Tuition, Expenses, & Financial Aid

2008-2009 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

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 $134.00 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 $1,598.00.

Out-of-State Tuition

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 $6,389.00 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 $533.00 per credit hour in addition to all other regular fees.

Mandatory Students Fees

Technology Fee $50
Transportation Fee: $110
Health Clinic: $47
Student Activity Fee: $38
Intercollegiate Athletic Fee: $142
Student Center Building Fee: $33
Student Recreation and Wellness Center: $40
International Fee: $14

Transportation Fee

A $110.00 transportation fee covers parking fees and construction and maintenance of parking decks on campus.

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 the Kennesaw State University Parking Policies and Procedures available online at http://www.kennesaw.edu/police/frames.html. Questions on parking regulations should be directed to the Parking and Security Division of Public Safety, located in the Office Annex Bldg#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.

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 2008-2009 range from $395-$610 per month, depending on the community and housing unit selected, paid in twelve monthly installments. For more specific information, please go to http://www.kshousing.com or call 770-426-0668.

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 full fund their tuition.

Students will be billed at the time of registration. The fee for the 2008-2009 academic year for undergraduate students is $358 for fall semester and $472 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 2008-2009

Full-time Students (12 hours or more)
 

* Tuition levels for full-time freshmen students entering FY 2008 are $1,479.00 for in-state and $5,915.00 for out-of-state and remain constant through Summer 2011.

* Tuition levels for full-time freshmen students entering FY 2009 are $1,598.00 for in-state and $6,389.00 for out-of-state and remain constant through Summer 2012.

Part-time Students (Fewer than Twelve Hours)
 

* Tuition levels for freshmen students entering FY 2008 (with less than 12 hours) are $124.00 per credit hour for in-state and $493.00 per credit hour for out-of-state and remain constant through Summer 2011.

* Tuition levels for freshmen students entering FY 200 (with less than 12 hours) are $134.00 per credit hour for in-state and $533.00 per credit hour for out-of-state and remain constant through Summer 2012.

Special Fees

Additional Lab, Specialized Course/Major or Insurance Fees: These fees are charged where applicable.

Applied Music Fee: The registration fee for one 50-minute private lesson per week is $150 per semester. Applied music fees are nonrefundable and may not be transferred to subsequent semesters.

Laboratory Breakage: Students in the laboratory sciences are required to reimburse the university on a cost basis for broken glassware and equipment.

Late Payment Fee: A $50 late payment fee will be accessed 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 add/drop after all official registration periods have ended will pay a late hand registration fee of $30.00 per transaction.

Nursing Expenses: Mandatory uniforms costs $200-$250. A good stethoscope, watch, shoes, and other supplies costs approximately $100-$150. The initial testing fee is $325. Mandatory health insurance is charged to nursing students who do not have proper coverage. The cost of insurance is $358 per semester.

Textbooks and Supplies: Textbooks and supplies are available in the university bookstore. Although the exact cost of books and supplies will vary with courses, an estimate is $500 per semester.

Other Administrative Fees

Advanced Standing Examination Fee: A fee of $60 is required for each institutional advanced standing examination attempted; no course may be attempted more than once.

Diploma Fee: A diploma fee of $30 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.

FAX Fee: Priority fee for electronic transmission (FAX) of unofficial transcripts or certifications forms/letters, of $10.00 per document.

Penalty Fee For Returned Check: A penalty fee of $25 will be assessed for each check returned by the bank.

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 are entitled to a 100% refund. After that date, students will be granted a percentage refund of tuition and fees only if they withdraw completely from the university. Lab, specialized course/major, and insurance fees are not refundable if withdrawal from course(s) is made after the end of late registration and drop/add.

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 an academic semester/summer term.

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

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 semester (including summer term) tuition and fees waived (with the exception of supplies, laboratory fees, and special course fees). A driver’s license or birth certificate must be presented to the Admissions Office 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.

Military Service Refunds & 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;
• Otherwise 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.

Tuition and fees awarded by scholarship or grant from an agency or authority of the State of Georgia on behalf of a student receiving a refund under this policy shall be reimbursed to such agency or authority.

