their educational investment:
- Evaluate the family’s financial ability to pay for educational costs
- Distribute limited resources in an equitable manner
- Provide a balance of gift aid and self-help aid
A wide variety of financial aid programs from scholarships, grants, employment, and loans are available to help students with educational costs. Most awards are based on financial need while some are awarded in recognition of merit or achievement.
If you have any questions, feel free to visit our office in Kennesaw Hall, view our website at http://www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid, contact our automated telephone system at (770) 423-6074, fax at (770) 423-6708, email at finaid@kennesaw.edu, or write to:
Office of Student Financial Aid
Kennesaw State University
1000 Chastain Road, #0119
Kennesaw GA 30144-5591
Need-Based Award Application Procedures
Need-based awards include grants, employment, and loans. It is advisable to complete the FAFSA early. The FAFSA is available on January 1 for the award year that starts each fall semester. The priority date for receipt of the FAFSA at KSU is April 1 of each year. FAFSAs received by the priority date with all requested documents submitted by the student and reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Aid will be awarded first. New applicants must be accepted by the Office of Admissions into a degree or certificate program.
After the FAFSA is analyzed by the U. S. Department of Education, the result is called the Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is the amount that the family should be able to contribute to the student’s cost of attendance (COA). COA is the amount of direct cost (e.g., tuition, fees, room, board, and books) and indirect cost (e.g., transportation and personal expenses). Need-based financial aid is awarded to help the student with need (i.e., COA minus EFC).
Loan Programs
Federal Stafford Loan–Subsidized
The Federal Government guarantees low-interest loans made to qualified students. Students may apply for this loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are allowed to borrow loan amounts up to their award maximums. Eligible graduate students may borrow up to $8,500 per year. At least half-time (5 credit hours) enrollment is required. The amount of loan eligibility is based on need as determined by the FAFSA and the cost of attendance.
Subsidized indicates that the federal government will pay the loan interest while the student is enrolled in school, six months after enrollment (grace), or during deferment periods. From July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2012, the origination fee for Stafford Loans is 1.0%, with a 0.5% rebate at the time of disbursement. This rebate is based on the borrower making the first 12 monthly payments on time. If the borrower does not make the first 12 monthly payments on time, the rebate is cancelled and the borrower will owe the 0.5%.. Funds are disbursed to the student’s account through the University.
Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time. Students are allowed 10 years to repay the loan.
Federal Stafford Loan – Unsubsidized
This loan is available to graduate students who choose to borrow above their Subsidized Stafford eligibility. Students borrowing through the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program are responsible for the interest on the loan. The amount of eligibility is based on the dependent or independent status of the student and the student’s need. The application procedures are the same as the Subsidized Stafford Loan Program. The interest rate on Unsubsidized Stafford Loans disbursed between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011 is fixed at 6.8%. If a student would like to pay the interest on the unsubsidized portion while still attending school, the student should indicate that when completing the Master Promissory Note. If a student does not want to make interest payments while still in school, the interest will be capitalized into the principal balance.
The maximum amount of additional unsubsidized loans available is $12,000.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
Graduate students are eligible to borrow under the PLUS Loan Program up to the cost of attendance minus other financial assistance. Students must not have an adverse credit history. The fixed interest rate is currently 7.9%. While the student borrower is enrolled in school on at least a ½ time basis (5 credit hours), the student is eligible for an in-school deferment that allows postponement of payments until graduating or dropping below ½ time. The Federal Direct Grad PLUS Loan has a federal origination fee of up to 4.0% with a 1.5% rebate. Once in repayment, you will need to make 12 consecutive payments or the 1% rebate will be added back to your loan obligation. The fixed interest rate is currently 7.9% . While the borrower is enrolled in school on a least a ½ time basis, the borrower is eligible for an in-school deferment that allows postponement of payments until graduating or dropping below ½ time. Students are required to complete the FAFSA application.
