As a financial aid recipient, you have certain rights and responsibilities. Knowing what they are will help you better understand the financial aid process and avoid many of the common mistakes made by students.
Student Rights
- You have the right to know what financial aid programs are available.
- You have the right to know how to apply for financial aid and how your eligibility is determined including the Cost of Attendance.
- You have the right to know how aid is distributed among students.
- You have the right to know the criteria for measuring Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) and the appeal process.
- You have the right to know how and when financial aid funds are disbursed.
- You have the right to know the institution’s refund policy.
- You have the right to know how withdrawing or failing classes affects your financial aid.
- You have the right to expect your information to be kept confidential.
Student Responsibilities
- You must apply for financial aid early and complete your file by the posted deadlines to ensure aid is offered prior to fee payment.
- You must be enrolled as a degree seeking student, and you must notify the Financial Aid Office if you take courses not required for your major. This includes retaking courses that have been previously completed successfully.
- You should only be taking courses required for the completion of your degree when receiving financial aid.
- You must stay informed by reviewing all information sent to you and checking your status and messages regularly via your Gateway student email account.
- You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- You must notify the Financial Aid Office of all sources of funds you receive not already listed on your Offer Letter or as a resource.
- You must notify the Financial Aid Office if you are receiving any aid at another institution for the same aid year. You may not receive federal aid at two institutions at the same time.
- You must follow the instructions provided in your Offer Letter to apply for Federal Direct student loans, Parent PLUS and private loans and sign a Master Promissory Note if applicable.
- You must be attending a minimum of six (6) credit hours to receive a loan.
- Your loan must be guaranteed before it can be disbursed.
- You must complete loan entrance/exit counseling if required.
- You should review the information available on the Financial Aid website.
- You must attend class in order to receive aid for that class. If you are reported as a "Never Attended" in any class, your financial aid will be adjusted.