The Chancellor is authorized and empowered to take or cause to be taken any and all such other and further action as, in the judgment of the Chancellor, may be necessary, proper, convenient or required in connection with the execution of this policy. Such authority may be further delegated to the President of the institution.

Definition of Legal Residents

Individuals 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, on-line at http://www.kennesaw.edu/businessservices/internatl_ga_residency.shtml,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 # 0102, 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

1. United States Citizens
    
   1.  
      1. 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.
      2. 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.
      3. 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.
   2.  
      1. 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.
      2. 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
2. 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):

1. Academic Common Market. Students selected to participate in a program offered through the Academic Common Market.
2. 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.
3. University System Employees and Dependents. Full-time employees of the University System, their spouses, and their dependent children.
4. 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).
5. Full-Time School Employees. Full-time employees in the public schools of Georgia or of the Department of Technical and Adult Education, 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).
6. 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.
7. Military Personnel. Military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children stationed in Georgia and on active duty, unless such military personnel are assigned as students to System institutions for educational purposes. The waiver can be retained by the military personnel, their spouses, and their dependent children if the military sponsor is reassigned outside of Georgia, as long as the student(s) remain(s) continuously enrolled and the military sponsor remains on active military status (BR Minutes, February 2004).
8. 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

9. Border County Residents. Residents of an out-of-state county bordering a Georgia county in which the reporting institution or a Board-approved external center of the University System is located.
10. National Guard Members. Full-time members of the Georgia National Guard, their spouses, and their dependent children. (BR Minutes, April, 1998, pp. 16-17).
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. Students in Pilot Programs. Students enrolled in special pilot programs approved by the Chancellor. The Chancellor shall evaluate institutional requests for such programs in light of good public policy and the best interests of students. If a pilot program is successful, the tuition program shall be presented to the Board for consideration.
14. Students in ICAPP Advantage programs. Any student participating in an ICAAP Advantage program.
15. Direct Exchange Program Students. Any international student who enrolls in a University System institution as a participant in a direct exchange program that provides reciprocal benefits to University System students.
16. Economic Advantage. As of the first day of classes for the term, an economic advantage waiver may be granted to a dependent or independent student who can provide clear evidence that the student or the student’s parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed 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. This waiver will expire 12 months from the date the waiver was granted. As of the first day of classes for the term, an economic advantage waiver may be granted to a student 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 reasons other than enrolling in an institution of higher education. These individuals would be required to show clear evidence of having taken all legally permissible steps toward establishing legal permanent residence in the United States and the establishment of legal domicile in the State of Georgia. Students currently receiving a waiver who are dependents of a parent or spouse possessing a valid employment-sponsored visa may continue to receive the waiver as long as they can demonstrate continued efforts to pursue an adjustment of status to U.S. legal permanent resident (BR Minutes, June 2006).
17. 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 be granted for not more than one year (BR Minutes, June 2004).
18. Nonresident Student. As of the first day of classes for the term, a nonresident student whose parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian has maintained domicile in Georgia for at least 12 consecutive months so long as the student can provide clear evidence showing the relationship to the parent, spouse, or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian has existed for at least 12 consecutive day of classes for the term. 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 or U.S. court-appointed legal guardian (BR Minutes, June 2006).

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 students. In order to accomplish this commitment, the Office of Student Financial Aid 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 Web site 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

Determination of Need-Based Awards

Awards based on need are determined by a process called financial need analysis. The analysis is standardized by the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) using a financial formula called Federal Methodology. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application that is required to begin this process. The electronic FAFSA is the easiest and quickest way to apply. The processing time for USDE is approximately four days. The electronic FAFSA may be accessed on our web site at www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid or www.fafsa.ed.gov. Prior to completing the electronic FAFSA, students and parents of dependent students should obtain a PIN at http://www.pin.ed.gov.

When completing the electronic FAFSA for KSU attendance, use the federal Title IV Code of 001577. KSU will receive your FAFSA information electronically. Students must reapply annually to qualify each academic year.