Emergency Loan Program
Tuition and Fees and Personal Loans
The Emergency Loan Program is designed to provide temporary assistance to students during their matriculation at KSU. An emergency loan for in-state tuition and fees or an emergency personal loan for mitigating circumstances that produces a hardship may be available to currently enrolled students. The student must be currently enrolled and be in good academic standing (2.0 GPA). A maximum of three tuition and fees and personal loans are allowed while a student is enrolled at KSU. A KSU student is allowed only one such loan per academic year. (An academic year is defined as the first day of class in August through the last day of finals in July.) A student is ineligible to receive an additional emergency loan if the student received such a loan the last semester attended. Students may not request both a tuition and fees and a personal loan in the same term. Students who need emergency funds for in-state tuition and fees or for personal circumstances should complete an application on-line on the Financial Aid website on the specified date. Funds for emergency loans are limited. Loans are made on a first come, first serve basis.
A service charge of $10 will be added to the tuition and fees and/or the personal loan. The loan must be repaid within 45 days. If it is not repaid, a $25 late charge will be added to the emergency loan. If a student is late paying an emergency loan, the student is considered delinquent in payment and is no longer eligible for any emergency loans during their academic career at KSU. Students will not be allowed to register for the following semester if they have not repaid their emergency loan.
NOTE: Students cannot take both the emergency tuition loan and the personal loan out in the same term.
Monies for this fund have been received from the following sources:
- Geral Dean Boggs Memorial: Established by the students of Kennesaw Junior College in 1967 to honor the memory of their fellow student, Geral Dean Boggs.
- James V. Carmichael Memorial
- Phillip B. Rice Memorial: Established in memory of Phillip B. Rice
- Kennesaw State University Civitan Club
- Kennesaw State University Women’s Club
- The Southwest Women’s Club
- Marietta Civitan Club
- John L. Dees Memorial
- Smyrna Lions Club
- Betty H. McNiece Memorial: Established by Kennesaw College in 1984 to honor the memory of an employee, Betty H. McNiece
- Kennesaw State University Rotaract Club
- Student Activities Budget Advisory Committee
Alternative Loan Program
Alternative or Private student loans are different from federal student loans in that they are not guaranteed by the federal government, require a credit check, and often a co-signer. Loan approval, interest rates, and repayment requirements are prescribed by the lender. Additional information and application procedures are available from the Office of Student Financial Aid or the lender. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Graduate Student Work Opportunities
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Graduate Research Assistantships
Graduate programs may award a limited number of Graduate Research Assistantships. Graduate Research Assistants work closely with faculty on specific projects and, in return, receive a stipend and waiver of tuition. Graduate Research Assistantships are not available for the MBAEP or WebMBA programs. Students interested in the Graduate Research Assistantship program should contact the program director of the specific degree program.
Federal Work Study Program (FWS)
This program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FWS gives the student an opportunity to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while working on campus or in community service work. Early application with the FAFSA is recommended.
Institutional Employment
There are a limited number of part-time jobs available in each division of the university. Funds for these jobs are provided by the department or college that employs the student. Interested persons should contact the particular division or department of the university or the KSU Career Services Center for information.
Career Services
KSU’s Career Services Center maintains a listing of full-time and part-time off-campus jobs for students who need assistance in locating off-campus employment. Regular job listings are posted online at http://careerctr.kennesaw.edu. For more information, contact the director of career services.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards Policy
Federal regulations, HEA Sec. 484(c), §668.16, 668.34, require all schools participating in Title IV federal financial aid programs to have a Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy that conforms to the requirements detailed below. These requirements apply to all students as one determinant of eligibility for financial aid.
- Your SAP status is based on your entire academic record, at all schools attended (includes all transferrable hours), regardless of whether you received financial aid.
- SAP is calculated each semester after grades have been posted to academic history by the Registrar’s Office.
- If after the first term of attendance you are not making SAP, you will be put on a Warning status and allowed to keep aid for one term. You continued eligibility will be determined after the next term check point.
- If your SAP status is Failure after the check is performed, you will not qualify for financial aid for the following term.
- If your SAP status is Failure and you cannot mathematically attain SAP requirements following the next term, an appeal will not be permissible. Documented mitigating circumstances may allow continued eligibility on a case-by-case basis and will required an academic plan.
- A student may appeal their SAP Failure status only twice during their academic career at KSU. Documented mitigating circumstances may allow additional appeals on a case-by-case basis.
