In order to receive aid from federal student financial aid programs, you must meet certain requirements:

• Submit signed copies of your tax returns and the verification worksheet (if you are selected)
• Be a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the United States, with a valid Social Security Number
• Have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) certificate, or pass an approved ability to benefit test
• Enroll in an eligible program as a regular student seeking a degree, and register or have registered for Selective Service (if you are a male between the ages of 18 and 25)
• Make satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on any previous student loans, and not owe any money on a federal student grant
• Demonstrate financial need

Your responsibilities

Along with rights come responsibilities. As a financial aid recipient, you have the responsibility to:

• Complete all application forms accurately and thoroughly
• Know and comply with all priority dates established by the Office of Financial Assistance and any aid programs to which you apply
• Understand and cooperate with the University s refund policy
• Read and understand all information sent to you regarding your financial aid, and keep copies for your records
• Understand and accept the responsibility of all agreements signed
• Use financial aid funds solely for educational purposes.
• Repay all loans according to the terms agreed upon at the time the loan was accepted and the promissory note signed, or risk going into default
• Report any changes in financial circumstances to the Office of Financial Assistance
• Understand and comply with the standards of satisfactory academic progress, as established by the Office of Financial Assistance and the federal government
• Report all outside assistance to the Office of Financial Assistance as soon as possible (scholarships, grants, military benefits, etc.)
• Promptly return all corrections, documentation or additional information requested by the Office of Financial Assistance or any agency with whom you have applied

Your rights

Rights. Everyone has them.

And everyone should know them. As a financial aid recipient, you have the right to know:

• The types of financial assistance programs available, and the policies and regulations that govern these programs
• The procedures and deadlines for the submission of all application materials
• The cost of attendance at St. Mary s University and our refund policy
• How we determine financial need
• The source of each type of aid offered
• How aid is disbursed or applied to your account
• The appeal procedures for financial aid decisions

In addition, you have the right to:

• Apply for additional funds when increased financial need can be demonstrated (additional assistance is dependent on the availability of funds)
• Be granted a reasonable amount of time in which to consider the award offered before accepting or declining
• Confidentiality regarding all information submitted to us