Need-Based Award Application Procedures

Need-based awards include grants, employment, loans, and some scholarships. 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 Financial Aid Office will be awarded first. New applicants must also apply for admissions through the Office of Admissions for a degree or certificate program.

When 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).

(Estimated Figures) 

Federal Pell Grant

This is a federally funded program that provides need-based grants to undergraduate students. The application is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility is based on the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) and the Cost of Attendance (COA). Students receive their EFC on the Student Report (SAR) after submitting the FAFSA. The EFC range for Federal Pell Grant eligibility is 0 to 4041. The awards range from a maximum of $4,731 per year (0 EFC) to a minimum of $400 (4041 EFC) per year for full-time enrollment. Part-time enrollment is prorated. Students receiving the Federal Pell Grant may also be eligible for other types of financial aid. 

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant

This federally funded program is designed for undergraduate students without a degree with exceptional need seeking their initial degree. A student must have been awarded the Federal Pell Grant in order to receive this grant. Maximum awards in this program are $800 per academic year. Early FAFSA application is encouraged. Awards are generally made on a first come, first serve basis.

Academic Competitiveness Grant

First year and second year (with a 3.0 college cumulative grade point average) undergraduate students are eligible to receive this award. They must be a U. S. citizen, a Federal Pell Grant recipient, enrolled full-time, and have completed a rigorous secondary school program. Awards in this program are $750 for first year students and $1,300 for second year students.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant

Third year and fourth year students with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average majoring in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or a critical foreign language are eligible to receive this award. They must be a U. S. citizen, a Federal Pell Grant recipient, and enrolled full-time. Awards in this program are $4,000 for each of the third and fourth academic year of study.

Student Employment

Federal Work Study (FWS) Program

The 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. Awards are generally made on a first come, first serve basis.

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

The 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 listings are posted on the on-line job postings at: http://careerctr.kennesaw.edu. For more information, contact the director of career services.

Student Loan Awards

Federal Perkins Loans

This is a federally funded and need-based student loan that is administered by Kennesaw State University. Interest on these loans is 5% per year. The federal government pays the interest while the student is in school. Awards in this program range from $500 to $1,000 for the term. Students may apply for this loan by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Awards are generally made on a first-come first-serve basis in the following order: graduating seniors, seniors, juniors, etc., until funds are exhausted. When awarded, the student must complete a promissory note and entrance loan counseling with a student accounts representative in the Bursars office.

Obligation for interest and repayment begins nine months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime. Deferment from repayment may be requested for any of the following reasons:

1. Enrolled at least halftime in a post secondary institution
2. Pursuing graduate fellowship or rehabilitation training program for the disabled approved by the U. S. Secretary of Education
3. Unemployment (up to 3 years)
4. Economic hardship (up to 3 years)
5. Performing service qualifying for cancellation (e.g., full-time teaching)

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 select their lender and loan amount up to their award maximums. Eligible freshman may borrow up to $3,500 per year, while sophomores (30+ earned hours) may borrow up to $4,500 per year. Juniors (60+ earned hours) and seniors (90+ earned hours) may borrow up to $5,500 per year. At least half-time 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 deferment periods. The current rate of interest is fixed at 6.8%. The rate of interest may not exceed 8.25%. Students may be assessed an origination fee up to 3% and a federal default fee of 1% which is deducted from each loan amount. Funds are disbursed to the student through the university in two installments. Repayment begins six months after the student ceases to be enrolled at least halftime. Students are allowed 10 years to repay the loan.

Federal Stafford Loan-Unsubsidized

This loan is available to independent students who choose to borrow above their Subsidized Stafford eligibility or for dependent students who are not eligible for a Subsidized Stafford Loan. 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, interest rates, and fees are the same as the Subsidized Stafford Loan Program.

Federal PLUS Loan

This program is available to parents of dependent students. Parent borrowers may borrow up to the cost of attendance (at KSU) minus other aid. The rate of interest is fixed at 8.5%. Parents are allowed to select their lender and loan amount. However, the lender will conduct a credit check. The student will be allowed to borrow under the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program if the parents cannot borrow under the PLUS Loan Program.