Quantitative and Qualitative Requirements
1. Quantitative Requirement
The quantitative requirement has two parts:
- A maximum time frame
- A required completion ratio
Graduate Students
Maximum time frame – To determine the maximum time frame, multiply the total hours required for the degree by 150% + ½ total hours. As an example, if the program required 33 hrs. x 150% + ½ total hours (50+17 = 67 hrs.). This includes credits attempted at any school prior to and while enrolled at Kennesaw State University (KSU).
Completion Ratio – You must earn at least 67% of all attempted credit hours.
2. Qualitative Requirement
The qualitative requirements sets a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average for all students. Each student must maintain a 2.00 GPA each term to remain in good academic standing at KSU. The cumulative GPA includes grades of A, B, C, D, F, WF and I. The cumulative GPA, which is determined by the Registrar’s Office processes, will be checked each term for SAP.
Graduate Students – The cumulative GPA requirement is 3.00 for each term.
Policy Details
When is SAP determined?
- Initial Review – You are considered to be meeting SAP during your first KSU term.
- End of Every Semester Review - Your SAP status is calculated at the end of each semester, after grades are posted to your academic history by the Registrar’s Office.
What happens when you do not meet the requirements?
- You are no longer eligible for financial aid – including work, loans, grants or scholarships. If on a Warning Status – eligibility may continue (note below).
- Because you do not qualify for financial aid, you must pay your tuition and fees by the payment deadline or your registration will be cancelled by the Bursar’s Office.
Maximum Time Frame (maximum attempted credit hours) – When you have attempted the maximum credit hours, you are no longer eligible to receive financial aid.
Low Completion Ratio – There are two statuses for low completion ratio before your eligibility for financial aid is cancelled. Probation status is only allowed for one term.
• Warning Status – The first time you fall short of meeting the required completion ratio, your status is Warning. You remain eligible to receive financial aid while in warning status.
• Failure Status – After attending one semester on Warning status, if you do not meet the required completion ratio, your status becomes Failure Status. You are no longer eligible to receive financial aid until the required standards are met. You must successfully appeal to regain eligibility.
• Probation Status – After being placed on a Failure Status, AND a student has successfully appealed and financial aid has been reinstated, the student is eligible to receive financial aid. This status is only for one term and quite often will carry conditions and/or stipulations for continued eligibility.
How do you regain eligibility?
- SAP Appeal – If extenuating circumstances during a specific term of enrollment prevented you from meeting the requirements, you may file a SAP Appeal. You must also complete the SAP Evaluation Form.
Appeal Requirements
1. A typewritten explanation of extenuating circumstances associated with Failure Status. Indicate how these circumstances have changed so that you can comply with regulations in the future. Attach supporting documents to corroborate extenuating circumstances mentioned in the letter.
2. Include a “student plan of action” for academic improvement. This requires that you meet with your Academic Advisor and receive a plan for getting back in good academic standing.
3. Attach at least one letter of support from someone that can substantiate the extenuating circumstances. This individual should not be a family member. Examples would include a medical doctor, clergy, professional, etc.
4. Attach the SAP Appeal form and the SAP Evaluation Form.
5. The appeals forms must be provided to the Financial Aid Office within the prescribed dates as noted on the SAP Appeal Form. Failure to provide these within the prescribed dates will result in a delayed determination.
6. An objective committee, composed of selected individuals outside the Financial Aid Office, determines whether the appeal is approved. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final and cannot be appealed further.
- Appeal Denials or Non-appeals – If you are denied an appeal or you decide not to appeal, you must complete the necessary hours and earn the appropriate grades. Once you have reached the prescribed standards you become eligible to receive financial aid.
- You change from undergraduate to graduate – If you reach Failure Status as an undergraduate, and then are admitted to a graduate degree program, you will be eligible to receive financial aid as a graduate student. You must be in a degree-seeking status and fully accepted into the graduate program.
Academic Circumstances that Affect Your Status
- Changes in major, double majors or minors – may cause you to reach your maximum attempted hours, and lose your eligibility before earning a degree.