Service Cancellable Student Loans

The Georgia Student Finance Authority offers loans to qualified students who plan to work in the field of nursing in the State of Georgia, based on funds available each year. At KSU, both graduate and undergraduate students accepted into the nursing program may apply. The amount is determined by the student’s need. The loan may be canceled through one year of service in nursing in the state of Georgia for each year that assistance is provided. If assistance is received and the student does not enter nursing, repayment of the loan will be required. Early completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA) is recommended in applying for this loan because funds are limited. These loans are processed through the Nursing Department once it is determined that funds are available.

The Office of Student Financial Aid reserved the right to adjust funds based on availability and regulatory requirements. Financial Aid is subject to change and may be adjusted at any time during the academic year due to corrections and/or changes in federal and state appropriations.

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 available in the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications are available in the office only and must be applied for in person. 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.

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

A number of lender partners provide private loans directly from the lender that are not associated with federal student loans. 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. Student must maintain satisfactory academic progress, and must complete a FAFSA for our office to certify an alternative loan.

Merit-Based Awards

HOPE Scholarship Program:

The Georgia HOPE Scholarship is a state-funded scholarship program from the Georgia Lottery for Education. Its purpose is to assist Georgia students in attending eligible Georgia postsecondary institutions to increase academic achievement, to keep the best and brightest students in Georgia, and to expand educational opportunities beyond high school to all Georgians.

Qualifications for the HOPE Scholarship:

• Legal resident of Georgia for 12 months
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Recognized as a scholarship recipient by the state of Georgia after high school graduation
• Georgia high school graduate with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) in the college preparatory core curriculum subjects or 3.2 cumulative GPA in the career/technology curriculum
• Enrolled in a University System of Georgia institution
• Registered, if required, with Selective Service
• 3.0 college cumulative GPA after each spring semester and at the 30th, 60th, or 90th attempted semester hour. Attempted means all course work including W’s and developmental courses taken after high school graduation. Eligibility continues to the 127th attempted hour.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the HOPE/GSFAPP application at http://www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid.
• Submit any documents requested by the Office of Student Financial Aid
• Any number of enrolled hours

PROMISE Teacher Scholarship Loan

The Promise Teacher Scholarship Loan is a forgivable loan funded by the Georgia Lottery for Education. It is awarded to high-achieving students who aspire to be teachers in Georgia public schools. The maximum award for a student enrolled six or more hours will be $3,000 for the junior year and $3,000 for the senior year. If a student is enrolled less than halftime (5 or less hours), the maximum award is $1,500. Maximum commitment is $6,000 over two years.

Application Process: The student must apply through the Bagwell College of Education. Eligibility information and an application are obtained from the Bagwell College of Education who will forward the completed applications to the Office of Student Financial Aid. After processing, the Office of Student Financial Aid will forward the completed applications to the Georgia Student Finance Commission for consideration. Additional information and requirements may be obtained at https://www.gafutures.org/

HOPE For GED Recipients

Legal residents of Georgia who earned a General Education Development (high school equivalency) diploma awarded by the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education after June 30, 1993 may receive a one-time $500 HOPE award. This award can be used toward tuition, books, and other educational costs at an eligible public technical institute or public or private college/university in a degree, diploma, or certificate program.

Full-time enrollment is not required. Students must use their GED HOPE eligibility within 24 months of the date of the GED diploma. Military personnel have 52 months to exercise eligibility. Students receiving this award may also qualify for other HOPE programs.

Institutional Scholarship Awards

Several privately supported scholarships for undergraduate students and fellowships for graduate students are available at Kennesaw State University. These awards are normally merit-based but some are need-based. A complete list of available scholarships and fellowships is located at www.kennesaw.edu/scholarships. The application deadline is March 6.

Disbursement Procedure

After completing the FAFSA or the GSFAPPS application, financial aid funds will be disbursed to registered students in the following procedure:

Step One: Students will receive a notification of a financial aid award letter through the school-assigned email address. Students must then access Owl Express to view their award letter. Any awarded grants or  scholarships (including HOPE scholarships) are automatically accepted for the student. New students who want to accept an offered student loan must complete an online Loan Request Form. The online link is located on the student award letter in Owl Express. Students with loans at KSU from the previous year (2007-2008) will only need to accept or decline their loan on the award letter in OWL Express.

Step Two: Financial aid funds (Pell, SEOG, HOPE, Scholarships, and Loans) are applied to the students’ account on the dates indicated at www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid. Students receiving other types of assistance or external assistance should check with the cashier in the Bursars Office to determine the availability of such funds. Funds earned from employment are disbursed to student accounts bi-weekly.

Step Three: At the conclusion of late registration and the drop/add period, students will receive the balance of the semester award after tuition, fees, books and supplies are deducted. Students must indicate their choice through their Higher One Account. Students can select one of the following: a check from Higher One, have funds deposited to the students Higher One debit card, or have funds transferred to the student’s designated bank.

Satisfactory Academic Progress Standards

SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY

The Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended, mandates institutions of higher education to establish a standard of satisfactory academic progress for students who receive financial aid. This standard must apply to the student’s entire academic history, whether Title IV financial aid was received or not. In order to remain eligible to receive aid at Kennesaw State University, students must meet the standards specified for acceptable academic performance and for satisfactory progress toward the completion of their program of study. The standards are established within the framework of applicable federal regulations specifically for the purpose of determining the eligibility of students to receive aid under the generally funded Title IV programs, including Federal Pell Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, ACG, SMART, Federal Work-Study, Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship, and Federal Family Education Stafford Loan Programs (Subsidized and Unsubsidized), and the Federal PLUS Loan Program. They should not be confused with Probation or Good Standing as defined by academic regulations.

Students must meet the requirements in each of the three areas listed below in order to be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). SAP is reviewed after every Spring Semester.

1. Students must maintain a 2.0 or above cumulative grade point average. Learning support classes are included in the GPA calculation for financial aid purposes. Any student who fails to make progress (all “F”s) in any given semester will lose eligibility for financial aid regardless of the student’s AGPA. A student who receives all “F”s may have to return a portion of their financial aid. If a student makes all “W”s in any given semester, the student will be placed on probation (or warning) for financial aid.
    
2. Students must complete at least 67% of courses attempted. The system does not “round-up” completed hours. If a student attempts 12 hours but only completes 8, the completion rate is 66.6%. That student would not be meeting the SAP policy. Learning support classes are included in the completion ratio calculation for financial aid purposes.

3. Students must complete their program of study in a reasonable time frame. The maximum time frame allowed for a student to complete their program of study is 150% of the total credit hours required for the program. For example, if your academic program requires 123 semester hours for graduation, you may receive aid for up to 185 semester hours. All transfer credit hours accepted by KSU are included in the total credit hours regardless of whether the courses are required for the student’s course of study.

FINANCIAL AID PROBATION

A student will automatically be placed on financial aid probation in the event that the student fails to meet the institutional GPA and/or SAP progress requirements. A student in this category may receive financial aid for the next academic year, but by the end of that academic year, that student must be making satisfactory academic progress. If the student does not make up the deficiencies and remove himself/herself from financial aid probation, the student is NO LONGER eligible for Financial Aid. The student will remain in this status until he/she has returned to a satisfactory academic progress standing. A student who does not meet the time frame requirement will, without warning, become ineligible for financial aid.

APPEAL PROCESS

If there are extenuating circumstances that prevented a student from meeting the SAP policy, a written financial aid appeal may be submitted to the SAP appeals committee. Students cannot appeal if they have exceeded the maximum time frame for their program of study (#3). You may appeal only once. While completing the appeals process, you are responsible for payment of current fees that are due by the published fee payment deadline.

Appeals can be submitted in person, by mail, or by email Finaid@kennesaw.edu In the appeal, the student must address both of the following items

1. The extenuating circumstances that contributed to the student not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.
2. The actions that have been taken to change the circumstances and to improve academic status.