- Incomplete grades, missing grades, failing grades, course withdrawals – all reduce your completion ratio, because they are counted as attempted, but not earned credits. They also count against your maximum attempted hours.
- Repeated courses – count as attempted credit hours each time you register for them. They also count against the allowed maximum. This can also reduce your completion ratio because repeated credits count as earned credits only once. NOTE: The U. S. Dept. of Education allows only one retake for Title IV credit.
- Academic Fresh Start – count against your maximum attempted credits, and also lower your completion ratio because the credits count as attempted but not earned.
- Transfer credits, credits taken while cross-registered, enrolled in study abroad, transient study – count toward your maximum attempted credits and your completion ratio. NOTE: Credits count as attempted, but not earned, until your official transcript is reviewed and processed by the KSU Registrar’s Office. This could cause you to be in a Failure Status.
- Remedial courses – do not count as either attempted or earned credits.
- Late posted grades or grade changes - will require that you submit a written request to have your SAP recalculated after you have confirmed with the Registrar’s Office that the grade change has been posted to your academic record.
- Dismissal and Return – students who are suspended academically or choose not to attend because of SAP Failure will not be automatically eligible for financial aid upon their return. Student must meet both qualitative and quantitative standards of SAP. If below standards, a student must appeal or use means other than financial aid for educational expenses. Absence does not restore eligibility for financial aid. It remains the responsibility of the student to be knowledgeable of their SAP standard when returning to school after dismissal or choosing not to return because of SAP Failure.
- Summer Term Courses – all hours attempted and completed in the summer terms are treated as any other semester hours in determining SAP status. SAP will be checked following the summer term as well.
- Audit Courses – students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audit courses. Audited courses are not included in hours attempted or earned for SAP determination.
Determining Maximum Time Frame
Graduate & Professional students: To determine the maximum time frame, multiply the total hours required for the degree (i.e., 33) by 150% + ½ total hours (i.e., 33). For this student, the maximum time frame would be 50 + 17 = 67. Remember: The maximum time frame for graduate students is total hours required for the degree x 150% +1/2 total hours = maximum time frame.
No Progress (receiving all Fs or all Ws)
In addition, any student that fails to make progress by receiving all Fs or WFs (or combination of both) in any given semester will be placed on SAP Failure and will immediately lose eligibility for financial aid beginning the next semester.
Students receiving all Ws will be placed on SAP Warning beginning the following semester regardless of the students’ cumulative GPA, and their continued financial aid eligibility will be checked consistent with policy (the following term).
Prior (before Fall 2011) SAP Policy and New Policy (beginning Fall 2011)
Students who are on a “Warning Status” (refer to old policy), will be allowed to retain eligibility for Fall 2011 term only. A determination of continued eligibility will occur after Fall 2011 grades are posted.
Veteran’s Benefits
The university is on the approved list of the Georgia State Approving Agency for the training of veterans, disabled veterans and the children and widows of deceased veterans who are eligible for benefits under the G.I. Bill. Students in training under the G.I. Bill are required to pay all fees, as regular students, since they are paid benefits directly through the Veterans Administration. Each V.A. beneficiary should make financial preparation for at least one semester because benefit checks are sometimes delayed.
Students in training under the G.I. Vocational Rehabilitation Program should check with the University Business Office regarding the handling of their account for fees, supplies, etc.
Eligible veterans, children and widows of veterans must make application to their regional Veterans Administration Office. Application forms are available at Kennesaw State University in the Registrar’s Office. Certain requirements must be met before students may be certified for noncredit remedial courses for V.A. payment purposes.
Students attending on the G.I. Bill are certified for V.A. benefits only for those courses required in their particular programs of study. Such students must maintain Kennesaw State University standards for academic performance. Those students who are academically dismissed from school will have their benefits interrupted. Upon readmission and recertification of benefits at Kennesaw State University, the V.A. will decide if further benefits may be paid for continuation of the program in which the academic deficiency occurred.
Current V.A. standards require that students attend class and that benefits be terminated when the student has been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons. (Since V.A. regulations are subject to periodic change, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up-to-date on requirements for V.A. benefits while in attendance at Kennesaw State University.)
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