All supporting documentation must be attached to the appeal. All appeals are reviewed within 3 weeks of their submission. Once the review is complete, the student will be notified by email and by mail.

APPROVED APPEALS

If the appeal is approved, all students must adhere to the conditions stated in their appeal approval letter. There will be no exceptions. The appeal will carry until the next SAP review period after spring semester. If the student is still not meeting SAP requirements at that time, he/she will no longer be eligible for aid.

Students who violate their appeal will have their financial aid canceled, and the appeal will be revoked. These students will not be eligible to receive financial aid again until all terms of the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) Policy are being met.

DENIED OR REVOKED APPEALS

If the appeal is denied or revoked, students are not eligible to receive financial aid until all terms of the Standards of Academic Progress (SAP) Policy are being met.

Learning Support Programs, Regents’ Remediation & College Preparatory Curriculum

If accepted for enrollment in a program leading to a degree or certificate, students may receive financial aid for learning support programs, Regents’ remediation and College Preparatory Curriculum. Eligibility is limited to 30 credit hours of these courses combined.

Audit Courses

Students are not eligible to receive financial aid for audited courses. Audited courses are not included in the number of hours attempted or earned for SAP consideration.

Summer Term Courses

All hours attempted and completed in the summer terms are treated as any other semester hours in determining SAP.

Incomplete Courses

Any course with “I” is counted in hours attempted (quantitative). When the “I” is changed to an actual grade, the course will be considered completed.

Withdrawals:

Any course with a “W” or “WF” is considered as hours attempted. Students should be aware that excessive withdrawals from classes could result in the loss of financial aid at some point in future semesters due to the 67% quantitative standard for SAP.

Repeating Courses:

When courses with grades of “D”, “F”, or “WF” are repeated with a “C” or higher grade, the unsatisfactory grades and course attempts will not be included in the calculation of the AGPA (qualitative). However, courses with grades of “D”, “F”, or “WF” that are later repeated are counted in total number of hours attempted (quantitative).

Academic Fresh Start

For students who are approved for the Academic Fresh Start Program, the quantitative standard of satisfactory academic progress will be determined on total attempted hours which will include the “fresh start” hours.

Dismissal and Return

Students who are dismissed academically for one or two semesters and return on probation will be eligible for financial aid upon their return provided students have completed 67% of attempted hours (quantitative). Academic retention will be determined after one semester of enrollment. Full eligibility or good standing will be regained when the AGPA is 2.0.

Appeals

Any student on SAP failure may appeal to the SAP Appeals Committee. An appeal must be based on extenuating circumstances. Examples may include but are not limited to health reasons, family reasons, or personal reasons. The appeal statement of the student should explain the extenuating circumstances. Documentation supporting the extenuating circumstances must be submitted. In addition, it is recommended that letters of support from an academic advisor/faculty member and a relative, clergy, supervisor, or other associate be submitted. The appeal form and procedures may be obtained at www.kennesaw.edu/financial_aid.

Veterans’ 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 VA 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 Services 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 Office of the Registrar. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the registrar’s office at the time of acceptance to the university. Certain requirements must be met before students may be certified for noncredit remedial courses for VA payment purposes.

Students attending on the G.I. Bill are certified for VA benefits only for those courses required in their particular programs of study. Courses taken for audit are not payable by the VA. 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 re-certification of benefits at Kennesaw State University, the VA will decide if further benefits may be paid for continuation of the program in which the academic deficiency occurred.

Current VA standards require that students attend class and that benefits be terminated when the student has been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons. (Since VA regulations are subject to periodic change, it is the student’s responsibility to keep up to date on requirements for VA benefits while in attendance at Kennesaw State University.)

Vocational Rehabilitation

Students who attend the university and whose fees are to be paid by the State Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation must make arrangements prior to registration with the Business Services
Offices regarding the handling of their account. In addition, it is the student’s responsibility to request the Office of the Registrar to send copies of his/her grades to the Vocational Rehabilitation Office each semester.